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[Q] What is S-Off and what is the difference between Sensation and the 4g.

Hello every one, I am thinking of getting a Sensation so decided to ask you about 2 issues ;
1) I keep seeing S-Off and for the hell of me I know not what this is.
2) While attempting a purchase on Amazon for phone and accessories, I always see Sensation and Sensation 4g. I can guess that the 4G has the 4g network capabilities which I will not need (in Egypt we do not have it yet) but for accessories will it really matter or is it the same when it comes to accessories and only the protocol differs.
Thanks a lot for the replies.

Accessories are the same.
S-off is r/w access to the nand on which system recovery and boot are stored.

Thanks. So no I can purchase accessories without needing to worry. As for the S-Off I still do not comprehend. What is it again?? Is it the ability to read and write to the nand from the recovery partition. did I understand correctly.

There is no difference between Sensation and Sensation 4G other than branding. Both have the same HSPA+ speeds, T-mobile is just branding it as "4G". Sensation 4G is for USA, and Sensation is for the other parts of the world (S4G is locked)
Swyped from my HTC Sensation

Pretty much. If s-off means nothing to you in terms of rooting your phone enjoy your purchase.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

S-off means you can put modified software (ROMs) on your device and generally make it better. You have two methods to get S-OFF: xda way (revolutionary.io) or official HTC way. The xda way is better
Sent from my HTC Sensation using XDA Premium App

in layman's terms, it's "rooting"your phone (ability to replace any and all files on your phone). Being able to do that will allow you the ability to change any visual aspect you can think possible on your phone, just about any kind of performance, over clocking your cpu, undervolting your phone, enabling faster charging times, extreme power saving abilities, even the ability top change the entire operating system to something completely different... Along with loads more you can do that were never possible "stock". Removing these chains can come at a risk if you don't know what you're doing so make sure you research before unlocking your phones full potential.

Thanks every one for your explanation. Highly appreciated. I will get it for sure then. Cya soon on sensation sub forums.

Get the sensation without the t-mobile branding on it. You can flash tmobile rom if you like after s-off and it would be the same as the tmobile version sensation 4G, unless you like the tmobile branding stamped on your phone

don't forget the different bands!

skygear said:
don't forget the different bands!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi skygear,
You and the user idavid actually posted contradicting claims You say the UMTS bands are _different_, idavid says they are the _same_ (several posts above yours). Can anyone actually verify what is actually the case?
Here's my phone - it's a T-Mobile Sensation 4G, and the website I bought it from originally claimed the UMTS bands were 900, 1700, 2100. When I got the box from them, the bands stated on the box were 1700, 2100, 1900 (in that order). I checked the website (newayci.com) again today and they corrected the specs to match those on the box, but in the carrier chart they claim my Sensation 4G won't work on Bell at all and only as 2G on Rogers - which does not make sense as Bell and Rogers use the same UMTS 1900 band.
So you see there's quite a lot of confusion, and it would be great if we could collectively clarify that. Is there any way to check it (except for getting a Rogers or Bell SIM with a 3G plan and putting that one in?)?
I am using the phone on Wind Mobile in Toronto, and it works fine, but I wasn't able to figure out so far if it will work as 3G on Rogers or Bell, who use UMTS 1900 band.
I posted the same question in another thread too, I'll report what I get from there (if anything).
Thanks in advance for help.

T-mobile 4g Radio

OKAY so I decided to update this thread:
There are two versions of the One X. One with aws bands and one without. I have a device without AWS (I am about 80 % sure). There are reports of people getting 4g on AWS with the Rogers Version as of now, and more testers need to check it out as it could still be possible on ATT.
This flash here theoretically could enable the One X radio to lach onto AWS (The radios here are for the One S Ville.)
http://ville.giev.de/?page_id=42
I have flashed all three, and although I did not get 4g, I got faster ping and a near immediate connection onto T-mobile. To all the people saying this will "brick" the phone, it does not and you have nothing to worry. But as always make sure to do a backup. The radio hacks for the Skyrocket/Note were also based on flashing the Galaxy S2 radio directly on top. This should work the same.

