Help with Ebay buy: G930V flashed to G930U vs a true G930U - Samsung Galaxy S7 Questions and Answers

Hello
I recently bought an S7 off Ebay. The seller had already sold over 900 units and had good feedback, so I went ahead and bought one. I'm very suspicious of something though. The IMEI on the back cover matches what Android is reporting, however the back cover shows model SM-G930V, not SM-G930U(which is what the listing stated). This leads me to believe it's actually a G930V that has been flashed to G930U.
Here's the thing. I have Cricket, which uses the AT&T network. However, when I'm sitting in the break room at work, I have one coworker with AT&T, one with Cricket(AT&T), and they both get 2 bars on their phone(one has an Iphone 7 and the other a Huawei Honor 6X). I however get no signal at all, and they're sitting right next to me.
So if the seller flashed the G930V to G930U, would it behave like a true G930U with regard to its AT&T network signal strength, or will there be some limitations? The seller offers free return shipping and I'm kind of tempted to return it if it doesn't behave like a true G930U, but I don't want to if it's not necessary. I appreciate all the feedback.

AndroidTerry said:
Hello
I recently bought an S7 off Ebay. The seller had already sold over 900 units and had good feedback, so I went ahead and bought one. I'm very suspicious of something though. The IMEI on the back cover matches what Android is reporting, however the back cover shows model SM-G930V, not SM-G930U(which is what the listing stated). This leads me to believe it's actually a G930V that has been flashed to G930U.
Here's the thing. I have Cricket, which uses the AT&T network. However, when I'm sitting in the break room at work, I have one coworker with AT&T, one with Cricket(AT&T), and they both get 2 bars on their phone(one has an Iphone 7 and the other a Huawei Honor 6X). I however get no signal at all, and they're sitting right next to me.
So if the seller flashed the G930V to G930U, would it behave like a true G930U with regard to its AT&T network signal strength, or will there be some limitations? The seller offers free return shipping and I'm kind of tempted to return it if it doesn't behave like a true G930U, but I don't want to if it's not necessary. I appreciate all the feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone was originally for the Verizon network and been flashed to be Unbranded to take any SIM BUT Verizon and AT&T use different network connection standards, different radio hardware. I'm surprised it working at all on Cricket.
This happens alot on Ebay in the US, you have to understand the difference in connection stands before you buy. Your mobile will never work correctly on Cricket (AT&T). ...AT&T= GSM. Verizon = CDMA. The phone has the hardware to work on CDMA.
Send it back and get a G930W

cooltt said:
The phone was originally for the Verizon network and been flashed to be Unbranded to take any SIM BUT Verizon and AT&T use different network connection standards, different radio hardware. I'm surprised it working at all on Cricket.
This happens alot on Ebay in the US, you have to understand the difference in connection stands before you buy. Your mobile will never work correctly on Cricket (AT&T). ...AT&T= GSM. Verizon = CDMA. The phone has the hardware to work on CDMA.
Send it back and get a G930W
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man. I won't lie, this kind of makes me angry. I don't think this Ebay seller should be selling a factory G930V phone that have been flashed to G930U, as a G930U. It doesn't say this anywhere in the listing. I feel like this item was misrepresented.

AndroidTerry said:
Thanks man. I won't lie, this kind of makes me angry. I don't think this Ebay seller should be selling a factory G930V phone that have been flashed to G930U, as a G930U. It doesn't say this anywhere in the listing. I feel like this item was misrepresented.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was since you guys in the US are nailed to a network. In Europe all phones work on all networks.

Related

AT&T or T-Mobile for unlocked S8+ ?

