Is anyone having any luck buying a Sprint Gear S WITHOUT having to activate the data plan to go along with it?
Long Story Short - Trying to buy my girlfriend the Gear S for Christmas. She is with Sprint.
I know that the Gear S can be used without the data connection- Meaning I could just buy the AT&T watch and be good to go. But I want to buy the Sprint version of the watch on the off chance that she decides that she wants to activate the data plan... I'm not having ANY luck calling Spring and/or visiting Sprint Stores.
Any one had any luck?
TeldenW said:
Is anyone having any luck buying a Sprint Gear S WITHOUT having to activate the data plan to go along with it?
Long Story Short - Trying to buy my girlfriend the Gear S for Christmas. She is with Sprint.
I know that the Gear S can be used without the data connection- Meaning I could just buy the AT&T watch and be good to go. But I want to buy the Sprint version of the watch on the off chance that she decides that she wants to activate the data plan... I'm not having ANY luck calling Spring and/or visiting Sprint Stores.
Any one had any luck?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I can't answer your question, I just wanted to let you know that if you run into walls, and Sprint refuses to help you, you could get the ATT version, unlock it, and get her a Tmo card for 15$/month.
ATT watch and Tmo plan seem to be the best combination in terms of value, especially since she would not be tied in into any kind of contract.
xendula said:
While I can't answer your question, I just wanted to let you know that if you run into walls, and Sprint refuses to help you, you could get the ATT version, unlock it, and get her a Tmo card for 15$/month.
ATT watch and Tmo plan seem to be the best combination in terms of value, especially since she would not be tied in into any kind of contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the suggestions! A couple follow up questions for you if you don't mind.....
1. How do I 'unlock' the ATT watch?
2. Will the unlocked ATT watch with a Tmob SIM communicate correctly with her Sprint phone??
TeldenW said:
Thank you so much for the suggestions! A couple follow up questions for you if you don't mind.....
1. How do I 'unlock' the ATT watch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have ever been an ATT customer, or know someone who is or was an ATT customer, you/they can request an unlock code for free. Turn around time is around 4 days. I walked into an ATT store and told them I wanted to buy it straight out and not activate it on ATT. No problem at all.
Otherwise, there is a UK Ebay seller who offers unlock codes for $16. I bought one not knowing if ATT would end up unlocking mine, because I only have a grandfathered data plan with them, but they did. That seller was recommended by someone here, and he said he got his unlock code in less than 24 hrs, so they seem to be legit. (Again, can't speak out of experience because ATT ended up unlocking my phone. I am sitting on an unlock code, debating if I should buy a cheap prepaid Samsung phone just so I can unlock it.) There are sites like unlocker.net that charge $39 for the same service.
All I did was put my Tmo sim card in, and the Gear S prompted me for the unlock code. Once entered, the device was open to use with whatever carrier I wanted.
2. Will the unlocked ATT watch with a Tmob SIM communicate correctly with her Sprint phone??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Quite a few users reported successfully using their non Tmo phones with a Gear S that has a Tmo SIM in it, be it a Tmo Gear S or an unlocked ATT Gear S (Tmo won't unlock theirs). I happen to have a Tmo voice plan, but I have not read a single report where the watch was not playing nice with a different carrier on it than on the phone.
And, if I may say, that's a really cool present for your girlfriend, especially if she is active. Great choice
I kind of hate Tmo because they refused to unlock my phone, so I HATE saying anything good about them right now. But they do have the best plan AFAIK, no ties whatsoever, and specific music streaming apps don't count against the watch's 500 MB data allotment, like Milk, which i haven't used, but which comes preinstalled. The plan also includes unlimited talk&text, btw.
ETA: Check out this very long thread about buying an ATT Gear S without a contract
Related
I will be in the US for vacation in about six weeks and planning to buy The One.
Can you please help me with some questions:
1. Assuming that by then stock would be plenty and they don't refuse off contract sales. My question is: will A&TT or T-Mobile sell me the phone without me getting any phone service. I have my SIM with international roaming and do not need any kind of US phone service. I just need the Hardware. Is it possible?
