Was trying to track down which model of the Z3 I should buy in order to get LTE access on ATT. I have seen some people say to get the 6603 but I was reading a thread that it wasn't working on ATT. Anyone using this phone on ATT and know exactly which model to get in order to use LTE?
The D6603 and D6633 (Dual) both support all of the needed bands for AT&T support. I use a D6633 and have no issues whatsoever on AT&T.
I also use D6633 and get LTE on ATT
D6603 and D6633 will support AT&T LTE. Whatever you do, do not give AT&T your updated IMEI or their system will register it as "unknown" device and you will get 3G only.
I'm using the D6603 on AT&T with no problems (getting LTE just fine).
On the tmobile variant, and didnt know if it plays well with the others?
Anyone have any insight on which versions play together and which do not? Seems like the GSM/CDMA may be a difference as well as the dual sim.
Thanks.
Here is some info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_Xperia_Z3
Basically, they are mostly the same, but each model uses different bands. There are five models of the Xperia Z3 variants and are as followed: d6603, d6616, d6633, and d6653. I forgot what the z3v is called but it is the one specific for Verizon which is the only model with the wireless charging. I am currently using the d6603 which is the unlocked model that works for T-Mobile and possibly AT&T. The dd16 is specifically compatible with T-Mobile and also utilizes wifi-calling and T-Mobiles 4G bands. The d6633 is the dual-sim model.
Although this doesn't explain much, I hope it helps. I'm sure you can find the rest of the information on the forum.
I currently have the Z3Compact and am considering getting the Z3 T-Mobile variant, as I'm a T-Mo prepaid customer. Just a few questions:
1) Can the Tmo variant Z3 be used on another carrier? Without unlocking the bootloader? I would like to root without unlocking the bootloader to still use all the Sony features (like with the Z3C). If I switch to another GSM carrier in a year, I'd like to still be able to use this device.
2) Is VoLTE up & working? Can it be used while rooted, locked bootloader? The same question with wifi calling.
3) Can the Tmobile ROM / Firmware be flashed on the International hardware and function exactly the same?
4) Will / can VoLTE / wifi calling come to the Z3C unlocked international variant?
1. Yes you can use it, BUT it only has 3 LTE bands and the 700Mhz (Band 12) LTE is not compatible with AT&T 700Mhz (Band 13). 700Mhz is important for indoor reception. Better to buy the regular Z3 as its a more global phone. Also if you still want the TMO variant you must use it on TMO for at least 40 days for them to unlock.
2. VoLTE works and rooting does not have anything to do with it so go ahead. WiFi calling is the same.
3. Don't do that as you may get no signal/baseband issues.
4. Don't know.
Extra: The T-Mobile variant has quality control issues and has been pulled from sale.... I am on my 8th Z3 after 7 exchanges. In addition TMO had to open a further 3-4 boxes on my third exchange to get a good one.
Just buy the international version..... They don't seem to be problematic like the TMO version and are LTE compatible with more networks.
abhinav.tella said:
1. Yes you can use it, BUT it only has 3 LTE bands and the 700Mhz (Band 12) LTE is not compatible with AT&T 700Mhz (Band 13). 700Mhz is important for indoor reception. Better to buy the regular Z3 as its a more global phone. Also if you still want the TMO variant you must use it on TMO for at least 40 days for them to unlock.
2. VoLTE works and rooting does not have anything to do with it so go ahead. WiFi calling is the same.
3. Don't do that as you may get no signal/baseband issues.
4. Don't know.
Extra: The T-Mobile variant has quality control issues and has been pulled from sale.... I am on my 8th Z3 after 7 exchanges. In addition TMO had to open a further 3-4 boxes on my third exchange to get a good one.
Just buy the international version..... They don't seem to be problematic like the TMO version and are LTE compatible with more networks.
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1) If I only plan to use the phone in the US is it important that the international version is more 'global'? I'm kind of confused: Does the Tmobile version omit bands, or includes all the bands the int'l version plus band 12 / 700Mhz?
If you want to use it on AT&T the 700 Mhz band is not compatible. As you can see below the TMO variant is missing the 2 low bands needed by AT&T for better indoor reception. The global Z3 supports all the AT&T bands except T-Mobile's Band 12....
AT&T LTE Bands
17(700Mhz), Band 5(850Mhz), Band 2(1900Mhz), Band 4(1700/2100Mhz)
T-Mobile LTE Bands (TMO Z3 only supports these 3 bands)
Band 2(1900Mhz), Band 4(1700/2100Mhz), Band 12 (700Mhz)
abhinav.tella said:
If you want to use it on AT&T the 700 Mhz band is not compatible. As you can see below the TMO variant is missing the 2 low bands needed by AT&T for better indoor reception. The global Z3 supports all the bands except T-Mobile's Band 12....
