the at&t version or the verizon verizon? i see options to get both so which is better bet?
they are both easy to root (on android 4.4, android 5.1 is only recently rootable but its hit or miss) but both have locked bootloaders so that's as far as you can go at this point.
they are pretty hard to find now but if you want LTE and an unlockable bootloader you want the P905 model.
otherwise if you can do without the LTE the wifi models are unlockable as well.
Also if you do get one of the carrier versions make sure its SIM unlocked unless you use AT&T service.
the Verizon model is innately unlocked but I believe the AT&T model is locked to AT&T by default.
for reference:
Bootloader Unlockable and rootable:
SM-P900 - Wifi (Exynos Processor)
SM-P901 - 3g and wifi (Exynos Processor)
SMP905 - LTE and wifi (Snapdragon Processor)
Rootable but not bootloader unlockable yet:
SM-P905V - Verizon LTE and Wifi (Snapdragon Processor, locked bootloader)
SM-P907A - AT&T LTE and Wifi (Snapdragon Processor, Locked bootloader, locked SIM by default.)
The two processors are pretty close, the Snapdragon has a better GPU, the Exynos does a bit better multi threading.
the big gain everyone hoped for with the snapdragon was quick charge but I have a snapdragon version (P905V) and havent had any luck getting quick chargers to recognize it as a quick charge device for what its worth.
Lastly, I'm not sure if its a big deal to anyone but note the P905V does not get SMS messages when using a GSM provider (If you use Verizon it should be fine)
I don't have the P907A but since it is GSM I don't think it would have an issue.
thanks for reply can they be odin-ed back down to 4.4.3 or 4.4.4 so that can be rooted or no? also i just want to use it either offline or wifi i should be able to do that right?
ok got its on 4.4.2 should i kingroot it or what? and how do i keep it if i take update?
ok i towel rooted it and updated super su how do i keep root if i update?
Related
So, if we aren't able to get root for US variants, what would be the downfall of getting an unlocked (and root) Canadian variant and using it in the US?
How do you know the Canadian version is unlocked
duvalbmarley said:
How do you know the Canadian version is unlocked
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Because I Google it. Seriously. All versions are unlocked except US variants.
Sent from my SM-G930T using XDA Free mobile app
Interesting. And a Canadian gsm device could potentially be made to work on tmo. Might take some creativity and a mixture of hybrid software and patches but it sounds feasible; I'm so glad I waited to get one! Makes me wonder if the bootloader being locked is what's taking so long to bring us variants up to 6.0.1, could they be looking to release mm by ota and locking our bl's in the process?
Edit: cuz i sure don't want to end up updating to mm only to find my T variant now has a locked MM BL!
Rx8Driver said:
Interesting. And a Canadian gsm device could potentially be made to work on tmo. Might take some creativity and a mixture of hybrid software and patches but it sounds feasible; I'm so glad I waited to get one! Makes me wonder if the bootloader being locked is what's taking so long to bring us variants up to 6.0.1, could they be looking to release mm by ota and locking our bl's in the process?
Edit: cuz i sure don't want to end up updating to mm only to find my T variant now has a locked MM BL!
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Click to collapse
I mean, the Tmo Canadian variant has 4GLTE. WOuldn't even need to be unlocked, simply get your hands on a Canadian variant.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-...l-twrp-hero2lte-3-0-0-0-t3334084/post65844493
The Canadian one is Exynos but it's the international version. Someone would have to check if that version even supported US bands.
Does wifi calling and VoLTE work on TMOBILE with the Canadian version could someone confirm
duvalbmarley said:
Does wifi calling and VoLTE work on TMOBILE with the Canadian version could someone confirm
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Click to collapse
It does not.
If volte and WiFi calling are important stick with the T model
The specs show that the Canadian model supports all the T-Mobile and AT&T LTE: Bands (2/4/5/12/13/17/25/30/41) as well as the 4g HSPA frequencies (850/900/1700/1900/2100)
If you live near Vancouver, Edmonton of Toronto, you can get an unbranded one from a Samsung Experience store and it comes with factory unlock codes
Of course no T-Mobile VOLTE or wifi calling. But everything else, including fully rootable
Sent from my SM-T710 using XDA Free mobile app
The whole reason we want the T-Mobile one unlocked is because AOSP does not support Exynos. There is much more potential for ROM development on the SD820 than on the Exynos. At this point though the Exynos does seem better than the locked Snapdragon. It is also possible that the Chinese version might be the best of both worlds (Unlocked BL+SD820) but I have not heard much on if it supports the important 4G bands for ATT/T-Mobile.
