I just want to double confirm before my order from B&H ships.... the unlocked V30 fully supports all Verizon bands and I'll have no issues activating, correct?
I live in an area that still heavily swtiches between CDMA bands and LTE bands which is also one of the only reasons I stay with Verizon. I thought I was good to go, but noticed on the Best Buy unlocked V30 sales page they specifically call out support for GSM, but make no mention of Verzion support.
If the unlocked V30 doesn't have all the bands, then I'll need to buy a bloated locked down version from Verizon instead.
thanks for any insight.
yes, it has all the CDMA and Verizon bands.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
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ChazzMatt said:
yes, it has all the CDMA and Verizon bands.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're stalking me, lol.
thank you... I read through this entire thread too and it didn't help much.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/lg-lacking-frequency-bands-compared-to-t3704491
That puts my mind at more ease about the order.
teknomedic said:
I think you're stalking me, lol.
thank you... I read through this entire thread too and it didn't help much.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/how-to/lg-lacking-frequency-bands-compared-to-t3704491
That puts my mind at more ease about the order.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah and the B&H Photo website isn't too helpful either - if you're looking at their carrier specific compatibility columns.
I mean, they're a retailer, not tech support. But their LG V30 page says it supports T-Mobile bands 2 and 4 -- even though in another section it clearly lists EVERY T-Mobile HSPA and LTE band except for LTE band 71 (which possibly be enabled via the hidden menu with root). But someone was complaining this unlocked LG V30 only had LTE T-Mobile bands 2 & 4, when the article they were commenting on (RIGHT ABOVE THEIR COMMENTS) clearly listed ALL the bands I show in that screenshot in the post above.
Somehow they were obsessing over the incomplete "T-Mobile" listing on the B&H Photo website (a link to B&H Photo was in the article), and they had missed not only the bands listed in the article, but even the complete listing of bands on B&H Photo website.
Another guy said "it doesn't even have all the AT&T LTE bands."
YES, it does! They're missing the forest trying to look at the trees.
RE: LG V30 - US998 Model - US Cellular on box
ChazzMatt said:
yes, it has all the CDMA and Verizon bands.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to confirm that an LG V30 model US998 (which has US Cellular listed on the box near the IMEI number) will work on Verizon? US Cellular model is same as unlocked version of the V30?
koozer said:
Just wanted to confirm that an LG V30 model US998 (which has US Cellular listed on the box near the IMEI number) will work on Verizon? US Cellular model is same as unlocked version of the V30?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, exact same band specs -- including being carrier unlocked -- except U.S.Cellular model won't be eligible for LG official bootloader unlock.
---------- Post added at 12:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:49 AM ----------
teknomedic said:
I just want to double confirm before my order from B&H ships.... the unlocked V30 fully supports all Verizon bands and I'll have no issues activating, correct?
I live in an area that still heavily swtiches between CDMA bands and LTE bands which is also one of the only reasons I stay with Verizon. I thought I was good to go, but noticed on the Best Buy unlocked V30 sales page they specifically call out support for GSM, but make no mention of Verzion support.
If the unlocked V30 doesn't have all the bands, then I'll need to buy a bloated locked down version from Verizon instead.
thanks for any insight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one thing Verizon gets prickly about is "activating" a non-Verizon branded phone (i.e. giving you a new SIM card). Simple workaround is using an already activated SIM card from current Verizon phone. Everyone does that. THEN, inform Verizon of your new purchase. So, they can update your provisioning.
If it's not the same size SIM card, there's cheap SIM card cutters on eBay that work well. (But every phone for the past three years now use the small nano SIM cards.)
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, exact same band specs -- including being carrier unlocked -- except U.S.Cellular model won't be eligible for LG official bootloader unlock.
---------- Post added at 12:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:49 AM ----------
The one thing Verizon gets prickly about is "activating" a non-Verizon branded phone (i.e. giving you a new SIM card). Simple workaround is using an already activated SIM card from current Verizon phone. Everyone does that. THEN, inform Verizon of your new purchase. So, they can update your provisioning.
If it's not the same size SIM card, there's cheap SIM card cutters on eBay that work well. (But every phone for the past three years now use the small nano SIM cards.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running a Verizon Droid Turbo and iirc it uses a nano size sim.
Is there any benefit to buying a new sim... like with provisioning or security or faster speeds?
teknomedic said:
Running a Verizon Droid Turbo and iirc it uses a nano size sim.
Is there any benefit to buying a new sim... like with provisioning or security or faster speeds?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, I also have a Quark, the Moto XT1225, the "international" version of the Droid Turbo.
A new SIM card won't necessarily give you any benefits, but Verizon knowing what phone you have for provisioning will.
You'll get all the bands, all the speed you're supposed you get. For instance, this phone has a gigabit modem. If Verizon still thinks you have a 2014 Motorola phone, instead of 2017 LG cutting edge phone you may limited.
I know I had to tell AT&T I had a "Nexus 6". I didn't, but it was the closest thing they had in their device database to the Moto Maxx XT1225, and it ensured I got their then-new LTE band 5, which my previous LG Nexus 5 couldn't receive.
I'll do the same with AT&T next week. I'll again have a non AT&T branded phone, and using it on AT&T. But this time they have a V30 in their database.
People who buy from carriers don't have to worry about this, it gets done by the rep when they buy the phone. But when you buy a carrier unlocked version, non carrier branded version, yes.
If I end up with the US Cellular one how would I bring it over to Verizon assuming I have no existing active sim with them?
Nevermind, found your post.
How do I tell the difference between the US Cellular US998 and open market one when buying?
Found that too.
sneak310 said:
If I end up with the US Cellular one how would I bring it over to Verizon assuming I have no existing active sim with them?
