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After buying my One Max SIM free I switched over from O2 to 3, and then got my original number ported to the new SIM card. After the porting happened this morning I switched the 3 SIM card into the phone and thought I was good to go. However I'm getting terrible download speeds (~150Kbps) in areas which worked fine with the same handset on the O2 network. I've also checked with a friend here at work who's also on 3 but has a Galaxy S 4 and he's getting perfectly fine download speeds vs my terrible ones even when both handsets are sitting side by side. So the handset is capable of decent speeds in itself and the network is also fine with other people's phones. I noticed also that in the bar at the top of the phone display the network icon never cycles up from H to H+ (which it did when I was with O2) and I assume this is a part of the problem.
So, any other One Max owners here on the UK 3 network who can comment on their network speeds? Is it possible there's some incompatibility between the network bands the One Max supports and those that 4 use? That seems unlikely in this day and age but you never know. My friend did mention that our boss had a similar experience with his iPhone when he first switched to 3 but it settled down and was fine after a while so is there some weird 'bedding in' period when you first switch networks or something?
You could probably contact 3 support and check if your phone is supported
pradeepvizz said:
You could probably contact 3 support and check if your phone is supported
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aye, 3 themselves will be my next stop if things don't improve in the next couple of days but I was curious if anyone else was having any issues. Three do offer the HTC One so it's pretty unlikely the One Max wouldn't be supported but you never know I suppose.
Makes sense - Your case seems to be very similar to one i had with my provider. LTE wont work and i lodged a compliant to get it fixed
pradeepvizz said:
Makes sense - Your case seems to be very similar to one i had with my provider. LTE wont work and i lodged a compliant to get it fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did they manage to fix it from their end or did you need to get a new phone or something else?
Medulla said:
So did they manage to fix it from their end or did you need to get a new phone or something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They fixed it from their end. i had switched from HTC One to a HTC One X+ which did not have LTE and i unsubscribed by data package for 2 months which made the backend system de-activate LTE on my number and it could be only fixed by the tech team.
Cool, well, hopefully something similar can be done for me. I'll give it until lunch time tomorrow to see if it sorts itself out and if not I'll go into the store and ask them to look at it. The phone's basically unusable as it stands which is unacceptable so if they can't get it sorted pretty quickly I'll just walk. Luckily it's only a rolling one month contract I've signed up for, although I'm not sure there are any decently priced alternatives. I might end up regretting giving up my ancient and cheap O2 unlimited contract here...
What comes to my mind is that you could go to the phone testing mode and try to have a look at the phones capable network types and compare it to 3 network types
To go to test mode, you have to *#*#4636#*#* and there choose phone info.
Here is an example of what I see on my phone
Sent from my HTC One max using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
It was set to WCDMA preferred so I've changed it to GSM/WCDMA/LTE auto but 3 definitely haven't rolled out LTE and I don't even know if they have GSM on their network so I don't know if this'll make any difference.
Interestingly the phone number listed in that phone info panel is the original phone number (i.e. the number that was on the SIM out of the box before I ported my old number onto it) but that could just be hard-coded onto the SIM at some level and not really used for anything I suppose.
Looked into Sprints Community Forum to see if they will support this device and it looks like they will not. I am getting this phone and it looks like I'll be leaving Spint.
Here is the thread to the forum. https://community.sprint.com/baw/message/1052157#1052157 Wanted to share in case anyone else is getting it in hopes that Sprint would support it.
Sprint generally tries to avoid factory unlocked phones so their bloatware stays in place.
Yep, Sprint has strict control over what is allowed access to their network. While the A7 has all the bands for Sprint usage, ZTE has said that they're working with Sprint (and Verizon) to get it approved for their networks.
I wouldn't bother too much with what Sprint_Jeffrey & co. said, they are probably in a similar position to the people within ZTE who claimed just days before the boot-loader unlock announcement that they would not be allowing unlocking of the boot-loader. Until an announcement is made by the Sprint people responsible for such things reps like Sprint_Jeffrey & co. are as much in the dark as the rest of us.