I'm interested in this as well. What does is involved and the risk? I don't have warranty on my phone, so I'm a little bit leery in being first.

ver2go said:
I'm interested in this as well. What does is involved and the risk? I don't have warranty on my phone, so I'm a little bit leery in being first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if your rooted ull should be fine just make a back up of ur current set up. this is just a clockwork flash, it may not even flash, but if it does then there's a high chance of 4g.
i've done radio hacks before for the droid 3/skyrocket/note all from a similar concept. ex. flashing the t-mobile galaxy s2 radio on the note, to enable 4g.
if anyone could provide me with a better solution for an unlock i am sure i can get this to work. seems that the htc unlocker server is down right now
it's the same thing as flashing different radios via clockwork posted in the One X android dev forum

I'll give it a try, hopefully it won't mess anything up. So I just flash the radio in recovery. If no good, I just flash the correct radio again?
There is a one click no HTC Dev bootloader unlock in the Dev forum.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1734558
---------- Post added at 07:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:25 PM ----------
I flashed:
Radio from RUU_Ville_U_HTC_Europe_1.78.401.2 [Recommended] (update by rhcp)
0.16.31501S.17_2_10.23.31501S.10L
From your link. It flashed correctly. The phone on data and voice still works. I confirmed the version in Settings is not my original:
0.17.32.09.12_10.86.32.08L
I'm still on Edge, but I'm in a crappy cell area, so still not certain if radio or my area. I might give the:
Radio from Stock T-Mobile US (update by rhcp)
0.16.31501S.02_10.18.31501S.08L
Radio a try too.

good to hear no negative results got my phone unlocked so i will be testing tonight. also do u guys have the newer sims or older ones?

I have an older sim I believe. It is one that came from an activation kit I bought off ebay. I tried the T-Mobile radio and same results, still on Edge, but still could be my location.

What in gods name are you guys doing! ? Are you trying to brick your phones? It's already been confirmed that the hardware on this phone does not support the proper bands for T-Mobile 3g!

seh6183 said:
What in gods name are you guys doing! ? Are you trying to brick your phones? It's already been confirmed that the hardware on this phone does not support the proper bands for T-Mobile 3g!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Prove it. Why would the phone soc be any different than the one s one.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

ECEXCURSION said:
Prove it. Why would the phone soc be any different than the one s one.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not just the SOC that determines hardware compatibility. There are various radio amplifiers and filters which are tuned to the specific frequencies that the phone is likely to encounter. If a phone is going to be sold in multiple markets, sometimes the hardware filters are set up for all frequencies and some are disabled via software, but often times this is not the case.
It's not impossible that a radio reflash can make it work, though highly improbable.
sassafras

Interested in this. There might be better luck flashing the tmo radio since I don't think any European operators use AWS bands, correct me if I'm wrong.
Can anyone explain why flashing this radio from a different device won't brick our phones?

tspx23 said:
good to hear no negative results got my phone unlocked so i will be testing tonight. also do u guys have the newer sims or older ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a tmobile one s, but i also have the one from att and i am so interested on using this phone over tmobile 4g let me know if i can of help. I am using my micro sim that came with the one s and i am getting edge (asume its the latest from tmobbile 4g mucro sim. I am on 1.85 rooted but i did not unlock. though i am sure we can flash through CWM. any ways i am sure there is a way out to get 3g or 4g on the one x on tmobile did not find the way yet.

flashed both of the t-mobile modems no luck for me either, although my ping is significantly higher and connects to t-mobile a LOT quicker.
does anyone know how to edit the LTE settings. it is odd but for most ATT LTE phones they have the 1700mhz frequency i think it would be a matter of just defaulting that....
the radios also show up in my baseband so i have successful flashes
EDIT: one more thing, before i was not able to use data at all considering i had the newer t-mobile sims but now data works but on edge speed.

