Upgrading after root - how easy? - LG V30 Questions & Answers

I'm looking to replace my aging HTC One M8 and it looks like the LG V30+ is the right phone for me, since it's got all the features I want (and no notch!) at a price I'm happy to pay.
One thing I definitely want though is Android Pie. I know LG hasn't released it yet for these phones but that it should be out in Q1 or Q2 of this year.
I also want to root my phone. I've skimmed over the instructions and it seems that if you do the rooting process it'll erase all of your private data off your phone, so it seems like I should do this more or less after I get the phone, rather than using it and wiping my stuff later.
But I've read that once the phone is rooted, OTA updates won't apply is that correct? I don't want to use any custom ROMs or anything, just the standard LG firmware. Do I need to flash to some other firmware and then manually install updates? What's the deal? How difficult / fiddly is it?

It doesn't matter if you're rooted or not. You will still be able to update as usual using KDZ. You can even update stock LG ROMs via TWRP with flashable ZIP. Keep in mind that unlocking bootloader needs stock 20a or 20b so if you update to the versions above that, you must downgrade later. So I think it will be nice to unlock your bootloader first after you get your phone, then you can decide whether to root or not after that.

Lanthanide said:
But I've read that once the phone is rooted, OTA updates won't apply is that correct? I don't want to use any custom ROMs or anything, just the standard LG firmware. Do I need to flash to some other firmware and then manually install updates? What's the deal? How difficult / fiddly is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on stock rooted firmware myself.
OTA updates won't apply because you'll have TWRP custom recovery. But full image updates (KDZ) are always better than partial image OTA.
If you have TWRP, you merely install the latest TWRP-flashable zip file of the KDZ. It's like flashing a ROM, but it's stock firmware "ROM". Reflash Magisk then reboot. You "dirty flash" so you keep all your data. Takes 5 minutes?
If you read the WTF instructions, upgrading to newer firmware is mentioned towards the end -- Section 9, specifically. Read those Instructions in a web browser, not XDA app, or stuff will be missing. I also suggest printing them out to reference.

Ok, that's great, thanks!
What these KDZ files? I haven't looked around these forums much yet. Are they officially provided by LG, or do people rip them off their phones and upload here, or is it a mixture?

Lanthanide said:
Ok, that's great, thanks!
What these KDZ files? I haven't looked around these forums much yet. Are they officially provided by LG, or do people rip them off their phones and upload here, or is it a mixture?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG publicly releases the full image updates a few days after the partial image OTA update. The format extension is .KDZ. We post copies here in the forum, down on the dev section. A group of devs have graciously offered to convert the KDZ images to TWRP-FLASHABLE zip file, whenever updates are released.
For people who are rooted, just flash them in TWRP just like dirty flashing a ROM. Keeps all your data. Reflash Magisk, reboot. Done.
As an example, here are the KDZ and TWRP flashable zip files for the Verizon VS996:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/development/vs996-lg-v30-verizon-vs996-t3865398
The top one was released very recently. You can see there's a link straight to official LG Bridge update server as well as TWRP-flashable zip format, rendered by a Dev to "ROM".
It is possible to update to newer KDZ manually, without using TWRP. A little more complicated. But we don't need to discuss that right now since we do have TWRP flashable zip files.

Thanks very much for your help.

Lanthanide said:
Thanks very much for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you live, what V30 variant were you considering? If you live inthe U.S., what carrier do you use?
With V30, you can buy other variants and convert them to what you need -- especially North America. (There's one exception, which I'll explain after you answer.). But that's why a lot of people buy "mint" (like new) Sprint LS998 V30+ (128GB), even though they are not Sprint customer. It's often less expensive and has more internal memory than just the 64GB V30. They then unlock bootloader, root it, then convert to what they really want.
I converted two personally from LS998 V30+ to US998 V30+. You can even flash Verizon or AT&T firmware over them.
Or you can find already-converted "mint" US998 V30+ for very good price on eBay. Most US998 V30+ on eBay right now are probably former LS998 V30+ -- but that's OK most of the time.
Sorry, don't mean to confuse you.

I'm in New Zealand. The company I have bought from brings in the phones from Hong Kong. It's a 128GB model, although the website doesn't state which specific variant, but from what is available through other sites here I expect it to be a V30+ H930DS.
I'm aware of the root restriction with the T-mobile variant, which doesn't matter to me.
Is there a benefit to be gained by swapping the variant firmware? Is it just radio bands unlocked depending on carrier?

Lanthanide said:
I'm in New Zealand. The company I have bought from brings in the phones from Hong Kong. It's a 128GB model, although the website doesn't state which specific variant, but from what is available through other sites here I expect it to be a V30+ H930DS.
I'm aware of the root restriction with the T-mobile variant, which doesn't matter to me.
Is there a benefit to be gained by swapping the variant firmware? Is it just radio bands unlocked depending on carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For H930DS, the other compatible firmware is the H930. Unlike the North American "Frankenstein", flashing H930 over H939DS does not change bands or anything. Hong Kong H930DS just got a new update with DTS stereo framework (needs root to fully enable), so you should stick to your firmware.
Whereas North America Frankenstein fully converts one variant to another, including all bands.

-deleted-
---------- Post added at 02:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:06 AM ----------
ChazzMatt said:
Where do you live, what V30 variant were you considering? If you live inthe U.S., what carrier do you use?
With V30, you can buy other variants and convert them to what you need -- especially North America. (There's one exception, which I'll explain after you answer.). But that's why a lot of people buy "mint" (like new) Sprint LS998 V30+ (128GB), even though they are not Sprint customer. It's often less expensive and has more internal memory than just the 64GB V30. They then unlock bootloader, root it, then convert to what they really want.
I converted two personally from LS998 V30+ to US998 V30+. You can even flash Verizon or AT&T firmware over them.
Or you can find already-converted "mint" US998 V30+ for very good price on eBay. Most US998 V30+ on eBay right now are probably former LS998 V30+ -- but that's OK most of the time.
Sorry, don't mean to confuse you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish i had seen this before getting my h933.
Only took it cause the frequency bands work in my country.
Would have loved the extra storage :silly:

Lanthanide said:
I'm looking to replace my aging HTC One M8 and it looks like the LG V30+ is the right phone for me, since it's got all the features I want (and no notch!) at a price I'm happy to pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, been there, done that
Root is easy, some custom roms available if you want to play. The v30 plus is a great upgrade.
I am still on stock and with root and magisk its easy to customise how you like it.
My m8 is a bit short on battery life now but still a great phone. Annoyingly I have Pie on there already working really sweet :silly:
Oh, I only miss the ir blaster to control the tv in the gym

kerdelgreen767 said:
Wish i had seen this (Frankenstein conversion information) before getting my h933.
Only took it cause the frequency bands work in my country.
Would have loved the extra (V30+) storage :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious what frequency bands from the H933 you need, and what country?

gazzacbr said:
Yep, been there, done that
...
My m8 is a bit short on battery life now but still a great phone. Annoyingly I have Pie on there already working really sweet :silly:
Oh, I only miss the ir blaster to control the tv in the gym
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, my M8 is still a decent phone although I'm just on Marshmallow. The battery is the main problem, it doesn't last super long (although recently I seem to be able to use it for longer? not sure what that's about). I've twice had it now where the battery is so low that when the phone has had less than 15% remaining it just shuts off, seemingly in the middle of some important process, corrupting some important system files and to recover it I essentially had to wipe all of my profile out of it - once this happened on holiday (in a city were I could get wifi, thankfully) and it took me several hours to get it working again, damn annoying.
Have also had it crash when trying to take photos with the flash on. Basically exactly the same problem that Apple got completely lambasted for - the battery is old and can no longer always cope with large spikes of energy draw, which can cause system instability.

