[Q] SCH-I545 T-Mobile Switch - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Howdy all,
I bought the VZW S4 when it was brand new and am lucky enough to still have an mdk bootloader. But wow vzw is expensive and living in Denver and being a world traveler for work, T-Mobile has peaked my interest with their prices and the international data usage...
I am running hyperdrive 17.1 and the phone is great and running like butter. From what I've read I can get a T-Mobile Sim card, change the APN and voilĂ . But T-Mobile employees say my 4G LTE will go in and out and only work where T-Mobile has certain bands of 4G. The coverage map looks good but I have no idea what band of 4G LTE it is.
My question is if I can flash the T-Mobile version of hyperdrive or another T-Mobile rom onto my mdk vzw s4, change the APN and have a fully functioning T-Mobile S4? Or will it lack certain frequencies and drop 4G often? Anyone who has attempted the switch please feel free to comment on your experience so far. Thank you XDA!

ElBow513 said:
Howdy all,
I bought the VZW S4 when it was brand new and am lucky enough to still have an mdk bootloader. But wow vzw is expensive and living in Denver and being a world traveler for work, T-Mobile has peaked my interest with their prices and the international data usage...
I am running hyperdrive 17.1 and the phone is great and running like butter. From what I've read I can get a T-Mobile Sim card, change the APN and voilĂ . But T-Mobile employees say my 4G LTE will go in and out and only work where T-Mobile has certain bands of 4G. The coverage map looks good but I have no idea what band of 4G LTE it is.
My question is if I can flash the T-Mobile version of hyperdrive or another T-Mobile rom onto my mdk vzw s4, change the APN and have a fully functioning T-Mobile S4? Or will it lack certain frequencies and drop 4G often? Anyone who has attempted the switch please feel free to comment on your experience so far. Thank you XDA!
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Nothing you flash will add more bands than this phone has, it's a hardware issue, it only has AWS (which T-Mobile uses) and 700c (band13) which (I think only) Verizon uses.
I'm not sure exactly what other (if any) bands T-Mobile uses for LTE

I've got the sane setup in Chicago. I'm not a world traveler but while your her you can expect anywhere from 20 to 33 mbps. You should tell your job to get you a dedicated line w/ tmo.

kyedmipy said:
I've got the sane setup in Chicago. I'm not a world traveler but while your her you can expect anywhere from 20 to 33 mbps. You should tell your job to get you a dedicated line w/ tmo.
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That's great to hear! Did you flash a T-Mobile rom or just use the vzw rom with T-Mobile APN?
I just want to make sure that I still get a decent connection in most cities, not slugging along at 2g, 90% of the time because its not a T-Mobile phone. If that's the case, I might consider buying a T-Mobile phone, but that hurts the whole argument of ditching vzw to save $$

changed mine to metroPCS...
ElBow513 said:
That's great to hear! Did you flash a T-Mobile rom or just use the vzw rom with T-Mobile APN?
I just want to make sure that I still get a decent connection in most cities, not slugging along at 2g, 90% of the time because its not a T-Mobile phone. If that's the case, I might consider buying a T-Mobile phone, but that hurts the whole argument of ditching vzw to save $$
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Click to collapse
I changed mine to MetroPCS which runs on the T-Mobile network. the guy at the store did the swap and it runs on the network and 4G/LTE in most metro areas very well, but loses any data connection in remote areas (I live in east-central Wyoming and it only works data in the larger towns here but still gets calls and texts anywhere you get a signal. It will at times toggle between 3G to 4G in some areas. and foxfi will run on it too if you hide the data usage when tethering. hope it helps.

Related

Any T-Mobile USA users get the phone yet?