danada said:
Interested in this. There might be better luck flashing the tmo radio since I don't think any European operators use AWS bands, correct me if I'm wrong.
Can anyone explain why flashing this radio from a different device won't brick our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's just a file in your system. it could potentially brick your phone but you can always get into recovery and restore. which is why i stated you should create a back up of your device before trying it out.
however, i was fairly certain it wouldn't do that because the internals of the One S/One X are nearly identical, they both share the same processor and most likely similar (if not same, radios).
either way, the the radios work, getting me higher ping, and working data without having to switch out my sim for an older one, hope there is a way to activate the 1700 band !
http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_one_x_at&t-4614.php
EDIT 2: apparently there are two models of the ATT One X/XL one with the 1700 band and one without

tspx23 said:
flashed both of the t-mobile modems no luck for me either, although my ping is significantly higher and connects to t-mobile a LOT quicker.
does anyone know how to edit the LTE settings. it is odd but for most ATT LTE phones they have the 1700mhz frequency i think it would be a matter of just defaulting that....
the radios also show up in my baseband so i have successful flashes
EDIT: one more thing, before i was not able to use data at all considering i had the newer t-mobile sims but now data works but on edge speed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Likely the software has been changed to support T-Mobile, but the hardware (filters, amplifiers, etc) are non-existent, so you'll never get actual 1700 MHz AWS support.
Of course, this is just a 50,000 foot view perspective without actually trying it myself.
sassafras

sassafras_ said:
Likely the software has been changed to support T-Mobile, but the hardware (filters, amplifiers, etc) are non-existent, so you'll never get actual 1700 MHz AWS support.
Of course, this is just a 50,000 foot view perspective without actually trying it myself.
sassafras
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you might be right about this one but there are certain One X/XL's that do have the 1700 band found out through some searching and trying to figure out the reason behind it.
If that's correct.... the people with the 1700 band would have 4g when they flash this radio! also use *#*#4636#*#* to change network type to lte/gsm
--- for other phones though like the Skyrocket/Note they were directly compatible with T-mobile radios.

Okay, I flashed the Tmo One S radio and did not receive a brick. What I did receive is a not-so-good connection that will switch between HSPA+ and 3G quite often.
I don't have a WIND sim to test with, but I tried running AT commands on my phone and they don't seem to be working. I tried doing a network scan with AT+COPS=? waited forever and had nothing displayed.
Strange...
--edit--
Rebooted and ran the commands again. Still don't see any AWS carriers.
uid=0 [email protected]:/ # +COPS: (1,"CAN Rogers Wireless Inc.","ROGERS","302720",7
),(2,"ROGERS","","302720",2),(1,"CAN Rogers Wireless Inc.","ROGERS","302720",0),
(1,"","","302220",2),(1,"","","302610",2),(1,"","","302610",7),(1,"","","302220"
,7),,(0,1,2,3,4),(0,1,2)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

danada said:
Okay, I flashed the Tmo One S radio and did not receive a brick. What I did receive is a not-so-good connection that will switch between HSPA+ and 3G quite often.
I don't have a WIND sim to test with, but I tried running AT commands on my phone and they don't seem to be working. I tried doing a network scan with AT+COPS=? waited forever and had nothing displayed.
Strange...
--edit--
Rebooted and ran the commands again. Still don't see any AWS carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you need a wind sim to connect im pretty sure the Canadian version will work on aws

Confirmed on my end that even with the T-Mobile radio, I'm not getting HSPA+. Even when I drove by the Moscone center where 1900Mhz was refarmed during Apple's WWDC (maybe it was just that day?). I was hoping this would be like the Note and Rocket where I can flash different radios.
Any other new phone capable of this? The S III? If not, I may have to either wait for 1900MHz refarm or switch to Straight Talk.