Nevermind, found your post.
How do I tell the difference between the US Cellular US998 and open market one when buying?
Found that too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of those was written last January 2018 and is outdated. Now you can easily convert Sprint LS998 to almost any other North America V30 variant, including Verizon VS996 or US998
I've bought two LS998 V30+ and converted them to US998 V30+.
It's best to have an existing Verizon SIM for converted phones, if you see using Verizon.
The WTF INSTRUCTIONS are current.
There's NO difference in US CELLULAR and Open Market US998 -- except eligibility for official LG bootloader unlock, which we do not need. We can unlock our bootloader at will, don't need LG permission.
ChazzMatt said:
One of those was written last January and is outdated. Now you can easily convert LS998 to almost any other North America V30 variant.
I've bought two LS998 V30+ and converted them to US998 V30+.
It's best to have an existing Verizon SIM for converted phones, if you see using Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but they cost more. I was considering this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US998-64GB-GSM-Unlocked-Smartphone-Silver-Mint
Well, there's an LS998 on eBay for $360 which is not bad considering the price of a US998 V30+ but I'm not sure it will be around when I can afford it. Would there be ANY differences at all (besides storage space) by converting an LS998?
Actually considering the space addition I could skip for now or entirely avoid buying an SD by converting the LS998 so for the price difference of $40 that's not bad, considering it would cost $60 for a 256GB Samsung EVO SD. I presume whatever storage is included in the phone is adequate for all forms of video capture since it's a video capture focused phone, but I'm not that concerned about pictures and videos anyway. I just like the phone for it's overall value and power.
I'm currently on ATT with a Nexus 5 and have nobody with a Verizon SIM.
sneak310 said:
Thanks but they cost more. I was considering this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US998-64GB-GSM-Unlocked-Smartphone-Silver-Mint
I'm currently on ATT with a Nexus 5 and have nobody with a Verizon SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on AT&T. You want to switch to Verizon?
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
I'm on AT&T. You want to switch to Verizon?
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering it because 13 years ago I had Verizon and they had nice customer support and service. ATT service seems fine but when there are occasional issues and I do need to contact them to have them resolve it because there's nothing I can do on my end, they could be better. I know historically that Verizon has better coverage than ATT too so I don't see a big deal in at least giving them a shot considering I can go back to ATT whenever I want (using prepaid at ATT and will be using prepaid at Verizon). I dislike Sprint and T-Mobile.
Would there be ANY differences at all (besides storage space) by converting an LS998?
sneak310 said:
Thanks but they cost more. I was considering this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US998-64GB-GSM-Unlocked-Smartphone-Silver-Mint
Well, there's an LS998 on eBay for $360 which is not bad considering the price of a US998 V30+ but I'm not sure it will be around when I can afford it. Would there be ANY differences at all (besides storage space) by converting an LS998?
Actually considering the space addition I could skip for now or entirely avoid buying an SD by converting the LS998 so for the price difference of $40 that's not bad, considering it would cost $60 for a 256GB Samsung EVO SD. I presume whatever storage is included in the phone is adequate for all forms of video capture since it's a video capture focused phone, but I'm not that concerned about pictures and videos anyway. I just like the phone for it's overall value and power.
I'm currently on ATT with a Nexus 5 and have nobody with a Verizon SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most US998 on eBay are converted LS998. Dealers are selling mint LS998/US998 V30+ for less than $300. They often convert them to US998, as those are carrier unlock and more popular.
"New" US998 are often factory refurbished, but after in pristine condition.
I just bought "new" US998 V30+ from online Walmart ($380) -- and it's a former LS998 V30+, now on US998 Nougat. I'm confused, but at least it comes with two year warranty.
---------- Post added at 02:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:33 AM ----------
sneak310 said:
Would there be ANY differences at all (besides storage space) by converting an LS998?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-LS998-128GB-Titan-Black-Sprint-Smartphone-A-Mint-/192609345150
Converting to US998 gives you full US998. I've used these on ATT and others have used on Verizon.
ChazzMatt said:
Most US998 on eBay are converted LS998. Dealers are selling mint LS998/US998 V30+ for less than $300. They often convert them to US998, as those are carrier unlock and more popular.
"New" US998 are often factory refurbished, but after in pristine condition.
I just bought "new" US998 V30+ from online Walmart ($380) -- and it's a former LS998 V30+, now on US998 Nougat. I'm confused, but at least it comes with two year warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not allowed on eBay to sell a refurb as new. If they scam like that, the seller and eBay will both be harassed endlessly until they make up for their scam by, at the very least, providing a full refund and paying for the return shipping.
When you say you bought a US998 "and it's a former LS998 V30+" do you mean that you bought it as an LS998 V30+ and converted it yourself or that it was sold to you as a US998 V30+ which you know was converted before being sold? If the latter, how do you know?
Also, regarding LS998 V30+ and US998 V30, there are none new for under $300. Only used listings exist and don't even come with the official charger. Items listed as new aren't allowed to come with the charger that isn't normally provided, but some sellers are wrongly listing those as "new" instead of "new (other)" as they should be. Even if they came with the charger, the fact that they're used means I'd much rather spend $20-60 more for a US998 V30 or LS998 V30+ if it's going to be new. I expect used products of this price to have more of a discount than $20-60 (which again, is actually less than that since the charger is often not included).
I've only really been checking Amazon and eBay.