I'm thinking about picking one up for review. I'm on T-Mobile and I know the phones come unlocked, but I want to be sure there aren't any hidden surprises or anything like that. If I put in a T-Mobile USA sim card, am I guaranteed to get Edge signal?
Where did you find out that this phone will come unlocked on T-Mobile?
t4ure4n said:
Where did you find out that this phone will come unlocked on T-Mobile?
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He never said that.
He asked if the unlocked i9100 will at least get edge on tmobile network.
good question..wonder if anybody will get it
I think most of the world uses the same frequencies for UMTS EDGE, so yes... an international Galaxy S II should work on T-mobile with EDGE, though you will have to program all of the tower/apn data into the phone manually to get everything to work
Probably not worth extra cost and effort to get a phone which will always be slow due to frequency mis-match.
It would only work on 2g for T-mobile USA.
I'll enjoy the G2X for now and then switch to the SGS2 when it get's to T-Mobile.
http://www.tmonews.com/2011/04/t-mobile-to-carry-samsung-galaxy-s-2/
joackie27 said:
I'll enjoy the G2X for now and then switch to the SGS2 when it get's to T-Mobile.
http://www.tmonews.com/2011/04/t-mobile-to-carry-samsung-galaxy-s-2/
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You made my day. Thank you so much.
joackie27 said:
I'll enjoy the G2X for now and then switch to the SGS2 when it get's to T-Mobile.
http://www.tmonews.com/2011/04/t-mobile-to-carry-samsung-galaxy-s-2/
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I tried, and failed. Stupid battery.
I'm trying the Sensation or SGS2 first, whichever one reaches them first.
kampf said:
I tried, and failed. Stupid battery.
I'm trying the Sensation or SGS2 first, whichever one reaches them first.
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I also tried and failed. Stupid screen. Waiting for sgs2 now. The tilt zoom and etc look awesome.
Bump, still wondering if ant T-Mobile users got the phone yet.
I've placed an order with Handtec, but thanks to a long back-and-forth security process I have to wait for next weeks batch of devices (ugh).
I'm assuming 2g will work fine - I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't. I've bought international phones for use on T-mo back in the pre-3g days, which in a way I'm still stuck in. Rural Iowa is not exactly blanketed in 3g...
Off-topic.
http://www.bgr.com/2011/05/05/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-passes-fcc-with-att-3g-bands/
GT-I9020T (Nexus S) - T-Mobile
GT-I9020A (Nexus S) - ATT
If you are to follow the naming convention above, then this new phone that passed the FCC should be for T-Mobile.
GT-I9100T (GS2) - T-Mobile
it will work on 2g but nothing else until the version that supports tmobiles AWS 3g/4g bands os released. im thinking about pulling the trigger anyways
Arcadia310 said:
I'm thinking about picking one up for review. I'm on T-Mobile and I know the phones come unlocked, but I want to be sure there aren't any hidden surprises or anything like that. If I put in a T-Mobile USA sim card, am I guaranteed to get Edge signal?
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3G/4G will not work as they use 1700/2100 instead of 850/1900
you'll only get EDGE/2G
Hi I have a SGS2 on tmobile USA. Here are the issues. I phone is ASIA version rooted.
Tried a few mods didnt like it much.
Big issue is the phone defaults to GSM (2g) and the only other option on the phone is WCDMA. On tmobile it doesnt show edge or HSPA so I can connect for faster speeds.
I went to the tmob store the guy said the firmware needs to be updated but samsung doesnt have anything new.
I am hoping to download stock mod from say europe or canada that enables 4G to see if itll work on tmob. I called tmob they said they cant help as they dont support the phone! i asked for the bands that tmob uses 3G/4G on ( they refused to give it to me)
Tmob came in late in the game for 3g/4g so im not sure if they are on some diff bands that the phone cant catch. although i have not tried inserting an Att sim in it to see if it will get 4g speeds.
if anyone knows of any other options please let me know at this point im paying for 4G speeds on tmob but getting 2G.
sharathvc said:
Hi I have a SGS2 on tmobile USA. Here are the issues. I phone is ASIA version rooted.
Tried a few mods didnt like it much.
Big issue is the phone defaults to GSM (2g) and the only other option on the phone is WCDMA. On tmobile it doesnt show edge or HSPA so I can connect for faster speeds.
I went to the tmob store the guy said the firmware needs to be updated but samsung doesnt have anything new.
I am hoping to download stock mod from say europe or canada that enables 4G to see if itll work on tmob. I called tmob they said they cant help as they dont support the phone! i asked for the bands that tmob uses 3G/4G on ( they refused to give it to me)
Tmob came in late in the game for 3g/4g so im not sure if they are on some diff bands that the phone cant catch. although i have not tried inserting an Att sim in it to see if it will get 4g speeds.
if anyone knows of any other options please let me know at this point im paying for 4G speeds on tmob but getting 2G.
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Dude, the GS2 doesn't support T-mobile bands. Therefore you'll only get EDGE speed on that phone until you get their Variant or switch to AT&T.
sharathvc said:
Hi I have a SGS2 on tmobile USA. Here are the issues. I phone is ASIA version rooted.
Tried a few mods didnt like it much.
Big issue is the phone defaults to GSM (2g) and the only other option on the phone is WCDMA. On tmobile it doesnt show edge or HSPA so I can connect for faster speeds.
I went to the tmob store the guy said the firmware needs to be updated but samsung doesnt have anything new.
I am hoping to download stock mod from say europe or canada that enables 4G to see if itll work on tmob. I called tmob they said they cant help as they dont support the phone! i asked for the bands that tmob uses 3G/4G on ( they refused to give it to me)
Tmob came in late in the game for 3g/4g so im not sure if they are on some diff bands that the phone cant catch. although i have not tried inserting an Att sim in it to see if it will get 4g speeds.
if anyone knows of any other options please let me know at this point im paying for 4G speeds on tmob but getting 2G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can never get past 2g on T-Mobile, ever. It's a hardware issue not software, you are stuck with EDGE speeds unless you switch to AT&T.
Thanks... I guess ill be selling this phone if I have to remain on Tmob.. or get me an atnt account! tmob has the least expensive plans .
sharathvc said:
Thanks... I guess ill be selling this phone if I have to remain on Tmob.. or get me an atnt account! tmob has the least expensive plans .
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You can get a cheap medianet plan and get 3g since AT&T will not recognize this as a smartphone, the plan is unlimited too

