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Are the European 5G bands same as USA AT&T 5 G bands?

I bought international Note 20 ultra with Exynos chip. I am using it here in USA on AT& T network, but it seems like the 5G bands are not compatible with European 5G's networks because I am getting horrible speeds. Even on 4G. I went to AT&T store to see if they can do something, and they upgraded my plan to 5G plan, changed the sim card but that did nothing. Anybody knows if the bands are same for international models and US models? I am ready to sell the device in Europe and buy unlocked US version. What speed are you guys getting? I am lucky to pull 30mbps, in some areas not even that. I live in greater Los Angeles area, so there should be good coverage, right?

I do not believe they are the same
Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

carlitos66 said:
I bought international Note 20 ultra with Exynos chip. I am using it here in USA on AT& T network, but it seems like the 5G bands are not compatible with European 5G's networks because I am getting horrible speeds. Even on 4G. I went to AT&T store to see if they can do something, and they upgraded my plan to 5G plan, changed the sim card but that did nothing. Anybody knows if the bands are same for international models and US models? I am ready to sell the device in Europe and buy unlocked US version. What speed are you guys getting? I am lucky to pull 30mbps, in some areas not even that. I live in greater Los Angeles area, so there should be good coverage, right?
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I'm curious to know why you imported / purchased the N20 Ultra with Exynos when we in the Uk and other regions are clamouring for the Snapdragon version ?
I was tempted to import a N20 Ultra from Hong Kong but was advised against it due to possible issues with signal and connectivity.

5G bands are totally different. You won't get 5G on ATT

carlitos66 said:
I bought international Note 20 ultra with Exynos chip. I am using it here in USA on AT& T network, but it seems like the 5G bands are not compatible with European 5G's networks because I am getting horrible speeds. Even on 4G. I went to AT&T store to see if they can do something, and they upgraded my plan to 5G plan, changed the sim card but that did nothing. Anybody knows if the bands are same for international models and US models? I am ready to sell the device in Europe and buy unlocked US version. What speed are you guys getting? I am lucky to pull 30mbps, in some areas not even that. I live in greater Los Angeles area, so there should be good coverage, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Global version does not have ATT's 5G band: https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/US/samsung-galaxy-note-20-ultra

BandOfBrothers1 said:
I'm curious to know why you imported / purchased the N20 Ultra with Exynos when we in the Uk and other regions are clamouring for the Snapdragon version ?
I was tempted to import a N20 Ultra from Hong Kong but was advised against it due to possible issues with signal and connectivity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have spend more than 6 months in Europe last year, so I was thinking it's no big deal to buy in Europe. I also root my phones regularly, which lately is not that necessary, I have to admit.

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra N986U1 or N9860 in UK.

Hello, I'd buy Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra with Snapdragon chipset. But now is complicated. I don't know which one is better to buy N986U1 or N9860? I'll not root phone, even if I'll root than no problem with USA variant to unlock bootloader (xda-developers I read one thread samsung pwned). Other thing is 5G. Will it work in UK or not? I read tutorial how to enable all bands on LTE, 5G via service menu, so maybe will work. I'll be happy if FM radio works.

N9860 (TGY - Hong Kong) should work with 5G on the Three network in the UK, probably also with Vodafone. Definitely not with EE. Not much feedback about O2.
But the N9860 is getting appalling support from Samsung. No Android 11 yet and still stuck on November security updates. When updates are released they can undo service menu changes required to enable 4G+.
I can't comment on how the experience might be in the UK with the US versions, but so far I'm not impressed with Samsung and this phone. The hardware is great. The imported software support is a scandal. I would probably not risk importing again.

Thanks for repley. Maybe now doesn't makes a sense between Snapdragon and Exynos variant. Most S10 Plus, Note 10 Plus previously been imported from USA. But for Note 20 Ultra is absolutely different more from China. What is the reason for it. Because bootloader vy default can be unlocked or something specific. I'm using EE. So if 5G doesn't work I'll not worry so much.

I get up to 200 Mbps on EE with 4G+ and I'm really not sure whether the 5G coverage extends to my neighbourhood, so I'm not fussed that 5G does not work for me. I tried to find signal where it is claimed to exist and got nothing. 4G+ coverage is very good for me though, so happy days.
I don't know why it does not work. The required bands are supported and I've tested with 5G SIMs from EE, 3 and Voxi. I've contacted EE support and Samsung (UK) support and nobody gives a **** as the phone is imported.
My only real beef is the complete lack of updates. My S10+ is more up to date than this N9860. I have no idea why Samsung are dragging their feet over this specific model.