Amazon V30+ LS998
Amazon V30 US998
eBay V30+ LS998
eBay V30 US998
ChazzMatt said:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-LS998-128GB-Titan-Black-Sprint-Smartphone-A-Mint-/192609345150
Converting to US998 gives you full US998. I've used these on ATT and others have used on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I wanted to be sure there aren't any drawbacks.
sneak310 said:
When you say you bought a US998 "and it's a former LS998 V30+" do you mean that you bought it as an LS998 V30+ and converted it yourself or that it was sold to you as a US998 V30+ which you know was converted before being sold? If the latter, how do you know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the box from Walmart says LS998 on the side, the phone has the same IMEI as on the box, but the firmware on the phone is Nougat US998.
No, I didn't come convert it.
Walmart is selling these as new, carrier unlocked V30+.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/LG-V30-128GB-Unlocked-GSM-4G-LTE-Android-Phone-Aurora-Black/272122892
ChazzMatt said:
Because the box from Walmart says LS998 on the side, the phone has the same IMEI as in the box, but the firmware on the phone is Nougat US998.
No, I didn't come convert it.
Walmart is selling these as new, carrier unlocked V30+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, only seeing it for $399 at Walmart.
sneak310 said:
Yeah, only seeing it for $399 at Walmart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was $380 a couple of weeks ago. They've raised the price back.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
It was $380 a couple of weeks ago. They've raised the price back.
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the reason there are missing bands on the LS998 version because they're hidden by the ROM or does the radio actually lack some bands compared to the US998?
sneak310 said:
Is the reason there are missing bands on the LS998 version because they're hidden by the ROM or does the radio actually lack some bands compared to the US998?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hardware is identical, the firmware is different.
When you convert (Frankenstein) the North America phones to another North America phone, it totally becomes the phone, with all the bands. You gain/lose bands based on the variant you are flashing. For instance, flashing AT&T H931 to US998, you lose a couple minor AT&T bands but gain CDMA bands and unlocked carrier status, as well as fastboot flash commands.
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
If you have"H930" (either actual or converted), you will either 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
Flashing LS998 to US998, you lose a couple of Sprint bands but gain others, as well as carrier unlock status, and fastboot flash commands.
Similarly, flashing LS998 to VS996, it becomes VS996 with all VS996 bands. But if you want root, you first have to convert to US998 at least temporarily, to get fastboot flash commands. Then after bootloader unlock and TWRP installation, you can convert to VS996.
But the caveat is Verizon may not accept a former Sprint phone converted to US998 or VS996 for new SIM card activation, as the IMEI database will show the the original status. Whereas, 0tthers have gotten Verizon MNVOs to activate former LS998 just fine. But with Verizon mothership you probably need an already activated SIM card.
Hi,
I'm new here, and honestly know very little of the stuff I'm asking about, but here it goes, hopefully someone will be able to explain it to me. My phone (iPhone 5S) just broke, but I had been looking to buy a new one for some time anyway, and seriously considering the LG V30 or the V35 ThinQ, mostly cause of the headphone jack and Quad DAC + wide angle camera. The problem is, I'm looking to buy a refurbished one on eBay.com (US site), since I've found some really good deals there (unlike on European eBay sites), but I'm afraid of carrier issues I may encounter, specially considering I live in Spain and most of these seem to be "unlocked" phones from the US that were once network connected or something along those lines. I really don't know anything about how these things work, what unlocked / IMEI / GSM / CDMA / whatever means, and we don't usually have carrier exclusive phones over here, so I'm kind of worried about it all. I'm also afraid of how this is going to affect updates, since I know LG is already pretty slow but I've heard US carriers add another layer of complications when it comes to that, though seeing as these are supposed to be unlocked this shouldn't be a problem? No idea really.
For example, right now I'm looking at this LG V35 ThinQ deal on eBay, great price, plus the seller allows returns, has really good reputations and feedback, even on the product itself. However, isn't the V35 supposed to be AT&T exclusive? It says it's unlocked, but I don't know what to make of it. Should I just try and find a deal on the V30 instead? Even some of those seem to be carrier connected somehow though, like I see there's different models of the V30, some are HXXXX, others VOXXXX, etc. I guess if I could choose I'd prefer the V35, but it's not even available on Europe, and that makes me even more wary.
Hopefully some of you can shed some light on this and tell me whether buying from eBay is a good idea in my case, or what I could do instead. Honestly coming from Apple all of these different models for the same phone are making things very confusing, but I really wanna make the switch, since both the LG V30 and the V35 seem to be really great phones (despite how huge they are... hope I can get used to it). And by the way, in case that helps, my network in Spain is Movistar.
Thanks, and have a good one.
ChazzMatt is a wealth of knowledge on these matters, but I will tell you what I think. I did a check here for the US998 (V30) on your carrier in Spain: https://www.frequencycheck.com/carr...SV/lg-us998-v30-td-lte-lg-joan/movistar-spain
From what it says, the US998 will work on your carrier without issue. This means you have the choice of getting many variants (eg LS998, VS996, etc) that Chazz showed on the WTF thread (see post 193 here https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76584629&postcount=193 ), hack that phone to US998 (via Frankenstein method) and it will work great. Note, as noted there, don't get an H932 as it's different... in reality, you may be able to get that to work as well these days, but I found it was easier to get LS998 or US998. That's what I did for our two phones - I got 2 US998s. (I converted mine to VS996 for other reasons - you won't need to.)
V35 by itself doesn't tell us enough - you need to know the model number. Please be careful when talking any phones, as the model number is what's most important! Some V35s are apparently V30+, others are different and won't work with any of the steps here... so again, be careful.
I'd say, stick to US998 or LS998, and you should be fine, but let the expert confirm!
Oh yeah, and congrats for leaving the Crapple world! Needless to say I'm not a fan, for many good/real reasons. Many of my friends have switched when they learned how much better things can be on Android.
