How different are these radios. - Galaxy S III Q&A, (US Carriers)

So how different are all these US model phones from each other? Would a modem flash, sim unlock and rom update get a Verizon one on ATT? It would be nice to have one phone that would be able to go on all the networks with some tweaking.
Just wishing. Maybe someday when the Socialist Party takes the White House, Senate and House of Representatives.

There pretty different considering all the different spectrums the carriers use the only little similarity that i see so far is that att and verzion use the same 700mhz for there lte
cdma technology bettween sprint and verzion is very different and the gsm technolgy with tmobie and att are similar but you have of course different backhauls...
Give Me a Thanks if i helped

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[Q] AT&T HTC One on Verizon

Is there any way to get the AT&T variant working on Verizon? Heard users could flash the T-Mobile radio for them but what about Verizon?
No. Not at all possible.
Thank you, it was worth a shot
Airo18 said:
Thank you, it was worth a shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the correct answer is, no one knows yet. Modern smartphones are capable to supporting multiple network types, frequencies and technologies. Hardware-wise, the AT&T, T-Mobile, and (probably) the Sprint versions are identical and differ only by provisioning and preloaded software.
d2kplus said:
I think the correct answer is, no one knows yet. Modern smartphones are capable to supporting multiple network types, frequencies and technologies. Hardware-wise, the AT&T, T-Mobile, and (probably) the Sprint versions are identical and differ only by provisioning and preloaded software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon and AT&T while both "4G LTE" using basically the same technology, have different frequency radios in them. They aren't cross platform capable.
d2kplus said:
I think the correct answer is, no one knows yet. Modern smartphones are capable to supporting multiple network types, frequencies and technologies. Hardware-wise, the AT&T, T-Mobile, and (probably) the Sprint versions are identical and differ only by provisioning and preloaded software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rogue Leader said:
Verizon and AT&T while both "4G LTE" using basically the same technology, have different frequency radios in them. They aren't cross platform capable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not possible, period. Sprint and Verizon operate on CDMA networks, whereas AT&T and T-Mobile operate on GSM. As long as the proper frequencies are supported, any GSM phone can run on any GSM network provided they're SIM unlocked.
4GLTE is currently only used by Verizon for data connections, and not for voice/text--that relies on the 3G CDMA antennae. The same goes for Sprint. The AT&T/T-Mobile-/International HTC One does not physically possess an CDMA atennae. Now before you get your hopes up about using a Sprint phone on Verizon, here's another little wrinkle. As you know, every phone has a serial number. That serial number is known as the IMEI on GSM carriers, and ESN on CDMA carriers. Both Verizon and Sprint operate a massive list of ESNs for everyone phone that can operate on their network. If your ESN is not found on that list, then you cannot activate it on that particular network period, paragraph, end of story. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.
Things get a little murkier with CDMA when it comes to flashing the radios over to other CDMA carriers, but you're looking at services like MetroPCS, PagePlus, etc and that's outside my realm of expertise.
Airo18 said:
Thank you, it was worth a shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rogue Leader said:
Verizon and AT&T while both "4G LTE" using basically the same technology, have different frequency radios in them. They aren't cross platform capable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon and AT&T networks use the different frequencies and technologies. However, the HTC One (like the iPhone 5) is able to run on nearly all permutations of modern phone networks. Apple makes only two versions of the iPhone, one for AT&T and one for everyone else. The AT&T version only exists because AT&T strong armed Apple into removing AT&T's LTE block from the main model.
For example, the Sprint version of the One is a world phone, usable on global "GSM" networks, as well as Sprint's "CDMA" networks. I put GSM and CDMA in quotes because modern wireless networks are more complicated than either of those two designations, and high-end phones are now designed to deal with those complexities via soft configuration vs. dedicated hardware.
d2kplus said:
The Verizon and AT&T networks use the different frequencies and technologies. However, the HTC One (like the iPhone 5) is able to run on nearly all permutations of modern phone networks. Apple makes only two versions of the iPhone, one for AT&T and one for everyone else. The AT&T version only exists because AT&T strong armed Apple into removing AT&T's LTE block from the main model.
For example, the Sprint version of the One is a world phone, usable on global "GSM" networks, as well as Sprint's "CDMA" networks. I put GSM and CDMA in quotes because modern wireless networks are more complicated than either of those two designations, and high-end phones are now designed to deal with those complexities via soft configuration vs. dedicated hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sort of, sort of. You're going in the right path, but still not quite there. Hardware is still very important.
