I live in Australia and I know there's carrier firmware for Optus, Telstra, Vodaphone, and just XSA for Australia I would like to know if Optus, Telstra, Vodaphone specifically tune there modem files they provide in there firmware, so using Optus firmware with Optus sim card provides a better reception, battery life network speeds, then say using XSA with a modem that's for all Australia and no specific network intended.
I've also read someone suggesting sometimes carriers don't update there modem files they just stick with one that they found to work throughout a phones lifetime, uncertain how true untrue this statement was.
Thanks.
I'm on Optus and not noticed any difference between XSA, Optus, and the generic BTU carrier firmware in either speed or reception, or any other phone functionality.
However the carrier firmware is what enables things like VoLTE which I've never used, so I can't comment if different carrier firmwares break or fix VoLTE.
Beanvee7 said:
I'm on Optus and not noticed any difference between XSA, Optus, and the generic BTU carrier firmware in either speed or reception, or any other phone functionality.
However the carrier firmware is what enables things like VoLTE which I've never used, so I can't comment if different carrier firmwares break or fix VoLTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah well besides bloat apps which they don't even have much of these days, seems the VoLTE and there timing of there security updates separate them. Yes XSA would remove VoLTE, no clue if Vodaphone VoLTE would work on Optus VoLTE enabled firmware, guessing no. There are ways to make VoLTE work on XSA complicated.
Maybe you just haven't noticed a difference i have tried looking for these types of answers in the past never found much tho.
I use my phone a lot at work so I definitely know battery life didn't change between firmwares. If there was a difference in speed it wasn't detectable, and phones almost always showing as 4G.
You could always just flash the home_csc for each one and test it for a few days each.
Beanvee7 said:
I use my phone a lot at work so I definitely know battery life didn't change between firmwares. If there was a difference in speed it wasn't detectable, and phones almost always showing as 4G.
You could always just flash the home_csc for each one and test it for a few days each.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah my understanding, when testing different modem files it's never as simple as what works for one person been the same for someone else. It would change from suburb to suburb area network provider ect i'm still not 100% sure the best or most reliable way to measure which ones are better worse then others, like improved battery life or worse, improved reception or worse, improved 4G data speeds or worse, i believe these are the only benefits to changing it, i'm unsure if it effects bluetooth wireless gps or anything else.
I did post elsewhere and someone is suggesting that the Telsta, Vodaphone, Optus do fine tune there stuff individually, tho your points valid and kinda is what i was planning after getting answers.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ge...-baseband-carrier-tuned-t3895739#post78815632
Related
After much reading, and stumbling over the same posts repeatedly, I must ask for help.
Heres the phone:
Gt-i9100
2.3.6
i9100NEKF2
2.6.35.7-i9100XWKK5-CL754841 [email protected] #2
Checkrom RevoHD V4
CriskeloROM Gingerbreak v32
Currently have a Optus sim loaded into it, staying in Melbourne Australia.
Optus seems to be lousy, I've talked to several people who seem to agree. Since public perception is far from accurate, I cant really blame optus entirely. I havent tried any other SIM cards yet since I need the optus number at the moment.
I've tried quite a few ROMS and quite a few different Kernels, not being able to tell much of a difference in signal strength. The phone will have the 3g icon lit up, but refuse to do almost any activity. Then five minutes later in the same location it is working perfectly, with a ping of 147ms and download rate of 327.7kB/s (using Speedtest.net)
Since I am using KitchenPro I am able to change the modem easily, some dont work, others do. How do I narrow down which ones are best for the phone? The answer of "use it for a little while and you'll know" cant be the best answer. Is the carrier-shipped modem the best that is available? I've read the modem ref guide and it doesnt offer anything other than a list of letters and numbers. Some people have reported things working well with telstra on particular modems, but nothing on Optus.
1) Is a baseband or modem something that will either work, or not work? Or there a signal difference from one to the next.
2) I almost always have 3+ bars of connectivity for the cell service, it works fine, all the time, even with the modems that did not allow data connectivity the phone always seems to work. Does a modem package effect both cell service and data?
3) What would be the most effective method of testing a new modem?
4) Is there a guide somewhere that lists the guts behind the modem packages, ie frequency ranges, so that I can look up the carrier, and match it manually with a modem?
