Buying an s4 - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Her a friend of mine is on Verizon and wants to buy an s4. Do we need to buy a Verizon version s4 out will any unlocked phone work
Thanks
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

With CDMA carriers like Sprint and Verizon, you have to use their carrier specific phones. So in the case of your friend, they have to get a Verizon S4.

That's what I gathered and had already texted them. Thank you for verification.
Sent from my XT907 using xda app-developers app

Any cdma s4 will work on prepaid service such as page plus. Only a verizon model will work with verizon postpaid. If 4g/lte is not important but coverage is, go with page plus. It's a whole lot cheaper.
PM for flashing info if you decide to go that route.

Related

[Q] Can I use the Tmobile S4 on Verizon?

Is there any way to use an unlocked tmobile s4 on verizon???? Can you flash a certain modem to make it work?
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chubbrock said:
Is there any way to use an unlocked tmobile s4 on verizon???? Can you flash a certain modem to make it work?
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This is not 100%, but just my understanding. The T-mobile version shouldn't have the radio frequencies , or even the same technology (gsm vs. CDMA) as the verizon S4. Dont think there is any amount of software modifications that an allow it either.
No, you cannot use it. It lacks the hardware radio.
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Damn. Didn't think so but was hoping so!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
It's possible. %100. I'm going to start working on it now that I got my VZ S4 from work...(I have tmo for my personal phone). Please....PLEASE....PLEASE!!! let's not have anyone else say "it's not possible". I'm begging you. Before you spout off about this that or the other thing...read up on the phone. Learn about frequencies, modulation, SDRs...etc.
RavenII said:
It's possible. %100. I'm going to start working on it now that I got my VZ S4 from work...(I have tmo for my personal phone). Please....PLEASE....PLEASE!!! let's not have anyone else say "it's not possible". I'm begging you. Before you spout off about this that or the other thing...read up on the phone. Learn about frequencies, modulation, SDRs...etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its possible but not probable because VZW is still using CDMA so is Sprint and I do not think the TMo/ATT/GE version have the baseband nor the radios to support CDMA. Once LTE band 4 is enabled and VoLTE is prevalent then the phone can be seemless across carriers.
I know it work the other way around
I put a prepaid att sim card in my ZVW s4 and it worked! As the vzw s4 comes stock as a world phone and can be used on gsm networks. Without unlocking. So if you unlock your TM s4 you should be able to pop in a vzw 4g sim and be OK?
I don't think you will have 4G though if you got a buddy with a vzw 4g phone grab his sim and try it after you unlock.
Att - gsm
T-Mobile - gsm
Sprint - cdma
Verizon - cdma / gsm 4g lte
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---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:16 PM ----------
img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/12/asy8u7yt.jpg
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Samstealth7 said:
I know it work the other way around
I put a prepaid att sim card in my ZVW s4 and it worked! As the vzw s4 comes stock as a world phone and can be used on gsm networks. Without unlocking. So if you unlock your TM s4 you should be able to pop in a vzw 4g sim and be OK?
I don't think you will have 4G though if you got a buddy with a vzw 4g phone grab his sim and try it after you unlock.
Att - gsm
T-Mobile - gsm
Sprint - cdma
Verizon - cdma / gsm 4g lte
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---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:16 PM ----------
img.tapatalk.com/d/13/07/12/asy8u7yt.jpg
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again the Tmo/ATT/GE do not support the LTE bands on VZW/SPRINT nor do they support CDMA/EVDO.
The VZW variant should work on any GSM network with a sim swap and APN switch but LTE will be limited or not available.
Right so he won't get 4g/4g lte
But should be OK on 3g after the apn settings are configured I believe. Hope this helps
I tryed to post an image or link but I can't yet cuz I'm still a noob here at xda sorry
chubbrock said:
Is there any way to use an unlocked tmobile s4 on verizon???? Can you flash a certain modem to make it work?
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You CAN, but that does mean you'll want to.
T-Mobile utilizes 2 spectrums for HSPA+ and LTE. 1700/2100 for both. Without access to both spectrums the device will not receive data. Best you'll get is EDGE, which is only from interoperability with AT&T.
There are not interoperability standards for 4G LTE so you couldn't use this on AT&T LTE either.
So yes you can do it, but you won't like the service.
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Rebel908 said:
You CAN, but that does mean you'll want to.
T-Mobile utilizes 2 spectrums for HSPA+ and LTE. 1700/2100 for both. Without access to both spectrums the device will not receive data. Best you'll get is EDGE, which is only from interoperability with AT&T.
There are not interoperability standards for 4G LTE so you couldn't use this on AT&T LTE either.
So yes you can do it, but you won't like the service.
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Click to collapse
You cannot use the T-Mobile S4 on Verizon, period. It doesn't support CDMA or LTE band 13 which are the only bands that Verizon currently offers service.
Now if you had a Verizon S4 you could use that on T-Mobile since it supports HSPA on the PCS band and LTE on band 4 which are both used by T-Mobile for 3G and 4G but that isn't what the original poster asked about.
RavenII said:
It's possible. %100. I'm going to start working on it now that I got my VZ S4 from work...(I have tmo for my personal phone). Please....PLEASE....PLEASE!!! let's not have anyone else say "it's not possible". I'm begging you. Before you spout off about this that or the other thing...read up on the phone. Learn about frequencies, modulation, SDRs...etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The question is will a t-mobile S4 work on VZW. The answer is no, it will not. Not unless that MDM9215 spontaneously changes into an MDM9615.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Can you guys please read the data sheets on the APQ8064T, MDM9215M, and WTR1605L...then come back and tell us how it won't work.
Edit: Hint....the 9215 is what is inside the Nexus 4....which I also own....running LTE on T-Mobile...
Yes, but can you use that Nexus 4 on any cdma carrier?
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najaboy said:
Yes, but can you use that Nexus 4 on any cdma carrier?
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With the right hacks...yes. It's possible man.
This article (from QComm) states that the 9615 is capable of CDMA
This link shows very little difference between the 9615 and the 9215...
Again, I implore you all to be diligent when it comes to exploring new ideas...don't just dismiss something as not possible. There's no such thing.
Edit: Just incase the second link to the PDF doesn't work or is REALLY slow...I've attached the document to the post. Also, I took the time to spoon feed someone the info in another post linked here ....
Edit 2: Nevermind, the PDF is 2.5MB...won't let me attach it.
You may want to do a bit more research on the MDM9215. It does NOT support CDMA. It is only used in UMTS/GSM + LTE devices. CDMA support is what differentiates the MDM9615 from its sibling. This was explicitly noted by Qualcomm at UPLINQ 2012 as part of their QCMB API presentation.
So once again I will reiterate that a T-Mobile S4 lacks the necessary hardware to operate on Big Red. Furthermore, it is a simple matter to note that the MDM9215's commercial availability is limited to UMTS/GSM + LTE devices.
No amount of mad hacking skillz can overcome that hardware limitation. It would be necessary to replace the MDM9215 with a MDM9615, which is far from being a simple plug and play operation.
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Crap..my retarded ass read it as VZ S4 on Tmo...not the other way around...in that case, you're right...my apologies...I've been researching getting the VZ S4 working on Tmo....since that's what I'm going to be doing.
Again...my apologies.
I have the Verizon galaxy S4 running Loki'd Hyperdrive rom and I'm on T-mobile, but I only get 2G (AKA edge and too slow for mms) how can I get T-Mobiles HSPA+?
I was using AT&T's AIRVOICE and got HSPA+ but always got redirected tot he GoPhone account empty screen. so HSPA+ worked but AT&T wasn't fond of my s4 being verizon branded. So I switched to T-Mobile and I HATE Edge. but it's better than nothing.
You can't get a device on Verizon that was not part of the Verizon database to work.
Look at the new Nexus 7, even with the correct frequencies, people are having a hell of a time trying to get a device with the right LTE bands to activate.
If it's not sold as a Verizon device, sell it and buy something else.

