[Q] Buying Unlocked Galaxy S7 - General Questions and Answers

I am interested in buying an unlocked Galaxy S7 and Samsung unlocked S7 does not include the radio frequencies 4G TDD LTE: B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500). These frequencies are included in the Verizon version and the AT&T version.
Do you know what these frequencies are used for and if I should be concerned that the unlocked version does not have them?

Related

Using a Sprint TP2 on a Canadian carrier (3g)

Hi,
I would like to know if a Sprint TP2 will fully work on a Canadian carrier (like Telus or Rogers)? I know it will work, but I heard from some people it will be stuck to 2g. Is that true? Is there a way to enable 3G in Canada for the Sprint TP2?
Thanks
Sam
No. The Sprint (and Verizon) TP2 devices only have support for 2100 WCDMA in GSM mode which is what is used in Japan and Europe. Canada does not use that frequency, so you'll be limited to 2G if you're using a Sprint TP2 in Canada in GSM mode.

What are disadvantages if I buy an Unlocked Sprint S7 over an Unlocked ATT S7?

I use ATT but I still like unlocked phones.
johnnxiv said:
I use ATT but I still like unlocked phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, it would make no difference. You would only get different carrier bloatware and that's it.
I believe you might be missing a band or two for LTE. But its the bands not commonly used yet like 2600 and forget the other one but, I could be wrong
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
You lose full band compatibility and Wifi Calling/VoLTE
S7 G930A (AT&T) Bands: 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 12(700), 20(800), 29(700), 30(2300), 38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500)
S7 G930P (Sprint) Bands: 700/800/850/1700/1900/2100 (Bands 2,4,5,12,13,25,26)
The overlaps are 2, 4, 5, and 12, which could mean bad or no connection if you are AT&T. AT&T version also has more GSM bands for international use.
Only benefit of the Sprint model I can see is CDMA compatibility. I believe cost is about the same.
Personally, I would never pay full price for a Sprint S7 for the AT&T network. The international versions would have more band overlap (missing 29 and 30), Exynos chip, and no bloatware...downside is no Samsung Pay.
there is no dissadvantage. if you have unlocked sprint you can flash any carrier specific you want on ODIN. all carriers will work CDMA and GSM
if you have unlock AT&T you are limited to GSM only carrier. you cant put CDMA sim they will not work

Band 2 and international unlocked phones?

Does anyone know if there are any international unlocked phones that support LTE band 2?

just ordered G955FD and have a question

i didnt notice i had ordered the g955fd until a day after and im wondering since i live in the usa if im going to be able to use my carrier on this device. i use metropcs and live in a semi-rural area in georgia. i spend a lot of time in the city aswell. any info would be greatly appreciated.
MetroPCS is a US prepaid wireless service offered by T-Mobile US. MetroPCS uses T-Mobile US's GSM (1900MHz), a combination of UMTS/HSPA+(850MHz/1900MHz) and their 4G LTE networks.
For UMTS (3G) MetroPCS works on bands 2 and 4. UMTS B2(1900 PCS) and B4(1700/2100 AWS 1).
For LTE (4G) MetroPCS works on bands 2, 4, 12, 66 and 71. LTE B2(1900 PCS), B4(1700/2100 AWS 1), B12(700 ac), B66(1700/2100) and B71(600).
Samsung Galaxy S8+ G955FD supports all these UMTS/LTE bands except the B71(600) band. Usually GSM operators use higher frequency bands like the 2100/1900 MHz bands and rarely they use the lower frequency bands like the 700/600 MHz bands. So your G955FD will work flawlessly on 3G/4G MetroPCS network.
You can use LTE Discovery app from Google play store to check your band online while using your mobile. You get the band number on the Notification bar real time.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/mode...xy-s8-duos-td-lte-samsung-dream-2#frequencies
https://www.frequencycheck.com/carriers/metropcs-united-states
Hope that helps with the correct information you need.
Sent from my SM-G955FD using Tapatalk
tghandour said:
MetroPCS is a US prepaid wireless service offered by T-Mobile US. MetroPCS uses T-Mobile US's GSM (1900MHz), a combination of UMTS/HSPA+(850MHz/1900MHz) and their 4G LTE networks.
For UMTS (3G) MetroPCS works on bands 2 and 4. UMTS B2(1900 PCS) and B4(1700/2100 AWS 1).
For LTE (4G) MetroPCS works on bands 2, 4, 12, 66 and 71. LTE B2(1900 PCS), B4(1700/2100 AWS 1), B12(700 ac), B66(1700/2100) and B71(600).
Samsung Galaxy S8+ G955FD supports all these UMTS/LTE bands except the B71(600) band. Usually GSM operators use higher frequency bands like the 2100/1900 MHz bands and rarely they use the lower frequency bands like the 700/600 MHz bands. So your G955FD will work flawlessly on 3G/4G MetroPCS network.
You can use LTE Discovery app from Google play store to check your band online while using your mobile. You get the band number on the Notification bar real time.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/mode...xy-s8-duos-td-lte-samsung-dream-2#frequencies
https://www.frequencycheck.com/carriers/metropcs-united-states
Hope that helps with the correct information you need.
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this very detailed post! I do have one more question though. Do I need to flash any CSC? It seems like I was getting much better connection on my Nexus 6P than I am on this phone right now.
I'm running Renovate ICE 14.1 right now and I'm wondering if its possible to flash Snapdragon CSC on Exynos variants. I have tried it before on completely stock rom with no luck, but I have seen people say its okay to flash Snapdragon CSC on the Exynos variant of this device. Once again I really appreciate all this information <3