GSM phones are considered world phones because most of the networks operated in foreign countries run on GSM, right. CDMA world phones possess both antennae in order to access the networks over seas, but GSM phones don't have CDMA antennaes because... well, they don't need them. Your chances of going to a CDMA-only country is so very small that it's not worth while to make the investment. Let's take the opposite example using the iPhone 5: You can't take an AT&T/T-Mobile/International iPhone 5 and put in a Sprint SIM card. You can even do a iTunes restore using the Sprint IPSW onto that phone(actually don't know if that would work or not, but I digress) and it STILL won't get a signal because it physically lacks the antennae.
unremarked said:
Sort of, sort of. You're going in the right path, but still not quite there. Hardware is still very important.
GSM phones are considered world phones because most of the networks operated in foreign countries run on GSM, right. CDMA world phones possess both antennae in order to access the networks over seas, but GSM phones don't have CDMA antennaes because... well, they don't need them. Your chances of going to a CDMA-only country is so very small that it's not worth while to make the investment. Let's take the opposite example using the iPhone 5: You can't take an AT&T/T-Mobile/International iPhone 5 and put in a Sprint SIM card. You can even do a iTunes restore using the Sprint IPSW onto that phone(actually don't know if that would work or not, but I digress) and it STILL won't get a signal because it physically lacks the antennae.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, I was talking about modern phones (like the HTC One), which are designed to be multi network and multi frequency global phones by default. HTC makes three versions of the phone: UMTS/GSM Only (MDM8215), UMTS/GSM+LTE (MDM9215), CDMA + UMTS/GSM +LTE (MDM9615). Sprint sells the version using the MDM9615 chipset which supports CDMA + UMTS/GSM + LTE. The Sprint variant has the capabilities to support all of the US/Canada frequencies, but I don't know what would be required to activate non Sprint frequencies. Neither do you. It's foolish to make grand pronouncements stating what is or isn't possible with phones until someone has actually attempted something.
Regarding your antenna statement, the HTC One has three antennas, one for WiFi and BT and two for wireless. The phone selects the best antenna to use in any given situation.
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d2kplus said:
Again, I was talking about modern phones (like the HTC One), which are designed to be multi network and multi frequency global phones by default. HTC makes three versions of the phone: UMTS/GSM Only (MDM8215), UMTS/GSM+LTE (MDM9215), CDMA + UMTS/GSM +LTE (MDM9615). Sprint sells the version using the MDM9615 chipset which supports CDMA + UMTS/GSM + LTE. The Sprint variant has the capabilities to support all of the US/Canada frequencies, but I don't know what would be required to activate non Sprint frequencies. Neither do you. It's foolish to make grand pronouncements stating what is or isn't possible with phones until someone has actually attempted something.
Regarding your antenna statement, the HTC One has three antennas, one for WiFi and BT and two for wireless. The phone selects the best antenna to use in any given situation.
MY EDIT: REMOVED IMAGE.
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Click to collapse
I think you're a little confused on exactly what we're talking about here. Yes, you're absolutely right that the Sprint HTC One possess all the necessary ingredients to operate on just about any network/carrier in the world--GSM or CDMA. And, actually, I do know what's required in order to it to happen. For a GSM network, the only requirements to do so is a correctly provisioned SIM cards and the applicable access point names for the network you're trying to utilize. I've personally taken an CDMA world device and used it on a GSM network(VZW iPhone 5 on Straight Talk/AT&T). The Sprint HTC One would even work on Verizon, provided you get the ESN added to the master database of approved devices which is highly unlikely. Source: I worked for Verizon Wireless. Other CDMA carriers like MetroPCS, PagePlus, Cricket, etc do not have this requirement and it's relatively easy to flash Sprint/VZW phones over to their network.
But that's not at all what's being debated. WiFi and Bluetooth likewise have nothing to do with this conversation. As you've correctly noted, the MDM9215M chipset(step 10, highlighted in green) which powers the wireless antennae and allows them to connect to cellular networks does not support CDMA in the AT&T/T-Mobile/International version of the phone. Because of this fact alone, regardless of software configuration, these phones will never operate on a CDMA network. Now if you're an enterprising individual and decide to open your phone, remove the chip, and replace it with one that does support CDMA... you'd still run into the issue of the master database.
EDIT: I removed the image just to clean up the look of the post.
unremarked said:
Sort of, sort of. You're going in the right path, but still not quite there. Hardware is still very important.
