I've currently got a ZTE Blade running GSF. I'm looking at options for a new phone for my wife in January. I live in Ireland, travel to the UK regularly so the phone should be available in one of those markets. My first priority when choosing is that it can be SIM unlocked, my second that there's a 2.3 ROM available (if not already installed) and ideally that it's within the CyanogenMod community of interest (no necessarily officially supported). I'd like something with a better CPU than the Blade. I'm not willing to use a TurboSIM.
The Blade is an easy unlock. A lot of Samsung models can be unlocked using the BML5 method. What else is out there that's an easy/free home unlock?
Finally, how do phones with MT6573 CPU's compare with the ARMv6 chips in the branded offerings?
surely there are some others?
Related
Hello,
I'm a probably future owner of an i897 but I have some questions about the hardware and models variations
I like in Brazil and my 3G carrier use 2100 MHZ (Where I live) and 850 MHz on other states (3g on Roaming). I have an unlimited data plan, but with a max speed of 300 kbps (so far).
I'm looking for the best GSM android phone: Fast processor, huge screen (4" or bigger), big resolution (at least 800 x 480), TV output, Wi-Fi, Internet tethering, GPS. All roads lead to I9000 or i897.
At first I thought choose the i897, because it uses both 850 MHz and 2100 MHz, so I'll have 3g anywhere in Brazil. BUT and you can see my data plan have a speed limit of 300kbps, so I don't know if I'll use the full potential of 3G, at least for now. Eventually I'll upgrade my data plan to a 1 MBPS plan.
I can also get i9000 but it will work only in few states. Probably it work for one year (As I don't intend to travel too much in the next year), but after one year I can change my carrier and some carriers here only use 850 MHZ 3G. So choosing the i9000 I will narrow my future options.
What I trying to ask (or answer) is whether is better to have an i897 with full country 3G BUT with an extremely "locked" firmware of if I should get the i9000 with a better firmware option but with restricted 3G (3G with 70% coverage).
In order to answer that I have other 'sub-questions':
1) Does i897 have the FM radio hardware? Would a future firmware/ROM update enable it?
2) Does i897 GPS works (I recall AT&T Blocking GPS on blackberry phones)
3) I saw some comments (other phones) that some ROMs messed up with 3G band. The 3G frequency is a hardware or software configuration?
4) Some sellers are already selling, here in Brazil, unlocked i897 phones. Is possible to unlock the phone but a ROM update or I'll have to pay for unlock codes?
5) Which other features AT&T decided to lock (Removed from their ROM) on this phone?
6) Is there an I9000 variant with front facing camera?
5) One very important question: Aside from Droid x (which is not GSM) and HTC evo (which also if not a GSM phone) is the Samsung i897/i9000 the best android phone available?
I also thought about getting a Motorola XT720 but it is only US$ 50 cheaper and have a slower processor and no 850 MHZ 3G. Also thought about the HTC Desire (A8183 Australian model that have both 850 and 2100
MHZ 3G) but so far I find the i897 the best option (although I would love having front facing camera that the Desire have).
Any other options?
Thanks
Jose Morais
In answer to your question(s), the phone you want is the best one for you ...
1. No, the i897 is not supporting an FM radio at this time, and I'm not sure if the hardware is present as I refuse to open my phone to look. AT&T's specifications page does not list FM radio as a feature either, but that doesn't mean its not there and disabled.
2. Yes the GPS works, it is spotty for some and Samsung has admitted to there being an issue that will be resolved by an upcomming OTA update.
3. (For WM Phones): It's not so much the ROM as it is the Radio software, which may, or may not, be changed in the ROM. Different versions of the radio software can improve performance for some and worsen it for others. I'm am not sure how the radio software is handled by an Android device, as this is the first one I've owned, but I imagine is is very similar. Just be aware of what you are doing, and how to undo it if something is amiss.
4. There is a thread on this board about unlocking the i897, and as of my last reading yesterday, there is no known way to unlock this phone...yet. There was even a report of someone selling "unlocked" i897 phones on e-bay, which were
later found to be firmly SIM locked. I would advise you read that thread, and be very aware of what you are buying if someone is advertising an unlocked i897.