What I've heard about this phone and other unlocked phones with Verizon and Sprint support built into the hardware is.
From official channels you will get no support for the device and you can't go to the store and activate the phone.
But most of the time if you take an existing sim from your current phone and pop it in the new unlocked phone it will work just fine. It's worth a shot before leaving sprint if you like the existing service you have.
Unless you were already planning to leave for the greener pasture of GSM service, so many more device options available which is why i only consider GSM carriers myself.
Don' t know about Sprint but swapping in an active SIM from Verizon does NOT work. Been trying for three weeks. I am going to AT&T.
jaseman said:
Don' t know about Sprint but swapping in an active SIM from Verizon does NOT work. Been trying for three weeks. I am going to AT&T.
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So you are disagreeing with the, probably, 50 posts I've seen with Verizon working on the Axon 7? I'm getting mine delivered today and will be trying it out tonight. I'm expecting it to work.
Eh, you won't miss Sprint. You could probably go with a cheaper service like Cricket and have better coverage, anyway. Verizon is the only CDMA carrier worth using, but you pay out the bum for the pleasure.
jaseman said:
Don' t know about Sprint but swapping in an active SIM from Verizon does NOT work. Been trying for three weeks. I am going to AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works with my active Verizon SIM fine. Full bars Band 4 LTE, full bars CDMA, no roaming indicator (yet).
xtermmin said:
Works with my active Verizon SIM fine. Full bars Band 4 LTE, full bars CDMA, no roaming indicator (yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried again with Verizon and it is a no go. I hope those of you who are stuck with Verizon can get things worked out. I suppose Verizon will start to play nice in due time. I, however, have moved on to AT&T pre-paid. Took about 10 minutes for them to get my Axon 7 working properly. There were other ZTE devices in the store also. At least one other cell phone and a couple of other items. So they are already familiar with ZTE and had no trouble getting things setup correctly. Bye-Bye Verizon!
jaseman said:
I tried again with Verizon and it is a no go. I hope those of you who are stuck with Verizon can get things worked out. I suppose Verizon will start to play nice in due time. I, however, have moved on to AT&T pre-paid. Took about 10 minutes for them to get my Axon 7 working properly. There were other ZTE devices in the store also. At least one other cell phone and a couple of other items. So they are already familiar with ZTE and had no trouble getting things setup correctly. Bye-Bye Verizon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you make sure to use the SIM1 slot instead of the SIM2/microSD slot? Only SIM1 is CDMA enabled.
I don't know why Sprint and Verizon are dicking around. Moto G4 and Google Nexus phones can run on their networks why not ZTE Avon?
rczrider said:
Eh, you won't miss Sprint. You could probably go with a cheaper service like Cricket and have better coverage, anyway. Verizon is the only CDMA carrier worth using, but you pay out the bum for the pleasure.
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Click to collapse
Not if you have RingPlus. I have 5 RingPlus free monthly lines each having 6000 mins/ text/ MB waiting to be ESN swapped out to better equipments
ultrasoul said:
Not if you have RingPlus. I have 5 RingPlus free monthly lines each having 6000 mins/ text/ MB waiting to be ESN swapped out to better equipments
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I have RingPlus with a "free" ($15 initial top-up) 1400 plan. And it's great that you have 5 nice plans, but let's be honest, R+ isn't the same as it was last year. Plans like that don't come up much (if ever) anymore and when they do, the hoops make it a real PITA. I'll be surprised if R+ is even around in another year.
And in any case, it's still Sprint and Sprint's network is literally the worst you can use. It's great if you never travel and don't need service outside of cities, but "free" is the only case in which I would use their network. I use R+ with my Moto E as a streaming music player when I'm on the beach or out mowing or doing something else where the phone might get trashed.
xtermmin said:
Did you make sure to use the SIM1 slot instead of the SIM2/microSD slot? Only SIM1 is CDMA enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, all attempts were in SIM slot number 1 only. Constant roaming. On AT&T now and all is working great for less money. No brainer if you can do it.
jaseman said:
Yes, all attempts were in SIM slot number 1 only. Constant roaming. On AT&T now and all is working great for less money. No brainer if you can do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Er, constant roaming is normal... it's one of the many bugs that the A7 has on Verizon right now. Just had to check "data when roaming" and you would have been good to go.
xtermmin said:
Yep, Sprint has strict control over what is allowed access to their network. While the A7 has all the bands for Sprint usage, ZTE has said that they're working with Sprint (and Verizon) to get it approved for their networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint locks their RUIM/SIM cards to the MEID of the device. Verizon does not engage in this 'anti-consumer' practice.
