help with picking the right phone - E 2015 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

hello, i bought an "unlocked" moto e 2nd gen lte phone from amazon, theyve sent me att go phone with network unlock code, phone itself is locked and impossible to unlock, theres so many versions and models of this phone out there, just need someone to advice which model (place to buy) can be fully unlocked and used with att regular lte sevice, thanks

Xt1524 is the model you want. Some xt1527 can be bootloader unlock(us cellular model) but if you can get your hands on a xt1524 you will be fine
Sent from my XT1526 using XDA-Developers mobile app

xdaxxlelvis said:
hello, i bought an "unlocked" moto e 2nd gen lte phone from amazon, theyve sent me att go phone with network unlock code, phone itself is locked and impossible to unlock, theres so many versions and models of this phone out there, just need someone to advise which model (place to buy) can be fully unlocked and used with att regular lte sevice, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For AT&T usage, if you want an unlockable bootloader, you'll need to get either a Moto-direct XT1527, a Canadian XT1527, or the US Cellular XT1526 (with GSM-enable trick).
Due to the lower price, the AT&T/GoPhone/Cricket XT1527 has flooded the market, so you really have to look hard to find a Moto-direct XT1527 (Canadian ones are relatively easy to identify, just look at the seller's location!).
For the Moto-direct XT1527, the key is to look for a listing that does not say "carrier packaging", and does not say "unlock code" or "unlocking procedure" (the Moto-direct model is SIM unlocked by default). Unfortunately, most of the descriptions on Amazon don't give much detail. You'd probably have better luck on Ebay, since sellers tend to include more details and sometimes photos of the device and boxes. Did a quick look on ebay, and this listing seems to suit your need, but it's pretty expensive: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Motorola-MOTO-E-XT1527-8GB-Black-Unlocked-Smartphone-LTE-/251923588971
Alternatively, the US Cellular XT1526 has all of the AT&T bands, is SIM unlocked, can be bootloader unlocked, and is readily available ($40 new on Amazon). If you want to stick with the stock ROM, you need to perform this trick in order to enable GSM mode: http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-e-2015/general/help-confirm-5-1-how-to-verizon-moto-e-t3264258 If you want to go custom, you may not need to perform the trick, I'm not sure.
903tex said:
Xt1524 is the model you want. Some xt1527 can be bootloader unlock(us cellular model) but if you can get your hands on a xt1524 you will be fine
Sent from my XT1526 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The XT1524 does not have any US LTE bands.
The US Cellular model is the XT1526.

Yea got my model numbers confused
Sent from my XT1526 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Related

Does anyone know he model numbers for the variants yet?