JayKiddo said:
Hi,
I'm new here, and honestly know very little of the stuff I'm asking about, but here it goes, hopefully someone will be able to explain it to me. My phone (iPhone 5S) just broke, but I had been looking to buy a new one for some time anyway, and seriously considering the LG V30 or the V35 ThinQ, mostly cause of the headphone jack and Quad DAC + wide angle camera. The problem is, I'm looking to buy a refurbished one on eBay.com (US site), since I've found some really good deals there (unlike on European eBay sites), but I'm afraid of carrier issues I may encounter, specially considering I live in Spain and most of these seem to be "unlocked" phones from the US that were once network connected or something along those lines. I really don't know anything about how these things work, what unlocked / IMEI / GSM / CDMA / whatever means, and we don't usually have carrier exclusive phones over here, so I'm kind of worried about it all. I'm also afraid of how this is going to affect updates, since I know LG is already pretty slow but I've heard US carriers add another layer of complications when it comes to that, though seeing as these are supposed to be unlocked this shouldn't be a problem? No idea really.
For example, right now I'm looking at this LG V35 ThinQ deal on eBay, great price, plus the seller allows returns, has really good reputations and feedback, even on the product itself. However, isn't the V35 supposed to be AT&T exclusive? It says it's unlocked, but I don't know what to make of it. Should I just try and find a deal on the V30 instead? Even some of those seem to be carrier connected somehow though, like I see there's different models of the V30, some are HXXXX, others VOXXXX, etc. I guess if I could choose I'd prefer the V35, but it's not even available on Europe, and that makes me even more wary.
Hopefully some of you can shed some light on this and tell me whether buying from eBay is a good idea in my case, or what I could do instead. Honestly coming from Apple all of these different models for the same phone are making things very confusing, but I really wanna make the switch, since both the LG V30 and the V35 seem to be really great phones (despite how huge they are... hope I can get used to it). And by the way, in case that helps, my network in Spain is Movistar.
Thanks, and have a good one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Spain you will need GSM/HPSA/LTE.
V30
For the V30, the US998 (which is officially carrier unlocked model) it has all those plus CMDA (which you don't need, but doesn't hurt). The US998 was designated to be the "universal" V30/V30+ for North America. I'm going to briefly discuss the others just so you sort of know the difference. Others like U.S T-mobile H932, are locked to T-mobile and have an extra LTE band 71, which only T-mobile uses and would not benefit you whatsoever. Others like Verizon VS996 are already unlocked, but often give you a nag screen when rebooting if a Verizon SIM card is not inserted; as if you didn't know. The Canada H931 is carrier unlocked. The Sprint LS998 is carrier locked to Sprint, and the only way to carrier unlock it is to "Frankenstein" convert it to US998 (or some other carrier unlocked model like Canada H931 or Verizon VS996). AT&T H931 is carrier locked, but can be carrier unlocked by Frankenstein converted to a carrier unlocked model. With Frankenstein, whatever North American V30 phone you are flashing BECOMES the other model. You will see some eBay dealers incorrectly saying the US998 is locked to U.S. Cellular (a carrier here in the U.S.); this comes from them not knowing what they are selling. Yes, SOME US998 were sold by U.S. Cellular, but the US998 was the designated "open market" carrier unlocked model for North America and no US998 is carrier locked whatsoever. LG also sold the US998 through authorized 3rd party retailers like B&H Photo. They were all carrier unlocked, designed to be used with any carrier.
The other caveat is some of these are 64GB (VS996, H931, H933) while others have 128GB available like the US998 V30+ and the LS998 V30+. US998 also comes in 64GB model, but you might as well buy the V30+ (128GB).
The reason I mention "Frankenstein" is because there was a huge glut of Sprint LS998 V30+ on the market, and we found you could buy one and easily convert it to US998 V30+. I bought two and did that. No longer locked to Sprint, has fastboot flash commands and easily rooted (you probably don't care about that), and much less money than "native" US998 V30+ at the time. Dealers quickly figured this out also. In fact, most "new" or "mint" US998 V30+ you see on eBay for very good price are probably former LS998 V30+. That's OK.
So, it's no longer necessary to buy an LS998 V30+ to convert to US998 V30+, as the dealers have probably done it for you (or at least converted to the Nougat stage).
For your purposes, US998 (especially the V30+) is probably what you want of the North America V30 world. I have not mentioned the "European" H930 (64GB) or H930G (128GB) or the dual SIM H930DS (128GB), as importing those to U.S. for eBay sellers here make them more expensive.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
US998 V30/v30+/V30S
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
UPDATES
You will probably have to manually update the phone through software known as LGUP. New firmware images called KDZ are posted publicly here and on other websites. Takes 5 minutes, whenever you want, and you simply choose "Upgrade" mode. LG releases updates every 2 or 3 months.
You will also hear about checking for updates via LG Bridge (another piece of LG software), but it's better to just download the KDZ you need and use LGUP than to constantly have to fire up LG Bridge and check.
If you bought a "native" US998 V30+, you possibly would receive OTA updates. However, between the three native US998 V30 & V30+ I own, I've only received ONE OTA update in 1.5 years, and that was early on. So, don't depend on that.
You probably don't care about bootloader unlock and rooting, but for those who do ALL V30/V30+/V30S variants can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. That cannot be said for V35.
________
V35
Basically 2018 updated version of the 2017 V30. Snapdragon 845 vs Snapdragon 835. Has 6GB RAM, while most of the V30 (except for the V30S) has 4GB RAM. However, I've owned several V30/V30+ and none are slow. Downside: comes in 64GB, whereas many V30 have 128GB internal memory. Yes, allegedly there is a V35+ (128GB) but I've only seen it mentioned on websites and can not actually buy one here in the U.S. or even over the internet.