[Q] A question about AT&T / T-Mobile 4G

Hi, I'm in California and I have an Motorola Atrix with AT&T and I just unlocked my phone because I'm about to switch to T-mobile...
However, my friend told me that AT&T and T-Mobile has different 4G networks. He said the AT&T Atrix can not use 3G or 4G speed on a T-Mobile network, It can only go up to Edge speed.... Is that true? Does anyone know about this?
Hope some people can help me here ...
Thank you
tomcklam said:
Hi, I'm in California and I have an Motorola Atrix with AT&T and I just unlocked my phone because I'm about to switch to T-mobile...
However, my friend told me that AT&T and T-Mobile has different 4G networks. He said the AT&T Atrix can not use 3G or 4G speed on a T-Mobile network, It can only go up to Edge speed.... Is that true? Does anyone know about this?
Hope some people can help me here ...
Thank you
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From everything I have read that is correct, but also know that it won't be much longer till you are back as an AT&T customer since they are acquiring T-Mobile.
tomcklam said:
Hi, I'm in California and I have an Motorola Atrix with AT&T and I just unlocked my phone because I'm about to switch to T-mobile...
However, my friend told me that AT&T and T-Mobile has different 4G networks. He said the AT&T Atrix can not use 3G or 4G speed on a T-Mobile network, It can only go up to Edge speed.... Is that true? Does anyone know about this?
Hope some people can help me here ...
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its true. While both AT&T and T-Mobile use HSPA+ for their "4G" speeds, they run on different bands. If you want 3G/4G, use a T-Mobile phone. Otherwise, enjoy EDGE. Opera Mini with images set to low will be a big help.
T-Mobile leases cellular space from AT&T which is why unlocked AT&T phones can use T-Mobile service. Not sure if it is the phone's software issue that is causing the 4G/3Gnot working. It's possible that T-mobile implemented their so called 4G first but it's still AT&T equipment.....I work for AT&T. Also 4G, is just higher speed 3G, 4G LTE won't be rolling out until next year.
Thank you for the quick reply... I need to get a T-Mobile phone then.
ernestdefoe said:
From everything I have read that is correct, but also know that it won't be much longer till you are back as an AT&T customer since they are acquiring T-Mobile.
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Yep, but sucks that they still charge minutes when I call a T-Mobile number. I'm switching it for my girlfriend, so I can get Unlimited mobile to mobile minutes... I might get a sensation when I switch to T-Mobile
Phoneguy589 said:
T-Mobile leases cellular space from AT&T which is why unlocked AT&T phones can use T-Mobile service. Not sure if it is the phone's software issue that is causing the 4G/3Gnot working. It's possible that T-mobile implemented their so called 4G first but it's still AT&T equipment.....I work for AT&T. Also 4G, is just higher speed 3G, 4G LTE won't be rolling out until next year.
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Good job on the misinformation front.
And also not being helpful, I'm going to assume your in sales and don't actually know anything.
Now on to the OP's question.
T-Mobile uses the same type of technology as AT&T however they operate on different bands. As such most devices that are sold on AT&T will be able work on T-Mobile for phone and edge but don't get 3g or hspa+ due to the radio in the device only supporting some of the bands. Which is why as a general rule AT&T phones such as the iphone, will work on T-Mobile if unlocked but can't use 3g because it doesn't have the ability to operate in the correct MHZ range. Its the same going from T-Mobile to AT&T. My HD2 was awesome, other then the slow data. *Not that my atrix or inspire are much better.
There are exceptions to the rule though. You'll have to check to see which bands the Atrix is capable of using. I know some of the Samsung devices had all the GSM bands so they worked fine on all networks.
the answer is NO the atrix will not work on tmobile USA 3G or 4G network. there, done!
tomcklam said:
Thank you for the quick reply... I need to get a T-Mobile phone then.
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Problem is that if/when the AT&T/T-mobile merger goes through, AT&T will likely flip Tmobile's 3g towers to 4g. All tmobile 3G phones...sorry no more 3g unless you buy a new phone. yay....
linky
AT&T said Monday that it planned to convert T-Mobile's 3G towers to 4G service and move T-Mobile 3G subscribers to AT&T 3G phones.
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gnahc79 said:
Problem is that if/when the AT&T/T-mobile merger goes through, AT&T will likely flip Tmobile's 3g towers to 4g. All tmobile 3G phones...sorry no more 3g unless you buy a new phone. yay....
linky
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They won't just flip a switch and everyone has to buy new phones. They will be phased out as people finish contracts and begin new ones. If they don't, they'll be buying T-Mobile customers all new phones or paying fatcat lawyers to defend them from all the lawsuits.
CaelanT said:
They won't just flip a switch and everyone has to buy new phones. They will be phased out as people finish contracts and begin new ones. If they don't, they'll be buying T-Mobile customers all new phones or paying fatcat lawyers to defend them from all the lawsuits.
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Agreed, sorry I used the term 'flip', never meant to say it would happen instantly . The article I linked stated the switch would take several years. That's not written in stone though, AT&T could move up the timeline if they are losing too many customers to Verizon and Sprint.
This is only an issue if you plan on keeping your tmobile 3g phone for YEARS, which is not likely for anyone that frequents xda .

