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[Q] Wifi vs 3G - IR blaster

Hey there,
I'm planning to buy the European version of the 10.1 Tab 2 and I have some questions. I know that there's an IR blaster on the WiFi version, but I can't find any info regarding the 3G version. Actually, there's no word regarding the IR blaster in neither of the user guide, WiFi nor 3G.
1. Is there an IR blaster on the 3G version?
2. Are there any hardware differences between devices launched in different countries? I'm planning to buy one from Germany.
3. Are the hardware differences between the WiFi and the 3G version affecting the functionality of the devices? Are there any noticeable operation speed differences?
I'm interested in using the IR blaster, so if there`s no IR on the 3G, I can live with it. I can share my data plan from my SGS2 via WiFi.
I've searched the net and didn't found any reviews of the Tab 2 10.1 3G covering my questions.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.

loplo said:
Hey there,
I'm planning to buy the European version of the 10.1 Tab 2 and I have some questions. I know that there's an IR blaster on the WiFi version, but I can't find any info regarding the 3G version. Actually, there's no word regarding the IR blaster in neither of the user guide, WiFi nor 3G.
1. Is there an IR blaster on the 3G version?
2. Are there any hardware differences between devices launched in different countries? I'm planning to buy one from Germany.
3. Are the hardware differences between the WiFi and the 3G version affecting the functionality of the devices? Are there any noticeable operation speed differences?
I'm interested in using the IR blaster, so if there`s no IR on the 3G, I can live with it. I can share my data plan from my SGS2 via WiFi.
I've searched the net and didn't found any reviews of the Tab 2 10.1 3G covering my questions.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Click to expand...
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I think only the xx13(wifi only) models have the ir blaster. But it doesn't seem to be supported by custom roms. Neither cm9 nor AOKP do. Frankly it seemed like a novelty to me, but maybe that's just because i don't watch much tv.
Sent from my XT860 using xda premium

Thanks for your input.
I've noticed that the custom ROMs are not supporting the IR blaster. In this case maybe I'll choose the 3G version.

As far as I know, the IR Blaster is only available on the US WiFi versions. Anything outside the US (and maybe Canada) won't have the IR blaster.

imnuts said:
As far as I know, the IR Blaster is only available on the US WiFi versions. Anything outside the US (and maybe Canada) won't have the IR blaster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Canada has it
Sent from my XT860 using xda premium

Bought one here in the Netherlands... it's a GT-P5113 (which is supposed to be the US version of the Wifi Tab 2) and it does NOT have the IR Blaster....

It's strange. As far as I can remember, I've seen one at Mediamarkt - Germany with a dark plastic thing on the top/middle section. It looked like a IR blaster cover on the WiFi version.
Today or tomorrow I'll go there again and I'll take some pictures.

loplo said:
It's strange. As far as I can remember, I've seen one at Mediamarkt - Germany with a dark plastic thing on the top/middle section. It looked like a IR blaster cover on the WiFi version.
Today or tomorrow I'll go there again and I'll take some pictures.
Click to expand...
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I'll check to see if it's any different than mine =)

Just got back from Mediamarkt. The Galay Tab 2 10.1 has no IR blaster. I think I saw to many reviews on the internet and I've remembered wrong. My mind is playing with me
The WiFi version costs 369,- EUR and no UMTS version available at Mediamarkt Germany. They have no supplier and they don't even know if it is going to be available in the future.
I'll wait 2-3 weeks while checking more shops, maybe I'll jump over to Holland to compare those prices too.
LE
I've checked om mediamarkt.nl and the 3G version costs 422 and the Wifi 336 EUR. I think Holland is waiting for me )

How many of you use the PRO 12.2 as a phone? (Poll)

As requested, I have created a poll. Maybe you guys could put some comments on the pros and cons of doing that (both indoors and outdoors) and recommend a device? Thanks.

I use my note pro as a phone all the time. Indoors, outdoors, as long as I can get a t mobile or at&t signal I'm good to go. My best advice is to use a bluetooth headset.

As I mentioned in your other thread:
A number of times.
I have a Bluetooth earpiece, so it's no hassle. Easier than a land line, since I can put the tab on the table and just walk all over the living room whilst calling with my hands free.
Slamming the horn isn't quite as satisfying, though.

How do you use it as a phone? I dont see a dialer on my at&t model.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

duracool said:
How do you use it as a phone? I dont see a dialer on my at&t model.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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That's AT&T's doing. Use a custom dialer or create a shortcut with a 3rd party launcher.