2. Because I would be paying the phone without any contract or subsidy (full price). Can you confirm it will be unlocked to use with a SIM from any operator? Is it something automatically or I have to request it in the store?
3. I'm ok if they can only be unlocked. But have to ask if The One bough from operators can also be customized with other ROMS.
3. Which carrier is prefered to do this (if can be done) AT&T or T-Mobile.
Thanks you!
Antiflash said:
I will be in the US for vacation in about six weeks and planning to buy The One.
Can you please help me with some questions:
1. Assuming that by then stock would be plenty and they don't refuse off contract sales. My question is: will A&TT or T-Mobile sell me the phone without me getting any phone service. I have my SIM with international roaming and do not need any kind of US phone service. I just need the Hardware. Is it possible?
2. Because I would be paying the phone without any contract or subsidy (full price). Can you confirm it will be unlocked to use with a SIM from any operator? Is it something automatically or I have to request it in the store?
3. I'm ok if they can only be unlocked. But have to ask if The One bough from operators can also be customized with other ROMS.
3. Which carrier is prefered to do this (if can be done) AT&T or T-Mobile.
Thanks you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably want to buy the unlocked version. It is cheaper, unlocked, and will be able to use custom roms after unlocking the bootloader http://shopamerica.htc.com/brands/HTC-mobile/homebrands/index.htm
If not to answer those questions
1. Yes you can buy off contract
2. It will not be unlocked. You probably can unlock it easily with something like cellular unlocker service
3. Right now the bootloader is unlockable. We do not know if they will lock in the future
3(again). AT&T has earlier release but it doesnt really matter
joshuadjohnson22 said:
You probably want to buy the unlocked version. It is cheaper, unlocked, and will be able to use custom roms after unlocking the bootloader http://shopamerica.htc.com/brands/HTC-mobile/homebrands/index.htm
If not to answer those questions
1. Yes you can buy off contract
2. It will not be unlocked. You probably can unlock it easily with something like cellular unlocker service
3. Right now the bootloader is unlockable. We do not know if they will lock in the future
3(again). AT&T has earlier release but it doesnt really matter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the prompt response. I would like to buy it from HTC directly but what I planning is a road trip and won't be staying more than a couple of days in any place. It is difficult to time processing and delivery times from HTC and I don't know how strict they are with billing address differing from shipping address.
Bummer they would not unlocked it even after paying it in full. What "unlocker" services do you recommend. I have never used one.
Antiflash said:
Thanks for the prompt response. I would like to buy it from HTC directly but what I planning is a road trip and won't be staying more than a couple of days in any place. It is difficult to time processing and delivery times from HTC and I don't know how strict they are with billing address differing from shipping address.
Bummer they would not unlocked it even after paying it in full. What "unlocker" services do you recommend. I have never used one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot out there like http://www.cellunlocker.net/ they will just send you a code that you can enter after putting a none AT&T sim in it. Now a disclaimer from me. I have heard of a lot of phones being unlocked by them but the HTC One has not been unlocked on AT&T yet as far as I know.
I just bought one from a employee on craigslist and trying to get it unlocked
Sent from my HTC One
If any carrier sells you a phone for off contract pricing you're eligible/entitled to have it unlocked when you walk out the door. Just call them.
Ok so we all know why we got our gear s from at&t (100$) cheaper than sprint.so now after i unlock the phone is there a way to connect it so srint.if yes than how if no than state details why not and whats the best choice for unlocked at&t gear s device ....
Sprint version is CDMA. I think that is why it also cost more. ATT version is gsm version with a sim card. I dont think they will work.
In order to use any phone on a CDMA carrier, it must meet two conditions:
1. It must support CDMA. The AT&T and T-Mobile versions are GSM only, no CDMA support.
2. It must has ESN (each CDMA device has one) already in the carrier's database. There is no known (official) way to put foreign device ESN into the database other than carrier itself. That means you are pretty much limited to devices sold by Sprint only. Even though Verizon is CDMA as well, you can't use any Verizon devices.