The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
mweinbach said:
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
SBERG117 said:
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Interceptor777 said:
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Phredeee said:
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Phredeee said:
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long you are flashing official firmware from Samsung nothing will break. Knox will not be tripped and Samsung Pay will work.
954wrecker said:
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Phredeee said:
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Phredeee said:
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing what I'm saying... There will be no unlocked bootloaders on any Samsung S8 phones for the USA. You cannot get one from carrier or factory.
I think you may be mixing up Bootloader unlock and Sim unlock....
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do remember that it was a story about FCC approval of the factory unlocked (SIM) phone. Keep that in mind that it may be the unbranded, factory unlocked phone only, but the article did say they were all the same. The locked carrier phones may not be so flexible.
Other things I've found.. Best Buy SIM unlocked does not get the incentives. Best Buy, and their cheaper price, does not seem to offer a T-Mo phone.
The VR incentive is attractive to me, but is not a must have. At this moment, until I can find out for sure if Samsung Pay will work on an international version, I am leaning towards a T-Mo pre-order. But that is me and my preferences YMMV. I have a major dislike for AT&T.
Looking for where I read it. In the mean time this may be interesting to you.
Model numbers http://techbeasts.com/list-of-samsung-galaxy-s8-galaxy-s8plus-model-numbers/
Frequencies https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/OyqBp/samsung-sm-g955a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
The link is for the AT&T model search for other models.
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that going by this information the factory unlocked and the AT&T are NOT the same https://www.frequencycheck.com/compare-devices/6MQWs05y/samsung-sm-g950a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream/samsung-sm-g950f-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
You're correct that it seems T-mo info is evasive.
Hello,
I would like to know, if it posible to buy the Galaxy S8 from the samsung web page (att version), then unlock it and after that flash the unlocked rom flashing it with odin.
Can someone help me?
thanks.
Just ordered the 955F from Clove...
I'm hoping that missing bands won't hurt my AT&T usage much. Or any prepaid sims I may throw in there.
Will see if the 955U info comes out before my phone, and will decide if I want to cancel.
:good::angel:

S7 with CDMA support for both sprint and verizon and gsm for att, tmob, internationa

So i currently have as sprint s4 that unlocked thanks to xda. i actually have att sim in right now and working fine although only getting HSPA+. haven't got time to try to do the upgrade to LTE for gsm also yet
But thinking of getting a replacement. Is there some sort of unlocked S7 ver that would allow for use on all 4 US networks as well as international? can i purchase that somewhere or i can only get a network sold ver and try to unlock? Thanks.
You can grey import or buy official unlocked S7 int. model (G930F or G930FD) with ease. I don't think I've actually seen a locked international version, at least not on the sites I look at.
Just be careful you don't end up buying a fake (avoid ebay). I got mine from eGlobal. Many locked US variants like the G930V get reflashed to G930F firmware and have the text on the back changed so you can't tell unless you go into download mode.
From what I've seen around here, they work in the US just fine and being the international model work in the rest of the world. You might just need to flash the appropriate CSC/modem for whatever carrier you're using at the time.
I thought international models would only have gsm support?

Could This Be a Fake S8?

