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Tmobile customer - Safe to buy Unlocked phones? New upcoming Tmo bands?

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

VoWiFi (Wi-Fi calling) Moto G 2015 Osprey

Hello All,
In my new home is very low T-Mobile signal strength.
As i know from carrier official page, T-Mobile supports VoLTE and VoWiFi (Wi-Fi calling) in my country.
Now (6 july 2017) i have installed newest LineageOS build. There no option to enable Wi-Fi Calling/VoWiFi, but regarding to official Qualcomm site Osprey's processor (Snapdagon 410) supports Wi-Fi Calling/VoWiFi:
Next-generation Calling Services
Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) with LTE call continuity
HD Voice over 3G and VoLTE
It is posible to enable Wi-Fi Calling/VoWiFi on Osprey?
This solution does not work. When i make Wi-Fi Calling enable it going back to off.
Device: Moto G 2015 (XT1541)
Country: Poland
Carrier: T-Mobile
ROM: LineageOS 14.1 build from 6 july 2017

mrViZhy said:
Hello All,
In my new home is very low T-Mobile signal strength.
Is i know from carrier official page, T-Mobile supports VoLTE and VoWiFi (Wi-Fi calling) in my country.
Now (6 july 2017) i have installed newest LineageOS build. There no option to enable Wi-Fi Calling/VoWiFi, but regarding to official Qualcomm site Osprey's processor (Snapdagon 410) supports Wi-Fi Calling/VoWiFi:
Next-generation Calling Services
Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) with LTE call continuity
HD Voice over 3G and VoLTE
It is posible to enable Wi-Fi Calling/VoWiFi on Osprey?
This solution does not work. When i make Wi-Fi Calling enable it going back to off.
Device: Moto G 2015 (XT1541)
Country: Poland
Carrier: T-Mobile
ROM: LineageOS 14.1 build from 6 july 2017
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI For U.S. prepaid T-mobile accounts: T-Mobile may require address and other information to be entered on their website into the account profile for that phone #. If that information is entered on-line and the account has WiFi calling properly enabled it should work when the device has wifi connection and no cellular connection. This is not dependent on any settings on the phone and should work even if you don't see any settings there. You might want to contact your provider about this.

mrViZhy said:
... It is posible to enable Wi-Fi Calling/VoWiFi on Osprey?
This solution does not work. When i make Wi-Fi Calling enable it going back to off.
Device: Moto G 2015 (XT1541)
Country: Poland
Carrier: T-Mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it doesn't work, not with T-Mobile. It won't stay on, no matter what you do.
I have MetroPCS/T-mobile USA, and I have had the exact same issue. I've had no problems using wifi calling on my same account with other phones, but not this one (they do require you to register your full info here, as the last poster said). T-mobile support themselves have told me, however, they only allow wifi calling on phones purchased directly from them, and that's why no go, at least not in the USA. I'm assuming that's their policy in other countries, too?
I don't know if there is a hack/workaround.
Side note: When I go to Europe, which is often, I re-register my old, official t-mobile phone with t-mobile usa, leave my US sim in it, and I use that phone thru wifi calling to still have a US phone while there. I throw a UK sim in my Moto G to use every day.

beachfl said:
No, it doesn't work, not with T-Mobile. It won't stay on, no matter what you do.
I have MetroPCS/T-mobile USA, and I have had the exact same issue. I've had no problems using wifi calling on my same account with other phones, but not this one (they do require you to register your full info here, as the last poster said). T-mobile support themselves have told me, however, they only allow wifi calling on phones purchased directly from them, and that's why no go, at least not in the USA. I'm assuming that's their policy in other countries, too?
I don't know if there is a hack/workaround.
Side note: When I go to Europe, which is often, I re-register my old, official t-mobile phone with t-mobile usa, leave my US sim in it, and I use that phone thru wifi calling to still have a US phone while there. I throw a UK sim in my Moto G to use every day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand, I could be wrong though, T-Mobile open sourced their WiFi calling and anybody can implement it but LineageOS haven't done it yet. It's a matter of adding the code (just like VoLTE) I think. I don't think T-mobile checks if it's their phone or not, the right software need to run, that's all. The problem is that the software is very low level and needs to part of the kernel, you can't just install some app and make it work. This is what I found when I did my search for LineageOS and WiFi calling a few months back. from T-Mobile forums. Of course anybody can post anything in those forums so it's not official or anything but a few users provided the same answer (some seemed quite knowledgeable) so I believe this is it (probably better than talking so some phone rep reading off FAQ's haha)

rb1979 said:
From what I understand, I could be wrong though, T-Mobile open sourced their WiFi calling and anybody can implement it but LineageOS haven't done it yet. It's a matter of adding the code (just like VoLTE) I think. I don't think T-mobile checks if it's their phone or not, the right software need to run, that's all. The problem is that the software is very low level and needs to part of the kernel, you can't just install some app and make it work. This is what I found when I did my search for LineageOS and WiFi calling a few months back. from T-Mobile forums...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not unheard of for mobile providers to do just what I'm suggesting t-mobile does. In the UK, for example, Vodafone limits WiFi calling even further than that, to only a few select Voda-sold models (or at least it was like that when I was there recently).
I would very much appreciate being pointed in the direction of guidance by anyone who's been successful in getting it to work on any non-tmobile handset, custom ROM/kernel or not. Thanks much x