T-Mobile [Dev Edition/TMO Version] vs Sprint in Maryland

[I'm cross-posting this in the Sprint HTC One forum as well]
My situation:
1. I've been with Sprint since the OG Evo, but after getting the One, I was really frustrated with the slow LTE speeds especially after years of Network Vision promises and paying an extra $10 a month (per phone) for "high speed data" that was anything but. I was also irked at all the crap I had to go through to get the SIM unlocked.
2. The area I live in has refarmed HSPA+ to the 1900Mhz band.
3. The area I live in has AWS LTE.
4. I currently have a Sprint, T-Mobile, and Developer Edition One.
My original plan was to use the DE to test the TMO network to see if it was faster than Sprint and available in all the places I frequent. If so, then I'd sell my (now SIM unlocked) Sprint model and keep the DE, otherwise, I'd return the DE for a refund.
But over the last week and a half I've noticed that, while LTE speeds were frequently pretty high (15-20Mbps) there were still plenty of times when I was only seeing an H or an E. I couldn't even tell if the H was HSPA or HSPA+. So then I began to wonder if I was missing out because of the lack of the 1700Mhz band, thus I bought the TMO version to see if I was missing anything.
Turns out, I wasn't. The H I've been seeing is indeed HSPA+ but nowhere near the advertised 42Mbps. Granted, I wasn't naive enough to think I would pull 42Mbps even with the TMO version, but I expected to get at least in the 20-30Mbps range, instead I've been seeing 5-9Mbps. (Thanks to the Sensorly app, I can now tell which H I'm seeing).
After running around with TMO version, I'm seeing the exact same speeds in the same places. So, I'm not missing anything by not having 1700Mhz. In the meantime, TMO is still refarming more areas so the 1700Mhz is becoming less and less important.
So what about Sprint? At their lowest, the TMO speeds are equal to or a little above the Sprint speeds I've been seeing (my wife inherited the Sprint version during this trial run), and at their highest, Sprint can't touch them (in this area--I've gotten up to 20Mbps in PA).
So T-Mobile it is. When the wife's contract is up at the end of the month, the Sprint model is going up on Swappa. Meanwhile, the TMO version is going back to the store tomorrow.
What about AT&T you ask? Way faster, but way more expensive. Truth is, I spend most of my time on wifi anyway, so I'm not willing to pay AT&T prices for cable internet speeds for the times in between.
Hope this helps anyone else facing the same dilemma.
What are your apns for t-mobile. The LTE apn settings are slower than the HSPA apn. Unless you're in a LTE T-Mobile area.
magicriggs said:
What are your apns for t-mobile. The LTE apn settings are slower than the HSPA apn. Unless you're in a LTE T-Mobile area.
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My area is actually pretty saturated with LTE, but I still I tried both fast and epc. The speeds were the same.
Dang thats crazy.
KiamatDusk said:
My area is actually pretty saturated with LTE, but I still I tried both fast and epc. The speeds were the same.
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I have different result with comparing a Dev edtion and T-Mobile edition One. NY is a refarmed market but there would be times I would still get EDGE in some spots. In the same area the T-Mo One would have a constant 4G/LTE connection while the Dev One would fluctuate between 2G/4G/LTE. I would recommend stick with the T-Mo One just in case you go into area that is not refarmed. I had faster 4G speed on the T-Mo one as well. (Single digits with PCS 4G compared to double digit AWS 4G)
Just popping in to say congrats on leaving Sprint.
I had them for about 8 months and could not stand them anymore. Paid $350 ETF and been happy ever since.