Samsung 12.2 Note as a phone
P905 required, I think? P900 wifi only?

cribble said:
P905 required, I think? P900 wifi only?
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Well I tried on my att model but it doesn't work

Gear S2 BAD ESN

Hello, i want to buy Gear s2, but it has bad esn on at&t. Will it work as an ordinary smartwatch without 3g features or will it be blocked?

You should be able to turn off cellular connectivity, and use Bluetooth to use it as a non 3G version.

butmena said:
Hello, i want to buy Gear s2, but it has bad esn on at&t. Will it work as an ordinary smartwatch without 3g features or will it be blocked?
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Yes. It will work as the sport bluetooth model but has the speaker feature..
Sent from my SM-N930F using XDA-Developers mobile app

UK buyers of the PH-1

Thought I would start this thread so we can help each other out once we get our devices .So I'll start off with
I was planning on just getting a US to UK power adapter and using the phones US charger ,as I can see any other phones chargers of 27W .
I'm on EE network so would be interested to see if everything works fine including WiFi calling and if the MY EE app recognises the phone
Not seen any case anywhere so gone for a fitbag pouch
Feel free to join in with your views and experiences

The power adaptor is rated to 240v so thats fine, I'm on the EE network with mine and it works great. Ive not tried wifi calling so I can't comment on that..

combat goofwing said:
Thought I would start this thread so we can help each other out once we get our devices .So I'll start off with
I was planning on just getting a US to UK power adapter and using the phones US charger ,as I can see any other phones chargers of 27W .
I'm on EE network so would be interested to see if everything works fine including WiFi calling and if the MY EE app recognises the phone
Not seen any case anywhere so gone for a fitbag pouch
Feel free to join in with your views and experiences
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not on EE but O2 WiFi calling works, though I have about a minute delay when sending texts with WiFi preferred for some reason.
Fitbag pouch is good though! I love mine

I have an Essential PH-1 which I picked up in the U.S. a couple of months ago. I've been using it in the UK on Vodafone just fine since then. I just used my F&F voucher to buy the camera which is on it's way.

I got 2 PH-1 phones in the US last month (was there for business).
I'm using one phone myself on EE network and it works great (including WiFi calling and LTE-Advanced/CarrierAggregation).
Thinking of giving the seconds phone to my dad for Christmas.

I was fortunate my sister coming over and she got me the phone & camera for $449.99, I am on 3 and Wi-Fi calling works great for me

okgnew said:
I got 2 PH-1 phones in the US last month (was there for business).
I'm using one phone myself on EE network and it works great (including WiFi calling and LTE-Advanced/CarrierAggregation).
Thinking of giving the seconds phone to my dad for Christmas.
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What's LTE advanced is that the equivalent of 4G over here

combat goofwing said:
What's LTE advanced is that the equivalent of 4G over here
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It's evolution of 4G - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_Advanced

okgnew said:
It's evolution of 4G - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_Advanced
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So what does this mean for PH1 users in UK ,will it benefit us or is 4G as good as we get ?

combat goofwing said:
So what does this mean for PH1 users in UK ,will it benefit us or is 4G as good as we get ?
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It just means that it supports faster 4G/LTE speeds (for both US and EU frequency bands)

okgnew said:
It just means that it supports faster 4G/LTE speeds (for both US and EU frequency bands)
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Click to collapse
Excellent news wasn't aware of that

dknight said:
I was fortunate my sister coming over and she got me the phone & camera for $449.99, I am on 3 and Wi-Fi calling works great for me
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How does wifi calling works on three i am missing that, when i turn on wificalling it does not show as three wificalling

dryspuri said:
How does wifi calling works on three i am missing that, when i turn on wificalling it does not show as three wificalling
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I found it didn't change but after a minute or so when I placed a call it was over WiFi

DaveHTC200 said:
I found it didn't change but after a minute or so when I placed a call it was over WiFi
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WOw thats true!!. amazing, how about VOLTE

dryspuri said:
WOw thats true!!. amazing, how about VOLTE
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Not sure, I can't get it to work with O2

DaveHTC200 said:
Not sure, I can't get it to work with O2
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what Wifi calling or vOLTE

dryspuri said:
what Wifi calling or vOLTE
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WiFi calling yes. Just the VOLTE I can't get to work but read that it's meant to have an O2 firmware, which isn't possible

If anyone is interested in PD car charger and you got Amazon UK prime they is deal for "Auckly Metal Dual Port QC 3.0 Car Charger Adapter with Type-C+PD" starting at 7.15 pm. I been waiting for this to go on a Lightning Deal.

combat goofwing said:
Thought I would start this thread so we can help each other out once we get our devices .So I'll start off with
I was planning on just getting a US to UK power adapter and using the phones US charger ,as I can see any other phones chargers of 27W .
I'm on EE network so would be interested to see if everything works fine including WiFi calling and if the MY EE app recognises the phone
Not seen any case anywhere so gone for a fitbag pouch
Feel free to join in with your views and experiences
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't look hard enough sunshine , I got this case for my PH-1,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0762J5SRW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's a good fit and works well.

sudman said:
You didn't look hard enough sunshine , I got this case for my PH-1,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0762J5SRW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's a good fit and works well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always have my phone's naked ,which is why I went for the fitbag pouch,but after reading about it being slippy ,I also ordered some d brand skins for the rear .
Like the look of the phantom full body shield ,if anyone has used one ?

