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Hi, trying to purchase a v30 + that I can use with AT&T. ( they only carry the 64 v30). Any sites that any of you trust have them in stock, ready to ship?
Thanks!
T-Mobile sells the V30+ now.
Rideit12 said:
Hi, trying to purchase a v30 + that I can use with AT&T. ( they only carry the 64 v30). Any sites that any of you trust have them in stock, ready to ship?
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
US Cellular.
Rideit12 said:
Hi, trying to purchase a v30 + that I can use with AT&T. ( they only carry the 64 v30). Any sites that any of you trust have them in stock, ready to ship?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
20degrees said:
US Cellular.
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Click to collapse
U.S. Cellular was selling their V30+ even before Sprint -- on October 6. Sprint NEVER had any "real" exclusive, in spite of breathless internet reports.
Yes, U.S. Cellular's version is the unofficial carrier unlocked version, with almost all the CDMA/GSM/HSPA/LTE bands and will work on any major North American carrier and even South American carriers.
I'm hoping LG will surprise us when the "open market" US998 is released and will make available this V30+ model as one of the options. Why don't you wait a week just to see?
Thanks!
So, just to clarify, US Cellular willdefinitely unlock a V30+ for me if I purchase it outright?
Rideit12 said:
Thanks!
So, just to clarify, US Cellular willdefinitely unlock a V30+ for me if I purchase it outright?
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Yes, it comes SIM card unlocked, carrier unlocked. Several people on here have bought it and used it on T-mobile, etc. See one example here:
AliLaPointe said:
I have the US Cellular version which shares the same model number as the unlocked version (US 998). I am on T Mobile with VOLTE and WiFi Calling.
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Especially, if you purchase it outright there won't be any issues.
That's great news! I tried buying one on EBay from S. Korea, but it was 'Vaporware'.
I would like to get the V30+ from B&H to get the rebate but they only have the V30.
** Looks like there is not even an official unlocked V30+ from LG yet **
banshee28 said:
I would like to get the V30+ from B&H to get the rebate but they only have the V30.
** Looks like there is not even an official unlocked V30+ from LG yet **
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Click to collapse
Right. The official carrier unlocked version(s) -- which LG calls "open market" versions -- won't be released until December 5 and the rebate offer says you have to buy the first one by December 2. So, I preordered ONE (paid in advance) a few days ago from B&H Photo, and that will count as the first eligible purchase. (Only B&H Photo is offering pre-orders on the LG V30, and there are no V30+ for pre-order.)
I'll then wait until after December 5 and order a carrier unlocked version V30+ for the second purchase. You have 45 days after first purchase to buy the second eligible device. I'm hoping there will be A North America "open market" version of the V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Right. The official carrier unlocked version(s) -- which LG calls "open market" versions -- won't be released until December 5 and the rebate offer says you have to buy the first one by December 2. So, I preordered ONE (paid in advance) a few days ago from B&H Photo, and that will count as the first eligible purchase. (Only B&H Photo is offering pre-orders on the LG V30, and there are no V30+ for pre-order.)
I'll then wait until after December 5 and order a carrier unlocked version V30+ for the second purchase. You have 45 days after first purchase to buy the second eligible device. I'm hoping there will be A North America "open market" version of the V30+
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Click to collapse
Just out of curiosity, why not get one from US Cellular? Bloatware?
Rideit12 said:
Just out of curiosity, why not get one from US Cellular? Bloatware?
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Click to collapse
Because of LG Developer Bootloader Unlock list. And root, custom ROMs, kernels.
U.S.Cellular variant won't be eligible.
Delete
caseyryback21 said:
What version of the phone is the ideal model to purchase that it's carrier unlocked, and able to be bl unlocked/root?. The LG V30 seems like just what I'm wanting, but there are so many varients I am simply to afraid to purchase in fear of getting a less than ideal model.
From the reading and searching I've done, it seems that I can buy almost any of the iterations, then just convert it to a us998. I just can't figure out which one I should to get, to ensure that it's carrier unlocked, and able to be bl unlocked, and root.
I'm currently on T-Mobile prepaid and still have the 5gb, ul text,and just 100 minutes for only $30/mo. I have switched to Straight Talk (att mvno) when I've needed more talk time or traveled to certain places where the coverage is a little more reliable.
Lastly, what added to my confusion was that I was looking at a us998 for sale, but the listing indicated it was locked to US Cellular. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier unlocked should be a better choice if you're trying to root. I think, I'm not a 100% sure.
Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk
Please don't use this Q&A format. Just open a regular thread. With "Q&A" format, you can only view it in web browser (not apps) and it's difficult to format answers.
Any LG V30/V30+/V30S on the planet can be bootloader unlocked and rooted, except for the T-mobile H932. But some V30/V30+ sold in other parts of the world do not have the bands you need. So, for North America carriers with bootloader unlock and root, you want any North America variant (EXCEPT the T-mobile H932).
V30+ (128GB) has more internal storage than V30 (64GB), if that's important to you. The V30S has more RAM (6GB vs 4GB), but right now the V30+ seems to be the sweet spot in price between the three "V30" (code name Joan) series models. For the rest of this discussion, I'm only going to be talking about V30/V30+.
__________
For the WTF bootloader unlock exploit you need Oreo and fastboot flash commands. North America US998 V30/V30+ has fastboot flash commands, while the other North American variants do not.... But there's no need to specifically buy that US998 V30/V30+ variant, if you can easily convert a less expensive carrier variant bought off eBay to that model (except for T-mobile H932). For instance, right now you can get MINT LS998 V30+ (128GB) on eBay for $315. eBay often has flash 10%, 15% off sales you can take advantage of, to lessen the price even more. In 10 minutes time that LS998 V30+ can be converted to US998 V30+ and then you're ready for bootloader unlock and root.
