I saw a couple of tech points in the other threads. I myself have purchased the Att variant and planning to set it up with T Mobile but as I said, someone pointed out that they have different cellular banding or something to that effect. This person went on to say even if we were to get the ATT Gear S version on T Mobile that speeds would probably only be 2G.
From the articles that I've read on the Gear S specs I haven't come across anything saying that Samsung has designed specific versions for each U.S. carrier.
I do not have the answer at this time whether or not full cross compatibility is built into the device or not. Purely going by what has been announced, again I do not think it has been modified to keep us from doing carrier jumps.
I will update when Tmobile gets their networks up and running for the Gear S. If anyone can clear this up with for sure information, please do so. Feel free to speculate but if you're not certain please say so. Thanks.
If I can't get full functionality on the TMobile network with my ATT purchased and unlocked Gear S, I guess I'll have to return it and pony up the extra $50 that TMobile charges and fully join that club. Guys it may not be worth the hassle. I'll have an update soon on how all this works out, however I'd like to welcome feedback on the issue.
hughedee74 said:
If I can't get full functionality on the TMobile network with my ATT purchased and unlocked Gear S, I guess I'll have to return it and pony up the extra $50 that TMobile charges and fully join that club. Guys it may not be worth the hassle. I'll have an update soon on how all this works out, however I'd like to welcome feedback on the issue.
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Im doing the same thing tomorrow.
You can go to Samsung.com to check out the official spec. There are 5 different carrier variants but only three listed so far: AT&T (SM-R750A), Verizon (SM-R750V) and Sprint (SM-R750P). The missing two are T-Mobile (SM-R750T) and US Cellular.
Each listed different supported network (CMDA vs GSM) and bands.
It has the Snapdragon 400 which supports a HUGE number of bands and supports a global mode for both CDMA and GSM.
https://www.qualcomm.com/products/snapdragon/processors/400
https://www.qualcomm.com/products/snapdragon/wearables/samsung-gear-s
Someone will figure out a way to get the device to work with them back and forth ... it may be through a rom or a command line. But if you aren't a tinkerer you'll probably want to go with the version of the watch for your preferred carrier.
Update: I did a search through the FCC and didn't see one with T-Mobile specific bands (1700/2100). Bad news though is that there definitely are two variants for CDMA AND GSM. Argh. I stand brutally corrected!
The T-Mobile Galaxy Edge worked great with ATT LTE, does anyone know if the T-Mobile S6 Edge is there same way? Would be awesome if someone who has the phone can confirm. The specs show the bands that would work on ATT LTE. Thanks in advance.
I'm waiting for my unlock code. I'll report as soon as I get it.
verks said:
I'm waiting for my unlock code. I'll report as soon as I get it.
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Thanks. Where did you get the unlock code from?
Cellunlocker.net.
Keeping an eye on the thread. Need to unlock mine too but don't know if there are any ways to unlock it yet. How much did cell unlocker ask to unlock the tmobile s6 edge?
Yeah I stopped by that site earlier and wanted to see if a code was available but I Don't have my s6 yet so I can't provide an inei. But definitely keep us posted if the unlock works. As soon as you guys confirm I'll order mine.
Question. Can't you just call your carrier and get the unlock code? Especially if you buy the phone off contract? I know I did that with my S5.
Fmstgun said:
Question. Can't you just call your carrier and get the unlock code? Especially if you buy the phone off contract? I know I did that with my S5.
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Not when you open a new line. You must to be with TMobile for 2 months in order to get the unlock code from them.
Missing bands 29 and 30
This may not matter for some of you, and others may already know, but I think it's worth pointing out that the T-Mobile variant is missing LTE bands 29 and 30.
Band 29 represents unpaired 700Mhz spectrum (for downlink), of which AT&T has a nationwide 5Mhz license. Once deployed via CA, it will improve AT&T's low-band LTE downlink capacity by 50%.
Band 30 represents paired 2300Mhz spectrum (WCS), of which AT&T has a nationwide 10x10 license. This will likely only be deployed in urban areas, but it will roughly double AT&T's current LTE capacity.
Both of these bands are being deployed this year.
brianbrain said:
This may not matter for some of you, and others may already know, but I think it's worth pointing out that the T-Mobile variant is missing LTE bands 29 and 30.