The main U.S. V35 variant is sold by AT&T and is ostensibly locked to AT&T. Meaning that only AT&T network SIM cards will work. However, if the dealer says it's "unlocked", then mean they have entered the code to carrier unlock the phone, which AT&T allows when the phone is paid in full. You can usually buy with confidence these "unlocked" phones. One way or another, they have been unlocked. (Any "carrier unlocked" LS998 V30+ you see online means it's been converted to US998 to be carrier unlocked.)
While AT&T was the first to sell the LG V35, it's also now sold other places as well, like for Google Fi and some Latin American countries. So, it's no longer an AT&T exclusive and never was. AT&T was just the first. Having said that, the ones for the least price will probably be the AT&T V35 models. As long as it's advertised as "unlocked", you are OK.
UPDATES
For AT&T LG V35 (even if carrier unlocked) you can only get updates while connected to AT&T SIM card or through one AT&T-affiliated MVNO called Red Pocket. (If there are other AT&T-affiliated MVNOs that allow updates, it's not been confirmed.) This is the same situation if you buy an AT&T H931 V30. AT&T wants you to be their customer and they do not release KDZ to the general public, nor allow updates to be sent to non-AT&T customers.
However, this is only true if you keep the AT&T firmware (AWM). For V35, you can cross-flash to the OTHER V35 firmware (ULM) and be up to date. This would again use LGUP. I just bought an AT&T V35 and the previous owner (who still uses V30+ as his daily phone and is active in this forum) cross flashed it to non-AT&T firmware to debloat it and to update it. I will continue to use my own (rooted) US998 V30+ as my daily phone, but this V35 looks interesting.
For others who may be reading this, right now (end of March 2019) the only way to bootloader unlock and root the V35 is to buy one from China with that already done. However there is no TWRP yet for V35. @runningnak3d is working on all that.
Here are the frequencies you will get with the LG 35 Google Fi version. I assume if you cross flash the AT&T V35 you will receive all these bands if you don't have all these bands? I'm asking in the V35 forum to confirm this assumption... With the V30, when you cross flash North America variants to Frankenstein them, it converts them totally to the other variant.
LG V35 Google Fi bands
https://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-V350ULM-Google-Fi-v35-thinq
GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz;
UMTS (HSPA): 850/900/1700/2100 MHz;
LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/66
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CONCLUSION
I'm more comfortable recommending the US998 V30+ (128GB) to you right now, but an "unlocked" AT&T V35 (64GB) (especially if cross flashed to Google Fi firmware) would work well for you -- if the 64GB storage size (plus microSD card) fits your lifestyle and you don't care about bootloader unlocking/rooting (at least right now).
* With US998, you will have to update via LGUP using "Upgrade" mode once you download the KDZ. That's not hard.
* With AT&T V35, if you want updates, you will have to cross flash to different firmware first, then continue to update via LGUP using "Upgrade" mode. That's not hard either, but it depends on how comfortable you are doing stuff like that.
schwinn8 said:
ChazzMatt is a wealth of knowledge on these matters, but I will tell you what I think. I did a check here for the US998 (V30) on your carrier in Spain: https://www.frequencycheck.com/carr...SV/lg-us998-v30-td-lte-lg-joan/movistar-spain
From what it says, the US998 will work on your carrier without issue. This means you have the choice of getting many variants (eg LS998, VS996, etc) that Chazz showed on the WTF thread (see post 193 here https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=76584629&postcount=193 ), hack that phone to US998 (via Frankenstein method) and it will work great. Note, as noted there, don't get an H932 as it's different... in reality, you may be able to get that to work as well these days, but I found it was easier to get LS998 or US998. That's what I did for our two phones - I got 2 US998s. (I converted mine to VS996 for other reasons - you won't need to.)
V35 by itself doesn't tell us enough - you need to know the model number. Please be careful when talking any phones, as the model number is what's most important! Some V35s are apparently V30+, others are different and won't work with any of the steps here... so again, be careful.
I'd say, stick to US998 or LS998, and you should be fine, but let the expert confirm!
Oh yeah, and congrats for leaving the Crapple world! Needless to say I'm not a fan, for many good/real reasons. Many of my friends have switched when they learned how much better things can be on Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the late reply, kinda been busy with things and didn't want to just write a short reply, and thanks a lot for the "Frequency Check" website link, didn't know that was a thing I could use. I do worry about the message below the page though, saying "A matching frequency band does not guarantee coverage. There may be additional network or device software restrictions that prevent a device from connecting on a certain frequency. Additionally, certain bands may only be available regionally within a country." Does that mean I can't really be to sure it'll work even if it's supposed to be compatible? I wouldn't really want to take the risk it if that's the case.
Also, I've checked the LG V35 with my carrier Movistar, since preferably I'd choose it over the V30, and if I'm not selecting the wrong model (the eBay listing I'm looking at says model number is LM-V350A on the title, then V350AWM in the details, guessing that's the LMV350AWMH model from the Frequency Check website? Not one model number matches exactly for some reason), it says it only supports GSM, not UMTS or LTE. I don't know if this is any relevant, but whenever I used data on my old phone, the top side of the screen where you see the network name, Wi-Fi connection, etc. (at least on iOS not sure about Android) usually said LTE (or 3G if there wasn't any 4G connection available), so I'm guessing that means the LG V35 won't work well with my carrier Movistar. Kind of a bummer to be honest. Maybe I'm just getting confused at what all of these things actually mean, but if I understand correctly, if my carrier uses LTE and the V35 doesn't support any of its LTE bands that just means I wouldn't be able to use data, right? I don't really understand why these type of restrictions need to be put in place, if the phone is capable of 4G connection it should just work in every country with whichever carrier.
ChazzMatt said:
In Spain you will need GSM/HPSA/LTE.