So can I just put a Sprint Note 4 sim in the Axon 7 and it will work?
I switched from sprint to cricket when I bought the axon 7. Got a good deal for signing up for auto pay and the signal has been wayyy better (in Pittsburgh). I drive all around town for work and only ran into one (almost) dead spot.
Active iPhone Sprint SIM doesn't work in Axon 7
sounreal said:
So can I just put a Sprint Note 4 sim in the Axon 7 and it will work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No this almost surely won't work. Though it's hard to be 100% sure as Sprint is so finicky with their different SIM card types...my Sprint phone is an iPhone 6S so perhaps the SIM isn't as friendly to Android phones (which is ridiculous but Sprint really does differentiate Android vs. iOS SIMs, which I found out the hard way)...
But I tried anyway with my FreedomPop Sprint SIM...below are some pictures of what happened. The Axon 7 showed a signal and a 4G/LTE icon, but the internet connection didn't work (it just shows a constant upload indication) and there was no 1X signal either when I checked LTE Discovery. So it seems that Sprint is effectively blocking the Axon 7 (as it would any non-Sprint MEID'd phone I believe) from making a data connection or making calls/texts.
It's a shame...Verizon doesn't do this...my Verizon SIM works great in the Axon 7...this is purely a Sprint limitation it seems, which is funny as they're the most desperate of the four major carriers and yet make it nearly impossible to do business with them even though we have a perfectly viable Sprint phone in the Axon 7.
Sprint binds the imei, icc id and phone number to the account. Everything has to match or you get no service.
Sprint is dead, move to a different carrier.
I plan to keep updating this XDA forum thread with what I find out about this problem, potential solutions, and hopefully what solves it. Hopefully this will be useful to those with the same or similar problem.
Please excuse typos...
The Solution
The reality is, prevention is the best solution here, do a bunch of research to make sure you don't encounter this problem. Read the rest of the post to better understand.
Original
Thank you in advance for reading this and helping me. (I also posted this in r/LGG8X, and am posting it here because some people don't have accounts with both. The more people that see it, the better, if by chance someone has ideas, wants to help, and has time to post the ideas)
It seems like a lot of people are having this issue, so maybe someone might have an idea.
I bought this phone to replace my Xiaomi Mi 9 (which was on the fritz, turning itself off randomly), about 1.5 weeks ago. I did my research and reasonably concluded that this phone has LTE band 12 and VoLTE; also it would be foolish of LG to not to have that. I could not find the VoLTE or Wifi Calling switches anywhere in the settings app, or in the phone app. I then dialed " *#*#4636#*#* " which opened up the "Testing Settings" (as usual). I click on the "Phone Information" tab, scroll down and find both the VoLTE and Wifi Calling switches, which are, to my dismay, greyed out.
I called Ting and they said, (after getting the IMEI), that this doesn't have LTE band 12, therefore no VoLTE. That confused me, because like I said, my research before buying had already concluded that it has band 12. The Ting rep said that's all he could do for me, so we ended the call. I did another 30 mins of research, again concluded it has band 12 with VoLTE. I also called LG themselves, and the rep there confirmed that this phone has band 12 with VoLTE, they also said "we would be more than happy to verify that the phone works with you carrier through phone conferencing". I asked the rep about about the previously mentioned VoLTE and Wifi Calling switches being greyed out, and they said that's because the phone has those 2 capabilities, but the carrier has to enable them.
