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@caseyryback21 opened one of the difficult Q&A format questions yesterday, then asked it be deleted -- but the question itself is valid, so I'm reposting it in a "regular" discussion thread, along with my answer.
caseyryback21 said:
What version of the phone is the ideal model to purchase that it's carrier unlocked, and able to be bl unlocked/root?. The LG V30 seems like just what I'm wanting, but there are so many variants I am simply to afraid to purchase in fear of getting a less than ideal model.
From the reading and searching I've done, it seems that I can buy almost any of the iterations, then just convert it to a us998. I just can't figure out which one I should to get, to ensure that it's carrier unlocked, and able to be bl unlocked, and root.
I'm currently on T-Mobile prepaid and still have the 5gb, ul text,and just 100 minutes for only $30/mo. I have switched to Straight Talk (att mvno) when I've needed more talk time or traveled to certain places where the coverage is a little more reliable.
Lastly, what added to my confusion was that I was looking at a us998 for sale, but the listing indicated it was locked to US Cellular. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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EDITING SOME OF MY REPLIES IN THIS THREAD AS THEY WERE ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN AUGUST 2018. STUFF HAS HAPPENED SINCE THEN.
Any LG V30/V30+/V30S on the planet can be bootloader unlocked and rooted. But some V30/V30+ sold in other parts of the world do not have the bands you need for your carrier. So, for North America carriers with bootloader unlock and root, you want any North America variant.
V30+ (128GB) has more internal storage than V30 (64GB), if that's important to you. The V30S has more RAM (6GB vs 4GB), but right now the V30+ seems to be the sweet spot in price between the three "V30" (code name Joan) series models. For the rest of this discussion, I'm only going to be talking about V30/V30+.
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For the WTF bootloader unlock exploit you need Oreo and fastboot flash commands. North America US998 V30/V30+ has fastboot flash commands, while the other North American variants do not.... But there's no need to specifically buy that US998 V30/V30+ variant, if you can easily convert a less expensive carrier variant bought off eBay to that model (except for T-mobile H932). For instance, right now you can get MINT LS998 V30+ (128GB) on eBay for $315. eBay often has flash 10%, 15% off sales you can take advantage of, to lessen the price even more. In 10 minutes time that LS998 V30+ can be converted to US998 V30+ and then you're ready for bootloader unlock and root.
Yes, you can Frankenstein an AT&T H931 V30, Canadian H933 V30, Verizon VS996 V30 and Sprint LS998 V30/V30+, or regional carrier AS998 (any of them) to be carrier unlocked US998. Or you can buy carrier unlocked US998 V30/V30+ to begin with... I've done both: I bought three "original" US998 V30/V30+ (from B&H Photo) and I've since bought two LS998 V30+ off eBay and converted them to US998 V30+.
The US998 is the carrier unlocked model, and it's sold by both US Cellular carrier as well as being sold as official "open market" model by 3rd party retailers on behalf of LG (like B&H Photo). Whoever said it's locked to US Cellular has no clue what they are talking about -- UNLESS it's a specific seller who signed a contract with U.S. Cellular and has not finished paying for that phone. (I doubt that; I think they just don't know what they are talking about.) But any U.S. Cellular US998 fully paid for at purchase are carrier unlocked. Tons of people bought them to use on other carriers before LG released the "official" open market US998 V30/V30+ in December 2018.
Only the official "open market" US998 (sold by authorized 3rd party retailers like B&H Photo) are eligible for LG's Developer website bootloader unlock code (IMEI and DEVICE ID are registered with LG) -- but we don't need LG's permission anymore since @TxanMoe discovered the Oreo WTF bootloader unlock exploit back in May 2018. It's easier, takes less time and you can buy almost any phone you want. LG has tried to patch that exploit with recent "security" updates, but it's very easy to downgrade back to pre-July 2018 firmware for bootloader unlock. Afterwards, you can then update back to latest firmware, once bootloader is unlocked.
US998 can be used on T-mobile, as it's the official carrier unlocked model and works on any North American carrier. The only quibble is you may or may not get T-mobile's new band 71 on US998. Some people with root said they have gotten it, others say they do not. I do not know as I use AT&T. There's various threads where it's been discussed in depth.
Thanks so much for reposting this. I don't make a lot of posts and felt like such an idiot opening up a Q & A. Your info was really great and as a matter of fact I just got my ls998 in the mail this afternoon.
Next step is just to convert it to a us998 then bootloader unlock and root
Another question I was going to ask, but will find out here soon enough, is whether or not a T-Mobile SIM will work in an LS 998 as is. Or must you first convert to a us998 before using it on another carrier?
Thanks so much, your post is full of so much info and definitely helped me make my decision.
caseyryback21 said:
Next step is just to convert it to a us998 then bootloader unlock and root
Another question I was going to ask, but will find out here soon enough, is whether or not a T-Mobile SIM will work in an LS 998 as is. Or must you first convert to a us998 before using it on another carrier?
Thanks so much, your post is full of so much info and definitely helped me make my decision.