5. AT&T has blocked (or tried to anyway) non-market apps from installing, and WiFi tethering apps from displaying in the android marketplace. There are work arounds for all of this already.
6. Yes, the are Galaxy S phones with FFC. Not sure if any of them are GSM. Keep in mind that transmitting live video is bandwidth intensive and your plan, and upload speed, may not be robust enough to handle it. On that note, I can find no data that either supports or denies this phone having HSUPA capability which would go a long way towards being able to use a FFC as intended.
7. Your last question is entirely subjective to perspective and intended use.
Were I you I would get the phone that most suits my needs and my HOME network. You may want to wait a bit and see what pans out with this phone.
In Brazil the i897 should not currently be an option you should consider until AT&T has made a definitive decision about unlocking the phones, or a third party solution is possible. The Samsung Galaxy S platform is going to be releases in 110 countries. Brazil being probably one of the bigger cell phone markets, is going to get a variant of the Galaxy S lineup in the near future, you best option will be to wait on a phone like this to be released and then pick it up.
Battlehymn,
Thanks for the answers. I have an expectation when using my phone and now I'm trying to find which phones can fullfill this expectation. That's why sometimes the phone that I (think) want may not be the best for me. I hope i897 will the "the one".
I also think it's the best to think about a phone that will work with 3G on my home state. I897 will work, but as well as i9000. Maybe the best option, as you sugested, is to wait a little to see how i897 works in terms or ROM and unlock.
@rajendra82
Sure. My carrier will start selling the i897 here in few months, but I don't really want to buy it here: An iphone 3GS 16GB brought in a store cost around 3.000 Brazilian reais (around US$ 1,650) while it can be purchased for US$ 400 in the US. I asked a friend of mine to bring me a US phone but I have up to next week to decide which one he should buy.
Thanks
don't buy the captivate if you don't have att you'll be dissapointed because it won't work!
get something that does, if you must get an android device, the nexus 1 with the ATT bands (I think thats what you're looking for?) is you're best bet. they're still available online at places but you are most definitely running out of time
Telstra in Australia run on 850/2100 3G, and I'm pretty sure some networks in Canada do aswell. Keep an eye on on those carriers for a compatible Galaxy S to be released soon.
Major Clod said:
Telstra in Australia run on 850/2100 3G, and I'm pretty sure some networks in Canada do aswell. Keep an eye on on those carriers for a compatible Galaxy S to be released soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a friend of mine that will travel to US next on august 13th, so I decide which phone I'll bet before he leaves. I don't think there will be Telstra ou Canada versions of the i9000 by than. Will have to decide about buying I9000, i897 or HTC Desire in the next two weeks...
Hello,
I have been thinking about purchasing a firefox phone for testing apps for quite some time. So far I have looked at phones from three manufacturers:
1. GeeksPhone
Their Revolution is yet to be released but they haven't announced when that will be.
2. Zte Open
This seems to be the best bet, its cheap and its readily available on ebay india.The seller page mentions that it supports US 3G network? Would it work with Indian Carriers?
Thanks!:laugh:
Hello
I'm looking at replacing my S4 with an S7. My carrier in the US is AT&T and that won't be changing. I've been looking at different unlocked versions and can't find a solid representation of what the real world differences are. I know they have different processors. Some say a band is missing, but does that matter. I don't use android or samsung pay, but i know there is a difference here too. I found one comment about some kind of samsung 'coverage' plan, but what is that?
Best Buy has US unlocked phones for about $700. B&H Photo has an International phone for about $640. Its a lot of money either way. Is one phone really better or different than that other?
I am planning a trip through Canada and maybe to Europe. I assume either would take a SIM from those areas and I could avoid getting raped by international fees.
Here is a summary of question I can think of:
Does the US unlocked phone from BestBuy have a warranty or insurance or anything like that?
Can the US phone be rooted. I only do this to remove apps I don't use.
