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I just purchased a SG SII here in the US and later found out it is a UK phone (the sales rep said it was a US model)
anyway, the phone works great EXCEPT it will not log onto T-Mobiles 3G network. All I get is EDGE which is terrible.
How can I get it to go to 3G?
Spoke with T-Mobile, even got a new sim card. No help
Spoke wth Samsung US - they tried, could not help and then said to contact the UK.
Called Samsung UK and they said it should work, if not, bring it back as it is broken!
anyway, is there some sort of settings that I can change to make it work in the US.
I also need it to work in Brazil as I will be going there and will be using the Brazilian Tim network and installing their sim card.
thank you for your assistance in advance.
The phone is suppose to be:
HSPA+ 21Mbps/ HSUPA 5.76Mbps
EDGE/ GPRS Class 12
Quad band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Quad band UMTS 850/900/1900/2100
Did you limit the phone to only work with 2G in the settings?
Check Wireless Network settings.
Much more better would be goto Settings->About phone, tell us what Baseband, and Kernel, and ROM version you are using.
Reboot phone.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
pblocal said:
How can I get it to go to 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't, it doesnt work on tmobiles aws frequency.
peachpuff said:
You can't, it doesnt work on tmobiles aws frequency.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, that phone will never work on T-Mobile USA 3G network, refund it or switch to AT&T. Makes you wish someone would regulate mobile networks here.
Edit: SGS2 should work fine on TIM Brazil.
you guys are absolutely certain that this phone will not work on T-Mobile?
what about certainty that it will work on Tim? I live in Brazil and defintely need it to work there.
Here, in the US, when I return next year, I can alway switch over to AT+T.
I need to be certain because if I get to brazil and it does not work, I am screwed because then it is almost impossible to get anything done to it.
BTW- they have been saying that t-mobile will have this same phone in a few months. How will that one be able to work? will it be possible to flash that info to this phone when it comes out?
thanks
pblocal said:
you guys are absolutely certain that this phone will not work on T-Mobile?
what about certainty that it will work on Tim? I live in Brazil and defintely need it to work there.
Here, in the US, when I return next year, I can alway switch over to AT+T.
I need to be certain because if I get to brazil and it does not work, I am screwed because then it is almost impossible to get anything done to it.
BTW- they have been saying that t-mobile will have this same phone in a few months. How will that one be able to work? will it be possible to flash that info to this phone when it comes out?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The US T-mobile Variant is completely different from the UK model, won't be the same. Also it's true you can never get 3G with T-Mobile, don't know anything about TIM though.
T-Mobile uses the 1700 AWS band which this phone does not use so yes... You will NEVER get 3g or HSPA+ with T-Mobile U.S.
From Wikipedia's list of UMTS frequencies:
TIM Brasil Brazil 2008 April 850/2100
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks
The phone will work fine for you in Brazil.
kcaz said:
From Wikipedia's list of UMTS frequencies:
TIM Brasil Brazil 2008 April 850/2100
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks
The phone will work fine for you in Brazil.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so when you say fine, the phone, 3g to get to the internet, etc etc will all work?
as it is here, the phone works great and when with wi-fi, the internet is great but EDGE sucks ass.
So, as I already know that I am beating the dead horse. 3G here with T-Mobile is never going to happen but it will work with AT+T, in Brazil, the phone for calls will work fine, 3G will also work fine too.
does anyone know about claro, vivo or oi in brazil? just wondering....
and what about other carriers in the US, will it work with anyone beside AT+T?
thanks again. this has been very useful!
EDGE runs on GPRS. Your phone matches TIM's UMTS frequencies so it will have 3G data on that network.
just pretend your like a tmobile iphone customer E
vabeachfc3s said:
just pretend your like a tmobile iphone customer E
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Click to collapse
I do not get that, some sort of inside joke?
Why would you buy a phone without checking on what radio bands it works , its not like US has only one provider they all have different bands/frequencies.
ghost77 said:
Why would you buy a phone without checking on what radio bands it works , its not like US has only one provider they all have different bands/frequencies.
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Click to collapse
as I said in my first post, I was told it was a US version phone. HENCE, I figured it would work in the US.
I buy unlocked phones as I am in Brazil 9 months a year and Cali 3 months a year so I can not be under contract.
but thanks for the help on this.
LiFE1688 said:
The phone is suppose to be:
HSPA+ 21Mbps/ HSUPA 5.76Mbps
EDGE/ GPRS Class 12
Quad band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Quad band UMTS 850/900/1900/2100
Did you limit the phone to only work with 2G in the settings?
Check Wireless Network settings.
Much more better would be goto Settings->About phone, tell us what Baseband, and Kernel, and ROM version you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if I have been schooled properly. T-Mobile uses 1700 and 2100, so without the 1700 band, it wont work!
I guess I got to talk with AT+T
will any other carrier in the US support this?????
thanks again to all who have helped....
pblocal said:
as I said in my first post, I was told it was a US version phone. HENCE, I figured it would work in the US.
I buy unlocked phones as I am in Brazil 9 months a year and Cali 3 months a year so I can not be under contract.
but thanks for the help on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And it does work in US ON AT&T. T-Mobile is only a minor carrier.
So it is your fault.
LiFE1688 said:
The phone is suppose to be:
HSPA+ 21Mbps/ HSUPA 5.76Mbps
EDGE/ GPRS Class 12
Quad band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Quad band UMTS 850/900/1900/2100
Did you limit the phone to only work with 2G in the settings?
Check Wireless Network settings.
Much more better would be goto Settings->About phone, tell us what Baseband, and Kernel, and ROM version you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it seems that only T-Mobile and a few Canadian carriers (and cincinati bell) use the 1700 network! I wonder why?
they need to join the rest of the world and get on board with 2100!
kcaz said:
From Wikipedia's list of UMTS frequencies:
TIM Brasil Brazil 2008 April 850/2100
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks
The phone will work fine for you in Brazil.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for this link. it eases my mind about returning to brazil with a 600 phone! I needed to know it would work....
