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The Snapdragon 800 includes a built-in cellular radio. Some phones that use this chip support all/nearly all common carrier frequencies. Other phones that use it support only certain frequency bands, usually those of the particular carrier that is selling the phone. I have seen some speculation that the chips in all of these phones may be capable of supporting the full list of frequencies, and that the carrier-locked phones simply disable some bands, possibly via firmware.
Does anyone know whether or not this is true? If so, has anyone looked into whether or not it might be possible to reconfigure which bands are available in any way? If it matters, I would be particularly interested in using the new (A86) Padfone Infinity in the U.S., but T-Mobile and AT&T 4g/LTE frequencies are not listed in the specs.
Thanks!
Moved to the right forum, thanks!
Currently, there appear to be two variants of the LG G5 RS988: USA unlocked version and a "Brightpoint" version.
Are these variants actually different in hardware?
What exactly makes the devices different? Different bootloaders and/or modem firmware perhaps?
From my research, I found that people with LG G5 RS988 USA Unlocked models that have flashed LG G5 RS988 Brightpint Nougat firmware experienced problems maintaining LTE connections, but could not find information with regards to how the devices are truly different.
The purpose of this thread is to try to determine what exactly makes the variants different and ways to identify if a device is of a particular RS988 variant.
Comments and questions are welcome.
I don't think there are any hardware differences. An RS988 is an RS988. My guess is that different frequency bands are turned on/off for the different variants. FWIW, I'm on Total Wireless (which has the same coverage as Verizon) and I don't see any differences with the Brightpoint firmware. I think only the GSM carriers (AT&T and T-Mobile) are affected.
I have also found that LG repaired LG G5 RS988 USA Unlocked devices, for which the device main board has been replaced may be identified as the Brightpoint version when trying to request the "unlock.bin" file from LG for bootloader unlock. Presumably, this happens because LG may refurbish the RS988 USA Unlocked devices using parts from what was or were once Brightpoint variants.
Based on seraching for Birghtpoint, it seems that they are (were) a distributer of mobile devices. Their name apear mostly in connection with Best Buy. I purchased2 LG G5 RS988 from Best Buy, and I believe they are both running the Brightpoint ROM (7.0 RS98810h). IT seems like the bestbuy/brightpoint variants of the RS988 (LGRS988Z.ABPTTN or LGRS988.ABPTTN not sure) is defferent than the USA Unlocked versions (LGRS988.AUSATN).
I'm looking to replace my aging HTC One M8 and it looks like the LG V30+ is the right phone for me, since it's got all the features I want (and no notch!) at a price I'm happy to pay.
One thing I definitely want though is Android Pie. I know LG hasn't released it yet for these phones but that it should be out in Q1 or Q2 of this year.
I also want to root my phone. I've skimmed over the instructions and it seems that if you do the rooting process it'll erase all of your private data off your phone, so it seems like I should do this more or less after I get the phone, rather than using it and wiping my stuff later.
But I've read that once the phone is rooted, OTA updates won't apply is that correct? I don't want to use any custom ROMs or anything, just the standard LG firmware. Do I need to flash to some other firmware and then manually install updates? What's the deal? How difficult / fiddly is it?
It doesn't matter if you're rooted or not. You will still be able to update as usual using KDZ. You can even update stock LG ROMs via TWRP with flashable ZIP. Keep in mind that unlocking bootloader needs stock 20a or 20b so if you update to the versions above that, you must downgrade later. So I think it will be nice to unlock your bootloader first after you get your phone, then you can decide whether to root or not after that.
Lanthanide said:
But I've read that once the phone is rooted, OTA updates won't apply is that correct? I don't want to use any custom ROMs or anything, just the standard LG firmware. Do I need to flash to some other firmware and then manually install updates? What's the deal? How difficult / fiddly is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on stock rooted firmware myself.
OTA updates won't apply because you'll have TWRP custom recovery. But full image updates (KDZ) are always better than partial image OTA.
If you have TWRP, you merely install the latest TWRP-flashable zip file of the KDZ. It's like flashing a ROM, but it's stock firmware "ROM". Reflash Magisk then reboot. You "dirty flash" so you keep all your data. Takes 5 minutes?
If you read the WTF instructions, upgrading to newer firmware is mentioned towards the end -- Section 9, specifically. Read those Instructions in a web browser, not XDA app, or stuff will be missing. I also suggest printing them out to reference.
Ok, that's great, thanks!
What these KDZ files? I haven't looked around these forums much yet. Are they officially provided by LG, or do people rip them off their phones and upload here, or is it a mixture?
Lanthanide said:
Ok, that's great, thanks!
What these KDZ files? I haven't looked around these forums much yet. Are they officially provided by LG, or do people rip them off their phones and upload here, or is it a mixture?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG publicly releases the full image updates a few days after the partial image OTA update. The format extension is .KDZ. We post copies here in the forum, down on the dev section. A group of devs have graciously offered to convert the KDZ images to TWRP-FLASHABLE zip file, whenever updates are released.
For people who are rooted, just flash them in TWRP just like dirty flashing a ROM. Keeps all your data. Reflash Magisk, reboot. Done.
As an example, here are the KDZ and TWRP flashable zip files for the Verizon VS996:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/development/vs996-lg-v30-verizon-vs996-t3865398
The top one was released very recently. You can see there's a link straight to official LG Bridge update server as well as TWRP-flashable zip format, rendered by a Dev to "ROM".
It is possible to update to newer KDZ manually, without using TWRP. A little more complicated. But we don't need to discuss that right now since we do have TWRP flashable zip files.
Thanks very much for your help.