Please Help! With spotty services available, and no means of telling if my problems are carrier related or phone software issues, I find this quite frustrating.
Thanks for reading
Hi, I recently bought a used i9103 on eBay that was imported from an overseas country (Still not sure which country), seeing as it was never sold in the US. After using it a few weeks, I notice that the signal jumps radically, even when the phone is stationary.
So my question is, which baseband/modem/radio would be best? (Specifically for T-Mobile USA)
As a note, I am in a major metro zone and other phones in this same area get a strong and consistent signal.
The baseband is currently XXLQ3.
Thanks.
You can try DDLP3 baseband from Indian ICS XWLP8 rom. That's the latest and that's why it should be the best one.
I flashed the modem alone from XWLP8. I'll report back in a few days if there's any difference. I guess I should also ask if there's any difference in hardware in the models shipped to different regions? Or is there only one model, just with different software?
There is only one model as far as we know, at least there weren't any others reported.
Just an update, flashing the Indian radio didn't seem to help at all. Signal still jumps up and down wildly. Turning on Data Roaming did not help either.
Hi there.
I have just got a used-N5 on the Internet. It is a D821 (for Indonesia market I think).
Everything is fine except the LTE connection. (2G and 3G connection is normal)
The LTE problem is:
The searching speed is slow.
Even if LTE is connected, the response time and connection speed is extremely slow.
I have taken out my SIM card, and insert it into another N5 (D821) right next to this phone.
The speed is 10 times faster.
I am using CSL in Hong Kong, which the LTE is band 3 and 7 (1800 / 2600).
Baseband is updated to the latest version.
APN setting is correct.
No matter which ROM and kernel I use, the LTE problem exists.
Anyone have idea how to fix it?
Thank you very much!
y2kbugleung said:
Hi there.
I have just got a used-N5 on the Internet. It is a D821 (for Indonesia market I think).
Everything is fine except the LTE connection. (2G and 3G connection is normal)
The LTE problem is:
The searching speed is slow.
Even if LTE is connected, the response time and connection speed is extremely slow.
I have taken out my SIM card, and insert it into another N5 (D821) right next to this phone.
The speed is 10 times faster.
I am using CSL in Hong Kong, which the LTE is band 3 and 7 (1800 / 2600).
Baseband is updated to the latest version.
APN setting is correct.
No matter which ROM and kernel I use, the LTE problem exists.
Anyone have idea how to fix it?
Thank you very much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Questions belong in Q&A.
Every D821 is the same, every D820 is the same. There are no specific regional versions for a D821.
The ROM and kernel have nothing to do with your network connectivity.
Try flashing a different radio version.
Lethargy said:
Questions belong in Q&A.
Every D821 is the same, every D820 is the same. There are no specific regional versions for a D821.
The ROM and kernel have nothing to do with your network connectivity.
Try flashing a different radio version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me, do you mean try flashing a different baseband version?
I have tried the one comes with Kitkat (4.4.4) but no luck.
I know every D821 should be the same, but I just wonder why under same configuration (ROM, kernel, baseband), but the result is different.
I suspect if my D821 is a remarked D820.
Thanks.
y2kbugleung said:
Excuse me, do you mean try flashing a different baseband version?
I have tried the one comes with Kitkat (4.4.4) but no luck.
I know every D821 should be the same, but I just wonder why under same configuration (ROM, kernel, baseband), but the result is different.
I suspect if my D821 is a remarked D820.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, radio and baseband are the very same.
With the exact same software, the result can be different because not every device is made the same; the perfect Nexus 5 does not exist.
The only difference between a D821 and a D820 are the LTE bands it can access, everything else including the 2G/3G bands are the same. If it was actually a D820, you'd probably get no LTE at all, unless your carrier supports one of the bands a D820 can access; it would not mean you get "slower" or "worse" LTE performance - you'd either get it or you wouldn't.
It might just be a hardware issue if you think it's slow.
Lethargy said:
Yeah, radio and baseband are the very same.
With the exact same software, the result can be different because not every device is made the same; the perfect Nexus 5 does not exist.
The only difference between a D821 and a D820 are the LTE bands it can access, everything else including the 2G/3G bands are the same. If it was actually a D820, you'd probably get no LTE at all, unless your carrier supports one of the bands a D820 can access; it would not mean you get "slower" or "worse" LTE performance - you'd either get it or you wouldn't.