I'm interested in the straight up, non-carrier version of the North American model of the LG G5. Not the carrier version, that will surely come pre-loaded with useless carrier apps. I made that mistake with the Galaxy S6 last year, and yeah I got my free year of Netflix, at the cost of my sanity dealing with invasive pre-loaded apps.
This year I want to buy a LG G5 in it's simplified glory, unlocked.
Does anyone know specifically where I can buy what I'm looking for? I don't want to buy a random G5 on eBay, and then have it turn out to be like a T mobile version or something.
B&H is advertising an unlocked North America LG G5 (model: RS988) on their site: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1239314-REG/lg_lgrs988_ausasv_g5_h850_32gb_smartphone.html
One caveat, they state that the phone's hardware supports North American carriers' GSM and CDMA networks, but they also state that its up to the carrier to allow activation of the device on their networks. Just because it supports Verizon's LTE bands and CDMA, doesn't mean they will let you use it.
Also, it's too early to tell whether or not the bootloader will be unlockable, which is a requirement to get root on Android 6.0/Marshmallow.
Canadian Model H831
LG website shows Canadian model: LGH831
Att us - h820
this is one thing I hate about LG, there is so many different models. Why cant they just slim the models?
billybob275 said:
B&H is advertising an unlocked North America LG G5 (model: RS988) on their site: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1239314-REG/lg_lgrs988_ausasv_g5_h850_32gb_smartphone.html
One caveat, they state that the phone's hardware supports North American carriers' GSM and CDMA networks, but they also state that its up to the carrier to allow activation of the device on their networks. Just because it supports Verizon's LTE bands and CDMA, doesn't mean they will let you use it.
Also, it's too early to tell whether or not the bootloader will be unlockable, which is a requirement to get root on Android 6.0/Marshmallow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know what the RS988 price is or if B&H accepts PayPal?
Chocolina said:
Do you know what the RS988 price is or if B&H accepts PayPal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I'm not sure yet. They will probably post it on their site in the next week or so.
billybob275 said:
B&H is advertising an unlocked North America LG G5 (model: RS988) on their site: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1239314-REG/lg_lgrs988_ausasv_g5_h850_32gb_smartphone.html
One caveat, they state that the phone's hardware supports North American carriers' GSM and CDMA networks, but they also state that its up to the carrier to allow activation of the device on their networks. Just because it supports Verizon's LTE bands and CDMA, doesn't mean they will let you use it.
Also, it's too early to tell whether or not the bootloader will be unlockable, which is a requirement to get root on Android 6.0/Marshmallow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope i can use on a verizon mvno and i also hope that the boot loader will be unlockable.
anyone know if i will be able to take advantage of the pre order deal if you ordered from them?
Verizon G5 = VS987
PROcede said:
Verizon G5 = VS987
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some models are: F700K/L/S, H820, H830, H831, H850, H860, H868, LS992, US992, RS988 and VS987
Full list of models and bands each phone supports can be found in my "General Thread" here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/how-to/info-autos-g5-thread-t3350648
T-Mobile USA is identified as LG-H830.
Does anyone who has a dual SIM version H860 or H860N or any other knows if when using only 1 SIM you have the no SIM icon on top (because of the second SIM empty slot)?
Thanks
gsanches said:
Does anyone who has a dual SIM version H860 or H860N or any other knows if when using only 1 SIM you have the no SIM icon on top (because of the second SIM empty slot)?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the H860N. I only use the SIM1 slot and there's no such empty SIM icon at the top.
Sent from my LG-H860 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Not sure if RS988 is equal to US992.

I want to export a cheap Moto E from the US. Where to buy? Is Cricket safe?