ChazzMatt said:
Curious what frequency bands from the H933 you need, and what country?
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Click to collapse
Digicel LTE bands are 2/12/17
H930/LS99U/H933 support these bands but wasn't getting any good condition LS99U so went with the 933.
I live in Dominica in the Caribbean.
Also as a side note im stuck on one LTE band (17 cause it has most coverage) .
Tried the adb commands posted in another thread but kept getting the error "error (Cannot erase this partition in unlocked state). "

kerdelgreen767 said:
Digicel LTE bands are 2/12/17
H930/LS99U/H933 support these bands but wasn't getting any good condition LS99U so went with the 933.
I live in Dominica in the Caribbean.
Also as a side note im stuck on one LTE band (17 cause it has most coverage) .
Tried the adb commands posted in another thread but kept getting the error "error (Cannot erase this partition in unlocked state). "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
US998 also has those bands...
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
I'm on AT&T which uses band 17. But in the U.S. now it's band 12/17. LTE band 17 is a subset of LTE band 12, so about three years ago, AT&T decided to just say their phones have LTE band 12 -- since they support ALL of LTE band 12 (which T-mobile has) as well as the carved out piece of LTE band 12 that is called LTE band 17. Even though AT&T uses LTE band 17, none of their phone specs now actually list LTE band 17 -- it lists LTE band 12 (which includes LTE band 17).
Band 12 contains the 700 MHz lower A+B+C blocks.
Band 17 contains only B+C.
The analogy I use is Miami = LTE band 17.
Florida = LTE band 12.
Miami is in Florida, so there's no need to say I have "Miami" and I have "Florida".
I got into an argument with someone about this a couple of years ago when AT&T changed their designation from Band 17 to Band 12. He was looking for a carrier unlocked phone that had LTE band 17 -- so he could use it on AT&T, and suddenly couldn't find any. I told him just what I told you (LTE band 12 = LTE band 17 on U.S. phones), and he didn't believe me. So, I sent him the link to the online AT&T store where all the AT&T-branded phones are with specs. NO AT&T phones show band 17 any more -- even though AT&T STILL uses LTE band 17! They're just calling it band 12 now... I challenged him to show me any post-2016 AT&T phones with the LTE band 17 -- which he and I both knows AT&T uses. Since 2016, AT&T no longer lists LTE band 17 on their phones specs, but older AT&T phones will STILL show LTE band 17 in the SAME location. Newer phones show LTE band "12" on AT&T in those locations.
You can read more here:
https://forums.att.com/t5/Network-C...band-12-Why-is-my-phone-using-it/td-p/5065954

ChazzMatt said:
US998 also has those bands...
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
I'm on AT&T which uses band 17. But in the U.S. now it's band 12/band 17. LTE band 17 is a subset of LTE band 12, so a couple of years ago, AT&T decided to just say their phones have LTE band 12 -- since they support ALL of LTE band 12 (which T-mobile has) as well as the carved out piece of LTE band 12 that is called LTE band 17. Even though AT&T uses LTE band 17, none of their phone specs list LTE band 17 -- it lists LTE band 12 (but that has LTE band 17).
Band 12 contains the 700 MHz lower A+B+C blocks. Band 17 contains only B+C.
The analogy I use is Miami = LTE band 17. Florida = LTE band 12. Miami is in Florida, so there's no need to say I have "Miami" and I have "Florida".
I got into an argument with someone about this a couple of years ago when AT&T changed their designation. He was looking for a carrier unlocked phone that had LTE band 17 -- so he could use it on AT&T. I told him just what I told you (LTE band 12 = LTE band 17 on U.S. phones), and he didn't believe me. So, I sent him the link to the online AT&T store where all the phones are with specs. I challenged him to show me any post-2016 AT&T phones with the LTE band 17 he knows AT&T uses. Since 2016, AT&T no longer lists LTE band 17 on their phones, but older AT&T phones will STILL show LTE band 17 in the SAME location.
You can read more here:
https://forums.att.com/t5/Network-C...band-12-Why-is-my-phone-using-it/td-p/5065954
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's me being ignorant of that fact that caused me to leave down the 998 and get a 933.
gsmarena was my go to source for bands on the diff models and as you explained the 998 does not show band 17.
i even asked my provider and their response wasn't so helpful.
just went with what seemed safer to me.

might sell the 933 and get a v30+ for the extra storage

ChazzMatt said:
It is possible to update to newer KDZ manually, without using TWRP. A little more complicated. But we don't need to discuss that right now since we do have TWRP flashable zip files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, so I've had a look at the available TWRP ROMs and there's only a handful for the H930DS and none for my region (TWN).
So how do I go about flashing a stock KDZ, and will that erase any of my data?

You use LGUP to flash the KDZs. Yes, it will erase all your data, as this is effectively reinstalling the OS as if the device was new from LG.
The KDZ thread should provide instructions. ChazzMatt's thread here is specific to the 930 series: https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/development/h930-lg-v30-european-market-h930-t3779076 - near the bottom he details how to flash KDZ with the appropriate LGUP files as well.

I'm wondering if I can use one of the TWRP ROMs for the H930dS even if they aren't for the TWN region, or would that cause problems? Am I correct thinking the *only* difference is the cell bands enabled? Or do all H930DS support the same bands (except India)? Is there any site that lists the different bands for each region?

Related

Rooted LG V30 - adding bands?

So now that all variants besides the T-Mobile V30 have root I am hoping maybe that opened up more options to get more USA bands working on my India H930DS.
I read a few threads about adding bands on older phones with root access particularly this one for the Galaxy s5:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/forum....o-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059/amp/
It details the whole process of adding extra 3g and LTE bands on a rooted s5 with custom rom/kernel. He also states it should work on any Qualcomm based devices.
My question is will something like this work on newer devices such as my H930DS V30+?
Also i am not sure but i am assuming the "ids" he mentions in the steps 17-23 are going to be different?
Can any experts here confirm weather the process in the thread i linked would be relevant for my purposes or any other methods that can take advantage of root to add/enable more bands?
Ah come on. Someone at least give me some hope that i can keep this phone.
Back in 2015 we tried that Qualcomm method with Moto Quarks (Moto Maxx, Moto Turbo) and it didn't work. I don't know about LG phones.
I think no only one is answering because they really don't know.
All I know is when you flash Sprint LS998 to US998, it takes on those bands and loses a couple of Sprint bands. Sprint guy @JWnSC reflashed Sprint modem and got them back. So it IS possible to add/remove LTE bands from the V30. Whether it's possible in the way you need, I don't know. You're crossing hemispheres.
Alright thanks for the answer. I just don't want to go through the whole process of bl unlock and root just to find out I can't even get the tools to connect to the phone and read/write the bands or something stupid like that.
ChazzMatt said:
Back in 2015 we tried that Qualcomm method with Moto Quarks (Moto Maxx, Moto Turbo) and it didn't work. I don't know about LG phones.
I think no only one is answering because they really don't know.
All I know is when you flash Sprint LS998 to US998, it takes on those bands and loses a couple of Sprint bands. Sprint guy @JWnSC reflashed Sprint modem and got them back. So it IS possible to add/remove LTE bands from the V30. Whether it's possible in the way you need, I don't know. You're crossing hemispheres.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can add, when I flashed the VS996 modem back after BL unlock/root, the hidden menu did not show the additional bands that, according to GSMArena, should have been present (46 & 66). Instead, it showed the native US998 bands and my connection was screwed up.
It may have been something I did or didn't do... I don't know.
ugoff said:
I can add, when I flashed the VS996 modem back after BL unlock/root, the hidden menu did not show the additional bands that, according to GSMArena, should have been present (46 & 66). Instead, it showed the native US998 bands and my connection was screwed up.
It may have been something I did or didn't do... I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked for me. US998 supposedly doesn't have bands 26 or 41. I have both working
JWnSC said:
Worked for me. US998 supposedly doesn't have bands 26 or 41. I have both working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Don't mind the theme. It's a lgv30 I like the Samsung nav bar)
JWnSC said:
Worked for me. US998 supposedly doesn't have bands 26 or 41. I have both working
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe some description of how to flash the modem correctly is what we need. I just flashed the modem partition using patched LGUP with the VS996 kdz.
Nickvanexel said:
So now that all variants besides the T-Mobile V30 have root I am hoping maybe that opened up more options to get more USA bands working on my India H930DS.
I read a few threads about adding bands on older phones with root access particularly this one for the Galaxy s5:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/forum....o-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059/amp/
It details the whole process of adding extra 3g and LTE bands on a rooted s5 with custom rom/kernel. He also states it should work on any Qualcomm based devices.
My question is will something like this work on newer devices such as my H930DS V30+?
Also i am not sure but i am assuming the "ids" he mentions in the steps 17-23 are going to be different?
Can any experts here confirm weather the process in the thread i linked would be relevant for my purposes or any other methods that can take advantage of root to add/enable more bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's what I don't understand. If you flashed the H930 over your H930DS phone, these are the bands you should have...
If you have"H930" (either actual or converted), you will have these bands:
2G GSM: 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G (HSPA): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/8/12/17/20/28/38
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These are the US998 bands:
If you now have bootloader unlocked, rooted "US998" (either actual or converted) you will have these bands:
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Silver-lg-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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what bands are you missing that you need to add? I know Sprint users want LTE band 26 and 41, which can be added back by flashing the Sprint modem. I know T-mobile users would love LTE band 71 (probably not going to happen). Verizon users want Wi-Fi calling back and that's been solved.
But you SHOULD already be getting LTE on AT&T or T-mobile on the existing bands.
ChazzMatt said:
Here's what I don't understand. If you flashed the H930 over your H930DS phone, these are the bands you should have...
These are the US998 bands:
So what bands are you missing that you need to add? I know Sprint users want LTE band 26 and 41, which can be added back by flashing the Sprint modem. I know T-mobile users would love LTE band 71 (probably not going to happen). Verizon users want Wi-Fi calling back and that's been solved.
But you SHOULD already be getting LTE on AT&T or T-mobile on the existing bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the problem I'm encountering. I flashed the H930 kdz on my H930DS and I am still not getting the H930's bands, only the H930DS'. I'm not sure if I did something wrong here. I also tried to use partition dl mode in LGUP to flash only modem, xbl and xbl2 from the H930 kdz but still no change. Any help?
I don't know, maybe 66? I think 66 is extension of band 4 right? Something I read somewhere. All I know is nothing I tried would let me get anything better than a 2g/edge connection at home and a 3g connection in town. It was constantly only being able to get 2g that bothered me. If I could have gotten a consistent 3g/hspa connection I would have been more than happy with it. Anyways I just gave up and sold it.
Which bands are you missing?
The bands listed for the H930 earlier is not correct either. It supports a few more than that.
---------- Post added at 08:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:52 PM ----------
According to GSMArena, India uses these bands: LTE 850 (5), LTE 1800 (3), LTE 2100 (1), LTE 2300 (40), LTE 2500 (41). All of them except 41 is supported by the H930DS. It sounds more like your APN settings were wonky.
All I know is with the same SIM card I am getting LTE+ connection on my new essential PH1 in the same spot I was only able to get 2g connection with the h930ds.
So has anyone figured out a way to add LTE bands to their US998?
I am stuck with AT&T H931 firmware mainly because I don't want to lose band 30. The more I dig into the AT&T firmware, the more I dislike what the big brother did.
Nickvanexel said:
All I know is with the same SIM card I am getting LTE+ connection on my new essential PH1 in the same spot I was only able to get 2g connection with the h930ds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because your H930DS is not made for North American carriers. It's missing most North American carrier LTE bands. So, all you could receive is 2G bands.
Has nothing to do with SIM card, has everything to do with you not researching what you bought. .
You should have bought Open Market US998 V30+.
---------- Post added at 08:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:15 PM ----------
abuchison said:
So has anyone figured out a way to add LTE bands to their US998?
I am stuck with AT&T H931 firmware mainly because I don't want to lose band 30. The more I dig into the AT&T firmware, the more I dislike what the big brother did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can root and debloat the AT&T firmware if you wish.