It might just be a hardware issue if you think it's slow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it is a hardware issue as well
If someone on xda give me a hope then I don't need to bargain with the shop
Thanks :good:
Hi all.
Last night I have brought it to the shop and tested there.
The LTE speed is very normal... I cannot trigger the problem by any means...
I suppose it to be the signal reception issue.
I left the shop and found the speed might be somehow dropped, but it could be still considered as normal.
I went home, re-flash another ROM and prepare for normal use.
However, the LTE becomes abnormal again...
I have found an interesting thing.
I have flashed stock ROM and OEM LOCK before bringing back to the shop, and it is normal speed.
I went home, OEM UNLOCK and flashed a custom ROM, it is abnormal.
Now, I have just re-flash the STOCK, and the LTE is not so normal.
But after OEM LOCK, it seems to be fine.
I believe there is no relation, but is it possible the OEM LOCK to do with the LTE issue?
Thanks. :crying:
y2kbugleung said:
Hi all.
Last night I have brought it to the shop and tested there.
The LTE speed is very normal... I cannot trigger the problem by any means...
I suppose it to be the signal reception issue.
I left the shop and found the speed might be somehow dropped, but it could be still considered as normal.
I went home, re-flash another ROM and prepare for normal use.
However, the LTE becomes abnormal again...
I have found an interesting thing.
I have flashed stock ROM and OEM LOCK before bringing back to the shop, and it is normal speed.
I went home, OEM UNLOCK and flashed a custom ROM, it is abnormal.
Now, I have just re-flash the STOCK, and the LTE is not so normal.
But after OEM LOCK, it seems to be fine.
I believe there is no relation, but is it possible the OEM LOCK to do with the LTE issue?
Thanks. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader lock/unlock state has absolutely nothing to do with your issue.
The ONLY difference between having it locked/unlocked is so you can flash images. It does NOT affect anything else.
I am a web programmer. I always suspect something strange when something cannot be explained (bugs in coding, I mean)
I have tested several times today. Locked bootloader still gives a poor LTE result.
I really have no idea why there is LTE problem...
y2kbugleung said:
I am a web programmer. I always suspect something strange when something cannot be explained (bugs in coding, I mean)
I have tested several times today. Locked bootloader still gives a poor LTE result.
I really have no idea why there is LTE problem...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, bootloader state affects nothing but the ability to flash images.
Yes I understand.
Just trying everything to find out a reason...
Sorry, I'm not too much in the know, but I heard there is some sort of new update coming in the near future that will improve various aspects of the S7 like better in building reception etc.
So what do I need to be on the look out for? This deal from Target is pretty fair on top of my 5% Red Card bonus. Would this phone work with whatever update Tmo pushes out to receive the full benefits vs a tmobile puchased S7?
http://www.target.com/p/unlocked-samsung-galaxy-s7-edge-g930f-32gb-gsm-black/-/A-51032209
bump
Nope, your link is for the international version, which won't get VoLTE, wifi calling, or updates. You want either the 930T or 930u. Anything else won't work properly.
Edit for clarification - The upcoming changes for the S7 are for more advanced LTE functionality. The extended range/building penetration are already in place, it's Band 12 LTE. The international version you linked will receive data on this band, but you CANNOT call/sms on it, as it's a data only band. The only calling/SMS that can be done on it would be on VoLTE, which you will not have.
So yeah, you'd be getting a crippled phone with none of the advantages you want.
In the last week, the rom maker below got a Note 7 port working on a 930f with T-mobile VOLTE + wifi calling + video calling. Assuming you root and want custom roms, there is an viable option in the international model.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/development/rom-n7-rom-port-romcontrol-t3430358
That being said for the OP:
Why target, swappa is $200 less on either model.
The international model has no US warranty.
The international model is faster with a better battery life but is slighltly weaker playing games: having both for now, completely stock, the 930f is slightly faster feeling. On the other hand, it is like night and day to compare a custom/tweaked rom/kernel of a 930F to a engineering bootloader based 930t's stock rooted rom (the custom roms seem to remove video calls)
The US model (if root matters) has a root solution that can be negated in future builds.