Lanthanide said:
Thanks very much for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where do you live, what V30 variant were you considering? If you live inthe U.S., what carrier do you use?
With V30, you can buy other variants and convert them to what you need -- especially North America. (There's one exception, which I'll explain after you answer.). But that's why a lot of people buy "mint" (like new) Sprint LS998 V30+ (128GB), even though they are not Sprint customer. It's often less expensive and has more internal memory than just the 64GB V30. They then unlock bootloader, root it, then convert to what they really want.
I converted two personally from LS998 V30+ to US998 V30+. You can even flash Verizon or AT&T firmware over them.
Or you can find already-converted "mint" US998 V30+ for very good price on eBay. Most US998 V30+ on eBay right now are probably former LS998 V30+ -- but that's OK most of the time.
Sorry, don't mean to confuse you.
I'm in New Zealand. The company I have bought from brings in the phones from Hong Kong. It's a 128GB model, although the website doesn't state which specific variant, but from what is available through other sites here I expect it to be a V30+ H930DS.
I'm aware of the root restriction with the T-mobile variant, which doesn't matter to me.
Is there a benefit to be gained by swapping the variant firmware? Is it just radio bands unlocked depending on carrier?
Lanthanide said:
I'm in New Zealand. The company I have bought from brings in the phones from Hong Kong. It's a 128GB model, although the website doesn't state which specific variant, but from what is available through other sites here I expect it to be a V30+ H930DS.
I'm aware of the root restriction with the T-mobile variant, which doesn't matter to me.
Is there a benefit to be gained by swapping the variant firmware? Is it just radio bands unlocked depending on carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For H930DS, the other compatible firmware is the H930. Unlike the North American "Frankenstein", flashing H930 over H939DS does not change bands or anything. Hong Kong H930DS just got a new update with DTS stereo framework (needs root to fully enable), so you should stick to your firmware.
Whereas North America Frankenstein fully converts one variant to another, including all bands.
-deleted-
---------- Post added at 02:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:06 AM ----------
ChazzMatt said:
Where do you live, what V30 variant were you considering? If you live inthe U.S., what carrier do you use?
With V30, you can buy other variants and convert them to what you need -- especially North America. (There's one exception, which I'll explain after you answer.). But that's why a lot of people buy "mint" (like new) Sprint LS998 V30+ (128GB), even though they are not Sprint customer. It's often less expensive and has more internal memory than just the 64GB V30. They then unlock bootloader, root it, then convert to what they really want.
I converted two personally from LS998 V30+ to US998 V30+. You can even flash Verizon or AT&T firmware over them.
Or you can find already-converted "mint" US998 V30+ for very good price on eBay. Most US998 V30+ on eBay right now are probably former LS998 V30+ -- but that's OK most of the time.
Sorry, don't mean to confuse you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wish i had seen this before getting my h933.
Only took it cause the frequency bands work in my country.
Would have loved the extra storage :silly:
Lanthanide said:
I'm looking to replace my aging HTC One M8 and it looks like the LG V30+ is the right phone for me, since it's got all the features I want (and no notch!) at a price I'm happy to pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, been there, done that
Root is easy, some custom roms available if you want to play. The v30 plus is a great upgrade.
I am still on stock and with root and magisk its easy to customise how you like it.
My m8 is a bit short on battery life now but still a great phone. Annoyingly I have Pie on there already working really sweet :silly:
Oh, I only miss the ir blaster to control the tv in the gym
kerdelgreen767 said:
Wish i had seen this (Frankenstein conversion information) before getting my h933.
Only took it cause the frequency bands work in my country.
Would have loved the extra (V30+) storage :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious what frequency bands from the H933 you need, and what country?
gazzacbr said:
Yep, been there, done that
...
My m8 is a bit short on battery life now but still a great phone. Annoyingly I have Pie on there already working really sweet :silly:
Oh, I only miss the ir blaster to control the tv in the gym
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, my M8 is still a decent phone although I'm just on Marshmallow. The battery is the main problem, it doesn't last super long (although recently I seem to be able to use it for longer? not sure what that's about). I've twice had it now where the battery is so low that when the phone has had less than 15% remaining it just shuts off, seemingly in the middle of some important process, corrupting some important system files and to recover it I essentially had to wipe all of my profile out of it - once this happened on holiday (in a city were I could get wifi, thankfully) and it took me several hours to get it working again, damn annoying.
Have also had it crash when trying to take photos with the flash on. Basically exactly the same problem that Apple got completely lambasted for - the battery is old and can no longer always cope with large spikes of energy draw, which can cause system instability.
ChazzMatt said:
Curious what frequency bands from the H933 you need, and what country?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Digicel LTE bands are 2/12/17
H930/LS99U/H933 support these bands but wasn't getting any good condition LS99U so went with the 933.
I live in Dominica in the Caribbean.
Also as a side note im stuck on one LTE band (17 cause it has most coverage) .
Tried the adb commands posted in another thread but kept getting the error "error (Cannot erase this partition in unlocked state). "
kerdelgreen767 said:
Digicel LTE bands are 2/12/17
H930/LS99U/H933 support these bands but wasn't getting any good condition LS99U so went with the 933.
I live in Dominica in the Caribbean.
Also as a side note im stuck on one LTE band (17 cause it has most coverage) .
Tried the adb commands posted in another thread but kept getting the error "error (Cannot erase this partition in unlocked state). "
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
US998 also has those bands...
