Tried posting this in the S6 Edge forum already, but got no response, so hopefully you guys can help me out.
I'm upgrading from a very buggy Galaxy S4. (The bugs are my fault and I'm not savvy enough to fix them, so I just deal with them.) I have a few questions about which version of the S6 I should get because I'm seeing a lot of info and I'm not really sure what all of it means, so hopefully you guys can give me straight and simple answers.
1. Which version of the S6 do I want if I want to be able to switch between AT&T and Verizon? I'm currently on Straight Talk using AT&T. However, Verizon is overall the best in my area and areas I work, so if I get switched to a new client where AT&T doesn't work I may need to change back to Page Plus on Verizon quickly. I'm seeing conflicting information on these phones, some say all should work while some say only certain ones will work well (all of them seem to be speculating really, I can't find any "for sure this works" posts). At least there does seem to be hope out there that it's possible for some versions to be able to switch between the two easily, one of them being the Verizon one, which also lacks some apparently annoying features the AT&T one has.
2. An out-of-the-box, working mobile hotspot feature is extremely important to me if at all possible. My S4 is messed up primarily because my attempt at making things work, like the hotspot, didn't go so well. I've seen on these forums that some users are saying that at least the Verizon version will work if you use FoxFi, no rooting or tether file hacking required (so no risk of me breaking my phone, yay). I have the paid version of FoxFi already, so that's good news if it's true. Confirm/deny and is the same true for the AT&T version if I had to get that instead? I also just saw some mention of a file that can be downloaded to a rooted S6, but am unsure.
Thanks all!
I would say but the unlocked s6. U could switch the sim cards out np. Yes there is root for vzw s6 now
Sent from my risiculously powered S6 using Tapatalk
holla420 said:
I would say but the unlocked s6. U could switch the sim cards out np. Yes there is root for vzw s6 now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But which version of an unlocked S6 do I want? They all still have branding on them which can make some things work or not work from what I've been reading. Am not sure if the Verizon branded one will work for what I need or if I need a different one.
Am not really interested in rooting if I can avoid it because I might break a rather expensive device if I muck something up like I did with my S4. Just need a working hotspot and if I have to root to get it then I guess I have to, but I won't need the root for anything else.
Related
Which roms or leaks have a carrier unlock ..
I been looking around cant seem to find a definite answer ... so does cleanrom give your phone capability in using any carrier .. I just need to be be sure I have to cut my chip into a microchip in order to use the phone .. Before I do this i need to be sure it would work ..
I have version 4.1.1
No ROM has that it is an entirely different procedure involving unlocked sim cards.
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A
Thread moved
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Kenof said:
Which roms or leaks have a carrier unlock ..
I been looking around cant seem to find a definite answer ... so does cleanrom give your phone capability in using any carrier .. I just need to be be sure I have to cut my chip into a microchip in order to use the phone .. Before I do this i need to be sure it would work ..
I have version 4.1.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a thread for getting the VZW S3 to work on T-Mobile, but it takes some work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2013647
A few ROMs (as you indicated with CleanRom) have universal installers for different Carriers, but in no way does this mean that it will allow you to switch your phone to AT&T, Sprint, or any other carrier.
mapatton82 said:
There is a thread for getting the VZW S3 to work on T-Mobile, but it takes some work:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2013647
A few ROMs (as you indicated with CleanRom) have universal installers for different Carriers, but in no way does this mean that it will allow you to switch your phone to AT&T, Sprint, or any other carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So cleanrom has a universal installer for At&T/H20 ? Is there a way to completely use on all carriers like a unlocked iphone ?
Kenof said:
So cleanrom has a universal installer for At&T/H20 ? Is there a way to completely use on all carriers like a unlocked iphone ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reread the last sentence of his reply, especially the part after the comma.
landshark68 said:
Reread the last sentence of his reply, especially the part after the comma.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
eh theres always a way ..
Correct me if I'm wrong.
But.
The Verizon galaxy s3 uses a CDMA antenna.
So if you were to unlock it. You could use on CDMA carries.( Verizon Wireless, Sprint, MetroPCS, Cricket, and U.S. Cellular)
However. If you can get your phone to FULLY work on GSM (T-MOBILE or at&t)
You should make a thread about it and I'm sure you will get tons of donations.
There is already something for T-Mobile. But I heard it has limited success.
Sent from team liquid smooth.
Vice Versa
Still a noob to the development scene, but long time surface runner in rooting/etc.
That being said, if this can be done (I took a look at the thread linked above), couldn't it technically work the other way around?