Mistake to get for T-mobile

I went from a note 2 on T-mobile to the mega. (paid $515 us, no tax). I knew what i was getting into, about the bands, but i went for it anyway. I think in retrospect it may have been a mistake. The issue is, that it doesnt have the right bands for hspa+ a lot of the time. It has the edge and the 1900 that was refarmed for hspa+. Granted, i live in NYC which was refarmed, and it my house i do have hspa+, but it was a mistake because a lot of places i go, i dont have service, or i only have edge. And i do wedding jobs all over the tri state area, and that is going to suck. To me, Tmo is awesome, they have 3g, hspa21, hspa42 and now also lte. I can do without the LTE but now i'm limiting myself to only one band of hspa.... Not the smartest idea.
I've heard that a new ported radio may help this but....
mottyengel said:
I went from a note 2 on T-mobile to the mega. (paid $515 us, no tax). I knew what i was getting into, about the bands, but i went for it anyway. I think in retrospect it may have been a mistake. The issue is, that it doesnt have the right bands for hspa+ a lot of the time. It has the edge and the 1900 that was refarmed for hspa+. Granted, i live in NYC which was refarmed, and it my house i do have hspa+, but it was a mistake because a lot of places i go, i dont have service, or i only have edge. And i do wedding jobs all over the tri state area, and that is going to suck. To me, Tmo is awesome, they have 3g, hspa21, hspa42 and now also lte. I can do without the LTE but now i'm limiting myself to only one band of hspa.... Not the smartest idea.
I've heard that a new ported radio may help this but....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you buy this phone knowing you wouldn't get consistent HSPA? I would return it if I were you. Good luck.
mottyengel said:
I've heard that a new ported radio may help this but....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a link for this? I'm used to slow speeds where I am anyway, so edge to HSPA isnt a difference for me. The only places it gets faster is in the areas where they have the 1900 bands anyway...
mottyengel said:
I went from a note 2 on T-mobile to the mega. (paid $515 us, no tax). I knew what i was getting into, about the bands, but i went for it anyway. I think in retrospect it may have been a mistake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is me pretty much exactly.
It is not bad in Atlanta, I get H+ most of the time and my prior tablet (LG G Slate) wasn't really better coverage wise so I'm not unhappy, I just keep thinking I could be happier if I had that extra band of H+
If you find out something that improves TMo experience please note it here so others can benefit also.
damastah said:
Do you have a link for this? I'm used to slow speeds where I am anyway, so edge to HSPA isnt a difference for me. The only places it gets faster is in the areas where they have the 1900 bands anyway...
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Click to collapse
I don't think a modem has been ported yet. I don't think there is a compatible radio out there for this phone. AT&T MIGHT get a version of the Mega (the I-527). If so, someone might be able to port it's radio over to our device and we MIGHT get better signal. Until then, we will have spotty / inconsistent coverage. I get HSPA+, Edge, G, and complete loss of signal almost every day in New York (I drive around a quite a bit between Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan in New York). AT&T and T-Mobile (refarmed), for the most part, use the same bands now.
I came from the AT&T original Galaxy Note (LTE) which I used on T-Mobile's network. I knew I would be taking a step back in terms of data speed by getting the Mega but figured I would at least get HSPA+ which is sufficient for what I do (email, internat and streaming video). When I have HSPA+ signal, I have no data lag even when streaming live tv so it's definitely fast enough (for me at least).
The only issue is, as I already said, the inconsistency. I like the device though and am trying to stick with it until the AT&T Mega comes out (no telling when that will happen - it has been rumored for this month but I'm not holding my breath).
I see the Mega as a mini tablet with GSM phone connectivity, mobile internet connectivity, bluetooth, wifi, nfc, gps, and infra-red (for infrared tv remote control capability). Looking at it from that perspective, I stick with it (because not many tablets have this much connectivity).
Plus, it fits in my pocket (a lot more portable than normal sized tablets).
curgervending said:
I don't think a modem has been ported yet. I don't think there is a compatible radio out there for this phone. AT&T MIGHT get a version of the Mega (the I-527). If so, someone might be able to port it's radio over to our device and we MIGHT get better signal. Until then, we will have spotty / inconsistent coverage. I get HSPA+, Edge, G, and complete loss of signal almost every day in New York (I drive around a quite a bit between Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan in New York). AT&T and T-Mobile (refarmed), for the most part, use the same bands now.