I will say this the N986U1 do get updates frequently and I'll the specs far as signals in your area

dallen5 said:
I will say this the N986U1 do get updates frequently and I'll the specs far as signals in your area
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Thanks, I had Note 10 Plus with Snapdragon USA for short time and coverage was very better than with Exynos. With Snapdragon signal was perfect but with Exynos was weak and many times impossible to make calls.

Nettwerk said:
Thanks, I had Note 10 Plus with Snapdragon USA for short time and coverage was very better than with Exynos. With Snapdragon signal was perfect but with Exynos was weak and many times impossible to make calls.
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Yea I had the Exynos Note 9 and the signal sucked in the US

Thanks for repley, so, I bought Note 20 Ultra USA variant.

N9860 has got Android 11 on Feb 3rd. And it is amazing.

Phone recieved and I'm happy with it. Flashed XAA U1 and no problem at all. Only for the moment is it issue on my side or phone, but ebay app doesn't work. It says:"
Try searching for something above or tap "Reload" to try again. Rest apps works without issues.
Update: I believe it was ebay issue. eBay app working now. All is perfect.

SM998U1 does not recognize 5G band in France

Hello, can an expert helping me. I have a sm-G998U1 s21 ultra I paid via Rakuten site.
My concern is that I am not able to get 5G signal, only LTE, knowing that my operator is FREE with 5G in France. My SIM card has no problem because when I install it on an other mobile phone I receive the 5G.
Questions to the expert:
- Is this s21 ultra model compatible with 5G European bands and if yes, how can I customize my phone to receive 5G?
- Taking into account that this model is an US phone, do you think it's possible that I change the firmware via ODIN by replacing the current version SM-G998U1 (US) by a SM-G998B (European) and will this solve my 5G problem?
Or this is impossible even with different firmware because it is due to the mobile hardware, the antenna is different on US models.
Thank you for your help.

Hello, exactly same story with rakuten and SM-G998U1 s21 ultra
No way to get 5G working in France (with Free mobile).
I contacted Samsung Customer service. They told me the product was for American market, so don't expect it to work outside the USA.
The seller says it is compatible but in fact it is not.
I talked with the seller and they tried to explain me that it was 5G even if it is written LTE in the connection icon...
I also tried the tool ForceLTE to restrict to use only 5G (and no LTE) and I never get connected. I show them the screenshot and they realised there was a real problem.

Hello,
I have the same problem in Spain. All work fine, but It can't connect using 5G...
Were you able to fix the problem by installing some firmware or ROM?

Question TGY or BRI for use on O2UK S9080?

Hey guys
Long time since I've posted on here!
I've just upgraded from my trusty 8GB/512GB Note9 N960F/DS to a 12GB/512GB S22 Ultra S9080/DS (SD) on TGY (from techinthebasket).
The phone is currently on TGY CSC but I'm wondering if anyone knows whether BRI would be better for use in the UK, specifically on O2UK?
I can see 5G is enabled, and there is 5G in my area (my wife can get it on her iPhone 12 Pro on Sky, which is hosted by O2) but I can't seem to pick up 5G on my S22. I know the 9080 only has the N78 band for O2 so maybe that's the issue - if there's only the lower band 5G in my area...
Just wondering if anyone has any experience regarding TGY vs BRI in the UK?
Thanks

p.dixon0 said:
Hey guys
Long time since I've posted on here!
I've just upgraded from my trusty 8GB/512GB Note9 N960F/DS to a 12GB/512GB S22 Ultra S9080/DS (SD) on TGY (from techinthebasket).
The phone is currently on TGY CSC but I'm wondering if anyone knows whether BRI would be better for use in the UK, specifically on O2UK?
I can see 5G is enabled, and there is 5G in my area (my wife can get it on her iPhone 12 Pro on Sky, which is hosted by O2) but I can't seem to pick up 5G on my S22. I know the 9080 only has the N78 band for O2 so maybe that's the issue - if there's only the lower band 5G in my area...
Just wondering if anyone has any experience regarding TGY vs BRI in the UK?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Sweden and the net configuration in Sweden and the UK are all almost the same. The TGY or BRI are the same phone just different SW customization, but you will not notice any difference at all.
The 4G support is very good but not 5G, the 5G band support is limited.
If you want to buy a better model, look for "SM-S908E" model. You can find it from Etoren https://eu.etoren.com/products/sams...ual-sim-sm-s908e-256gb-phantom-white-12gb-ram
I don't recommend BRI (Taiwan) or TGY (Hong Kong) if you want to take advantage of 5G. Also the SM-S908E has e-Sim in addition.