My fiancee has a Galaxy on T-Mobile, but wants the GS3. Her contract runs out about the same time as mine so I thought, I'll give you my S3 and buy the S4 for myself (she doesn't always need the latest and greatest like I do what can I say I'm a technophile). I quickly learned about locked phones, different network types, etc. In this case, since there's a 4GLTE SIM card in my S3, is it possible to give it to her to use on T-Mobile? In that case I may just migrate over to T-Mobile myself, since it's significantly cheaper for what I need in a cell phone plan. Otherwise, we're currently looking at adding a line to my Verizon plan so she can leave T-Mobile. Honestly, I'm OK with either idea, since I'm either saving money by going to T-Mobile, or sticking with great network coverage and speed on Verizon.
Psychotacon said:
Still a noob to the development scene, but long time surface runner in rooting/etc.
That being said, if this can be done (I took a look at the thread linked above), couldn't it technically work the other way around?
My fiancee has a Galaxy on T-Mobile, but wants the GS3. Her contract runs out about the same time as mine so I thought, I'll give you my S3 and buy the S4 for myself (she doesn't always need the latest and greatest like I do what can I say I'm a technophile). I quickly learned about locked phones, different network types, etc. In this case, since there's a 4GLTE SIM card in my S3, is it possible to give it to her to use on T-Mobile? In that case I may just migrate over to T-Mobile myself, since it's significantly cheaper for what I need in a cell phone plan. Otherwise, we're currently looking at adding a line to my Verizon plan so she can leave T-Mobile. Honestly, I'm OK with either idea, since I'm either saving money by going to T-Mobile, or sticking with great network coverage and speed on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look up, you'll see how you can use the VZW GSIII on TMO. I think the primary issue would be that you only get Edge data when using the VZW GSIII on TMO.
For pricing, TMO is better plus you can stop worrying about third party hacks to use a phone on another carrier since top unlocked GSM phones can be imported.
Even with safestrap a locked phone is still locked....and development has suffered. On Wednesday the Nexus 6 comes out and it will have an unlocked bootloader....just have to pay full price most likely. I know I could have done this with the Samsung Dev edition but I won't give Samsung more money for a dev phone when I have already bought one, what bull ****. I know it isn't Samsung's fault but I don't give a ****, It's your phone, they didn't lock it you did! They told you to and you did. You could have said no. Do you think for a minute Verizon wouldn't of caved in and said ok leave it unlocked? What do you think a Verizon store would look like without a Galaxy Tab, Note, or S5? What do you think a Ford dealership would look like without the F150?
The GS5 has been an eye opener for me and it's sad to say that as of the day my Nexus arrives I'll be done with all of Samsung's phones. What a shame Samsung. I know I'm just *****ing but it's sad that a phone as bad ass as the GS5 is and I can't even flash a kernel on it....Not even real CM.
So you bought a non-dev device, and are upset because it's locked? And Motorola has been bootloader locking their phones for a long time too, guess they shouldn't have either. Unless you buy a specifically unlocked version, I suspect it'll be the same story on the Nexus as the S5, Carrier locked.
heffe2001 said:
So you bought a non-dev device, and are upset because it's locked? And Motorola has been bootloader locking their phones for a long time too, guess they shouldn't have either. Unless you buy a specifically unlocked version, I suspect it'll be the same story on the Nexus as the S5, Carrier locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect first response:good:.
Motorola started locking bootloaders, years ago and anyone that had an X2 (like myself) will look twice at buying a Motorola product. I'm happy with my S5, great battery and great performance.
Elite49 said:
Perfect first response:good:.
Motorola started locking bootloaders, years ago and anyone that had an X2 (like myself) will look twice at buying a Motorola product. I'm happy with my S5, great battery and great performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not buying it from a carrier it's supposed to be unlocked. I'm buying it directly from the play store tomorrow. I don't think Google will lock their phone. Verizon won't have a ****ing chance to lock it as they won't have no ****ing part in the sale.
They made it to where ONE phone will work on all major networks in America out of the box. I'm glad so I don't need Verizon to OK it or anything. Plug in my sim and go hard.
shootind5nukes said:
I'm not buying it from a carrier it's supposed to be unlocked. I'm buying it directly from the play store tomorrow. I don't think Google will lock their phone. Verizon won't have a ****ing chance to lock it as they won't have no ****ing part in the sale.
They made it to where ONE phone will work on all major networks in America out of the box. I'm glad so I don't need Verizon to OK it or anything. Plug in my sim and go hard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But will that work? everything i've read about it points to no. If you want it to work on verizon you will need the verizon branded n6?