risestar2 said:
The specs show that the Canadian model supports all the T-Mobile and AT&T LTE: Bands (2/4/5/12/13/17/25/30/41) as well as the 4g HSPA frequencies (850/900/1700/1900/2100)
If you live near Vancouver, Edmonton of Toronto, you can get an unbranded one from a Samsung Experience store and it comes with factory unlock codes
Of course no T-Mobile VOLTE or wifi calling. But everything else, including fully rootable
Sent from my SM-T710 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
I think in gonna take a look at that now. I personally don't use wifi calling at all, alright i have to admit volte would be a loss for me, well with the loss of the ims service for advanced messaging and i believe native video calling, but an unlocked bootloader and faster exynos (i haven't flashed an aosp rom in forever) chip is almost a flat trade in my book. I might consider it if development for the s7 exynos starts looking promising. I wouldn't be against a fly unlocked exynos s7 edge, that'd be pretty sweet if there were a few roms and some kernel love from a couple devs, but that requires source code so.........time will tell i guess.
dgriffin2013 said:
The whole reason we want the T-Mobile one unlocked is because AOSP does not support Exynos. There is much more potential for ROM development on the SD820 than on the Exynos. At this point though the Exynos does seem better than the locked Snapdragon. It is also possible that the Chinese version might be the best of both worlds (Unlocked BL+SD820) but I have not heard much on if it supports the important 4G bands for ATT/T-Mobile.
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I am thinking about buying an unlocked G930F due to it being the only GSM model with an unlocked bootloader compared to the G930T. I was wondering if anybody had experience using the G930F on T-Mobile (or possibly ATT). I currently use Straight Talk on T-mobile's towers (previously used ATT and could switch back to their towers in the future). My concerns include:
1. Are you able to connect to all T-mobile bands (including band 12)?
2. Are you getting VoLTE?
3. Are you able to perform wifi-calling and/or wifi-texting?
4. Did you need to flash any international T-mobile firmware (made for the G930F Exynos model as opposed to the G930T Qualcomm model) in order gain access to VoLTE and/or wifi calling?
5. Did you have any problems with buying a "region locked" device where you couldn't immediately activate it on t-mobile?
6. Would you still recommend going with the G930F as opposed to an unlocked G930T?
I am still rocking my Galaxy S5 G900T running CM, but what I'm gathering is that the newer TW ROM is not as clunky as prior iterations. Some of your posts are really winning me over on the camera quality and battery life.
Cheers!
Hi everyone, I heard a rumor that the Galaxy S7 has identical internal hardware across all carrier models in the US, and that the antenna bands are simply switched on and off in the firmware. Thus, if I were to buy the AT&T Galaxy S7 (930A), could I flash the firmware to T-Mobile (930T) and have full 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE support with all of the necessary carrier bands? Or would I still be missing a few?
I'm assuming that I would be flashing the firmware from Samobile with Odin and that I need to carrier unlock the phone and the bootloader first.
For those wondering why I want to do this, there's a huge sale on the AT&T model on Samsung's store.
shanez1215 said:
Hi everyone, I heard a rumor that the Galaxy S7 has identical internal hardware across all carrier models in the US, and that the antenna bands are simply switched on and off in the firmware. Thus, if I were to buy the AT&T Galaxy S7 (930A), could I flash the firmware to T-Mobile (930T) and have full 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE support with all of the necessary carrier bands? Or would I still be missing a few?
I'm assuming that I would be flashing the firmware from Samobile with Odin and that I need to carrier unlock the phone and the bootloader first.
For those wondering why I want to do this, there's a huge sale on the AT&T model on Samsung's store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the only difference in terms of hardware is the processor. The international version seems to be better on battery too.
The big difference overall is that you probably can't root the US version since the bootloader is blocked.
Check these links out for the processor/battery comparison:
http://beebom.com/snapdragon-820-vs-exynos-8890/
charliebigpot said:
I think the only difference in terms of hardware is the processor. The international version seems to be better on battery too.
The big difference overall is that you probably can't root the US version since the bootloader is blocked.
<Can't include link in quote due to XDA's spam thing>]
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I meant between the versions in the US (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, etc.). If there's no differences, then all I have to do is change the software.
I didn't know that the US S7 can't be rooted. Can you unlock the bootloader?
shanez1215 said:
I meant between the versions in the US (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, etc.). If there's no differences, then all I have to do is change the software.
I didn't know that the US S7 can't be rooted. Can you unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a us Cellular s7 edge, currently running the 935u firmware. The s7 carrier models in the united States are basically all the same. There is a root available just check out the other carriers forums. The bootloader cannot be unlocked at the moment.
thescorpion420 said:
I have a us Cellular s7 edge, currently running the 935u firmware. The s7 carrier models in the united States are basically all the same. There is a root available just check out the other carriers forums. The bootloader cannot be unlocked at the moment.