The international model's root trips knox, unlike the US version, reducing the resale value.
entropism said:
Nope, your link is for the international version, which won't get VoLTE, wifi calling, or updates. You want either the 930T or 930u. Anything else won't work properly.
Edit for clarification - The upcoming changes for the S7 are for more advanced LTE functionality. The extended range/building penetration are already in place, it's Band 12 LTE. The international version you linked will receive data on this band, but you CANNOT call/sms on it, as it's a data only band. The only calling/SMS that can be done on it would be on VoLTE, which you will not have.
So yeah, you'd be getting a crippled phone with none of the advantages you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the title says I'm on the latest Panama CSC firmware but I've seen many references to the BTU firmware, which should be this one here at SamMobile? I just traded my Nexus 6P for this phone, I don't want/need to root don't want to flash a custom ROM I just want to make sure that I have the best/most correct stock ROM for me in the US on AT&T. I've noticed that my Tab S2 is running a BTU ROM, granted it's a WiFi only tablet but I know it works here for me, which makes me question if I shouldn't switch from the Panamanian ROM.
Questions:
What advantage does switching to the BTU firmware give me?
Will the BTU ROM get me Nougat sooner than others?
Will OTAs still happen (will they happen on the Panama version for that matter?)
Is it as simple grabbing the firmware from SamMobile and flashing it to the phone using Odin?
Or -- should I just stick with the ROM I have now?
I just got this device to use in the US as well, only with T-Mobile. When I got it, it was running the Italian firmware which worked fine except no Samsung Pay. So, I dug around and found a thread here on XDA on how to get Samsung Pay working on this model. That lead me to flash the Australian firmware (XSA) in order for working Samsung Pay (which it is working beautifully now!). That was my only reasoning for flashing a new firmware ... However, I am seeing certain firmwares have historically had faster updates. (From what I have seen around, people mentioned BTU & XSA have seen faster updates - nothing concrete on this, just something I remembered seeing in a post or two ... I assume (and hope) OTAs will happen as normal)
If you want to flash a new firmware, yes, it's as simple as downloading it and flashing with Odin. It will wipe internal storage, so be sure to backup accordingly.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
I've also seen references to the XSA firmware as well. I think that Samsung Pay is now working on BTU as well. SPay is working, upto the point of actually buying something, on my phone right now with the Panamanian Firmware so I'm assuming that SPay is working most everywhere now. If I do flash I'll go BTU simply because it's an English language native version, yeah I realize it shouldn't matter but I feel better. Also my Samsung Tablet is on a BTU firmware and it gets OTAs so I know that should also work.
Thanks for confirming.
YankInDaSouth said:
I just got this device to use in the US as well, only with T-Mobile. When I got it, it was running the Italian firmware which worked fine except no Samsung Pay. So, I dug around and found a thread here on XDA on how to get Samsung Pay working on this model. That lead me to flash the Australian firmware (XSA) in order for working Samsung Pay (which it is working beautifully now!). That was my only reasoning for flashing a new firmware ... However, I am seeing certain firmwares have historically had faster updates. (From what I have seen around, people mentioned BTU & XSA have seen faster updates - nothing concrete on this, just something I remembered seeing in a post or two ... I assume (and hope) OTAs will happen as normal)
If you want to flash a new firmware, yes, it's as simple as downloading it and flashing with Odin. It will wipe internal storage, so be sure to backup accordingly.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay.. so there's a short answer and a long answer.
The short answer - If you look at all the firmware news and firmware download sites (Sammobile, etc) - you will notice that historically, XSA and BTU variants are the fastest to market with some other variants quickly following and some taking a lot longer. (also go to the end of this reply to see a note about the US market)
Now for the long answer (it's quite long.. so if you don't really care about the details just skip it..)
The CSC is country specific for a reason - it can contain changes to the cellular modem behavior and optimizations (for example, band preference), support advanced features (VoLTE - or HD Voice as it's sometimes referred to, WiFi calling), and compliance with local regulatory requirements (for example, camera shutter sound control, use of Samsung Pay).
As such, is most cases, you are better off using the version specifically optimized for your carrier and country, which usually translates into better cell performance (signal strength, dl/ul speeds) and the ability to leverage advanced features (VoLTE, WiFi Calling) as supported by your carrier. It's actually something quite annoying with Samsung, iPhones (and even some android phones) don't need all these local adaptations.