GSM phones are considered world phones because most of the networks operated in foreign countries run on GSM, right. CDMA world phones possess both antennae in order to access the networks over seas, but GSM phones don't have CDMA antennaes because... well, they don't need them. Your chances of going to a CDMA-only country is so very small that it's not worth while to make the investment. Let's take the opposite example using the iPhone 5: You can't take an AT&T/T-Mobile/International iPhone 5 and put in a Sprint SIM card. You can even do a iTunes restore using the Sprint IPSW onto that phone(actually don't know if that would work or not, but I digress) and it STILL won't get a signal because it physically lacks the antennae.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unremarked said:
I think you're a little confused on exactly what we're talking about here. Yes, you're absolutely right that the Sprint HTC One possess all the necessary ingredients to operate on just about any network/carrier in the world--GSM or CDMA. And, actually, I do know what's required in order to it to happen. For a GSM network, the only requirements to do so is a correctly provisioned SIM cards and the applicable access point names for the network you're trying to utilize. I've personally taken an CDMA world device and used it on a GSM network(VZW iPhone 5 on Straight Talk/AT&T). The Sprint HTC One would even work on Verizon, provided you get the ESN added to the master database of approved devices which is highly unlikely. Source: I worked for Verizon Wireless. Other CDMA carriers like MetroPCS, PagePlus, Cricket, etc do not have this requirement and it's relatively easy to flash Sprint/VZW phones over to their network.
But that's not at all what's being debated. WiFi and Bluetooth likewise have nothing to do with this conversation. As you've correctly noted, the MDM9215M chipset(step 10, highlighted in green) which powers the wireless antennae and allows them to connect to cellular networks does not support CDMA in the AT&T/T-Mobile/International version of the phone. Because of this fact alone, regardless of software configuration, these phones will never operate on a CDMA network. Now if you're an enterprising individual and decide to open your phone, remove the chip, and replace it with one that does support CDMA... you'd still run into the issue of the master database.
EDIT: I removed the image just to clean up the look of the post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ESN information for LTE enabled smartphones is included on the SIM/UICC/R-UIM rather than the phone itself, so the issue is one of provisioning a given phone's capabilities to work on the VZW vs the Sprint network. I don't know if this is user configurable or if carriers would be willing to do.
Regarding the antennas, the same antenna configuration is used on all models. There is no additional antenna on the CDMA capable model. That functionality is provided by the Qualcomm MDM9615. It's a bit unfortunate that HTC didn't take Apple's approach in using the MDM9615 on all HTC One variants. I assume that VZW's decision to pass on the phone may have had something to do with it.
Now back to your original point, I was mistaken and you are correct. While the Sprint version could potentially be used on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. The AT&T (UMTS/GSM+LTE) version cannot be used on the Verizon network, and that's a damn shame.
unremarked said:
It's not possible, period. Sprint and Verizon operate on CDMA networks, whereas AT&T and T-Mobile operate on GSM. As long as the proper frequencies are supported, any GSM phone can run on any GSM network provided they're SIM unlocked.
4GLTE is currently only used by Verizon for data connections, and not for voice/text--that relies on the 3G CDMA antennae. The same goes for Sprint. The AT&T/T-Mobile-/International HTC One does not physically possess an CDMA atennae. Now before you get youSprint
esopes up about using a Sprint phone on Verizon, here's another little wrinkle. As you know, every phone has a serial number. That serial number is known as the IMEI on GSM carriers, and ESN on CDMA carriers. Both Verizon and Sprint operate a massive list of ESNs for everyone phone that can operate on their network. If your ESN is not found on that list, then you cannot activate it on that particular network period, paragraph, end of story. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.
Things get a little murkier with CDMA when it comes to flashing the radios over to other CDMA carriers, but you're looking at services like MetroPCS, PagePlus, etc and that's outside my realm of expertise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMEI/ESN is carrier specific. Can't be changed. However can't we trick the phone itself through software to unlock the capability of using a Verizon LTE Sim in a Sprint phone. Flash a Verizon ROM? Sprint and Verizon are the exact same CDMA/LTE band, same internal hardware.
Speaking only of using a Verizon LTE sim for data on a Sprint device. I have a Sprint One. Not with Sprint any longer. Want to use my device as a PDA, internet capable.

[Q] Have a tmob s4 version thinking of moving to Verizon

Long story short my work has offered me cell phone service but they only have Verizon or ATT.
I have a tmob s4 ... rooted and custom rom. Are the phones "essentially" the same so with a kernel and modem would I be good on Verizon?
Any caveats to be concerned with? its been probably 8 years since I had a Verizon plan but it does offer better coverage than ATT in the places I need...
thansks!
Razzzzer said:
Long story short my work has offered me cell phone service but they only have Verizon or ATT.
I have a tmob s4 ... rooted and custom rom. Are the phones "essentially" the same so with a kernel and modem would I be good on Verizon?
Any caveats to be concerned with? its been probably 8 years since I had a Verizon plan but it does offer better coverage than ATT in the places I need...
thansks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only the Verizon S4 will work with Verizon, you'll need to go to ATT.