Yes, you can Frankenstein an AT&T H931 V30, Canadian H933 V30, Verizon VS996 V30 and Sprint LS998 V30/V30+, or regional carrier AS998 (any of them) to be carrier unlocked US998. Or you can buy carrier unlocked US998 V30/V30+ to begin with... I've done both: I bought three "original" US998 V30/V30+ (from B&H Photo) and I've since bought two LS998 V30+ off eBay and converted them to US998 V30+.
The US998 is the carrier unlocked model, and it's sold by both US Cellular carrier as well as being sold as official "open market" model by 3rd party retailers on behalf of LG (like B&H Photo). Whoever said it's locked to US Cellular has no clue what they are talking about -- UNLESS it's a specific seller who signed a contract with U.S. Cellular and has not finished paying for that phone. (I doubt that; I think they just don't know what they are talking about.) But any U.S. Cellular US998 fully paid for at purchase are carrier unlocked. Tons of people bought them to use on other carriers before LG released the "official" open market US998 V30/V30+ in December 2018.
Only the official "open market" US998 (sold by authorized 3rd party retailers like B&H Photo) are eligible for LG's Developer website bootloader unlock code (IMEI and DEVICE ID are registered with LG) -- but we don't need LG's permission anymore since @TxanMoe discovered the Oreo WTF bootloader unlock exploit back in May 2018. It's easier, takes less time and you can buy almost any phone you want. LG has tried to patch that exploit with recent "security" updates, but it's very easy to downgrade back to pre-July 2018 firmware for bootloader unlock. Afterwards, you can then update back to latest firmware, once bootloader is unlocked.
US998 can be used on T-mobile, as it's the official carrier unlocked model and works on any North American carrier. The only quibble is you may or may not get T-mobile's new band 71 on US998. Some people with root said they have gotten it, others say they do not. I do not know as I use AT&T. There's various threads where it's been discussed in depth.
@caseyryback21 opened one of the difficult Q&A format questions yesterday, then asked it be deleted -- but the question itself is valid, so I'm reposting it in a "regular" discussion thread, along with my answer.
caseyryback21 said:
What version of the phone is the ideal model to purchase that it's carrier unlocked, and able to be bl unlocked/root?. The LG V30 seems like just what I'm wanting, but there are so many variants I am simply to afraid to purchase in fear of getting a less than ideal model.
From the reading and searching I've done, it seems that I can buy almost any of the iterations, then just convert it to a us998. I just can't figure out which one I should to get, to ensure that it's carrier unlocked, and able to be bl unlocked, and root.
I'm currently on T-Mobile prepaid and still have the 5gb, ul text,and just 100 minutes for only $30/mo. I have switched to Straight Talk (att mvno) when I've needed more talk time or traveled to certain places where the coverage is a little more reliable.
Lastly, what added to my confusion was that I was looking at a us998 for sale, but the listing indicated it was locked to US Cellular. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDITING SOME OF MY REPLIES IN THIS THREAD AS THEY WERE ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN AUGUST 2018. STUFF HAS HAPPENED SINCE THEN.
Any LG V30/V30+/V30S on the planet can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. But some V30/V30+ sold in other parts of the world do not have the bands you need for your carrier. So, for North America carriers with bootloader unlock and root, you want any North America variant.
V30+ (128GB) has more internal storage than V30 (64GB), if that's important to you. The V30S has more RAM (6GB vs 4GB), but right now the V30+ seems to be the sweet spot in price between the three "V30" (code name Joan) series models. For the rest of this discussion, I'm only going to be talking about V30/V30+.
__________
For the WTF bootloader unlock exploit you need Oreo and fastboot flash commands. North America US998 V30/V30+ has fastboot flash commands, while the other North American variants do not.... But there's no need to specifically buy that US998 V30/V30+ variant, if you can easily convert a less expensive carrier variant bought off eBay to that model (except for T-mobile H932). For instance, right now you can get MINT LS998 V30+ (128GB) on eBay for $315. eBay often has flash 10%, 15% off sales you can take advantage of, to lessen the price even more. In 10 minutes time that LS998 V30+ can be converted to US998 V30+ and then you're ready for bootloader unlock and root.
Yes, you can Frankenstein an AT&T H931 V30, Canadian H933 V30, Verizon VS996 V30 and Sprint LS998 V30/V30+, or regional carrier AS998 (any of them) to be carrier unlocked US998. Or you can buy carrier unlocked US998 V30/V30+ to begin with... I've done both: I bought three "original" US998 V30/V30+ (from B&H Photo) and I've since bought two LS998 V30+ off eBay and converted them to US998 V30+.
The US998 is the carrier unlocked model, and it's sold by both US Cellular carrier as well as being sold as official "open market" model by 3rd party retailers on behalf of LG (like B&H Photo). Whoever said it's locked to US Cellular has no clue what they are talking about -- UNLESS it's a specific seller who signed a contract with U.S. Cellular and has not finished paying for that phone. (I doubt that; I think they just don't know what they are talking about.) But any U.S. Cellular US998 fully paid for at purchase are carrier unlocked. Tons of people bought them to use on other carriers before LG released the "official" open market US998 V30/V30+ in December 2018.
Only the official "open market" US998 (sold by authorized 3rd party retailers like B&H Photo) are eligible for LG's Developer website bootloader unlock code (IMEI and DEVICE ID are registered with LG) -- but we don't need LG's permission anymore since @TxanMoe discovered the Oreo WTF bootloader unlock exploit back in May 2018. It's easier, takes less time and you can buy almost any phone you want. LG has tried to patch that exploit with recent "security" updates, but it's very easy to downgrade back to pre-July 2018 firmware for bootloader unlock. Afterwards, you can then update back to latest firmware, once bootloader is unlocked.