nightoooo said:
I live in Sweden and the net configuration in Sweden and the UK are all almost the same. The TGY or BRI are the same phone just different SW customization, but you will not notice any difference at all.
The 4G support is very good but not 5G, the 5G band support is limited.
If you want to buy a better model, look for "SM-S908E" model. You can find it from Etoren https://eu.etoren.com/products/sams...ual-sim-sm-s908e-256gb-phantom-white-12gb-ram
I don't recommend BRI (Taiwan) or TGY (Hong Kong) if you want to take advantage of 5G. Also the SM-S908E has e-Sim in addition.
p.dixon0 said:
Hey guys
Long time since I've posted on here!
I've just upgraded from my trusty 8GB/512GB Note9 N960F/DS to a 12GB/512GB S22 Ultra S9080/DS (SD) on TGY (from techinthebasket).
The phone is currently on TGY CSC but I'm wondering if anyone knows whether BRI would be better for use in the UK, specifically on O2UK?
I can see 5G is enabled, and there is 5G in my area (my wife can get it on her iPhone 12 Pro on Sky, which is hosted by O2) but I can't seem to pick up 5G on my S22. I know the 9080 only has the N78 band for O2 so maybe that's the issue - if there's only the lower band 5G in my area...
Just wondering if anyone has any experience regarding TGY vs BRI in the UK?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the only option for 5G in the UK is with a Exynos variant. Even though your device reflects 5G is enabled and it has the corresponding 5G Band, it's not going to connect. Snapdragon is a much better choice even though you'll sacrifice 5G and Carrier Aggregation and of the 3 SM-9080 variants Hong Kong TGY is your best option.
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Click to collapse

Thanks for your replies guys, I really appreciate it!
Can I ask, Carrier Aggregation, that's 4G+ isn't it? If so, it's getting 4G+ OK - did a few speed tests earlier and was getting 117Mbs download speeds... Does that should about right for CA? (It's faster than I saw with the Note9 on 4G+ on the same network anyway)

p.dixon0 said:
Thanks for your replies guys, I really appreciate it!
Can I ask, Carrier Aggregation, that's 4G+ isn't it? If so, it's getting 4G+ OK - did a few speed tests earlier and was getting 117Mbs download speeds... Does that should about right for CA? (It's faster than I saw with the Note9 on 4G+ on the same network anyway)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

No, Carrier Aggregation is different than 4G+ but if you're getting 117 MBs that's enough for most situations, right? Carrier aggregation is used in LTE-Advanced in order to increase the bandwidth, and thereby increase the bitrate. I can't see rolling the dice on a Exynos variant just to have 5G. And it is a roll of the dice. Samsung's Quality Control is asleep at the wheel.

Something many don't realize, wafer yeild in Samsung's Foundries for the Exynos SoC was a dreadful 30% but it's Snapdragon yeild wasn't much better at 35%. If I were to consider an S22 Ultra it would be after Qualcomm moved it's production to TSMC's Taiwan Foundry in June or July. That will mark Qualcomm's next gen chipset. But even then problems could still nag the device since the marriage between Android 12 and OneUI 4.1 has to date been a messy affair.

I imported a Samsung Galaxy Note²⁰ Ultra from Hong Kong to use on the UK Network.
It was a TGY variant and worked flawlessly.

BandOfBrothers1 said:
I imported a Samsung Galaxy Note²⁰ Ultra from Hong Kong to use on the UK Network.
It was a TGY variant and worked flawlessly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I read a post from you on the same subject on the Samsung forums before I picked up this phone! That's actually the reason I thought I'd go ahead and get a TGY one!

Hi.
Yes I've discussed this on the Samsung Eu forums too.