V30
For the V30, the US998 (which is officially carrier unlocked model) it has all those plus CMDA (which you don't need, but doesn't hurt). The US998 was designated to be the "universal" V30/V30+ for North America. I'm going to briefly discuss the others just so you sort of know the difference. Others like U.S T-mobile H932, are locked to T-mobile and have an extra LTE band 71, which only T-mobile uses and would not benefit you whatsoever. Others like Verizon VS996 are already unlocked, but often give you a nag screen when rebooting if a Verizon SIM card is not inserted; as if you didn't know. The Canada H931 is carrier unlocked. The Sprint LS998 is carrier locked to Sprint, and the only way to carrier unlock it is to "Frankenstein" convert it to US998 (or some other carrier unlocked model like Canada H931 or Verizon VS996). AT&T H931 is carrier locked, but can be carrier unlocked by Frankenstein converted to a carrier unlocked model. With Frankenstein, whatever North American V30 phone you are flashing BECOMES the other model. You will see some eBay dealers incorrectly saying the US998 is locked to U.S. Cellular (a carrier here in the U.S.); this comes from them not knowing what they are selling. Yes, SOME US998 were sold by U.S. Cellular, but the US998 was the designated "open market" carrier unlocked model for North America and no US998 is carrier locked whatsoever. LG also sold the US998 through authorized 3rd party retailers like B&H Photo. They were all carrier unlocked, designed to be used with any carrier.
The other caveat is some of these are 64GB (VS996, H931, H933) while others have 128GB available like the US998 V30+ and the LS998 V30+. US998 also comes in 64GB model, but you might as well buy the V30+ (128GB).
The reason I mention "Frankenstein" is because there was a huge glut of Sprint LS998 V30+ on the market, and we found you could buy one and easily convert it to US998 V30+. I bought two and did that. No longer locked to Sprint, has fastboot flash commands and easily rooted (you probably don't care about that), and much less money than "native" US998 V30+ at the time. Dealers quickly figured this out also. In fact, most "new" or "mint" US998 V30+ you see on eBay for very good price are probably former LS998 V30+. That's OK.
So, it's no longer necessary to buy an LS998 V30+ to convert to US998 V30+, as the dealers have probably done it for you (or at least converted to the Nougat stage).
For your purposes, US998 (especially the V30+) is probably what you want of the North America V30 world. I have not mentioned the "European" H930 (64GB) or H930G (128GB) or the dual SIM H930DS (128GB), as importing those to U.S. for eBay sellers here make them more expensive.
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
US998 V30/v30+/V30S
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
UPDATES
You will probably have to manually update the phone through software known as LGUP. New firmware images called KDZ are posted publicly here and on other websites. Takes 5 minutes, whenever you want, and you simply choose "Upgrade" mode. LG releases updates every 2 or 3 months.
You will also hear about checking for updates via LG Bridge (another piece of LG software), but it's better to just download the KDZ you need and use LGUP than to constantly have to fire up LG Bridge and check.
If you bought a "native" US998 V30+, you possibly would receive OTA updates. However, between the three native US998 V30 & V30+ I own, I've only received ONE OTA update in 1.5 years, and that was early on. So, don't depend on that.
You probably don't care about bootloader unlock and rooting, but for those who do ALL V30/V30+/V30S variants can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. That cannot be said for V35.
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V35
Basically 2018 updated version of the 2017 V30. Snapdragon 845 vs Snapdragon 835. Has 6GB RAM, while most of the V30 (except for the V30S) has 4GB RAM. However, I've owned several V30/V30+ and none are slow. Downside: comes in 64GB, whereas many V30 have 128GB internal memory. Yes, allegedly there is a V35+ (128GB) but I've only seen it mentioned on websites and can not actually buy one here in the U.S. or even over the internet.
The main U.S. V35 variant is sold by AT&T and is ostensibly locked to AT&T. Meaning that only AT&T network SIM cards will work. However, if the dealer says it's "unlocked", then mean they have entered the code to carrier unlock the phone, which AT&T allows when the phone is paid in full. You can usually buy with confidence these "unlocked" phones. One way or another, they have been unlocked. (Any "carrier unlocked" LS998 V30+ you see online means it's been converted to US998 to be carrier unlocked.)
While AT&T was the first to sell the LG V35, it's also now sold other places as well, like for Google Fi and some Latin American countries. So, it's no longer an AT&T exclusive and never was. AT&T was just the first. Having said that, the ones for the least price will probably be the AT&T V35 models. As long as it's advertised as "unlocked", you are OK.
UPDATES
For AT&T LG V35 (even if carrier unlocked) you can only get updates while connected to AT&T SIM card or through one AT&T-affiliated MVNO called Red Pocket. (If there are other AT&T-affiliated MVNOs that allow updates, it's not been confirmed.) This is the same situation if you buy an AT&T H931 V30. AT&T wants you to be their customer and they do not release KDZ to the general public, nor allow updates to be sent to non-AT&T customers.
However, this is only true if you keep the AT&T firmware (AWM). For V35, you can cross-flash to the OTHER V35 firmware (ULM) and be up to date. This would again use LGUP. I just bought an AT&T V35 and the previous owner (who still uses V30+ as his daily phone and is active in this forum) cross flashed it to non-AT&T firmware to debloat it and to update it. I will continue to use my own (rooted) US998 V30+ as my daily phone, but this V35 looks interesting.
For others who may be reading this, right now (end of March 2019) the only way to bootloader unlock and root the V35 is to buy one from China with that already done. However there is no TWRP yet for V35. @runningnak3d is working on all that.
Here are the frequencies you will get with the LG 35 Google Fi version. I assume if you cross flash the AT&T V35 you will receive all these bands if you don't have all these bands? I'm asking in the V35 forum to confirm this assumption... With the V30, when you cross flash North America variants to Frankenstein them, it converts them totally to the other variant.