US998 can be used on T-mobile, as it's the official carrier unlocked model and works on any North American carrier. The only quibble is you may or may not get T-mobile's new band 71 on US998. Some people with root said they have gotten it, others say they do not. I do not know as I use AT&T. There's various threads where it's been discussed in depth.
Thanks so much for reposting this. I don't make a lot of posts and felt like such an idiot opening up a Q & A. Your info was really great and as a matter of fact I just got my ls998 in the mail this afternoon.
Next step is just to convert it to a us998 then bootloader unlock and root
Another question I was going to ask, but will find out here soon enough, is whether or not a T-Mobile SIM will work in an LS 998 as is. Or must you first convert to a us998 before using it on another carrier?
Thanks so much, your post is full of so much info and definitely helped me make my decision.
caseyryback21 said:
Next step is just to convert it to a us998 then bootloader unlock and root
Another question I was going to ask, but will find out here soon enough, is whether or not a T-Mobile SIM will work in an LS 998 as is. Or must you first convert to a us998 before using it on another carrier?
Thanks so much, your post is full of so much info and definitely helped me make my decision.
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Click to collapse
You're welcome for the information.
For the LS998, you'll need to convert to US998. Almost all LS998 are carrier locked to Sprint. Unless the seller guarantees it's carrier unlocked. Still better to convert to US998, even if just for updates. Sprint won't release KDZ for their updates, and US998 KDZ are readily available.
ChazzMatt said:
You're welcome for the information.
For the LS998, you'll need to convert to US998. Almost all LS998 are carrier locked to Sprint. Unless the seller guarantees it's carrier unlocked. Still better to convert to US998, even if just for updates. Sprint won't release KDZ for their updates, and US998 KDZ are readily available.
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Click to collapse
One more thing you might want to add is that not all converted V30s can run AOSP ROMs. This might affect some people on which one to choose. I am not sure which ones, I believe H931 (att) and mine for sure, H932PR can't. But had I known before hand that by going with a different model I could run stock Android, I would have.
poncespr said:
One more thing you might want to add is that not all converted V30s can run AOSP ROMs. This might affect some people on which one to choose. I am not sure which ones, I believe H931 (att) and mine for sure, H932PR can't. But had I known before hand that by going with a different model I could run stock Android, I would have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: all V30/V30/V30S can run AOSP ROMS. But H931/H933 needs extra prep work. If that's too much bother, stick with US998/LS998/VS996 for North American variants.
_______
Original answer:
Yes, I've heard that. But I'm still on stock rooted firmware, so haven't thought about that.
The eBay mint LS998 V30+ ($315) are the best deal, so that's the most popular. I may buy another for a family member.
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, I've heard that. But I'm still on stock rooted firmware, so haven't thought about that.
The mint LS998 V30+ are the best deal, so that's the most popular. I may buy another for a family member.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can those run AOSP roms after conversion? If they can I might get one and flip mine. I'm just worried I get a lemon. Mine is still in pristine condition and no issues with the screen.
I got the us998 model, too bad I upgraded to far so I can't root anymore but I really don't want root. Kind of miss my s7 edge.
patstar5 said:
I got the us998 model, too bad I upgraded to far so I can't root anymore but I really don't want root. Kind of miss my s7 edge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still root. Just temporarily downgrade to US998 20B or 20A via dev patched LGUP (it's attached to post #1 of the US998 KDZ thread). Unlock bootloader via WTF bootloader unlock method, then upgrade back to current firmware.
With unlocked bootloader, then install TWRP and root.
poncespr said:
Can those run AOSP roms after conversion? If they can I might get one and flip mine. I'm just worried I get a lemon. Mine is still in pristine condition and no issues with the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: both H931 and H933 can run AOSP/LINEAGE ROMs once additional prep work has been done.
_____
Original answer:
The original AT&T H931 and I believe the original Canada H933 are the only two that have issues with AOSP ROMS once converted to US998. But you can still run stock-based ROMs on those, as well as have just rooted stock firmware.
All the other North America variants are fine. It's not just "original" US998 that are running AOSP ROMs. All the Sprint guys especially are running them. And Verizon, even former LS998 converted to US998, (rooted) then converted sometimes to VS996... Even original VS996 converted to US998 and back to VS996.
@SGCMarkus, can you give some details? I read through the AOSP ROM threads, but you're the dev for all those ROMs.
ChazzMatt said:
The original AT&T H931 and I believe the original Canada H933 are the only two that have issues with AOSP ROMS once converted to US998.
All the other North America variants are fine. It's not just "original" US998 that are running AOSP ROMs. All the Sprint guys especially are running them. And Verizon, even former LS998 converted to US998, (rooted) then converted sometimes to VS996... Even original VS996 converted to US998 and back to VS996.
@SGCMarkus, can you give some details? I read through the AOSP ROM threads, but you're the dev for all those ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
poncespr said:
Can those run AOSP roms after conversion? If they can I might get one and flip mine. I'm just worried I get a lemon. Mine is still in pristine condition and no issues with the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, H931 and H933 (even converted to US998) will bootloop for atm unknown reasons on AOSP :/
I dont think ive heard anyone report anything yet about the H932PR?
On the H930DS (Dual Sim) SIM Cards wont be recognized, and some people reported something similar for the 3 Korean variants (even though other people then said again it worked )
SGCMarkus said:
Yeah, H931 and H933 (even converted to US998) will bootloop for atm unknown reasons on AOSP :/
I dont think ive heard anyone report anything yet about the H932PR?
