Which variant should I buy? - LG V30 Questions & Answers

I'm planning to switch to a V30 from my G6 but I don't know which variant to buy..
I want one that gets the quickest updates while also working on American carriers (Verizon preferred). Root not important. Which one would you prefer?

Honestly, pick up whichever variant you can get the cheapest. Do not get the T-Mobile variant. If you use the WTF bootloader and frankenstein conversion method, you will end up with a converted US998.
I converted my ATT H931 to US998 and it works on verizon perfectly, except when using BoomBox rom. That rom doesnt work with verizon service for some odd reason.
You don't have to root or unlock the bootloader, just Convert the phone if you so wish.

Thisisabadname said:
I'm planning to switch to a V30 from my G6 but I don't know which variant to buy..
I want one that gets the quickest updates while also working on American carriers (Verizon preferred). Root not important. Which one would you prefer?
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You said root is big important, but my answer involves root... If you don't want root, then you need to hurt get a Verizon VS996.
They all have root, except for T-Mobile H932.
Buy the cheapest you can get of the North American variants, and then convert it to what you need after bootloader unlocked and rooted.
In the bootloader unlock procedure you will convert it to US998 for fastboot flash commands. After that is done.-- bootloader unlock and root -- then you can add back Verizon Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE.
Right now mint LS998 V30+ are going for $335 on eBay. I've bought two of those, to convert to the US998 and run on AT&T. You can run it on Verizon, with VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling for Verizon.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+

Related

Can I activate an AT&T V30 on Sprint's network?

I have an AT&T V30 (H931, I believe is the model number). I'm wondering if it is compatible with Sprint's network. If I get it unlocked by AT&T, can I activate it on Sprint?
No. Not as the H931.
You can carrier unlock it by converting to US998 (Frankenstein) thread. Bootloader unlocking, installing TWRP and rooting, and then use the posted files to convert to LS998 (to get all the Sprint bands) and possibly activate on Sprint, because then you will have a Sprint LS998. But that's going to an awful lot of trouble. But you can't activate non-Sprint V30 on Sprint.
Mint Sprint LS998 V30+ are available on eBay for $320. I bought two, not to use on Sprint but to use on AT&T! I converted them to US998 via Frankenstein thread.
If you want Sprint, why didn't you just buy Sprint variant to begin with? The Sprint V30+ are super cheap because no one really wants them. But they can be converted to more useful carrier unlocked model US998 or even Verizon VS996 for example. Even Sprint users who have LS998 (or buy them) convert to US998 to bootloader unlock -- then convert back to Sprint LS998 to get all LTE Sprint bands back. They make sure to activate on Sprint as LS998 first.
ChazzMatt said:
No. Not as the H931.
You can carrier unlock it by converting to US998 (Frankenstein) thread. Bootloader unlocking, installing TWRP and rooting, and then use the posted files to convert to LS998 (to get all the Sprint bands) and possibly activate on Sprint, because then you will have a Sprint LS998. But that's going to an awful lot of trouble. But you can't activate non-Sprint V30 on Sprint.
Mint Sprint LS998 V30+ are available on eBay for $320. I bought two, not to use on Sprint but to use on AT&T! I converted them to US998 via Frankenstein thread.
If you want Sprint, why didn't you just buy Sprint variant to begin with? The Sprint V30+ are super cheap because no one really wants them. But they can be converted to more useful carrier unlocked model US998 or even Verizon VS996 for example. Even Sprint users who have LS998 (or buy them) convert to US998 to bootloader unlock -- then convert back to Sprint LS998 to get all LTE Sprint bands back. They make sure to activate on Sprint as LS998 first.
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Thanks for the great info!
I actually have several V30s on AT&T at the moment, and I'm considering switching to Sprint and am wondering if I can reuse these.
So if I go the Frankenstein route as you described, would I be able to use these on Sprint? Or would it be kind of a toss-up as to whether even then Sprint would allow me to activate them?