I have this US friend who could buy this phone for me in the US, then export. I want to root it, install custom ROMs and all. It cost $100+ unlocked, but many report how happy they are with their $20 purchase from Cricket wireless. Some are not happy, though. The Cricket site says the phone cost $20 with activation. It would be easier if my friend wouldn't have to activate it (though I'm not sure what does that exactly means to Cricket), just pay the $20 and export the phone. Or even a little more than $20 to some other vendor, but certainly less than $20. I just want a nice, cheap toy, which can also make phone calls on overseas networks, install ROMs, etc. If you have another, better recommendation than the Moto E, I'm open to other suggestions as well. Though it seems the Moto E is the default choice for many. Or, maybe Amazon's $50-60 Blu phone is a better choice?
magicphone said:
I have this US friend who could buy this phone for me in the US, then export. I want to root it, install custom ROMs and all. It cost $100+ unlocked, but many report how happy they are with their $20 purchase from Cricket wireless. Some are not happy, though. The Cricket site says the phone cost $20 with activation. It would be easier if my friend wouldn't have to activate it (though I'm not sure what does that exactly means to Cricket), just pay the $20 and export the phone. Or even a little more than $20 to some other vendor, but certainly less than $20. I just want a nice, cheap toy, which can also make phone calls on overseas networks, install ROMs, etc. If you have another, better recommendation than the Moto E, I'm open to other suggestions as well. Though it seems the Moto E is the default choice for many. Or, maybe Amazon's $50-60 Blu phone is a better choice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Cricket model cannot be bootloader unlocked for root / custom ROMs. It's also SIM locked to Cricket, you'll have to buy an unlock code online.
Additionally, the US models only have the 3G and LTE bands used in the US. If you're outside of North America, you'll most likely be stuck on 2G.
The Blu R1 HD does have LTE Band 7 and HSPA Band 1, so it's better suited for abroad, but not better than getting a phone that was designed for use in your country.
Thanks, helpful reply! but I can still use the $20 Cricket Moto E as a toy, to install apps, like an iPod Touch, right? For 10th the price.
xtermmin said:
The Blu R1 HD does have LTE Band 7 and HSPA Band 1, so it's better suited for abroad, but not better than getting a phone that was designed for use in your country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides, I thought we live in a world where most modern phones work in most regions in the world, if not all. And what about people who ever step out (I'm not sure step out is the correct expression) of their home countries to travel?
magicphone said:
Thanks, helpful reply! but I can still use the $20 Cricket Moto E as a toy, to install apps, like an iPod Touch, right? For 10th the price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you can use it as a WiFi-only device to play around with fine (be sure to remove any pre-installed SIM card during setup). As long as none of your apps require root, you're good.
magicphone said:
Besides, I thought we live in a world where most modern phones work in most regions in the world, if not all. And what about people who ever step out (I'm not sure step out is the correct expression) of their home countries to travel?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the US, the Moto E is sold as a budget, prepaid device. Prepaid operators here don't have any sort of international roaming options (outside of Mexico/Canada roaming on a few providers, but US/CA/MX pretty much use the same bands), so having international capabilities wasn't a high priority for them.
Modern mid-range and high-tier devices do tend to have at least the 2G, 3G, and sometimes LTE bands for world use, but it really depends on the manufacturer and even the region. For example, while most US mid-to-high-tier devices have the bands needed for use internationally, the same cannot be said for international models. Phones sold internationally (Europe, Asia, etc) almost always lack the low-band LTE bands used by US carriers, and totally lack CDMA compatibility (used by 3 of the 5 big cellular networks in the US).
Intl. 2G, EDGE would suffice for me, that usually is 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz.
magicphone said:
Intl. 2G, EDGE would suffice for me, that usually is 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Moto E LTE models have quadband EDGE, so you'll be able to use the Cricket model on EDGE, but you'll need to get it SIM unlocked via a 3rd party unlocking service.
xtermmin said:
All Moto E LTE models have quadband EDGE, so you'll be able to use the Cricket model on EDGE, but you'll need to get it SIM unlocked via a 3rd party unlocking service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't he be better off with a sprint/boost xt1526? It was my impression that they were good to go on international GSM, Just no joy on domestic. Then at least he'd have bootloader unlock /root.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
dandrumheller said:
Wouldn't he be better off with a sprint/boost xt1526? It was my impression that they were good to go on international GSM, Just no joy on domestic. Then at least he'd have bootloader unlock /root.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that would work too, but I don't know if stores are selling the Boost model for $20.
xtermmin said:
Yeah, that would work too, but I don't know if stores are selling the Boost model for $20.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They sell them for $30 on boost. You don't even need to activate it for that price.
Sent from my Moto E using XDA Labs

Us Cellular version to use with Verizon

So I just read and saw on line that the US Cellular version of the LG G6 is on $550 buy it out right. Would this version work with Verizon Wireless. It looks to have the same LTE bands. What would be the chance of buying and putting a Verizon sim in it and it works out the gate. Anyone have any ideas?
https://www.uscellular.com/devices/phones/lg-g6-platinum.html?productId=prod9410143
Sent from my SM-T817V using XDA-Developers Legacy app
GSMarena doesn't currently list 3G bands for the US Cellular G6 (US997). However, I've seen the Verizon and US Cellular versions of phones differ on 3G bands before (see the Galaxy S7 USA, for example), so 3G might have problems if you just popped a Verizon SIM card into a US Cellular G6.
I'm wondering if there could be a similar method to the one that was discovered for the HTC 10 where you flash radio images from the Verizon variant onto another phone:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-10/how-to/vzw-how-to-unlocked-model-vzw-t3376743
Is the us cellular version factory unlocked? It is the same model number as the unlocked version, us997. I'm looking to use on AT&T.
It looks like you have to pick up some kind of plan from them to get the $550 price. It's probably better to go the b&h route (or hope vzw does a mother's day week sale).
Update: Ended up buying a new us cellular us997 for cheap. Popped my straight talk/at&t sim in and it works flawlessly. I always use this site to check bands
https://www.frequencycheck.com/compatibility/0Dlph6Y/lg-us997-g6-lte-a/united-states
I have used that site several times and its always been accurate. From what im seeing, the us cellular model supports all of the bands needed for verizon. It doesnt support CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rel. 0 but does support CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Rev A. So if 3G is a major concern, I'd check and see which one is used in your area. I personally wouldn't care about the 3G considering the price difference of the USC model and the fact that all LTE and voice bands are supported. Hope this helps
puff601 said:
Is the us cellular version factory unlocked? It is the same model number as the unlocked version, us997. I'm looking to use on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my LGUS997 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