On the H930DS (Dual Sim) SIM Cards wont be recognized, and some people reported something similar for the 3 Korean variants (even though other people then said again it worked )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
H932PR is from Claro Latin America, specifically for Puerto Rico. While we have three of the four major carries (Att, Sprint and Tmobile), Claro is the fourth major provider, but they actually were Verizon many years ago. They tried to enter the local market some time ago but failed and Claro bought their oprations. The thing is, Claro bring phones different than those on the other carriers. Their Samsung phones for example, are mostly the exynos versions and almost always are bootloader unlocked.
Thanks for the information. Just to be clear, is this the phone you mean when you say the V30S from B&H?
neverfox said:
Thanks for the information. Just to be clear, is this the phone you mean when you say the V30S from B&H?
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Click to collapse
EDIT:
Yes. The V30S from B&H Photo is US998R -- it's just another US998. You'll need pre-July security patch KDZ firmware for the V30S to downgrade back to Oreo bootloader unlock exploit.
The people who initially unlocked bootloader on V30S was right after release. LG has since patched the exploit. But V30/V30+/V30S has Oreo KDZ you can temporarily downgrade to using the WTF bootloader unlock instructions. Then upgrade back to latest firmware using TWRP-flashable zips. V30S uses same firmware as the other US998. The B&H Photo US998 V30S official name is US998R (for more RAM).
I know this thread is older and it was a snapshot in time. I was hoping to switch to an ATT MVNO but after more research I'll stick with T-mo in an area that uses band 71. Unbelievably, T-mo is the only big 4 carrier that is native here in the "middle of nowhere" WY where I live as their tower is at the edge of town. I want the H932 for band 71 as well as to have all the T-mo bands when I travel.
On ebay, there are a bunch of sellers from Hong Kong that say their stock is in NJ. Reading some reviews some people call their phones fake others say they are selling used V30s. Anyone here deal the the Hong Kong sellers saying they ship out of NJ? Anyone know of a reputable seller on ebay that has H932 models reasonably priced. I'm leaning new but an open box might be OK if I can ship it back if I don't like it. A V30+ would be even better.
Thanks,
BH
bearhawk said:
I know this thread is older and it was a snapshot in time. I was hoping to switch to an ATT MVNO but after more research I'll stick with T-mo in an area that uses band 71. Unbelievably, T-mo is the only big 4 carrier that is native here in the "middle of nowhere" WY where I live as their tower is at the edge of town. I want the H932 for band 71 as well as to have all the T-mo bands when I travel.
On ebay, there are a bunch of sellers from Hong Kong that say their stock is in NJ. Reading some reviews some people call their phones fake others say they are selling used V30s. Anyone here deal the the Hong Kong sellers saying they ship out of NJ? Anyone know of a reputable seller on ebay that has H932 models reasonably priced. I'm leaning new but an open box might be OK if I can ship it back if I don't like it. A V30+ would be even better.
Thanks,
BH
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Click to collapse
Yes, the New Jersey/Hong Kong dealers sell refurbished phones and some are totally fraudulent. I returned mine and got refund because I specifically was paying for new-in-box this time.
* Was 64GB V30 in 128GB V30+ box. I paid for new US998 V30+. Wasn't new, wasn't V30+.
* had previous owner's 128GB SD card still in the phone...
* had "B&O" branded headphones -- which don't come with North America US998. If legit North American V30+, should have come with LG-branded headphones.
Thanks, once again, ChazzMatt for the insight. Reading between the lines, it sounded like they were selling refurbs (many of which appear to have broken issues.).
I got a really good deal on a vs996 this week from ebay for $164 refurbished in "good" condition. I bought the 2 year Square Trade Warranty on top of that for $38.99 in case anything happens. Got phone yesterday and honestly, looks basically new.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-VS9...xWYu7FUH-sak82Q:sc:USPSFirstClass!91351!US!-1
MicroMod777 said:
I got a really good deal on a vs996 this week from ebay for $164 refurbished in "good" condition. I bought the 2 year Square Trade Warranty on top of that for $38.99 in case anything happens. Got phone yesterday and honestly, looks basically new.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-VS9...xWYu7FUH-sak82Q:sc:USPSFirstClass!91351!US!-1
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Click to collapse
I bought mine from YYWireless on ebay for 190 ls998 converted to a us998 looks fairly new, literally has one small scratch you cant see with the screen on so I'm happy. Plus no burn in, and finger print scanner still works so probably never been taken apart! https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US9...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 plus I mean if you do not like it they send you a return label already printed out with the phone.
First, I went back and edited some of my answers in this thread as it was first written in August 2018, and some information was outdated. T-mobile H932 was not rooted yet back then and the fix for H931/H933 to run AOSP ROMs was not discovered yet. Ignore any prices mentioned back then, as that was last year.
Second...
Cobra11Murderer said:
I bought mine from YYWireless on ebay for 190 ls998 converted to a us998 looks fairly new, literally has one small scratch you cant see with the screen on so I'm happy. Plus no burn in, and finger print scanner still works so probably never been taken apart! https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US9...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 plus I mean if you do not like it they send you a return label already printed out with the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used that eBay seller several times and have recommended them before in other threads. Their "9/10" listing is the one to look for, like you have. That seller has other others in various quality, like "8/10", "7/10" but with increasing dents, scratches. Two of the 9/10 I got were flawless, while the third had a slight ding on the side below the volume button no one would ever see with a TPU case on it.
From other sellers, there are allegedly still "new" V30/V30+ inventory out there but be very careful. Some are shoddy refurbished being touted as new or outright frauds:
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, the New Jersey/Hong Kong dealers sell refurbished phones and some are totally fraudulent. I returned mine and got refund because I specifically was paying for new-in-box this time.