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
US998
CDMA: 800 MHz CDMA
2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS (HSPA):850/900/1900/2100 MHz
4G LTE Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12(17)/13/20/25/66
I'm on AT&T which uses band 17. But in the U.S. now it's band 12/17. LTE band 17 is a subset of LTE band 12, so about three years ago, AT&T decided to just say their phones have LTE band 12 -- since they support ALL of LTE band 12 (which T-mobile has) as well as the carved out piece of LTE band 12 that is called LTE band 17. Even though AT&T uses LTE band 17, none of their phone specs now actually list LTE band 17 -- it lists LTE band 12 (which includes LTE band 17).
Band 12 contains the 700 MHz lower A+B+C blocks.
Band 17 contains only B+C.
The analogy I use is Miami = LTE band 17.
Florida = LTE band 12.
Miami is in Florida, so there's no need to say I have "Miami" and I have "Florida".
I got into an argument with someone about this a couple of years ago when AT&T changed their designation from Band 17 to Band 12. He was looking for a carrier unlocked phone that had LTE band 17 -- so he could use it on AT&T, and suddenly couldn't find any. I told him just what I told you (LTE band 12 = LTE band 17 on U.S. phones), and he didn't believe me. So, I sent him the link to the online AT&T store where all the AT&T-branded phones are with specs. NO AT&T phones show band 17 any more -- even though AT&T STILL uses LTE band 17! They're just calling it band 12 now... I challenged him to show me any post-2016 AT&T phones with the LTE band 17 -- which he and I both knows AT&T uses. Since 2016, AT&T no longer lists LTE band 17 on their phones specs, but older AT&T phones will STILL show LTE band 17 in the SAME location. Newer phones show LTE band "12" on AT&T in those locations.
You can read more here:
https://forums.att.com/t5/Network-C...band-12-Why-is-my-phone-using-it/td-p/5065954
ChazzMatt said:
US998 also has those bands...
http://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-US998-Unlocked-v30
US998
CDMA: 800 MHz CDMA
2G GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
3G UMTS (HSPA):850/900/1900/2100 MHz
4G LTE Bands: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12(17)/13/20/25/66
I'm on AT&T which uses band 17. But in the U.S. now it's band 12/band 17. LTE band 17 is a subset of LTE band 12, so a couple of years ago, AT&T decided to just say their phones have LTE band 12 -- since they support ALL of LTE band 12 (which T-mobile has) as well as the carved out piece of LTE band 12 that is called LTE band 17. Even though AT&T uses LTE band 17, none of their phone specs list LTE band 17 -- it lists LTE band 12 (but that has LTE band 17).
Band 12 contains the 700 MHz lower A+B+C blocks. Band 17 contains only B+C.
The analogy I use is Miami = LTE band 17. Florida = LTE band 12. Miami is in Florida, so there's no need to say I have "Miami" and I have "Florida".
I got into an argument with someone about this a couple of years ago when AT&T changed their designation. He was looking for a carrier unlocked phone that had LTE band 17 -- so he could use it on AT&T. I told him just what I told you (LTE band 12 = LTE band 17 on U.S. phones), and he didn't believe me. So, I sent him the link to the online AT&T store where all the phones are with specs. I challenged him to show me any post-2016 AT&T phones with the LTE band 17 he knows AT&T uses. Since 2016, AT&T no longer lists LTE band 17 on their phones, but older AT&T phones will STILL show LTE band 17 in the SAME location.
You can read more here:
https://forums.att.com/t5/Network-C...band-12-Why-is-my-phone-using-it/td-p/5065954
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's me being ignorant of that fact that caused me to leave down the 998 and get a 933.
gsmarena was my go to source for bands on the diff models and as you explained the 998 does not show band 17.
i even asked my provider and their response wasn't so helpful.
just went with what seemed safer to me.
might sell the 933 and get a v30+ for the extra storage
ChazzMatt said:
It is possible to update to newer KDZ manually, without using TWRP. A little more complicated. But we don't need to discuss that right now since we do have TWRP flashable zip files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, so I've had a look at the available TWRP ROMs and there's only a handful for the H930DS and none for my region (TWN).
So how do I go about flashing a stock KDZ, and will that erase any of my data?
You use LGUP to flash the KDZs. Yes, it will erase all your data, as this is effectively reinstalling the OS as if the device was new from LG.
The KDZ thread should provide instructions. ChazzMatt's thread here is specific to the 930 series: https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v30/development/h930-lg-v30-european-market-h930-t3779076 - near the bottom he details how to flash KDZ with the appropriate LGUP files as well.
I'm wondering if I can use one of the TWRP ROMs for the H930dS even if they aren't for the TWN region, or would that cause problems? Am I correct thinking the *only* difference is the cell bands enabled? Or do all H930DS support the same bands (except India)? Is there any site that lists the different bands for each region?
I'm looking to buy one of these soon. I am on tmobile/metropcs so I would need the H932 or the US998. I do plan on rooting and most likely would prefer to unlock bootloader. I know the H932 doesn't play nicely with the other variants but I'm confident I could get it rooted and everything. I also saw that the v30 has band 77, which tmobile has been rolling out, and the v30+ doesn't.
My question to you who already own these devices is, do you recommend just getting the v30 or are there any advantages to possibly spending a bit more on the v30+?
Thanks for your opinions.
sirganon said:
I'm looking to buy one of these soon. I am on tmobile/metropcs so I would need the H932 or the US998. I do plan on rooting and most likely would prefer to unlock bootloader. I know the H932 doesn't play nicely with the other variants but I'm confident I could get it rooted and everything. I also saw that the v30 has band 77, which tmobile has been rolling out, and the v30+ doesn't.
My question to you who already own these devices is, do you recommend just getting the v30 or are there any advantages to possibly spending a bit more on the v30+?
Thanks for your opinions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I know (and gathered when doing my own research before buying) the V30+ only has the additional storage over the base v30.