Oishikatta said:
Only the Verizon S4 will work with Verizon, you'll need to go to ATT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see others that have used the Verizon s4 on Tmob so not sure why the reverse wouldn't be true... ill research more but I am finding that all the s4 hardware is the same... only software differences.. (possible that its not possible to get the Verizon software on the phone the hardware should be the same)...
maybe get some more input
Razzzzer said:
I see others that have used the Verizon s4 on Tmob so not sure why the reverse wouldn't be true... ill research more but I am finding that all the s4 hardware is the same... only software differences.. (possible that its not possible to get the Verizon software on the phone the hardware should be the same)...
maybe get some more input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know where you're researching, but the S4 definitely has hardware differences.
Verizon is what's called a "CDMA" carrier. Their S4 includes hardware that can connect to both their CDMA and others' GSM networks.
T-Mobile has a GSM network. Their S4 includes only the GSM hardware, there is no possibility of using it with a CDMA carrier.
Most variations of the S4 also have slightly different sets of "bands" that they can connect to, so the speed you get will vary depending on both the network type and your S4's type. However, the S4 should be able to get at least 2G on any GSM network. Verizon's S4 has the widest possible area of use, because it includes both CDMA and GSM. It can be used on T-Mobile or ATT, but their S4s cannot be used on Verizon entirely because of the hardware differences.
Oishikatta said:
I don't know where you're researching, but the S4 definitely has hardware differences.
Verizon is what's called a "CDMA" carrier. Their S4 includes hardware that can connect to both their CDMA and others' GSM networks.
T-Mobile has a GSM network. Their S4 includes only the GSM hardware, there is no possibility of using it with a CDMA carrier.
Most variations of the S4 also have slightly different sets of "bands" that they can connect to, so the speed you get will vary depending on both the network type and your S4's type. However, the S4 should be able to get at least 2G on any GSM network. Verizon's S4 has the widest possible area of use, because it includes both CDMA and GSM. It can be used on T-Mobile or ATT, but their S4s cannot be used on Verizon entirely because of the hardware differences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand the networks are different.. what I am seeing is that the hardware is the same ... they all have the same chips.. the different carriers are just using software to use what they need
for example here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25953096&postcount=13
and this thread has examples of people who have used their Verizon on Tmob (voice, wifi, and 4g)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2331131
long story short they say all the phones are the same... they just use different Radio software (plus kernel I assume)
The answer is simple: You will never use a T-Mobile S4 on Verizon.
Verizon S4 on T-Mobile is completely irrelevant, because they're designed to work that way.
Razzzzer said:
I understand the networks are different.. what I am seeing is that the hardware is the same ... they all have the same chips.. the different carriers are just using software to use what they need
for example here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25953096&postcount=13
and this thread has examples of people who have used their Verizon on Tmob (voice, wifi, and 4g)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2331131
long story short they say all the phones are the same... they just use different Radio software (plus kernel I assume)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is NO CDMA radio in a T-Mobile GS4.
Even if it were, Verizon will not add foreign IMEID/ESN to their database. Without the IMEID/ESN added to the database you cannot get voice service. You could possibly take a provisioned SIM and get data only, but what good is that.
Sell the S4, buy an HTC M8 do S-Off, move on.
Your S4 will never work on Verizon.

[Q] Switching from VZW to TMo?

Hello,
First and foremost I'd like to say .... Man, it feels good to be back. I left Android for a few years due to battery issues. I just left VZW and switched from a iPhone 5 to a Note 3 on T-Mobile. My wife has a VZW HTC One (M7) and I was told it would work on TMo, so far we are having no luck getting anything besides Edge. Sorry if already posted but I did look around to try to find an answer. I have spent time talking to VZW, TMo and HTC and no luck. Will rooting give me the ability to fix this?
MSNemitz said:
Hello,
First and foremost I'd like to say .... Man, it feels good to be back. I left Android for a few years due to battery issues. I just left VZW and switched from a iPhone 5 to a Note 3 on T-Mobile. My wife has a VZW HTC One (M7) and I was told it would work on TMo, so far we are having no luck getting anything besides Edge. Sorry if already posted but I did look around to try to find an answer. I have spent time talking to VZW, TMo and HTC and no luck. Will rooting give me the ability to fix this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon phones rarely work on other carriers. Besides the fact that they usually lock the SIM (meaning only VZW SIM cards will work unless you leave the US - ie: "global phone"), different cellular frequency bands are used. Specs on the M7 that I found on phonearena state that the VZW M7 uses 700MHz (band 13), which T-Mobile doesn't use (PA's specs aren't always 100%% though). So even if you could unlock the SIM somehow, you wouldn't get data; not at LTE speeds anyway. LTE radios in phones are actually fairly expensive components, so carriers will often order specific versions from the manufacturers that only support their own bands to keep costs down (and/or profits high).