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You're welcome for the information.
For the LS998, you'll need to convert to US998. Almost all LS998 are carrier locked to Sprint. Unless the seller guarantees it's carrier unlocked. Still better to convert to US998, even if just for updates. Sprint won't release KDZ for their updates, and US998 KDZ are readily available.
ChazzMatt said:
You're welcome for the information.
For the LS998, you'll need to convert to US998. Almost all LS998 are carrier locked to Sprint. Unless the seller guarantees it's carrier unlocked. Still better to convert to US998, even if just for updates. Sprint won't release KDZ for their updates, and US998 KDZ are readily available.
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One more thing you might want to add is that not all converted V30s can run AOSP ROMs. This might affect some people on which one to choose. I am not sure which ones, I believe H931 (att) and mine for sure, H932PR can't. But had I known before hand that by going with a different model I could run stock Android, I would have.
poncespr said:
One more thing you might want to add is that not all converted V30s can run AOSP ROMs. This might affect some people on which one to choose. I am not sure which ones, I believe H931 (att) and mine for sure, H932PR can't. But had I known before hand that by going with a different model I could run stock Android, I would have.
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Click to collapse
EDIT: all V30/V30/V30S can run AOSP ROMS. But H931/H933 needs extra prep work. If that's too much bother, stick with US998/LS998/VS996 for North American variants.
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Original answer:
Yes, I've heard that. But I'm still on stock rooted firmware, so haven't thought about that.
The eBay mint LS998 V30+ ($315) are the best deal, so that's the most popular. I may buy another for a family member.
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, I've heard that. But I'm still on stock rooted firmware, so haven't thought about that.
The mint LS998 V30+ are the best deal, so that's the most popular. I may buy another for a family member.
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Can those run AOSP roms after conversion? If they can I might get one and flip mine. I'm just worried I get a lemon. Mine is still in pristine condition and no issues with the screen.
I got the us998 model, too bad I upgraded to far so I can't root anymore but I really don't want root. Kind of miss my s7 edge.
patstar5 said:
I got the us998 model, too bad I upgraded to far so I can't root anymore but I really don't want root. Kind of miss my s7 edge.
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You can still root. Just temporarily downgrade to US998 20B or 20A via dev patched LGUP (it's attached to post #1 of the US998 KDZ thread). Unlock bootloader via WTF bootloader unlock method, then upgrade back to current firmware.
With unlocked bootloader, then install TWRP and root.
poncespr said:
Can those run AOSP roms after conversion? If they can I might get one and flip mine. I'm just worried I get a lemon. Mine is still in pristine condition and no issues with the screen.
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EDIT: both H931 and H933 can run AOSP/LINEAGE ROMs once additional prep work has been done.
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Original answer:
The original AT&T H931 and I believe the original Canada H933 are the only two that have issues with AOSP ROMS once converted to US998. But you can still run stock-based ROMs on those, as well as have just rooted stock firmware.
All the other North America variants are fine. It's not just "original" US998 that are running AOSP ROMs. All the Sprint guys especially are running them. And Verizon, even former LS998 converted to US998, (rooted) then converted sometimes to VS996... Even original VS996 converted to US998 and back to VS996.
@SGCMarkus, can you give some details? I read through the AOSP ROM threads, but you're the dev for all those ROMs.
ChazzMatt said:
The original AT&T H931 and I believe the original Canada H933 are the only two that have issues with AOSP ROMS once converted to US998.
All the other North America variants are fine. It's not just "original" US998 that are running AOSP ROMs. All the Sprint guys especially are running them. And Verizon, even former LS998 converted to US998, (rooted) then converted sometimes to VS996... Even original VS996 converted to US998 and back to VS996.
@SGCMarkus, can you give some details? I read through the AOSP ROM threads, but you're the dev for all those ROMs.
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poncespr said:
Can those run AOSP roms after conversion? If they can I might get one and flip mine. I'm just worried I get a lemon. Mine is still in pristine condition and no issues with the screen.
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Yeah, H931 and H933 (even converted to US998) will bootloop for atm unknown reasons on AOSP :/
I dont think ive heard anyone report anything yet about the H932PR?
On the H930DS (Dual Sim) SIM Cards wont be recognized, and some people reported something similar for the 3 Korean variants (even though other people then said again it worked )
SGCMarkus said:
Yeah, H931 and H933 (even converted to US998) will bootloop for atm unknown reasons on AOSP :/
I dont think ive heard anyone report anything yet about the H932PR?
On the H930DS (Dual Sim) SIM Cards wont be recognized, and some people reported something similar for the 3 Korean variants (even though other people then said again it worked )
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H932PR is from Claro Latin America, specifically for Puerto Rico. While we have three of the four major carries (Att, Sprint and Tmobile), Claro is the fourth major provider, but they actually were Verizon many years ago. They tried to enter the local market some time ago but failed and Claro bought their oprations. The thing is, Claro bring phones different than those on the other carriers. Their Samsung phones for example, are mostly the exynos versions and almost always are bootloader unlocked.