Yeah. That's a tall order. Atleast to use all functionality of services. Pairing is fine and using the features of the marriage between your device and GS. But standalone, I'm pretty sure that's not going to happen.
Although. Maybe using Boost or Virgin Mobile may work? I believe they use sim cards. I could totally be wrong though. But i thought they did.
Sent from my SM-N910P
Boost and Virgin Mobile all run off of sprint network. The best thing would be to return the watch to att and just pick up a sprint version. Price wise it only 80 bucks more but then you know you can use it on your network.
billybkny said:
Ok so we all know why we got our gear s from at&t (100$) cheaper than sprint.so now after i unlock the phone is there a way to connect it so srint.if yes than how if no than state details why not and whats the best choice for unlocked at&t gear s device ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the other posters have said CDMA = UICC CARD (SPRINT SOME VERIZON) GSM (T-MOBILE &AT&T
SPRINT & VERIZON
NO SIM CARD FOR YOU
T-MOBILE & AT&T
SIM CARD YES UNLOCK MAYBE BUT YOU CAN ONLY GO TO THESE CARRIERS
MOST ARE LOCKED (yOU CAN USE MVNO TO YOUR CARRIER WHILE LOCKED (IE H2O/CRICKET/STRAIGHTTALK ECT=AT&T
WHATEVER VERIZON IS .
You can use separately I for instance have Note 4 Sprint Gear S T-mobile
Ok as i come from sprint im really a noob about sim cards and the prepaid ones.can somebody please give me in details with sim cards will work unlocked fear s at&t .i want to put sim card with phone and text dont care about data ill use wifi mostly but dont want monthly subscibtion to any service.simple sim card that gonna let me talk and text till i finish my minutes...
the thing is that the price for a prepaid sim card is not worth the cost of the service. Most will be 30 a month. I think you may be better just trying to get service from att.
billybkny said:
Ok as i come from sprint im really a noob about sim cards and the prepaid ones.can somebody please give me in details with sim cards will work unlocked fear s at&t .i want to put sim card with phone and text dont care about data ill use wifi mostly but dont want monthly subscibtion to any service.simple sim card that gonna let me talk and text till i finish my minutes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
H20/cricket/Net10/Red Pocket/Straight Talk/ ect locked AT&T :good:
T-mobile (you unlock sim it will work with these bootleg company's for t-mo)
Metropcs/Simple mobile/GoSmart/walmart plan/Red Pocket/Straight talk /net 10
theres more but these are ones people know
That wasn't confusing at all ...
Haha.
Sprint and Verizon sim cards are for LTE. This watch definitely does not support LTE.
There are definitely two versions that were tested by the FCC, those were the GSM and the CDMA models. I thought at first that it might have a universal radio (CDMA/GSM hybrid) because the Snapdragon 400 in the device supports that. But the FCC didn't license it that way, so #sadface ...
The ONLY benefit to buying on on your same carrier is to get a discount on the device (if you can call Verizon's $349 a discount), and to have a discounted plan ($5-10/mo) to use its independent phone and data ... but you'd be under contract for two years ... that's a long time and quite the commitment.
Most of us just paid AT&T 299 outright and walked out with the device. Some have had to contact AT&T to request unlock, I, for some reason have NOT ... my T-Mobile sim also works in it and did out of the box ... I believe I had a VERY knowledgeable customer service rep where I bought it, and she knew what was up!!!!!! (AT&T in Henderson Nevada by the Sunset Station Mall, I will never go anywhere else! they can have all the monies :good
sbrownla said:
Haha.
Sprint and Verizon sim cards are for LTE. This watch definitely does not support LTE.
There are definitely two versions that were tested by the FCC, those were the GSM and the CDMA models. I thought at first that it might have a universal radio (CDMA/GSM hybrid) because the Snapdragon 400 in the device supports that. But the FCC didn't license it that way, so #sadface ...