LG doesn't have many international LTE bands? Any way to unlock them?

I'm debating between buying the LG V30s, G7, and S9+. I would prefer the LG ones because they support QC 3.0, but I travel internationally all over the place and need a phone with a ton of LTE band support (but I'm currently in the US).
I need 6GB of RAM, 530+ ppi, IP68/67, USB-C QC, and great cameras, so this is all I have to select from:
https://www.gsmarena.com/results.ph...mm=selected&sIPCerts=5,6&sOSes=2&idCardslot=1
The S9+ has 26 bands.
The LG V30s (US998R) only seems to have 11.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/A3ljK/lg-us998-v30-td-lte-lg-joan?c_id=676585
https://www.techwalls.com/lg-v30s-thinq-model-number-differences/
The LG G7 (G710ULM) is worse at 9.
https://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-G710ULM-Unlocked-g7-thinq
I have a hard time believing that LG would create a different chip for all their different regional models of the same phone. The chip must support all the bands but a ton of them must get disabled in firmware. Is there any way to unlock them?
fuzzybabybunny said:
I'm debating between buying the LG V30s, G7, and S9+. I would prefer the LG ones because they support QC 3.0, but I travel internationally all over the place and need a phone with a ton of LTE band support (but I'm currently in the US).
I need 6GB of RAM, 530+ ppi, IP68/67, USB-C QC, and great cameras, so this is all I have to select from:
https://www.gsmarena.com/results.ph...mm=selected&sIPCerts=5,6&sOSes=2&idCardslot=1
The S9+ has 26 bands.
The LG V30s (US998R) only seems to have 11.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/A3ljK/lg-us998-v30-td-lte-lg-joan?c_id=676585
https://www.techwalls.com/lg-v30s-thinq-model-number-differences/
The LG G7 (G710ULM) is worse at 9.
https://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-G710ULM-Unlocked-g7-thinq
I have a hard time believing that LG would create a different chip for all their different regional models of the same phone. The chip must support all the bands but a ton of them must get disabled in firmware. Is there any way to unlock them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which specific bands are you looking for? The samsung exynos phones typically support a lot of bands, just not the us specific ones. Because of whatever contract samsung has with qualcom, their chipset doesn't support any of the sprint or verizon lte/cdma bands.
The us specific phones typically have the radios crippled and each rom supports bands for that specific carrier. the samsung s9+ snapdragon 845 (us version) has the same issue as the lg phones + they can't be rooted or bootloader unlocked.
the lg v35 unlocked supports a lot of bands, but again, no root or bootloader unlock
the oneplus 6t supports lots of bands and can be unlocked but its not a premium phone and is missing a lot of other features like sdcard, ip rating, qi charging, etc.
Alibaba0101 said:
which specific bands are you looking for? The samsung exynos phones typically support a lot of bands, just not the us specific ones. Because of whatever contract samsung has with qualcom, their chipset doesn't support any of the sprint or verizon lte/cdma bands.
The us specific phones typically have the radios crippled and each rom supports bands for that specific carrier. the samsung s9+ snapdragon 845 (us version) has the same issue as the lg phones + they can't be rooted or bootloader unlocked.
the lg v35 unlocked supports a lot of bands, but again, no root or bootloader unlock
the oneplus 6t supports lots of bands and can be unlocked but its not a premium phone and is missing a lot of other features like sdcard, ip rating, qi charging, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not looking for any specific bands since I don't know where exactly I'll be traveling to. I just want as many bands as I can get just in case. On the USA side I just want TMobile support.
The US S9+ versions still seem to have a ton of band support, no? Their only issue is they can't be rooted, but is this a permanent problem or do all Samsung phones eventually get root?
If I wanted an LG G7 or V3x phone with 6GB and all that jazz I mentioned, do I have any options for one that had tons of bands and is unlockable? A European version perhaps?
fuzzybabybunny said:
I'm not looking for any specific bands since I don't know where exactly I'll be traveling to. I just want as many bands as I can get just in case. On the USA side I just want TMobile support.
The US S9+ versions still seem to have a ton of band support, no? Their only issue is they can't be rooted, but is this a permanent problem or do all Samsung phones eventually get root?
If I wanted an LG G7 or V3x phone with 6GB and all that jazz I mentioned, do I have any options for one that had tons of bands and is unlockable? A European version perhaps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is sim unlocked and bootloader unlocked which are two different things. Two phones closest to what you are describing would be the unlocked s9+ from b&h and the lg v35 unlocked. Both will support around 22 bands and will be sim unlocked. Currently neither phone can be bootloader unlocked.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1394703-REG/samsung_sm_g965uzkaxaa_samsung_galaxy_s9.html
GSM, GPRS, EDGE: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
UMTS, HSPA+: 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz
LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66, 71 Bands
https://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-V350ULM-Unlocked-v35-thinq
GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz;
UMTS 850/900/1700/2100 MHz;
LTE Bands1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/66; International Roaming 1/3/7/20/38/39/40/41
according to tmobile the tmobile specific version of the galaxy s9+ only supports
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-37154
4G LTE
2, 4, 5, 12, 66, 71, LTE-U/LAA 46
Roaming Bands
1, 3, 7, 8, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41
If you want information about any of these phones your best bet is to go to that section of the forum and ask your questions there....
While most decent 2017/2018 phones already support B12 & B66, not a lot of non-TMO phones support B71 yet. If you want to keep your new phone until 2019+, the phone should support it. That means your choice would be limited to the ones in TMO B71 list
FWIW, LG V30 H932 (TMO): WCDMA B1/B2/B4/ B5; LTE B2/B4/B5/B12/B46/B66/B71 LTE Roaming B1/B3/B7/B20/B38/B39/B40/B41
S9 SM-G960U1 (SIM unlocked US) LTE:*1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66, 71
I travel a bit too but you'd get too many hits and misses with LTE if your destinations are still unknown.... I'd get the phone with best value proposition for daily TMOUS (IMO that's currently a used H932 in mint condition, easily found), and just deal with LTE abroad as the issue comes (get a local SIM, rent/buy a hotspot if needed, etc - you probably knew that prepaid data packs are normally much cheaper outside the US. I have a hotspot specifically for use in Asian countries I travel to).
lost_ said:
I'd get the phone with best value proposition for daily TMOUS (IMO that's currently a used H932 in mint condition, easily found), and just deal with LTE abroad as the issue comes (get a local SIM, rent/buy a hotspot if needed, etc - you probably knew that prepaid data packs are normally much cheaper outside the US. I have a hotspot specifically for use in Asian countries I travel to).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whereas for me on AT&T, the best value daily phone is the US998.
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
Only T-mobile subscribers would use LTE band 71, and most T-mobile phones still don't have it.
Don't forget about HSPA... Last time I was in Brazil, where their main LTE bands 3 & 7, my phone at the time had those, as does the V30. But STILL most of the time I was on HSPA due to their telephony infrastructure in rural areas. Point is, having good selection of HSPA bands is still your best "international" fallback plan for phones that don't have 99 LTE bands.
Don't obsess over having every LTE band for every country. For proof of that, look at T-mobile. TONS of people on this forum have the US998 on T-mobile. Their phones work just fine.
Thanks. I really want 6GB of RAM though, and the V30 doesn't have it. The other LG phones with 6GB of RAM either don't seem to have many bands or have a locked bootloader or both.
I ended up buying the Samsung S9+ G965F/DS. It's got root, 6GB RAM, and all the other features I'm looking for except QC 3.0. It's kind of a shame because I've been a Samsung user for the last 10 years and was adamant I wasn't going to get another.... but here I am.
fuzzybabybunny said:
Thanks. I really want 6GB of RAM though, and the V30 doesn't have it. The other LG phones with 6GB of RAM either don't seem to have many bands or have a locked bootloader or both.
I ended up buying the Samsung S9+ G965F/DS. It's got root, 6GB RAM, and all the other features I'm looking for except QC 3.0. It's kind of a shame because I've been a Samsung user for the last 10 years and was adamant I wasn't going to get another.... but here I am.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great phone