ver2go said:
Confirmed on my end that even with the T-Mobile radio, I'm not getting HSPA+. Even when I drove by the Moscone center where 1900Mhz was refarmed during Apple's WWDC (maybe it was just that day?). I was hoping this would be like the Note and Rocket where I can flash different radios.
Any other new phone capable of this? The S III? If not, I may have to either wait for 1900MHz refarm or switch to Straight Talk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Picking up an att s3 today to test it out. Most likely there's two versions of one x one with aws and one without. I know mine doesn't though.

tspx23 said:
Don't you need a wind sim to connect im pretty sure the Canadian version will work on aws
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not exactly sure of this one.
If someone is willing to let me cut up their WIND sim (or lend me their WIND microsim), I'll re-flash the tmo radio and meet you somewhere to test it (Toronto, please).
~dan
-----edit-----
Just popped in an old WIND sim that I used to test AWS connectivity at first. Saw WIND Away with the standard radio, and after flashing the Tmo radio I see WIND Away and AT&T (AT+COPS=? shows Rogers, ATT, Telus, Bell).
I live by the lake, that would explain why ATT shows up.
-----edit again-----
Check this out http://imgur.com/Nb984,rUvM6. Not using the One S radio...

i9305 (SIII LTE/4G International) root - Warning

Posted here for lack of a i9305 forum at the moment..
So any new owners of the international S3 4G/LTE (GT-I9305), Australian or otherwise, who have been eager to root may have google it, and come up with the post at http://www.trickytweaks.com/how-to-root-s3-i9305-4g-xxali4-4-1-1-jelly-bean-australian.html - and against their better judgement (and lack of other options since the phone's release is so limited thus far), been tempted to give it a shot hoping that it was accurate.
Don't.
The page gives fairly detailed instructions (albeit in broken english) stating that CF-Root 6.4 works a treat. The model number is listed specifically, and the instructions are fairly complete - surely it must be correct!.. Nope. Multiple bricked devices that I'm aware of (mine being amongst them).
This thread posted as a warning to anyone who may consider it, and hopefully finds this first as comments on the "instruction" page aren't being posted (awaiting moderation). It's being discussed in a few other threads - a dedicated thread is just to increase visibility to anyone who may search.
No comments pointing out how silly it was to attempt are necessary as anyone who's attempted it are already painfully aware
Update 28/09 - The page that this warning was about has been removed, and a working root method has been posted (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1906351), so this thread is now redundant. While I haven't personally tried the new root method yet (a bit gun shy since my previous rooting attempt!), multiple other users have posted that it works.

The people that write for that site are retarded, we've known this for a while now.
Sorry you didn't hear about it until it was too late.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Thanks for putting this up. What have we learnt from this? ALWAYS BACK OUR EFS FOLDER UP BEFORE FLASHING CUSTOM ROMS. I'm still upset mate that we bricked our phones on the first day! So guys please do not flash this phone until ChainFire officially supports it.

I think that site should have a sticky warning, nothing good has come from it, just spam and bricked phones.

I am really sorry to hear that you bricked your phone.
I was hoping to be able to trade my 9300 with a s3 that has 2gb of ram and lte, along with the quad core. I bought my phone a month ago and already there is a better phone available. The thing is that the lte band adopted by my country's carriers, at least until now, is the 800Mhz band so the 9305 won't work, I believe. So the korean version, k210s, would work because it's lte band is also 800Mhz. What I would like to know from you owners is if its indeed faster and smoother than the international version. For instance, what is your stock rom quadrant benchmark score? What about hspa+ speed test, what are your results?

Badelhas said:
I am really sorry to hear that you bricked your phone.
I was hoping to be able to trade my 9300 with a s3 that has 2gb of ram and lte, along with the quad core. I bought my phone a month ago and already there is a better phone available. The thing is that the lte band adopted by my country's carriers, at least until now, is the 800Mhz band so the 9305 won't work, I believe. So the korean version, k210s, would work because it's lte band is also 800Mhz. What I would like to know from you owners is if its indeed faster and smoother than the international version. For instance, what is your stock rom quadrant benchmark score? What about hspa+ speed test, what are your results?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the korean version is thicker as it has a dmb antenna that slides out of it, pretty ugly when its out actually seen in a few pics.