Since Nokia does clearly say everywhere else except the US that 920 does support 1700Mhz (for obvious reasons), I wonder if the hardware in the AT&T version will be the same as in the int'l version and it'll just be a matter of unlocking the phone to use it on TMo.
Opinions?
I noticed that too!!
Its now PentaBand WCDMA/HSPA+ at 42Mbps. They added WCDMA 1700Mhz band on the specs.
Originally when the phone was announced last month was listed as QuadBand WCDMA missing the AWS band at 1700Mhz.
If this is true it means one of the following:
1.The band was always there and for some reason software locked and they decided unlock it and release it as a PendaBand.
2.They listen to the complaints (pretty much the same way they did and released the Cyan Color) as the missing AWS band was one the biggest complaints especially from T-Mobile USA subscribers and they decided to include it as well.
3.It is just a typo and Lumia 920 is still QuadBand HSPA.
4.It was a typo from the very beginning and Lumia 920 was always PentaBand.
Now assuming the the phone is PendaBand HSPA+ it will perfectly work with T-Mobile USA current 3G at AWS and with the reformed Network at 1900 they are preparing. It will work with both at 42Mbps speed.
The original unlocked Lumia 920 listed the following 5 LTE bands 800 / 1800 / 2600 / 900 / 2100.
If the unlocked phone comes with those LTE bands will be incompatible with T-Mobile USA upcoming 4G LTE network.
However the American model which AT&T will carry exclusively has the following LTE bands 700 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100
If Nokia also release an unlock/unbranded version of the American model with the above LTE bands and PentaBand HSPA+ this model along with the 42Mbps HSPA will also support T-Mobile's upcoming 4G LTE that coming mid of next year with theoretical speeds of 100Mbps.
Releasing this device will be the perfect option for T-Mobile subscribers as it will be future-proof for their upcoming LTE network.
I am curious to see whats really going on here. Meanwhile I am crossing my fingers. :good:
So Nokia needs to release a international us version?
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express
lovenokia said:
So Nokia needs to release a international us version?
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked/Unbranded version of the American model is the correct way of putting it.
Nokia used to have to versions of the unlock devices in the past. The regular version which was usually the European/International model and the NAM versions for North America.
Many devices came like that in the past including the N95 & N95 NAM, 5800 & 5800 NAM, N97 & N97 NAM etc.
All had QuadBand GSM and different bands for 3G, the NAM versions had the American bands for AT&T USA and Rogers for Canada.
Now that PentaBand is standard for 3G/WCDMA, they need to release (and I hope this is the case) the European Model with the European LTE bands and a "NAM" model with the American LTE frequencies.
I guess time will tell what exactly the case is going to be.
But again this is for LTE. Assuming that the information on the spec-sheet is correct and the Lumia 920 comes with WCDMA/AWS 1700 then it will work perfectly with T-Mobile USA and AT&T's HSPA+ at 42Mpbs.
nMIK-3 said:
I noticed that too!!
Its now PentaBand WCDMA/HSPA+ at 42Mbps. They added WCDMA 1700Mhz band on the specs.
Originally when the phone was announced last month was listed as QuadBand WCDMA missing the AWS band at 1700Mhz.
If this is true it means one of the following:
1.The band was always there and for some reason software locked and they decided unlock it and release it as a PendaBand.
2.They listen to the complaints (pretty much the same way they did and released the Cyan Color) as the missing AWS band was one the biggest complaints especially from T-Mobile USA subscribers and they decided to include it as well.
3.It is just a typo and Lumia 920 is still QuadBand HSPA.
4.It was a typo from the very beginning and Lumia 920 was always PentaBand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunatly number 3 is the correct answer.
According to WPCentral.com the AWS 1700Mhz WCDMA support for T-Mobile 3G that listed in specs are just a typo on the website.
If this is the case, you can still use the Lumia 920 under T-Mobile 3G at 1900Mhz.
T-Mobile is reforming their Network and releasing 3G to 1900Mhz now, the problem is that we do not know what markets/areas has this already or how fast the project is moving on and when it will get complete..
nMIK-3 said:
Unfortunatly number 3 is the correct answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's wrong, because this phone will be using the Snapdragon S4 Plus (MSM8960) which uses Software Defined Radio (SDR) for determining their bands. Obviously you cannot use all at the same time, but any one at any time. The HW supports this (according to the Qualcomm reference design), and if it hasn't been supported before in this chipset, it's probably due poor modem programming and/or unstable behavior, and/or band/bandwidth throttling by service providers networks. It's also an efficient way to make sure your Verizon mobile cannot use AT&T networks and vice verse...
E:V:A said:
That's wrong, because this phone will be using the Snapdragon S4 Plus (MSM8960) which uses Software Defined Radio (SDR) for determining their bands. Obviously you cannot use all at the same time, but any one at any time. The HW supports this (according to the Qualcomm reference design), and if it hasn't been supported before in this chipset, it's probably due poor modem programming and/or unstable behavior, and/or band/bandwidth throttling by service providers networks. It's also an efficient way to make sure your Verizon mobile cannot use AT&T networks and vice verse...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is why I said its Number 3, according to WPCentral. I am aware of the SDR in the latest generation of Snapdragons, however as its name mention its programmable, meaning they may have turn off the AWS...
For me it doesn't make any sense to list the phone originally with QuadBand WCDMA and then add AWS and list it as a PentaBand.
I mean if it is wrong and its missing the AWS that is making the original listing with QuadBand the correct one, so why they bother changing it?