I really love this phone, especially in comparison to the Mi 9 (even tho the Mi 9 is a good phone). I love the software better (even with the weird quirks that it has), and the value proposition is quite good. I really don't want to have to get a 3rd new phone in one year. If anyone has any ideas/help that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
[Edit]: P.S. I think this is partly a problem with LG, and partly with the carriers. I suspect that LG messed up with the IMEI/etc and other important identifiers as to what the device is, what exact version (i.e. LM-G850UM, etc) of a particular model (i.e. LG G8X Thinq Dual Screen, etc). This leads to the cell carrier's infrastructure seeing this phone as incompatible (doesn't see LTE Band 12, when it really is. The cell carriers, (from my own experience with 2 Ting Reps, and from what others have said on other forum threads), can't or won't solve this problem, even tho it may be solvable. From what I have seen on other forums, some got it solved by the cell carrier entering codes on the phone and doing something on their side. If LG and the all the networks would talk to each about this problem and get it solved if possible that would be awesome...
Update - 11/04/2020:
It seems I unintentionally bought a G8X with the Canadian rom LMG850UM20e. I am doubtful, but is the hardware the same or similar enough to flash the USA unlocked rom LMG850QM? Or is there something else I can do to make the Ting network allow VoLTE? As far as I can tell, the Canadian model still supports VoLTE LTE Band 12, but correct me if I'm wrong.
Update - 11/05/2020:
Ting says that my phone has LTE Band 12 and therefore VoLTE, but that will only work on ATT. A bit confusing because (like I said) the particular rom on my phone is Canadian (LMG850UM20e), so why ATT? The explanation for that, it seems is that ATT, (and Sprint), and the unlocked Canadian version have the same sub-model: LMG850UM. The USA unlocked version has a different sub-model (LMG850QM), the rest of the world has yet another sub-model (LMQ850EMW). There are around 15 different versions it seems; see this reddit post on the different models: (can't post the link yet) title: "Hey G8X owner, what is the submodel number and regional code of your unit? And where did you buy it from? I am trying to complete this list, also relating to timing of security updates and Android 10 release." posted in r/LG G8X
It seems like all the versions (LMG850......) have the same hardware, the only difference are the roms, which seem artificially disable certain capabilities of the phone. I am pretty sure my phone would do VoLTE just fine on Ting (or most other carriers). The thing wrong here, I think, is that the IMEI and other specific identifiers of the phone artificially show that the phone does not have the functionality, so the networks don't enable it. It also seems like LG made an agreement or something with ATT as well as Sprint (separately), to release carrier-specific version (as most brands seem to do), and that the phone would fully work on their respective networks and MVNOs, at least the versions in the LMG850UM sub model group, and the USA unlocked sub-model group. LG and T-Mobile seem to have come to no such *official* agreement, unfortunately. I am wondering any of the versions work with T-Mobile and it's MVNOs out of the box, some *modifications* may have to be done in order to get it working on TM towers. There may also be unintentional bugs in some or all roms that are possibly causing, or more likely, adding on to the problem.
Obviously, I am still trying to find my around this problem. I'm considering flashing a USA unlocked rom (LMG850QM sub-model), though not sure if that's possible, or if it'll change what the IMEI and the other specific identifiers tell the cell carrier about compatibility. I also wonder if carriers have the ability to override the artificial restrictions. There is also one report of T-Mobile supposedly fixing the same/similar problem with Sprint for a customer, see u/Veshtarii's comments on this reddit post: (can't post link yet) title: "LG G8X unlocked models having issues with US carriers." Posted in r/LGG8X. Another reddit user used a cheap Tracfone sim card to make his phone work on T-Mobile: (can't post link yet) title: "Tutorial: How to Update eBay Unlocked ATT / AT&T LG G8x" Posted in r/LGG8X. I am unsure if he also has VoLTE working.