no us warranty
does not support any cdma carriers
does not support tmobile band 71
does not support at&t band 30
Alibaba0101 said:
Great phone
no us warranty
does not support any cdma carriers
does not support tmobile band 71
does not support at&t band 30
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm in a bit of a tough spot.
I need 6GB because the only reason I'm upgrading from my current TMobile S5 is because 2GB just doesn't cut it for modern apps anymore and 4GB just isn't future-proof enough for me. My S5 doesn't have band 71 either but the day-to-day sluggishness of not having enough memory is FAR more of an issue than band support.
I *want* to get the unlocked SnapDragon S9+, but it's not rooted or bootloader unlocked yet and I don't know if it *ever* will. Even the S8+ still has problems with bootloader unlock and root, right? The only reason I'm still running the S5 is because the ability to unlock and install LineageOS saved it and allowed me to squeeze two more years out of it.
So can anyone say with 95%+ confidence that the unlocked USA SnapDragons will have BL unlock and root?
Ok, I'm now even less confident that the S9+ SnapDragons will get bootloader unlock and root.
Even looking back at the S7, LineageOS is only supported on the Exynos models and none of the SnapDragons:
https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/herolte
https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/hero2lte
Same for the S8s.
I'm guessing that this trend will only continue for the S9s.
Alibaba0101 said:
There is sim unlocked and bootloader unlocked which are two different things. Two phones closest to what you are describing would be the unlocked s9+ from b&h and the lg v35 unlocked. Both will support around 22 bands and will be sim unlocked. Currently neither phone can be bootloader unlocked.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1394703-REG/samsung_sm_g965uzkaxaa_samsung_galaxy_s9.html
GSM, GPRS, EDGE: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
UMTS, HSPA+: 850, 900, 1700, 1900, 2100 MHz
LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66, 71 Bands
https://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-V350ULM-Unlocked-v35-thinq
GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz;
UMTS 850/900/1700/2100 MHz;
LTE Bands1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/66; International Roaming 1/3/7/20/38/39/40/41
according to tmobile the tmobile specific version of the galaxy s9+ only supports
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-37154
4G LTE
2, 4, 5, 12, 66, 71, LTE-U/LAA 46
Roaming Bands
1, 3, 7, 8, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41
If you want information about any of these phones your best bet is to go to that section of the forum and ask your questions there....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T mobile version sounds great to me because it would work great in Italy where I travel often. However I am planning to convert the H932 to us998 by flashing with LGUP for rooting. Does that mean I will loose the extra bands of H932 and have US998 bands instead?
cococchio said:
However I am planning to convert the H932 to us998 by flashing with LGUP for rooting. Does that mean I will loose the extra bands of H932 and have US998 bands instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You will brick your phone. T-mobile H932 has different RSA encryption than the other North American V30 variants.
This is why H932 can't use WTF method to install TWRP and root. It cannot be Frankenstein'ed to US998 for necessary fastboot flash commands.
2) Converting (Frankenstein) any North America V30 to another (not possible with T-mobile H932) makes it THAT phone, including all bands. After bootloader unlock and root, Verizon and Sprint users will often flash their VS996 or LS998 modems back.
ChazzMatt said:
1) You will brick your phone. T-mobile H932 has different RSA encryption than the other North American V30 variants.
2) Converting (Frankenstein) any North America V30 to another (not possible with T-mobile H932) makes it THAT phone, including all bands. After bootloader unlock and root, Verizon and Sprint users will often flash their VS996 or LS998 modems back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was planning to use this https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/root-h932-lafploit-1-5-to-v20a-t3842550
Anyway US998 actually has LTE bands 3 and 20 even though they are not originally included in H931. If that's true (doesn't require hardware modification?!) I will buy H931 ATT.
Thanks for your help!
cococchio said:
However I am planning to convert the (T-mobile) H932 to us998 by flashing with LGUP for rooting. Does that mean I will loose the extra bands of (T-mobile) H932 and have US998 bands instead?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ChazzMatt said:
1) You will brick your phone. T-mobile H932 has different RSA encryption than the other North American V30 variants.
This is why H932 can't use WTF method to install TWRP and root. It cannot be Frankenstein'ed to US998 for necessary fastboot flash commands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cococchio said:
I was planning to use this [ROOT] H932 - lafploit 1.5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's NOT what you said. You said you were planning on converting T-mobile H932 to US998. That Root LAF method for T-mobile H932 by @runningnak3d has nothing to do with WFT method -- which for some V30 (particularly North American variants) mean at least temporarily converting to another model (like US998).
____
cococchio said:
Anyway US998 actually has LTE bands 3 and 20 even though they are not originally included in H931. If that's true (doesn't require hardware modification?!) I will buy H931 ATT.
Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are somehwat confused. AT&T H931 has always had LTE bands 3 & 20. Note both links below are to LG.com website and those specs have been there since DAY1.
https://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-H931-Black-lg-v30
H931 (AT&T)
GSM/EDGE (2G) Bands: 850/900/1800/1900
HSPA/UMTS Bands: 850/1700/1900/2100
4G LTE Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12(17)/20/29/30/38/39/40/41/66
LTE bands 3 and 20 have also always been in the US998 specs:
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
Why not just buy US998 to begin with? Or buy cheaper variant like LS998 and convert to US998. I'm not understanding your logic. With US998 you get LTE bands 3 & 20, have CARRIER UNLOCKED, have fastboot flash commands so you can also bootloader unlock and root if you wish.
With H931, you are carrier locked to AT&T. Yes, you can get that unlocked -- but then you have no access to firmware updates as AT&T only gives updates via OTA to AT&T customers. This is why everybody and their brother CONVERT H931 to US998. To carrier unlock, get fastboot flash commands, AND get easy updates.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
wow, thanks you gave me a great overview of the situation. On Amazon refurbished the ATT version was actually the cheapest.
fuzzybabybunny said:
Ok, I'm now even less confident that the S9+ SnapDragons will get bootloader unlock and root.
Even looking back at the S7, LineageOS is only supported on the Exynos models and none of the SnapDragons:
https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/herolte
https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/hero2lte
Same for the S8s.
I'm guessing that this trend will only continue for the S9s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The G965F/DS is not snapdragon. The only samsung snapdrag phones that are unlocked are the hk and cn versions which again have crippled radios.
The best snapdragon 845 with unlocked bootloader and root would be the one plus 6 and thew newly released one plus 6t.
The lg v30s does have 6gb of ram and most likely can be unlocked using wtf method. But the bands will be more limited and its snapdragon 835.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1400755-REG/lg_lgus998r_a8usut_v30s_thinq_128gb_smartphone.html?ap=y&gclid=CjwKCAjwo_HdBRBjEiwAiPPXpNZbo9TR8rFHkeLTDCXn2QuF3QkpbgKfN07VYKJZ8SbbLtGC--4zcRoC2yIQAvD_BwE&smp=y
Did LG really produce all these V30 and + variants will different hardware (radios), or just cripple them through firmware? Would be great to be able to unlock the phone's capability with a firmware flash.
cococchio said:
wow, thanks you gave me a great overview of the situation. On Amazon refurbished the ATT version was actually the cheapest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On eBay refurbished "mint' US998 V30+ (probably converted LS998 V30+) is $295
Well I usually trust Amazon refurbished more but I ended up doing what you suggested . Cancelled Amazon and got V30.+ for $295 from ebay. Thanks!
joarce said:
different hardware (radios), or just cripple them through firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware - software-defined radio.