H932 T-Mo US

Prob been asked a million times h932 tmobile us can have it's bootloader unlocked correct? I ask cause it's time for me too jump from my Nexus 6 too something else. However options are kinda limited in the market.. g7 also caught my eye but I'm not sure it's unlockable either :/
Cobra11Murderer said:
Prob been asked a million times h932 tmobile us can have it's bootloader unlocked correct? I ask cause it's time for me too jump from my Nexus 6 too something else. However options are kinda limited in the market.. g7 also caught my eye but I'm not sure it's unlockable either :/
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Look in the Guides section of this V30 forum for H932 root method. Hint: the thread you are looking for says ROOT H932. Not hard to find.
Every V30/V30+/V30S on the planet can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. However, the T-mobile H932 variant needs a different method from all the other V30 bootloader unlock and root. That's why it has a separate thread.
Are you a T-mobile U.S. customer? The other method for all the other "V30" phones -- called WTF -- is easier. That's the only reason I'm asking. If you don't specifically need H932 you can buy other V30 variants (even carrier locked) and even convert them to carrier unlocked firmware. Like buy Sprint LS998 V30+ and convert to carrier unlocked US998 V30+.
EDIT: I see you are a T-mobile customer.
ChazzMatt said:
Look in the Guides section of this V30 forum for H932 root method. Hint: the thread you are looking for says ROOT H932. Not hard to find.
Every V30/V30+/V30S on the planet can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. However, the T-mobile H932 variant needs a different method from all the other V30 bootloader unlock and root. That's why it has a separate thread.
Are you a T-mobile U.S. customer? The other method for all the other "V30" phones -- called WTF -- is easier. That's the only reason I'm asking. If you don't specifically need H932 you can buy other V30 variants (even carrier locked) and even convert them to carrier unlocked firmware. Like buy Sprint LS998 V30+ and convert to carrier unlocked US998 V30+.
EDIT: I see you are a T-mobile customer.
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Sweet I haven't bought the phone yet do the other variants have the same frequency? Just wanna make sure.
Cobra11Murderer said:
Sweet I haven't bought the phone yet do the other variants have the same frequency? Just wanna make sure.
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Click to collapse
No, each variant has slightly more or less frequencies. But converting (Frankenstein) gives you those frequencies. T-Mobile H932 can not be converted to or from another variant due to different RSA encryption. Only H932 has the new T-Mobile LTE band 71.
But all other North America variants can be fully converted to another North America variant (LS998, VS996, US998, AS998, H931, H933) and it will have those bands.
Converting to US998 gives you fastboot flash commands.
If you care about custom AOSP ROMs, stay away from H933 and H931. Even though they can converted to US998 and rooted, AOSP/Lineage ROMs are problematic.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
No, each variant has slightly more or less frequencies. But converting (Frankenstein) gives you those frequencies. T-Mobile H932 can not be converted to or from another variant due to different RSA encryption. Only H932 has the new T-Mobile LTE band 71.
But all other North America variants can be fully converted to another North America variant (LS998, VS996, US998, AS996, H931, H933) and it will have those bands.
Converting to US998 gives you fastboot flash commands.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
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Gotcha! I dont mind getting my hands dirty lol, built roms and dealt with other devices before. Glad too see theres at least one phone I can get that can have its bootloader unlocked. Almost went with the g7 glad I didnt lol

Using unlocked H931 on Mint mobile

Hi,
I've been offered a cheap unlocked refurbed V30 H931 variant and I was wondering if it will work with Mint Mobile (T-mobile) out of the box or if I should flash it with H932? My SIM is already activated and working on my phone, i'll just be swapping it out of my old broken phone and into the V30. Also, I travel to europe a lot (mainly the UK) should I flash a different firmware before I go each time to ensure I have the best radio and can connect to 4G service? My old phone is a UK phone and I don't get US 4G with it irritatingly.
Thanks!
Forsh said:
Hi,
I've been offered a cheap unlocked refurbed V30 H931 variant and I was wondering if it will work with Mint Mobile (T-mobile) out of the box or if I should flash it with H932? My SIM is already activated and working on my phone, i'll just be swapping it out of my old broken phone and into the V30. Also, I travel to europe a lot (mainly the UK) should I flash a different firmware before I go each time to ensure I have the best radio and can connect to 4G service? My old phone is a UK phone and I don't get US 4G with it irritatingly.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do NOT flash H932 firmware over anything but H932.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Do NOT flash H932 firmware over anything but H932.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
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Is it likely to work with T-mobile/Mint out of the box? Is there anything you would recommend I do to improve signal/performance with T-mobile/mint on the AT&T variant phone?
Forsh said:
Is it likely to work with T-mobile/Mint out of the box? Is there anything you would recommend I do to improve signal/performance with T-mobile/mint on the AT&T variant phone?
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AT&T H931 is locked to AT&T. You'll need to Frankenstein it to carrier unlocked US998. Many are running US998 on T-Mobile.
I'm getting an unlocked 931 tomorrow, and will be trying it on mint mobile. If it's unlocked (as the seller says), I think it will work on t-mo network. It certainly has all the LTE bands needed (except 71 unfortunately).
I'll post back if it works or not.
I can say that the unlocked 931 I got works on mint mobile. The LTE signal isn't very strong but the download speed is good and everything else works fine. Really like the v30, what a nice phone.