I came from the AT&T original Galaxy Note (LTE) which I used on T-Mobile's network. I knew I would be taking a step back in terms of data speed by getting the Mega but figured I would at least get HSPA+ which is sufficient for what I do (email, internat and streaming video). When I have HSPA+ signal, I have no data lag even when streaming live tv so it's definitely fast enough (for me at least).
The only issue is, as I already said, the inconsistency. I like the device though and am trying to stick with it until the AT&T Mega comes out (no telling when that will happen - it has been rumored for this month but I'm not holding my breath).
I see the Mega as a mini tablet with GSM phone connectivity, mobile internet connectivity, bluetooth, wifi, nfc, gps, and infra-red (for infrared tv remote control capability). Looking at it from that perspective, I stick with it (because not many tablets have this much connectivity).
Plus, it fits in my pocket (a lot more portable than normal sized tablets).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I hear you. What will be the difference with the AT&T one? I'm really looking for a radio port like they did for the AT&T Note with the Galaxy Blaze and S II modems
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
damastah said:
Right, I hear you. What will be the difference with the AT&T one? I'm really looking for a radio port like they did for the AT&T Note with the Galaxy Blaze and S II modems
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AT&T Mega will have LTE so the data speeds will be faster. However, if AT&T gets the Mega, it will be locked to their network and it's currently illegal to unlock your phone yourself (you're supposed to ask the carrier to unlock it for you). I would imagine that AT&T won't be so quick to unlock the phone for you since they wouldn't want to make it convenient for anyone to take the phone to another GSM carrier. Oh well...welcome to America. In Europe (and probably the rest of the world), when you get a phone (even if its carrier-branded and purchase directly from the carrier), it's unlocked. I usually only buy unlocked phones.
I want to wait for a radio port. If I get consistent HSPA+ connectivity, I'm fine. I got about 15mbps download and about 2mbps upload on an HSPA+ connection in Manhattan this morning. That's fast enough for my data needs. I WAS using a Galaxy Note on T-Mobile's LTE network and got up to 22mbps down and 11mbps up. To be honest though, I could only tell the difference between HSPA+ and LTE when downloading huge files (500MB and up). For web surfing, email, streaming video, and live tv, I saw no noticeable difference between LTE and HSPA+.
IF, at the end of the day, you get the data performance you need with HSPA+, having LTE won't really matter that much.
It's kinda like upgrading your car from one that has 160mph on the dash (current Mega with HSPA+) to the exact same car with 320mph on the dash (AT&T Mega with LTE) when the legal speed limit is 70mph (the data speed you need). You may be able to brag about it being faster but do you actually need the extra speed? Bottom line, you have to determine your data speed needs and then make a choice..
curgervending said:
The AT&T Mega will have LTE so the data speeds will be faster. However, if AT&T gets the Mega, it will be locked to their network and it's currently illegal to unlock your phone yourself (you're supposed to ask the carrier to unlock it for you). I would imagine that AT&T won't be so quick to unlock the phone for you since they wouldn't want to make it convenient for anyone to take the phone to another GSM carrier. Oh well...welcome to America. In Europe (and probably the rest of the world), when you get a phone (even if its carrier-branded and purchase directly from the carrier), it's unlocked. I usually only buy unlocked phones.
I want to wait for a radio port. If I get consistent HSPA+ connectivity, I'm fine. I got about 15mbps download and about 2mbps upload on an HSPA+ connection in Manhattan this morning. That's fast enough for my data needs. I WAS using a Galaxy Note on T-Mobile's LTE network and got up to 22mbps down and 11mbps up. To be honest though, I could only tell the difference between HSPA+ and LTE when downloading huge files (500MB and up). For web surfing, email, streaming video, and live tv, I saw no noticeable difference between LTE and HSPA+.
IF, at the end of the day, you get the data performance you need with HSPA+, having LTE won't really matter that much.
It's kinda like upgrading your car from one that has 160mph on the dash (current Mega with HSPA+) to the exact same car with 320mph on the dash (AT&T Mega with LTE) when the legal speed limit is 70mph (the data speed you need). You may be able to brag about it being faster but do you actually need the extra speed? Bottom line, you have to determine your data speed needs and then make a choice..
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I see. So the at&t one will have an extra T-Mobile compatible band in it? I thought the only one was the 1900 band getting converted into affect by T-Mobile
damastah said:
I see. So the at&t one will have an extra T-Mobile compatible band in it? I thought the only one was the 1900 band getting converted into affect by T-Mobile