Will my Verizon s4 take an AT&T sim?

I'm contemplating switching to Straight Talk and naturally I want to keep my S4 versus getting one of their phones..is this possible to just buy the AT&T GSM sim from them and use it with my Verizon s4? Or am I doomed to a Straight Talk phone.
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I belive it will I just got 2 vzw s4s im going to try and get them working on tmobile I did it with a vzw s3 and note 2 I dont see why you couldent. On note 2 and s3 I only got 2g data. Ive read elsewhere that the vzw s4 will get 3g possible 4g. Some1 correct me if im wrong
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I use straight talk (using there at&t version) and it works perfectly. The only thing I heard was if using at&t it might bump you to 2g phone in the states, but I don't think that's true for S4 like in previous models. But I'm not 100% sure.
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jman990 said:
I'm contemplating switching to Straight Talk and naturally I want to keep my S4 versus getting one of their phones..is this possible to just buy the AT&T GSM sim from them and use it with my Verizon s4? Or am I doomed to a Straight Talk phone.
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Click to collapse
Did you ever get this to work? If so what steps need to be taken?
Any information would be appreciated.
jman990 said:
I'm contemplating switching to Straight Talk and naturally I want to keep my S4 versus getting one of their phones..is this possible to just buy the AT&T GSM sim from them and use it with my Verizon s4? Or am I doomed to a Straight Talk phone.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out this thread. Looks like it can be done but it's time consuming:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2521485

Is there any way to make this phone work on prepaid carriers?

My dad wants a phone but doesn't want to be stuck on a contract. Thanks.
If in USA you can go with straight talk.
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Yes you can...
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
yup. brand new razr maxx's ( unlocked GSM VERSION!), are going for 225 NEW on ebay now!
I got mine back in april used for 260! Ahh technology prices drop so quickly!
Is there particular carrier he is interested in?
It is quite trivial to put Razr on Page Plus cellular which uses Verizon Prepaid network (VERY similar in coverage to Post Paid, but without roaming)
Straight Talk and Wifi Hotspot
If you do use on Straight Talk does the hot spot work if you've already rooted the phone and done the entitlement check?