Thanks for the information. Just to be clear, is this the phone you mean when you say the V30S from B&H?
neverfox said:
Thanks for the information. Just to be clear, is this the phone you mean when you say the V30S from B&H?
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EDIT:
Yes. The V30S from B&H Photo is US998R -- it's just another US998. You'll need pre-July security patch KDZ firmware for the V30S to downgrade back to Oreo bootloader unlock exploit.
The people who initially unlocked bootloader on V30S was right after release. LG has since patched the exploit. But V30/V30+/V30S has Oreo KDZ you can temporarily downgrade to using the WTF bootloader unlock instructions. Then upgrade back to latest firmware using TWRP-flashable zips. V30S uses same firmware as the other US998. The B&H Photo US998 V30S official name is US998R (for more RAM).
I know this thread is older and it was a snapshot in time. I was hoping to switch to an ATT MVNO but after more research I'll stick with T-mo in an area that uses band 71. Unbelievably, T-mo is the only big 4 carrier that is native here in the "middle of nowhere" WY where I live as their tower is at the edge of town. I want the H932 for band 71 as well as to have all the T-mo bands when I travel.
On ebay, there are a bunch of sellers from Hong Kong that say their stock is in NJ. Reading some reviews some people call their phones fake others say they are selling used V30s. Anyone here deal the the Hong Kong sellers saying they ship out of NJ? Anyone know of a reputable seller on ebay that has H932 models reasonably priced. I'm leaning new but an open box might be OK if I can ship it back if I don't like it. A V30+ would be even better.
Thanks,
BH
bearhawk said:
I know this thread is older and it was a snapshot in time. I was hoping to switch to an ATT MVNO but after more research I'll stick with T-mo in an area that uses band 71. Unbelievably, T-mo is the only big 4 carrier that is native here in the "middle of nowhere" WY where I live as their tower is at the edge of town. I want the H932 for band 71 as well as to have all the T-mo bands when I travel.
On ebay, there are a bunch of sellers from Hong Kong that say their stock is in NJ. Reading some reviews some people call their phones fake others say they are selling used V30s. Anyone here deal the the Hong Kong sellers saying they ship out of NJ? Anyone know of a reputable seller on ebay that has H932 models reasonably priced. I'm leaning new but an open box might be OK if I can ship it back if I don't like it. A V30+ would be even better.
Thanks,
BH
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Yes, the New Jersey/Hong Kong dealers sell refurbished phones and some are totally fraudulent. I returned mine and got refund because I specifically was paying for new-in-box this time.
* Was 64GB V30 in 128GB V30+ box. I paid for new US998 V30+. Wasn't new, wasn't V30+.
* had previous owner's 128GB SD card still in the phone...
* had "B&O" branded headphones -- which don't come with North America US998. If legit North American V30+, should have come with LG-branded headphones.
Thanks, once again, ChazzMatt for the insight. Reading between the lines, it sounded like they were selling refurbs (many of which appear to have broken issues.).
I got a really good deal on a vs996 this week from ebay for $164 refurbished in "good" condition. I bought the 2 year Square Trade Warranty on top of that for $38.99 in case anything happens. Got phone yesterday and honestly, looks basically new.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-VS9...xWYu7FUH-sak82Q:sc:USPSFirstClass!91351!US!-1
MicroMod777 said:
I got a really good deal on a vs996 this week from ebay for $164 refurbished in "good" condition. I bought the 2 year Square Trade Warranty on top of that for $38.99 in case anything happens. Got phone yesterday and honestly, looks basically new.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-VS9...xWYu7FUH-sak82Q:sc:USPSFirstClass!91351!US!-1
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I bought mine from YYWireless on ebay for 190 ls998 converted to a us998 looks fairly new, literally has one small scratch you cant see with the screen on so I'm happy. Plus no burn in, and finger print scanner still works so probably never been taken apart! https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US9...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 plus I mean if you do not like it they send you a return label already printed out with the phone.
First, I went back and edited some of my answers in this thread as it was first written in August 2018, and some information was outdated. T-mobile H932 was not rooted yet back then and the fix for H931/H933 to run AOSP ROMs was not discovered yet. Ignore any prices mentioned back then, as that was last year.
Second...
Cobra11Murderer said:
I bought mine from YYWireless on ebay for 190 ls998 converted to a us998 looks fairly new, literally has one small scratch you cant see with the screen on so I'm happy. Plus no burn in, and finger print scanner still works so probably never been taken apart! https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US9...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 plus I mean if you do not like it they send you a return label already printed out with the phone.
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I used that eBay seller several times and have recommended them before in other threads. Their "9/10" listing is the one to look for, like you have. That seller has other others in various quality, like "8/10", "7/10" but with increasing dents, scratches. Two of the 9/10 I got were flawless, while the third had a slight ding on the side below the volume button no one would ever see with a TPU case on it.
From other sellers, there are allegedly still "new" V30/V30+ inventory out there but be very careful. Some are shoddy refurbished being touted as new or outright frauds:
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, the New Jersey/Hong Kong dealers sell refurbished phones and some are totally fraudulent. I returned mine and got refund because I specifically was paying for new-in-box this time.