The ONLY benefit to buying on on your same carrier is to get a discount on the device (if you can call Verizon's $349 a discount), and to have a discounted plan ($5-10/mo) to use its independent phone and data ... but you'd be under contract for two years ... that's a long time and quite the commitment.
Most of us just paid AT&T 299 outright and walked out with the device. Some have had to contact AT&T to request unlock, I, for some reason have NOT ... my T-Mobile sim also works in it and did out of the box ... I believe I had a VERY knowledgeable customer service rep where I bought it, and she knew what was up!!!!!! (AT&T in Henderson Nevada by the Sunset Station Mall, I will never go anywhere else! they can have all the monies :good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was a good look.
I got mines at Sprint and just cashed out on it. Wasn't concerned about the price, nor the plan. Knew all about it prior to buying. I dont regret where/how I got it one bit. That $299 tag is a great deal though. Lol
Sent from my SM-T807P
I thinking about getting one of these but I rather not have to pay extra 10.00$ a month as I would usually have my phone around me. I found some unlocked ones on ebay. Now my question is if bought one and wanted to leave my phone at home could I just swap the sim cards? I have a sim card adapter to make it all work. Or ifnot could I use a pre paid sim?
Thank you
burtonfamily101 said:
I thinking about getting one of these but I rather not have to pay extra 10.00$ a month as I would usually have my phone around me. I found some unlocked ones on ebay. Now my question is if bought one and wanted to leave my phone at home could I just swap the sim cards? I have a sim card adapter to make it all work. Or ifnot could I use a pre paid sim?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy unlock gs from ebay.....just make dammm sure it will work on your gsm network. If it will, yes you can swap the sim from the phone to the gs....but the risk of breaking something is much greater...if you know what I mean. You can always go pre-paid.
Example: Pri att/unlock to use on tmobile.......it might work....people are saying they are having trouble with unlock gs and vice versa with Pri tmobile/unlock to att. But I think it is a hit and miss, cause I have a unlock att and I can go tmobile network any time with no issues.....as of now I am on pre paid h2o (att network) for when I want to go remote and leave the phone at the house while jogging.
Thank you for the reply and sorry for my late one. So ive found a few on ebay that say unlocked. So what I would need to do is get a sim from h2O as prepaid use that when I set up the watch from my AT&T s4?
With h2o you dont really need a unlock gs if you get an att gs......since it runs off the att network. You should not have an issue since your s4 is also running on the att network.
Unknown Zone said:
With h2o you dont really need a unlock gs if you get an att gs......since it runs off the att network. You should not have an issue since your s4 is also running on the att network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I posted on a similar thread- $10 gets you 90 days, 100 megs with H2O's cheapest pay-as-you-go. I take the watch to the gym on remote connection every few days since january-- I've used about $1.70 of the $10 credit from getting notifications and few calls routed to the watch.
Since you'll be buying the watch off contract- go ahead and submit that request for the unlock from AT&T anyway, even though h2o works on locked att devices. It'll make it worth a little more for resale down the road, plus it's free and easy to do so- you just need a non-att/h2o sim card.
btw, if there's no huge hurry for cell coverage on the watch, you can get H2o and simple mobile SIMs on amazon for one penny & free shipping. Get a simple mobile one so you can unlock the watch with it.
make sure you get a nano-sim
edouble312 said:
Yep. I posted on a similar thread- $10 gets you 90 days, 100 megs with H2O's cheapest pay-as-you-go. I take the watch to the gym on remote connection every few days since january-- I've used about $1.70 of the $10 credit from getting notifications and few calls routed to the watch.