* Was 64GB V30 in 128GB V30+ box. I paid for new US998 V30+. Wasn't new, wasn't V30+.
* had previous owner's 128GB SD card still in the phone...
* had "B&O" branded headphones -- which don't come with North America US998. If legit North American V30+, should have come with LG-branded headphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ChazzMatt said:
First, I went back and edited some of my answers in this thread as it was first written in August 2018, and some information was outdated. T-mobile H932 was not rooted yet back then and the fix for H931/H933 to run AOSP ROMs was not discovered yet. Ignore any prices mentioned back then, as that was last year.
Second...
I used that eBay seller several times and have recommended them before in other threads. Their "9/10" listing is the one to look for, like you have. That seller has other others in various quality, like "8/10", "7/10" but with increasing dents, scratches. Two of the 9/10 I got were flawless, while the third had a ding on the side below the volume button no one would ever see with a TPU case on it.
From other sellers, there are allegedly still "new" V30/V30+ inventory out there but be very careful. Some are shoddy refurbished being touted as new or outright frauds:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I figured well if it's that bad I can send it back. But it really is new condition. I've tested everything imaginable now getting ready to upgrade it to 8.0 as I wanted to make sure it was a good phone. Also if you buy the phone while eBay has it's 8% or more back even better deal!.
Hello all,
On eBay it looks like I can get one of these for ~$200 "pre-owned" so I'm thinking of maybe picking one of these up. My ZTE Axon 7 was my favorite thing ever, but my wife dropped it on concrete.
Looking at the specs it looks pretty impressive - Snapdragon 835, 4gb ram, microsd support, IP68. Since ZTE is dropping headphone jack support, the Axon 9 won't be my next pick.
It looks like all the V40 adds is the snapdragon 845, more ram, and more cameras. But for almost a grand I can't really justify it.
Thoughts? Is the development community good here? Treble working good?
I'm currently using a Nexus 6P while I wait for parts -_-
You can get"mint" (like new) for just over $300. eBay often has 15% - 20% off sales.
Best phone of 2017.
Read this experience. He had Axon 7 also! @christoophat:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/help/questions-buying-t3834615/page3
TPMJB said:
Hello all,
On eBay it looks like I can get one of these for ~$200 "pre-owned" so I'm thinking of maybe picking one of these up. My ZTE Axon 7 was my favorite thing ever, but my wife dropped it on concrete.
Looking at the specs it looks pretty impressive - Snapdragon 835, 4gb ram, microsd support, IP68. Since ZTE is dropping headphone jack support, the Axon 9 won't be my next pick.
It looks like all the V40 adds is the snapdragon 845, more ram, and more cameras. But for almost a grand I can't really justify it.
Thoughts? Is the development community good here? Treble working good?
I'm currently using a Nexus 6P while I wait for parts -_-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes,
You can get a like new v30 for around $300 with boot loader unlocked. Or you can get a new v40 in two months for $1000 and hope you'll be able to unlock the bootloader like the v35
Interesting. I think I will take the plunge. There are a bunch of bad imei phones on eBay for less than $200. I think my carrier (red pocket wireless, an mvno for at&t) doesn't actually check imei, but you can't use a bad esn/meid phones.
TPMJB said:
Interesting. I think I will take the plunge. There are a bunch of bad imei phones on eBay for less than $200. I think my carrier (red pocket wireless, an mvno for at&t) doesn't actually check imei, but you can't use a bad esn/meid phones.
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Click to collapse
IMEI and MEID are used the same way.
No two devices have the same MEID number. The MEID is also called the ESN or serial number. Some phones may not have an MEID, they may instead have a IMEI number. Both have the same purpose and function the same way.
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If Red Pocket uses the same U.S. carriers blacklist database, then bad IMEI won't work. I really would encourage you to get the mint US998 or LS998 (which can be easily converted to US998) with guaranteed good IMEI/ESN, depending on which is less money at the time (prices vary).
Doesn't do you any good to get a bad IMEI phone then find out it doesn't work. The seller warned you, so you can't get a refund.
MINT US998 V30+
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US9...149660?hash=item28667cd81c:g:dD4AAOSwqj9beX9a
MINT LS998 V30+
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-LS9...345150?hash=item2cd8695e7e:g:P3sAAOSwWktaYPOk
Plus eBay often has "flash" site-wide sales of 15%-20% off.
@christoophat
TPMJB said:
Interesting. I think I will take the plunge. There are a bunch of bad imei phones on eBay for less than $200. I think my carrier (red pocket wireless, an mvno for at&t) doesn't actually check imei, but you can't use a bad esn/meid phones.
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I got the US998 v30+ refurbished which looks brand new with the sticker off of ebay for $294 and a coupon. The only complaint is that they sent me an ls998 convereted to US998. Although it doesn't really affect the phone, I can't use LG Bridge to get the right kdz.
You can get a new US Cellular US998 in box for $370 or something, but you'll need to find someone to sim unlock it for you (and it only has 64gb of memory compared to the US998 v30+ 128GB)
Alibaba0101 said:
I got the US998 v30+ refurbished which looks brand new with the sticker off of ebay for $294 and a coupon. The only complaint is that they sent me an ls998 convereted to US998. Although it doesn't really affect the phone, I can't use LG Bridge to get the right kdz.
You can get a new US Cellular US998 in box for $370 or something, but you'll need to find someone to sim unlock it for you (and it only has 64gb of memory compared to the US998 v30+ 128GB)
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Sim unlock isn't something you can do yourself?