Purchase Advice - v30 or v30+

I'm looking to buy one of these soon. I am on tmobile/metropcs so I would need the H932 or the US998. I do plan on rooting and most likely would prefer to unlock bootloader. I know the H932 doesn't play nicely with the other variants but I'm confident I could get it rooted and everything. I also saw that the v30 has band 77, which tmobile has been rolling out, and the v30+ doesn't.
My question to you who already own these devices is, do you recommend just getting the v30 or are there any advantages to possibly spending a bit more on the v30+?
Thanks for your opinions.
sirganon said:
I'm looking to buy one of these soon. I am on tmobile/metropcs so I would need the H932 or the US998. I do plan on rooting and most likely would prefer to unlock bootloader. I know the H932 doesn't play nicely with the other variants but I'm confident I could get it rooted and everything. I also saw that the v30 has band 77, which tmobile has been rolling out, and the v30+ doesn't.
My question to you who already own these devices is, do you recommend just getting the v30 or are there any advantages to possibly spending a bit more on the v30+?
Thanks for your opinions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I know (and gathered when doing my own research before buying) the V30+ only has the additional storage over the base v30.
Everything else about the phone (as far as I'm aware) is identical. I don't see why the V30+ would be missing a band, especially one the base v30 has.
Redline said:
From what I know (and gathered when doing my own research before buying) the V30+ only has the additional storage over the base v30.
Everything else about the phone (as far as I'm aware) is identical. I don't see why the V30+ would be missing a band, especially one the base v30 has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sites like gsmarena and frequency check don't list band 77 for the v30+ so I'm just going off of sites like that. I do realise the internal storage is the main difference when comparing the two versions but I wasn't sure if ease of rooting or some other variables may be present to help sway your (and my) decision.
sirganon said:
Sites like gsmarena and frequency check don't list band 77 for the v30+ so I'm just going off of sites like that. I do realise the internal storage is the main difference when comparing the two versions but I wasn't sure if ease of rooting or some other variables may be present to help sway your (and my) decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be on the safe side of assuming you won't miss anything over the base v30.
Ease of rooting is just the same.
sirganon said:
I'm looking to buy one of these soon. I am on tmobile/metropcs so I would need the H932 or the US998. I do plan on rooting and most likely would prefer to unlock bootloader. I know the H932 doesn't play nicely with the other variants but I'm confident I could get it rooted and everything. I also saw that the v30 has band 77, which tmobile has been rolling out, and the v30+ doesn't.
My question to you who already own these devices is, do you recommend just getting the v30 or are there any advantages to possibly spending a bit more on the v30+?
Thanks for your opinions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sirganon said:
Sites like gsmarena and frequency check don't list band 77 for the v30+ so I'm just going off of sites like that. I do realise the internal storage is the main difference when comparing the two versions but I wasn't sure if ease of rooting or some other variables may be present to help sway your (and my) decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two corrections:
* It's LTE band 71 U.S. T-mobile has, not 77.
* In many cases the V30+ is about the same price as the H932 V30, if you are talking about North America variants. That LS998 V30+ (easily converted to US998 V30+) is actually $20 less than the H932 V30. Yes, that's "manufacturer refurbished" vs "new" but my experience with prices on these is the V30+ does not really cost more on sites like eBay.
You are right that only the U.S. T-Mobile H932 has LTE band 71. No other V30/V30+/V30S variant in the world have that band, as only U.S. T-Mobile needs it (or needed it when the V30 was released). It was brand new at the time the V30 was being introduced (late 2017) and U.S. T-Mobile made a big deal how it was exclusive to the their carrier-branded H932. H932 was the first phone in the world to have the new U.S. T-Mobile LTE band 71 and still is the only V30/V30+/V30S to have that band. (Some early tweets from U.S. T-mobile made us believe the open market US998 V30/V30+ would have it also... but alas it didn't. If you dig deep enough, you may see posts hoping that was true or that it could be enabled with root.)
Having said that, most phones being used on U.S. T-Mobile network still do not have LTE band 71 (pre-2018 phones), and there are many US998 V30/V30+/V30S users in this forum who are on U.S. T-Mobile or U.S. T-Mobile MVNOs.
U.S. T-Mobile actually did sell a 128GB V30+ H932 (with LTE band 71, of course) for a LIMITED time, in addition to their 64GB V30. It was a marketing promotion a couple of months after the V30 H932 was released. Then it went away. Some of these H932 V30+ might pop up on eBay, but would only be a few. Or here for allegedly new in box H932 V30+.
Yes, the H932 seems a little harder to root than the other variants. (My opinion.) You can't use the WTF method, since the H932 doesn't have fastboot flash commands and you can't convert it (even temporarily) to a variant which has fastboot flash commands. So, you have to use the other method developed for the H932. But it can be done and has been done by many. If you do use T-Mobile, then that might be what you're most happy with.
When buying an H932 for U.S. T-mobile, make sure it's H932SV. There's also an H932PR for Claro carrier in Puerto Rico and that variant does NOT have LTE band 71 for U.S. T-mobile. I'm only mentioning it because it IS out there and you may run across it on eBay. If you want LTE band 71, you want the H932SV. (For those who do have the Claro/Puerto Rico H932PR, it can be rooted through WTF and Frankenstein converted to other North American models, while the U.S. T-mobile H932SV can not.)
__________
This next part is not just about the H932, but all V30/V30+/V30S....
Different V30/V30+ variants for various carriers/world regions have different bands. For instances, there are bands the North American V30/V30+ variants have which the H930 (V30)/H930G (V30+) or H930D (V30)/H930DS (V30+) does not. H930/H930G doesn't have LTE band 2 and the H930D/H930DS doesn't have LTE band 2 nor LTE band 4. You wouldn't want to buy an H930/H930G or H930D/H930DS to use in U.S. or Canada. Some of the Korean variants are also missing necessary bands for North America.
Even among the North American variants, there are bands the AT&T H931 or Sprint LS998 has which the US998 does not have. In most cases you can convert (Frankenstein) one variant to another to get those bands (if you really need them) -- either before or after root -- but with the T-mobile H932 you cannot do that, as it has different RSA encryption from all the other variants.
But the only hardware difference between V30/V30+ is extra internal memory -- 64GB vs 128GB. Unlike other OEMs (like Samsung), where + denotes larger physical size, with LG the + on the V30 series is only more internal memory. (The V30+ models also came with LG-branded or B&O-branded earbuds of questionable value. They don't even trigger HIM. You are better off with these or these, which have the necessary impendent to trigger HIM on quad DAC.)
However, there is a US998 V30S (released in early 2018), which has 128GB internal memory with 6GB RAM. The V30S is basically a "V30+" with more RAM. The official model number is US998R (for more RAM).
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Two corrections:
* It's LTE band 71 U.S. T-mobile has, not 77.
* In many cases the V30+ is about the same price as the H932 V30, if you are talking about North America variants. That LS998 V30+ (easily converted to US998 V30+) is actually $20 less than the H932 V30. Yes, that's "manufacturer refurbished" vs "new" but my experience with prices on these is the V30+ does not really cost more on sites like eBay.
You are right that only the U.S. T-Mobile H932 has LTE band 71. No other V30/V30+/V30S variant in the world have that band, as only U.S. T-Mobile needs it (or needed it when the V30 was released). It was brand new at the time the V30 was being introduced (late 2017) and U.S. T-Mobile made a big deal how it was exclusive to the their carrier-branded H932. H932 was the first phone in the world to have the new U.S. T-Mobile LTE band 71 and still is the only V30/V30+/V30S to have that band. (Some early tweets from U.S. T-mobile made us believe the open market US998 V30/V30+ would have it also... but alas it didn't. If you dig deep enough, you may see posts hoping that was true or that it could be enabled with root.)
Having said that, most phones being used on U.S. T-Mobile network still do not have LTE band 71 (pre-2018 phones), and there are many US998 V30/V30+/V30S users in this forum who are on U.S. T-Mobile or U.S. T-Mobile MVNOs.
U.S. T-Mobile actually did sell a 128GB V30+ H932 (with LTE band 71, of course) for a LIMITED time, in addition to their 64GB V30. It was a marketing promotion a couple of months after the V30 H932 was released. Then it went away. Some of these H932 V30+ might pop up on eBay, but would only be a few. Or here for allegedly new in box H932 V30+.
Yes, the H932 seems a little harder to root than the other variants. (My opinion.) You can't use the WTF method, since the H932 doesn't have fastboot flash commands and you can't convert it (even temporarily) to a variant which has fastboot flash commands. So, you have to use the other method developed for the H932. But it can be done and has been done by many. If you do use T-Mobile, then that might be what you're most happy with.
When buying an H932 for U.S. T-mobile, make sure it's H932SV. There's also an H932PR for Claro carrier in Puerto Rico and that variant does NOT have LTE band 71 for U.S. T-mobile. I'm only mentioning it because it IS out there and you may run across it on eBay. If you want LTE band 71, you want the H932SV. (For those who do have the Claro/Puerto Rico H932PR, it can be rooted through WTF and Frankenstein converted to other North American models, while the U.S. T-mobile H932SV can not.)
__________
This next part is not just about the H932, but all V30/V30+/V30S....
Different V30/V30+ variants for various carriers/world regions have different bands. For instances, there are bands the North American V30/V30+ variants have which the H930 (V30)/H930G (V30+) or H930D (V30)/H930DS (V30+) does not. H930/H930G doesn't have LTE band 2 and the H930D/H930DS doesn't have LTE band 2 nor LTE band 4. You wouldn't want to buy an H930/H930G or H930D/H930DS to use in U.S. or Canada. Some of the Korean variants are also missing necessary bands for North America.
Even among the North American variants, there are bands the AT&T H931 or Sprint LS998 has which the US998 does not have. In most cases you can convert (Frankenstein) one variant to another to get those bands (if you really need them) -- either before or after root -- but with the T-mobile H932 you cannot do that, as it has different RSA encryption from all the other variants.
But the only hardware difference between V30/V30+ is extra internal memory -- 64GB vs 128GB. Unlike other OEMs (like Samsung), where + denotes larger physical size, with LG the + on the V30 series is only more internal memory. (The V30+ models also came with LG-branded or B&O-branded earbuds of questionable value. They don't even trigger HIM. You are better off with these or these, which have the necessary impendent to trigger HIM on quad DAC.)
However, there is a US998 V30S (released in early 2018), which has 128GB internal memory with 6GB RAM. The V30S is basically a "V30+" with more RAM. The official model number is US998R (for more RAM).
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all this info! I did mean band 71. It was late when writing my previous posts so I was thinking 61 & 77 instead of 66 & 71.