Update - 11/06/2020
I'm done with this... It is pretty much impossible. I commented on the "Tutorial: How to Update eBay Unlocked ATT / AT&T LG G8x" post, and the OP responded and said he can't get VoLTE working, even with doing that update. The only thing that could possibly work, is flashing the USA unlocked sub-model onto it. However I probably don't know enough to do it right, but the bigger reason is that it'll probably brick it. I've realized, and should realized when I was doing the research for a new phone, that ATT and TMO's VoLTE/Wifi Calling work differently. They both use propriety coding, which they license to each brand to use in the models they both come to agreement on, and a similar agreement with each MVNO under their towers. LG and TMO seem to have made no such agreement for the G8X, therefore in all practicality, no G8X will work on any of their towers. Also, I called H2O Wireless just to see if my phone works with them, but they said my IMEI is not compatible; so I'm not the Canadian model that I have works in the US at all, that makes me think that not even the versions inside each sub-model aren't even compatible with each other. There is that one situation I mentioned, where the person who was having problems with Sprint before the merger, took it to TMO after the merger and the TMO tech fixed it for him. But I think he must've been having a different problem, because his phone is probably still technically running on Sprint towers. Sprint made the agreement with LG, so VoLTE would work in that instance. Flashing is practically not a solution for most people.
I should've done more research than I did before buying the phone. That is the moral of this story; make sure you do all your "homework" before buying any phone anywhere but the shop of the carrier you are using (or plan to use). That leads me to my number one complaint with phone brands and especially cell carriers as whole: they make it incredibly annoying, often difficult, and confusing to find a compatible phone that isn't on the carrier store. And the problem with that is that everything in any carriers' stores is everything is stupidly overpriced, and then they get you hooked with pricey deals you don't want. If you're reading this, you're most likely like me, you know better than to spend more than you have to on a phone and plan in the carrier store, you know (or at least kinda know) how to get past that. I get that cell carriers want to make money, but I tell you, this is too far. Anyways, the point is, there is no immediate solution, in other words, your only worthwhile solution is prevention, doing a bunch of research. I'm done with this... I'm returning this phone and getting the vanilla G8...
I have the LMG850QM. It has no VOLTE icons while in call even if on band 12. It uses HD+ and that will be shown in dialer during call. Internet does work while in call so believe that it is working. The switches are on like yours but greyed out. Wi-fi calling does work. By turning on airplane mode and then turning back on wifi the dialer will show that calls are being made over Wifi. The OnePlus 6T has VoWifi icons in status bar and this phone doesn't. I will say that this phone gets service in buildings where neither of my 6t's would have service.
I am looking at getting the Pixel 6 (or possibly the 6 pro) and was checking out the Google store where they sell different versions of the 6/6pro.
I'm on Verizon and my current pixel is a Verizon version which has a locked bootloader. I've bricked my device twice because of failed OTAs and I want my next one to be an unlocked Google version instead of the locked down Verizon version. I want to be able to install TWRP like I used to with my Samsung devices (I left Samsung devices when they started locking them down).
In the fine print, it says the unlocked version does not work with Verizon's mmWave network (5G).
Is this correct? If I get an unlocked version it will not work with the fastest version of 5G? Or is this because it works with any carrier and they all use different 5G bands?
TLDR: I want a version that I can unlock the BL. Will I lose out on 5G if I buy this version? Pardon the question if this has already been answered in some of the other google 5G devices like the pixel 4/5 +5G forums...
gcodori said:
I am looking at getting the Pixel 6 (or possibly the 6 pro) and was checking out the Google store where they sell different versions of the 6/6pro.
I'm on Verizon and my current pixel is a Verizon version which has a locked bootloader. I've bricked my device twice because of failed OTAs and I want my next one to be an unlocked Google version instead of the locked down Verizon version. I want to be able to install TWRP like I used to with my Samsung devices (I left Samsung devices when they started locking them down).
In the fine print, it says the unlocked version does not work with Verizon's mmWave network (5G).
Is this correct? If I get an unlocked version it will not work with the fastest version of 5G? Or is this because it works with any carrier and they all use different 5G bands?
TLDR: I want a version that I can unlock the BL. Will I lose out on 5G if I buy this version? Pardon the question if this has already been answered in some of the other google 5G devices like the pixel 4/5 +5G forums...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked version doesn't have the fastest version of 5g for Verizon but Verizon has that so few spots that it's basically worthless at this point. Maybe in 3 years it will be worthwhile but I wouldn't buy a phone based on that spec.
