Related
I am looking to buy a nexus S from Craigslist the owner uses it for sprint could I use it for Tmobile if I bought it? How would I go about it?
thanks
TGOD559 said:
I am looking to buy a nexus S from Craigslist the owner uses it for sprint could I use it for Tmobile if I bought it? How would I go about it?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, you cannot use the gsm nexus s on a cdma network.
Ah thanks kinda of bummer my search shall continue!
NP
Good luck.
I'm a T-Mobile Prepaid customer using a simple $19 phone but am planning to purchase a no-contract smart phone, say Samsung Galaxy S 2 or HTC Amaze 4G.
If I buy one of these for T-Mobile Prepaid, am I locked in there, or the phone is useful even if I might move onto another carrier such as Verizon or ATT, or to another Plan within T-Mobile later?
xdabyk said:
I'm a T-Mobile Prepaid customer using a simple $19 phone but am planning to purchase a no-contract smart phone, say Samsung Galaxy S 2 or HTC Amaze 4G.
If I buy one of these for T-Mobile Prepaid, am I locked in there, or the phone is useful even if I might move onto another carrier such as Verizon or ATT, or to another Plan within T-Mobile later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you are not locked in if you buy a phone off contract. You will not be able to move to verizon or sprint with the phone though, because they use CDMA and not GSM like the rest of the world.
you can outright buy the phone, but check to see if they have a pre-paid plan/data plan for that phone, it will not be unlocked so you cannot move. You can request t-mobile to unlock it though, but you will not get the same 4g speeds
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
lowandbehold said:
No you are not locked in if you buy a phone off contract. You will not be able to move to verizon or sprint with the phone though, because they use CDMA and not GSM like the rest of the world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Does that mean I can use the Samsung Galaxy S2 No-Contract Model I buy from/for T-Mobil Prepaid now for other carriers of GSM? May I understand from your reply message(s) that T-Mobile is a GSM format carrier(and so is AT&T?) as opposed to Verizon and Sprint being a CDMA guys? If so, I can use the phone as long as my next carrier is a GSM guy? Does this make sense?
djjuice said:
you can outright buy the phone, but check to see if they have a pre-paid plan/data plan for that phone, it will not be unlocked so you cannot move. You can request t-mobile to unlock it though, but you will not get the same 4g speeds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To: djjuice -
Thank you. I will do some homework in order to understand what "locked", "unlock" and " . . . will not get the same 4g speeds" mean.
Even unlocked the phone may not support the 3G or "4"G data speed between TMobile and AT&T. The AT&T Galaxy S II will not run on TMobile 3G data, only Edge (2G) data, because they run on different frequencies, same thing with the TMobile Galaxy S II does not support AT&T frequencies. If you buy the phone off contract from TMobile, they should unlock it for you, but there is no guarantee it will work (fully) anywhere else.
If you buy a phone off of craigslist even though you are buying it off contract you cannot guarantee it can be unlocked freely. For example if you buy an AT&T phone used from someone, AT&T will not unlock it for you for free until it's a certain number of months old (based on when the first person bought it from AT&T). You would have to pay a third party for an unlock code (if there is no help here on xda to unlock it).
It's best to just buy a phone for the carrier you plan on using. That ensures its going to work, and that it will work at full speed. If you really think you are going to switch to AT&T buy one of their branded phones, or Verizon etc. Verizon and Sprint both use CDMA, but they are very resistant to allowing another carriers phone on their network. Plus their 4G networks are different types (Verizon uses LTE, Sprint WiMax) so they wouldn't work fully regardless.
Thank you, quarlow.
My budget is around $600 max. So I'm inclined to purchase an HTC Amaze 4Z or Samsung Galaxy S2 for use for T-Mobile Prepaid at Target or at T-Mobile. T-Mobile Net Shop is selling Galaxy S2 Re-Furbished at a discount price. Hear Galaxy S2 have high rate of initial failures and therefore maybe better to buy a re-furbished one that has failed once and was repaired by qualified repairman. Below is how I come to think of buying a smart phone now. I've been happy with a simple prepaid phone buying 100 minutes at a time, which lasts more than a year for me. I also use a Sony Clie, a PDA running Palm Desk Top, which has gone obsolete long time ago. With a smart phone such as Galaxy or Amaze 4Z, I can leave not only the PDA but also a digital camera home. I do not need to access my PDA data over internet. I will import necessary data from my PC to my new smart phone either via cable or via WIFI before going out. That's why I want to remain "Prepaid Customer" not a customer with monthly fees. (Besides, I am not so much interested in leaving my data at ISP's servers.)
Thank you.
I haven't heard of high failure on the Galaxy S II's for TMo. But I have seen several studies showing refurbished devices have lower failure rates because they can have problem components replaced, and have to pass full qa testing twice.