LG V35 Google Fi bands
https://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-V350ULM-Google-Fi-v35-thinq
GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz;
UMTS (HSPA): 850/900/1700/2100 MHz;
LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/66
__________
CONCLUSION
I'm more comfortable recommending the US998 V30+ (128GB) to you right now, but an "unlocked" AT&T V35 (64GB) (especially if cross flashed to Google Fi firmware) would work well for you -- if the 64GB storage size (plus microSD card) fits your lifestyle and you don't care about bootloader unlocking/rooting (at least right now).
* With US998, you will have to update via LGUP using "Upgrade" mode once you download the KDZ. That's not hard.
* With AT&T V35, if you want updates, you will have to cross flash to different firmware first, then continue to update via LGUP using "Upgrade" mode. That's not hard either, but it depends on how comfortable you are doing stuff like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK wow, you really do know your stuff, sorry for the late reply but I've been busy and there's a lot here to take in, and I've still got more than a few questions if that's OK, not that you haven't explained a lot already but your post arose new questions. First of all, you say if a seller says the phone is unlocked (either carrier or factory unlocked, right? Same thing I'm guessing), then I can buy it confidently, does that mean I don't need to worry about different bands being compatible with the specific model I'm buying, since it's unlocked anyway? Or does that just mean that the phone can work with another carrier's SIM card, but data might not work then? As I've said, if I can choose I'd prefer the V35 over the V30 (don't care about the storage since I can use an SD card anyway, processor and RAM are my priority), but it seems like that one has more issues with compatibility, both in terms of updates and also after having checked the Frequency Check website schwinn8 recommended, though again, I assume if the phone is unlocked none of the bands compatibility issue matter. In any case, I'll send you a private message with a link to the seller page for the V35 deal I'm looking at right now, since I'm new in the forum and it won't let me post links like that on here, and hopefully you could help me figure out if that could work with Movistar's data connection and its LTE bands, if that's not too much to ask. I also need to say that I'm planning on buying the phone while in the US, since I'm taking a long trip there starting next month and was planning of taking advantage of that so I don't have to pay for the massive shipping costs to Spain. However, that means that basically I won't be able to make sure data works using the phone in Spain until I come back, and by then the 30-Day Return period will have ended, so I just need to know for sure that it'll work, that's why I'm asking about the whole unlocked thing and what it actually means.
Apart from that, I kinda need to ask about differences between a few other things you commented on. Basically, I don't understand much about what cross flashing, the Frankenstein method, or bootloader unlocking/rooting consist in. I don't know what the risk associated with each of this processes is or what each is looking to accomplish (I do understand Frankenstein allows you to unlock the V30, and change it so it becomes a US998, so to say, as you well explained, but that's about it), but I do know I wouldn't want to do anything that could brick my phone, I had a friend with a Nexus phone who had that happen to him (think he was rooting, not sure though) and I wouldn't trust myself any more than him to do anything that involves that type of risk, since I'd probably mess it up. So please keep that in mind, I understand you might find these type of things somewhat easy to do since you're way more experienced in them, but I'm quite wary about them. So, that being said, in case I end up buying a V35, I would definitely want to cross flash, since I do wish for updates, is that too difficult or risky? If it is I could just buy the V30, hopefully with the Frankenstein method done to it already, so I don't have to change anything myself.
That's pretty much everything I needed to ask, thanks a lot again for your reply, it's much appreciated, especially given my position as a newbie in the Android world.
JayKiddo said:
First of all, you say if a seller says the phone is unlocked (either carrier or factory unlocked, right? Same thing I'm guessing), then I can buy it confidently, does that mean I don't need to worry about different bands being compatible with the specific model I'm buying, since it's unlocked anyway? Or does that just mean that the phone can work with another carrier's SIM card, but data might not work then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier unlocked/SIM card unlocked/network unlocked all mean the same thing. It means you can stick in some other SIM card from some other carrier and the phone will work, IF the phone has that carrier's bands. Many carriers like Sprint or AT&T lock their phones to their networks. They couldn't care less about people who are not their customers, especially people living in other countries. They are not really making money on hardware sales but on monthly phone bills. Carrier unlock removes that restriction of using it on a specific network, but the phone still has to have the necessary bands for the different carrier.
A V30/V30+ converted to US998 WILL be carrier unlocked and I listed the bands above and should work on Spain Movistar.
A V35 the seller CLAIMS is carrier unlocked should also work on Spain Movistar. (Although I just answered a question from someone who was sold an "unlocked" AT&T V30 phone and apparently it was not carrier unlocked after all. So, they will have to Frankenstein it themselves.)
JayKiddo said:
In any case, I'll send you a private message with a link to the seller page for the V35 deal I'm looking at right now, since I'm new in the forum and it won't let me post links like that on here, and hopefully you could help me figure out if that could work with Movistar's data connection and its LTE bands, if that's not too much to ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This site says Movistar uses LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 20:
https://www.imei.info/carriers/spain/movistar/
IMEI.info: LTE bands
B1 (2100)
B3 (1800+)
B7 (2600)
B20 (800 DD)
So, US998 V30/V30+ and carrier unlocked V35 should all work.
JayKiddo said:
Apart from that, I kinda need to ask about differences between a few other things you commented on. Basically, I don't understand much about what cross flashing, the Frankenstein method, or bootloader unlocking/rooting consist in. I don't know what the risk associated with each of this processes is or what each is looking to accomplish (I do understand Frankenstein allows you to unlock the V30, and change it so it becomes a US998, so to say, as you well explained, but that's about it), but I do know I wouldn't want to do anything that could brick my phone.