Which Int'l Model For Canada ... SM-N975F/DS or SM-N9750

Hi All,
Considering getting a Note 10+, 512 GB, 12 GB RAM in Aura Flow Colour.
I am in Canada, and I don't like the local models here. I am playing to buy international model via eBay (from a trusted seller from before when I obtained Note 8 and Note 9), pdaplaza or wondamobile
I do need Dual-SIM (for work / personal).
But recently it appears that the Snapdragon chipset: 855 in Model (SM-N9750) has been "coming on top" of the Samsung's Exynos 9825 chipset found in SM-N975F/DS, even there an article published for the S10+ comparison on XDA.
Therefore, aside from obtaining root (I really don't need it), in terms of software / security updates + patches - what's the trend like?
Only reason I am considering the SM-N9750 - because it has the Snap chip, it would have support for most if not all bands of LTE in Canada used by Rogers, Bell and Telus.
I am on Rogers by the way.
Any suggestions or comments would be nice.
Thanks!
karthigan said:
Hi All,
Considering getting a Note 10+, 512 GB, 12 GB RAM in Aura Flow Colour.
I am in Canada, and I don't like the local models here. I am playing to buy international model via eBay (from a trusted seller from before when I obtained Note 8 and Note 9), pdaplaza or wondamobile
I do need Dual-SIM (for work / personal).
But recently it appears that the Snapdragon chipset: 855 in Model (SM-N9750) has been "coming on top" of the Samsung's Exynos 9825 chipset found in SM-N975F/DS, even there an article published for the S10+ comparison on XDA.
Therefore, aside from obtaining root (I really don't need it), in terms of software / security updates + patches - what's the trend like?
Only reason I am considering the SM-N9750 - because it has the Snap chip, it would have support for most if not all bands of LTE in Canada used by Rogers, Bell and Telus.
I am on Rogers by the way.
Any suggestions or comments would be nice.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im pretty sure that the differences between the chipsets wil be too small to notice.
And which chipset will canada receive btw?
JamesYoutt said:
Im pretty sure that the differences between the chipsets wil be too small to notice.
And which chipset will canada receive btw?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Canada, for its wireless carriers is getting the Snapdragon variant. But in Canada, we do not have Dual Sim. That's why I need to go to the international versions.
karthigan said:
Canada, for its wireless carriers is getting the Snapdragon variant. But in Canada, we do not have Dual Sim. That's why I need to go to the international versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont the international versions incorporate the exynos chipset anyways?
JamesYoutt said:
Dont the international versions incorporate the exynos chipset anyways?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is where I need clarification - the true international version I believe is based on Exynos Chipset released by Samsung and not the Snapdragon.
But Samsung has been very quiet about their chipset in comparison to the Snapdragon.
For different markets, due to the LTE bandwidth channels support, Snapdragon variant is used. instead f Exynos. Not sure why Samsung just doesn't support all bandwidth channels across the entire world.
I just need to know, if this time around, if I get the Snapdragon variant with Dual Sim (SM-N9750), would the device gets software updates + security patches slower or not fast as / not much as the Exynos variant.
So, hoping someone can clear it up, if I should go with Exynos or Snapdragon Dual-Sim variant.
Thanks!
karthigan said:
This is where I need clarification - the true international version I believe is based on Exynos Chipset released by Samsung and not the Snapdragon.
But Samsung has been very quiet about their chipset in comparison to the Snapdragon.
For different markets, due to the LTE bandwidth channels support, Snapdragon variant is used. instead f Exynos. Not sure why Samsung just doesn't support all bandwidth channels across the entire world.