Solid budget android phone that is easily rooted?

I currently have a S5, SM-G900V that was a pain in the ass to get it "rooted." Unfortunately, it has a lot of compatibility and phone issues: keyboard frequently crashes, OS crashes, constantly getting locked out of the SIM card so I can't listen to my voice mail on the phone, randomly lose service, most of my calls are dropped... Essentially, the only good thing so far is battery life, app comparability and texting works.
I currently looking for recommendations for a new phone to purchase in the next few months. It must be easy to root, have decent battery life and I don't want to spend more than 250. The cheaper the better... I was looking at the honor 7x/8x, anyone have experience with those?
SuperUser1010 said:
I currently have a S5, SM-G900V that was a pain in the ass to get it "rooted." Unfortunately, it has a lot of compatibility and phone issues: keyboard frequently crashes, OS crashes, constantly getting locked out of the SIM card so I can't listen to my voice mail on the phone, randomly lose service, most of my calls are dropped... Essentially, the only good thing so far is battery life, app comparability and texting works.
I currently looking for recommendations for a new phone to purchase in the next few months. It must be easy to root, have decent battery life and I don't want to spend more than 250. The cheaper the better... I was looking at the honor 7x/8x, anyone have experience with those?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All LG V30/V30+/V30S can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. While doing so, you can also convert many to another model. For instance, commonly can buy a Sprint LS998 V30+ (128GB), easily bootloader unlock, install TWRP, root as carrier unlocked open market US998 V30+. This can be used on any carrier.
Or buy US998 V30+ (but it's probably LS998 V30+ already converted)
$250 on eBay for new or "mint" condition.
There's also European/Middle East/Pacific variants if you need slightly different bands. EVERY V30/V30+/V30S can be bootloader unlocked and rooted.
LG V30/V30+
* 1440P OLED (537 ppi)
* Qi wireless charging
* 3.5mm headset jack
* Quad DAC
* DTS 3D stereo
* IP68 dust/water resistance
* rear camera OIS on normal lens - plus 120 degree wide angle lens
* superfast fingerprint sensor
* 64GB (V30) or 128GB (V30+) internal storage
* microSD port for additional storage
* bootloader unlock and root
* no notch
* fantastic battery
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
US998
CDMA: 800 MHz CDMA
2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS (HSPA):850/900/1900/2100 MHz
4G LTE Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12(17)/13/20/25/66
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
I'm in complete agreement with ChazzMatt... The root method on this phone is one of the easiest I've ever used.... Plus, with his guide and assistance (along with many others in the V30 community) is unsurpassed IMO =)
Sent from my stock rooted LG-H933 V30
Huawei?
hiitsrudd said:
Huawei?
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Gesundheit.
See specs above. See easy root capabilities requirement.
No Huawei or almost any other phone matches all hardware specs/premium features of the LG V30/V30+/V30S. Only Samsung Galaxy flagships do, and then you run into the easy root problem.
ChazzMatt said:
All LG V30/V30+/V30S can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. While doing so, you can also convert many to another model. For instance, commonly can buy a Sprint LS998 V30+ (128GB), easily bootloader unlock, install TWRP, root as carrier unlocked open market US998 V30+. This can be used on any carrier.
Or buy US998 V30+ (but it's probably LS998 V30+ already converted)
$250 on eBay for new or "mint" condition.
There's also European/Middle East/Pacific variants if you need slightly different bands. EVERY V30/V30+/V30S can be bootloader unlocked and rooted.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the purpose or benefit of converting to another model? Like, what is the difference between a US998 and LS998? Also, what's your opinion on buying open box/renew/used? What should I be looking for if buying any of those?
SuperUser1010 said:
What is the purpose or benefit of converting to another model? Like, what is the difference between a US998 and LS998? Also, what's your opinion on buying open box/renew/used? What should I be looking for if buying any of those?
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US998 is carrier unlocked. Converting Sprint LS998 to a carrier unlocked variant is the only way to carrier unlock the phone.
Also of the North America V30, only US998 has fastboot flash commands to bootloader unlock, install TWRP and root. So you have to temporarily convert to US998 anyway. After bootloader unlock and root, you can flash TWRP-FLASHABLE zip (ROM) based on STOCK KDZ to convert back to carrier firmware if you wish.