If you are going to put all your data on your phone via USB on the computer, or wifi, then data compatibility won't matter. That changes the whole issue of taking it to another carrier. Any att or TMo phone that is unlocked will make and receive phone calls, text messages and mms messages just fine on the other network. You will only notice the difference when web browsing, or downloading files. If you aren't going to do that, then it wont make a difference.
Knowing that and your budget I would say get a international version of the phone. Get the Galaxy S II (i9100), or the Galaxy Note, or the Galaxy Nexus. All of those phones are top tier, and international versions will receive updates quicker. The Nexus being the Google device will be the first ICS device to get the next version of android, so its the most future proof. The GSM version of any of those phones will likely come unlocked.
The i9100 has a 4.3" screen, and 1.2Ghz dual core Exynos chip. The TMo version has a 4.5" screen (same resolution) with 1.5Ghz dual core qualcomm chip. The bigger screens did have issues with splotches and vertical lines far more than the 4.3" screen. With them being the same resolution the smaller screen is crisper. The Exynos chip is made by Samsung and widely regarded as the better chip, even at a slower speed. It also comes with a more powerful gpu than the qualcomm chip. So, the graphics are better, and games run better. The att version (i777) is almost exactly the same as the i9100, except it has the U.S. norm of 4 buttons, vs the international 3 buttons. The dev support on xda for the i9100 is unmatched by any other phone, its an amazing device with a huge support and user base.
The Galaxy Note is a 5.3" half phone half tablet with a stylus, and 1.4Ghz dual core Exynos chip. Its screen is a whopping 1280x800 resolution. But, for some that's too big.
The Galaxy Nexus has a 4.65" screen with 720p resolution (this screen is pentile which means it doesn't have as many sub pixels as it could. Its hard to explain, Google pentile vs rgb and there should be plenty of explinations. But, most reviews say at that resolution you need a microscope to tell). But the real strength with that device is that its the pure Google device. Its running Android the way its meant to be ran, unbloated and unrestricted. That is the Rolls Royce of Android phones for the next year. The Nexus S is last years Google device, and will be the first gingerbread device with an official ICS upgrade, if it isn't already upgraded. Its like a Mercedes at this point, its got the pure android experience, but its running last years tech: 4" screen, 1Ghz single core hummingbird chip.
I'm sure that is way more information than you ever wanted to know, but I hope it helps.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
quarlow said:
Even unlocked the phone may not support the 3G or "4"G data speed between TMobile and AT&T. The AT&T Galaxy S II will not run on TMobile 3G data, only Edge (2G) data, because they run on different frequencies, same thing with the TMobile Galaxy S II does not support AT&T frequencies. If you buy the phone off contract from TMobile, they should unlock it for you, but there is no guarantee it will work (fully) anywhere else.
If you buy a phone off of craigslist even though you are buying it off contract you cannot guarantee it can be unlocked freely. For example if you buy an AT&T phone used from someone, AT&T will not unlock it for you for free until it's a certain number of months old (based on when the first person bought it from AT&T). You would have to pay a third party for an unlock code (if there is no help here on xda to unlock it).
It's best to just buy a phone for the carrier you plan on using. That ensures its going to work, and that it will work at full speed. If you really think you are going to switch to AT&T buy one of their branded phones, or Verizon etc. Verizon and Sprint both use CDMA, but they are very resistant to allowing another carriers phone on their network. Plus their 4G networks are different types (Verizon uses LTE, Sprint WiMax) so they wouldn't work fully regardless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually the T-mobile SGSII supports AT&T 3g.
lowandbehold said:
Actually the T-mobile SGSII supports AT&T 3g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Att 3G runs on 850 and 1900, with preference on 1900 generally. The TMo looks to have 850, but not 1900. So like the vibrant the support will be spotty at best. It may work in some places, but not everywhere.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
To quarlow and lowandbehold -
Very informative! Thank you very much.
I will stay with the plan to go for a Galaxy S2(i1900) or an HTC Amaze 4Z for TMO Prepaid. If there be good prepaid phone service(s) available from other carrier(s), I'd definitely want to learn about.
I figure this is a good place to ask a question like this real quick. I was wondering if the Galaxy Nexus being sold through the Play Store is recognizable by AT&T.
Right now, I am using an Xperia X10 Mini Pro on AT&T with the non-smartphone data plan. If I were to get a Galaxy Nexus through the Play Store, would AT&T be able to identify it via the IMEI number? I would like to buy this phone, be able to slap in the SIM, and then continue on with my life and lovely unlimited data plan. Would this be possible?
I am guessing that because the Play Store Galaxy Nexus is not AT&T branded and has never been specifically sold by them, it would not be picked up in their databases, just like my unbranded Xperia. I am not entirely sure of this though. I'm just curious to see if anyone can help me figure this.
Anyone tried this yet?