So, that being said, in case I end up buying a V35, I would definitely want to cross flash, since I do wish for updates, is that too difficult or risky? If it is I could just buy the V30, hopefully with the Frankenstein method done to it already, so I don't have to change anything myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a V30/V30+ was already cross flashed to US998, you would not NEED to do anything. It will work. However, to get updates at some point in the future, you would want to learn the simple steps to use "Upgrade" mode in LGUP. It doesn't wipe data, it's like manually flashing an OTA.
The US998 KDZ are posted here in the XDA forum and you can also find them on other websites. No one is quite laying out the instructions or posting KDZ like that for the V35 yet.
For the V35, if carrier unlocked, then you would not NEED to do anything. It should work. However, to get updates at some point in the future, you would want to learn how to cross flash to the Google Fi firmware (which will wipe your data at that step), then learn the simple steps to use "Upgrade" mode in LGUP (which will not wipe your date going forward). You would have to download future Google Fi firmware and flash it.
If you buy the V35 here in the U.S. during your visit, you can check if it is carrier unlocked by using a non-AT&T carrier SIM card.
Hello everyone
I came from the far lands of the LG V20 (ATT variant), such a journey to root and customize for sure
And now I'm planning to move forward for an upgrade. It's brother, the LG V30
Can you nice people point me to the direction where any recommendations of what variant is great for rooting and custom roms?
Pretty much any variant is fine, except H932 (TMobile) due to a different encryption method there. Consult the WTF thread for info on how to root/rom. ChazzMatt is our resident expert, so I'm sure he will chime in.
EDIT: One thing I will warn you is that you may want to start with a phone that normally runs on your carrier (or US998 which works on all, for the most part). The reason is that this gives you a way to get back to the seller if something doesn't work. For example, I bought two H931 (ATT) phones and converted them to VS996 for use on Verizon, but one ended up having problems with on VZ towers (the other phone worked perfectly fine). It took some doing, but I got the seller to take it back... but it could have cost me otherwise...
schwinn8 said:
Pretty much any variant is fine, except H932 (TMobile) due to a different encryption method there. Consult the WTF thread for info on how to root/rom. ChazzMatt is our resident expert, so I'm sure he will chime in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree stay away of h932 you can root it but using a way much more complicated and long than the other variants
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/help/v30-variant-to-buy-t4035231
Read post #1. Take away the advice that applies to you...
______
From even another thread:
REPOSTING THIS REPLY HERE AS IT'S RELEVANT FOR THIS THREAD TOO.
I am replacing my old slow buggy galaxy s5 by a used LG V30. Which variant is most supported by community (custom roms) and officially (LG stock roms):
vs996 vs us998 vs v300 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What bands do you need? What carrier do you use? That's a more important criteria. For instance H930DS doesn't have important LTE bands needed for North America and vice versa.
All North American variants -- EXCEPT T-mobile H932 -- can be converted to any other variant (firmware, bands, everything). So, if you buy Sprint LS998 V30+ you can convert it to US998 V30+. For bootloader unlock and root, you need fastboot flash commands, therefore models like the LS998 or VS996 have to be (at least temporarily) converted to US998 for the bootloader unlock and TWRP stage. But after that, Verizon users can go back to VS996 firmware via TWRP-flashable zips. Same with LS998, if you are a Sprint customer. But many people (non-Sprint customers) convert to US998 firmware and stay there -- as it's the official carrier unlocked model and has the least bloatware. People often buy the Sprint LS998 V30+ then convert to US998 V30+, as sometimes it's less expensive than US998 V30+ (many of which on eBay are actually former LS998 V30+, already converted by dealers).
If you need East European languages, then you should get the EU H930 V30 or maybe European H930G (V30+).
While all variants are supported, what NOT to get to save time and trouble?
* The Korean variants (i.e. 300) are a step harder to root -- so if you don't NEED Korean variant then don't get that.
* Likewise with T-Mobile H932. The root method is quite different from the others. If you're not actually a T-Mobile customer, no need to go through that.
* AT&T H931 and Canada H933 take much more prep work to run Lineage-based ROMs. Both have to be temporarily converted to US998 anyway for bootloader unlock, but then there's much more tedious steps to boot Lineage ROMs. If you intend to run Lineage base custom ROMs, then don't buy one of those.
________
I run rooted stock firmware myself on US998 V30+ (I've had native US998 and also converted LS998 to US998) -- with most recent LG firmware via TWRP-flashable zips. I use Magisk mods like to give more features and tweaks.
________
Go for the US998 V30+, 128GB if you can. Here in the U.S. you can get mint V30+ for $120.
LG V30 US998- 128GB - Titan Black (Factory Unlocked) Smartphone 9/10
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US998-128GB-Titan-Black-Unlocked-Smartphone-9-10/183795406681
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US9...Factory-Unlocked-Smartphone-9-10/173665613177
Both same seller which I have used several times. Don't know why the slight difference in price for same phone, same condition. Your choice.
Be sure to get a good case like this:
Spigen® LG V30 [Rugged Armor] Shockproof Case Slim TPU Cover
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Spigen-LG-V30-Rugged-Armor-Shockproof-Case-Slim-TPU-Cover/253142676754
These phones are like slippery fish with glass backs.
That case is actually slim but very good.
___
LG V30/V30+
* 1440P OLED (537 ppi)
* Qi wireless charging
* 3.5mm headset jack
* Quad DAC
* DTS 3D stereo (with root to enable LG libs)
* FM Radio
* 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 (all variants)
* no notch
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
Just posted another answer above.
Thank you for the replies kind sirs, surely this is useful information for my upgrade choice for the V30 cuz I don't want the same mistake to happen like on my V20