Band 29 represents unpaired 700Mhz spectrum (for downlink), of which AT&T has a nationwide 5Mhz license. Once deployed via CA, it will improve AT&T's low-band LTE downlink capacity by 50%.
Band 30 represents paired 2300Mhz spectrum (WCS), of which AT&T has a nationwide 10x10 license. This will likely only be deployed in urban areas, but it will roughly double AT&T's current LTE capacity.
Both of these bands are being deployed this year.
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Good to know actually. Do you know if ATT version has these bands? Thanks
Yes att's variant does have band 29 and 30
vince2398 said:
Good to know actually. Do you know if ATT version has these bands? Thanks
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nunyabiziz is correct, the AT&T version supports both bands
---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 AM ----------
tigercranestyle said:
was definitely aware. essentially we would be getting the same lte coverage of an at&t galaxy s5. which is the coverage of... i dunno... 98 percent of at&t's lte phones. nevertheless, will report back when code is sent and service switched.
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Certainly a valid angle to look at things with - it's not like you're going to lose out on LTE coverage with these new bands. What you will be missing out on is LTE capacity/speed. Some areas have less of an issue than others, but where I work, my LTE speeds are terribly slow (lucky to get 1Mbps down - due to congestion, not signal strength), so I am very interested in making sure I have access to their capacity upgrades rolling out this year.
If you live and work in an area where LTE capacity/speed is not an issue, then I am jealous and also wish you the best with your T-Mobile model
For me the history of att locking down their samsung phones was the reason I decided to grab a T-Mobile edge. Part of the things I enjoy about owning android devices is the ability to tear it down and rebuild the os as I see fitting (aosp, cm, etc) losing out on a couple lte bands is totally worth it for the freedom.
I've just posted this in another thread, but think its relevant here too:
From the T-mobile website for the Galaxy S6 Edge:
Quad Band GSM;
LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17;
UMTS: Band I (2100), Band II (1900), Band IV (1700/2100), Band V (850), Band VIII (900)
From the AT&T site for the Galaxy S6 Edge:
4G-LTE Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 29 and 30
3G - UMTS 850/1900/2100MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz
So the AT&T version seems to cover more bases in terms of LTE coverage e.g. for those wanting LTE coverage in the UK too, the T-mobile version will work on 3 (3) and EE (3 and 7), whereas the AT&T version will work on 3 (3), EE (3 and 7), O2 (20) and Vodafone (20) [LTE bands shown in brackets]
Is T-Mobile allowing people to buy off contract?
Alaris said:
Is T-Mobile allowing people to buy off contract?
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You would have to buy it out right and pick the $50 plan. Then cancel once you get the phone.
verks said:
You would have to buy it out right and pick the $50 plan. Then cancel once you get the phone.
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They won't let you simply buy the phone for full retail price without an account, even AT&T will let you do that? That may be the dumbest thing I've heard in a very long while. What possible reason could they have for doing that? Seems like a good way to get far fewer sales.
Pure+ said:
They won't let you simply buy the phone for full retail price without an account, even AT&T will let you do that? That may be the dumbest thing I've heard in a very long while. What possible reason could they have for doing that? Seems like a good way to get far fewer sales.
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They will not, unfortunately, at least not with preorders.
For those of you who are thinking of preordering the GS6 through T-Mobile and then immediately moving it over to AT&T, you may want to make sure you read the unlocking policy. The one item that is kind of a "gotchya" here is that you'll need to have the device activated with T-Mobile for 40 days before they will unlock it. If 40 days on T-Mobile is something you can tolerate, then have at it
T-Mobile's Device unlocking policy:
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported as lost, stolen or blocked to T-Mobile.
The account associated with the device must be in good standing.
You have requested no more than 2 mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Prepaid Unlocking terms outlined below.
Unlock Eligibility for Monthly Phones and tablets
The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
If the device was financed using T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP), then all payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
If the device is on an account that has are under a service contract term, then at least 18 consecutive monthly payments must have been made or the account was migrated to Simple Choice no contract rate plan.
If the device is associated with a canceled account, then the account balance must be zero.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Unlock Eligibility for Prepaid Phones and Tablets
The device has been active on the T-Mobile network for more than 1 year.
If the device has been active for less than 1 year, then the Prepaid account associated with the device must have had more than $25 in refills for basic phones or $100 in refills for smartphones or tablet since device first use date.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
brianbrain said:
They will not, unfortunately, at least not with preorders.