I'll read through this a few times to make sure I fully understand the differences of the variants and make my decision after that. Greatly appreciated!
I have a T-Mobile V30+. The only difference from the V30 is 128GB internal storage and black color backing. The V30 has a silver colored back. I live in Southern California and I haven't been able to get band 71 reception in the rural areas outside Los Angeles and San Diego. I also didn't get Band 71 reception when I went visited the outskirts of Portland, Oregon and San Francisco/Sacramento. Band 71 is meant for very rural areas, so having it may be a moot point based on your location.
Buy a Sim unlocked att v35 off ebay. When cross flashed to the Google Fi variant, the secret menu lists band 71. Im on a us998 conversion v30 with TMobile and migrating to the v35 for SD845 with 6 gigs of ram, slightly better cameras and band 71 is well worth it. They are going for ~300usd. @runningnak3d just got one and is hot on the bootloader unlock trail.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v35/how-to/bring-to-speed-trying-to-root-t3909527
Edit: Also band 71 isn't just for rural locations. TMobile invested almost 8 billion dollars in the spectrum the other year and will be rolling it out nation wide. I'm in NorCal and the reason it's not in California yet is because the TV stations that currently occupy the bandwidth that TMobile will refarm are scheduled later than other areas to shut down. It's scheduled here for q2 2019. I think LA is still a year or two out though. Point is TMobile didn't invest that kind of cheese to only help people in the sticks out.
bacon612 said:
Buy a Sim unlocked att v35 off ebay. When cross flashed to the Google Fi variant, the secret menu lists band 71. Im on a us998 conversion v30 with TMobile and migrating to the v35 for SD845, slightly better cameras and band 71 is well worth it. They are going for ~300usd. @runningnak3d just got one and is hot on the bootloader unlock trail.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v35/how-to/bring-to-speed-trying-to-root-t3909527
Edit: Also band 71 isn't just for rural locations. TMobile invested almost 8 billion dollars in the spectrum the other year and will be rolling it out nation wide. I'm in NorCal and the reason it's not in California yet is because the TV stations that currently occupy the bandwidth that TMobile will refarm are scheduled later than other areas to shut down. It's scheduled here for q2 2019. I think LA is still a year or two out though. Point is TMobile didn't invest that kind of cheese to only help people in the sticks out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll definitely take a look at this one when I can, thanks!
bacon612 said:
Im on a us998 conversion v30 with TMobile and migrating to the v35 for SD845 with 6 gigs of ram, slightly better cameras.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking of doing the same thing, but the wide angle lens on the V35 (107°) is narrower than the V30 (120°). That's a deal breaker for me even with the SD845 and 6GB RAM. If my V30 was destroyed, then I might consider the V35. Not worth the investment if not necessary. The V40's wide lens is also 107°. LG has been reducing the wide angle lens since the V20/G5, which had 135°. The Galaxy S10's wide angle is 123°.
The camera is a bummer, yes. But with the sale of my V30+ an investment of ~$100 makes my decision a no brainier. I can't believe how dramatically these devices drop in value in less than a year. I paid $325 in May 2018 for my v30+ in 9/10 shape. $290 last week for the v35 and it's flawless.
Edit: for the OP. The extra cash for the v35 is also a smart move. The v35 shipped with Oreo 8 making it a better candidate for treble roms out of the gate. The newer SOC with the bonus ram gives you at least another year of use where the v30 will fall away.
Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk
Interesting thread...
My 2 cents:
1) the 64 vs 128 doesn't mean much to me (very low on the list of priorities) - especially with an sd card slot.
2) T-Mo band 71. That's pretty big. I think T-Mo is going to really improve it's status with that band, *But*, it's going
to be some time before it's completely rolled out... and it's at least somewhat questionable how much of an effect
it would have **for you**. Lots of factors involved; are you in buildings a lot that the 600 MHz will benefit you? Are
you *outside* of the range of normal (already existing) bands? etc
I'd have to put this feature in a 'nice to have' category, but no way is it a necessity - nor a deal breaker.
3) Is the model easily Frankenstein-ed? While *in the future* a device might be unlocked... it might not also.
If a phone has the ability to be unlocked now, and it's a good / great device... I say ya gotta go with those
criteria. If I like the device / size / cameras / design / etc - then this aspect is at the top of my list.
I have a 931 converted to US998, very happy with it. The cameras are awesome. The quad dac blows yer hair
back. I'm on T-Mo with an old pay-as-you go plan and also just signed on with Mint Mobile (uses T-mo towers). There's
no issues to speak of re calls / text / data. Everything works fine.
I'm actually so happy with the V30 and the ability to mod it ... I bought another one.
A brand new one, should arrive soon.
Good luck with your decision. Maybe this info helps a little when making up your mind, maybe not!
Cheers
ChazzMatt said:
Having said that, most phones being used on U.S. T-Mobile network still do not have LTE band 71 (pre-2018 phones), and there are many US998 V30/V30+/V30S users in this forum who are on U.S. T-Mobile or U.S. T-Mobile MVNOs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AsItLies said:
Interesting thread...
My 2 cents:
1) the 64 vs 128 doesn't mean much to me (very low on the list of priorities) - especially with an sd card slot.
2) T-Mo band 71. That's pretty big. I think T-Mo is going to really improve it's status with that band, *But*, it's going
to be some time before it's completely rolled out... and it's at least somewhat questionable how much of an effect
it would have **for you**. Lots of factors involved; are you in buildings a lot that the 600 MHz will benefit you? Are
you *outside* of the range of normal (already existing) bands? etc
I'd have to put this feature in a 'nice to have' category, but no way is it a necessity - nor a deal breaker.
3) Is the model easily Frankenstein-ed? While *in the future* a device might be unlocked... it might not also.
If a phone has the ability to be unlocked now, and it's a good / great device... I say ya gotta go with those
criteria. If I like the device / size / cameras / design / etc - then this aspect is at the top of my list.
I have a 931 converted to US998, very happy with it. The cameras are awesome. The quad dac blows yer hair
back. I'm on T-Mo with an old pay-as-you go plan and also just signed on with Mint Mobile (uses T-mo towers). There's
no issues to speak of re calls / text / data. Everything works fine.
I'm actually so happy with the V30 and the ability to mod it ... I bought another one.
A brand new one, should arrive soon.
Good luck with your decision. Maybe this info helps a little when making up your mind, maybe not!
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is a great phone.
Thanks, you confirmed what I said about T-mobile on US998.
The new DTS is fantastic.
AsItLies said:
Interesting thread...
My 2 cents:
3) Is the model easily Frankenstein-ed? While *in the future* a device might be unlocked... it might not also.
If a phone has the ability to be unlocked now, and it's a good / great device... I say ya gotta go with those
criteria. If I like the device / size / cameras / design / etc - then this aspect is at the top of my list.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it can currently be cross flashed with ease. Most are opting for the Google Fi crossflash as it removes all of the att bloat and allows things like wifi calling to be used. Or even use as a fully functioning Google Fi phone (switching networks between Sprint, TMobile and us cellular.)
Regarding the bootloader unlock for root and roms, I am 99% certain we will see that in the next month.
bacon612 said:
So it can currently be cross flashed with ease. Most are opting for the Google Fi crossflash as it removes all of the att bloat and allows things like wifi calling to be used. Or even use as a fully functioning Google Fi phone (switching networks between Sprint, TMobile and us cellular.)
Regarding the bootloader unlock for root and roms, I am 99% certain we will see that in the next month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does crossflashing these other V35 firmware carrier unlock the V35 from AT&T, like crossflashing H931 with US998?
I"m mostly asking because months ago I recommended crossflashing AT&T V35 firmware with other V35 and I was told it couldn't be done. And that I was stupid for suggesting it.
The phone has to be carrier unlocked as far as things go now. In the future, it may be different. It was explained to me that the partition where the Sim lock exists, does not get touched when you flash the kdz in lgup. Some are having issues getting their att phones unlocked but there are lots of already unlocked phones on eBay. YMMV
Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk
bacon612 said:
So it can currently be cross flashed with ease. Most are opting for the Google Fi crossflash as it removes all of the att bloat and allows things like wifi calling to be used. Or even use as a fully functioning Google Fi phone (switching networks between Sprint, TMobile and us cellular.)
Regarding the bootloader unlock for root and roms, I am 99% certain we will see that in the next month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratulations! Personally, I don't use Google Fi, but more power to those that do.
We all have our individual needs / wants. Mine are satisfied with the V30. Hope yours are too - with whatever device you have.
AsItLies said:
Congratulations! Personally, I don't use Google Fi, but more power to those that do.
We all have our individual needs / wants. Mine are satisfied with the V30. Hope yours are too - with whatever device you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine are satisfied with LG V30/V30+ for now. I have 10 friends/family members who own one, thanks to me touting them. Of them, only mine is rooted as with my job I don't have time even to flash updates (TWRP-flashable zips) for friends anymore. But every V30/V30+/V30S in the world CAN be bootloader unlocked and rooted.
ChazzMatt said:
Mine are satisfied with LG V30/V30+ for now. I have 10 friends/family members who own one, thanks to me touting them. Of them, only mine is rooted as with my job I don't have time even to flash updates (TWRP-flashable zips) for friends anymore. But every V30/V30+/V30S in the world CAN be bootloader unlocked and rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly Matt. And that's a pretty unusual situation in my experience; a phone with a great design, processor, VERY good cameras (wide in front AND back is NOT common), quad dac (all models), p-oled hi-res screen, etc.
AND at a very affordable price, now anyway.
There really isn't anything comparable right now, AND there MAY NOT be for some time to come. Sure, there are other phones, pixel, oneplus, etc. But they are not in the same price range, not sure which if any have quad dac, none have wide angle lens (back also), etc. And many others of course, but unable to unlock bootloader.
I feel lucky. It was fortunate to be reading Android A on the day they had an article indicating the V30, great phone, was now available at great prices on ebay. After reading your WTF thread... boom! I was an owner within a few hours. It is not a common situation imho. Get em while they last
Something else for the OP. The v30 front facing camera left something to be desired. The two phones I had before (htc 10 and 9) had significantly better front facing cameras. I think to maintain the thin bezels on the 30 the sensor was compromised. They used a much better sensor on the v35. For me, getting a decent image in varied lighting conditions when video chatting was problematic and almost embarrassing at times. I've read this in reviews a few times as well. If a good front facing camera is an issue for you, it may be something to consider