I think your best bet would be to sell or trade the M7 for a T-Mobile or unlocked one.
Planterz said:
Verizon phones rarely work on other carriers. Besides the fact that they usually lock the SIM (meaning only VZW SIM cards will work unless you leave the US - ie: "global phone"), different cellular frequency bands are used. Specs on the M7 that I found on phonearena state that the VZW M7 uses 700MHz (band 13), which T-Mobile doesn't use (PA's specs aren't always 100%% though). So even if you could unlock the SIM somehow, you wouldn't get data; not at LTE speeds anyway. LTE radios in phones are actually fairly expensive components, so carriers will often order specific versions from the manufacturers that only support their own bands to keep costs down (and/or profits high).
I think your best bet would be to sell or trade the M7 for a T-Mobile or unlocked one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks sent ... Thats what I figured. I'd researched this quite a bit. Figured I'd come to the big boys to make sure.
Time to start getting involved with Android scene again, thanks !!!

Will this work? Verizon M8 --> AT&T fo-'official'?

I have an old M8 lying around that I fired up and had remembered I had rooted it and the bootloader is unlocked.. Is there a way to 'trick' this phone into thinking it's an AT&T branded phone? hboot, etc. and that will allow me to RUU something official from AT&T? I know this sounds really strange and probably stupid but.. I just can't sleep and need something to fill the time.. Can I do it?
Don't think so, radio hardware is different, not to mention the partition layout.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
jbarcus81 said:
Is there a way to 'trick' this phone into thinking it's an AT&T branded phone? hboot, etc. and that will allow me to RUU something official from AT&T? ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely not. At least not any way that is known; and your chance of failure is high (with a brick being the possible or even probable result).
As mentioned in the previous comment, the partitioning on the phones is different. If you try to run the RUU, you at best it will fail, at worst it will brick the device.
Most other M8 versions (that don't support CDMA) can be "converted" from one version to another (other exceptions being dual SIM and M8 Eye). But Verizon and Sprint are the oddballs here. Some experienced devs have been messing around with these variants from the start (to try to convert them) with no success.
Perfect! All I needed to hear! Ah well.. it was worth a shot! Just trying to get my account provisioned for LTE so I can get LTE on my unlocked devices.. I've been told, and read, that if I can get an AT&T branded LTE capable phone to just swap my SIM in it.. and let my account provision, then I'll have LTE on any device AT&T or not... Just trying to avoid a contract..
jbarcus81 said:
I've been told, and read, that if I can get an AT&T branded LTE capable phone to just swap my SIM in it.. and let my account provision, then I'll have LTE on any device AT&T or not... Just trying to avoid a contract..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as the phone is SIM unlocked (Verizon version is) then you should just be able to put an AT&T SIM in, and enter the proper AT&T APN for service, as long as the phone supports the proper bands. Its irrelevant whether the phone is AT&T branded or not.
Now the underlined bit in the paragraph above is the main issue. The Verizon M8 only supports one of the four bands (Bands 2, 5, 4, and 17) used by AT&T for LTE (Verizon M8 supports Bands 3, 4, 7, and 13). So depending on what band is used in your area, you may or may not get LTE.
But GSM (2G) and HSPA (3G) should work just fine on AT&T.
redpoint73 said:
As long as the phone is SIM unlocked (Verizon version is) then you should just be able to put an AT&T SIM in, and enter the proper AT&T APN for service, as long as the phone supports the proper bands. Its irrelevant whether the phone is AT&T branded or not.
Now the underlined bit in the paragraph above is the main issue. The Verizon M8 only supports one of the four bands (Bands 2, 5, 4, and 17) used by AT&T for LTE (Verizon M8 supports Bands 3, 4, 7, and 13). So depending on what band is used in your area, you may or may not get LTE.
But GSM (2G) and HSPA (3G) should work just fine on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the odd part.. My main phone is the S6 Edge from Verizon.. it's on the AT&T network and I assume my APN is correct.. But it's not picking up LTE and I am almost certain the S6 Edge from Verizon will pick up the correct band for AT&T LTE .. But it's only using the H+ speed.. What's even more strange?? When I throw my SIM into the M8? I get LTE on AT&T and verify with 30+mpbs speeds.. I have no idea what's going on...
jbarcus81 said:
That's the odd part.. My main phone is the S6 Edge from Verizon.. it's on the AT&T network and I assume my APN is correct.. But it's not picking up LTE and I am almost certain the S6 Edge from Verizon will pick up the correct band for AT&T LTE .. But it's only using the H+ speed.. What's even more strange?? When I throw my SIM into the M8? I get LTE on AT&T and verify with 30+mpbs speeds.. I have no idea what's going on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that is strange. According to the specs for the S6 Edge here, the Verizon version supports the same LTE bands as the VZN M8, and actually some additional bands (2 and 5) that also happen to be bands used by AT&T.
