Okay, guys, I feel like I am getting jerked around by Sonim on this one. I want a rugged cell phone. Yes, I know that I can get many different phones and put them in an Otterbox. However, with FirstNet coming, I would love to get the Sonim XP8, unlock it from its AT&T bondage, and use it on Verizon until the A Fee & Fee network is robust enough in rural areas for me to switch.
Would a Sonim XP8 work on Verizon Wireless?
https://sonimtech.com/xp8/
https://www.droid-life.com/2015/02/...sm-cdma-wcdma-lte-verizon-att-sprint-tmobile/
VERIZON CDMA 0, 1 850, 1900 2, 4, 5, 13 1900, 1700/2100, 850, 700
CARRIER NETWORK 3G BANDS 3G FREQUENCIES 4G LTE BANDS 4G LTE FREQUENCIES
VERIZON CDMA 0, 1 850, 1900 2, 4, 5, 13 1900, 1700/2100, 850, 700
The above makes it look like it would, but I just want to make sure.
Also, I did contact Sonim direct and received this response from them:
"Dear Jxx,
Thank you for contacting Sonim, the XP8 if unlocked will not work on Verizons network, The software is at the base installed locked with ATT software, if you tried uploading Verizons on the device it can brick the phone.
Thanks and Regards,
Axxxxx
Customer Experience Center Agent
Sonim Technologies, Inc.
(w): 888.858.9460"
While I suppose it is certainly possible that some software can brick a phone, all I would do is insert a Verizon SIM card. Now maybe Sonim is giving their CSRs that script, but it sounds like bull to me.
What do you guys think? Considering that this appears to have the appropriate bands/frequencies for Verizon, I suppose they don't want customers using it on Verizon until they have some sort of agreement in place with Verizon.
Someone with an unlocked Sonim XP8 tried an activate Verizon SIM card in it. It worked for data, but not voice. Then, when he disabled data, it made voice calls just fine. Can anybody offer any help on how to make it work with voice while LTE in enabled?
Sonim now sells the unlocked XP8 directly from their webpage. Expensive as hell though. Factory unlocked is nice, although rooting the damned thing is eluding me.
You can try here.
https://apn.gishan.net/en/apn/verizon/sonim-xp8
I have Tmobile so it won't help me at all.
Thanks for the tip, Phuhque. When I go here https://sonimtech.com/xp8/ I only see this:
The Details
Features
Specifications
Where to Buy
Downloads
Where to Buy
AT&T — Available now
Bell Canada — Available now
Rogers — Available now
Sasktel — Available now
SouthernLinc — Available now
Sprint — Available now
Telus — Available now
Can you post a URL where I can buy it? How much is it?
Okay, I did find it here. https://store.sonimtech.com/products/sonim-xp8-blk-nam And, yes, I agree, $ 799.99 USD is too expensive. They still list it as GSM only, too.
Thanks for the tip, Phuhque. When I go here https://sonimtech.com/xp8/ I only see this:
The Details
Features
Specifications
Where to Buy
Downloads
Where to Buy
AT&T — Available now
Bell Canada — Available now
Rogers — Available now
Sasktel — Available now
SouthernLinc — Available now
Sprint — Available now
Telus — Available now
Can you post a URL where I can buy it? How much is it?
I know that is what they said. Supposedly this phone supports a good suite of frequencies. They may have them disabled, or the hardware may be different, of that I have no answer. I purchased one and immediately put a glass screen protector on it. It feels like you are holding a brick. For my mitts, it is very comfortable. Since it is listed as an enterprise phone, support for it should go 5 years. I will be glad when someone comes out with a process for rooting it. Factory Unlock and the 3 year comprehensive warranty is awesome. Good luck with verizon.
Related
The T-Mobile Galaxy Edge worked great with ATT LTE, does anyone know if the T-Mobile S6 Edge is there same way? Would be awesome if someone who has the phone can confirm. The specs show the bands that would work on ATT LTE. Thanks in advance.
I'm waiting for my unlock code. I'll report as soon as I get it.
verks said:
I'm waiting for my unlock code. I'll report as soon as I get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Where did you get the unlock code from?