Pixel 6 and 5G: This Should Clear Things Up
Confusion around Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro 5G support has us answering your questions and confirming networks.
www.droid-life.com
Ah cool. So the short answer for Verizon is:
6 Pro - locked or unlocked works on all 5G frequencies, so get the unlocked one.
6 unlocked - does not have mmW. But Verizon mmW sux at the moment (depends where you live) so no big loss...
6 locked - works with Verizon bands but is locked by VZW
gcodori said:
Ah cool. So the short answer for Verizon is:
6 Pro - locked or unlocked works on all 5G frequencies, so get the unlocked one.
6 unlocked - does not have mmW. But Verizon mmW sux at the moment (depends where you live) so no big loss...
6 locked - works with Verizon bands but is locked by VZW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. For non-pro Pixel 6, mmW is only available on the Pixel 6 locked version from Verizon.
To be honest, look at the coverage map for mmW to see if you get any use out of it. It is so limited that most won't see a beneift. It does suck Verizon will not offer a lock non-mmW version so people can take advantage of trade-in deals and such.
NavySpark said:
Correct. For non-pro Pixel 6, mmW is only available on the Pixel 6 locked version from Verizon.
To be honest, look at the coverage map for mmW to see if you get any use out of it. It is so limited that most won't see a beneift. It does suck Verizon will not offer a lock non-mmW version so people can take advantage of trade-in deals and such.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't realize this when I ordered my P6 but I agree it is not a huge deal at this point. I am still getting mostly LTE at home and work on VZW and slower 5g on my Pixel 5 every once in a while right now. I have had two work phones, one on TMobile and the other on AT&T both Galaxy phones and I was getting faster speeds on 5g when I had it. I am tempted to go TMobile as I now get just as good coverage at my house as Verizon.
alershka said:
I didn't realize this when I ordered my P6 but I agree it is not a huge deal at this point. I am still getting mostly LTE at home and work on VZW and slower 5g on my Pixel 5 every once in a while right now. I have had two work phones, one on TMobile and the other on AT&T both Galaxy phones and I was getting faster speeds on 5g when I had it. I am tempted to go TMobile as I now get just as good coverage at my house as Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMobile's 5G still needs a lot of work. For me, it's less stable and speed improvements are negligible most of the time. Their LTE does just fine and I get good enough reception and speed for me.
My main reason to be with TMobile is the price I pay for our 5 lines, can't beat it.
NavySpark said:
TMobile's 5G still needs a lot of work. For me, it's less stable and speed improvements are negligible most of the time. Their LTE does just fine and I get good enough reception and speed for me.
My main reason to be with TMobile is the price I pay for our 5 lines, can't beat it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you planning to get your Pixel 6 from T-Mobile? If so, have you heard anything about how the monthly updates will work with T-Mobile Pixels vs. Google Pixels? Will it be direct from Google or indirect from T-Mobile?
BTW, I also stay with T-Mobile since my monthly has been under $100 for a decade+ for 3 lines.
phaino00 said:
Are you planning to get your Pixel 6 from T-Mobile? If so, have you heard anything about how the monthly updates will work with T-Mobile Pixels vs. Google Pixels? Will it be direct from Google or indirect from T-Mobile?
BTW, I also stay with T-Mobile since my monthly has been under $100 for a decade+ for 3 lines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my Pixel 6 directly from Google this time. I have been exclusively doing unlocked phones for last 3-4. Main reason is the delay in updates and features. I love how Google updates most apps and features separately of the OS update. I find many carrier phones lump upgrades together. Also give me the option to try beta softwares and such.
I usually sell on Swappa but actually doing a trade-in with Google since they offered me $375 for my Pixel 5.
NavySpark said:
I bought my Pixel 6 directly from Google this time. I have been exclusively doing unlocked phones for last 3-4. Main reason is the delay in updates and features. I love how Google updates most apps and features separately of the OS update. I find many carrier phones lump upgrades together. Also give me the option to try beta softwares and such.