Just an update in case anyone is interested - I did a speed test (OOKLA Speedtest) comparison via the browser on both my S9080 TGY (12GB/512GB) showing 4G+ on O2UK and my wife's iPhone 12 Pro showing 5G on Sky (runs on the O2UK network) from the same location last night.
My phone got a maximum of 145.7mbs download on 4G+, her iPhone hit a maximum of 53mbs on 5G in the same location. Of course, they could have been connected to different cell towers etc.

The Hong Kong TGY variant is the closest you'll find to a pure android experience on a Samsung device. Less bloatware, best overall network connectivity with one exception. Samsung should modify it's 5G capabilities so it will work on as many networks as possible. Another improvement would allow system apps to be removed or at least disabled, which will likely never happen. Those two modifications would be a huge step forward.

varcor said:
The Hong Kong TGY variant is the closest you'll find to a pure android experience on a Samsung device. Less bloatware, best overall network connectivity with one exception. Samsung should modify it's 5G capabilities so it will work on as many networks as possible. Another improvement would allow system apps to be removed or at least disabled, which will likely never happen. Those two modifications would be a huge step forward.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung do this on purpose to cripple devices and stop people from different regions buying the same product. Similarly with their warranties, its only valid and recognized for the country that the device was intended for. A pure anti consumer move by Samsung. Opposite of the evil Apple, whereby their iPhones don't have bands or CA crippled nor do they deny warranty for customers of other regions.

Just a quick update on this, I've just 'upgraded' my O2UK SIM only tariff to the same 150GB deal but told them my device is 5G enabled this time (I was on a Note9 previously). Anyway, tariff change is completed and I now have 5G (Can also see that HD Voice over 4G is active too)

Question Usa carrier support

I've asked this question before and I can't find anything.
Can anybody confirm the 0/B/E versions to work on TMobile or att or mvnos of them?
If someone wants to be so kindid appreciate it. Really wanting to buy one for root.

if you use AT&T, don't buy any international models because they will block your sim. You may call them to unlock it but the sim will be blocked again after a couple days. The reason is AT&T has a list of supported models and international phones are not on their list.
T-Mobile doesn't have such a horrible thing. So yeah, it works.
Oh, and I am using 908E/DS on T-Mobile network.

bobimbap said:
if you use AT&T, don't buy any international models because they will block your sim. You may call them to unlock it but the sim will be blocked again after a couple days. The reason is AT&T has a list of supported models and international phones are not on their list.
T-Mobile doesn't have such a horrible thing. So yeah, it works.
Oh, and I am using 908E/DS on T-Mobile network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So when I purchase my S22 Ultra. I can use it on T-Mobile no issues? I assume it can be unlocked rooted and install custom roms.

doubledragon5 said:
So when I purchase my S22 Ultra. I can use it on T-Mobile no issues? I assume it can be unlocked rooted and install custom roms.
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Click to collapse
That’s what I’ve done and been using till now. Bought the 908E on Amazon, unlocked the bootloader and rooted it. No custom rom for it yet other than tha Magisk rom by dr.ketan. I’ve always been an AT&T customer in so many years. They refused to work with me to make my phone work on their network so I switch to T-mobile.
I’m using the S22 Ultra 908E on T-mobile to write this right now. I don’t see any issue. If there is one, the phone is the issue.

bobimbap said:
That’s what I’ve done and been using till now. Bought the 908E on Amazon, unlocked the bootloader and rooted it. No custom rom for it yet other than tha Magisk rom by dr.ketan. I’ve always been an AT&T customer in so many years. They refused to work with me to make my phone work on their network so I switch to T-mobile.
I’m using the S22 Ultra 908E on T-mobile to write this right now. I don’t see any issue. If there is one, the phone is the issue.
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Carrier aggregation and 5g all working well for you on t-mobile?