In the other hand if the SDR scenario applies and the AWS is already there, they may just heard the complains and simply turned ON the AWS band, that is why they added in to the specs meanwhile the Nokia representative that WPCentral reached may not be aware of the new specs yet...
All these are different scenarios, unless we have an official clarification from Nokia, we cannot know for sure until Lumia 920 its been released.
PS. Can you post the link with the detailed specifications of the Snapdragon S4 detailing the SDR? The specs I found does not include any information regarding this. If I am not mistaken and remember correctly SDR is affecting LTE only and its able to catch from 700Mhz - 2600Mhz (for LTE), its programmable to deliver everything between these bands but limited to deliver 5 Bands at a time. I do not remember mentioning WCDMA to be compatible with the SDR, but I may be wrong on that. Please feel free to correct me if that's the case.
According to FCC documents, looks like AWS is there. Question... Will it be disabled in the AT&T version? Unlock possible?
herzzreh said:
According to FCC documents, looks like AWS is there. Question... Will it be disabled in the AT&T version? Unlock possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read that the FCC Documents for the AT&T model are mentioning AWS (1700) for LTE. This is normal as AT&T's LTE is operating also in AWS.
I didn't read anything regarding AWS for 3G/WCDMA.
If you read back, it specifically mentions wcdma 1700. Document differentiates between lte freqs and wcdma ones.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Has anyone tried using one of the white unlocked Lumia 920 from Clove (I guess the ones from Expansys are the same) on an LTE network?
Specifically, do you have the "4G" option in the "highest connection speed" settings?
In my case, although I am using an LTE SIM with an LTE network on a supported band, I only have "2G" and "3G" options in the Highest Connection Speed settings. So normally it is only connecting over HSPA. Through playing around a lot with scanning LTE bands with the Field Test tool (##3282#), I can sometimes get the device to connect to LTE, after which it works perfectly on LTE until reboot. But it's not really a long-term solution.
The default firmware on my device is country variant "CV GB SW Variant ID 276 v03" which (apart from the version number) seems to be the same firmware as that sold by Orange / T-Mobile in the UK (i.e. for 3G networks).
I was thinking about trying to flash the EE firmware, but concerned this could create other issues (such as end up locking the phone to EE, or to certain LTE bands, or something...). Any thoughts appreciated.
You don't mention where you are, but that might help respondents.
As you may know, the LTE bands are different between the NA and Europe. The LTE Bands listed on the international version are 800/900/1800/2100/2600 while the NA(Rogers & AT&T) version has 700/850/1700/1900/2100.
Are you sure you are connecting to the LTE bands? Do you have an LTE SIM installed?
tomdjp said:
Has anyone tried using one of the white unlocked Lumia 920 from Clove (I guess the ones from Expansys are the same) on an LTE network?
Specifically, do you have the "4G" option in the "highest connection speed" settings?
In my case, although I am using an LTE SIM with an LTE network on a supported band, I only have "2G" and "3G" options in the Highest Connection Speed settings. So normally it is only connecting over HSPA. Through playing around a lot with scanning LTE bands with the Field Test tool (##3282#), I can sometimes get the device to connect to LTE, after which it works perfectly on LTE until reboot. But it's not really a long-term solution.
The default firmware on my device is country variant "CV GB SW Variant ID 276 v03" which (apart from the version number) seems to be the same firmware as that sold by Orange / T-Mobile in the UK (i.e. for 3G networks).
I was thinking about trying to flash the EE firmware, but concerned this could create other issues (such as end up locking the phone to EE, or to certain LTE bands, or something...). Any thoughts appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look at this offivial Blog post from Nokia.
http://goo.gl/L2eiy
They basically saying that even-thought the new Lumias are LTE ready they will required a software update to turn LTE ON.
The information on that is very limited as Nokia didn't specify ANY details on how they will push this OTA.
What happens if you have an unlock device and use it in a different country of its origins? How they will push the update under what criteria?
Is the update is driven by the SIM ID? They will update the OS and turn ON LTE depending the SIM region or the device IMEI region?? Nobody knows...
Even worst there is a rumor that the latest Snapdragon S4 is supporting all 9 LTE bands at ONCE and the software just enable the appropriate ones, its programmable from the firmware. If this is true, then Nokia is committing a suicide here, they can simply program WP8 to recognize the SIM ID and turn ON/OFF LTE Bands depending the Network. Going with OTAs across different devices and regions will be a mess.
nMIK-3 said:
Have a look at this offivial Blog post from Nokia.
http://goo.gl/L2eiy
They basically saying that even-thought the new Lumias are LTE ready they will required a software update to turn LTE ON.
The information on that is very limited as Nokia didn't specify ANY details on how they will push this OTA.
What happens if you have an unlock device and use it in a different country of its origins? How they will push the update under what criteria?
Is the update is driven by the SIM ID? They will update the OS and turn ON LTE depending the SIM region or the device IMEI region?? Nobody knows...
Even worst there is a rumor that the latest Snapdragon S4 is supporting all 9 LTE bands at ONCE and the software just enable the appropriate ones, its programmable from the firmware. If this is true, then Nokia is committing a suicide here, they can simply program WP8 to recognize the SIM ID and turn ON/OFF LTE Bands depending the Network. Going with OTAs across different devices and regions will be a mess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are international versions that HAVE ALL 9 LTE bands enabled and also petaband 3G.
For example in Germany:
http://www.nokia.com/de-de/produkte/smartphones-und-handys/lumia920/technische-daten/ (expand where it says "Basisdaten")
or in Singapore:
http://www.nokia.com/sg-en/products/phone/lumia920/specifications/ (expand where it says "Hardware")
or also in Switzerland:
http://www.nokia.com/ch-de/produkte/smartphones-und-handys/lumia920/technische-daten/ (expand where it says "Basisdaten")
I think there might be a good chance that you can unlock those extra bands on international versions (RM-821) that have them disabled by flashing a different firmware version. However this is just me thinking out loud so please don't blame me if it doesn't work or if it breaks your phone!