How to know which bands my LS998 turned into a US998 has?

I bought it off ebay last year and I do remember looking up the serial and finding out it was originally from sprint.
I use it on Cricket which uses the majority of AT&T's bands, however I feel that signal is always low almost everywhere I go and I am wondering if the signal is simply worst due to missing certain bands.
Cricket LTE uses B2/B4/B17(B12)/B30
Does the flashed version have all of those bands?
Thanks!
Crimson Flam3s said:
I bought it off ebay last year and I do remember looking up the serial and finding out it was originally from sprint.
I use it on Cricket which uses the majority of AT&T's bands, however I feel that signal is always low almost everywhere I go and I am wondering if the signal is simply worst due to missing certain bands.
Cricket LTE uses B2/B4/B17(B12)/B30
Does the flashed version have all of those bands?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer is in the Frankenstein instructions.
Here you go:
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: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/(17)/20/25/66
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Answer is in the Frankenstein instructions.
Here you go:
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: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/(17)/20/25/66
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That helps, thanks!
I see I am only missing band30.
Wonder how much of a difference that would make around Atlanta, which is a shame because otherwise this is an excellent phone!
Crimson Flam3s said:
That helps, thanks!
I see I am only missing band30.
Wonder how much of a difference that would make around Atlanta, which is a shame because otherwise this is an excellent phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Atlanta, I use AT&T Prepaid and I don't lose anything by not having band 30.
Besides, Cricket speed is capped by owner AT&T at 8mbps, and even 3mbps for some plans. From Cricket website:
Cricket caps download speeds on all its rate plans at 8Mbps (LTE)/4Mbps (4G) except for the Unlimited Plan which is capped at 3 Mbps (LTE/4G) and the Unlimited Extra Plan and data only plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screenshot below isn't even the fastest speed I've gotten, it's just the one I could easily find right now.
ChazzMatt said:
I'm in Atlanta, I use AT&T Prepaid and I don't lose anything by not having band 30.
Besides, Cricket speed is capped by owner AT&T at 8mbps, and even 3mbps for some plans:
From Cricket website:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My main problem has been more about how many bars I am getting rather than the actual speed, which is just fine for my uses.
Since I am a Field Technician and travel outside Atlanta often, I get to experience this a bit more often, so it would depend if band 30 covers areas outside Atlanta better.
Just gonna have to suck it up for now lol
Real US998 supports all those bands... I'm not sure about LS998 converted to US998 since LS998 originally doesn't support band 30...
jptV30 said:
Real US998 supports all those bands... I'm not sure about LS998 converted to US998 since LS998 originally doesn't support band 30...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, no it doesn't. I quoted the US998 bands from the LG website. See attached screenshot. Band 30 is not listed while all those other bands are.
US998
CDMA: 800 MHz CDMA
2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS (HSPA):850/900/1900/2100 MHz
4G LTE Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/(17)/20/25/66
(There's a reason LTE band 17 is in parenthesis, but I've explained it before and don't feel like going into it right now. Short answer, it's there as part of LTE band 12.)
Now the Canada H933 has LTE band 30 and also AT&T H931. The US998 is the official North American carrier unlocked variant, but it doesn't support ALL the minor bands of ALL the carriers.
* It's missing LTE band 71 (while the T-mobile H932 has that),
* it's missing a couple of Sprint bands (which LS998 has, of course), and
* it's missing both LTE band 29 and 30, which AT&T use (and which the H931 have).
Just because it's in the Hidden Menu doesn't mean it's supported. LTE band 71 is also in the US998 hidden menu, but you can't actually receive it.
I have an "original" US998, I run LTE Discovery app often, I live in Atlanta, and there's no LTE band 30 in any of my logs -- because US998 doesn't support it.
jptV30 said:
I'm not sure about LS998 converted to US998 since LS998 originally doesn't support band 30...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cross flashed to Frankenstein it becomes a full US998 with US998 modems. That is the difference in the North American V30 variants. They all have the same hardware, but the modems/firmware regulate the frequencies received. When an H931 is flashed to LS998 -- suddenly it has CDMA and all the Sprint LTE bands, etc. When US998 is rooted and flashed to H931 firmware it would have LTE bands 29 and 30, but not have those on US998.
Crimson Flam3s said:
I bought it off ebay last year and I do remember looking up the serial and finding out it was originally from sprint.
I use it on Cricket which uses the majority of AT&T's bands, however I feel that signal is always low almost everywhere I go and I am wondering if the signal is simply worst due to missing certain bands.
Cricket LTE uses B2/B4/B17(B12)/B30
Does the flashed version have all of those bands?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you feel you need Band 30, there's two ways of getting it:
1) Frankenstein to Canada H933 firmware. It has LTE band 30.
OR
2) root your current US998 and flash the TWRP-flashable zip for AT&T H931. It has LTE band 30.
ChazzMatt said:
Uh, no it doesn't. I quoted the US998 bands from the LG website. See attached screenshot. Band 30 is not listed while all those other bands are.
US998
CDMA: 800 MHz CDMA
2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS (HSPA):850/900/1900/2100 MHz
4G LTE Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/(17)/20/25/66
(There's a reason LTE band 17 is in parenthesis, but I've explained it before and don't feel like going into it right now. Short answer, it's there as part of LTE band 12.)
Now the Canada H933 has LTE band 30 and also AT&T H931. The US998 is the official North American carrier unlocked variant, but it doesn't support ALL the minor bands of ALL the carriers.
* It's missing LTE band 71 (while the T-mobile H932 has that),
* it's missing a couple of Sprint bands (which LS998 has, of course), and
* it's missing both LTE band 29 and 30, which AT&T use (and which the H931 have).
Just because it's in the Hidden Menu doesn't mean it's supported. LTE band 71 is also in the US998 hidden menu, but you can't actually receive it.
I have an "original" US998, I run LTE Discovery app often, I live in Atlanta, and there's no LTE band 30 in any of my logs -- because US998 doesn't support it.
Cross flashed to Frankenstein it becomes a full US998 with US998 modems. That is the difference in the North American V30 variants. They all have the same hardware, but the modems/firmware regulate the frequencies received. When an H931 is flashed to LS998 -- suddenly it has CDMA and all the Sprint LTE bands, etc. When US998 is rooted and flashed to H931 firmware it would have LTE bands 29 and 30, but not have those on US998.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than half the things have nothing to do with my statement. This is the second time someone has said... US998 doesn't have band 71... H932 has it... when I didn't even say anything about band 71 or H932... that's amazing...
How did you even come to the ridiculous conclusion that all north american variants have the same hardware?
jptV30 said:
More than half the things have nothing to do with my statement. This is the second time someone has said... US998 doesn't have band 71... H932 has it... when I didn't even say anything about band 71 or H932... that's amazing...
How did you even come to the ridiculous conclusion that all north american variants have the same hardware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I can see you're a troll and I'm reporting you. YOU said it.
jptV30 said:
H931, H933, VS996, and US998 all have the exact same hardware...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jptV30 said:
but like I've said... the four models I listed all have the exact same hardware...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Add AS998 and T-Mobile H932 to the list. Those are all the North American variants.)
YOU said it, but I don't need you to say it since it's been proven over and over the past two years.
It's how Frankenstein works (which I wrote the guide for) to add or remove various bands, depending on firmware flashed.
Example, as I posted above (for some reason you don't understand "supporting evidence") LS998 has all the Sprint LTE bands. Flashing to US998, then the phone loses some of the Sprint LTE bands. Flashing back to Sprint firmware, the device regains all Sprint LTE bands.
My post was showing the differences in firmware modems, while all North American hardware is the same. H933 and H931 has LTE band 30, while US998 does not.
US998 has the major North American variants bands, but NOT ALL bands. My post detailed relevant examples.
ChazzMatt said:
OK, I can see you're a troll and I'm reporting you. YOU said it.
(Add AS998 and T-Mobile H932 to the list. Those are all the North American variants.)
YOU said it, but I don't need you to say it since it's been proven over and over the past two years.
It's how Frankenstein works (which I wrote the guide for) to add or remove various bands, depending on firmware flashed.
Example, as I posted above (for some reason you don't understand "supporting evidence") LS998 has all the Sprint LTE bands. Flashing to US998, then the phone loses some of the Sprint LTE bands. Flashing back to Sprint firmware, the device regains all Sprint LTE bands.
My post was showing the differences in firmware modems, while all North American hardware is the same. H933 and H931 has LTE band 30, while US998 does not.
US998 has the major North American variants bands, but NOT ALL bands. My post detailed relevant examples.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are kidding right... how is saying 'H931, H933, VS996, and US998 all have the exact same hardware...' same as saying ALL NORTH AMERICAN VARIANTS have the same hardware...
This is too funny...
jptV30 said:
You are kidding right... how is saying 'H931, H933, VS996, and US998 all have the exact same hardware...' same as saying ALL NORTH AMERICAN VARIANTS have the same hardware...
This is too funny...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't matter. They do have the same hardware. You listed 4 of the 6 (edit, 7) North American variants. You just forgot to list the other 2... (edit, 3) AS998 ("regional carrier" version of the US998) and T-Mobile H932, (and of course Sprint LS998). I'm including those two (edit, three). All North American V30 variants have the same hardware.
(We're not talking about options like internal memory or RAM -- because there's US998, US998U, US998R. But we just call them "US998". Same with H932 and H932U.)
It's not "ridiculous" as you described it. That fact has been been proven repeatedly by many people ever since Frankenstein was discovered to cross flash other V30 North American variant FIRMWARE and change bands to that variant, to transform one variant to another.
Anyway, you've been reported for your disparaging language. I'm tired of arguing with you in various threads.
I've told the OP how to get LTE band 30 on his phone, if he wants it. I've corrected your misinformation about US998 LTE bands, and provided proof.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Doesn't matter. They do have the same hardware. You listed 4 of the 6 North American variants. You just forgot to list the other 2... AS998 ("regional carrier" version of the US998) and T-Mobile H932. I'm including those two. All North American V30 variants have the same hardware.
(We're not talking about options like internal memory or RAM -- because there's US998, US998U, US998R. But we just call them "US998". Same with H932 and H932U.)
It's not "ridiculous" as you described it. That fact has been been proven repeatedly by many people ever since Frankenstein was discovered to cross flash other V30 North American variant FIRMWARE and change bands to that variant, to transform one variant to another.
Anyway, you've been reported for your disparaging language. I'm tired of arguing with you in various threads.
I've told the OP how to get LTE band 30 on his phone, if he wants it. I've corrected your misinformation about US998 LTE bands, and provided proof.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't have the same hardware... I listed those four because I know those four have the same hardware... and not ALL NORTH AMERICAN VARIANTS have the same hardware... I didn't 'forget' the other variants... they just don't have the same hardware as the four I listed... and there are 7 north american variants not 6.... AS998 is not a version of the US998... AS998 has the same hardware as LS998...
So your ridiculous conclusion came from the fact that you can Frankenstein... that means they all have the same hardware... being able to put firmware on a device does not necessarily mean they have the same hardware...
Go ask anybody with H932 or LS998 running their respective firmware... and ask them for the FCC ID on their device... and then compare it to your US998 FCC ID...
jptV30 said:
They don't have the same hardware... I listed those four because I know those four have the same hardware... and not ALL NORTH AMERICAN VARIANTS have the same hardware... I didn't 'forget' the other variants... they just don't have the same hardware as the four I listed... and there are 7 north american variants not 6.... AS998 is not a version of the US998... AS998 has the same hardware as LS998...
So your ridiculous conclusion came from the fact that you can Frankenstein... that means they all have the same hardware... being able to put firmware on a device does not necessarily mean they have the same hardware...
Go ask anybody with H932 or LS998 running their respective firmware... and ask them for the FCC ID on their device... and then compare it to your US998 FCC ID...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same hardware doesn't always mean same FCC ID. Same FCC ID means same hardware AND typically same bands -- like Verizon Droid Turbo XT1254 and Moto Maxx XT1250 which were clones of each other and have same FCC ID. It was how I proved the Droid Turbo was not exclusive to Verizon, even here in the U.S. You could run Verizon SIM card in Moto Maxx XT1250 because it was "Droid Turbo" under another model name.
But there may be cases where there's same FCC ID, but yet different bands...
I reiterate same hardware does not automatically mean same FCC ID. There are many reasons an OEM would file for different FCC IDs when dealing with different major carriers. For instance, if a carrier wanted a change it could impact all carriers if they all shared the same FCC ID. Especially with the requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), where electronic devices have to work in guaranteed manner for people with handicaps -- or companies can be fined or lose to class action lawsuits.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+