Since you'll be buying the watch off contract- go ahead and submit that request for the unlock from AT&T anyway, even though h2o works on locked att devices. It'll make it worth a little more for resale down the road, plus it's free and easy to do so- you just need a non-att/h2o sim card.
btw, if there's no huge hurry for cell coverage on the watch, you can get H2o and simple mobile SIMs on amazon for one penny & free shipping. Get a simple mobile one so you can unlock the watch with it.
make sure you get a nano-sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep forgetting the unlock code can be asked when bought out right after the new ruling went into affect. I don't have att nor tmobile as my phone carrier and bought the att gs since it was the cheapest of them all and needed coverage as a second carrier when out of phone range (I have sprint on the note2).....also since it has a sim....it could be unlock...etc. I was telling cyper the other day.....I too was afraid of the data usage, but after 2 to 3 months the gs eats data like a bird.......I bought the $100/1yr and I am sitting at 97.00 (since Dec) cause I was not sure how the gs with going to eat data..etc. I am going to have to down grade when it is time to reboost next yr..lol. I might go with the $10/90 days next time around.
burtonfamily101 said:
I thinking about getting one of these but I rather not have to pay extra 10.00$ a month as I would usually have my phone around me. I found some unlocked ones on ebay. Now my question is if bought one and wanted to leave my phone at home could I just swap the sim cards? I have a sim card adapter to make it all work. Or ifnot could I use a pre paid sim?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use a family shared plan and you don't have that $10 access charge.
They do not charge extra just for a new line? Thanks though I will contact AT&T and find out now to be 100% before I shop on ebay.
2 different networks
Unknown Zone said:
I keep forgetting the unlock code can be asked when bought out right after the new ruling went into affect. I don't have att nor tmobile as my phone carrier and bought the att gs since it was the cheapest of them all and needed coverage as a second carrier when out of phone range (I have sprint on the note2).....also since it has a sim....it could be unlock...etc. I was telling cyper the other day.....I too was afraid of the data usage, but after 2 to 3 months the gs eats data like a bird.......I bought the $100/1yr and I am sitting at 97.00 (since Dec) cause I was not sure how the gs with going to eat data..etc. I am going to have to down grade when it is time to reboost next yr..lol. I might go with the $10/90 days next time around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am looking to do the EXACT same thing you did. I have sprint, sprint version is about 399 in the store but I can get the international unlocked for 253.00 I can send you the link if anybody needs it off amazon. The challenge of course is sprints restrictive network so I have 2 questions, 1st when your phone is paired can you receive calls when tethered and talk through the watch and 2nd when you popped the sim card into the watch did you have issues using it as a stand alone device?
eternal22x said:
I am looking to do the EXACT same thing you did. I have sprint, sprint version is about 399 in the store but I can get the international unlocked for 253.00 I can send you the link if anybody needs it off amazon. The challenge of course is sprints restrictive network so I have 2 questions, 1st when your phone is paired can you receive calls when tethered and talk through the watch and 2nd when you popped the sim card into the watch did you have issues using it as a stand alone device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, when tethered you can receive calls and talk through watch. Only at&t & T-Mobile Gear S watches have sim card slot (GSM). So if your looking to use the watch as standalone on Sprint network (not sure if your talking wifi or 3G network) , assuming your talking 3G network via Sprint there would be no SIM card required. Are you talking standalone via wifi/no 3G plan or standalone as connected to the Sprint 3G network with the $9.99 plan?
**The previous persons comments are very misleading and I think confuses anyone who reads it. In order to even use the device via Sprint 3G they will need your IMEI number NO SIM CARD.**
I paid the cost for Sprints Gear S which didn't bother me, although I'm using it connected to the $9.99 plan as well as tethered to my phone. Its also much easier to get a warranty replacement device. This thread seems so off topic I'm confused if previous poster is talking with 3G plan or not considering the OT was no plan.
well my plan is to bypass sprint all together and use a prepaid AT&T h20 nano sim card on the watch. This way I use sprint when tethered and AT&T when using as a stand alone watch phone if that makes any sense. Again this is a gamble as I ordered the international South Korean unlocked version, Ive seen one or 2 posts on this being a possibility but I will update if it does work, if so this option may save many people money and frustration of being tied to one network.
---------- Post added at 06:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:36 PM ----------
Unknown Zone said:
If you buy unlock gs from ebay.....just make dammm sure it will work on your gsm network. If it will, yes you can swap the sim from the phone to the gs....but the risk of breaking something is much greater...if you know what I mean. You can always go pre-paid.