I bought an S8+ 955FD which seems to be genuine but when I contacted AT&T to get assistance with slow LTE speeds (I contacted them 2 months ago for the same reason when I was using an AT&T branded phone). Of course they ask for the IMEI to verify whether it's an LTE phone and is supported. When I gave them the IMEI they said it wasn't even coming up as a Samsung phone let alone LTE. It's listed as an unknown phone with 2G capabilities. I checked the IMEI on http://www.imei.info/ and it shows that it's a S8+ and everything checks out on that site as it does on my Samsung box.
My sister has an S8 too 955F and when AT&T checks hers, it comes up as a Samsung S8+.
I don't know if my having rooted the phone has anything to do with it (I'm guessing not because rooting doesn't change the IMEI) but could this be a fake? Should I return it?
icydius said:
I bought an S8+ 955FD which seems to be genuine but when I contacted AT&T to get assistance with slow LTE speeds (I contacted them 2 months ago for the same reason when I was using an AT&T branded phone). Of course they ask for the IMEI to verify whether it's an LTE phone and is supported. When I gave them the IMEI they said it wasn't even coming up as a Samsung phone let alone LTE. It's listed as an unknown phone with 2G capabilities. I checked the IMEI on http://www.imei.info/ and it shows that it's a S8+ and everything checks out on that site as it does on my Samsung box.
My sister has an S8 too 955F and when AT&T checks hers, it comes up as a Samsung S8+.
I don't know if my having rooted the phone has anything to do with it (I'm guessing not because rooting doesn't change the IMEI) but could this be a fake? Should I return it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well could be. Where did you buy it? Take a look at this thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/help/s8-software-installation-problems-t3639259
If it has a mediatek processor and not a snapdragon or exynos it's definitely a fake.
AT&T does not have anything in their databases about international phones like the F model. When you call them and give them an IMEI of an S8 F model, they will not know anything about it, and their systems won't know what features it is capable of supporting. Ton get Volte working, you will have to flash the ATT CSC https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/samsung-galaxy-s8--s8-cross-device-development/utility-flashable-csc-selection-v1-1-0-t3636739 and keep calling them until you get a 2nd level tech support guy that is willing to go into the guts of their systems and place an IMEI of another ATT phone that has similar features. If you have another similar phone on your ATT account, they can use that IEMI to have their system figure out what features it supports. I believe they used a S7 that I used to have and that got Volte working - for a while anyway.
I have an unlocked S8+ phone Model G955U1 and was with AT&T. In the process of trying to get wifi calling (BTW, they don't provide this feature for unlocked phones, so I dumped them and went with T-Mobile), I asked them to verify the IMEI, they could not find it. Their IMEI data base lists only the phones they sell but not the factory unlocked ones or phones you buy somewhere else. I wouldn't count on AT&T and as ggrant3876 mentioned above, check your processor's make.
Flame Red said:
AT&T does not have anything in their databases about international phones like the F model. When you call them and give them an IMEI of an S8 F model, they will not know anything about it, and their systems won't know what features it is capable of supporting. Ton get Volte working, you will have to flash the ATT CSC https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/samsung-galaxy-s8--s8-cross-device-development/utility-flashable-csc-selection-v1-1-0-t3636739 and keep calling them until you get a 2nd level tech support guy that is willing to go into the guts of their systems and place an IMEI of another ATT phone that has similar features. If you have another similar phone on your ATT account, they can use that IEMI to have their system figure out what features it supports. I believe they used a S7 that I used to have and that got Volte working - for a while anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying. Funny, I never got notifications that anyone had replied.
Actually someone did add an IMEI for another similar AT&T phone.
Nothing about the phone seems fake, but when I gave them my sister's IMEI for a 955F they said it immediately came up in their system while my 955FD did not.
I'll review that thread to see if my phone would be negatively affected by the ATT CSC.
BTW, what happened to your voLTE that made it stop working?
Gratitudes!!
ggrant3876 said:
Very well could be. Where did you buy it? Take a look at this thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/help/s8-software-installation-problems-t3639259
If it has a mediatek processor and not a snapdragon or exynos it's definitely a fake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of these are applicable *whew*
The seed of doubt was planted when an AT&T rep told me it may be a fake even though I had not previously considered it.
Thanks for the link!!
TheBoozer said:
I have an unlocked S8+ phone Model G955U1 and was with AT&T. In the process of trying to get wifi calling (BTW, they don't provide this feature for unlocked phones, so I dumped them and went with T-Mobile), I asked them to verify the IMEI, they could not find it. Their IMEI data base lists only the phones they sell but not the factory unlocked ones or phones you buy somewhere else. I wouldn't count on AT&T and as ggrant3876 mentioned above, check your processor's make.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel better now, thanks! It shows Exynos 8895 and everything else seemed legit as well. I don't know why I listen to AT&T reps....
I never really liked the Wi-fi calling on my AT&T V20 and even without it, the voice clarity is wonderful.
one way to check is root , real us versions cant be rooted as its a snapdragon , so far our friends in china cant fake an s8 , just by looking at the screen will give it away , but before the years out iam sure they will have a better clone that could fool anyone.international models are always better also faster than the us versions as nd no crap ware from the carriers .
That lack of band 30 could be the issue regarding the slow LTE speeds
icydius said:
I bought an S8+ 955FD which seems to be genuine but when I contacted AT&T to get assistance with slow LTE speeds (I contacted them 2 months ago for the same reason when I was using an AT&T branded phone). Of course they ask for the IMEI to verify whether it's an LTE phone and is supported. When I gave them the IMEI they said it wasn't even coming up as a Samsung phone let alone LTE. It's listed as an unknown phone with 2G capabilities. I checked the IMEI on http://www.imei.info/ and it shows that it's a S8+ and everything checks out on that site as it does on my Samsung box.
My sister has an S8 too 955F and when AT&T checks hers, it comes up as a Samsung S8+.
I don't know if my having rooted the phone has anything to do with it (I'm guessing not because rooting doesn't change the IMEI) but could this be a fake? Should I return it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not a fake dont worry and no rooting will have nothing to do with it, also you would easily be able to tell if you compared it to your sisters s8! the current s8+ fakes are the same size as the S8 theres nothing + about them haha, they may fool someone who has never handled an s8 or seen one irl but you would 100 percent be able to tell its a fake having handled a real one regardless if its the plus or not
Very easier to know is real or not, if Odin can't detect then it is fake. Fake one impossible can install Samsung own firmware.
I know my s8+ is a fake. I just need to know how to change imei number so I can use my phone. It came from China. He said it's supported by TMobile and at&t. I want to go with TMobile if possible. He sent me the pattern to call and change it,but I don't know what numbers to replace it with.
Cecejohns said:
I know my s8+ is a fake. I just need to know how to change imei number so I can use my phone. It came from China. He said it's supported by TMobile and at&t. I want to go with TMobile if possible. He sent me the pattern to call and change it,but I don't know what numbers to replace it with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing imei numbers is illeagal in most contries. and You will find no help on XDA for such tasks
either way orig user solved his problem thread closed