GUIDANCE Needed - XT1635-01 (Moto Z Dorid Verizon 6.0.1) Unlock ALL LTE Bands GSM

All,
I want to knw if it is possible to unlock all the LTE bands for ATT use?
I did somehting similar with my wifes Verizon S7, when her company moved to ATT. (Flashed the ATT Firmware to the phone and all LTE bands worked)
Is this possible now? Can I FLASH a primairly GSM based firmeware to my XT1635-01?
Thanks!
illtww said:
All,
I want to knw if it is possible to unlock all the LTE bands for ATT use?
I did somehting similar with my wifes Verizon S7, when her company moved to ATT. (Flashed the ATT Firmware to the phone and all LTE bands worked)
Is this possible now? Can I FLASH a primairly GSM based firmeware to my XT1635-01?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am only guessing, but based on what I know about the Moto x, and all moto phones seem to follow the same rules now days, but the bands were what they advertised only. There was no way to add any other ones.
I get that... I think the same radio is in the "Verizon" version as the "Retail Unlocked" version...
Just a matter of Firmware activating the additional bands..
illtww said:
I get that... I think the same radio is in the "Verizon" version as the "Retail Unlocked" version...
Just a matter of Firmware activating the additional bands..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Radio's don't unlock bands as far as I know. The phone usually has the bands or it doesn't. Some phones may have some bands that aren't active, and can be "unlocked", but I'm not sure Moto does this.
But radios, that can be flashed, don't affect which bands are available. Neither does which carriers firmware you flash. If you even can without having severe issues. (again, talking moto here. Other manufacturers can be different) Afaik

How to determine which model you're buying secondhand?

I've been doing research on what Z to buy and this is what I've come up with from all the confusing data, please tell me if I'm wrong/right?
(I know this information is found in other places on the forum, but consider this the condensed version?)
All Moto Z are model XT1650 and it's the two digit number after that denotes the specific regional model.
XT1650-01 = Verizon. Locked bootloader, no root, limited 4G bands
XT1650-02 = Force/Verizon. Locked bootloader, no root, limited 4G bands
XT1650-03 = International-ish version, unlockable bootloader and rootable, most 4G bands
XT1650-04 = Underground version? Sasquatch Force? Antartic market? Locked/unlockable?
XT1650-05 = Chinese market, unlockable bootloader? rootable? All dual sim, limited 4G bands
It would seem that an enthusiast would want the XT1650-03 model since its bootloader is unlockable, should be sim-unlocked, and has all of the important 4G bands. So... If you're buying a secondhand phone, how do you tell which is which?! They all look the same. They're all advertised as model XT1650 on eBay or Swappa. Most sellers don't seem to know the difference between phones. I've seen many listing the model number as XT1650-03 but stating that it came from Verizon. I've only found a few select listings where the seller posted a clear picture that shows the full model number next to the USB port. Is this the only way to tell? Does the phone give the full model number with the two identifying -00 digits under About Phone, or Regulatory Information, or some other menu?
This is like going over to a friends house and they've got identical quadruplets. Who's who man!?

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