Hello All!
I am interested in knowing more about purchasing non-Verizon branded smart phones for use on a Verizon plan (with working talk, sms, and data). I am wondering if there are options available for buying phones that are CDMA capable (like from Sprint) or international models that can be used on Verizon's network. I understand the capabilities of CDMA and GSM, as well as their differences. However, I would like to know if anyone has had any experience with taking (for instance) an international S4 (i9505) and using it with Verizon.
My reasoning for this, as many may have contemplated, is finding a way to take certain Samsung models of phones (i.e. S4, N3, S5, N4) that are unlocked and using them on Verizon's network because of the limitations placed on Verizon's phones (e.g. locked bootloaders). My hope is that Verizon users will not be entirely subject to buying dev phones for unlocked Samsung devices.
I do understand why GSM-only phones will not work (with Verizon being CDMA only), but I have heard that some carriers (including Verizon) may be upgrading to different network standards in the future.
Thanks,
MetaMav
MetaMav said:
Hello All!
I am interested in knowing more about purchasing non-Verizon branded smart phones for use on a Verizon plan (with working talk, sms, and data). I am wondering if there are options available for buying phones that are CDMA capable (like from Sprint) or international models that can be used on Verizon's network. I understand the capabilities of CDMA and GSM, as well as their differences. However, I would like to know if anyone has had any experience with taking (for instance) an international S4 (i9505) and using it with Verizon.
My reasoning for this, as many may have contemplated, is finding a way to take certain Samsung models of phones (i.e. S4, N3, S5, N4) that are unlocked and using them on Verizon's network because of the limitations placed on Verizon's phones (e.g. locked bootloaders). My hope is that Verizon users will not be entirely subject to buying dev phones for unlocked Samsung devices.
I do understand why GSM-only phones will not work (with Verizon being CDMA only), but I have heard that some carriers (including Verizon) may be upgrading to different network standards in the future.
Thanks,
MetaMav
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't do that until this happens:
http://www.extremetech.com/electron...ll-off-cdma-and-allow-unlocked-lte-phones-too
Related
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.
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 !!!
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.
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
My question remains, when carrier unlocking an s9 or s9+, is there any way to make it available on different network types like say if the phone started out using a carrier that uses CDMA, is their any way to flash it to utilize t-mobile's frequency bands?
I unlocked two galaxy s9+'s that were on xfinity, which uses verizon towers. The two phones did unlock, but only for carriers utilizing CDMA. I was hoping they would be able to be used on t-mobile after unlocking, but they can't. Only messaging and data works using a t-mobile SIM card. Verizon works fine. SO my question still remains, is there a way to make it work?
I used itekimei .com to have the phones unlocked, as I found they were suggested here on XDA. And they weren't really able to answer my question either. They said it should work with t-mobile, but the conversation ended with "t-mobile is having problems with unlocked phones." This is super frustrating trying to get an answer.
Edit: I found this forum https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9-plus/help/sim-unlocking-sprint-samsung-galaxy-s9-t3783571 which debates whether it will work or not. Also this one specifically about Xfinity https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9-plus/help/xfinity-mobile-unlock-service-t3796349. But mine didn't work. I don't think U.S. S9's are cross compatible from CDMA to GSM. I have been searching and searching and can't find a way.
Yes, the US unit hardware is cross compatible. Heck, Verizon itself isn't all CDMA. They are phasing out CDMA soon and most of their network is LTE.
I have a US unlocked S9+ and can use any carrier in the US. You could too, all you need to do is flash the US Unlocked firmware to the device using Odin.
Your problem may be the Xfinity firmware restricting certain bands is all. Or possibly the device isn't really unlocked.
Regards,