Everything else about the phone (as far as I'm aware) is identical. I don't see why the V30+ would be missing a band, especially one the base v30 has.
Redline said:
From what I know (and gathered when doing my own research before buying) the V30+ only has the additional storage over the base v30.
Everything else about the phone (as far as I'm aware) is identical. I don't see why the V30+ would be missing a band, especially one the base v30 has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sites like gsmarena and frequency check don't list band 77 for the v30+ so I'm just going off of sites like that. I do realise the internal storage is the main difference when comparing the two versions but I wasn't sure if ease of rooting or some other variables may be present to help sway your (and my) decision.
sirganon said:
Sites like gsmarena and frequency check don't list band 77 for the v30+ so I'm just going off of sites like that. I do realise the internal storage is the main difference when comparing the two versions but I wasn't sure if ease of rooting or some other variables may be present to help sway your (and my) decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be on the safe side of assuming you won't miss anything over the base v30.
Ease of rooting is just the same.
sirganon said:
I'm looking to buy one of these soon. I am on tmobile/metropcs so I would need the H932 or the US998. I do plan on rooting and most likely would prefer to unlock bootloader. I know the H932 doesn't play nicely with the other variants but I'm confident I could get it rooted and everything. I also saw that the v30 has band 77, which tmobile has been rolling out, and the v30+ doesn't.
My question to you who already own these devices is, do you recommend just getting the v30 or are there any advantages to possibly spending a bit more on the v30+?
Thanks for your opinions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sirganon said:
Sites like gsmarena and frequency check don't list band 77 for the v30+ so I'm just going off of sites like that. I do realise the internal storage is the main difference when comparing the two versions but I wasn't sure if ease of rooting or some other variables may be present to help sway your (and my) decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two corrections:
* It's LTE band 71 U.S. T-mobile has, not 77.
* In many cases the V30+ is about the same price as the H932 V30, if you are talking about North America variants. That LS998 V30+ (easily converted to US998 V30+) is actually $20 less than the H932 V30. Yes, that's "manufacturer refurbished" vs "new" but my experience with prices on these is the V30+ does not really cost more on sites like eBay.
You are right that only the U.S. T-Mobile H932 has LTE band 71. No other V30/V30+/V30S variant in the world have that band, as only U.S. T-Mobile needs it (or needed it when the V30 was released). It was brand new at the time the V30 was being introduced (late 2017) and U.S. T-Mobile made a big deal how it was exclusive to the their carrier-branded H932. H932 was the first phone in the world to have the new U.S. T-Mobile LTE band 71 and still is the only V30/V30+/V30S to have that band. (Some early tweets from U.S. T-mobile made us believe the open market US998 V30/V30+ would have it also... but alas it didn't. If you dig deep enough, you may see posts hoping that was true or that it could be enabled with root.)
Having said that, most phones being used on U.S. T-Mobile network still do not have LTE band 71 (pre-2018 phones), and there are many US998 V30/V30+/V30S users in this forum who are on U.S. T-Mobile or U.S. T-Mobile MVNOs.
U.S. T-Mobile actually did sell a 128GB V30+ H932 (with LTE band 71, of course) for a LIMITED time, in addition to their 64GB V30. It was a marketing promotion a couple of months after the V30 H932 was released. Then it went away. Some of these H932 V30+ might pop up on eBay, but would only be a few. Or here for allegedly new in box H932 V30+.
Yes, the H932 seems a little harder to root than the other variants. (My opinion.) You can't use the WTF method, since the H932 doesn't have fastboot flash commands and you can't convert it (even temporarily) to a variant which has fastboot flash commands. So, you have to use the other method developed for the H932. But it can be done and has been done by many. If you do use T-Mobile, then that might be what you're most happy with.
When buying an H932 for U.S. T-mobile, make sure it's H932SV. There's also an H932PR for Claro carrier in Puerto Rico and that variant does NOT have LTE band 71 for U.S. T-mobile. I'm only mentioning it because it IS out there and you may run across it on eBay. If you want LTE band 71, you want the H932SV. (For those who do have the Claro/Puerto Rico H932PR, it can be rooted through WTF and Frankenstein converted to other North American models, while the U.S. T-mobile H932SV can not.)
__________
This next part is not just about the H932, but all V30/V30+/V30S....
Different V30/V30+ variants for various carriers/world regions have different bands. For instances, there are bands the North American V30/V30+ variants have which the H930 (V30)/H930G (V30+) or H930D (V30)/H930DS (V30+) does not. H930/H930G doesn't have LTE band 2 and the H930D/H930DS doesn't have LTE band 2 nor LTE band 4. You wouldn't want to buy an H930/H930G or H930D/H930DS to use in U.S. or Canada. Some of the Korean variants are also missing necessary bands for North America.
Even among the North American variants, there are bands the AT&T H931 or Sprint LS998 has which the US998 does not have. In most cases you can convert (Frankenstein) one variant to another to get those bands (if you really need them) -- either before or after root -- but with the T-mobile H932 you cannot do that, as it has different RSA encryption from all the other variants.
But the only hardware difference between V30/V30+ is extra internal memory -- 64GB vs 128GB. Unlike other OEMs (like Samsung), where + denotes larger physical size, with LG the + on the V30 series is only more internal memory. (The V30+ models also came with LG-branded or B&O-branded earbuds of questionable value. They don't even trigger HIM. You are better off with these or these, which have the necessary impendent to trigger HIM on quad DAC.)
However, there is a US998 V30S (released in early 2018), which has 128GB internal memory with 6GB RAM. The V30S is basically a "V30+" with more RAM. The official model number is US998R (for more RAM).