Cellunlocker.net.
Keeping an eye on the thread. Need to unlock mine too but don't know if there are any ways to unlock it yet. How much did cell unlocker ask to unlock the tmobile s6 edge?
Yeah I stopped by that site earlier and wanted to see if a code was available but I Don't have my s6 yet so I can't provide an inei. But definitely keep us posted if the unlock works. As soon as you guys confirm I'll order mine.
Question. Can't you just call your carrier and get the unlock code? Especially if you buy the phone off contract? I know I did that with my S5.
Fmstgun said:
Question. Can't you just call your carrier and get the unlock code? Especially if you buy the phone off contract? I know I did that with my S5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not when you open a new line. You must to be with TMobile for 2 months in order to get the unlock code from them.
Missing bands 29 and 30
This may not matter for some of you, and others may already know, but I think it's worth pointing out that the T-Mobile variant is missing LTE bands 29 and 30.
Band 29 represents unpaired 700Mhz spectrum (for downlink), of which AT&T has a nationwide 5Mhz license. Once deployed via CA, it will improve AT&T's low-band LTE downlink capacity by 50%.
Band 30 represents paired 2300Mhz spectrum (WCS), of which AT&T has a nationwide 10x10 license. This will likely only be deployed in urban areas, but it will roughly double AT&T's current LTE capacity.
Both of these bands are being deployed this year.
brianbrain said:
This may not matter for some of you, and others may already know, but I think it's worth pointing out that the T-Mobile variant is missing LTE bands 29 and 30.
Band 29 represents unpaired 700Mhz spectrum (for downlink), of which AT&T has a nationwide 5Mhz license. Once deployed via CA, it will improve AT&T's low-band LTE downlink capacity by 50%.
Band 30 represents paired 2300Mhz spectrum (WCS), of which AT&T has a nationwide 10x10 license. This will likely only be deployed in urban areas, but it will roughly double AT&T's current LTE capacity.
Both of these bands are being deployed this year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know actually. Do you know if ATT version has these bands? Thanks
Yes att's variant does have band 29 and 30
vince2398 said:
Good to know actually. Do you know if ATT version has these bands? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nunyabiziz is correct, the AT&T version supports both bands
---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:27 AM ----------
tigercranestyle said:
was definitely aware. essentially we would be getting the same lte coverage of an at&t galaxy s5. which is the coverage of... i dunno... 98 percent of at&t's lte phones. nevertheless, will report back when code is sent and service switched.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Certainly a valid angle to look at things with - it's not like you're going to lose out on LTE coverage with these new bands. What you will be missing out on is LTE capacity/speed. Some areas have less of an issue than others, but where I work, my LTE speeds are terribly slow (lucky to get 1Mbps down - due to congestion, not signal strength), so I am very interested in making sure I have access to their capacity upgrades rolling out this year.
If you live and work in an area where LTE capacity/speed is not an issue, then I am jealous and also wish you the best with your T-Mobile model
For me the history of att locking down their samsung phones was the reason I decided to grab a T-Mobile edge. Part of the things I enjoy about owning android devices is the ability to tear it down and rebuild the os as I see fitting (aosp, cm, etc) losing out on a couple lte bands is totally worth it for the freedom.
I've just posted this in another thread, but think its relevant here too:
From the T-mobile website for the Galaxy S6 Edge:
Quad Band GSM;
LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17;
UMTS: Band I (2100), Band II (1900), Band IV (1700/2100), Band V (850), Band VIII (900)
From the AT&T site for the Galaxy S6 Edge:
4G-LTE Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 29 and 30
3G - UMTS 850/1900/2100MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz
So the AT&T version seems to cover more bases in terms of LTE coverage e.g. for those wanting LTE coverage in the UK too, the T-mobile version will work on 3 (3) and EE (3 and 7), whereas the AT&T version will work on 3 (3), EE (3 and 7), O2 (20) and Vodafone (20) [LTE bands shown in brackets]
Is T-Mobile allowing people to buy off contract?