* Was 64GB V30 in 128GB V30+ box. I paid for new US998 V30+. Wasn't new, wasn't V30+.
* had previous owner's 128GB SD card still in the phone...
* had "B&O" branded headphones -- which don't come with North America US998. If legit North American V30+, should have come with LG-branded headphones.
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Click to collapse
ChazzMatt said:
First, I went back and edited some of my answers in this thread as it was first written in August 2018, and some information was outdated. T-mobile H932 was not rooted yet back then and the fix for H931/H933 to run AOSP ROMs was not discovered yet. Ignore any prices mentioned back then, as that was last year.
Second...
I used that eBay seller several times and have recommended them before in other threads. Their "9/10" listing is the one to look for, like you have. That seller has other others in various quality, like "8/10", "7/10" but with increasing dents, scratches. Two of the 9/10 I got were flawless, while the third had a ding on the side below the volume button no one would ever see with a TPU case on it.
From other sellers, there are allegedly still "new" V30/V30+ inventory out there but be very careful. Some are shoddy refurbished being touted as new or outright frauds:
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Right, I figured well if it's that bad I can send it back. But it really is new condition. I've tested everything imaginable now getting ready to upgrade it to 8.0 as I wanted to make sure it was a good phone. Also if you buy the phone while eBay has it's 8% or more back even better deal!.
Hello. I was thinking of getting LG v30 as the V35 is currently unrootable and no signs of boot loader getting unlocked any time soon. I am wondering if I where to buy a new LG V30 will I be able to root it out of the box even if it was freshly stocked on AT&T shelves. Wish there was some sign of possible root for LG V35 ThinkQ in the future since would get that phone instead. I use AT&T.
Skizzlo said:
Hello. I was thinking of getting LG v30 as the V35 is currently unrootable and no signs of boot loader getting unlocked any time soon. I am wondering if I where to buy a new LG V30 will I be able to root it out of the box even if it was freshly stocked on AT&T shelves. Wish there was some sign of possible root for LG V35 ThinkQ in the future since would get that phone instead. I use AT&T.
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Every V30/V30+/v30S has bootloader unlock and can be rooted. See WTF thread for instructions.
Yes, even new from AT&T. However, you have to convert AT&T H931 to North America official carrier unlocked US998 to get fastboot flash commands, and any North America variant can be converted to US998. There's no reason to specifically buy AT&T H931.
I have three "original" US998 and I've bought two Sprint LS998 V30+ and quickly converted them to US998. All are running on AT&T. My brother-in-law is also running a converted LS998 V30+ to US998 V30+ on AT&T.
You can get mint US998 V30+ on eBay for $300. Which is great, since AT&T doesn't even sell the V30+ (128GB), only the V30 (64GB).
Thanks. You know any good ebay sellers I haven't used ebay for over 10 years. If not no worries I Will just look around or just buy from sprint or t mobile and convert it to at&t.
Skizzlo said:
Thanks. You know any good ebay sellers I haven't used ebay for over 10 years.
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I've used this seller now 4 times, each with good results:
LG V30 US998- 128GB - Titan Black (Unlocked) Smartphone 9/10
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US998-128GB-Titan-Black-Unlocked-Smartphone-9-10/173518149660
LG V30 LS998- 128GB - Titan Black (Sprint) Smartphone A Mint
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-LS9...345150?hash=item2cd8695e7e:g:P3sAAOSwWktaYPOk
I've bought both LS998 V30+ and already converted US998 V30+. I can tell it's not original US998, but that's OK. For some reason the already converted US998 V30+ is cheaper than the LS998 V30+. I don't know why. It will probably come with Nougat, but that's OK. You can update to the Oreo firmware you need in just a few minutes.
One person said they used this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-V30-Plus-US998U-128GB-Black-16MP-Camera-GSM-Unlocked/173302047376
Yesterday, eBay had a 15% off sale on everything. I posted it here in this forum. Brought $300 with free shipping down to $255. I bought one for a friend, and she'll repay me after I set up the phone. You never can predict when they'll have those flash sales.
Thanks and the sprint one I can just convert to att thanks gor the info will take the next few days to think it over and read reviews since of possibly scratch screens and the whole ip68, but now i know that i van get the lg v30+ and convert it to to at&t.
Thinking about picking up a LG V30(+) on ebay (or simular) to replace my dying S7 Active (by far and away my favorite hardware and form factor, just sick and tired Samsung software and of lack of development).
Two questions:
1. I am on AT&T (may move to Cricket)...would any models be recommended over others (e.g. international vs. US)?
2. I have seen a lot LS998 converted to US998...any thoughts on this and should it be avoided?
2a) If so, how can you tell want the original model was if a seller sales a LS998 as a US998?
Raccroc said:
Thinking about picking up a LG V30(+) on ebay (or simular) to replace my dying S7 Active (by far and away my favorite hardware and form factor, just sick and tired Samsung software and of lack of development).