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Click to collapse
That's interesting (and kind of scummy for samsung to do especially since they have carrier exclusive sales).
Is the hardware the same for the s6 too?
I am thinking of getting an unlocked S7. It seems to me G930W8 has the necessary LTE bands for Verizon and T-mobile, which are the carriers used in our family. Does anyone have any experience with either US carrier? Is there any issue? I am picking this model mainly because it's not bootloader locked like the Snapdragon models (US models), so in the future I can load any custom ROM.
cant0nese said:
I am thinking of getting an unlocked S7. It seems to me G930W8 has the necessary LTE bands for Verizon and T-mobile, which are the carriers used in our family. Does anyone have any experience with either US carrier? Is there any issue? I am picking this model mainly because it's not bootloader locked like the Snapdragon models (US models), so in the future I can load any custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever get this phone and find out if it works on Verizon? I have rooted my G935W8, but my friend's G930W8 is unlocked and unrooted. I am trying to find out if she can use it on Verizon. The Verizon reps where she is says it will not work. She has just moved there, and needs a working phone. She was using it on T-Mobile, but that doesn't give her any service in the part of Utah she is now in. If she were somewhere she knew people, I would have her ask someone if she could test their sim in her phone, but she doesn't know anyone there yet.
So I bought a T-Mobile unlocked Galaxy S7 (SM-G930T) after reading that there was no difference between unlocked phones except for bloatware. It seems now like that was not entirely correct. My H2o Wireless sim uses the AT&T network, but in my new phone it gets little or no reception almost everywhere I go. It works great in the unlocked Nexus 5 that I'm trying to replace. I have found some scary instructions on these forums and elsewhere that would enable more frequency bands or convert my phone to a SM-G930U. Is that the right way to go, or is there a simpler way to get my old sim card working?
The different variants of the S7 come with carrier specific firmware, so the T-Mobile firmware may not use the modem in the same way as AT&T expects.
Flashing the G930U firmware is probably a good idea, and it's not too difficult http://updato.com/how-to/how-to-install-an-official-samsung-stock-firmware-using-odin
I was also under the impression the G930T was SIM locked by default, unless you got them to unlock it.
Beanvee7 said:
I was also under the impression the G930T was SIM locked by default, unless you got them to unlock it.
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This G930T was labeled "T-Mobile unlocked" on Ebay. I doubt that it got any special treatment. My H2o sim card works, just not very well.
Digging a little deeper, the app Network Cell Info Light tells me I'm using bands 2, 4, and 12. It also tells me I'm using band 5 if I run a USSD code. Bands 2, 4, and 12 are used by both T-Mobile and AT&T, so those make sense. Band 5 is used by AT&T but not T-Mobile, so I don't know why they have that one enabled (or maybe the list of bands I found is wrong). Unfortunately, the same app doesn't display which bands are in use by my Nexus 5 so I can't compare. If I could use AT&T's other bands (17 and 30) maybe things would work better.
Flashing the G930U firmware or even the G930A firmware (although I think the G930A is now the G930U) could change the bands. All of the USA models use the same modem, so if some bands are enabled on one and not the other, it would entirely be firmware.
Beanvee7 said:
Flashing the G930U firmware or even the G930A firmware (although I think the G930A is now the G930U) could change the bands. All of the USA models use the same modem, so if some bands are enabled on one and not the other, it would entirely be firmware.
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Click to collapse
Thank you. I'll probably follow your firmware how-to once I can find a chunk of time to work on it. Why do you suppose the G930A and G930U are the same while the G930T is different? Maybe I bought the wrong one. I went with the G930T because I read a few places that it had the least bloatware.
From memory AT&T used to have their own specific branded model like T-mobile, but they eventually discontinued the G930A and just started offering the unbranded version.
Then I believe from that point onwards G930A's just got the G930U firmware updates. So they were once different but aren't any more.
G930U would have the least bloatware because it's the non carrier unbranded version of the phone, most people will flash it over their own phone to remove bloat. G930T may be the least bloated of carrier branded phones, but G930U is least bloated overall.
From a technical level the phones are all identical, it's just how the carrier has customised their firmware. You having the G930T isn't really a problem because you can just flash any other USA model firmware and get the same experience as if you bought it from them branded as theirs.
I flashed a SM-G930U firmware (SM-G930U_2_20181023083753_yako40hi3m_fac.zip) using Odin3 v3.13. That got rid of the T-Mobile bloatware, which is nice, but I still have the same signal problems I had before. Any other ideas? I wonder if this model has an antenna or some other piece of hardware that limits the frequency bands. I very briefly saw Network Cell Info Lite pick up a signal on Band 30, which I had never seen before. Maybe I'll see more of that if I get a chance to take the phone farther from home.