Afaik IMEI flashing is still illegal even if you just use one of your other phones, so I won't ask about it here. But hypothetically speaking I would possibly use the one from this pos Nexus 6p
TPMJB said:
Sim unlock isn't something you can do yourself?
Afaik IMEI flashing is still illegal even if you just use one of your other phones, so I won't ask about it here. But hypothetically speaking I would possibly use the one from this pos Nexus 6p
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ALL US998 are already SIM card unlocked. If you buy an LS998 you can easily convert it to US998, Which would then SIM card unlock it. This is what we used Frankenstein for in the beginning, to free the Sprint V30/V30+ and AT&T V30.
---------- Post added at 12:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:04 AM ----------
Alibaba0101 said:
You can get a new US Cellular US998 in box for $370 or something, but you'll need to find someone to sim unlock it for you (and it only has 64gb of memory compared to the US998 v30+ 128GB)
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U.S Cellular US998 is already SIM card unlocked, if paid for in full.
U.S. Cellular sells both v30 and the v30+.
The ebay listing for the new sealed in box us998 for US Cellular specifically says it will only work on us cellular...
Alibaba0101 said:
The ebay listing for the new sealed in box us998 for US Cellular specifically says it will only work on us cellular...
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Then the sellers don't know what they're talking about. We had lots of people buy the US Cellular US998 V30/V30+ models here in this forum, starting back in October when they were released. It's carrier unlocked. It's exactly the same as the Open Market US998 but isn't eligible for the "official" LG bootloader unlock code. Other than that, no difference and is not locked to any carrier, even though sold by U.S. Cellular.
That's probably generic language they use for other US Cellular phones.
ChazzMatt said:
Then the sellers don't know what they're talking about. We had lots of people buy the US Cellular US998 V30/V30+ models here in this forum, starting back in October when they were released. It's carrier unlocked. It's exactly the same as the Open Market US998 but isn't eligible for the "official" LG bootloader unlock code. Other than that, no difference and is not locked to any carrier, even though sold by U.S. Cellular.
That's probably generic language they use for other US Cellular phones.
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I thought CDMA phones couldn't be used on GSM networks though? So if I were to use an MVNO for AT&T, I'd need a T-mobile/AT&T device - I couldn't use US Cellular, Sprint, or VZW devices. Or am I old and this is no longer a thing?
TPMJB said:
I thought CDMA phones couldn't be used on GSM networks though? So if I were to use an MVNO for AT&T, I'd need a T-mobile/AT&T device - I couldn't use US Cellular, Sprint, or VZW devices. Or am I old and this is no longer a thing?
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You're driving me crazy. US998 V30/V30+ is what you want. It doesn't matter where you buy it from or if you even buy another variant and CONVERT it to US998. But US998 V30/V30+ is what you want for what you describe. US998 is the also the ONLY North America variant with fastboot flash commands, which is why for WTF bootloader unlock/TWRP/ROOT for any North American carriers you have to convert the other carrier phone to US998. It's easier if you already have one -- that's one less step.
US998 is NOT a CDMA only phone, it's THE carrier unlocked phone for ALL carriers from LG. It has all the HSPA/LTE bands -- and yes CDMA bands -- of all the North American carriers. Because it IS the official carrier unlocked phone which can be used on any carrier.
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
Since U.S. Cellular is distant (and I mean very distant) 5th sized carrier in the U.S., LG does not make a dedicated variant for them like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-mobile. LG lets this tiny carrier sell the carrier unlocked model and pretend it's their variant. Then, a couple of months later, LG sells the EXACT SAME PHONE as the "Open Market" carrier unlocked phone through authorized third party retailers like B&H Photo and Best Buy.
I bought three of these US998 from B&H Photo -- two V30 and one V30+, to use on AT&T.https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/LG_V30+_vs_LG_V30/BHitems/1379518-REG_1357369-REG
I later bought two "mint" Sprint LS998 V30+ off eBay, CONVERTED them to US998 and am using them on AT&T.
So, I've bought 5 of these phones -- either as original US998 or converted to US998 -- and they are all running on AT&T. The US998 IS THE CARRIER UNLOCKED MODEL FOR ALL OF NORTH AMERICA. Don't let the fact U.S. Cellular also sells it warp your brain. Many entities sell the US998. Yes, when US998 sold by B&H Photo through LG, it's the "official" carrier unlocked model, but when sold by U.S. Cellular it's the "unofficial" carrier unlocked model. No difference, except the B&H Photo V30 are eligible for official bootloader unlock code (which we no longer need with WTF method).
____________
But even taking your question at face value -- have you bought a smartphone in the past 3 or 4 years? Even the "CDMA" carriers (Sprint and Verizon) phones also have GSM/HSPA/LTE bands. All Verizon "postpaid" (contract) phones since 2012 are carrier unlocked and have HSPA and some LTE bands of their competitors, because the FCC made them. Even the Sprint LS998 has most of the HSPA/LTE bands, for when Sprint occasionally does let you unlock the phone to use on other carriers. Even in 2014, people were using the Verizon Droid Turbo on AT&T and T-mobile. It was carrier unlocked (by order of FCC), and had the major AT&T/T-mobile GSM/HSPA/LTE bands.
See this website below for bands. For the US998 above, I am quoting directly from LG website. If you convert any other North America variant to the US998 you will have carrier unlocked phone with all those bands.
LG V30 Model Numbers (H930DS, H930K, H931, H933, V300 S/K/L, LS998, VS996, H930G, H930, VS996, H932, US998) Differences
https://www.techwalls.com/lg-v30-model-number-differences/
EDIT: Tech Walls has mostly correct specs, but good to compare. The US998 specs posted above are directly from LG website. Some phones may have more bands than listed on LG website, but you know they will have all bands listed on LG (manufacturer) website.