AT&T LTE Bands
17(700Mhz), Band 5(850Mhz), Band 2(1900Mhz), Band 4(1700/2100Mhz)
T-Mobile LTE Bands
Band 2(1900Mhz), Band 4(1700/2100Mhz), Band 12 (700Mhz)
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Click to collapse
Thanks for clearing that up for me. I remember before buying my z3C hearing the info from GSMArena was inaccurate for one of the models.
I'm going to see if i can find more info on the quality control issues with the Tmo variant. I've owned Tmo branded versions of phones before and never had an issue.
I replace my phone every year to 18 months so if for some desperate reason I go to AT&T at least it will work in the meantime. I use Google Voice / Hangouts for calls so if I travel internationally I'd use wifi if the LTE reception isn't as good as on an international device for calls (won't use VoLTE), but since I'm in a Tmobile band 12 area I would like to use that.
Found this post on using the Tmo with AT&T: http://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/338q7q/help_with_tmobile_z3_on_att/
The issue is not with T-Mobile, its the variant Sony made for T-Mobile.... When a carrier itself stops selling a device due to problems you are taking a big risk. T-Mobile was good about exchanges though immediate replacements unlike Sony which can take up to 3 weeks. Remember if you want exchanges for any issues with TMO you must buy from TMO itself otherwise you deal with Sony. Considering TMO no longer sells this device TMO won't cover you..... As you will be buying from a third party.
So I strongly suggest you get the international Z3, unless you can buy the TMO variant from TMO itself so you can get replacements easily.
Whatever you decide I hope you enjoy, its a good phone, battery life and screen are amazing.
Thanks for your advice. I bought a Z3 off eBay for cheaper than I got my Z3Compact for a few weeks ago. I've never had to return or repair a smartphone so hopefully I stay lucky.
Well, I hope so too. Enjoy the device, its still the most well rounded device out there despite the release of the new gen phones.
abhinav.tella said:
Well, I hope so too. Enjoy the device, its still the most well rounded device out there despite the release of the new gen phones.
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Yea, I noticed that when I bought my Z3C. The Z3 apparently outperforms the Z3+. My only concern is if I can truly get used to the larger form factor, as I'm passing along my Z3C to someone else as a birthday gift. If not, I'll just sell it and get another Z3C for myself .
I asked this in the D6616 rooting thread but haven't gotten a reply yet: Will I need to downgrade, then root, then flash a pre rooted TFT firmware to get stock rooted (similar process to rooting without unlocking bootloader on the Compact) or can I just use the instructions here regardless of the firmware I have on my Z3? I think Kingroot sounds too shady and wouldn't want to use it.
Hello,
I'm currently on AT&T with an HTC One M7. I've had my fair share of rooting and playing around with this and with my contract ending in 2 months, I've been eyeing the Z3 as my go to device for the next 2 years and intend on buying it before my contract is up to just replace my HTC soon.
1) Currently it would be a hassle for me to call AT&T to get a new nano SIM card, so I guess that purchasing a cutter to convert my current one into a nano SIM would be fine? I wouldn't need to call them up to mess around with a new IMEI or anything assuming I'm basically using the exact same SIM card?
2) I've heard that the D6633 version (dual SIM) has full support for AT&T LTE whereas D6603 is merely only 4G. Can anyone clarify this?
Thank you
I have full LTE on AT&T. I just needed to have a nano SIM card installed at an AT&T store. There were zero issues.
Sent from my D6603 using XDA Free mobile app
mch277 said:
2) I've heard that the D6633 version (dual SIM) has full support for AT&T LTE whereas D6603 is merely only 4G.
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I've also got full LTE on a D6603 on AT&T--speed leaves HSPA+ in the dust. Purchased directly from Sony store and registered as a new line with the guy in the AT&T store scanning the box for the IMEI code. No problems at all although it does seem to need a strong LTE signal. At home I have to switch network mode to WCDMA/GSM or it will constantly hunt between LTE and H+ with a significant battery hit.
Hi all.!
I have a Moto G (3rd Gen) bought unlocked in Canada but am now living in the UK. I'm unable to pick up LTE coverage here and from reading online it seems to be that the LTE coverage here is sent out on different bands from that in Canada/USA.
Just wondering does anyone know of anyway I could resolve this?? I was thinking I would have to replace the radio or motherboard of the phone but I don't really know all too much about the topic!
Any info would be much appreciated!
Nope... band support is locked deep in the device, it's not just a flash modem X instead of Y... To date, no one has been able to even get close to unlocking other bands in one of these devices.
Honestly, you are just better off buying a new (or used) device locally.