Alaris said:
Is T-Mobile allowing people to buy off contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would have to buy it out right and pick the $50 plan. Then cancel once you get the phone.
verks said:
You would have to buy it out right and pick the $50 plan. Then cancel once you get the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They won't let you simply buy the phone for full retail price without an account, even AT&T will let you do that? That may be the dumbest thing I've heard in a very long while. What possible reason could they have for doing that? Seems like a good way to get far fewer sales.
Pure+ said:
They won't let you simply buy the phone for full retail price without an account, even AT&T will let you do that? That may be the dumbest thing I've heard in a very long while. What possible reason could they have for doing that? Seems like a good way to get far fewer sales.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will not, unfortunately, at least not with preorders.
For those of you who are thinking of preordering the GS6 through T-Mobile and then immediately moving it over to AT&T, you may want to make sure you read the unlocking policy. The one item that is kind of a "gotchya" here is that you'll need to have the device activated with T-Mobile for 40 days before they will unlock it. If 40 days on T-Mobile is something you can tolerate, then have at it
T-Mobile's Device unlocking policy:
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported as lost, stolen or blocked to T-Mobile.
The account associated with the device must be in good standing.
You have requested no more than 2 mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Prepaid Unlocking terms outlined below.
Unlock Eligibility for Monthly Phones and tablets
The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
If the device was financed using T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP), then all payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
If the device is on an account that has are under a service contract term, then at least 18 consecutive monthly payments must have been made or the account was migrated to Simple Choice no contract rate plan.
If the device is associated with a canceled account, then the account balance must be zero.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Unlock Eligibility for Prepaid Phones and Tablets
The device has been active on the T-Mobile network for more than 1 year.
If the device has been active for less than 1 year, then the Prepaid account associated with the device must have had more than $25 in refills for basic phones or $100 in refills for smartphones or tablet since device first use date.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
brianbrain said:
They will not, unfortunately, at least not with preorders.
For those of you who are thinking of preordering the GS6 through T-Mobile and then immediately moving it over to AT&T, you may want to make sure you read the unlocking policy. The one item that is kind of a "gotchya" here is that you'll need to have the device activated with T-Mobile for 40 days before they will unlock it. If 40 days on T-Mobile is something you can tolerate, then have at it
T-Mobile's Device unlocking policy:
Device eligibility is determined as follows:
The device must be a T-Mobile device.
The device must not be reported as lost, stolen or blocked to T-Mobile.
The account associated with the device must be in good standing.
You have requested no more than 2 mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months.
The device must satisfy all the Postpaid or Prepaid Unlocking terms outlined below.
Unlock Eligibility for Monthly Phones and tablets
The device must have been active on the T-Mobile network for at least 40 days on the requesting line.
If the device was financed using T-Mobile’s Equipment Installment Plan (EIP), then all payments must be satisfied and the device must be paid in full.
If the device is on an account that has are under a service contract term, then at least 18 consecutive monthly payments must have been made or the account was migrated to Simple Choice no contract rate plan.
If the device is associated with a canceled account, then the account balance must be zero.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Unlock Eligibility for Prepaid Phones and Tablets
The device has been active on the T-Mobile network for more than 1 year.
If the device has been active for less than 1 year, then the Prepaid account associated with the device must have had more than $25 in refills for basic phones or $100 in refills for smartphones or tablet since device first use date.
T-Mobile may request proof of purchase or additional information in its discretion and certain other exceptions may apply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why AT&T and Verizon will likely always make more money. They understand that there is a lot of money in the pockets of people who don't hold accounts with them. Thats just smarter business. No such thing as a bad dollar. T-mobile needs to learn.
tigercranestyle said:
geez. within the first several posts of this thread someone already mentioned the workaround to t-mobile's 40 day unlocking policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just because someone mentioned a workaround that doesn't change how utterly ridiculous, actually stupid, T-Mobile's policy is. And that work around while decent would be far better if you didn't have to sign up for any sort of T-Mobile service to still be able to purchase the phone. The problem is not the unlocking. That, until disproven, has been solved. The problem is all of the unnecessary BS you have to deal with in order to even buy the damn phone in the first place. Because of it I'll likely just get an AT&T one root be damned.