IronTechmonkey said:
FYI For U.S. prepaid T-mobile accounts: T-Mobile may require address and other information to be entered on their website into the account profile for that phone #. If that information is entered on-line and the account has WiFi calling properly enabled it should work when the device has wifi connection and no cellular connection. This is not dependent on any settings on the phone and should work even if you don't see any settings there. You might want to contact your provider about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi IronTechmonkey, at first I took it as a fact but later I thought about it and now I'm thinking how would WiFi calling work without LinageOS having code for it. Once you're outside of their network and T-Mobile (others too of course) can't get to your phone through SIM card the only way for anything to work is if the software on the phone through the internet first contacts the provider, correct me wrong but how would the provider get to you? This is just my thinking about it so I'm not sure but what common sense tells. I have the address on T-mobile and everything setup but since I'm not NJ where coverage is everywhere it's not easy for me test it but I'm scared without LineageOS actually getting on top of it and implementing the code it's not going to work. I'll test it once I go somewhere with no coverage but haven't had a chance yet.

rb1979 said:
Hi IronTechmonkey, at first I took it as a fact but later I thought about it and now I'm thinking how would WiFi calling work without LinageOS having code for it. Once you're outside of their network and T-Mobile (others too of course) can't get to your phone through SIM card the only way for anything to work is if the software on the phone through the internet first contacts the provider, correct me wrong but how would the provider get to you? This is just my thinking about it so I'm not sure but what common sense tells. I have the address on T-mobile and everything setup but since I'm not NJ where coverage is everywhere it's not easy for me test it but I'm scared without LineageOS actually getting on top of it and implementing the code it's not going to work. I'll test it once I go somewhere with no coverage but haven't had a chance yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question. I wasn't being quite clear enough in replying, and was speaking to whether or not there would be settings in the ROM if the feature exists, but was not speaking to whether or not the code is present. To the point of your question, from general web searching this seems to be device/ROM-build specific but when I search specifically for Lineage OS Osprey wifi-calling I find this thread. LOL. Apart from that this jira ticket for a different device is all I can find: https://jira.lineageos.org/browse/BUGBASH-508.

IronTechmonkey said:
Good question. I wasn't being quite clear enough in replying, and was speaking to whether or not there would be settings in the ROM if the feature exists, but was not speaking to whether or not the code is present. To the point of your question, from general web searching this seems to be device/ROM-build specific but when I search specifically for Lineage OS Osprey wifi-calling I find this conversations. LOL. Apart from that this jira ticket for a different device is all I can find: https://jira.lineageos.org/browse/BUGBASH-508.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, so I'm confused now, and thanks for your help. I know with VoLTE it was such a big deal we had whole posts about removing it and then bringing it back etc... all the updates and drama we need while nobody mentions even once if this device has wifi calling or not, haha, weird

I want to reopen this thread, I tried to ask in the official development opsrey thread but was sent to Q & A, so I'm reopening this thread. Anybody knows anything about Wi-Fi calling for osprey and LOS? Will it be implemented? Can I make a request somewhere? Maybe just switch to LOS 15 when it's official, will it have it on the arrival? I traveled outside of the US and did different tests and couldn't get Wi-Fi calling to work? Here's my post from the official osprey development thread with more detailed, thanks you, https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73769962&postcount=5299
BTW, I made all necessary changes back in the USA with T-mobile to make Wi-Fi calling work, thanks.

So, WiFi Calling is unavailable as default option on any of ROMs for our devices.
BUT
For example, in Poland everybody who has Android higher than 4.1 can use "WiFi-calling" on "Orange" carrier. This carrier offers some application which realy works:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.orange.vowifi&hl=pl
Functionality of this app is same, but i think it drains more battery than "wifi-calling" implemented as driver in kernel.

mrViZhy said:
So, WiFi Calling is unavailable as default option on any of ROMs for our devices.
BUT
For example, in Poland everybody who has Android higher than 4.1 can use "WiFi-calling" on "Orange" carrier. This carrier offers some application which realy works:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.orange.vowifi&hl=pl
Functionality of this app is same, but i think it drains more battery than "wifi-calling" implemented as driver in kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mrViZhy, actually I'm traveling from USA to Poland too. What I would like to do is keep the US number and receive text message (and pick up phone calls too) from US. I'm assuming your solution requires getting Orange number, if that's the case it would break the connection that I have with the US.
Thanks again for your help

Custom ROM with VO WiFi...