[Q] FM Radio enabled?

I went to use my NextRadio app and I got this:
"Thank you for trying NextRadio!
Unfortunately, NextRadio no longer provides radio streams and is now incompatible with your device. We apologize for the inconvenience."
I had my headphone plugged in, firmware up-to-date and nothing.
I check my Note 9 and it works perfectly.
I'm saddened to be missing this important feature. Especially this time of year when I'm listening to sports radio frequently.
I checked with google and I came across post that said Verizon confirmed that the chip is there but is blocking it on the Verizon network.
I am with T-Mobile but this is the first time I have ever purchased an unlocked phone. I am a little worried that I am s.o.l. with this and that Samsung has disabled the chip themselves (if I even have it). I know T-Mobile pushes their OEM partners to support it. Can anyone with an T-Mobile branded phone please see if theirs work or notwith NextRadio?
OR is this really just an unintended causality of war in the removal of the headphone jack? I was hoping that having USB-C headphones would still act as an antenna.
https://www.tmonews.com/2015/08/t-m...m-chip-will-push-oem-partners-to-do-the-same/

I used Next radio all the time, while it worked.
https://www.droid-life.com/2019/01/...our-phones-nextradio-shuts-down-live-streams/
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs

Went to a tmobile store yesterday and installed nextradio on a SN10+, this is what it said after trying to run it:
"thank you for trying nextradio!
We'd love to bring you local fm radio, but nextradio doesn't have access to the fm radio receiver in your device. Let your wireless carrier know that you'd like to listen to free fm radio on your phone with nextradio!"
So tmobile has gone back on their word? Or maybe they cannot figure out how to turn the USB-c headphones into an antenna?
Frustrating but at least we got an extra 100mah in our batteries (2.33%) to make up for the lack of features.

sacnotsack said:
I used Next radio all the time, while it worked.
https://www.droid-life.com/2019/01/...our-phones-nextradio-shuts-down-live-streams/
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the link but I'll still take local broadcast for sports. Internet radio blocks those out unless you pay.

rosedog said:
Thanks for the link but I'll still take local broadcast for sports. Internet radio blocks those out unless you pay.
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Click to collapse
sometimes a new phone needs an update that utilizes the chip.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs

sacnotsack said:
sometimes a new phone needs an update that utilizes the chip.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs
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That's what I'm hoping for at this point.

Has anyone tried a dongle and wired headphones?

Tidbits said:
Has anyone tried a dongle and wired headphones?
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if I remember correctly wired headphones/ aux cord were actually required because that acted as the antenna
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs

sacnotsack said:
if I remember correctly wired headphones/ aux cord were actually required because that acted as the antenna
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs
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That's why I asked. The video the lady mentioned dongle when she said FM radio as to why I was asking has anyone tried that I don't have a dongle to try it.

I have a dongle and there is no FM chip. Really sucks.

Oyeve said:
I have a dongle and there is no FM chip. Really sucks.
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After reading the Verizon post and my experience at T-Mobile, your statement is incorrect. There is a FM chip but it being enabled or having access to it is a different situation.

My phone came directly from Samsung and gives the same message. This is Not a carrier issue, it's Samsung.

I think this is a Samsung thing as well. I made the unfortunate mistake of ordering the international version so i would be able to root it and play with some of the ROMs that are out there, without realizing the phone would be locked into Singapore mode (all samsung and google apps are giving recommendations for popular apps or products and services in Singapore even though my google play and samsung apps are registered in the US!). Either way thats my fault for not researching it better but, but the point of my post is that I get the same error everyone else is getting for the FM chip, so its not a Carrier thing. Even if i take the sim card out and connect to wifi only, and no carrier at all, i still get the error about the FM Radio.

Hi everyone. I have N975U1 and have the same problem. Is there a way to use FM Radio? Or gsmarena made a mistake saying this phone has? Thanks

jotade said:
Hi everyone. I have N975U1 and have the same problem. Is there a way to use FM Radio? Or gsmarena made a mistake saying this phone has? Thanks
Click to expand...
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I also have the N975U1. Did anyone figure this out?