Ejames991 said:
But will that work? everything i've read about it points to no. If you want it to work on verizon you will need the verizon branded n6?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. that's incorrect. The phone has all of Verizon's bands build in. Verizon don't own the bands it's an open standard. do your homework better. I can take a sprint phone and put it on Verizon it doesn't matter at all. Just so happenes Google made this phone to include all bands and networks in the USA. So what exactly have to read that points to no? How about reading the actual phone description on google play.
shootind5nukes said:
lol. that's incorrect. The phone has all of Verizon's bands build in. Verizon don't own the bands it's an open standard. do your homework better. I can take a sprint phone and put it on Verizon it doesn't matter at all. Just so happenes Google made this phone to include all bands and networks in the USA. So what exactly have to read that points to no? How about reading the actual phone description on google play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to be a douche.. I'm just asking because I've seen this being discussed across forums. I understand it has all the correct bands. It's just something I'd like to concretely know before I pre order one from Google play. Not to mention none of this has even been confirmed. Sorry to bother you all mighty phone wizard
Ejames991 said:
No need to be a douche.. I'm just asking because I've seen this being discussed across forums. I understand it has all the correct bands. It's just something I'd like to concretely know before I pre order one from Google play. Not to mention none of this has even been confirmed. Sorry to bother you all mighty phone wizard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very sorry for how i came across. I will let you know if the bootloader is unlocked. As for it working on Verizon it absolutely will work out of the box with the correct sim
shootind5nukes said:
Very sorry for how i came across. I will let you know if the bootloader is unlocked. As for it working on Verizon it absolutely will work out of the box with the correct sim
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just concerned about them activating it, with Verizon being CDMA and only using SIM's for LTE im afraid they wont activate it without being Verizon branded like they do with any phone. If they were GSM this wouldn't be an issue what-so-ever. Boot loader should be unlocked as in usual nexus fashion.
Ejames991 said:
I'm just concerned about them activating it, with Verizon being CDMA and only using SIM's for LTE im afraid they wont activate it without being Verizon branded like they do with any phone. If they were GSM this wouldn't be an issue what-so-ever. Boot loader should be unlocked as in usual nexus fashion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do not have to activate it. Before the days of sim cards in cdma phones they did have activate it. Now the sim does.
Goodbye charging port flap. Goodbye touchwiz. Goodbye late updates. Hello Nexus 6.... If only I could freaking order a 64!!!!!
kurofox23? said:
Goodbye charging port flap. Goodbye touchwiz. Goodbye late updates. Hello Nexus 6.... If only I could freaking order a 64!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello NOT being waterproof (water resistant), Hello anyone can install a themer, Hello every other phone gets updates later than the Nexus.
I'm not saying your points aren't valid, they're just not going to make me switch!
I can't wait to get my nexus 6. Of course the bootloader will be unlocked. It is a nexus device. It is meant for developers. If you want custom roms, a nexus device is the best way to go. I loved my galaxy nexus and then switched to the s3 and now the s5. They are great phones but I want the flexibility of the nexus 6. Also have you seen the specs for this nexus? Top notch stuff finally in a nexus phone. In all it comes down to preference but I'm selling my s5 and getting the nexus 6.
So... why not just take this conversation to the correct forum? Why must we always start cluttering up threads with posts that have nothing to do with the device specific forum?
shoresteve626 said:
So... why not just take this conversation to the correct forum? Why must we always start cluttering up threads with posts that have nothing to do with the device specific forum?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why did you come in here and clutter our thread up? This thread is about going from the GS5 to the Nexus 6, not about what forum you think this should be in. please shoresteve626 stay on topic.
I guess you can say that I'm also tired of having to scroll through all of the BS "I hate my phone" posts.... there are generic forums that aren't device specific. Not to mention that duplicate threads used to be frowned upon. (Already a device comparison thread under general. That's all. I'll take your advice though....
This entire thread is off-topic for where it is - there is a specific home for ALL things not Verizon Galaxy S5 related and that is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2690799
Thread closed.
Anyone mind telling me the terms necessary for Samsung mods/roots/etc...
On HTC I had things like S-Off
On LG I had things like Download Mode
What does Samsung have?
Any words or uh-ohs I should look out for. I don't know what things like Knox or Odin mean
Chocolina said:
Anyone mind telling me the terms necessary for Samsung mods/roots/etc...
On HTC I had things like S-Off
On LG I had things like Download Mode
What does Samsung have?