Why do people get this phone to use abroad?

I don't get it, I keep setting people asking questions in here about international use when they obviously got it with no intention of ever using it on Verizon, what makes this phone so great that foreigners and even people on other us carriers get it instead of the s4 that's meant for them?
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Because they are crazy, cause we are locked down tighter then a baby pig sucking tit in the mourning b4 eating slop in a farm ..... Lucky I have mdk Im pretty pleased with this phone , but if I was them I would maybe buy the phone from a carrier with not such a locked down bootloader
hyperdrive powered s4
probably because verizon has one of the biggest customer base and best service whitch means more phones to be able to buy used on ebay and what not that is just what i think...and i think verizon enabled international on the note 2 and now s4 not sure about the n3 but not sure if other carriers have that option or if it is a gsm cdma difference.. or what or international carriers can only use vzw baseband
reinaldistic said:
I don't get it, I keep setting people asking questions in here about international use when they obviously got it with no intention of ever using it on Verizon, what makes this phone so great that foreigners and even people on other us carriers get it instead of the s4 that's meant for them?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon comes unlocked default and uses a cdma network + sim card
Which means it can be used on other cdma carriers around the world+gsm carriers
No other variants of gs4 can do this
ebsk8er06 said:
we are locked down tighter then a baby pig sucking tit in the mourning b4 eating slop in a farm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...
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michael3770 said:
Verizon comes unlocked default and uses a cdma network + sim card
Which means it can be used on other cdma carriers around the world+gsm carriers
No other variants of gs4 can do this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds reasonable, but I didn't know there were foreign CDMA carriers
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Note 2 verizon bad ESN. Can it be used on ST?

I'm a new when it comes to this. But if I have a bad ESN Verizon note 2. Can I use it on straight talk at&t with no problems. Cuz the ESN is only banned from verizon?
Also. When using it on straight talk at&t I'd still use Verizon based roms and radios? Just straight talks correct APN settings for data to come in.
Do I need a special ROM to get rid of the this isn't a Verizon Sim card stuff.
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imablackhat said:
I'm a new when it comes to this. But if I have a bad ESN Verizon note 2. Can I use it on straight talk at&t with no problems. Cuz the ESN is only banned from verizon?
Also. When using it on straight talk at&t I'd still use Verizon based roms and radios? Just straight talks correct APN settings for data to come in.
Do I need a special ROM to get rid of the this isn't a Verizon Sim card stuff.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought they shared banned ESNs between each other? I thought that is why most people either sell it here with a note of bad esn or ship it over across seas.
I purchased a used Verizon Galaxy Note II knowing it had a bad ESN - planning to use it as wifi only. One day decided to try and see if a AT&T gophone sim would work. Don't know about the plan you're addressing - but AT&T absolutely activated the gophone sim. What I think AT&T will not do is activate if the phone's IMEI shows its stolen - but the previous owner not paying his/her bill to Verizon didn't seem to be a problem. Just my personal experience - not a universal, guaranteed answer
It works for me. I installed CM11 on my note and it worked like a champ!
Here's my next question is I'm going at&t st with this Verizon note. Now when I flash clean ROM. Old ROM I like. Do I use at&t network or verizon. Either way I know I have to manually input apn settings.
Am I better off using at&t Roms?...
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imablackhat said:
Here's my next question is I'm going at&t st with this Verizon note. Now when I flash clean ROM. Old ROM I like. Do I use at&t network or verizon. Either way I know I have to manually input apn settings.
Am I better off using at&t Roms?...
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because its a verizon device use a verizon rom, dont use at&t rom it may brick your device.
I agree with Bonkurei. Stick with Verizon Roms. Do NOT try the at&t roms.Stick with Verizon roms and you will be fine.
I agree run custom roms with Verizon settings
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
Better to buy I Verizon phone off the street to use with AT&T than an AT&T branded phone. Never know when you might wake up to "we're sorry, but this device has been blocked" lol nice insurance scams
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Shot answer yes it will work with no issues, as long as the custom rom allows you to edit apns you will be golden, to get rid of the pesky non verizon sim message, either freeze the Samsung setup wizard apk with titanium backup or delete it all together. I have my Verizon note 2 on ST. I've been running beans 22 and have ad no issues at all. Also when choosing your network choose at&t, Verizon's won't work
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Looks like you got an answer. However, carriers do share the ESN and IMEI numbers for devices and check for blacklisted devices. Prepaid plans may be a different matter, but I'd be willing to bet that they wouldn't activate it on any contract plans and you'll not get any kind of warranty on the device. So, if you break it, lose it, or brick it, you'll have to pay full price for the device. Probably would have been cheaper to pay your bill...
Thread closed.

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