I usually sell on Swappa but actually doing a trade-in with Google since they offered me $375 for my Pixel 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with having the direct 'link', so to speak.
I, on the other hand, have a tendency to keep phones a few years, e.g, last 4 were Nexus 5 unlocked, Pixel unlocked, One Plus 6t (T-Mobile MSM converted to international version), and next Thursday the Pixel 6 (probably T-Mobile version).
First after Motorola razor, was My Touch 3g.
phaino00 said:
I agree with having the direct 'link', so to speak.
I, on the other hand, have a tendency to keep phones a few years, e.g, last 4 were Nexus 5 unlocked, Pixel unlocked, One Plus 6t (T-Mobile MSM converted to international version), and next Thursday the Pixel 6 (probably T-Mobile version).
First after Motorola razor, was My Touch 3g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice. I try to keep phones a whole but prior to this had two unfortunate events where I dropped it had needed to replace them. The Pixel 5 been solid but the features and price of the Pixel 6, coupled with my trade value, I decided to upgrade.
Not to hijack this thread, but I have a similar question. AT&T is not going to whitelist my OnePlus 5T for VoLTE, so I was going to get an unlocked Pixel 6 (GB7N6), but if they don't whitelist the unlocked pixel 6, then I'm out of luck for it working there too, right? I'm not concerned about mmW, but not being able to use the phone as a phone (voice / VoLTE) will be a problem. But I don't want a locked phone.
Can anyone provide some insight?
thanks in advance.
freonchill said:
Not to hijack this thread, but I have a similar question. AT&T is not going to whitelist my OnePlus 5T for VoLTE, so I was going to get an unlocked Pixel 6 (GB7N6), but if they don't whitelist the unlocked pixel 6, then I'm out of luck for it working there too, right? I'm not concerned about mmW, but not being able to use the phone as a phone (voice / VoLTE) will be a problem. But I don't want a locked phone.
Can anyone provide some insight?
thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You hit the nail on the head, it is up to AT&T to whitelist. They have previously whitelisted Google phones so I think you will be ok.
This is what I found from AT&T concerning unlocked phones. File says updated October 13th 2021.
https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Service-Capabilities-Unlocked-Devices-ATT-Network.pdf
I knew about the mmWave situation when I purchased my Pixel 6 and was fine with it; I bought the unlocked model for exclusive use on Verizon. I'm in the middle of North Dakota, and I'm just not worried about it. I haven't even looked at a coverage map, but my cellular bandwidth speed isn't ever why I purchase a phone. I also bought the unlocked version if I decide to root the device in the future.
mmWave 5g is currently being installed at large facilities where you will find a high density of people Places like airports and sports arenas.
This is because mmWave technology has a very short range and it generally won't penetrate buildings. I doubt mmWave 5g will EVER be used in a lot of places, but I certainly would not worry about it in this generation of phones. Even if you live in a large city (like LA) where mmWave is "rolled out" it is only going to work at these large facilities like the coliseum and airport. If you live in a medium or small city, you won't have mmWave coverage for years - perhaps ever.
There is no way I would pay $100 more for the Verizon phone with mmWave - even if I lived in a big city.
sic0048 said:
mmWave 5g is currently being installed at large facilities where you will find a high density of people Places like airports and sports arenas.
This is because mmWave technology has a very short range and it generally won't penetrate buildings. I doubt mmWave 5g will EVER be used in a lot of places, but I certainly would not worry about it in this generation of phones. Even if you live in a large city (like LA) where mmWave is "rolled out" it is only going to work at these large facilities like the coliseum and airport. If you live in a medium or small city, you won't have mmWave coverage for years - perhaps ever.
There is no way I would pay $100 more for the Verizon phone with mmWave - even if I lived in a big city.
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Exactly. Similar to the initial Roll Out of 4G an d 5G. Its going to need time to grow.
NavySpark said:
TMobile's 5G still needs a lot of work. For me, it's less stable and speed improvements are negligible most of the time. Their LTE does just fine and I get good enough reception and speed for me.