However many still stay on US998 as it's the official carrier unlocked V30 North America firmware.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
US998 is carrier unlocked. Converting Sprint LS998 to a carrier unlocked variant is the only way to carrier unlock the phone.
Also of the North America V30, only US998 has fastboot flash commands to bootloader unlock, Install TWRP and root. So you have to temporarily convert to US998 anyway. After bootloader unlock and root, you can flash TWRP-FLASHABLE zip (ROM) based on STOCK KDZ to convert back to carrier firmware if you wish.
However many still stay on US998 as it's the official carrier unlocked V30 North America firmware.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
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So essentially it sounds like find whatever is cheapest except that H932 model. Do you have any experience or knowledge on purchasing second hand? It seems like renewed is the store's version of "certified used." What about renewed vs used/open box?
SuperUser1010 said:
So essentially it sounds like find whatever is cheapest except that H932 model. Do you have any experience or knowledge on purchasing second hand? It seems like renewed is the store's version of "certified used." What about renewed vs used/open box?
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Click to collapse
Something like this, 9/10 used - practically mint. $185.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/173665613177
You want V30+ (128GB) if possible.
---
ChazzMatt said:
Something like this, 9/10 used - practically mint. $185.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/173665613177
You want V30+ (128GB) if possible.
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Before I buy the phone. One thing I'm not understanding, the phone works with all carriers, correct? When I had my Galaxy S3, it was on the CDMA (sprint network) and wouldn't work with GSM network carriers. I have a Galaxy S5 now with a sim card, it is supposed to work with GSM carriers but not CDMA. If I wanted this phone to work on CDMA network, do I just not put in a sim card and it should work with sprint network? And if I wanted to go to t-mobile network, I just add a sim card to go to their network? Also, should the phone be coming with an IMEI and a MEID # to confirm it works with each carrier?
SuperUser1010 said:
Before I buy the phone. One thing I'm not understanding, the phone works with all carriers, correct? When I had my Galaxy S3, it was on the CDMA (sprint network) and wouldn't work with GSM network carriers. I have a Galaxy S5 now with a sim card, it is supposed to work with GSM carriers but not CDMA. If I wanted this phone to work on CDMA network, do I just not put in a sim card and it should work with sprint network? And if I wanted to go to t-mobile network, I just add a sim card to go to their network? Also, should the phone be coming with an IMEI and a MEID # to confirm it works with each carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The US998 has all the bands (GSM, CDMA, HSPA, LTE) to work with all North American carriers. It's the official carrier unlocked model for North America.
And what you described SHOULD happen, except Sprint demands you buy their locked down Sprint V30 LS998 to use on Sprint instead of the carrier unlocked US998. Sprint will not authorize any other LG V30 on their network except Sprint-branded LS998.
But others use US998 on T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, their MVNOs, Canadian carriers, etc. Blame Sprint.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+

Best version to buy?

I'm looking at purchasing a V30 or V30+ to use with Straight Talk (AT&T) service. I would like to be able to unlock bootloader, root and use custom ROMs. Which version would be recommended for this? Or does it matter as long has it's not the t-mo version?
dreamliner77 said:
I'm looking at purchasing a V30 or V30+ to use with Straight Talk (AT&T) service.
I would like to be able to unlock bootloader, root and use custom ROMs. Which version would be recommended for this? Or does it matter as long has it's not the t-mo version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get V30+, US998. It will either be native US998 V30+ or probably already-converted LS998 30+ to US998 V30+ -- either of which works for your desired purpose. V30+ has 128GB internal memory, so a better deal.
For what you want, do not get T-Mobile H932, AT&T H931 or Canada H933.
ChazzMatt said:
Get V30+, US998. It will either be native US998 V30+ or probably already-converted LS998 30+ to US998 V30+ -- either of which works for your desired purpose. V30+ has 128GB internal memory, so a better deal.
For what you want, do not get T-Mobile H932, AT&T H931 or Canada H933.
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Thanks! Gonna go track one down.

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