Example: Pri att/unlock to use on tmobile.......it might work....people are saying they are having trouble with unlock gs and vice versa with Pri tmobile/unlock to att. But I think it is a hit and miss, cause I have a unlock att and I can go tmobile network any time with no issues.....as of now I am on pre paid h2o (att network) for when I want to go remote and leave the phone at the house while jogging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am attempting to do this with a T-mobile note 4 and a South korean unlocked GS from amazon I will update if it does work. On a side note the seller had their prices listed as low as $235.00 New and the day after I purchased it they bumped their prices back up to $319.00!! (I was at the right place at the right time i guess)
eternal22x said:
well my plan is to bypass sprint all together and use a prepaid AT&T h20 nano sim card on the watch. This way I use sprint when tethered and AT&T when using as a stand alone watch phone if that makes any sense. Again this is a gamble as I ordered the international South Korean unlocked version, Ive seen one or 2 posts on this being a possibility but I will update if it does work, if so this option may save many people money and frustration of being tied to one network.
---------- Post added at 06:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:36 PM ----------
I am attempting to do this with a T-mobile note 4 and a South korean unlocked GS from amazon I will update if it does work. On a side note the seller had their prices listed as low as $235.00 New and the day after I purchased it they bumped their prices back up to $319.00!! (I was at the right place at the right time i guess)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes perfect sense, thanks for clarifying that. Actually would like to know how that turns out for you. I just have a personal grudge against at&t/Verizon and left at&t for Sprint not long ago, so that just wasn't an option for me. How much is the line going to cost through at&t? I was thinking it was a little bit more per month unless you already have a phone line..
I'm currently an AT&T customer but wanna buy a new phone and switch to Straight Talk.
Hey XDA,hows everybody's day going so far?
Ok, so I have a LG E980 on AT&T. Phone is showing age and the headphone jack is having a hard time connecting. Time for an upgrade.
So I wanna keep the same number but switch to Straight Talk. How does this work? Do I buy the unlocked one or the AT&T and bring my AT&T phone to Straight Talk?
I hope somebody can help me with this. Does anybody know how long it takes for a phone number to transfer to a different carrier?
Thanks in advance for helping me.
Dcm210 said:
Hey XDA,hows everybody's day going so far?
Ok, so I have a LG E980 on AT&T. Phone is showing age and the headphone jack is having a hard time connecting. Time for an upgrade.
So I wanna keep the same number but switch to Straight Talk. How does this work? Do I buy the unlocked one or the AT&T and bring my AT&T phone to Straight Talk?
I hope somebody can help me with this. Does anybody know how long it takes for a phone number to transfer to a different carrier?
Thanks in advance for helping me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ask straight talk if you can bring your phone to there service, should be able to I think? Yeah it's pretty easy to port number over. When you get service call straight talk customer care number and they will contact old carrier for you.
Dcm210 said:
Hey XDA,hows everybody's day going so far?
Ok, so I have a LG E980 on AT&T. Phone is showing age and the headphone jack is having a hard time connecting. Time for an upgrade.
So I wanna keep the same number but switch to Straight Talk. How does this work? Do I buy the unlocked one or the AT&T and bring my AT&T phone to Straight Talk?
I hope somebody can help me with this. Does anybody know how long it takes for a phone number to transfer to a different carrier?
Thanks in advance for helping me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all chose the phone you want. As for AT&T version or US unlocked version (RS988), it will depend on if root and twrp is important to you or not. If you want TWRP and root, get the RS988 version (I recommend getting it from B&H photo) as it can be bootloader unlocked, rooted and install twrp. It also has all the network bands for AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon. If you don't care about root you could do the AT&T version if you want. As far as transfering your service, it's pretty easy. Go to walmart (or where ever) and buy the Bring your own phone package (you can buy an AT&T sim from straight talk for the BYOP program as well and it's cheaper). Once you do that activate your service using the instructions for your new G5 and chose the option to port your number. Straight talk will need your AT&T account number and account password to transfer your service, but it usually is pretty quick that it transfers, unless you run into a problem.