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The AT&T Mega should have both the 1900 (the refarmed HSPA+ band on T-Mobile) and the LTE 1700/2100 band (which is the same frequency that both AT&T and T-Mobile use for LTE). The I-9200 version Mega only has the 1900 band and no LTE at all. The I-9205 version Mega has the 1900 band and LTE but not the 1700/2100 LTE band that works on T-Mobile and AT&T .
Radio Question
curgervending said:
The AT&T Mega should have both the 1900 (the refarmed HSPA+ band on T-Mobile) and the LTE 1700/2100 band (which is the same frequency that both AT&T and T-Mobile use for LTE). The I-9200 version Mega only has the 1900 band and no LTE at all. The I-9205 version Mega has the 1900 band and LTE but not the 1700/2100 LTE band that works on T-Mobile and AT&T .
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Sorry, bit of radio ignorance here. So is this a physical hardware difference or could it be adjusted on an existing I-9205 to use the 1700/2100 LTE band by flashing a new radio/rom once TMo/AT&T have a specific version out?
I must admit, this is the only thing that is keeping me from getting the Mega. IF I knew with certainty that a version of this phone would work 100% with T-Mobile, I would jump on it. Unfortunately, i'll probably just have to wait for the Note III. I know there will be a version of that for T-mo.
Mega
Coming to the US carriers soon?
http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/17/galaxy-mega-6-3-press-render-surfaces-with-navy-blue-body-atandt/
I know I want the Mega so bad & I see them unlocked on Ebay. I've asked a couple of sellers if it will work for TMobile but they say either edge or 3g. I have the Note 2 now and I'm more into size wise so not really looking forward to the Note 3. I was wondering if the AT&T one would work unlocked but they don't want you to leave the store without activating it. So I just have to wait patiently like you friend.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
jminatl said:
Sorry, bit of radio ignorance here. So is this a physical hardware difference or could it be adjusted on an existing I-9205 to use the 1700/2100 LTE band by flashing a new radio/rom once TMo/AT&T have a specific version out?
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Physical hardware difference. The I-9205's LTE physical hardware is "tuned" (for lack of a better word) to bands LTE2100, LTE850, LTE1800, LTE2600, LTE800. AT&T / T-Mobile uses band LTE 1700/2100 frequency. Using a different radio in the I-9205 won't change the bands that the phone is tuned to. If anyone out there knows better please chime in. I certainly don't claim to know much. One thing I'm not clear on is whether LTE2100 band in the I-9205 will partially work on T-Mobile / AT&T. I think the phone specifically has to have LTE1700/2100 which is different from LTE2100. Again, someone with more knowledge, please chime in.
would the att version work on T-Mobile? Here are the specs on it;
GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900,
UMTS850 (B5), UMTS900 (B8), UMTS1900 (B2), UMTS2100 (B1)
LTE700 (B17), LTE850 (B5), LTE1700/2100 (B4), LTE1900 (B2)
I live in a refarmed area with LTE.
mottyengel said:
I went from a note 2 on T-mobile to the mega. (paid $515 us, no tax). I knew what i was getting into, about the bands, but i went for it anyway. I think in retrospect it may have been a mistake. The issue is, that it doesnt have the right bands for hspa+ a lot of the time. It has the edge and the 1900 that was refarmed for hspa+. Granted, i live in NYC which was refarmed, and it my house i do have hspa+, but it was a mistake because a lot of places i go, i dont have service, or i only have edge. And i do wedding jobs all over the tri state area, and that is going to suck. To me, Tmo is awesome, they have 3g, hspa21, hspa42 and now also lte. I can do without the LTE but now i'm limiting myself to only one band of hspa.... Not the smartest idea.
I've heard that a new ported radio may help this but....
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By the way, what version of the Mega do you have (i9200 or i9205)? I have T-Mobile and live in a refarmed area (NYC). I've heard people say that the i9205 gives them H+ speeds here.
T-mob 4G with AT&T mega?
I have just bought an AT&T mega (SGH-I527) from a guy. It's 8 days old, unlocked and running T-mob 4GLTE no problem.
21940kbps dl with the 4GLTE icon.
Sweet!
Does it give you spurts of edge 3g and lte or is it steady lte. In other words does it work pretty good to get online or does it lag sometimes?
Sent from my SGH-T889
MR.MEMORYLANE said:
Does it give you spurts of edge 3g and lte or is it steady lte. In other words does it work pretty good to get online or does it lag sometimes?
Sent from my SGH-T889
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I've had it for only a few hours but when 4GLTE lights up and I stay in the same position then it holds the icon no problem. The area is patchy and not far away I loose 4G and it drops to 3G but it gets back the 4G where it can. In that regard it works like my previous phone but it didn't have the benefit of of LTE!
I went to the AT&T store today and I can buy it cash without contract but I just don't want it to be just edge service if you know what I mean.
Sent from my SGH-T889