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
ChazzMatt said:
Two corrections:
* It's LTE band 71 U.S. T-mobile has, not 77.
* In many cases the V30+ is about the same price as the H932 V30, if you are talking about North America variants. That LS998 V30+ (easily converted to US998 V30+) is actually $20 less than the H932 V30. Yes, that's "manufacturer refurbished" vs "new" but my experience with prices on these is the V30+ does not really cost more on sites like eBay.
You are right that only the U.S. T-Mobile H932 has LTE band 71. No other V30/V30+/V30S variant in the world have that band, as only U.S. T-Mobile needs it (or needed it when the V30 was released). It was brand new at the time the V30 was being introduced (late 2017) and U.S. T-Mobile made a big deal how it was exclusive to the their carrier-branded H932. H932 was the first phone in the world to have the new U.S. T-Mobile LTE band 71 and still is the only V30/V30+/V30S to have that band. (Some early tweets from U.S. T-mobile made us believe the open market US998 V30/V30+ would have it also... but alas it didn't. If you dig deep enough, you may see posts hoping that was true or that it could be enabled with root.)
Having said that, most phones being used on U.S. T-Mobile network still do not have LTE band 71 (pre-2018 phones), and there are many US998 V30/V30+/V30S users in this forum who are on U.S. T-Mobile or U.S. T-Mobile MVNOs.
U.S. T-Mobile actually did sell a 128GB V30+ H932 (with LTE band 71, of course) for a LIMITED time, in addition to their 64GB V30. It was a marketing promotion a couple of months after the V30 H932 was released. Then it went away. Some of these H932 V30+ might pop up on eBay, but would only be a few. Or here for allegedly new in box H932 V30+.
Yes, the H932 seems a little harder to root than the other variants. (My opinion.) You can't use the WTF method, since the H932 doesn't have fastboot flash commands and you can't convert it (even temporarily) to a variant which has fastboot flash commands. So, you have to use the other method developed for the H932. But it can be done and has been done by many. If you do use T-Mobile, then that might be what you're most happy with.
When buying an H932 for U.S. T-mobile, make sure it's H932SV. There's also an H932PR for Claro carrier in Puerto Rico and that variant does NOT have LTE band 71 for U.S. T-mobile. I'm only mentioning it because it IS out there and you may run across it on eBay. If you want LTE band 71, you want the H932SV. (For those who do have the Claro/Puerto Rico H932PR, it can be rooted through WTF and Frankenstein converted to other North American models, while the U.S. T-mobile H932SV can not.)
__________
This next part is not just about the H932, but all V30/V30+/V30S....
Different V30/V30+ variants for various carriers/world regions have different bands. For instances, there are bands the North American V30/V30+ variants have which the H930 (V30)/H930G (V30+) or H930D (V30)/H930DS (V30+) does not. H930/H930G doesn't have LTE band 2 and the H930D/H930DS doesn't have LTE band 2 nor LTE band 4. You wouldn't want to buy an H930/H930G or H930D/H930DS to use in U.S. or Canada. Some of the Korean variants are also missing necessary bands for North America.
Even among the North American variants, there are bands the AT&T H931 or Sprint LS998 has which the US998 does not have. In most cases you can convert (Frankenstein) one variant to another to get those bands (if you really need them) -- either before or after root -- but with the T-mobile H932 you cannot do that, as it has different RSA encryption from all the other variants.
But the only hardware difference between V30/V30+ is extra internal memory -- 64GB vs 128GB. Unlike other OEMs (like Samsung), where + denotes larger physical size, with LG the + on the V30 series is only more internal memory. (The V30+ models also came with LG-branded or B&O-branded earbuds of questionable value. They don't even trigger HIM. You are better off with these or these, which have the necessary impendent to trigger HIM on quad DAC.)
However, there is a US998 V30S (released in early 2018), which has 128GB internal memory with 6GB RAM. The V30S is basically a "V30+" with more RAM. The official model number is US998R (for more RAM).
Sent via open market LG US998 V30/V30+
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Thanks for all this info! I did mean band 71. It was late when writing my previous posts so I was thinking 61 & 77 instead of 66 & 71.
I'll read through this a few times to make sure I fully understand the differences of the variants and make my decision after that. Greatly appreciated!
I have a T-Mobile V30+. The only difference from the V30 is 128GB internal storage and black color backing. The V30 has a silver colored back. I live in Southern California and I haven't been able to get band 71 reception in the rural areas outside Los Angeles and San Diego. I also didn't get Band 71 reception when I went visited the outskirts of Portland, Oregon and San Francisco/Sacramento. Band 71 is meant for very rural areas, so having it may be a moot point based on your location.
Buy a Sim unlocked att v35 off ebay. When cross flashed to the Google Fi variant, the secret menu lists band 71. Im on a us998 conversion v30 with TMobile and migrating to the v35 for SD845 with 6 gigs of ram, slightly better cameras and band 71 is well worth it. They are going for ~300usd. @runningnak3d just got one and is hot on the bootloader unlock trail.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v35/how-to/bring-to-speed-trying-to-root-t3909527
Edit: Also band 71 isn't just for rural locations. TMobile invested almost 8 billion dollars in the spectrum the other year and will be rolling it out nation wide. I'm in NorCal and the reason it's not in California yet is because the TV stations that currently occupy the bandwidth that TMobile will refarm are scheduled later than other areas to shut down. It's scheduled here for q2 2019. I think LA is still a year or two out though. Point is TMobile didn't invest that kind of cheese to only help people in the sticks out.
bacon612 said:
Buy a Sim unlocked att v35 off ebay. When cross flashed to the Google Fi variant, the secret menu lists band 71. Im on a us998 conversion v30 with TMobile and migrating to the v35 for SD845, slightly better cameras and band 71 is well worth it. They are going for ~300usd. @runningnak3d just got one and is hot on the bootloader unlock trail.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-v35/how-to/bring-to-speed-trying-to-root-t3909527
Edit: Also band 71 isn't just for rural locations. TMobile invested almost 8 billion dollars in the spectrum the other year and will be rolling it out nation wide. I'm in NorCal and the reason it's not in California yet is because the TV stations that currently occupy the bandwidth that TMobile will refarm are scheduled later than other areas to shut down. It's scheduled here for q2 2019. I think LA is still a year or two out though. Point is TMobile didn't invest that kind of cheese to only help people in the sticks out.