My main reason to be with TMobile is the price I pay for our 5 lines, can't beat it.
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I disagreed...in the Baltimore region, when there is traffic jam, 5G would connect, LTE would just stalled.
Vio281 said:
I disagreed...in the Baltimore region, when there is traffic jam, 5G would connect, LTE would just stalled.
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I would agree some areas are always better than others but as a whole I believe it still needs a lot of work. The SA rollout is impressive but I still get a lot of "hang" time on true 5G compared to LTE.
This is in multiple areas of the country during my travels over the last year.
Wouldn't the network on which you wish to operate the device require a set parameter in the OS that allowed signals from the provider to be deciphered? Back in the day we simply called this 'the radio', and if you wanted to switch providers you had to make sure the device could 'talk' to the new network after you installed a new SIM card. You did that by comparing the device specs with what bandwidths the provider was broadcasting on. If the Pixel you buy shows in its specifications list that it works with the band your provider broadcasts on, it's then a case of ensuring the ROM you run on the device can make use of that particular radio band. Pretty simple, tbh...
NavySpark said:
You hit the nail on the head, it is up to AT&T to whitelist. They have previously whitelisted Google phones so I think you will be ok.
This is what I found from AT&T concerning unlocked phones. File says updated October 13th 2021.
https://www.att.com/idpassets/images/support/wireless/Service-Capabilities-Unlocked-Devices-ATT-Network.pdf
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The above link was updated on November 4th and AT&T has indeed whitelisted the Pixel 6 (GB7N6). I ordered that phone from Google last week and still waiting for it to arrive. So I can't verify yet if VoLTE and wifi calling will work yet. I can update this post when I get the phone.
rlstapp said:
The above link was updated on November 4th and AT&T has indeed whitelisted the Pixel 6 (GB7N6). I ordered that phone from Google last week and still waiting for it to arrive. So I can't verify yet if VoLTE and wifi calling will work yet. I can update this post when I get the phone.
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Good stuff, I am sure you will have no issues as long a the provisioning happens properly. My unlocked Pixel 6 had no isse with T-Mobile utilizing an eSim.
Can someone help me with understanding this?....or is AT&T making me buy another phone for no reason? I actually left AT&T and went to Cricket wireless because they use the same towers and no other carrier has reception in my rural area. ANYWAY, they made me buy a Samsung A02s because it will work on the network after dropping 3g. The A02s is so slow and junky! I checked the bands that these phones use and the A21s has better specs. WHY CAN'T I USE THE A21S NOW? Can anyone help me with this? Can rooting help me somehow?
Thanks
Depends on the model number.
AT&T has a white list of all compatible phones.
Been using AT&T for 12 years and generally have very little trouble with the network. Reps can be more challenging however I believe you can never get enough assertiveness training. As such I have on occasions been quit the terror for AT&T. Last 3 years though have been calm.
They value long term customers, a plus and reps are given a wide leeway to issue credits. However you need to stay on top of things especially if changing plans. Some reps aren't up to speed.
The model of the A21s is SM-A217F/DS and the model of the slow junky one is SM-A025AZ. I just can't believe the junky SM-A025AZ is more apt to work.
trektech1701 said:
The model of the A21s is SM-A217F/DS and the model of the slow junky one is SM-A025AZ. I just can't believe the junky SM-A025AZ is more apt to work.
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As per the link I provided in my last post it's because it lacks support for band 14. Therefore it's incompatible with AT&T's network. Not sure if this is the cause but if true there's nothing to be done. AT&T supports most popular unlocked models. They will add more models but those will likely be new releases.
This is the stuff that gives me a headache when buying a phone other than through AT&T. Never 100% sure it will work until you slam the sim card it and boot up. With my unlocked N975U1 it went straight online without needing any configuration changes other than the sim card, good as it gets. Before buying a phone always check AT&T's current white list... stay within those parameters.
The good news is the AT&T 4g VoLTE has better bandwidth than ever, no 5G needed. I can stream vids at any time. The implementation of 5G has opened up 4G bandwidth more so it's a win-win for the 4G users.