jeffsga88 said:
First of all chose the phone you want. As for AT&T version or US unlocked version (RS988), it will depend on if root and twrp is important to you or not. If you want TWRP and root, get the RS988 version (I recommend getting it from B&H photo) as it can be bootloader unlocked, rooted and install twrp. It also has all the network bands for AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon. If you don't care about root you could do the AT&T version if you want. As far as transfering your service, it's pretty easy. Go to walmart (or where ever) and buy the Bring your own phone package (you can buy an AT&T sim from straight talk for the BYOP program as well and it's cheaper). Once you do that activate your service using the instructions for your new G5 and chose the option to port your number. Straight talk will need your AT&T account number and account password to transfer your service, but it usually is pretty quick that it transfers, unless you run into a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you,very much for the info.
Hello guys,
I did see 5hat the Galaxy s9 plus is cheaper through Samsung or through Best Buy Friday. The phone that is cheaper is the unlocked version that works with any carrier including Verizon which I get. My question is will the unlocked version work with, or have a way to download Verizon Visual Voicemail, and will it work? Appreciate the feedback.
mdonnelly1127 said:
Hello guys,
I did see 5hat the Galaxy s9 plus is cheaper through Samsung or through Best Buy Friday. The phone that is cheaper is the unlocked version that works with any carrier including Verizon which I get. My question is will the unlocked version work with, or have a way to download Verizon Visual Voicemail, and will it work? Appreciate the feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To piggy back off of this question (since I am in similar boat with AT&T) - Is it possible to flash the phone with the carrier version after purchasing unlocked version? Unfortunately, WiFi calling is a must where I live.
Thanks
I'm also in the same situation with Verizon. I want to get the unlocked version, but will everything work just like the verizon branded device? Also does anyone know if the Samsung trade in offer will work with a Verizon phone that's on payment plan?
Also wondering if sideloading the app will work for this purpose.
LgG2-Ttrain said:
I'm also in the same situation with Verizon. I want to get the unlocked version, but will everything work just like the verizon branded device? Also does anyone know if the Samsung trade in offer will work with a Verizon phone that's on payment plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why they shouldn't take it. I've sold phones on Verizon payment plan and haven't had any problems. The carriers only care that you continue to make payments and fire that they bill you monthly.
Bxrider117 said:
I don't see why they shouldn't take it. I've sold phones on Verizon payment plan and haven't had any problems. The carriers only care that you continue to make payments and fire that they bill you monthly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I just finished reading the fine print in Samsung's trade in offer. So the only phones they will not accept as trade ins are leased phones.
Just went through this at Best Buy on Friday, also.
Was strongly considering the unlocked S9+ and porting it to the VZW network. I inquired with the blue-shirt if there would be any loss of functionality should I make such a choice. The answer was "no".
The Samsung representative was in attendance, so I put the question to him as well. After glazing over while he went into an analogy of how your IMEI and SIM card are like licensing a car - and how they all can drive on the same road - I directed him back to the issue at hand, and his response was "no difference".
Then I called VZW, waited for the obligatory 15 minutes on hold, and asked the representative the same question. The answer was "No. None. Exactly the same."
Did a few searches on the feature I was specifically concerned about - that being Wi-Fi calling - and it appeared, from an historical perspective, there would be the potential for that functionality to be absent unless one purchased the branded device.
The VZW store was across the street, so I brought my question to them. In an experience that is as unique as it was surprising, I was lucky enough to get a salesperson who genuinely seemed to want to know the definitive answer as much as I did. He researched his on-line documentation for a few minutes before calling what he claimed to be their "network engineer".
The answer came back that VoLTE would work but Wi-Fi calling would not, on an unlocked S9+ ROM in the VZW network.
I've subsequently read contradicting indications but, considering the self-assigned importance of that capability, I decided not to chance it and find out the hard way that it would not work - should that be the case.