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I'll definitely take a look at this one when I can, thanks!
bacon612 said:
Im on a us998 conversion v30 with TMobile and migrating to the v35 for SD845 with 6 gigs of ram, slightly better cameras.
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I was thinking of doing the same thing, but the wide angle lens on the V35 (107°) is narrower than the V30 (120°). That's a deal breaker for me even with the SD845 and 6GB RAM. If my V30 was destroyed, then I might consider the V35. Not worth the investment if not necessary. The V40's wide lens is also 107°. LG has been reducing the wide angle lens since the V20/G5, which had 135°. The Galaxy S10's wide angle is 123°.
The camera is a bummer, yes. But with the sale of my V30+ an investment of ~$100 makes my decision a no brainier. I can't believe how dramatically these devices drop in value in less than a year. I paid $325 in May 2018 for my v30+ in 9/10 shape. $290 last week for the v35 and it's flawless.
Edit: for the OP. The extra cash for the v35 is also a smart move. The v35 shipped with Oreo 8 making it a better candidate for treble roms out of the gate. The newer SOC with the bonus ram gives you at least another year of use where the v30 will fall away.
Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk
Interesting thread...
My 2 cents:
1) the 64 vs 128 doesn't mean much to me (very low on the list of priorities) - especially with an sd card slot.
2) T-Mo band 71. That's pretty big. I think T-Mo is going to really improve it's status with that band, *But*, it's going
to be some time before it's completely rolled out... and it's at least somewhat questionable how much of an effect
it would have **for you**. Lots of factors involved; are you in buildings a lot that the 600 MHz will benefit you? Are
you *outside* of the range of normal (already existing) bands? etc
I'd have to put this feature in a 'nice to have' category, but no way is it a necessity - nor a deal breaker.
3) Is the model easily Frankenstein-ed? While *in the future* a device might be unlocked... it might not also.
If a phone has the ability to be unlocked now, and it's a good / great device... I say ya gotta go with those
criteria. If I like the device / size / cameras / design / etc - then this aspect is at the top of my list.
I have a 931 converted to US998, very happy with it. The cameras are awesome. The quad dac blows yer hair
back. I'm on T-Mo with an old pay-as-you go plan and also just signed on with Mint Mobile (uses T-mo towers). There's
no issues to speak of re calls / text / data. Everything works fine.
I'm actually so happy with the V30 and the ability to mod it ... I bought another one.
A brand new one, should arrive soon.
Good luck with your decision. Maybe this info helps a little when making up your mind, maybe not!
Cheers
ChazzMatt said:
Having said that, most phones being used on U.S. T-Mobile network still do not have LTE band 71 (pre-2018 phones), and there are many US998 V30/V30+/V30S users in this forum who are on U.S. T-Mobile or U.S. T-Mobile MVNOs.
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AsItLies said:
Interesting thread...
My 2 cents:
1) the 64 vs 128 doesn't mean much to me (very low on the list of priorities) - especially with an sd card slot.
2) T-Mo band 71. That's pretty big. I think T-Mo is going to really improve it's status with that band, *But*, it's going
to be some time before it's completely rolled out... and it's at least somewhat questionable how much of an effect
it would have **for you**. Lots of factors involved; are you in buildings a lot that the 600 MHz will benefit you? Are
you *outside* of the range of normal (already existing) bands? etc
I'd have to put this feature in a 'nice to have' category, but no way is it a necessity - nor a deal breaker.
3) Is the model easily Frankenstein-ed? While *in the future* a device might be unlocked... it might not also.
If a phone has the ability to be unlocked now, and it's a good / great device... I say ya gotta go with those
criteria. If I like the device / size / cameras / design / etc - then this aspect is at the top of my list.
I have a 931 converted to US998, very happy with it. The cameras are awesome. The quad dac blows yer hair
back. I'm on T-Mo with an old pay-as-you go plan and also just signed on with Mint Mobile (uses T-mo towers). There's
no issues to speak of re calls / text / data. Everything works fine.
I'm actually so happy with the V30 and the ability to mod it ... I bought another one.
A brand new one, should arrive soon.
Good luck with your decision. Maybe this info helps a little when making up your mind, maybe not!
Cheers
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Yes, it is a great phone.
Thanks, you confirmed what I said about T-mobile on US998.
The new DTS is fantastic.
AsItLies said:
Interesting thread...
My 2 cents:
3) Is the model easily Frankenstein-ed? While *in the future* a device might be unlocked... it might not also.
If a phone has the ability to be unlocked now, and it's a good / great device... I say ya gotta go with those
criteria. If I like the device / size / cameras / design / etc - then this aspect is at the top of my list.
Cheers
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So it can currently be cross flashed with ease. Most are opting for the Google Fi crossflash as it removes all of the att bloat and allows things like wifi calling to be used. Or even use as a fully functioning Google Fi phone (switching networks between Sprint, TMobile and us cellular.)