Relearning... software version questions?

Some of you might recognize me, used to be pretty active in the root/mod/ROM game back from the days of the OG Droid on, but have been away for a while. Now I've got a new Samsung S10E, and I don't quite get the relationships with the versions and trigraphs, etc.
My phone is a G970U1 - which I understand is a non-carrier specific unlocked model? But the Service Provider SW ver. reads SAOMC_SM-g970U1_OYM_TMB_PP0022 with TMB/TMB/SPR tags? What's the OYM? And what's up with the two T-Mobile tags followed by the Sprint tag? I did some digging around but couldn't see where there might have been a guide/explanation in this forum... pointers would be fine if it's too much of a pain to explain the whole thing here.
Also, OTAs? Would those come from TMO because of the tags, or from Samsung because of the U1 instead of the U?
Thanks....
For others' benefit: OYM is multi - covers multiple options depending on what SIM you toss into it. And the OTA question was answered a few minutes ago when I picked up the US Unlocked update from Samsung.
redoregon said:
Some of you might recognize me, used to be pretty active in the root/mod/ROM game back from the days of the OG Droid on, but have been away for a while. Now I've got a new Samsung S10E, and I don't quite get the relationships with the versions and trigraphs, etc.
My phone is a G970U1 - which I understand is a non-carrier specific unlocked model? But the Service Provider SW ver. reads SAOMC_SM-g970U1_OYM_TMB_PP0022 with TMB/TMB/SPR tags? What's the OYM? And what's up with the two T-Mobile tags followed by the Sprint tag? I did some digging around but couldn't see where there might have been a guide/explanation in this forum... pointers would be fine if it's too much of a pain to explain the whole thing here.
Also, OTAs? Would those come from TMO because of the tags, or from Samsung because of the U1 instead of the U?
Thanks....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an unlocked S10e model, then you shouldn't have SPR at the end. It should be XAA. For example if you put T-Mobile sim in your unlocked phone, it should read: TMB/TMB/XAA, meaning that you have an unlocked US model(U1). If you put another US carrier sim in the phone, then first 2 TMB/TMB will change to that sim, such as ATT, VZW, USC...but the third XAA will stay the same. If your phones shows SPR, then it should be Sprint branded model that was flashed with U1 unlocked firmware. Basically US carrier firmware has OYN in the Service Provider SW ver. and unlocked is OYM.
Charkatak said:
If you have an unlocked S10e model, then you shouldn't have SPR at the end. It should be XAA. For example if you put T-Mobile sim in your unlocked phone, it should read: TMB/TMB/XAA, meaning that you have an unlocked US model(U1). If you put another US carrier sim in the phone, then first 2 TMB/TMB will change to that sim, such as ATT, VZW, USC...but the third XAA will stay the same. If your phones shows SPR, then it should be Sprint branded model that was flashed with U1 unlocked firmware. Basically US carrier firmware has OYN in the Service Provider SW ver. and unlocked is OYM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! That's exactly the kind of knowledge I was looking for.
So... my phone was somehow hijacked from Sprint and reflashed as unlocked somehow? It arrived in factory shape, including all the little plastic protective bits that you have to spend fifteen minutes peeling off, tearing open, etc., etc., etc...
redoregon said:
Thanks! That's exactly the kind of knowledge I was looking for.
So... my phone was somehow hijacked from Sprint and reflashed as unlocked somehow? It arrived in factory shape, including all the little plastic protective bits that you have to spend fifteen minutes peeling off, tearing open, etc., etc., etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't an issue if the phone was flashed. So if you were planning to buy a factory unlocked model, then it isn't the case but nothing to worry about.
Back when S8 was a Samsung flagship, there was a news that Samsung is planning to make the firmware more universal(at least in US) and if you have a carrier branded phone and you put another carrier's sim, then it would automatically apply that carrier's settings + download any bloatware.