Any words or uh-ohs I should look out for. I don't know what things like Knox or Odin mean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat wondering the same things. Are you on T-mobile? They offer device unlock and I'm wondering if I should do that.
SammyTRK said:
I'm in the same boat wondering the same things. Are you on T-mobile? They offer device unlock and I'm wondering if I should do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a few extensive questions for T-mo. They said you need to have a T-mo account/service for 40+ days before you can start requesting unlocking.
I'm not sure if you can unlock phones already on a plan, or phones that have been fully paid off. If you're happy with T-mo, then unlocking is pretty much pointless, but it does give you more selling options down the line. T-mo has a "no hassle" upgrade service where for an extra $10 a month on your bill, you can trade up to another device by trading in your current one at half-value. This would mean if I wanted a Note 5, they would only give me half the value of the S6 to apply to the new phone. Alternatively if you had an fully-financed unocked S6, you could sell it for much more down the line. I'm expecting to sell my S6 for around $700-$750 in a few months.
Chocolina said:
Anyone mind telling me the terms necessary for Samsung mods/roots/etc...
On HTC I had things like S-Off
On LG I had things like Download Mode
What does Samsung have?
Any words or uh-ohs I should look out for. I don't know what things like Knox or Odin mean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i havent used Samsung since the galaxy nexus so im trying to figure things out again too. S-off is an unlocked bootloader? I think most carrier versions of the S6 have an unlocked bootloader with the exception of Verizon and AT&T. Samsung also has download mode but you need to use a program call Odin. There's also Samsung Kies and Smart Switch used for backup, restore and flashing back to stock carrier firmware.
Q&A for Anyone working on Root for AT&T?
Some developers prefer that questions remain separate from their main development thread to help keep things organized. Placing your question within this thread will increase its chances of being answered by a member of the community or by the developer.
Before posting, please use the forum search and read through the discussion thread for Anyone working on Root for AT&T?. If you can't find an answer, post it here, being sure to give as much information as possible (firmware version, steps to reproduce, logcat if available) so that you can get help.
Thanks for understanding and for helping to keep XDA neat and tidy!
AT&T Note Edge help
I know that there is not a root for this phone yet. I'm very upset with myself for not researching this first. I now strongly regret moving from T-Mobile to AT&T. I'm having more trouble with this almost $1000 phone than I've had with $150 huawei phones. All of this AT&T bloat is ridiculous. The AT&T stuff on top of the Samsung bloat makes my phone borderline unusable. The lollipop update has made it much worse. Now it's not only freezing constantly, but the battery life is half of what it used to be and what it should be. It over heats like crazy. AT&T keeps telling me to factory reset or pay $250 for a new phone. AT&T might be the worst of allthe carriers.
Is there anything i can do to fix any of these issues at all? i've factory reset twice now just to be sure it wasn't that. I'm very close to getting rid of AT&T. The reason i prefer android is because of more options and now AT&T has taken that away from me.
root note edge
i just bought a note edge att but i dont want to switch from s5 because no root for edge is there any way i can get wifi hotspot without root
SM-N915A Firmware
So I am reading different things, but I understand I need the firmware for my Note Edge (AT&T) if I want to try and rooting the device. Some say the firmware has been released, but I can't seem to find it.
Anybody have information for the SM-915A firmware?
shonnick01 said:
i just bought a note edge att but i dont want to switch from s5 because no root for edge is there any way i can get wifi hotspot without root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there 2 different AT&T's? Been with AT&T for 3 years or so, had hotspot free since day 1. Guess you are still on a old plan?
Oditius said:
Is there 2 different AT&T's? Been with AT&T for 3 years or so, had hotspot free since day 1. Guess you are still on a old plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T phone but straight talk service! sorry i should have mentioned that
Any news on perm root?
Any news for Root on the ATT side of Note Edge?
So, any news?
I'm not sure how roms are offered but no root?? sorry to ignorant but Iv been rooting for years look at my join date. I assume if roms are offered there must be a way to root. Unfortunately no one shared that.
robandcathy said:
I'm not sure how roms are offered but no root?? sorry to ignorant but Iv been rooting for years look at my join date. I assume if roms are offered there must be a way to root. Unfortunately no one shared that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a temp root, not sure if you can load a rom for it. But making Roms for the N915A (AT&T) isn't that hard since the N915T (Tmobile) is a close cousin. Maybe the Dev knows they are getting close?