The GT-i9305 use the frequencies 800 Mhz 1800 Mhz 2600 Mhz you can use it in all Europe
The GT-i9305T use only the frequencies 1800 Mhz and 2600 Mhz not work on 800 Mhz
The frequency 800 MHz is the best because it travels farther, with a single cell covers a wider area
The frequency 2600 MHz is faster but cover small area.
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=3789&c=samsung_gt-i9305_galaxy_s_iii_lte_eu
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=3861&c=samsung_gt-i9305t_galaxy_s_iii_4g

zulu99 said:
The GT-i9305 use the frequencies 800 Mhz 1800 Mhz 2600 Mhz you can use it in all Europe
The GT-i9305T use only the frequencies 1800 Mhz and 2600 Mhz not work on 800 Mhz
The frequency 800 MHz is the best because it travels farther, with a single cell covers a wider area
The frequency 2600 MHz is faster but cover small area.
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=3789&c=samsung_gt-i9305_galaxy_s_iii_lte_eu
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=3861&c=samsung_gt-i9305t_galaxy_s_iii_4g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I didn't even know that there are 2 versions of the 9305. Just a correction, the 9305 does not use the 1800 Mhz z frequency. Also thank you for the explanation on the different bands. Do you know where we can buy the gt-i9305 unlocked?

zulu99 said:
The GT-i9305T use only the frequencies 1800 Mhz and 2600 Mhz not work on 800 Mhz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't take the pdadb.net specs as gospel - the i9305T isn't available yet, and it's unlikely (based on existing i9xxx versus i9xxxT models) that an entire band would not be supported in the T.

<sigh>
Samsung repair centre says that it needs hardware replaced. Not too sure of the details (since other phones can apparently have the iemi restored with software).
I guess I just wait and see..

Are you able to go to Download mode and reflash the stock rom? There seems to be some chance of restoring corrupted IMEI like what this guy did (http://srjraman.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/recover-fake-imei-and-restore-original-efs-galaxy-s/), though it was for the original SGS.

@kahjuay: Yep - stock rom was reflashed through Odin, but EFS was toast - iemi showed up as "null/null".. Mine went back to Samsung and they're fixing it. They've said that it needs the mainboard replaced, and they're currently waiting on parts.. For some reason, they're doing it under warranty, so I'm not going to argue as to whether it's a software or hardware fix

btemtd said:
the korean version is thicker as it has a dmb antenna that slides out of it, pretty ugly when its out actually seen in a few pics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That didn't answer any of the questions. The korean version is thicker but has the same quadcore 2GBram & LTE so it must be very similar but would like to know It's performance from a real owner.

i've created a custom rom that will give you root (but NO other customizations) on the i9305 (australia - optus)
will post it + a tutorial soon, so if anyone else is looking to do this, please wait. Don't try any other method at this stage. I've spend ages resarching and eventually created my own.

mick.wheelz said:
i've created a custom rom that will give you root (but NO other customizations) on the i9305 (australia - optus)
will post it + a tutorial soon, so if anyone else is looking to do this, please wait. Don't try any other method at this stage. I've spend ages resarching and eventually created my own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh man that's great news! Fantastic work. Just got an i9305 and been hanging to root it.

You need to wait for some one to have side by side or just watch the YouTube video like most of us had watched comparing the Korean performance to international one
can't remember the link it's in the other i9305 thread
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

have at it guys (i9305 root!)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=32036331

Picked up phone, covered under warranty (mainboard was replaced). I may have just been lucky in it being a warranty fix.

Kaibosh said:
Picked up phone, covered under warranty (mainboard was replaced). I may have just been lucky in it being a warranty fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you explain the state the phone was in and what was their reaction?

Does Mi4 have LTE now?