Two questions:
1. I am on AT&T (may move to Cricket)...would any models be recommended over others (e.g. international vs. US)?
2. I have seen a lot LS998 converted to US998...any thoughts on this and should it be avoided?
2a) If so, how can you tell want the original model was if a seller sales a LS998 as a US998?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For AT&T, use H931 V30 (AT&T) or US998 V30/V30+/V39S (open market). I have US998 V30/V30+ on AT&T, as does six relatives/friends. Half of those were LS998 converted to US998; the others are "original" US998.
Are you interested in bootloader unlock and root?
H931 can be rooted, but cannot boot AOSP ROMs for some reason. But LS998 converted to US998 can... IF you want bootloader unlock and root, you would have to convert H931 to US998 anyway, to get fastboot flash commands.
With Frankenstein, you can convert any North American variant to any other -- EXCEPT for T-Mobile H932.
The only issue -- and it's quite minor -- is for some carriers for you to use converted LS998 to US998, you may need an already-activated SIM card. If you try to explain it was formerly a Sprint phone but is now carrier unlocked US998, you'll just confuse them. My brother in law went to AT&T store with his LS998/US998 and had them transfer everything over from old HTC phone. But he had already stuck in his AT&tT SIM card, so they couldn't tell him it wouldn't work. It was already working.
If that concerns you in any way, then get "original" US998.
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Holidays coming up. Here's THREE great deals on 64GB V30/128GB V30+ on eBay below. You always need a spare! Also, very likely eBay will suddenly throw out one of their site-wide 15%-20% off coupons around Black Friday or Cyber Monday? I'm just guessing. They tend to do that around various holidays. A bunch of us bought "mint" V30+ for ADDITIONAL 20% off "Buy It Now" price during Father's Day week.
* LG V30 LS998- 128GB - Titan Black (Sprint) Smartphone A Mint - $299
I've bought from that guy several times or had others buy from him. Just make sure you get the "mint" one. Use Frankenstein to convert to US998.
OR if you want BRAND NEW IN BOX -- with 2-year LG warranty:
* BRAND NEW IN BOX - LG V30 US998 64GB US Cellular Smartphone-Silver - $299
Same price as the "mint" V30 but it's NEW and already US998...
* BRAND NEW IN BOX. Ignore that the listing title says "mint" -- the listing itself makes clear it's brand new AND the two users above bought THREE of these new V30 and can verify it's BRAND NEW and eligible for 2-year LG warranty. I've re-written the listing title above to be what it SHOULD say.
* Also ignore the statement it's for "U.S. Cellular only". It's a genuine, new US998 V30. Seems to be U.S. Cellular overstock, but we all know all US998 are carrier unlocked. The ONLY difference between the B&H Photo "open market" US998 and the U.S. Cellular US998 was the "open market" was eligible for OFFICIAL bootloader unlock. We don't need that with WTF. This thread has a MUCH simpler bootloader unlock for US998 than the OFFICIAL LG bootloader unlock (which I did for one of my V30). Many, many people have bought U.S. Cellular US998 here in this forum and know they are carrier unlocked. That's just leftover language from OTHER U.S. Cellular phones they sell.
UPDATE: Be careful with this one below! Then sent me a V30 in V30+ box! They said they were sorry and gave me a refund, but be very warm!
* BRAND NEW IN BOX *SEALED* LG V30+ US998 128GB 6.0" 4G LTE Smartphone - $378
Different seller, with choice of silver or black V30+... Just the 128GB version for a little more money, and Brand New In Box if that matters to you.
I just bought this last one because I need another. I've given my spare ones away to relatives. In that listing, ignore the statement "AT&T/T-mobile" and later they say "U.S. Cellular only" (which totally contradicts the AT&T and T-mobile part). It's a genuine carrier unlocked US998 V30+ -- and brand new.. Seems to be U.S. Cellular overstock, but we all know US998 is carrier unlocked.
LG V30/V30+
1440P OLED (537 ppi)
Qi wireless charging
3.5mm headset jack
Quad DAC
IP68 dust/water resistance
rear camera OIS on normal lens - plus 120 degree wide angle lens
superfast fingerprint sensor
64GB (V30) or 128GB (V30+) internal storage
microSD port for additional storage
bootloader unlock and root
no notch
Just make sure you buy a decent case,like Spigen. These V30 can be slippery as fish wiggling around. Love this one.
Spigen Rugged Armor LG V30 with Resilient Shock Absorption and Carbon Fiber Design for LG V30 (2017) - Black
https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Rugged-Resilient-Absorption-Carbon/dp/B071JV1L9Z?ref_=nav_ya_signin&
Hello guys my screen on my h932 is messed up and even though i love this phone i dont want another lg phone nor want or need a 1000 dollar phone all i need is a phone that is as vanilla as possible and can play good music like the v30 does.
Any idea what device can do those?
I dont mind flashing custom rom to get those beautiful sounds
The Razer Phone 2 is pretty good, BUT you need a dongle.