Question Best Buy Model

Hey all,
I saw that Best Buy has the unlocked P7P model GA03453-US while the Google store version is GE2AE. Is there a difference between the models? I can't find the BB model on Google's or anyone else's site.
Just want to make sure it's had MMW 5G and that 5G will work on AT&T's site.
Would it also be worth buying an open box model in excellent condition and over $100 off?
Thanks!
I wish that they would stop doing these confusing model numbers at stores. The GA03453-US is actually the GE2AE, it's just how Best Buy and other retailers catalog the phone. I bought one on release day and can confirm it's the standard US unlocked GE2AE model and I'm using it with a Boost AT&T network SIM with no issues.
Google GA03453 US
Google GA03453 US
device.report
• Universal Unlocked. Compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Also compatible with prepaid carriers including Cricket Wireless, MetroPCS, Google Fi, Simple Mobile, Total Wireless, Tracfone, Net10, Mint, and H2O.
I agree with everything @EtherealRemnant said ⬆ right there. Google's not the only one, but certainly one of the brands I come across most often with this problem.
Edit: I forgot that I already have all the model number pairs in my Post #6 - Regarding P7P 5G model numbers and capabilities, and how to determine your hardware version, although I don't have them organized by pairs. The one model number type at the top of the post, and the other at the bottom.
roirraW edor ehT said:
I agree with everything @EtherealRemnant said ⬆ right there. Google's not the only one, but certainly one of the brands I come across most often with this problem.
Edit: I forgot that I already have all the model number pairs in my Post #6 - Regarding P7P 5G model numbers and capabilities, and how to determine your hardware version, although I don't have them organized by pairs. The one model number type at the top of the post, and the other at the bottom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys. Just taking a look at the options. I was hoping to find someone that could unlock AT&T's but I'm not really finding anyone reputable that claims they can do it. So I'm thinking Google's offering the best deal with the trade in. I'm looking at getting the 256GB Obsidian.
AT&T's model is listed as the GE2AE if you look for how it's set up. Not sure if any sub-branding.
And I take it I'll actually be able to use AT&T's 5G if I buy out unlocked, correct?
Lastly, if either of you want to PM me a referral, I'd appreciate it.
Superguy said:
Thanks guys. Just taking a look at the options. I was hoping to find someone that could unlock AT&T's but I'm not really finding anyone reputable that claims they can do it.
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I thought anyone with an at&t model could unlock once you pay the phone off, like t-mobile, but I'm not experienced, I've only bought carrier unlocked phones for the last six years and I had come from Verizon back then.
But it is indeed easiest not to have to deal with the carriers and just buy the factory carrier unlocked model direct from Google, or Best Buy, or other places that offer them.
Superguy said:
AT&T's model is listed as the GE2AE if you look for how it's set up. Not sure if any sub-branding.
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Thanks, good to know.
Superguy said:
And I take it I'll actually be able to use AT&T's 5G if I buy out unlocked, correct?
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Yes. That won't affect anything like that.
Superguy said:
And I take it I'll actually be able to use AT&T's 5G if I buy out unlocked, correct?
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Yep. We don't have C-band here but my Boost SIM is connected to 5G Nationwide and the phone supports mmWave and C-band.
roirraW edor ehT said:
I thought anyone with an at&t model could unlock once you pay the phone off, like t-mobile, but I'm not experienced, I've only bought carrier unlocked phones for the last six years and I had come from Verizon back then.
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They'll do that. I just don't want to wait.
Not like I'd bolt to another carrier. We tried T-Mo last summer and that's a fiasco I never want to repeat. Plus AT&T gives me a really good deal with a FAN from work.
Superguy said:
They'll do that. I just don't want to wait.
Not like I'd bolt to another carrier. We tried T-Mo last summer and that's a fiasco I never want to repeat. Plus AT&T gives me a really good deal with a FAN from work.
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Understandable. I had to Google what AT&T FAN is. I didn't know the abbreviation off the top of my head, but Google's search results were actually helpful. I used to use a work discount too with AT&T and before that, one with Verizon. The last four years, give or take, we've just been using AT&T Prepaid, and it's been cheaper than all our previous options and works great for our usage. Every once in a while I look at other options or carriers, but there's nothing enticing enough.

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