Oditius said:
There is a temp root, not sure if you can load a rom for it. But making Roms for the N915A (AT&T) isn't that hard since the N915T (Tmobile) is a close cousin. Maybe the Dev knows they are getting close?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually its pretty hard.. and close to impossible, the boot loader is locked and there is currently NO chance of unlocking without the signature keys. Therefore no ROMS will be available. As for ROOT, there is a temp root but a permanent root is very difficult unless they find a way around WP (Write Protect). Tmobile and AT&T are nothing alike in software... which is the issue here.
IceTwig said:
Actually its pretty hard.. and close to impossible, the boot loader is locked and there is currently NO chance of unlocking without the signature keys. Therefore no ROMS will be available. As for ROOT, there is a temp root but a permanent root is very difficult unless they find a way around WP (Write Protect). Tmobile and AT&T are nothing alike in software... which is the issue here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would seem that not sure where you get they are not alike. I can use my AT&T edge on the T-MOBILE network and visa-versa. I get LTE on both. But I do find it crappy that AT&T locked the boot loader, therefore preventing us from installing custom roms. As for what it takes to craft a custom Rom, I know very little about.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Oditius said:
It would seem that not sure where you get they are not alike. I can use my AT&T edge on the T-MOBILE network and visa-versa. I get LTE on both. But I do find it crappy that AT&T locked the boot loader, therefore preventing us from installing custom roms. As for what it takes to craft a custom Rom, I know very little about.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't assume that.. its a fact really... the software that AT&T implements is TOTALLY different than T-Mobile, for one T-Mobile usually never locks their bootloader. Both models are GSM so yea you can interchange providers assuming the SIM is unlocked... but that goes for ANY GSM phone... LG, HTC, they can also be used on T-Mobile if they are GSM.
AT&T has locked all their bootloaders since S3 as far as I remember.
IceTwig said:
I don't assume that.. its a fact really... the software that AT&T implements is TOTALLY different than T-Mobile, for one T-Mobile usually never locks their bootloader. Both models are GSM so yea you can interchange providers assuming the SIM is unlocked... but that goes for ANY GSM phone... LG, HTC, they can also be used on T-Mobile if they are GSM.
AT&T has locked all their bootloaders since S3 as far as I remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except for some European models won't get LTE on AT&T. I guess I should separate hardware from software. TMO hardware is what is similar to AT&T. As far as locking the bootloader, yep. But that is also different than the OS. The HTC One was finally unlocked.. I believe that someday it would be unlocked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Oditius said:
Except for some European models won't get LTE on AT&T. I guess I should separate hardware from software. TMO hardware is what is similar to AT&T. As far as locking the bootloader, yep. But that is also different than the OS. The HTC One was finally unlocked.. I believe that someday it would be unlocked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets hope so
downlgrade to Android v4 from Lollipop Note edge N915A
Anyone can show direction and files to downgrade Galaxy note edge N915A (ATT) from Android Lollipop to Kitkat ?
Thanks in advance
Root
I want to stick with an S4 for now but I'd like to run non-touchwiz roms like cyanogenmod. To get around the locked bootloader issue I'm thinking of just buying a t-mobile SGH-M919 unlocked s4 (and possibly selling my at&t s4). I would then install cyanogenmod and use it with at&t. Will I run into any problems or is this a workable approach? Anything I need to be aware of at any step of the process?
Anyone? Just hoping for a little reassurance that my understanding is right before shelling out some cash for another phone.
TheShanMan said:
Anyone? Just hoping for a little reassurance that my understanding is right before shelling out some cash for another phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should be in the Q&A section, not general.
Make sure the phone you purchase has been unlocked from T-Mobile or you won't be able to use it.
A T-Mobile device is 100% compatible with AT&T as far as which bands are supported. You shouldn't run into any issues. Just make sure you only flash firmware / bootloaders / basebands for your T-Mobile model and don't pull anything from the AT&T section.
For LTE to work you will need to call AT&T support and give them the IMEI from the phone.
I would highly recommend that you upgrade to an S5, seeing as you are replacing your phone anyway. It's not that big of a price jump.
Remember XDA has a phone buying/selling website (Swappa) and it's very good. I've purchased three phones this way.
Also, custom ROMs are not all they're cracked up to be. I ran custom ROMs for a long time, but here recently I've gone back to stock and it's just so much more stable. It's nice not having to troubleshoot issues or deal with problems all the time. Stock just works. Root it if you want, maybe install the GPE rom (yes you can still run several roms even with a locked bootloader, you just have to keep the stock kernel) and keep your S4. Switching to another S4 is a waste of money.