One thing I can think of, is that the VZN M8 in actuality supports some bands that are not advertised/explicit in the specs. It wouldn't be unheard of, as members here have reported some versions of the non-CDMA M8 as supporting some bands not indicated in the specs. And that band happens to be what AT&T is using in your market region. In this case, that band would seem to be Band 17 (the only band that AT&T is known to use, that isn't listed on the S6 Edge specs).
Or the other possibility, is there is just some issue with the S6 that is preventing connection to LTE (but on the same supported band that the M8 has).
redpoint73 said:
Yeah, that is strange. According to the specs for the S6 Edge here, the Verizon version supports the same LTE bands as the VZN M8, and actually some additional bands (2 and 5) that also happen to be bands used by AT&T.
One thing I can think of, is that the VZN M8 in actuality supports some bands that are not advertised/explicit in the specs. It wouldn't be unheard of, as members here have reported some versions of the non-CDMA M8 as supporting some bands not indicated in the specs. And that band happens to be what AT&T is using in your market region. In this case, that band would seem to be Band 17 (the only band that AT&T is known to use, that isn't listed on the S6 Edge specs).
Or the other possibility, is there is just some issue with the S6 that is preventing connection to LTE (but on the same supported band that the M8 has).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah.. I'm not worried about it.. I've been told that all I need is an AT&T branded LTE capable device hooked up to the account and that my account hasn't been provisioned for LTE .. I've seen this in a few places so it's worth a shot.. I ordered a junk LTE phone branded AT&T to test it out.. ordered a OnePlus 2 and will likely unload the S6 Edge (if it never picks up the LTE from AT&T)
jbarcus81 said:
I've been told that all I need is an AT&T branded LTE capable device hooked up to the account and that my account hasn't been provisioned for LTE ..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I've already mentioned, its not really necessary to have an AT&T branded device. I suspect the reason you've seen people say this, is that AT&T branding means by definition the phone has all the bands used by AT&T for LTE; since obviously the phone is intended for use on AT&T's network. Since AT&T uses a number of bands (4) and LTE bands being used worldwide has become very un-standardized, its somewhat difficult to find a non-AT&T phone that has all the bands. But they do exist, such as the US unlocked M8, Dev Edition M8, and Nexus devices. Also, I've seen folks used other non-ATT branded phones, which may not have all 4 LTE bands used by AT&T, but the one(s) needed in the particular user's region. Not ideal, but sufficient for some folks.
Another reason why some may say the phone needs to be AT&T branded, is that AT&T tech support won't provide you any support if you have a non-ATT phone. But honestly, I've used non-branded devices (and plenty of folks here have), and this is very rarely an issue. The folks here on XDA will usually provide you better support, anyway!
Of course, your ATT account needs to be provisioned for LTE in order to have that service. Its a simple matter, and doesn't cost anything (just need a smartphone data plan).
redpoint73 said:
As I've already mentioned, its not really necessary to have an AT&T branded device. I suspect the reason you've seen people say this, is that AT&T branding means by definition the phone has all the bands used by AT&T for LTE; since obviously the phone is intended for use on AT&T's network. Since AT&T uses a number of bands (4) and LTE bands being used worldwide has become very un-standardized, its somewhat difficult to find a non-AT&T phone that has all the bands. But they do exist, such as the US unlocked M8, Dev Edition M8, and Nexus devices. Also, I've seen folks used other non-ATT branded phones, which may not have all 4 LTE bands used by AT&T, but the one(s) needed in the particular user's region. Not ideal, but sufficient for some folks.
Another reason why some may say the phone needs to be AT&T branded, is that AT&T tech support won't provide you any support if you have a non-ATT phone. But honestly, I've used non-branded devices (and plenty of folks here have), and this is very rarely an issue. The folks here on XDA will usually provide you better support, anyway!
Of course, your ATT account needs to be provisioned for LTE in order to have that service. Its a simple matter, and doesn't cost anything (just need a smartphone data plan).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've dug deeper and have to not only have an AT&T branded phone, I have to register the IEMI on my account, then swap the SIM card back into the other phone. I've got the phone but can't find a way to do this online so I'll have to call tomorrow...