Regarding the bootloader unlock for root and roms, I am 99% certain we will see that in the next month.
bacon612 said:
So it can currently be cross flashed with ease. Most are opting for the Google Fi crossflash as it removes all of the att bloat and allows things like wifi calling to be used. Or even use as a fully functioning Google Fi phone (switching networks between Sprint, TMobile and us cellular.)
Regarding the bootloader unlock for root and roms, I am 99% certain we will see that in the next month.
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Does crossflashing these other V35 firmware carrier unlock the V35 from AT&T, like crossflashing H931 with US998?
I"m mostly asking because months ago I recommended crossflashing AT&T V35 firmware with other V35 and I was told it couldn't be done. And that I was stupid for suggesting it.
The phone has to be carrier unlocked as far as things go now. In the future, it may be different. It was explained to me that the partition where the Sim lock exists, does not get touched when you flash the kdz in lgup. Some are having issues getting their att phones unlocked but there are lots of already unlocked phones on eBay. YMMV
Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk
bacon612 said:
So it can currently be cross flashed with ease. Most are opting for the Google Fi crossflash as it removes all of the att bloat and allows things like wifi calling to be used. Or even use as a fully functioning Google Fi phone (switching networks between Sprint, TMobile and us cellular.)
Regarding the bootloader unlock for root and roms, I am 99% certain we will see that in the next month.
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Congratulations! Personally, I don't use Google Fi, but more power to those that do.
We all have our individual needs / wants. Mine are satisfied with the V30. Hope yours are too - with whatever device you have.
AsItLies said:
Congratulations! Personally, I don't use Google Fi, but more power to those that do.
We all have our individual needs / wants. Mine are satisfied with the V30. Hope yours are too - with whatever device you have.
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Mine are satisfied with LG V30/V30+ for now. I have 10 friends/family members who own one, thanks to me touting them. Of them, only mine is rooted as with my job I don't have time even to flash updates (TWRP-flashable zips) for friends anymore. But every V30/V30+/V30S in the world CAN be bootloader unlocked and rooted.
ChazzMatt said:
Mine are satisfied with LG V30/V30+ for now. I have 10 friends/family members who own one, thanks to me touting them. Of them, only mine is rooted as with my job I don't have time even to flash updates (TWRP-flashable zips) for friends anymore. But every V30/V30+/V30S in the world CAN be bootloader unlocked and rooted.
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Exactly Matt. And that's a pretty unusual situation in my experience; a phone with a great design, processor, VERY good cameras (wide in front AND back is NOT common), quad dac (all models), p-oled hi-res screen, etc.
AND at a very affordable price, now anyway.
There really isn't anything comparable right now, AND there MAY NOT be for some time to come. Sure, there are other phones, pixel, oneplus, etc. But they are not in the same price range, not sure which if any have quad dac, none have wide angle lens (back also), etc. And many others of course, but unable to unlock bootloader.
I feel lucky. It was fortunate to be reading Android A on the day they had an article indicating the V30, great phone, was now available at great prices on ebay. After reading your WTF thread... boom! I was an owner within a few hours. It is not a common situation imho. Get em while they last
Something else for the OP. The v30 front facing camera left something to be desired. The two phones I had before (htc 10 and 9) had significantly better front facing cameras. I think to maintain the thin bezels on the 30 the sensor was compromised. They used a much better sensor on the v35. For me, getting a decent image in varied lighting conditions when video chatting was problematic and almost embarrassing at times. I've read this in reviews a few times as well. If a good front facing camera is an issue for you, it may be something to consider
Does anyone have an authoritative link or source for the different S23 ultra regional model variants and their respective bandwidth frequencies such as for 4g and 5g?
Can't find this information for any including the USA variant eg which specific frequencies of 4g and 5g does the USA model support?
The chipset and x70 modem makes it possible for this phone to truly be a global phone but.....
asking the same as well, cant find these details.
Here's hoping that the band unlock methods for the s22's and s21's also work on the s23's.
jcsww said:
Here's hoping that the band unlock methods for the s22's and s21's also work on the s23's.
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I'm sure it will be the same to unlock the bands, no one will really know until they have one in hand.
Can you elaborate on these band unlock methods?
And could they unlock mmwave for example on the international variants so that 5g could work in US? And unlock international bands on US version so it could work everywhere else?
evangelionpunk said:
Can you elaborate on these band unlock methods?
And could they unlock mmwave for example on the international variants so that 5g could work in US? And unlock international bands on US version so it could work everywhere else?
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This is the thread you probably want to have a look at. This method also worked for the s21's.
How to Enable All Bands Through Service Menu on US/CA S22 series (including Sub-6 and mmWave)
What is this? This is a guide on how to enable all LTE and 5G bands on the US or Canadian S22 series phones by going through the service menu. This guide is mostly based on this S20U guide by mellojosh, but has been adapted for the S22U phone...
forum.xda-developers.com
jcsww said:
This is the thread you probably want to have a look at. This method also worked for the s21's.
How to Enable All Bands Through Service Menu on US/CA S22 series (including Sub-6 and mmWave)
What is this? This is a guide on how to enable all LTE and 5G bands on the US or Canadian S22 series phones by going through the service menu. This guide is mostly based on this S20U guide by mellojosh, but has been adapted for the S22U phone...
forum.xda-developers.com
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Interesting....
So basically you could enter the service menu and turn on all the extra bands?
In that case wouldn't the US version be the best one to have since it would have mmwave hardware baked in too? It should then work everywhere.
Though it sounds like you'll lose the function on os updates and resets?
evangelionpunk said:
Interesting....
So basically you could enter the service menu and turn on all the extra bands?