Universal phone? Verizon and T-mobile?

Hi, im looking for a phone which would work with both verizon and T-mobile. Why both? well im in an odd situation, where im halfway through my contract with verizon, but want to switch to T-mobile. But my phone right now barely even works at the moment, so i need a new one, which I can bring over with me when i switch to T-mobile
I need a phone which works on both carriers or else I will end up buying to phones at full price, and I wouldnt want to do that!. Any help wpuld be extremely appreciated, there has to be some kind of smartphone out there thats capable of this
robotnikman said:
Hi, im looking for a phone which would work with both verizon and T-mobile. Why both? well im in an odd situation, where im halfway through my contract with verizon, but want to switch to T-mobile. But my phone right now barely even works at the moment, so i need a new one, which I can bring over with me when i switch to T-mobile
I need a phone which works on both carriers or else I will end up buying to phones at full price, and I wouldnt want to do that!. Any help wpuld be extremely appreciated, there has to be some kind of smartphone out there thats capable of this
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Click to collapse
A lot of phones these days are tri/quad-band. This means they operate on 3 or 4 frequencies ranges.
I'm not from the US so I'm not 100% sure but I believe Verizon is a CDMA based network while T-Mobile uses GSM (or WCDMA).
This would mean that most phones cannot be taken from one to the other. However many newer phones are released in carrier specific versions but don't have any hardware differences. Its often very hard to test/confirm this without having the specific device in your hand.
Google suggests that the iPhone 5, 5C & 5S from Verizon is unlocked and works on T-Mobiles 3G & 4G networks. So this could be an option.
As far as android handsets go, most of the phones I can find dont have a good overlap of frequencies for both networks.
Using the LG G2 as an example, the T-Mobile versions of most handsets use 850/1700/1900/2100 for 3G and LTE Bands 2, 4, 17. Verizon uses 850/900/1900/2100 for 3G and LTE Bands 4, 13. There is a little overlap there, 3G @ 850, 900 & 2100, but the LTE coverage is limited to Band 4 which could result in some negative experiences coverage wise on T-Mobile.

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