Sent from my ONE A2005 using Tapatalk
I have a m8 whl sprint abd does not use CDMA only gsm network. I can I change the mid and convert the phone to get latest ota for dev edition version? I thanks
long.nguyen said:
I have a m8 whl sprint abd does not use CDMA only gsm network. I can I change the mid and convert the phone to get latest ota for dev edition version? I thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely NO.
What I mentioned above (Post #3) for the Verizon variant, also applies to Sprint (both versions support CDMA - the fact you don't use it is irrelevant). If you try to convert to another version won't work, and will probably result in a brick.
Also, even if you didn't have a CDMA version M8, you typically can't convert using an OTA, it has to be an RUU.
redpoint73 said:
Absolutely NO.
What I mentioned above (Post #3) for the Verizon variant, also applies to Sprint (both versions support CDMA - the fact you don't use it is irrelevant). If you try to convert to another version won't work, and will probably result in a brick.
Also, even if you didn't have a CDMA version M8, you typically can't convert using an OTA, it has to be an RUU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@redpoint ; don't we have any chance to install different provider radios to Verizon Htc devices..?
because verizon devices you know that support 3, 4, 7, and 13 bands,but i want to enable band 20 for europe LTE..
pls help us to enable other bands =( because only u can do that as a genius =)
thanx a lot
cincon said:
@redpoint ; don't we have any chance to install different provider radios to Verizon Htc devices..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely NOT. As already thoroughly discussed on this thread, if you attempt to install another version's radio on the Verizon version, it won't work, and you may radio brick the phone (permanent damage possible).
Different radios, different partition layout.
Don't even try it. Experienced devs have tried to "convert" by various methods and mods, and failed.
But there may be other ways (besides flashing another version's radio) to enable the band(s) you want, read on:
cincon said:
[MENTION=434105]
because verizon devices you know that support 3, 4, 7, and 13 bands,but i want to enable band 20 for europe LTE..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can take a look at the following method, as it claims to enable Band 20: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/general/lte-band-7-2600mhz-finally-guide-t2992523
Read the thread, and proceed at your own discretion. I'm not knowledgeable with changing NV values (it doesn't work on "GSM" M8 variants, so does not apply to me). I simply know this thread exists.
cincon said:
[MENTION=434105]
pls help us to enable other bands =( because only u can do that as a genius =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Far from a genius, and I don't create any of these mods. I just contribute by passing on knowledge I've gained here. Really, that is part of what XDA is all about.

Unlocked Tmobile Note 8 on Sprint

I have been reading a lot of different things about doing this with no definitive answer. It looks like, as of recently, it should be as simple as popping in the sprint Sim card and it should work but I want to be sure before hand. Are there any downsides at all about using tmobile Note 8 on Sprint?
Hi there, I'm not sure but Sprint SIM cards are lock. You can try and see, I had Sprint before and try using there SIM card in my unlock tmobile Galaxy S7 Edge running the unlock S7 Edge firmware, it keep reconfiguring over and over. Maybe you might get better than me.
cmdauria said:
I have been reading a lot of different things about doing this with no definitive answer. It looks like, as of recently, it should be as simple as popping in the sprint Sim card and it should work but I want to be sure before hand. Are there any downsides at all about using tmobile Note 8 on Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint doesn't allow other carriers phones on their network. Unlocked or not. T-Mobile does though...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/help/cdma-unlock-verizon-note-8-sprint-t3732364
First question would be: Does Sprint allow to use their SIM cards within non-Sprint devices? That I can't answer. Because I never used Sprint services.
The second question is: Would the T-Mobile radios work with Sprint? LTE radios would most likely work if Sprint allows you to use their SIM card with that device. When LTE is weak or not available the answer is: No. The active radios within T-Mobile and even AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 8 are both LTE and GSM (Both 3G and 4G). Both Sprint and Verizon uses LTE and CDMA (each has their own CDMA) radios. You can't use GSM radios with Sprint and Verizon right now. Though that will end up changing as CDMA gets phased out.
To top things off each GSM carrier maybe using different frequencies with some (but not all) of their GSM radios. So changing a cellular device from a GSM carrier to another GSM carrier may have limits with GSM services.
Sprint and Verizon services have problems with international areas (outside of the USA) where LTE is weak or no LTE. The reason is that CDMA is very limit or doesn't exist in most international areas (outside of the USA). The areas that CDMA still works internationally (outside of the USA) will be phased out (mostly in the near future). Only a few places outside of the USA, like China, would CDMA not be phased out so quickly. But CDMA will end up completing phased out all together sometime in future (including in the US).
If you want to be truly Global then go for carriers that have both GSM and LTE, like T-Mobile, AT&T, etc. Then once you unlock the SIM then you can use your carrier's roaming (which don't need SIM unlock) or switch the SIM card with a carrier in that country to get service internationally. Just a side note: T-Mobile does have Unlimited 3G international roaming without any extra cost (this is subject to the type of plan you have with T-Mobile).