Groupon has a deal for the S5 that says it's for "Verizon and GSM Unlocked":
https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-samsung-galaxy-s5-smartphones
Is there any way to tell what model # this is? I'm guessing that it is a generic S5 and not the T-Mobile specific SM-G900T. If that's true, then it likely doesn't have the TMo specific LTE frequencies needed for full service (I'm in the Chicago area), correct?
I really hate having to find special versions of GSM devices to make full use of T-Mobile's network...
<TAP><TAP> Is this thing on???
Unlocked for all Verizon and GSM carriers.
On the same page --> https://www.groupon.com/pages/groupon-deal-images-gg-gsm-providers
Only thing is that it probably will not be compatible with WiFi calling features, but I could be wrong.
I know it would work but I was curious about whether it was the same model they sell via T-Mobile that has their unique frequency bands (1900/2100 I believe). Groupon responded to an inquiry and said it was a Verizon model so while I can't confirm it, I'm guessing it doesn't have the extra bands needed to fully make use of T-Mobile's LTE network so it would likely drop down to HPDPA+ in many locations.
According to the reviews, its a Verizon branded phone. A couple of the reviews are from T-mo users and they claimed to have issues with the sim/network not going to LTE, instead it uses their HSPA network.
If it was me, I would not buy this. It is cheap yea, but remember that the S5 is not compatible with the new band 12.
-edit-
The Chicago area isn't getting band 12 anyways, not anytime soon that is.
I'm using a Verizon S5 with a T-mobile rom and it works perfect 4g lte and all If you end up getting it just root it then look at my view forum posts.
Supposed to have GSM+CDMA + LTE bands for the big 3 (Tmobile, Verizon, ATT : 2/4/5/12/13/17, pentaband 3G)
ATT likes to whitelist phones for LTE/HD Voice (if this phone isn't on their whitelist, you need to jump through hoops to get LTE access, and very difficult get HD Voice/VoLTE to work properly)
Sprint has some issues too(5X/6P doesn't have wifi calling on Sprint), and you kinda want 2xCA/3xCA no sprint, so pointless to talk about them
Verizon - they are required to allow band 13 devices if device passes technical certificate. (points to HTC One A9 and them cancelling Verizon VoLTE support)
T-mobile - They want devices to pass their VoLTE technical cert process. Otherwise they demand manufacturers to disable band 12 (due to concerns of no 911 if you only have band 12 LTE data, and phone doesn't drop to another carrier for 911). Similar issues with Wifi calling (Moto X Pure doesn't have wifi calling)
B&H lists phone to be release in April/May, can't find any FCC docs yet
EDIT
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1239314-REG/lg_lgrs988_ausasv_g5_h850_32gb_smartphone.html
Under Q&A, Steve (staff at B&H) says there is band 12 VoLTE support, but do you trust him?
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-RS988-Silver-g5
LG actually has it on the website.
I still wouldn't trust B&H nor LG until someone has a RS988 model on hand to confirm it.
The "R" signifies LTE in Rural America, a joint effort between Verizon and various small CDMA operators to improve coverage. Basically, Verizon let these smaller operators set up shop on Band 13, in exchange for on-network roaming (both for Verizon customers on the LRA network, and LRA customers on Verizon's network). Some of these operators also have their own networks on other LTE bands, such as Bluegrass Cellular on Band 12 (in addition to Band 13), and some have roaming agreements with other carriers (Sprint). This is why the LRA model is chock full o' bands.
I wonder if the LRA model is bootloader unlockable like the T-Mobile model...
b&h said the phone is expected to be released by may 11th, i wander if anyone else is going to sale it?
xtermmin said:
Some of these operators also have their own networks on other LTE bands, such as Bluegrass Cellular on Band 12 (in addition to Band 13), and some have roaming agreements with other carriers (Sprint). This is why the LRA model is chock full o' bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
except that this model doesn't support Sprint (missing band 26/41)... oh well
paperWastage said:
except that this model doesn't support Sprint (missing band 26/41)... oh well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bands 26 and 41 are only needed for tri-band LTE Plus / Spark connectivity. Band 25 (which this LRA model has) is Sprint's primary LTE band. I suspect that either one of the LRA carriers has its own Band 25 network, or has a roaming agreement with Sprint but only has roaming access to Band 25.