I have tried to search through the forums looking for custom ROM's that support Voice Over WiFi (not VoIP like Hangouts etc) to no avail . I am sure there would have to be separate builds (one for AT&T, one for T-Mobile etc etc) so it might be a bit much to ask but wanted to make sure before I gave up on it !
Thanks in advance...

VoWiFi isn't really a feature that custom ROMs come with or without.
Basically if the phone's original firmware comes with it, then the custom ROM will have it.
But - it has dependencies. For example, on Samsung devices, it depends on you having the correct CSC, which is a region related file. This contains things that enable VoWiFi, VoLTE etc.
What phone do you have?

the_scotsman said:
VoWiFi isn't really a feature that custom ROMs come with or without.
Basically if the phone's original firmware comes with it, then the custom ROM will have it.
But - it has dependencies. For example, on Samsung devices, it depends on you having the correct CSC, which is a region related file. This contains things that enable VoWiFi, VoLTE etc.
What phone do you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I have is a pos iCrap 6 , it's a temp phone because I accidentally stepped on my Nexus 6 to end it's days . I am looking for my next droid and am impressed with the spec's of the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 and the Ulefone T1. In either case I would look at a custom ROM if available. Unfortunately I am limited to AT&T or Verizon here, Sprint is meh for coverage (absolute 0 bars anywhere in or around the house and for 1/2 mile) and T-Mobile is worse, so that leaves me with the 2 hardest to get VoWiFi working unless you use their phones... More then likely going to have to go the route of in home signal amplifier to bring the signal to the basement.
Thanks for the reply, have not done a custom ROM for sometime so wasn't sure where the VoWiFi came from.

T-Mobile-based custom ROM??

Hello,
I'm getting a 7 Pro on Friday, and it will be an unlocked model. I would like a ROM that has the TMobile specific features intact (RCS, Wi-Fi calling, HD voice, etc)
Is there such a ROM??

Nope.

ekin_strops said:
Nope.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What a bummer. So you either go with T-Mobile features, or the unlocked variant??

mexiken said:
What a bummer. So you either go with T-Mobile features, or the unlocked variant??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What TMO features I wonder?

RCS that is compatible with other T-Mo users. If I use the stock messenger, I can use the "chat" features with any other T-Mo user with Android. If I use the international version, it doesn't seem that I do. Which is a bummer. I know I can use Google Messenger, but no one I know uses it. I do however, know a few people who DO use the T-Mobile one, mostly because they don't know about it, and just use stock.

I have had my T-Mobile version with a custom ROM for a long time now. I used the all-in-one tweak tool. For some reason the newer ones wouldn't flash I had to flash the old version 9.5.8 AA something. And then let T-Mobile do the updates. That brought me to 10.0 .02? then I was able to install ice Smurf kernel and no limits.. but no limits has been kind of spotty for me I just found out today that you have to hide the I'd? For no limits to get it to work correctly I hope. But the phone's been Rock solid I did at twrp back up as soon as I finish the updates. V o l t e & v o Wi-Fi has been working great. I have all the T-Mobile goodness without any of the bloatware. I highly recommend Smurf kernel. And high brightness mode when comparing to other people's phones. Lol no matter what I do the camera still kind of sucks but the video is really good.

mexiken said:
RCS that is compatible with other T-Mo users. If I use the stock messenger, I can use the "chat" features with any other T-Mo user with Android. If I use the international version, it doesn't seem that I do. Which is a bummer. I know I can use Google Messenger, but no one I know uses it. I do however, know a few people who DO use the T-Mobile one, mostly because they don't know about it, and just use stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use RCS anyways. Google released it for all skipping carriers because carriers were taking too long to implement into their own software. I'm using chat features RCS on my T-Mobile 7 pro running havoc OS

Yes, but it's only compatible with other Messages users, since Google uses UP 1.0, and T-Mo does not. So I lose the ability to chat with T-Mo Android users when I use Google Messages.

I am running open beta 12 on my t-mo variant and I have all the features working(rcs,wifi calling, VoLTE/VoWiFi ,etc). I flashed to international version the minute I opened the phone. Didn't even insert sim card until after I unlocked bootloader. This was day one about a month ago. No Issues at all
Note: i do use google messages app. I just like it over stock messaging app.

Well, people need to smell the coffee, Google messaging is the best Android messaging app.

I have found the latest version of crDroid to have working VoLTE and VoWiFi on T-Mobile. Can't speak to RCS.
I haven't been able to get WiFi calling to work on any custom Pie ROM yet. Haven't tested other Android 10 ROMs yet, but if I do, I'll report back.

Question Whats the best Variant for US

Whats the best OTA to install using the OnePlus 9 in America?
Im on the LE2110DA version. Is that as good as its gonna get? Running Omega Kernal?