Planning to buy a new Mi4 from kijiji. Wondering whether it supports LTE bands in Canada? I;'m with telus

Short answer. No, not yet.

veladem said:
Short answer. No, not yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK.Thanks
Is this a software issue or the LTE version is a different hardware in the future? In other words, if i buy the mi4 now, will i be able to get LTE when its available?

Sadly it seems to be a hardware limitation. Xiaomi was smart when they made the phone and only have it what it needed unlike some companies that overlook the small things and pay in the end.

yes it does not. as no opomart and other sites are selling FDD-LTE version which 1700/2100 works perfect with ATT / T-Mobile in US

4G:FDD-LTE 1800(B3)/2100(B1)MHz

This may seem far fetched but I'll ask anyway. Is there a way to change the hardware frequencies set within the phone to match the connectivity frequencies that's in your area?

shakim24 said:
This may seem far fetched but I'll ask anyway. Is there a way to change the hardware frequencies set within the phone to match the connectivity frequencies that's in your area?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In theory, the chip should support them. It would be a matter of writing the specific band values into your phones memory (NV). However, this pre-supposes that the phone could be modified on that level to begin with, which is doubtful.
You would need:
Unlock/root
Custom rom
Custom kernel
QPST (for editing)
QXDM (write enabling)
access to switch usb diagnostic mode
The majority of the work would be getting around MIUI and Qualcomm's restrictions they implement in their code. While not impossible, as you can see, the changes required aren't necessarily for the faint of heart. I suppose one upside would be the phone doesn't cost an arm and a leg, so if you wound up with a brick, you might have an easier time bouncing back from the loss.

kibmikey1 said:
In theory, the chip should support them. It would be a matter of writing the specific band values into your phones memory (NV). However, this pre-supposes that the phone could be modified on that level to begin with, which is doubtful.
You would need:
Unlock/root
Custom rom
Custom kernel
QPST (for editing)
QXDM (write enabling)
access to switch usb diagnostic mode
The majority of the work would be getting around MIUI and Qualcomm's restrictions they implement in their code. While not impossible, as you can see, the changes required aren't necessarily for the faint of heart. I suppose one upside would be the phone doesn't cost an arm and a leg, so if you wound up with a brick, you might have an easier time bouncing back from the loss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the insight bro. You really broke down into detail what was needed to be done. Was scrolling around and found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2871269. Would like your opinion on it. It's for unlocking LTE as well.

I think they released the LTE-FDD version , seach for it!

already got one with LTE...its out already

Hi, I don't know how helpful this is for you but I have bought two from China for myself and my wife. Although I have not tried on the MIUI OS, I have flashed AOSP on to both phones and they both work at least on O2 and EE. I am receive 4G on my EE Mi4, however my wife does not have a 4G sim so can not confirm hers but she does receive 3G signals.
O2s 4G sim did not receive 4G signals on my Mi4 though (reason for me switching)
Hope this helps you

Only bands 1, 3, 41

[Completed] Noob in need of radio/modem flashing information

Hello,
I recently purchased a note 5 duos SM-N9208 from Taiwan. I was led to believe that the device was unlocked GSM, but had EV-DO capabilities. My understanding was that this would work on Verizon's network, because it had both radio chips inside. I was told by Verizon that "there is no approved way" for them to get me up and running on their network. The tech made a point of saying there is a difference between approved, and no way. This leads me to believe that something can be done. I'm wondering if someone would be kind enough to help me out. Phone is running original Rom, unrooted, and is basically useless to me right now, as I'm desperately clinging on to my unlimited data with Verizon. Is it possible to root the device, and flash the modem with Verizon note 5 baseband info? Any help anyone can offer would be very much appreciated.