I know in the past, the GSM phones have not been compatible within Verizon's network. But I've heard that has changed recently? And I'm new to Verizon, so I unfortunately don't know the in's and out's of CDMA and what is or isn't possible.
But from my limited research, the Samsung official website lists specs for each carriers Note 5 and both TMO + VZW appear to be capable of using the same bands?
T-MOBILE:
13 (700)
4 (1700/2100)
2 (1900
3 (1800)
7 (2600)
LTE: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B20
LTE: 13(700), 4(1700/2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 7(2600), LTE CA 13+4 (10+10)
UMTS: 1/2/4/5;
GSM: 850/900/1800/1900
-------------------
VERIZON:
13 (700)
4 (1700/2100)
2 (1900)
3 ( 1800)
7 (2600)
LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20
LTE: 13(700), 4(1700/2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 7(2600), LTE CA 13+4 (10+10);
UMTS: 1/2/4/5
GPRS/EDGE/GSM(850/900/1800/1900)
HSPA/UMTS(850/900/1900/2100)
dont think the tmo can get the cdma/3g of verizon. so the tmo may work but you would only have 4g nothing else
oneandroidnut said:
dont think the tmo can get the cdma/3g of verizon. so the tmo may work but you would only have 4g nothing else
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We need to test this theory asap, if the tmobile verison will work I'm buying one tomorrow. I might sign up on tmobile just to test if no one can answer the question
As far as I know, the GSM slot on most Verizon high-end devices has always been unlocked for Global GSM use. I know that as a fact, having used a Verizon G2, and a Note 4 in India, with absolutely no issues whatsoever. However, that may or may not work for US GSM networks. But worth popping in a T-Mo SIM and checking it out :good:
And yes, even if a T-Mo SIM were to work, you will only have 4G, nothing else, as rightly pointed out by @oneandroidnut
2swizzle said:
We need to test this theory asap, if the tmobile verison will work I'm buying one tomorrow. I might sign up on tmobile just to test if no one can answer the question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you go to tmo with a verizon sim and try it haha
oneandroidnut said:
you go to tmo with a verizon sim and try it haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All jokes aside I think in the next couple of days I'm going to go signup and buy a tmobile note 5 and try it... I will return the phone within the 14 day period. Worst case scenario I lose $35.
2swizzle said:
All jokes aside I think in the next couple of days I'm going to go signup and buy a tmobile note 5 and try it... I will return the phone within the 14 day period. Worst case scenario I lose $35.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do it man I'm just as curious as you are. Don't root it though lol
oneandroidnut said:
Do it man I'm just as curious as you are. Don't root it though lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not going to root it, my only concern is how do I get T-Mobile to unlock it
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
2swizzle said:
I'm not going to root it, my only concern is how do I get T-Mobile to unlock it
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they dont come factory unlocked??
oneandroidnut said:
they dont come factory unlocked??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No tmobile makes you request the unlock code
2swizzle said:
No tmobile makes you request the unlock code
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh that isn't good
And now they make your wait 45 days before they will give you the code.
Too many people bought the phone and skipped country / changed carriers immediately after purchase.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
As I understand it you have to meet the following criteria for the unlock codes:
1) You must own the device (no payment plan)
2) You must wait 43 or 45 days. I've heard both. I assume this is to let the return policy play out.
Either way, you should still be able to run the experiment.
2swizzle said:
All jokes aside I think in the next couple of days I'm going to go signup and buy a tmobile note 5 and try it... I will return the phone within the 14 day period. Worst case scenario I lose $35.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their restocking fee is $50!
Their phones now will only unlock with their app and they will approve only after you have used the device on an active account for 40 days OR paid in full and wait 15 days (past remorse period). But the latter is really hard because the "system" really works on the 40 day rule and it's hard to get an override.
I don't think it will work on VZW.
In the past, I've tried my VZW sim cards in unlocked ATT and MetroPCS S5s and it just doesn't work. Even worse is on my account I have the dreaded Non VZW device and even after putting that SIM back in a legitimate VZW phone that number is locked meaning I cannot make changes to it on myVZW. And when you go into a corporate store to get it fixed you get that typical "You did what?" attitude!
Unfortunately the days of having freedom on both VZW and ATT seem limited indeed.
The Note 5 and Edge+ do generally run great out of the box, however. With an Adguard subscription I'm satisfied. If Android-M has more customization built in (center clock, statusbar customization, etc) then truly no need for me to root. I will miss Titanium BU, however.
There's always Nexus, but they take some getting used to in comparison. It's reminiscent of driving a Caddy or Lincoln for years and then getting in a Mercedes. Which isn't a bad thing mind you, but if you have to work under the hood you will be in for some changes.
I'm more interested in the various AOSP ROM's that will eventually pop up.
Like SlimPop or SlimMellow (eventually).
Not all phones have the same bands.
But it seems like the T-Mobile Note 5 *might* have most of the Verizon bands. Or all of them?