In that case wouldn't the US version be the best one to have since it would have mmwave hardware baked in too? It should then work everywhere.
Though it sounds like you'll lose the function on os updates and resets?
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OS updates from Samsung are never fast. Doing so once every 2 to 3 months isn't so bad for the extra band support.
Samsung's modem software works well for the US and Canada because the hardware is the same and only the modem software separates the bands based on carrier/region. Due to the wide spread of mess across North America, US and Canadian models are always a good choice for potential band support. In some cases though, mixed ROM's can also bridge the support. In the S9 days, you could.jeep.the base.for.your region but flash the carrier side of the firmware to unlock band 71 on some overseas models. I don't know if this is still possible today but with all devices being very similar. I am hoping the hardware, including dual-SIM pins on the main board, will be there to enable through a firmware change or mod.
Do we know if the international dual sim variant has the same USA hardware based on s22/21/20?
Does it have mmwave baked in but just disabled by software?
I am still not clear what 5G bands are supported on the SM-S918BZKPEUB, nor if unlocking the bands through the service menu works. @UK S23, your deliveries are in place already, has anyone tried?
It seems as though the bands might only be disabled in software? If so, then it should be possible to enable whatever band you need. The only exception would be if a hardware component is needed or missing then it wouldn't be possible which likely wouldn't be the case for your 3g, 4g and 5g standard range. Maybe only 5g mmwave which is essentially only in US anyway.
If that's the case it sounds like US variant might be the best to get for global coverage barring lack of dual sim (though it does have physical+esim).
evangelionpunk said:
It seems as though the bands might only be disabled in software? If so, then it should be possible to enable whatever band you need. The only exception would be if a hardware component is needed or missing then it wouldn't be possible which likely wouldn't be the case for your 3g, 4g and 5g standard range. Maybe only 5g mmwave which is essentially only in US anyway.
If that's the case it sounds like US variant might be the best to get for global coverage barring lack of dual sim (though it does have physical+esim).
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Samsung's band support is mostly software, at least when it comes to 4G and 5G. I have never bothered to change 2G and 3G bands because there is no use for them unless you are in a very rural area or roaming. This is why it is so easy to convert the North American models and why in the days of the S9+, you could get band 71 on international models with dual-SIM.
jcsww said:
Samsung's band support is mostly software, at least when it comes to 4G and 5G. I have never bothered to change 2G and 3G bands because there is no use for them unless you are in a very rural area or roaming. This is why it is so easy to convert the North American models and why in the days of the S9+, you could get band 71 on international models with dual-SIM.
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Correct me if I'm wrong but you can't get mmwave bands on the international dual sim models right?
evangelionpunk said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but you can't get mmwave bands on the international dual sim models right?
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I'm not sure when it comes to mmWave. You can enable it on the W for Canada even though the cell coverage and technologies used up there are probably never going to deploy it. Overseas, I have no idea.
jcsww said:
I'm not sure when it comes to mmWave. You can enable it on the W for Canada even though the cell coverage and technologies used up there are probably never going to deploy it. Overseas, I have no idea.
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I've read that the US and CA models are basically identical so that might explain it. It's also possible I suppose that in s23 since it uses x70 modem, which has native support built in, that all model variants might be able to do it but for software. Though we won't know for sure till someone from different region goes into their service menu and checks.
mmWave requires a specific antenna to function. This antenna used to cost like $50 but I'd be surprised if it's gone down much beyond $30 so manufacturers will still leave it out if it's not necessary.
EtherealRemnant said:
mmWave requires a specific antenna to function. This antenna used to cost like $50 but I'd be surprised if it's gone down much beyond $30 so manufacturers will still leave it out if it's not necessary.
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Thanks and that probably means it likely won't be in other region variants.
Personally, I'd just make a single phone that is globally universal and can be used everywhere. The massive scale should drop the component pricing considerably. Carrier exclusives and market restrictions if any needed in software only. But that's just me lol.
evangelionpunk said:
Thanks and that probably means it likely won't be in other region variants.
Personally, I'd just make a single phone that is globally universal and can be used everywhere. The massive scale should drop the component pricing considerably. Carrier exclusives and market restrictions if any needed in software only. But that's just me lol.
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Yes, you would think they would do this, but Samsung has always customized difference models for different regions so it must not be that straightforward. I believe that regulatory bodies would require them to test and submit all the documentation for that extra antenna, for example. It also wouldn't surprise me if the mmWave equipment is outright banned in some regions either for whatever reason.
EtherealRemnant said:
Yes, you would think they would do this, but Samsung has always customized difference models for different regions so it must not be that straightforward. I believe that regulatory bodies would require them to test and submit all the documentation for that extra antenna, for example. It also wouldn't surprise me if the mmWave equipment is outright banned in some regions either for whatever reason.
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Yeah.
Are iphones globally all exactly the same now?
evangelionpunk said:
Yeah.
Are iphones globally all exactly the same now?
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No. There are 5 different models of iPhone 14 Pro Max, for example, and each will have different band configurations.
That said, the NA models have the most complete bands of any device released so far this year and it was released last year with an older modem. They even have support for Dish Network's n70, a band exclusive to them worldwide, something Samsung didn't even choose to support on their NA variant this year despite having a contract with Dish for radio equipment supporting that band.
I actually think the NA iPhone 14 Pro models support every commercially available band worldwide but I don't really keep up on bands not used in the US.
iPhone 14 Pro Max Model Number A2651, A2893, A2894, A2896, A2895 Differences - TechWalls
The iPhone 14 Pro Max comes in 5 model numbers, which are A2651, A2893, A2894, A2896, and A2895. Let's check out their differences and all the part numbers.
www.techwalls.com