Is the hardware one vs the other really better or just different?
Does a dual SIM do anything useful?
Does a band being missing make a real world difference?
Is there a good comparison somewhere to that can decide on a phone to purchase?
It comes with a limited warranty as stated on their site:
"This device is not warrantied through the manufacturer. This device has a limited 1 year warranty provided by CCR Warranty. To obtain technical or warranty assistance, please contact CCR Warranty at 866-579-8436."
What I don't know is how useful/limited that warranty is. I'd like the HTC 10 but the unlocked S7 is my runner up, and the warranty issue is one of the major factors in my hesitation.
I do believe it can be rooted.
As far as I know, through research, the only major difference between the two is battery life.
Hello, I'll just go straight to the answers.
1. I'm going to assume that if you go through a carrier (att, t-mobile etc etc.) they will offer an insurance plan. You will have to go to third party insurance for the international version
2. As far I know, the US version does not have a root option yet. Because of the locked bootloader.
3. Hardware will depend on which version you choose. Both are very good.
4. Dual sim is as the name implies, you'll be able to use 2 separate sim cards with their respective #s. that's the only benefit really.
5. Missing radio bands is something you may have to do some research on depending your location.
6. I'm sure YouTube or some online site will have some reviews/comparison of both.
I just looked at the best buy website again and something is different. The S7 listed for $690 is definitely the international version and not the US version. When I looked last month I was positive that the phone was listed as a US phone ... huh
A little late
a little late to the thread but just wanted to share what I learned while researching the matter.
There is an US unlocked version of the S7 (g930u) and available through a few places (Best Buy, B&H, Ebay). It goes for $679.99 retail and I have not been able to find one that goes for less. Probably because it just came out end of June. The biggest benefit of it is that it has a bunch of bands and CDMA-compatible. Thus, you can get full connection with AT&T and TMobile. Downside is no wifi calling or VOLTE (as those seem to be locked by the carriers to their own phones).
The international versions (930f/930fd) are both available on Ebay/Swappa for about $500. Upside are that they have the Exnyos chip and no bloatware. You can also root and flash them with new ROM. Another thing is that you get updates earlier. I got Marshmallow on my s6 a month or so before AT&T released its update. Downsides are no Samsung Pay or WiFi Calling/VOLTE and the biggie...missing bands. I had a g920i and it was missing support for bands 29 and 30 on AT&T...this led to poor LTE and indoor reception at times. I would have to turn on/off the mobile data switch sometimes to get good connection.
Finally, we have carrier based versions, which loads you down with bloatware and has the Snapdragon chip. But, it does support all features of your carrier. Slower updates also an issue and lack of support of all bands internationally are additional drawbacks. Cost is also about $500.
Personally, I am going with an unlocked 930a. Bloatware sucks but I can delete or disable almost all of them. Snapdragon seems pretty powerful to me. Samsung Pay, Wifi Calling, and Band support are just too important for me. Note, make sure you ask the seller on Ebay/Swappa about whether the phone is unlocked.
Hope that helps.
I did a lot of research into this before buying my S7 but was kind of screwed since I'm on Verizon (CDMA)...
Since you're on AT&T you have more options.
There are two different processors in the two different models, Snapdragon 820 in the US CDMA capable and an Eyxnos in the International GSM ONLY phone.
After doing my research, I personally recommend the Eyxnos, which I couldn't get :/
If for nothing else, better battery life, by far. Do some research into the comparison between the two.
However! When buying from Best Buy be careful!
Last I checked, on their website, the black/onyx S7 was an unlocked US Snapdragon 820 phone.... while strangely enough the other two, gold and silver? were both unlocked US (actually international) Eyxnos phones.
Also, last I checked Samsung themselves only sell the CDMA snapdragon processor model to the US.
Unless Best Buy made a mistake listing the Eyxnos processor, it is the only way to get that model without buying an "internationally sourced" phone on ebay.