The North America phones UNLOCKED out of box are:
* US998,
* AS998 (basically same as US998, but sold by regional carriers)
* Canadian H933 and
* Verizon VS996.
BUT US998 is the ONLY one that also has fastboot flash commands.
ChazzMatt said:
You're driving me crazy. US998 V30/V30+ is what you want. It doesn't matter where you buy it from or if you even buy another variant and CONVERT it to US998. But US998 V30/V30+ is what you want for what you describe. US998 is the also the ONLY North America variant with fastboot flash commands, which is why for WTF bootloader unlock/TWRP/ROOT for any North American carriers you have to convert the other carrier phone to US998. It's easier if you already have one -- that's one less step.
LG V30 Model Numbers (H930DS, H930K, H931, H933, V300 S/K/L, LS998, VS996, H930G, H930, VS996, H932, US998) Differences
https://www.techwalls.com/lg-v30-model-number-differences/
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The techwalls site is not completely correct however. The US998 does not support band 30.
Alibaba0101 said:
The techwalls site is not completely correct however. The US998 does not support band 30.
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Yes, that's why I specified I was quoting straight from LG for those US998 specs, and gave the link. I felt I was already overwhelming with information. The tech walls site is mostly correct for the others.
The North America phones carrier UNLOCKED out of box are:
* US998,
* AS998 (basically same as US998, but sold by regional carriers)
* Canadian H933 and
* Verizon VS996.
Some have more or less bands than others. US998 and AS998 seems most complete. BUT US998 is the ONLY one that also has fastboot flash commands, which is why it's King.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
If we've learned anything from the past 1-2 years, LG phone prices will fall pretty hard after 4-6 months. I mean the LG G7 came out in May. That's 4 months ago and the price already dropped by 300$ where I live. That's insane.
But, knowing that LG will do that, it also means that it wouldn't make a lot of sense buying an LG40 when it has just been released. Because ~4 months later it will probably significantly drop in price too...
So my advice would be, if you need a phone right now: The v30 is amazing. It never lags. It has amazing audio. The battery lasts forever. No notch bull****, beautiful design... It even does VR very well. I mean what more do you want? But if you can hold out a little longer and want something fresh, wait for the v40 to come out and drop in price.
Of course this is only true if money is a factor for you! Otherwise wait for the v40 to come out and then base your decision on the feature set v30 vs. v40. The v40 doesn't automatically have to be better... It could have a notch and i hate those things
Bought a Sprint version for 150 and flashed unlocked room for tmobile and work without any issue.
300 and understand go for it.
ChazzMatt said:
But even taking your question at face value -- have you bought a smartphone in the past 3 or 4 years?
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Uhhh...lol not really. My current phone with the cracked screen is a ZTE Axon 7. Before that I had the Nexus 5x and before that I had a Samsung Relay, aka the last keyboard phone in existence. The Nexus 5x was a google Fi variant and the relay was T Mobile. My ZTE Axon 7 was "unlocked" when I bought it off craigslist.
Generally I'm new to GSM. Before the Relay I did a lot of modifying CDMA phones since I had Verizon.
Edit: Is this "notch" that everyone is *****ing about the part of the phone case that kind of...interrupts the top of the phone screen? Yeah, it is kind of ugly.
TPMJB said:
Uhhh...lol not really. My current phone with the cracked screen is a ZTE Axon 7. Before that I had the Nexus 5x and before that I had a Samsung Relay, aka the last keyboard phone in existence. The Nexus 5x was a google Fi variant and the relay was T Mobile. My ZTE Axon 7 was "unlocked" when I bought it off craigslist.
Generally I'm new to GSM. Before the Relay I did a lot of modifying CDMA phones since I had Verizon.
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The ZTE Axon 7 is a good example. It has also CDMA bands and works on Verizon. Even has Verizon VoLTE. But it's not CDMA- only phone, of course. It just happens to ALSO have CDMA bands, in addition to GSM/HSPA/LTE.
It's called all-carrier unlocked phone like the US998.
Google Pixel phones sold by Verizon are a better example. They are identical to the Pixel phones sold by Google in specs, just are not eligible for bootloader unlock. They will work on any carrier. US998 sold by US Cellular is identical in specs and being carrier unlocked to US998 sold by other retailers, just not eligible for the "official" bootloader unlock" code (which we don't need anymore anyway, thanks to WTF). US998 is not CDMA-ONLY and it's not locked to any carrier, especially US Cellular.
ChazzMatt said:
The ZTE Axon 7 is a good example. It has also CDMA bands and works on Verizon. Even has Verizon VoLTE. But it's not CDMA- only phone, of course. It just happens to ALSO have CDMA bands, in addition to GSM/HSPA/LTE.
It's called all-carrier unlocked phone like the US998.
Google Pixel phones sold by Verizon are a better example. They are identical to the Pixel phones sold by Google in specs, just are not eligible for bootloader unlock. They will work on any carrier. US998 sold by US Cellular is identical in specs and being carrier unlocked to US998 sold by other retailers, just not eligible for the "official" bootloader unlock" code (which we don't need anymore anyway, thanks to WTF). US998 is not CDMA-ONLY and it's not locked to any carrier, especially US Cellular.
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Learn somethin new every day, thanks!
I've decided getting a "bad IMEI" phone and "repairing" it isn't really worth the $80 price difference on eBay (Plus my key of CDMA workshop only works on Windows XP,) so I think I'll wait till the v40 launch if I can't get one under $200. For specs the V30 is definitely a solid phone! I just can't necessarily justify it when I paid $100 for an LCD to repair my ZTE.