LGAGaming said:
The Razer Phone 2 is pretty good, BUT you need a dongle.
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Click to collapse
Thanks man ill check it out
el.quechon said:
Hello guys my screen on my h932 is messed up and even though i love this phone i dont want another lg phone nor want or need a 1000 dollar phone all i need is a phone that is as vanilla as possible and can play good music like the v30 does.
Any idea what device can do those?
I dont mind flashing custom rom to get those beautiful sounds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think there's any non LG phone with this good audio. Try and see if Axon phones have a high quality dac
Otherwise I'd say redmi k20 pro is a pretty solid phone for the price of around 350$
I was also thinking about maybe replacing the screen but i see that tmobile v30 costs almost the same as a replacement screen
el.quechon said:
Hello guys my screen on my h932 is messed up and even though i love this phone i dont want another lg phone nor want or need a 1000 dollar phone all i need is a phone that is as vanilla as possible and can play good music like the v30 does.
Any idea what device can do those?
I dont mind flashing custom rom to get those beautiful sounds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get another V30 -- especially V30+. Are you a T-mobile customer? Even T-mobile customers often use US998 instead of T-mobile H932. The Dev who rooted the T-mobile H932 sold it, briefly got a crappy OnePlus, then came back to V30 but got US998 V30+. He's a T-mobile customer.
You can get MINT US998V30+ for like $130 on eBay.
ChazzMatt said:
Get another V30 -- especially V30+. Are you a T-mobile customer? Even T-mobile customers often use US998 instead of T-mobile H932. The Dev who rooted the T-mobile H932 sold it, briefly got a crappy OnePlus, then came back to V30 but got US998 V30+. He's a T-mobile customer.
You can get MINT US998V30+ for like $130 on eBay.
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Thanks a lot man i will be doing that buying right now
Edit: ordered already that quality of music from v30 cant keep me away from it
I cracked my V30 screen too, couldn't stand looking at it anymore so I grabbed a mint condition V40 for $180. The screens only .4 inches bigger but that lil bit makes a huge difference. Plus the colors/resolution are much better too. V50 is nearly identical except for 128GB vs 64GB, a lil bigger battery and 5G, everything else is same, chip, RAM, screen, size.. Still use the V30 though for root apps.
This is what I would get if my V30 died today:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/362882303051
Talysdaddy said:
I cracked my V30 screen too, couldn't stand looking at it anymore so I grabbed a mint condition V40 for $180. The screens only .4 inches bigger but that lil bit makes a huge difference. Plus the colors/resolution are much better too. V50 is nearly identical except for 128GB vs 64GB, a lil bigger battery and 5G, everything else is same, chip, RAM, screen, size..
Still use the V30 though for root apps.
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My two US998 V30+ are both 128GB.
2018 V40 (Snapdragon 845) has completely different chipset from 2019 V50 (Snapdragon 855).
---------- Post added at 02:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:42 AM ----------
HKSpeed said:
This is what I would get if my V30 died today:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/362882303051
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Nah. Notch.
If you're going to get a 2018 LG 64GB Snapdragon 845, get the LG V35 not the V3l40
V35 is a V40 in a V30 case, but with no notch.
V35 is also less expensive than the V40, but same internal specs. Not only sold by AT&T, but Amazon, several Latin America variants and North American Open Market, all of which can be cross flashed.
Drawback is the only ones available are 64GB. I have one mint, still in the box.
Brazil got 128GB V35+, but I can't get one online.
ChazzMatt said:
Nah. Notch.
If you're going to get a 2018 LG 64GB Snapdragon 845, get the LG V35 not the V3l40
V35 is a V40 in a V30 case, but with no notch.
V35 is also less expensive than the V40, but same internal specs. Not only sold by AT&T, but Amazon, several Latin America variants and North American Open Market, all of which can be cross flashed.
Drawback is the only ones available are 64GB. I have one mint, still in the box.
Brazil got 128GB V35+, but I can't get one online.
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Are either of the V35 or V40 bootloader unlocked yet? That would be a major dealbreaker for me.
ChazzMatt said:
Drawback is the only ones available are 64GB. I have one mint, still in the box.
.
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LMFAO man, when my V30 dies I'm going to PM you to buy a V30 from you. You have about 10.
Sent from my LG-H932 using XDA Labs
ldeveraux said:
Are either of the V35 or V40 bootloader unlocked yet? That would be a major dealbreaker for me.
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EU V40 has the LG official bootloader unlock.
All others including V35 have paid root through TeamViewer, which may or may not include Bootloader Unlock. People remote into your PC and work on your phone through your PC. Costs like $20, I think?
Or you can buy a used phone, already rooted from China seller.
This is why V35 in particular never took off in this forum (unlike V30), and has no custom ROMs, etc.
Dev runningnak3d started working DYI Bootloader Unlock and Root on the V35, then gave up.
V35 is a better phone than the V40. It's sad that LG caved into the notch on the V40.
ChazzMatt said:
EU V40 has the LG official bootloader unlock.