Just a few notes:
1) The G930u is fully compatible with all the US Carriers
2) VoLTE works on both T-Mobile and Verizon
3) Wi-Fi Calling works on T-Mobile and potentially Verizon (but I am not positive about Verizon).
The big downside to the G930u is that for whatever reason it is not receiving updates from Samsung when its branded siblings are.
Hello everyone...
I am transitioning away from iOS thanks to the Z Fold 2 after 13 years (on iOS since the 3GS) and one of the biggest concerns I have right now is whether the US version of the phone is compatible with NFC-F (FeliCa).
I have family in Japan and having used Suica alongside my phone and Apple Watch made all the difference in the world while there...
My question: I remember reading somewhere that the hardware on the Z Fold 2 is exactly the same everywhere... Considering there is no chance on Earth a manufacturer would release a flagship in Japan without FeliCa, my hope is that the US version will also be compatible with it.
Where can I find the list of specific SKUs (assuming Samsung has something similar to Apple)?
Thank you!
Samsung differentiates their products by market. Typically features are common within individual market groups (EG: Europe, Asia, U.S.). This year the radios are different in each phone with 5G bands varying by country. Instead of SKU's Samsung alters the model numbers. So there's no assurance that phones from one region will support all the radio bands and features from another region. Here's the Fold 2 page from the Samsung Japan site. There's probably a chat or phone number to call and they'd be able to answer your question.
https://www.galaxymobile.jp/galaxy-z-fold2/
So I bought the s22 flip unlocked and am decently excited about it. Its clearly a beta-ish device, with some bugs. The screen sometimes goes black and the keyboards are little frizzy.
General:
Size: Yes it's a brick. Don't be surprised. I do wish there was a smart flip phone on the market that more resembles the nice old compact ones, but the only other model seems to be the galaxy folder 2 and that don't work in the US. The screen is small and can feel cluttered, but it's usable.
Battery: the battery life is pretty meh. It'll probably last a day.
Specs: it's slow and has 2 gigs of ram and 16 of storage. Up to 128gb expandable. I tried putting in 256 and it didn't work.
Wierd things they don't tell you: It has no t9 (why?!) But it can be sideloaded. Doesn't seem to care about hotspot provisioning. IT SUPPORTS CDMA (and 5G?) ON SOME MVNOs! I popped in a verizon sim, and with data set to lte only connection is great but no volte.
Best of all, unlockable bootloader! So how can we go about unlocking this device? I've spoken to both CAT support and Bullitt group, and they told me "
Bullitt Group do not distribute the stock ROM for any of our devices.
This is part of our contractual obligations with our partners and the Brands that we represent". So so much for that. What now?
I'm curious about the possibilities as well.
Also about network settings best for 4g/LTE
As right now mine only connects to 2g
well I just got one of these devices and want to at least update it to a full version of android instead of Android Go!
I read that you can sideload android 11 on it and just don't overwrite the drivers.
When you talked with Cat/Bullitt did you ask them if they are ever going to update the firmware on the phone at all? Most phones even T-mobiles bottom of the line phones still get 1 OTA update in firmware to fix initial issues. and most companies are at least providing one level of android updates also.
Any luck with any software work arounds? As for best 4g/LTE settings that is carrier specific, you can change those in developer mode and manually set them up under sim settings.
I plan to use mine on a T-Mobile MVNO so shouldn't have any issue there as this was a Tmobile phone originally that I just got "NEW" unlocked.
I might reach out to T-Mobile for firmware also, as they have to have multiple versions of the firmware as they have T-Mobile branded bloatware on some and Metro branded Bloatware on others.
I just picked up an S22. I've tried TeamSpeak and Mumble, and the PTT won't work when the flip is closed. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello everybody. I got s22 flip. I am in Italy and I can't use it. Seller said is working with any 4g simcard. But my phone is not working. Any suggestion? Thanks
I need help. I flashed boot from 29 firmware to 30. Root is activated, but Wi-Fi and speakers do not work. I need an update.zip from 29 to 30 firmware.
i have 30 version and i need boot.img to root
i need help to root anybody help?