The issues with using your country and carrier-specific firmware are that you will probably get some additional bloatware, updates may take longer, and some features like Samsung Pay will not be available. In recent years, the modem optimization part (signal strength, and speeds) has been improving to a point where most firmware work well in most places and networks.
So basically it's a trade off - do you want a phone that is optimized for your network and will give you best cell reception, speeds, and potentially support VoLTE, etc.
or do you care more about timely security updates, and potentially support of services not available in your original firmware.
If it's the latter, than you may consider flashing a different region's firmware.
That changes a when dealing with the US market (and some others)
In the US, the big carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint) actually implement hardware (and / or low level firmware) changes directly with Samsung.
Aside from the obvious changes (using SD820 instead of Exynos 8890) the cellular modem (and supporting software) are completely different and the carriers add specific software to optimize its services and offer advanced features (besides filling your phone with tons of bloatware and taking forever to certify new builds)
So as a US AT&T customer, you will not get any advanced features (HD Calling, Wifi calling) regardless of which firmware region you use. In that case, using XSA or BTU have no downside to them.
The only way to get these advanced features is to get an unlocked SD820 variant (SM-930U) and flash AT&T's (or you respective carrier's) CSC on it (using TWRP) but that means using 3rd party ROMS and manually updating your phone. (and tripping knox).
N-way said:
Okay.. so there's a short answer and a long answer.
The short answer - If you look at all the firmware news and firmware download sites (Sammobile, etc) - you will notice that historically, XSA and BTU variants are the fastest to market with some other variants quickly following and some taking a lot longer. (also go to the end of this reply to see a note about the US market)
Now for the long answer (it's quite long.. so if you don't really care about the details just skip it..)
The CSC is country specific for a reason - it can contain changes to the cellular modem behavior and optimizations (for example, band preference), support advanced features (VoLTE - or HD Voice as it's sometimes referred to, WiFi calling), and compliance with local regulatory requirements (for example, camera shutter sound control, use of Samsung Pay).
As such, is most cases, you are better off using the version specifically optimized for your carrier and country, which usually translates into better cell performance (signal strength, dl/ul speeds) and the ability to leverage advanced features (VoLTE, WiFi Calling) as supported by your carrier. It's actually something quite annoying with Samsung, iPhones (and even some android phones) don't need all these local adaptations.
The issues with using your country and carrier-specific firmware are that you will probably get some additional bloatware, updates may take longer, and some features like Samsung Pay will not be available. In recent years, the modem optimization part (signal strength, and speeds) has been improving to a point where most firmware work well in most places and networks.
So basically it's a trade off - do you want a phone that is optimized for your network and will give you best cell reception, speeds, and potentially support VoLTE, etc.
or do you care more about timely security updates, and potentially support of services not available in your original firmware.
If it's the latter, than you may consider flashing a different region's firmware.
That changes a when dealing with the US market (and some others)
In the US, the big carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint) actually implement hardware (and / or low level firmware) changes directly with Samsung.
Aside from the obvious changes (using SD820 instead of Exynos 8890) the cellular modem (and supporting software) are completely different and the carriers add specific software to optimize its services and offer advanced features (besides filling your phone with tons of bloatware and taking forever to certify new builds)
So as a US AT&T customer, you will not get any advanced features (HD Calling, Wifi calling) regardless of which firmware region you use. In that case, using XSA or BTU have no downside to them.
The only way to get these advanced features is to get an unlocked SD820 variant (SM-930U) and flash AT&T's (or you respective carrier's) CSC on it (using TWRP) but that means using 3rd party ROMS and manually updating your phone. (and tripping knox).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent information, that was exactly what I needed to know. I went into this knowing I wouldn't have all the features I could but I have what I want and need. I was using a nexus 6P prior so none of them were available to me before. I'll grab the BTU firmware and flash that.
Thank you for this detailed and concise answer! This is exactly the kind of information that I have been looking for to help me make a decision on whether to get this device or not!
I'm on AT&T now and wanted the unlocked bootloader in order to use custom recovery (TWRP), which is why I was looking at the Exynos variant of the S7 in the first place. But after reading your explanation, it seems like far too many tradeoffs to make the purchase worthwhile for me.