For those of you who are thinking of preordering the GS6 through T-Mobile and then immediately moving it over to AT&T, you may want to make sure you read the unlocking policy. The one item that is kind of a "gotchya" here is that you'll need to have the device activated with T-Mobile for 40 days before they will unlock it. If 40 days on T-Mobile is something you can tolerate, then have at it
T-Mobile's Device unlocking policy:
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported as lost, stolen or blocked to T-Mobile.
The account associated with the device must be in good standing.
You have requested no more than 2 mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Prepaid Unlocking terms outlined below.
Unlock Eligibility for Monthly Phones and tablets
The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
If the device was financed using T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP), then all payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
If the device is on an account that has are under a service contract term, then at least 18 consecutive monthly payments must have been made or the account was migrated to Simple Choice no contract rate plan.
If the device is associated with a canceled account, then the account balance must be zero.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Unlock Eligibility for Prepaid Phones and Tablets
The device has been active on the T-Mobile network for more than 1 year.
If the device has been active for less than 1 year, then the Prepaid account associated with the device must have had more than $25 in refills for basic phones or $100 in refills for smartphones or tablet since device first use date.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
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This is why AT&T and Verizon will likely always make more money. They understand that there is a lot of money in the pockets of people who don't hold accounts with them. Thats just smarter business. No such thing as a bad dollar. T-mobile needs to learn.
tigercranestyle said:
geez. within the first several posts of this thread someone already mentioned the workaround to t-mobile's 40 day unlocking policy.
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Just because someone mentioned a workaround that doesn't change how utterly ridiculous, actually stupid, T-Mobile's policy is. And that work around while decent would be far better if you didn't have to sign up for any sort of T-Mobile service to still be able to purchase the phone. The problem is not the unlocking. That, until disproven, has been solved. The problem is all of the unnecessary BS you have to deal with in order to even buy the damn phone in the first place. Because of it I'll likely just get an AT&T one root be damned.
Question for you guys!
Brief background:
I live in MN, USA and currently have a Nexus 6 on the Verizon network (works great as it's unlocked).
Just got a SIM card on T-Mobile (the $30 a month plan). Also works great on the Nexus 6.
What I am hoping to do is use the T-mobile SIM for Data and the Verizon SIM for voice calls. By looking at the frequency bands, it "looks" like this should work. What do you guys think? I am planning on installing some kinda of custom ROM on the 5X also. Something like CM12/13 if possible.
Not sure but with Verizon, I am assuming that the Honor 5X will only be able to use the WCDMA frequencies on Band 1.
I cannot post external links, so I've taken some screenshots of the frequencies and Bands.
Thanks!
setipollux said:
Question for you guys!
Brief background:
I live in MN, USA and currently have a Nexus 6 on the Verizon network (works great as it's unlocked).
Just got a SIM card on T-Mobile (the $30 a month plan). Also works great on the Nexus 6.
What I am hoping to do is use the T-mobile SIM for Data and the Verizon SIM for voice calls. By looking at the frequency bands, it "looks" like this should work. What do you guys think? I am planning on installing some kinda of custom ROM on the 5X also. Something like CM12/13 if possible.
Not sure but with Verizon, I am assuming that the Honor 5X will only be able to use the WCDMA frequencies on Band 1.
I cannot post external links, so I've taken some screenshots of the frequencies and Bands.
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
I don't think the phone supports CDMA at all, I would be surprised if Verizon will work
Verizon wont work, it's CDMA not GSM.
Doesn't work very well on tmobs either. I don't know if I have a bad device, but the signal is horrible compared to other devices (S7e, HTC 10 and Galaxy Prime)
Sent from my KIW-L24 using Tapatalk
Hello folks,
This is fairly basic question but I have difficulties figuring out nitty gritty details of it (esp 4G LTE). The details below.
I am out to buy an unlocked phone. I am sick of paying >$400 for a phone. I tend to use them for at least 4 years, still I am refusing to pay even $400 as they are so fragile and repairing (even the screen) is not worth it. So trying to go as cheap as I can with the phone that will last at least 3 years, if not 4.
I am currently looking at Xiaomi MiA2 https://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_009486371449.html?wid=1349303 It supports bands B1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 20, TDD-LTE: B38 / 40
I understand the basics of the network, esp GSM and CDMA. Now that 2G is almost out, for 3G to work, you need either of 850, 900, 1700, 1900 and 2100 MHz frequencies. I will be sticking to GSM only as I use at&t MVNO but will soon be switching to at&t.