I just need to know, if this time around, if I get the Snapdragon variant with Dual Sim (SM-N9750), would the device gets software updates + security patches slower or not fast as / not much as the Exynos variant.
So, hoping someone can clear it up, if I should go with Exynos or Snapdragon Dual-Sim variant.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some benchmarking results available now for the Exynos chip.
JamesYoutt said:
Dont the international versions incorporate the exynos chipset anyways?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sort of.
EU, UK, asia and some middle eastern countries get exynos.
Hk, china and latin America get snapdragons but without the crappy locked bootloader than north america gets and dual sim capabilities.
Its been this way for a few years
Also keep in mind especially on rogers that any android device that isnt Rogers branded will lose some features.
Wifi calling and voLTE to name 2.
Also samsung pay will not work out of the box either at least on exynos.
Not sure which would get faster updates but ive had alot of exynos devices and they are quick to get updates
force70 said:
Sort of.
EU, UK, asia and some middle eastern countries get exynos.
Hk, china and latin America get snapdragons but without the crappy locked bootloader than north america gets and dual sim capabilities.
Its been this way for a few years
Also keep in mind especially on rogers that any android device that isnt Rogers branded will lose some features.
Wifi calling and voLTE to name 2.
Also samsung pay will not work out of the box either at least on exynos.
Not sure which would get faster updates but ive had alot of exynos devices and they are quick to get updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, is the SM-N9750, which is a snapdragon variant, comes with a unlocked bootloader?
Because the North American variant, with the same snapdragon chips, does not come with unlocked bootloader.
karthigan said:
So, is the SM-N9750, which is a snapdragon variant, comes with a unlocked bootloader?
Because the North American variant, with the same snapdragon chips, does not come with unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If past history over the last few years holds true yes that is correct.
That said it never sees the amount of development that the exynos does. I'm not even sure if the unlocked snapdragon S10 plus ever even got twrp on it.
force70 said:
If past history over the last few years holds true yes that is correct.
That said it never sees the amount of development that the exynos does. I'm not even sure if the unlocked snapdragon S10 plus ever even got twrp on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks force70
However, with your honest opinion and technical expertise (ignoring root & TWRP aside), for someone like me, who needs dual SIM as well as support for many of the LTE bands as possible (as I primary based in North America 90% time of the year), the SM-N9750 is better then then SM-N975F/DS?
Also, I was made aware, that if I wanted to trade-in the Note 10+ in the future, thru offical channels (Samsung, carriers in Canada), they do not accept rooted phones, I would have to explorer the other private sale venues. I doubt most people will buy a rooted phones, as their primary banking apps might fail to work with rooting. I know there are ways around it, but it might be difficult explaining to someone who is not aware of rooting terminology and benefits.
Also, I reviewed some articles about the Exynos variant under-performing compared to the Snap Dragon variant? Therefore, the SM-N9750 is better then then SM-N975F/DS...
What do you think?
karthigan said:
Thanks force70
However, with your honest opinion and technical expertise (ignoring root & TWRP aside), for someone like me, who needs dual SIM as well as support for many of the LTE bands as possible (as I primary based in North America 90% time of the year), the SM-N9750 is better then then SM-N975F/DS?
Also, I was made aware, that if I wanted to trade-in the Note 10+ in the future, thru offical channels (Samsung, carriers in Canada), they do not accept rooted phones, I would have to explorer the other private sale venues. I doubt most people will buy a rooted phones, as their primary banking apps might fail to work with rooting. I know there are ways around it, but it might be difficult explaining to someone who is not aware of rooting terminology and benefits.