However I would strong discourage you from flashing an RM-821 firmware to an RM-820 (North American version) as I know that sb around here almost broke his phone by doing so.
Hi all
Thanks for your replies so far.
Right now I am using the phone in Japan, where there are three carriers with Band 1 (2100 MHz) LTE networks. I only tried one carrier so far, and yes it is an LTE SIM. As mentioned, I can actually connect to LTE and have used it for several hours, it's just necessary to use an unreliable trick (with ##3282#) to get the phone to see the LTE network. This seems related to the fact there is no 4G option in my highest connection settings.
Thanks for the heads-up on the OTA updates, agreed it's not clear how this will work at all...
Regarding the LTE band support, personally (although it's just my intuition) I think the lists of 9 LTE supported bands on those regional Nokia websites are probably in error (it wouldn't be the first time). Normally the most reliable source in Nokia's website is Nokia Developers, which clearly shows five bands for global RM-821 (1, 3, 7, 8, 20) and four bands for AT&T RM-820 (2, 4, 5, 17).
While the Snapdragon baseband may be able to support all 9 bands, the most difficult part of the design is the RF - filters, amplifiers, etc. So I imagine different RF chains are used in the two variants to support these specific bands.
Again, if anyone has the unlocked RM-821 and tried with an LTE SIM, if you could confirm if the 4G setting is available in highest connection settings, it would be much appreciated.
karlmueller said:
There are international versions that HAVE ALL 9 LTE bands enabled and also petaband 3G.
For example in Germany:
http://www.nokia.com/de-de/produkte/smartphones-und-handys/lumia920/technische-daten/ (expand where it says "Basisdaten")
or in Singapore:
http://www.nokia.com/sg-en/products/phone/lumia920/specifications/ (expand where it says "Hardware")
or also in Switzerland:
http://www.nokia.com/ch-de/produkte/smartphones-und-handys/lumia920/technische-daten/ (expand where it says "Basisdaten")
I think there might be a good chance that you can unlock those extra bands on international versions (RM-821) that have them disabled by flashing a different firmware version. However this is just me thinking out loud so please don't blame me if it doesn't work or if it breaks your phone!
However I would strong discourage you from flashing an RM-821 firmware to an RM-820 (North American version) as I know that sb around here almost broke his phone by doing so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought the same thing on PentaBand 3G and 9 Bands LTE, however in another discussion we verified (at least for the German model) that even thought the Nokia German website states PentaBand 3G and 9 Bands LTE, in the retail Box it only mentions QuadBand 3G (AWS missing) and PentaBand LTE.
With the Canadian model being PentaBand and Snapdragon's S4 Specs claiming that is fully supporting it, along with the programmable LTE, we really have no clue of whats really going on until Nokia, or anyone else clarify it...
I have a very bad feeling that the all 920s are PentaBand 3G and support all bands of LTE with programmable software but Nokia for some reason is locking specific bands on specific models/regions.
Hopefully in time we will clarify everything and hopefully its sooner rather than later..
nMIK-3 said:
I thought the same thing on PentaBand 3G and 9 Bands LTE, however in another discussion we verified (at least for the German model) that even thought the Nokia German website states PentaBand 3G and 9 Bands LTE, in the retail Box it only mentions QuadBand 3G (AWS missing) and PentaBand LTE.
With the Canadian model being PentaBand and Snapdragon's S4 Specs claiming that is fully supporting it, along with the programmable LTE, we really have no clue of whats really going on until Nokia, or anyone else clarify it...
I have a very bad feeling that the all 920s are PentaBand 3G and support all bands of LTE with programmable software but Nokia for some reason is locking specific bands on specific models/regions.
Hopefully in time we will clarify everything and hopefully its sooner rather than later..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different frequency bands require different antenna design. It is probably very difficult to design an antenna that can satisfy all LTE bands even though the chipset can support it. So, instead, Nokia is probably going to selectively make different hardware with different antenna design to fit a specific region. Apple iPhone 5 uses the similar Qualcomm chipset and it only supports very limited LTE bands for international version.
foxbat121 said:
Different frequency bands require different antenna design. It is probably very difficult to design an antenna that can satisfy all LTE bands even though the chipset can support it. So, instead, Nokia is probably going to selectively make different hardware with different antenna design to fit a specific region. Apple iPhone 5 uses the similar Qualcomm chipset and it only supports very limited LTE bands for international version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For 3G PentaBand is now standard in almost all chips and since the Canadian variant comes with PentaBand on board and the fact that is standard on the S4 I really see no reason of why Nokia will order a custom version of the S4 to just physically take off the AWS. It doesn't make any sense, so if its missing, most likely is turn off in firmware.
For the LTE. Qualcomm introduced a revolutionary technology called Software Defined Radio or simply SDR and the Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960 chip which is inside the Lumia 920, supports that technology. With SDR the chipset support all LTE bands from a low to high frequency, it can work in everything between, of course not at the same time, the software programs what frequency the antenna should be set.
If the Lumia 920 and its S4 really have SDR technology, they it will make sense for Nokia to have the firmware deride what LTE to make available to the user, by reading the SIM region and not providing individual updated per region, or based on device product number.
This finally solves a major issue for the manufactures because they do not have to build customs chips for specific countries, the software simply programs it. If you Google it you can find a lot of info regarding SDR. Of course we are not in the engineering team of the Lumia 920 line and its obvious whatever we say here is based on theory and specs that are available to us.
nMIK-3 said:
For 3G PentaBand is now standard in almost all chips and since the Canadian variant comes with PentaBand on board and the fact that is standard on the S4 I really see no reason of why Nokia will order a custom version of the S4 to just physically take off the AWS. It doesn't make any sense, so if its missing, most likely is turn off in firmware.