All others including V35 have paid root through TeamViewer, which may or may not include Bootloader Unlock. People remote into your PC and work on your phone through your PC. Costs like $20, I think?
Or you can buy a used phone, already rooted from China seller.
This is why V35 in particular never took off in this forum (unlike V30), and has no custom ROMs, etc.
Dev runningnak3d started working DYI Bootloader Unlock and Root on the V35, then gave up.
V35 is a better phone than the V40. It's sad that LG caved into the notch on the V40.
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So no, they aren't That's a shame, there's no way I'm letting someone into my PC on TV, that's insane. Still rocking the 128GB V30+ so guess I'll stick with it forever!
how about the lg g8 ( unlocked from sprint/verizon ) ? any possibility of flashing stock rom on that?
I went with the v30 im getting it today the 998 version 128gb just 130 dollars didnt want to spend too much money been happy with v30 when the new one dies ill get v40 maybe
el.quechon said:
I went with the v30 im getting it today the 998 version 128gb just 130 dollars didnt want to spend too much money been happy with v30 when the new one dies ill get v40 maybe
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That's called the V30+ and you've made the right choice.
ChazzMatt said:
Get another V30 -- especially V30+. Are you a T-mobile customer? Even T-mobile customers often use US998 instead of T-mobile H932. The Dev who rooted the T-mobile H932 sold it, briefly got a crappy OnePlus, then came back to V30 but got US998 V30+. He's a T-mobile customer.
You can get MINT US998V30+ for like $130 on eBay.
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Now $125 from same seller:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-US998-128GB-Titan-Black-Unlocked-Smartphone-9-10/183795406681
Got my baby it looks brand new
I am in the same boat: My H932 V30+ is finished, digitizer got wonky to the point where I couldn't use it anymore. I didn't want to spend $150 to repair it this time, but also not sure what to choose instead.
Following are my thoughts:
1) I love V30+ and would buy another in a heartbeat if I could get a new one at a reasonable price with 2 years warranty. Between my wife's and my own V30 I've seen enough issues that I want (need) that warranty. Buying used or "seller refurbished" I'd assume that either the battery is in poor shape, OR the phone has been opened and lost IP68, OR both. I don't trust ”mint" to mean anything other than "no deep scratches". I am not ruling it out, but it has to be cheap compared to the alternatives.
2) I always found V35 a great alternative, being a V30 with 6GB/SD845. I really kick myself for not buying one of those unlocked Cricket/AT&T units for $149 last summer. Right now it's probably my best bet at ~$275-300 new (2 years warranty). Downsides are just 64GB (not much on an A/B slot phone). And it would be an AT&T model which cannot be updated without cross-flashing -- which will lose that 2 year warranty anyway. Non-AT&T variants (ULM/GFI) are overpriced.
3) I've looked at G8, which is now $4-500 new for TMO/AT&T variants (more for factory unlocked QM7 variants). Solid specs with 6GB/128GB/SD855. It also supports Band 71 which I would like: If TMO ever goes live with B71 where I live, I'll switch my Red Pocket plan from AT&T to TMO and gain VoLTE. (V30 and V35 don't have B71, except H932 which I would never buy again). But G8 price is still too high for me. And I hate that power button on the side, love V30's fingerprint/power combo on the back. I am OK with G8's form factor and notch, although not as elegant as V30/V35. I also found my V30 screen to be better than G8, even after adjusting color and brightness settings.
4) I don't really need root: I can uninstall bloat and trackers with ADB, and I am more concerned about warranty anyway. But I hate not having the OPTION to root after the warranty period. That of course means V30 > V35 > G8: I don't expect G8 will ever get root. I am not ruling out remote root of V35, though I dislike it as much as the next guy. And I doubt there will ever be custom ROMs to keep V35 relevant after LG stops updating.
5) Unfortunately Quad DAC is less of a priority for me than it was: In just a couple months Meniere's disease has killed my ability to listen to music at anything but the most rudimentary level. I am still hoping I can beat it or improve it over time, so having the Quad DAC would be nice. But if such a wonderful thing were to happen, I could just buy a USB DAC or Shanling M0. Most of my listening is (was) at home anyway.
6) I checked OnePlus 7T in a TMO store and would consider it (not from TMO, of course) if it cost less (currently $599); and more importantly, if the form factor wasn't so ridiculous: It's narrower than V30 and about 12 inches long (well, maybe not quite ) The OnePlus notch is the best I've seen, and I could live with it.
I've been using my old Nexus 5 backup phone for the last few weeks, hoping some deal will come out to sway me one way or another. But that may not happen until after MWC in late February...
Any thoughts or input are much appreciated.
Edit: I saw the eBay listing linked by @ChazzMatt and wrote the seller to ask if he can say anything about battery and whether the phones have been opened. I imagine he bought them bulk, so may not be possible for him to answer -- which I can understand.