In the past, you could pay like $5-$15 on eBay to unlock your phone through a 3rd party person. I've used a T-Mobile phone on AT&T with good luck, but both were GSM.
If a TMO G5 pops up used in the next few weeks (in my budget), I'm totally going to see if it can be unlocked on eBay and then see if it'll work with my VZW account. :good:
I'm tired of dealing with Verizon bs... I'm switching to the nexus 6p anyway, but I wanted to try before buying the nexus. To me it's more than rooting, it's the freedom to do what I want to my phone. The new nexus lacks flagship device status, but you gain freedom and the phone works on all us carriers period.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
The new Motorola Pure is what the Note 5 should have been.
Only thing the N5 has over it is glove-mode, which is something I actually really, really like having.
But if the TMO N5 doesn't work on Verizon, I'll have to go with the Motorola Pure. Which can be rooted on Verizon (I think).
CZ Eddie said:
The new Motorola Pure is what the Note 5 should have been.
Only thing the N5 has over it is glove-mode, which is something I actually really, really like having.
But if the TMO N5 doesn't work on Verizon, I'll have to go with the Motorola Pure. Which can be rooted on Verizon (I think).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can indeed my friend
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Thre Note 5 has *a lot* of things over the Moto X Pure... Fingerprint scanner, faster cpu, faster memory, faster storage rates, nicer screen, stylus...
But in the end, if the Pure is a better for for your uses, then get it. But don't act like glove mode is the only thing the Note 5 has over the Pure...
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
JasonJoel said:
Thre Note 5 has *a lot* of things over the Moto X Pure... Fingerprint scanner, faster cpu, faster memory, faster storage rates, nicer screen, stylus...
But in the end, if the Pure is a better for for your uses, then get it. But don't act like glove mode is the only thing the Note 5 has over the Pure...
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the moto x was junk. note 5 smoked it in all ways
I have a Verizon model Great S2, never activated, only used via BT. Can it be activated in T-Mobile? Do I need to get it unlocked?
Thanks.
I also have the Verizon model and was told the same but not sure since I myself haven't tried to activate the watch.
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers mobile app
I'm also wondering about the radio. Do the different models have different modems, and since the Verizon one has a CDMA modem, is it incompatible with T-Mobile bands?
If you look at Network Mode you'll see WCDMA/GSM (auto connect) so I'm guessing you could, I would check to see if yours is the same, which I wouldn't be surprised if it was. I have a 2nd hand Gear S2 that was bought from TMO. Then again, what do I know since I was too chicken to buy a Verizon one to find out before buying the one I have.
OK, I live chatted with Samsung and called their support phone line. According to both, the carrier versions are carrier locked, and cannot be unlocked. So, no switching between carriers. They told me I'll need to buy another Gear S2 if I want to move to another carrier.
If the Verizon version is capable of LTE then it should be carrier unlocked out of the box just like their phones. It was part of the stipulation for them to be able to buy the extra spectrum they bought a while back.
Sent from my VK815 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Anyone tried to Verizon Gear S2 on a GSM network (AT&T or T-mobile)?
Just bought a Gear S2 for $99 refurbished and thinking maybe I should have bought GSM because or worldwide compatibility.
None of the Gear S2 have LTE which is carrier compatible. Verizon Sprint have CDMA 3G and AT&T and T-Mobile have GSM 3G.
Nextstep said:
Anyone tried to Verizon Gear S2 on a GSM network (AT&T or T-mobile)?
Just bought a Gear S2 for $99 refurbished and thinking maybe I should have bought GSM because or worldwide compatibility.
None of the Gear S2 have LTE which is carrier compatible. Verizon Sprint have CDMA 3G and AT&T and T-Mobile have GSM 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought one too for 99.... Android Police?
blakedunc235 said:
I just bought one too for 99.... Android Police?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, bought two one for wife. Will probably use it as a wifi/bluetooth watch.
Nextstep said:
Yup, bought two one for wife. Will probably use it as a wifi/bluetooth watch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, I heard its only like 10$ to activate it though, ill just see
Same here, saw the android police article and bought a Verizon one to replace my wife's broken fitbit. Im wondering how much more I'll have to pay monthly or to activate.
Can it be used on a sister company of version like straight talk
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
I attempted it yesterday, apperantly verizons model doesn't have an esim number so it can't be used.
derrickmd18 said:
Can it be used on a sister company of version like straight talk
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I activated my S2 Verizon on Page Plus. Put a $10 pin on it that will last 120 days.
$0.10/min talk, $0.05 text, $0.10 meg data.
Given my experience with the Gear S this is enough for my needs when I'm occasionally without my phone.
jb
JB can you say more on how you got it activated I'm on Page Plus? Something like that would be perfect for me. Just order a T-mobile S2 Classic. Thanks.