While this does not address your Visual Voice Mail concern, it does demonstrate exactly how many differing answers one can get from supposedly knowledgeable resources.
So, my solution was to lease the branded device with the understanding that I will need to deal with all of the pre-loaded stuff that I (or for that matter, just about anyone) do not need, want or use.
I have seen this questions asked hundreds of times, and I have seen both answers regarding WiFi calling. I know I have purchased unlocked phones right from Google in the past and never had an issue with any feature on VZW. I guess I will find out soon if anything has changed, as I ordered the 9+ unlocked from Samsung (they offered $100 more in a trade and a cheaper base price = no brainer). Will the confusion ever end?
Having had a unlocked s8+ and a Note 8 with VZ I can say VVM does not work. I've tried various applications and am not a fan of using google voice so I reached out and had standard messaging applied to my account and basic VVM removed. I'll get a notification but have to call in to check my voicemail which is no biggie. Never tried wifi calling but HD Voice does work ok. I preordered an unlocked S9+ so I'm sure it'll be the same boat
Verizon had the demo for the s9 plus in their store today, and the model of the phone is IDENTICAL to the unlocked US model. Also kinda wishing I'd stuck to the purple one I'd ordered by accident and cancelled, as it looks amazing in person.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
With the S7, you could flash the any of the carrier or unlocked firmware on the phone. This would give you access to verizon VVM, WiFI calling, etc if you flashed that firmware. I heard the S8 was the same since the hardware in them are the same between carriers. Here's to hoping that the S9 is the same.
MaddnessX said:
To piggy back off of this question (since I am in similar boat with AT&T) - Is it possible to flash the phone with the carrier version after purchasing unlocked version? Unfortunately, WiFi calling is a must where I live.
Thanks
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If you want WiFi Calling on Att - you MUST buy an ATT phone. ATT WiFi calling will only work with Branded ATT Phones - NOT unlocked ones. Sorry.
Geekser said:
If you want WiFi Calling on Att - you MUST buy an ATT phone. ATT WiFi calling will only work with Branded ATT Phones - NOT unlocked ones. Sorry.
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This is true. If you want wifi calling (which I do), you need an AT&T phone. You can't flash anything on the phone to make it work. A few extra AT&T apps is not a big deal on a phone like this to get the features they provide. If you pay for their service you should get all the benefits but that's not how it is for now.
dmb219 said:
This is true. If you want wifi calling (which I do), you need an AT&T phone. You can't flash anything on the phone to make it work. A few extra AT&T apps is not a big deal on a phone like this to get the features they provide. If you pay for their service you should get all the benefits but that's not how it is for now.
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And that is very unfortunate. I am hoping that one day they will open up WiFi Calling to non carrier phones - but I doubt it will happen any time soon if at all.
Is it the same for tmobile?
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
tcabrino said:
Is it the same for tmobile?
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GS8 Unlocked worked with both VoLTE and Wifi Calling on TMO so there is no reason for the GS9+ unlocked not to support these features.
---------- Post added at 01:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------
tcabrino said:
Is it the same for tmobile?
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raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
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Problem with VZW is support for integrated video calling thru the phone app which is different from the Samsung default. On VZW the unlocked USA version will support VoLTE but not WIfi Calling, VVM, Video Calling.
my 2 cents.
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
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They're wrong. I tested a Verizon model in stores, and it's literally the exact same model number as the unlocked one I've got on order from Samsung. But of course they want you to buy the Verizon one, the mark up in the price is pure profit for them, and they probably get a commission for selling it to you.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
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Don't forget their useless $30+ "activation fee" they charge when you buy a device through them. I shouldn't have to pay $30 to take the SIM out of my old phone and put it in my new phone. I'm going with the unlocked version because I'm considering switching to T-Mobile due to all this type of crap Verizon pulls.
LgG2-Ttrain said:
Yes I just finished reading the fine print in Samsung's trade in offer. So the only phones they will not accept as trade ins are leased phones.
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So I'm curious what happens if you have a leased phone. Do they just not accept it and then charge your card for what you weren't charged at time of checkout?