For the LTE. Qualcomm introduced a revolutionary technology called Software Defined Radio or simply SDR and the Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8960 chip which is inside the Lumia 920, supports that technology. With SDR the chipset support all LTE bands from a low to high frequency, it can work in everything between, of course not at the same time, the software programs what frequency the antenna should be set.
If the Lumia 920 and its S4 really have SDR technology, they it will make sense for Nokia to have the firmware deride what LTE to make available to the user, by reading the SIM region and not providing individual updated per region, or based on device product number.
This finally solves a major issue for the manufactures because they do not have to build customs chips for specific countries, the software simply programs it. If you Google it you can find a lot of info regarding SDR. Of course we are not in the engineering team of the Lumia 920 line and its obvious whatever we say here is based on theory and specs that are available to us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you understand radio technology at all, you should know the most important part that make all things work is the radio antenna, not the chipset. The chipset itself can't receive or transmit radio signal without a proper antenna. Try to disconnect your car radio antenna and see how many stations you can receive
foxbat121 said:
If you understand radio technology at all, you should know the most important part that make all things work is the radio antenna, not the chipset. The chipset itself can't receive or transmit radio signal without a proper antenna. Try to disconnect your car radio antenna and see how many stations you can receive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're going a bit off-topic from the thread here, but you're right - SDR defines the baseband, not the RF components.
If you look at Nokia's FCC filing for the RM-821, you can see it has two cellular antennas ("main" and "MIMO") for each of two bands ("HB" high-band and "LB" low-band). Presumably LB is used for bands below 1 GHz or so, while HB is used for bands above. So you can see it's not necessary to have different antennas for every band - bands 1 to 4 (including AWS) could also use the same antennas, for example.
However, each band needs its own RF filters to prevent interference from neighbouring channels, and also needs amplifiers that have flat gain over those bands. These RF components are usually band specific, relatively bulky and expensive, and there are some challenges to use several RF chains in parallel. To my understanding these are the limiting factors that explain why a given device tends to support maximum 4 or 5 LTE channels.
tomdjp said:
We're going a bit off-topic from the thread here, but you're right - SDR defines the baseband, not the RF components.
If you look at Nokia's FCC filing for the RM-821, you can see it has two cellular antennas ("main" and "MIMO") for each of two bands ("HB" high-band and "LB" low-band). Presumably LB is used for bands below 1 GHz or so, while HB is used for bands above. So you can see it's not necessary to have different antennas for every band - bands 1 to 4 (including AWS) could also use the same antennas, for example.
However, each band needs its own RF filters to prevent interference from neighbouring channels, and also needs amplifiers that have flat gain over those bands. These RF components are usually band specific, relatively bulky and expensive, and there are some challenges to use several RF chains in parallel. To my understanding these are the limiting factors that explain why a given device tends to support maximum 4 or 5 LTE channels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You nail it.
foxbat121 said:
If you understand radio technology at all, you should know the most important part that make all things work is the radio antenna, not the chipset. The chipset itself can't receive or transmit radio signal without a proper antenna. Try to disconnect your car radio antenna and see how many stations you can receive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that a joke?? I am spending my time explaining what SDR is and I am getting that respond??
I am assuming that I am talking with a person that knows at least a modern chipset like the S4 package contains all the antennas for GSM/WCDMA/LTE a separate antenna for Bluetooth and Wifi, GPS (S4 also includes GLONASS), the CPU and the Adreno GPU.
All the above come in the same tinny chip that in the size of your nail. And all this is called the "chipset". Qualcomm does not use a separate antenna anymore its integrated to the chipset.
nMIK-3 said:
Is that a joke?? I am spending my time explaining what SDR is and I am getting that respond??
I am assuming that I am talking with a person that knows at least a modern chipset like the S4 package contains all the antennas for GSM/WCDMA/LTE a separate antenna for Bluetooth and Wifi, GPS (S4 also includes GLONASS), the CPU and the Adreno GPU.
All the above come in the same tinny chip that in the size of your nail. And all this is called the "chipset". Qualcomm does not use a separate antenna anymore its integrated to the chipset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With respect, that's not right - the antennas and RF components are external to the chipset.
Go and get the SAR compliance test report for Nokia 920 from the FCC's website, and you can see diagrams showing the external antennas for cellular, WLAN/BT and GPS which are positioned in various places inside the phone's chassis (btw, the LB MIMO antenna is about 7 cm long!)
Or go and check out the iFixit teardown for iPhone 5 and you can see the same kind of thing...
tomdjp said:
With respect, that's not right - the antennas and RF components are external to the chipset.
Go and get the SAR compliance test report for Nokia 920 from the FCC's website, and you can see diagrams showing the external antennas for cellular, WLAN/BT and GPS which are positioned in various places inside the phone's chassis (btw, the LB MIMO antenna is about 7 cm long!)
Or go and check out the iFixit teardown for iPhone 5 and you can see the same kind of thing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. Many manufactures are placing antenna extensions and putting additional GPS censor in more practical areas.
The actual GSM/WCDMA/LTE modem WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS for Qualacom solutions are placed inside the chipset.
Please see http://www.qualcomm.com/chipsets/snapdragon for more information.
4g / LTE
tomdjp said:
Has anyone tried using one of the white unlocked Lumia 920 from Clove (I guess the ones from Expansys are the same) on an LTE network?
Specifically, do you have the "4G" option in the "highest connection speed" settings?
In my case, although I am using an LTE SIM with an LTE network on a supported band, I only have "2G" and "3G" options in the Highest Connection Speed settings. So normally it is only connecting over HSPA. Through playing around a lot with scanning LTE bands with the Field Test tool (##3282#), I can sometimes get the device to connect to LTE, after which it works perfectly on LTE until reboot. But it's not really a long-term solution.