The only way this would work for you is if the CDMA radio is built into all Note 8 devices. If so then you just need to flash the correct radio firmware to active the correct carrier radios. But I don't believe this is the case. And this wouldn't solve the Sprint SIM lock issue.
The short answer is no. Read this thread. I thought you could just pop in an activated SIM, but it's not that simple.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/help/cdma-unlock-verizon-note-8-sprint-t3732364
JaguarXT said:
First question would be: Does Sprint allow to use their SIM cards within non-Sprint devices? That I can't answer. Because I never used Sprint services.
The second question is: Would the T-Mobile radios work with Sprint? LTE radios would most likely work if Sprint allows you to use their SIM card with that device. When LTE is weak or not available the answer is: No. The active radios within T-Mobile and even AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 8 are both LTE and GSM (Both 3G and 4G). Both Sprint and Verizon uses LTE and CDMA (each has their own CDMA) radios. You can't use GSM radios with Sprint and Verizon right now. Though that will end up changing as CDMA gets phased out.
To top things off each GSM carrier maybe using different frequencies with some (but not all) of their GSM radios. So changing a cellular device from a GSM carrier to another GSM carrier may have limits with GSM services.
Sprint and Verizon services have problems with international areas (outside of the USA) where LTE is weak or no LTE. The reason is that CDMA is very limit or doesn't exist in most international areas (outside of the USA). The areas that CDMA still works internationally (outside of the USA) will be phased out (mostly in the near future). Only a few places outside of the USA, like China, would CDMA not be phased out so quickly. But CDMA will end up completing phased out all together sometime in future (including in the US).
If you want to be truly Global then go for carriers that have both GSM and LTE, like T-Mobile, AT&T, etc. Then once you unlock the SIM then you can use your carrier's roaming (which don't need SIM unlock) or switch the SIM card with a carrier in that country to get service internationally. Just a side note: T-Mobile does have Unlimited 3G international roaming without any extra cost (this is subject to the type of plan you have with T-Mobile).
The only way this would work for you is if the CDMA radio is built into all Note 8 devices. If so then you just need to flash the correct radio firmware to active the correct carrier radios. But I don't believe this is the case. And this wouldn't solve the Sprint SIM lock issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ALL US Note 8s (N950U and N950U1) are identical. Same radios. Same hardware. Same everything. Only difference is the preloaded firmware. I actually think the Canadian Note 8s (N950W are the same, too, sonce they can run the N950U firmware).
So it's not an issue of missing a CDMA radio. It's an issue that Sprint will not accept the IMEI for another carrier branded Note 8 (or S8/+). You can only activate Sprint or Factory Unlocked devices on Sprint.
As Note 8 has both GSM and CDMA capabilities, why shouldn't an unlock T-Mobile work with Sprint?
RossTeagan said:
As Note 8 has both GSM and CDMA capabilities, why shouldn't an unlock T-Mobile work with Sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint won't accept any devices on their network unlocked or not if they came from any other carrier. Sprint only allows Sprint phones and factory unlocked devices. Its Sprint, they suck.
Gizmoe said:
Sprint doesn't allow other carriers phones on their network. Unlocked or not. T-Mobile does though...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/help/cdma-unlock-verizon-note-8-sprint-t3732364
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gizmoe said:
Sprint won't accept any devices on their network unlocked or not if they came from any other carrier. Sprint only allows Sprint phones and factory unlocked devices. Its Sprint, they suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just switched my tmobile note 8 to sprint today, lol..
Thread cleaned due to much spam! I remind you to follow XDA Rules and especially to respect all XDA users.
ilikebigjugs88 said:
i just switched my tmobile note 8 to sprint today, lol..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On Sprints website it still does not list the tmo note 8 as compatible for BYOD. It says only the note 8 special edition is. However it is not unlikely they stopped blocking the other U.S. carrier versions. People have gotten devices to activate in the past, but with minimal network functionality. Is your Note 8 fully utilizing the LTE network?
Either way this thread brings trouble so its now closed
Sprint allows sprint capable devices such as clean sprint,Boost and such and subsidiaries that run on sprint only.
@cp1024 @Gizmoe
The Special Edition devices are the ones sold directly by Samsung as factory-unlocked models. Samsung over the years has used the term inconsistently across their site and marketing materials.
Only Sprint calls them "Special Edition", otherwise they are the U1 models, vs U for carrier branded.
Which means they as of the time this was printed will only accept this model
Maybe some others have managed to pull something off but this is official answer
my post above is how it has always been in the past
And it ends here

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