Hi guys. I found some good v30 deals on ebay (new sealed in box). From ny understanding the h998 is carrier unlocked( at least in the US) and the 930 model is EU unlocked . my question is weather ill be able to use the H998 In Europe (im on vodafone in Romania), or should i save a few bucks more and grab the h930 just to be sure. The band frequencies seem to match, but are there additional hardware restrictions that might occur?
Ive read ChazzMatt's replies on a similar topic, but still am confused. Any guidance for my newb mind would be much appreciated
Shamwise said:
Hi guys. I found some good v30 deals on ebay (new sealed in box). From ny understanding the h998 is carrier unlocked( at least in the US) and the 930 model is EU unlocked . my question is weather ill be able to use the H998 In Europe (im on vodafone in Romania), or should i save a few bucks more and grab the h930 just to be sure. The band frequencies seem to match, but are there additional hardware restrictions that might occur?
Ive read ChazzMatt's replies on a similar topic, but still am confused. Any guidance for my newb mind would be much appreciated
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For V30 models, there's US998 (V30 V30+, V30S), AS998 (not sure how many variants), LS998 (V30+), VS996 (V30), but no "H998". Which one are you asking about?
If one of the US998, yes all US998 are carrier unlocked, but there's no genuinely new in box left. Refurbishers are CALLING it new in box because they are wrapping it in plastic. They are mixing and matching parts from other phones, wrapping in plastic and saying new in box. If they were honest, they should be calling it refurbished, not new.
I ordered alleged new V30+ a year ago, and got a 64GB V30 in a 128GB V30+ box with someone's microSD card still inside and B&O back cover and B&O earbuds. Obvious sham. LG is not allowed to use B&O branding in North America, so it wasn't "new" US998, besides trying to pass off used 64GB V30 (microSD card still inside) as 128GB V30+.
It was a refurbished phone with mix and match parts. I returned it, got my money back.
Recently someone else bought one and it had Sprint LS998 and AT&T H931 parts inside, but was running US998 firmware.
Yes, both mine and this one did LOOK like new, if that's important to you.
If you buy one, it may indeed work just fine. As long as it has US998 firmware, it is indeed a US998 now.
But I prefer to buy the "mint" US998 off eBay. At least they are saying it's used.
As ChazzMatt pointed out, there is no H998. If the phone is listed as H998, then I'd say don't trust that seller.
There's H930 (EU) and US998 (US) both of which are carrier unlocked, so they can be used with any carrier, as long as the bands match.
As far as I can tell, Romania uses LTE bands 1, 3, 8, 20 and maybe 7/38. US998 supports those. It's worth to also ensure GSM and UMTS bands are covered.
But in addition to bands there is the matter of VoLTE and VoWifi configuration, which is specific to each carrier. Phones have built-in tables of carriers for their market, but I doubt US998 has Romanian carriers in its table, while I'd expect H930 to have it.
In coming years, VoLTE will increasingly become the norm, so this could matter.
Both models are easy to root.
Many thanks for your reply. I had no clue they can claim a product is new, while being a refurbished flop. The offer i was looking at is the following(cant link it directly since im a new user on this forum). Mind looking at it and share your wisdom with me?
"New *UNOPENED* LG V30+ AT&T T-MOB US998 128G 6.0" 4G LTE Smartphone/128G/Black "
So a Silver 128GB US998. I don't think such a thing ever came from the factory, although I could be wrong.
Most 128GB US998 are converted from Sprint LS998, but I don't recall them being silver. TMO had a silver H932SV, but it only came in 64GB.
Sounds to me like a patchwork phone, exactly like ChazzMatt described.
Edit: eBay sellers (like 3rd party sellers on Amazon, AliExpress etc) can be anything from awesome and honest and trustworthy down to utter cockroaches, who'll claim anything to make a sale. This one seems to me at the lower end of the scale.
I see, so they can foil wrap something and claim it's brand new. Then i will consider buying a mint one, as i cant get past the fake advertising even if it's fully functional. Thank you guys for your time and effort
Let's see if Chazz has different thoughts on this listing. He has more experience than anybody when it comes to V30 and related models.
TheDannemand said:
Let's see if Chazz has different thoughts on this listing. He has more experience than anybody when it comes to V30 and related models.
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To my knowledge all true V30+ are black. LS998, US998, H930G, and even the rare T-mobile H932 V30+ (H932U) are all black. I've never seen a native silver one. But yeah, a refurbisher could put a 128GB V30+ board inside a silver 64GB V30 case. When a glass back is cracked on a used one, they simply swap with whatever else they have. Which is why the one sent me had "B&O" back cover -- which was never part of a real US998 phone.
The one I ordered came from "New Jersey" but was dropped shipped from somewhere in Asia, as they said it would take two weeks to deliver. It doesn't take two weeks to ship anywhere in the United States. It takes two weeks if shipping from Asia to New Jersey, then to where I live.
If it's this seller, which is the one I ordered from -- read his feedback comments:
https://www.ebay.com/fdbk/feedback_...age:RECEIVED_AS_SELLER&_trksid=p2047675.l2560
Like this one: "it turned out second hand"
or this one: "Fake! The product it is not brand new but refrubished and without warranty!"