The default firmware on my device is country variant "CV GB SW Variant ID 276 v03" which (apart from the version number) seems to be the same firmware as that sold by Orange / T-Mobile in the UK (i.e. for 3G networks).
I was thinking about trying to flash the EE firmware, but concerned this could create other issues (such as end up locking the phone to EE, or to certain LTE bands, or something...). Any thoughts appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I go into into field test mode and it says 4g then asks what LTE Band. My phone shows 4G not LTE in top left... is it LTE or 3G+?
Does anyone know what the different bands stand for? (band 5 etc) under the field service menu?
zok-star said:
Does anyone know what the different bands stand for? (band 5 etc) under the field service menu?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Likely they are LTE bands (e.g. band 5 = 850 MHz), but as you probably noticed they don't completely match with the LTE band support of the device. Keep in mind this field test program was probably thrown together by Nokia's R&D guys for internal testing only (not for consumers), so could be a legacy of earlier testing, another device variant, or some other reason...
Anyway, it seems fine to keep this setting on Automatic.
dougwallace said:
I go into into field test mode and it says 4g then asks what LTE Band. My phone shows 4G not LTE in top left... is it LTE or 3G+?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Doug, could you share what version of the Lumia 920 you have, and which firmware?
As mentioned in my mail above, there seems no problem to leave the 4G band on automatic, and the bands available to be selected don't seem relevant. (My device picks up Band 1 LTE networks even though band 1 is not in the list).
Regarding 4G vs LTE, my device (unlocked UK CV) shows 4G in the top left when it is connected to LTE. I assume this can be changed by Nokia depending on the operator's requirement (esp in the US where 4G means HSPA...). You can be sure you're on LTE by going back to the field test menu, selecting GSM option, then looking at "Radio Access Technology". If you're on LTE, it should say LTE there.
tomdjp said:
Likely they are LTE bands (e.g. band 5 = 850 MHz), but as you probably noticed they don't completely match with the LTE band support of the device. Keep in mind this field test program was probably thrown together by Nokia's R&D guys for internal testing only (not for consumers), so could be a legacy of earlier testing, another device variant, or some other reason...
Anyway, it seems fine to keep this setting on Automatic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've kept mine on all automatic and i have noticed it switch to 4G at times, but then when i go to use it, it'll flick back to 3G... I'll need to test this in CBD sometime this week.
I got my device from clove, but im in Australia on Telstra 4G network. They use 1800mhz.
zok-star said:
I've kept mine on all automatic and i have noticed it switch to 4G at times, but then when i go to use it, it'll flick back to 3G... I'll need to test this in CBD sometime this week.
I got my device from clove, but im in Australia on Telstra 4G network. They use 1800mhz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, yes better to test in CBD where there's strong LTE signal.
In your Settings => Mobile Network, do you have a "4G" option under "Highest connection speed", or is it 2G and 3G only?
Hello,
I can not get LTE working with my black Lumia 920.
The phone is supposedly RM-821 global version with pentaband LTE support disabled in firmware. Bought in Vietnam from official retailer and I am using it here in Finland where I live (LTE frequencies 1800 and 2600 are used by my operator). There is no 4G option in settings->mobile network->highest connection speed. I can go to field test menu (##3282+call) -> settings and select 4G only there but as soon as I leave that menu the setting reverts back to whatever it was set before. Also no LTE network is found during the time I stay in the menu.
This issue is driving me nuts.
Here is what I have tried so far with no success resolving the issue:
- Flashing in 8-10 different firmwares/softwares (several different region rm-821 models including finnish) with Nokia care suite.
- Called my operator several times and requested and got a new sim card to rule out the possibility that the problem lies there.
- Called nokia customer care twice and they keep telling me that the phone - for being the global variant - has LTE support on hardware level but it is just disabled in software.
- Checked the APN settings. If I select the access point with access point name for 4G network with my operator I don´t get connected at all. It says 3G in the topbar but network simply doesn´t work.
- Done this all in area where there should be 99,9% certainty for LTE-network availability.
So if anyone can point out something that I have missed or could still try please do. Would be highly appreciated!
You say it has octaband support. Have you confirmed what frequencies it operates at? It is possible that even being octaband versus pentaband that your frequency is not in that phones range. Is there any documentation that says what bands your model supports?
Solarenemy68 said:
You say it has octaband support. Have you confirmed what frequencies it operates at? It is possible that even being octaband versus pentaband that your frequency is not in that phones range. Is there any documentation that says what bands your model supports?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I mean pentaband ofcourse. It is supposed to support the 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600mhz frequencies.
dmt123 said:
Sorry I mean pentaband ofcourse. It is supposed to support the 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600mhz frequencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that is out of the way, are you sure that your provider has LTE coverage in your exact area? Not just over all but at your exact location? Also is the signal you get at your location normally strong. If it is not strong enough the phone will drop to a lower band to conserve bandwidth.
you may find that nokia has not enabled it yet, they my do so at a later date by firmware .. the CVBG also do not have 4g working out of the box
I am having the same problem.. I bought a 920 when on holiday in Thailand.. now back home and it will not show 4G.. only 3G... whereas my 820 gets 4G fine...
Its an rm-821... and like the original poster i tried flashing a known 4G firmware onto the phone..
Do they actually manufacture 920s that are not 4G ?? I just assumed they were all 4G.... I guess i was wrong..
Have you try this app and manually set for the LTE? just a suggestion
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2082683&highlight=exclusive+for+nokia
Flash your RM-821 with the Finnish firmware 059Q917 (1308.1) . It will activate the LTE as it did mine.