Also, I reviewed some articles about the Exynos variant under-performing compared to the Snap Dragon variant? Therefore, the SM-N9750 is better then then SM-N975F/DS...
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cant trade in a non north american device at all so exynos or a non north American snap wont matter in this regard.
You are 100% correct about the exynos underperforming as compared to the snap as well as getting worse battery life. So in this area the snap is definitely superior 100%
Will it possible to flash SM-N9750 with SM-N975U firmware? I'm planing to do the same and get one from Hong Kong.
majd00shka said:
Will it possible to flash SM-N9750 with SM-N975U firmware? I'm planing to do the same and get one from Hong Kong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but mentalmuso has a custom ROM with u(carrier) features.
Hi @karthigan I'm wondering if you found an answer to your question? I'm also in Canada on a Note8 DUOS - Bell and T-Mobile. I found specs on Frequency Check for the SM-N975F/DS that indicate this phone will work on both carriers, but they don't have specs for the SM-99750/DS model - which has different bands - and I am also wondering about the Exynos vs. Snapdragon.
Did you, or anyone else have any definitive comparison/answer on this?
LostinCanada said:
Hi @karthigan I'm wondering if you found an answer to your question? I'm also in Canada on a Note8 DUOS - Bell and T-Mobile. I found specs on Frequency Check for the SM-N975F/DS that indicate this phone will work on both carriers, but they don't have specs for the SM-99750/DS model - which has different bands - and I am also wondering about the Exynos vs. Snapdragon.
Did you, or anyone else have any definitive comparison/answer on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I ended up getting SM-N9750 model.
My personal SIM is with Rogers and my business SIM is with Bell.
I have VOLTE & Wi-Fi calling working with Bell, however, it does not work with Rogers, as Rogers does not activate VOLTE or Wi-Fi Calling on external purchased (non-Rogers) phones.
So far, the signal strength always displays 4G+ for both of my SIMs - which I am presuming it is the same as LTE or LTE+ (otherwise known as LTE-A)
If you are talking about bands, here it is for the SM-N9750:
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands LTE B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B18(800), B19(800), B20(800), B25(1900), B26(850), B28(700)
TDD B34(2010), B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500)
For me, Rogers: which uses GSM and UMTS on 850 MHz (Band 5) and 1900 MHz (Band 2), and LTE on 700 MHz (Band 12/17), 1900 MHz (Band 2), 2600 MHz (Band 7), and 1700/2100 MHz AWS (Band 4)
&
Bell needs: B2 (1900), B5 (850), B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1), B7 (2600)
Therefore, with the exception of Band 17 for Rogers, which is not supported by SM-N9750.
I am getting between 75 Mbps - 150 Mbps , which varies from location to location, building to building, basement to basement (which is worse, which is expected), etc.
I am happy with it overall.
Hi @karthigan - thank you for your prompt reply, and feedback! Are those specs off the box (or other official source)? I even tried that model without the /DS at the end and it's not listed on https://www.frequencycheck.com/ but maybe they will add it. I'm going to email them. The 975 F/DS model does pop up and give 100% T-Mobile compatibility but Bell shows 80% for the LTE - screenshots attached. I'm still interesting in comparing.
Do you have a link to the article you referred to in your OP re comparing these two models on XDA? I'd be interested to read that thread.
Thanks!
Also was the 9750 DUOS available in several colours? And did you buy it off Ebay? I almost bought my last Note 8 DUOS off of Ebay from a "trusted seller" but found they were selling the Hong Kong Snapadragon version, not the Exynos version. Thankfully I was able to call them out on it and get a refund before the phone shipped.