Do at&t customers need to flash back to h931 to get the right bands after us998 root?

Do at&t customers need to flash back to h931 to get the right bands after us998 root?
1st, I'm trying to purchase a v30, but I'm not sure if the ls998 from sprint will work fine on att, what I've read seems to suggest that it is all the same hardware and will work fine unless it's taken to verizon.
2nd, I'm on att prepaid. Does that mean I need to flash back to h931 after rooting with us998 to get all the bands on att LTE?
If I don't flash back, what bands am I missing? 29 and 30? How detrimental is that to service? I travel my region a lot.
willpower102 said:
1st, I'm trying to purchase a v30, but I'm not sure if the ls998 from sprint will work fine on att, what I've read seems to suggest that it is all the same hardware and will work fine unless it's taken to verizon.
2nd, I'm on att prepaid. Does that mean I need to flash back to h931 after rooting with us998 to get all the bands on att LTE?
If I don't flash back, what bands am I missing? 29 and 30? How detrimental is that to service? I travel my region a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wife, my, my sister, my brother in law, my mother, three other friends are all on AT&T and using US998 (either native or converted from LS998). None of us need AT&T LTE bands 29 and 30.
IF 29 and 30 are like LTE band 5, they are just supplemental to the workhorse LTE bands 2,4 12(17).
I doubt there's any places that have ONLY LTE band 29 or 30. (Unless someone can prove it to me.)
Even then if there is one or two places, you still have HSPA.
Don't obsess about AT&T LTE bands 29 and 30.
See here, other AT&T customers agree. Not important:
https://forums.att.com/t5/Network-Coverage/Importance-of-Band-30/td-p/5524401
This person below HATES AT&T LTE band 30 and will NOT but buy a phone which has it:
https://forums.androidcentral.com/t...and-30-going-push-me-into-having-leave-t.html
Does anyone at AT&T realize how terrible their service is since they implemented LTE band 30? I have been fighting this problem for a year now, the only way I found around it is to only use unlocked phones that do not have band 30.
I have tested this with multiple phones (6 different phones). What were they thinking when they added such a high frequency band and the worst part is once your phone latches onto band 30 it's like a dog with a bone, I get better signal strength inside a concrete and steel building on bands 5 and 2 the I do outside in a good signal area on band 30.
Now even newer unlock phones are coming with band 30 on them and they do the same thing. I'm going to try T-mobile on pre paid for a month, if that works then I'll leave AT&T after 16 years
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your posts are so informative! Thanks. Based on another post you made about aosp, I searched ebay for an ls998, us998, as998, or vs996 and picked an ls998 with some wear for less than 100 bucks. I'm think I'm going to be super happy thanks to everything I've learned from you over the last few days

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