BlinkThinks said:
Flash your RM-821 with the Finnish firmware 059Q917 (1308.1) . It will activate the LTE as it did mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a question, when a new update comes out in the future, what product code shall be used? The firmware's or hardware's?
jtphl said:
Just a question, when a new update comes out in the future, what product code shall be used? The firmware's or hardware's?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updates which are firmware, look at the hardware in the phone to confirm product and region compatibility.
So I'm going to buy the s9 in about a month after a couple paychecks so I have a lot to think about. First off, I would LOVE to be able to unlock the bootloader. I know qualcomm bootloaders are super locked down these days for some reason even though android is supposed to be an open platform but I'm considering getting the international version. The only problem is I'm on verizon . Do these phones work with CDMA yet? I'm 99% sure they don't but if anyone has given it a try let me know. If I switch to t-mobile can I use it in America? Or do you guys think the bootloader unlock isn't worth it and maybe JUST MAYBE someone will find an exploit? Let me know your thoughts guys, I'm really just trying to consider my options here. Maybe it's time to say "screw you" to verizon, or maybe I should just give up on root and buy a tablet or something to play with. Let me know what y'all think!
Exynos version will not work on your Verizon network. Buy the us unlocked version. But remember verizon wifi calling will not work
I would switch carrier if I were you and go with T-mobile if you they have acceptable coverage in your area. If you really value root and want good adblocker,best sound mod,ability to backup all your apps properly,custom battery icons,bypass stupid manufacturer restrictions and enjoy your device the fullest, go with Exynos.
If Samsung pay, VoLTE and WiFi calling matters a lot to you, go with Snapdragon. But I would still switch to Tmobile in that case.
I had just posted something about the perks of why I went with the SD variant (T-Mobile) S9+ ...here's the link.
Exynos does have their advantages with better Dev support etc, however it is still unclear if the Exynos variant will suffer from carrier aggregation on the US network.
This was a known issue on the Exynos Note 8 having trouble with the LTE, where it could cling onto one strong signal, however it wasn't able to handle the protocol of being able to connect to several signals at the same time.
Check out this post where I went into explaining it a little more...
I am waiting for a confirmation to see if the Exynos S9+ will work 100% on T-Mobile...
Oh and I'd definitely switch to T-Mobile as well. I have one Verizon line left, but the rest is now on TM so I can tell you that in places where I barely had bars with TM, I now have full LTE... TM has the newest infrastructure and they are expanding like crazy... the coverage and speed nowadays are are excellent. You can check out the carrier coverage map here.
Hope that helps...
A very good argument in SD variant's favor! I have S8+ Exynos currently and I do not get over 20Mbps on Tmobile in limited areas I have tested so far(I should say I do not have great coverage where I live, but it is not terrible by any means). I hope S9+ Exynos will not have this issue but I feel it may suffer in same way.
As long as I have WiFi calling and VoLTE, it doesn't bother me too much that the LTE speeds are "capped" for lack of better term on the Exynos version. I considered getting Chinese G9650 with unlockable SD bootloader but looking at the g9550, it doesnt have much support here on XDA and there is not even Oreo out for it still!! The dual SIM is helpful when I travel internationally, so really hoping Exynos gets VoLTE, WiFi calling and good LTE speeds on T-mobile!
I am interesting in buying an Exynos S9+ for use on Verizon. I dont see band 13 listed as supported. Isn't B13 one of the more popular ones for Verizon?
LTE Bands: FDD: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B17(700), B20(800), B28(700), B32(1500), B66(AWS- 3) | TDD: B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500)
iunlock said:
I had just posted something about the perks of why I went with the SD variant (T-Mobile) S9+ ...here's the link.
Exynos does have their advantages with better Dev support etc, however it is still unclear if the Exynos variant will suffer from carrier aggregation on the US network.
This was a known issue on the Exynos Note 8 having trouble with the LTE, where it could cling onto one strong signal, however it wasn't able to handle the protocol of being able to connect to several signals at the same time.
Check out this post where I went into explaining it a little more...
I am waiting for a confirmation to see if the Exynos S9+ will work 100% on T-Mobile...
Oh and I'd definitely switch to T-Mobile as well. I have one Verizon line left, but the rest is now on TM so I can tell you that in places where I barely had bars with TM, I now have full LTE... TM has the newest infrastructure and they are expanding like crazy... the coverage and speed nowadays are are excellent. You can check out the carrier coverage map here.
Hope that helps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the detailed reply and sources! That helps me a lot. I'll probably switch to T-Mobile sometime for sure. I think I'll just go with the US unlocked since Samsung will probably get root anyways, and I played with the s9 a bit and like the ROM enough. The bands we use in US are a bit different and people have reported a lot of problems, so since I spend 95% of my time doing normal stuff on my phone I'll not ruin that 95% for the sake of the 5% of the time I'm tinkering.
Also on the T-Mobile coverage you're right! Seems like they've really been expanding their coverage. A couple years ago me and my brother rode from NC to MS and he had a Galaxy tab on T-Mobile LTE and it was blistering fast the whole ride there. Pretty stout if I do say so myself!
I like you would prefer the unlocked international version for the unlocked bootloader and potential to mod. I don't even have the CDMA network restriction as I'm on AT&T. Even still I went with the US unlocked. I got it super cheap with student discount. I think I paid 700 for a brand new phone, epic these days considering so many are costing over 1000. Anyway back to the point, I got the US snap variant and I have no issues at all. This thing is absolutely awesome, I don't have one single complaint about it and with Nova launcher is feels even nicer imo. US unlocked is a good choice even if you didn't have to get it for the CDMA compatibly
Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk
There are pros and cons to owning both variants...
Do your due diligence and consider your own use cases for your phone.
Do you use Samsung Pay?
Do you care about having a warranty?
Do you like to run custom ROMs?
Do you want fast LTE speeds?
Based on these answers and many more, you can determine which model is best for you!
Good luck!