Finally, was there any issue with region locking on that phone you bought? Did you buy it from a seller that opened it before shipping or did it simply just not have this problem?
LOL I think that's it for now...
@karthigan, thank you so much for your report. You said you got between 75 Mbps - 150 Mbps. Is it with Bell or with Rogers? If it was with Rogers, what was the number for using Bell? I just notice that SM-N9750 doesn't support band B29 unlike the Canadian version. I am wondering how much of that will affect LTE-A carrier aggregration (CA) when using Bell. Can someone comment on this? Thanks!
karthigan said:
Hi,
I ended up getting SM-N9750 model.
My personal SIM is with Rogers and my business SIM is with Bell.
I have VOLTE & Wi-Fi calling working with Bell, however, it does not work with Rogers, as Rogers does not activate VOLTE or Wi-Fi Calling on external purchased (non-Rogers) phones.
So far, the signal strength always displays 4G+ for both of my SIMs - which I am presuming it is the same as LTE or LTE+ (otherwise known as LTE-A)
If you are talking about bands, here it is for the SM-N9750:
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands LTE B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B18(800), B19(800), B20(800), B25(1900), B26(850), B28(700)
TDD B34(2010), B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500)
For me, Rogers: which uses GSM and UMTS on 850 MHz (Band 5) and 1900 MHz (Band 2), and LTE on 700 MHz (Band 12/17), 1900 MHz (Band 2), 2600 MHz (Band 7), and 1700/2100 MHz AWS (Band 4)
&
Bell needs: B2 (1900), B5 (850), B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1), B7 (2600)
Therefore, with the exception of Band 17 for Rogers, which is not supported by SM-N9750.
I am getting between 75 Mbps - 150 Mbps , which varies from location to location, building to building, basement to basement (which is worse, which is expected), etc.
I am happy with it overall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that the version you have bought is not compatible with Freedom mobile. You can text and use data but cannot make and receive calls. I just bought this model.
Hi everyone, thank you for this thread, has been very informative. I always use the dual sim versions of samsung and the time arrived to exchange my note 8 SM-N950F. I am in Canada and the website will my phone work displays for both models that 2G will not work, in your opinion can this be a problem?
Thanks in advance
karthigan said:
Hi,
I ended up getting SM-N9750 model.
My personal SIM is with Rogers and my business SIM is with Bell.
I have VOLTE & Wi-Fi calling working with Bell, however, it does not work with Rogers, as Rogers does not activate VOLTE or Wi-Fi Calling on external purchased (non-Rogers) phones.
So far, the signal strength always displays 4G+ for both of my SIMs - which I am presuming it is the same as LTE or LTE+ (otherwise known as LTE-A)
If you are talking about bands, here it is for the SM-N9750:
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands LTE B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B18(800), B19(800), B20(800), B25(1900), B26(850), B28(700)
TDD B34(2010), B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500)
For me, Rogers: which uses GSM and UMTS on 850 MHz (Band 5) and 1900 MHz (Band 2), and LTE on 700 MHz (Band 12/17), 1900 MHz (Band 2), 2600 MHz (Band 7), and 1700/2100 MHz AWS (Band 4)
&
Bell needs: B2 (1900), B5 (850), B4 (1700/2100 AWS 1), B7 (2600)
Therefore, with the exception of Band 17 for Rogers, which is not supported by SM-N9750.
I am getting between 75 Mbps - 150 Mbps , which varies from location to location, building to building, basement to basement (which is worse, which is expected), etc.
I am happy with it overall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi even im planning to get the SM-N9750/DS which is the snapdragon dual sim Note 10. It is the model from Taiwan I believe. Can you confirm if Samsung Pay is working on your phone? Because that's all I care about. I don't want to root my phone. Just want a dual sim snapdragon. This is my best option. But Samsung Pay is important to me.

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