Check your telegram

Question is so which OTA is Tmobile if I wanna use that. Because my Google FI runs on Tmobile. Misewell try that variant right?

If you read up youll see lol.
LE2110 DA 11.2.8.8
Also using the wonderful Omega Kernal.

illusiveairforce said:
Whats the best OTA to install using the OnePlus 9 in America?
Im on the LE2110DA version. Is that as good as its gonna get? Running Omega Kernal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive my knowledge but which variant is le2110DA? If its oneplus 9 5g, omega kernel works? I thought omega kernel js only for the pro variant.

Best one for North America would be the LE2115. LE2110 is the China variant which is missing some 4G/5G bands used in NA.

I got 5G, im just wondering if the OTA versions make a difference.
Yes its the Unlocked Chinese Version. LE2110.
So is there a difference between AA, BA and DA as far a cell quality?

Software doesn't give you access to additional bands. You might have SA41 (tmo) but more likely you are just on b2/66 and tmo just gives you the 5G icon. Check with cellmapper to be sure. Your best bet is to get rid of the 2110 and get an actual US device if you want proper 5g

I was thinking the same thing about the 5G icon. It goes from LTE to 5G sometimes.
My speeds are about 50-60mbps when im not connected to wifi. You guys think thats pretty fair and decent?

avid_droid said:
For me, Tmo has had the least of issues. No data or calling issues. No Bluetooth issues such as robot voices on car stereo and better distance outside of vehicle. No odd hiccups.
Although people are mislead with T-Mobiles update numbers not matching,they're actually the same. 11.2.8.8 for AA,DA,BA will be realeased on TMobile as 11.2.6.6. it's the same patches and iterations.
Looking forward to either Monday or Tuesday to getting my new op9.
Selling my imac tomorrow and will not be getting a computer for awhile as I'm tired of either breaking phones or bricking them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first oneplus arrives tomorrow, so it's safe to say I should flash the t-mobile rom over my unlocked vanilla rom? I do live in an area where t-mobile isn't the strong hence why I dumped my verizon s21 ultra for something where I can easily control options down to the service menu etc. Funny I tested my non branded moto g and had less call drops with a tmobile sim than I did with my verizon unlocked s21 with the tmb sim.

daweeze02 said:
My first oneplus arrives tomorrow, so it's safe to say I should flash the t-mobile rom over my unlocked vanilla rom? I do live in an area where t-mobile isn't the strong hence why I dumped my verizon s21 ultra for something where I can easily control options down to the service menu etc. Funny I tested my non branded moto g and had less call drops with a tmobile sim than I did with my verizon unlocked s21 with the tmb sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, don't flash the t-mo rom over anything lol. If you are on tmobile and ordered a LE2115/2125 just don't mess with it unless installing a custom rom.

craznazn said:
No, don't flash the t-mo rom over anything lol. If you are on tmobile and ordered a LE2115/2125 just don't mess with it unless installing a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay sounds good. I had just read above that someone said the tmobile firmware was less buggy than the unlocked version but maybe those issues have been worked out I guess.

illusiveairforce said:
I was thinking the same thing about the 5G icon. It goes from LTE to 5G sometimes.
My speeds are about 50-60mbps when im not connected to wifi. You guys think thats pretty fair and decent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's more like 4G speed. 5G speed would be more than double that. But again, it depends on the area you're in and the coverage for your carrier.

avid_droid said:
No I didn't say that. It's meant if converting from Tmo to Global roms. If you are on Global stay there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahhhh okay sounds good. thanks again

Does anyone have the latest T-Mo modem files? I'm currently on the Europe 11.2.8.8 image but I've been having radio problems since I moved off of the T-Mo base (started with 11.2.4.4 global). I'm getting bad call quality, Wifi and BT issues, and seeming slow data.
I'd like to try flashing the modem files first before redoing the whole thing with MSM.
One other thing - going back to a T-Mo load with MSM won't SIM relock my phone, will it?
Thanks!

Use the Omega Kernal.
But as far as the best Variant. I've been on all of them AA, BA(which your on now) and DA. I think they are all the same besides the DA runs the smoothest out of all the variants

illusiveairforce said:
Use the Omega Kernal.
But as far as the best Variant. I've been on all of them AA, BA(which your on now) and DA. I think they are all the same besides the DA runs the smoothest out of all the variants
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What would Omega kernel do for me? And as that one in the Pro forum?
I've downloaded bluspark, but haven't used it yet. Only stock kernel

Bro Omega kernal is off the chain. So much battery life. Not sure as far for connection. And yeah 9 and 9 Pro are universal.

Thanks. I'll give it a try. Do I install it thru TWRP? I've used Elemental X for so long not sure how other kernels work.

I use EX Kernal Manager