For 4G LTE, one needs to make sure that the bands the network provider uses are supported by the phone. This digital trends article (https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/smartphone-bands-explained/2/) gives really good explanation but I got stuck on this (https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/cell-phone-networks-and-frequencies-explained) WhistleOut article that claims, one must have band 12 to be able to work on at&t. This phone does not have band 12.
But when I check this phone on https://willmyphonework.net/. It says, it will work with band 4. (I didn't use this phone exactly but other phones with similar configuration).
At the end my questions are,
- If this phone will work on at&t network. For voice and texting, it should not be an issue but for data, will it access 4G data, will it work as 3G data?
- Is this device easily rootable and enough community available to have continued ROM development for at least 2 years? Not easy to answer this question at the moment as this phone was released recently. Still, if any devs have any inclination, would love to know.
- Does anyone know any other phone equivalent to this around $200 price point, other than Moto G5 or 6? (Not interested in buying pre-owned phone and keeping an eye on 'which device to buy' thread). My inclination towards this phone is for camera. It seems better than the equivalents. Otherwise, I am really OK with other devices as phones.
Thanks in advance.
Hey there,
This is Chris Holmes, I wrote the WhistleOut article you reference. In my article I mentioned that you definitely want band 17, not band 12, to get good service on AT&T. Based on the bands the phone you're interested in has, it wouldn't really get great 4G LTE coverage for any of the US carriers. It has one of T-Mobile's main bands, so that would probably the best bet if you're dead set on this device, which appears to be overseas-sourced. We'd suggest, alternately, looking into picking up the Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime for around $200, which will have full compatibility with AT&T.
My brother has an iPad pro and on the tablet in the settings he can browse many available plans from verizon, att, tmobile etc. He is able to purchase it and then immediately use the cellular data plan. I specifically like the $20 for 5GB for 5 months plan that he has access to. Do Samsung tablets have similar functionality (probably with esim)?
invinciblegod said:
My brother has an iPad pro and on the tablet in the settings he can browse many available plans from verizon, att, tmobile etc. He is able to purchase it and then immediately use the cellular data plan. I specifically like the $20 for 5GB for 5 months plan that he has access to. Do Samsung tablets have similar functionality (probably with esim)?
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No. It uses a nano SIM. Find the best deal, get a nano SIM from the provider, and you're off to the races. There are no LTE versions being sold in the U.S. currently and the overseas versions don't work on CDMA so no Verizon and Sprint although they may work on their LTE networks for data because it supports their bands. The dialer and MMS definitely won't work. When the U.S. versions are released they'll be locked to the carrier you bought it from, loaded with their crap on it, the dialer will be disabled, and you can't reflash it using an international ROM because the model numbers are different.
BarryH_GEG said:
No. It uses a nano SIM. Find the best deal, get a nano SIM from the provider, and you're off to the races. There are no LTE versions being sold in the U.S. currently and the overseas versions don't work on CDMA so no Verizon and Sprint although they may work on their LTE networks for data because it supports their bands. The dialer and MMS definitely won't work. When the U.S. versions are released they'll be locked to the carrier you bought it from, loaded with their crap on it, the dialer will be disabled, and you can't reflash it using an international ROM because the model numbers are different.
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So no phone/SMS/MMS function even if you have the right sim? I was going to look at the T-Mobile tab today but if those functions are disabled why would I want to pay $100 more for a tab with half the storage? I'll just get the WiFi version and run it if need be from my hot spot on my phone for internet access.
You can get genuine LTE versions from E-Bay no problem, why would you buy a 'carrier specific' one that then locks you to that carrier.
Note that, as mentioned earlier in the thread, that the S6 does NOT have an unlocked CDMA version so even with LTE certain carriers won't work.
In the UK using the LTE 256GB S6 with Giffgaff means unlmtd calls and SMS and 8GB data for $12 month, rolling 30 day contract (so no long term commitment). I'm always shocked that my US friends pay fortunes for phone and cable services compared to the UK.
When I travel in the States I use a UK Three sim in roaming mode that allows me to use my UK calls/SMS/Data allowance without any surcharge, still works out loads cheaper then using a US SIM.