For Sprint customers, the bigger issue is whether Sprint will allow it on their network. I recall that when the Moto X Pure was first released, people had to request Sprint to add the device's IMEI to the approved device database in order to use it on Sprint. I suspect that reps won't as easily add another carrier's variant of the G5 to their approved database, when Sprint is selling its own model.
xtermmin said:
The "R" signifies LTE in Rural America, a joint effort between Verizon and various small CDMA operators to improve coverage. Basically, Verizon let these smaller operators set up shop on Band 13, in exchange for on-network roaming (both for Verizon customers on the LRA network, and LRA customers on Verizon's network). Some of these operators also have their own networks on other LTE bands, such as Bluegrass Cellular on Band 12 (in addition to Band 13), and some have roaming agreements with other carriers (Sprint). This is why the LRA model is chock full o' bands.
I wonder if the LRA model is bootloader unlockable like the T-Mobile model...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a bunch for this information
I knew for a while something was off with the R and figured it signified something else since the name is so drastically different than the other phones in this lineup.
I went to see the phone in person, it's pretty nice, I like the Titan color, the gold is too light
B&H bootloader
I emailed B&H last week with questions, one concerning bootloader; It took 5 days for an answer but a tech support guy named Adam replied that it was unlocked; I emailed him back, asking if he knew the difference between unlocked sims and bootloader and he replied back and confirmed he did and bootloader was unlocked; This info is likely unreliable but the fact B&H doesn't have a vested interest in carriers and this would give them an edge on sales, we can still have hope. I won't be able to buy one until May when their stock come in though
Wow, it's going to be available on Amazon starting May 1
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DJE22C2...olid=K5RKTG1CO0AE&coliid=I1T763APP0P7E3&psc=1
Guess others will be getting it as well.
Amazon now listed for rs988 G5
thanks for info - looks like the only difference is the color, both same price, free shipping - one more reason to hope LG will allow unlocking bootloader - we will now see how serious is their claim to be "developer friendly" from what I'm hearing lately doesn't seem like US models are included for bootloader unlocking but still hoping.
B&H is silver (last 2 letters of model I'm guessing)
Amazon is titan (dark gray)
also check out the lte bands to be sure they are supported by the carrier you intend to use (mostly look good but a few specialty bands aren't there - there is another xda link to that but I can't remember the thread
The good thing about Shipped and Sold by Amazon.com these devices go on sale quick. For example, the Xperia Z5 went on sale at $599.99 and in about two weeks fell to $539.99.
$600 on Sale would be a nice sweet spot for this phone.
jrhlaser said:
thanks for info - looks like the only difference is the color, both same price, free shipping - one more reason to hope LG will allow unlocking bootloader - we will now see how serious is their claim to be "developer friendly" from what I'm hearing lately doesn't seem like US models are included for bootloader unlocking but still hoping.
B&H is silver (last 2 letters of model I'm guessing)
Amazon is titan (dark gray)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy the Titan G5 from B&H, that's what I pre-ordered and it arrived yesterday. I'm using it on AT&T and everything seems to be working fine (no HD Voice, of course, but that's expected when using an unlocked device).
excellent, thanks - so it appears you can get both silver and titan from B&H (probably from Amazon also) Did you see if bootloader was locked (I figured it would be and the salesman who twice told me it was unlocked and that he knew what the bootloader meant, was yanking my chain....
There is an option to OEM Unlock in the developers settings. How to verify bootloader is unlocked?
---------- Post added at 12:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:34 PM ----------
sm partition disk:179,0 private worked to make the SD adoptable - migrated data, all looks fine.