But if I snag it under $200, I've justified it
TPMJB said:
Learn somethin new every day, thanks!
I've decided getting a "bad IMEI" phone and "repairing" it isn't really worth the $80 price difference on eBay (Plus my key of CDMA workshop only works on Windows XP,) so I think I'll wait till the v40 launch if I can't get one under $200. For specs the V30 is definitely a solid phone! I just can't necessarily justify it when I paid $100 for an LCD to repair my ZTE.
But if I snag it under $200, I've justified it
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Don't forget if you sell your ZTE axon 7 you'll get some money to make up the difference.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Thinking about picking up a LG V30(+) on ebay (or simular) to replace my dying S7 Active (by far and away my favorite hardware and form factor, just sick and tired Samsung software and of lack of development).
Two questions:
1. I am on AT&T (may move to Cricket)...would any models be recommended over others (e.g. international vs. US)?
2. I have seen a lot LS998 converted to US998...any thoughts on this and should it be avoided?
2a) If so, how can you tell want the original model was if a seller sales a LS998 as a US998?
Raccroc said:
Thinking about picking up a LG V30(+) on ebay (or simular) to replace my dying S7 Active (by far and away my favorite hardware and form factor, just sick and tired Samsung software and of lack of development).
Two questions:
1. I am on AT&T (may move to Cricket)...would any models be recommended over others (e.g. international vs. US)?
2. I have seen a lot LS998 converted to US998...any thoughts on this and should it be avoided?
2a) If so, how can you tell want the original model was if a seller sales a LS998 as a US998?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For AT&T, use H931 V30 (AT&T) or US998 V30/V30+/V39S (open market). I have US998 V30/V30+ on AT&T, as does six relatives/friends. Half of those were LS998 converted to US998; the others are "original" US998.
Are you interested in bootloader unlock and root?
H931 can be rooted, but cannot boot AOSP ROMs for some reason. But LS998 converted to US998 can... IF you want bootloader unlock and root, you would have to convert H931 to US998 anyway, to get fastboot flash commands.
With Frankenstein, you can convert any North American variant to any other -- EXCEPT for T-Mobile H932.
The only issue -- and it's quite minor -- is for some carriers for you to use converted LS998 to US998, you may need an already-activated SIM card. If you try to explain it was formerly a Sprint phone but is now carrier unlocked US998, you'll just confuse them. My brother in law went to AT&T store with his LS998/US998 and had them transfer everything over from old HTC phone. But he had already stuck in his AT&tT SIM card, so they couldn't tell him it wouldn't work. It was already working.
If that concerns you in any way, then get "original" US998.
____
Holidays coming up. Here's THREE great deals on 64GB V30/128GB V30+ on eBay below. You always need a spare! Also, very likely eBay will suddenly throw out one of their site-wide 15%-20% off coupons around Black Friday or Cyber Monday? I'm just guessing. They tend to do that around various holidays. A bunch of us bought "mint" V30+ for ADDITIONAL 20% off "Buy It Now" price during Father's Day week.
* LG V30 LS998- 128GB - Titan Black (Sprint) Smartphone A Mint - $299
I've bought from that guy several times or had others buy from him. Just make sure you get the "mint" one. Use Frankenstein to convert to US998.
OR if you want BRAND NEW IN BOX -- with 2-year LG warranty:
* BRAND NEW IN BOX - LG V30 US998 64GB US Cellular Smartphone-Silver - $299
Same price as the "mint" V30 but it's NEW and already US998...
* BRAND NEW IN BOX. Ignore that the listing title says "mint" -- the listing itself makes clear it's brand new AND the two users above bought THREE of these new V30 and can verify it's BRAND NEW and eligible for 2-year LG warranty. I've re-written the listing title above to be what it SHOULD say.
* Also ignore the statement it's for "U.S. Cellular only". It's a genuine, new US998 V30. Seems to be U.S. Cellular overstock, but we all know all US998 are carrier unlocked. The ONLY difference between the B&H Photo "open market" US998 and the U.S. Cellular US998 was the "open market" was eligible for OFFICIAL bootloader unlock. We don't need that with WTF. This thread has a MUCH simpler bootloader unlock for US998 than the OFFICIAL LG bootloader unlock (which I did for one of my V30). Many, many people have bought U.S. Cellular US998 here in this forum and know they are carrier unlocked. That's just leftover language from OTHER U.S. Cellular phones they sell.
UPDATE: Be careful with this one below! Then sent me a V30 in V30+ box! They said they were sorry and gave me a refund, but be very warm!
* BRAND NEW IN BOX *SEALED* LG V30+ US998 128GB 6.0" 4G LTE Smartphone - $378
Different seller, with choice of silver or black V30+... Just the 128GB version for a little more money, and Brand New In Box if that matters to you.
I just bought this last one because I need another. I've given my spare ones away to relatives. In that listing, ignore the statement "AT&T/T-mobile" and later they say "U.S. Cellular only" (which totally contradicts the AT&T and T-mobile part). It's a genuine carrier unlocked US998 V30+ -- and brand new.. Seems to be U.S. Cellular overstock, but we all know US998 is carrier unlocked.
LG V30/V30+
1440P OLED (537 ppi)
Qi wireless charging
3.5mm headset jack
Quad DAC
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
Just make sure you buy a decent case,like Spigen. These V30 can be slippery as fish wiggling around. Love this one.
Spigen Rugged Armor LG V30 with Resilient Shock Absorption and Carbon Fiber Design for LG V30 (2017) - Black
https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Rugged-Resilient-Absorption-Carbon/dp/B071JV1L9Z?ref_=nav_ya_signin&