XDA Visitor said:
Hello,
I recently purchased a note 5 duos SM-N9208 from Taiwan. I was led to believe that the device was unlocked GSM, but had EV-DO capabilities. My understanding was that this would work on Verizon's network, because it had both radio chips inside. I was told by Verizon that "there is no approved way" for them to get me up and running on their network. The tech made a point of saying there is a difference between approved, and no way. This leads me to believe that something can be done. I'm wondering if someone would be kind enough to help me out. Phone is running original Rom, unrooted, and is basically useless to me right now, as I'm desperately clinging on to my unlimited data with Verizon. Is it possible to root the device, and flash the modem with Verizon note 5 baseband info? Any help anyone can offer would be very much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, and welcome to XDA!
When I looked up the specs on the Note 5 Duos, unfortunately it says nothing about CDMA. Having both "radio chips inside" can be taken two ways, in this case, this phone has the capability to handle two GSM carriers (and in this case, like most dual-sim phones, only the first SIM can do 3G/4G/LTE speeds).
Network Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands LTE
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE
GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems the only option (if you want to use this phone), is to join a GSM carrier like AT&T, T-Mobile, or one of their MVNO's (like MetroPCS).
Hope this helps.

joel.maxuel said:
Hi, and welcome to XDA!
It seems the only option (if you want to use this phone), is to join a GSM carrier like AT&T, T-Mobile, or one of their MVNO's (like MetroPCS).
Hope this helps.
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Thank you, Joel! I'm excited to learn as much as possible from tgis forum. I actually changed over to T-Mobile, and have been good for the most part. The problem i'm having now is related to finding a way to flash the radio to all of their Rf's. I rooted, and attempted to flash the modem and bootloader from N920T, but it failed. I am still having a hard timr understanding why the identical hardware will not accept firmware from different model numbers. Again, very inexperienced, so it may be something very obvious i dont know about. If could offer any assistance, or provide and thread links that may be useful, i wpuld very grateful. Ive been searching nonstop, reading, and still cant seem to find a way.

Rockstah said:
Thank you, Joel! I'm excited to learn as much as possible from tgis forum. I actually changed over to T-Mobile, and have been good for the most part. The problem i'm having now is related to finding a way to flash the radio to all of their Rf's. I rooted, and attempted to flash the modem and bootloader from N920T, but it failed. I am still having a hard timr understanding why the identical hardware will not accept firmware from different model numbers. Again, very inexperienced, so it may be something very obvious i dont know about. If could offer any assistance, or provide and thread links that may be useful, i wpuld very grateful. Ive been searching nonstop, reading, and still cant seem to find a way.
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Well, the hardware (particularly the modem) is not compatible, hance the failed install. You are lucky it cancelled out as you could have had worse problems on your hands.
The way i see it, you will have to wait for other regions for the Note 5 Duos to open up before you get flashing options. I would even question the need for that, if you get a decent range of bands with T-Mo (I am assuming you can get 4G).
If you want to explore further anyway, please check out this thread:
> Samsung Galaxy Note5 > Galaxy Note5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting > [Help Thread][Galaxy Note5] Ask Any Question, Noob Friendly
Hope this helps.

joel.maxuel said:
Hope this helps.
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It did, thank you! I get decent service (including LTE) almost everywhere. Problem is, once I get to my.house, I go completely out of service. No call.I no text. It wouldn't be a big deal, but the Taiwanese phone doesn't have a way to turn WiFi calling.

Rockstah said:
It did, thank you! I get decent service (including LTE) almost everywhere. Problem is, once I get to my.house, I go completely out of service. No call.I no text. It wouldn't be a big deal, but the Taiwanese phone doesn't have a way to turn WiFi calling.
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Aha. That and no sign of the 700mHz band (which may not be part of your phone anyway, not just hidden by the current firmware).
Since the firmware would need deep support of Wifi Calling (or VoLTE), as in more than just an App, I am afraid you will have to wait until the Duos releases into an area with that support in their firmware (and hope that, that area's firmware doesn't disable a frequency you use).
Makes scraping all the lead paint[*] off the house the more manageable task, doesn't it?
[*] I really don't know if your house does indeed have lead paint. I am assuming it's coated in something metal, or concrete, which avoids typically high frequency radio waves from entering. I never had that problem with my house (which may be strange, since it was built in the 40's), but maybe creating ways to boost the existing signal may be in order instead.