---------- Post added at 12:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:35 PM ----------
adb reboot bootloader doesn't put it into fastboot mode, adb reboot recovery gives the dead droid logo
The bootloader question would better be answered by the Guru's as it was first thought that the T-Mobile variant was unlocked but turned out not to actually be truly unlocked - I suspect it will be the same as the T-Mobile version - unlockable but not actually unlocked (If LG gives us the codes) I have sent several emails to LG concerning this and basically told them that, if they are truly "developer friendly" now is the time to prove it.... (diplomatically of course) I fear that the idea of modular phones won't take off if they keep the software locked down and don't follow through with the promises.
jeffreytz said:
You can buy the Titan G5 from B&H, that's what I pre-ordered and it arrived yesterday. I'm using it on AT&T and everything seems to be working fine (no HD Voice, of course, but that's expected when using an unlocked device).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did you get my issue with the phone like the reviewers point out? Also did you get headphones in the box?
snaketooth2007 said:
So did you get my issue with the phone like the reviewers point out? Also did you get headphones in the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No headphones in the box, just the QuickCharge 3.0 charger and cable. What issue are you referring to?
jeffreytz said:
No headphones in the box, just the QuickCharge 3.0 charger and cable. What issue are you referring to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awe I was expecting headphones oh well. Issues like screen warp,light bleed , and chin alignment.
snaketooth2007 said:
Awe I was expecting headphones oh well. Issues like screen warp,light bleed , and chin alignment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought this from B&H and I'm not sure about the light bleed (I consider it a fringe issue), but the chin alignment is pretty good and the screen warp is still an issue
Anyone have any luck with getting volte to work on tmobile i have been trying and not having any luck
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
Hello folks,
This is fairly basic question but I have difficulties figuring out nitty gritty details of it (esp 4G LTE). The details below.
I am out to buy an unlocked phone. I am sick of paying >$400 for a phone. I tend to use them for at least 4 years, still I am refusing to pay even $400 as they are so fragile and repairing (even the screen) is not worth it. So trying to go as cheap as I can with the phone that will last at least 3 years, if not 4.
I am currently looking at Xiaomi MiA2 https://www.gearbest.com/cell-phones/pp_009486371449.html?wid=1349303 It supports bands B1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 7 / 8 / 20, TDD-LTE: B38 / 40
I understand the basics of the network, esp GSM and CDMA. Now that 2G is almost out, for 3G to work, you need either of 850, 900, 1700, 1900 and 2100 MHz frequencies. I will be sticking to GSM only as I use at&t MVNO but will soon be switching to at&t.
For 4G LTE, one needs to make sure that the bands the network provider uses are supported by the phone. This digital trends article (https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/smartphone-bands-explained/2/) gives really good explanation but I got stuck on this (https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/cell-phone-networks-and-frequencies-explained) WhistleOut article that claims, one must have band 12 to be able to work on at&t. This phone does not have band 12.
But when I check this phone on https://willmyphonework.net/. It says, it will work with band 4. (I didn't use this phone exactly but other phones with similar configuration).
At the end my questions are,
- If this phone will work on at&t network. For voice and texting, it should not be an issue but for data, will it access 4G data, will it work as 3G data?
- Is this device easily rootable and enough community available to have continued ROM development for at least 2 years? Not easy to answer this question at the moment as this phone was released recently. Still, if any devs have any inclination, would love to know.
- Does anyone know any other phone equivalent to this around $200 price point, other than Moto G5 or 6? (Not interested in buying pre-owned phone and keeping an eye on 'which device to buy' thread). My inclination towards this phone is for camera. It seems better than the equivalents. Otherwise, I am really OK with other devices as phones.
Thanks in advance.
Hey there,
This is Chris Holmes, I wrote the WhistleOut article you reference. In my article I mentioned that you definitely want band 17, not band 12, to get good service on AT&T. Based on the bands the phone you're interested in has, it wouldn't really get great 4G LTE coverage for any of the US carriers. It has one of T-Mobile's main bands, so that would probably the best bet if you're dead set on this device, which appears to be overseas-sourced. We'd suggest, alternately, looking into picking up the Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime for around $200, which will have full compatibility with AT&T.