Nathamio said:
So I'm going to buy the s9 in about a month after a couple paychecks so I have a lot to think about. First off, I would LOVE to be able to unlock the bootloader. I know qualcomm bootloaders are super locked down these days for some reason even though android is supposed to be an open platform but I'm considering getting the international version. The only problem is I'm on verizon . Do these phones work with CDMA yet? I'm 99% sure they don't but if anyone has given it a try let me know. If I switch to t-mobile can I use it in America? Or do you guys think the bootloader unlock isn't worth it and maybe JUST MAYBE someone will find an exploit? Let me know your thoughts guys, I'm really just trying to consider my options here. Maybe it's time to say "screw you" to verizon, or maybe I should just give up on root and buy a tablet or something to play with. Let me know what y'all think!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SM-G9650 Hong Kong variant has the Snapdragon 945 Chipset with an unlocked bootloader. It looks to be compatible with Verizon 4G LTE Bands 2, 4 and 13. I know Samsung Pay works in the US but not sure yet if it will support voLTE or WiFi Calling, that would also depend on your carrier. Here's the band compatibility for that particular model.
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands LTE 2100 (B1), 1900 (B2), 1800 (B3), 1700/2100 (B4), 850 (B5), 2600 (B7), 900 (B8), 700 (B12), 700 (B13), 700 (B17), 800 (B18), 800 (B19), 800 (B20), 1900 (B25), 850 (B26), 700 (B28), 1700/2100 (B66) TD-LTE 2000 (B34), TD-LTE 2600 (B38), TD-LTE1900 (B39), TD-LTE2300 (B40), TD-LTE2500 (B41)
HNIC215 said:
There are pros and cons to owning both variants...
Do your due diligence and consider your own use cases for your phone.
Do you use Samsung Pay?
Do you care about having a warranty?
Do you like to run custom ROMs?
Do you want fast LTE speeds?
Based on these answers and many more, you can determine which model is best for you!
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on where you buy from, you can get warranty support for Exynos.
I can confirm that Band 71(the newest band that Tmobile is flooding the USA with) works great on the US unlocked version. If you are even thinking about going with T-Mobile, get the Snapdragon. Although I can't personally confirm this, I've heard that Band 71 will not work with the Exynos phone. If someone could confirm this, that would be great.
sireniankyle said:
Depending on where you buy from, you can get warranty support for Exynos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True...
If I'm not mistaken though, you would still have to ship it overseas for repairs.
Is there a US Store that offers domestic warranty coverage for international Samsung phones?
No domestic stores in US offer warranty on Exynos versions. And I am 99.99% sure Exynos does not have band 71 for T-mobile (600MHz).
Band 12,2, and 4 should be sufficient for most people I think until 600MHz is widely available.
FYI clove.uk just updated their S9+ buying options, you can now get the dual SIM Exynos model for an additional ~$20, but I think it comes with an EU plug so you'll probably have to buy another adapter.
HNIC215 said:
True...
If I'm not mistaken though, you would still have to ship it overseas for repairs.
Is there a US Store that offers domestic warranty coverage for international Samsung phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you would most likely have to ship to them. IDK if there are any domestic options.
Pay
varcor said:
The SM-G9650 Hong Kong variant has the Snapdragon 945 Chipset with an unlocked bootloader. It looks to be compatible with Verizon 4G LTE Bands 2, 4 and 13. I know Samsung Pay works in the US but not sure yet if it will support voLTE or WiFi Calling, that would also depend on your carrier. Here's the band compatibility for that particular model.
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands LTE 2100 (B1), 1900 (B2), 1800 (B3), 1700/2100 (B4), 850 (B5), 2600 (B7), 900 (B8), 700 (B12), 700 (B13), 700 (B17), 800 (B18), 800 (B19), 800 (B20), 1900 (B25), 850 (B26), 700 (B28), 1700/2100 (B66) TD-LTE 2000 (B34), TD-LTE 2600 (B38), TD-LTE1900 (B39), TD-LTE2300 (B40), TD-LTE2500 (B41)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have this model, sm-g9650, and can confirm it works on both verizon and tmobile dual sim, though it is a bit tricky to get it to initially connect to both at the same time and verizon NEEDS to be in slot 1 for both to connect (idk). but how are you getting samsung pay to work? when i had verizon in slot 1 it wouldnt even open the app, i put tmobile in slot 1 and was able to setup the app but when i go to add a card, it just continuously loads after i enter card number.
Have you confirmed your bank accepts payments through Samsung Pay? Before my bank accepted Samsung Pay I had the same setup problem your experiencing. Also make sure you have the most recent Samsung Pay update - 66 Mb.
varcor said:
Have you confirmed your bank accepts payments through Samsung Pay? Before my bank accepted Samsung Pay I had the same setup problem your experiencing. Also make sure you have the most recent Samsung Pay update - 66 Mb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i made sure to redownload it to be sure, and im positive my bank does, i had all the same cards on samsung pay on my g965U US model working perfect.
You stated the app wouldn't load with your Verizon SIM in slot 1. I don't see how any SIM or Slot # is relevant to accessing or downloading the Samsung Pay app. I would try the following.
1 Uninstall Samsung Pay
2 Remove SIM cards
3 Connect via Wifi
4 Download Samsung Pay via Wifi
5 Reinstall app
I just reinstalled the app with no glitches. I uninstalled it a few months back because I found Debit Card transactions are less hassle than NFC transactions. To me the only situation where NFC makes sense is if I wasn't carrying a Debit Card, which isn't very often. Hope this works for you!
---------- Post added at 11:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 PM ----------
I'm guessing your device has the Exynos Chipset. Mine is the Hong Kong variant with Snapdragon. If that's the case you're not alone, I've read other posts where Exynos and Samsung Pay have compatibility issues.