The missing of band 71 if using on TMO, is a big loss. I wouldn't bother.

dj24 said:
Carrier aggregation and 5g all working well for you on t-mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. I don't expect an international phone to be fully working on a US carrier network such as TMO or ATT due to missing bands. If I have to choose between slower connection and the ability to root, I'd choose the latter one. I chose TMO because it works, white ATT not working at all.
There are wifi networks available almost everywhere I go nowadays. In case there is none, usually when I was driving, 4G/LTE always available and that's good enough.

bobimbap said:
No. I don't expect an international phone to be fully working on a US carrier network such as TMO or ATT due to missing bands. If I have to choose between slower connection and the ability to root, I'd choose the latter one. I chose TMO because it works, white ATT not working at all.
There are wifi networks available almost everywhere I go nowadays. In case there is none, usually when I was driving, 4G/LTE always available and that's good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So to confirm, no signal at all for att/cricket?
What about h20wireless? Redpocket mobile?
What site to use to check compatibility? I'll take slower speeds

To confirm:
1. AT&T blocks your sim right away. Your phone turns into a small tablet. That's it. Nothing you can do about it. I don't bother with smaller companies. I only go for the big boys.
2. T-Mobile will give you slower speed and freedom of root. This comes from my experience. Very little chance I need to use my plan's data. I can't tell the speed is slower at all. As far as carrier's features, I don't use any of them, but I think you can still have them if you change it to proper CSC.
Google search your model then you will find what bands your model support. Then Google search your choice of carrier to see what bands they have. Google is your friend.

Not just slower speed. Theres some areas that band 71 would be required to even get service at all in rural areas. Like just 5 min from my house if you have T-Mobile and your phone doesnt have band 71 no service.

hyelton said:
Not just slower speed. Theres some areas that band 71 would be required to even get service at all in rural areas. Like just 5 min from my house if you have T-Mobile and your phone doesnt have band 71 no service.
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Click to collapse
Will Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra work in USA?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with the mobile networks of USA and with the telephony operators that provide service in USA.
www.kimovil.com
This site is what I used and it looks like the version I want to get will suffice. But what do you think?

this.guy.lol said:
Will Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra work in USA?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with the mobile networks of USA and with the telephony operators that provide service in USA.
www.kimovil.com
This site is what I used and it looks like the version I want to get will suffice. But what do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All depends on area. It's still missing band 71 and N71 5G. I personally couldn't as it would make my phone useless in areas I frequent

hyelton said:
All depends on area. It's still missing band 71 and N71 5G. I personally couldn't as it would make my phone useless in areas I frequent
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Click to collapse
But you could get the 4G LTE tho at least right? I have a 5G phone and i only get LTE speeds which is fine but the carrier doesn't offer 5G.

this.guy.lol said:
But you could get the 4G LTE tho at least right? I have a 5G phone and i only get LTE speeds which is fine but the carrier doesn't offer 5G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Band 71 is an LTE band on TMobile.

hyelton said:
No. Band 71 is an LTE band on TMobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohh ok.

hyelton said:
Not just slower speed. Theres some areas that band 71 would be required to even get service at all in rural areas. Like just 5 min from my house if you have T-Mobile and your phone doesnt have band 71 no service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the end, as @hyelton just said, it all depends on your area, your luck and how you would use your phone... There is no definite answer to the op's question until he figures it out himself. It works for me and I am happy with what I got but that may not apply to everyone else... If the op decides to roll the dice for a chance to get a phone that he can have total freedom over it he can go for it. Otherwise, just buy the one on Samsung website ending with U models and have all of his worries put away. Honestly, I didn't think about any of that when I placed my order.

My unlocked 908U1 on t-mobile work perfectly, supported band25 with 130-180mbps speeds on LTE.
ps: 5G is totally disabled as it switching every 5 seconds between 4G\5G networks

malikin said:
My unlocked 908U1 on t-mobile work perfectly, supported band25 with 130-180mbps speeds on LTE.
ps: 5G is totally disabled as it switching every 5 seconds between 4G\5G networks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My OP was based on the international versions because I absolutely have to have root. I have not owned a phone that I could not have root capabilities in over 10 years.
I don't care so much about 5G I just want to have a phone that functions on a US carrier from overseas. Maybe it got lost in translation but I just want to know what carriers people have and if anybody has the carriers that I mentioned with confirmation or denial of service.
Specifically the carriers on most questioned about are H2O wireless and red pocket. I'm not very Google friendly and so I'm not familiar with the bands I'm used to just buying a phone and it working as intended for my purposes.

^^^ You're overthinking it. Just pull up the bandwidths for the carrier you're looking to utilize and go from there. As mentioned you're better served by going for one of the major carriers and maybe their prepaid services. Remember major carriers prioritize their post paid plans first for their optimum network traffic followed by their own respective prepaid plans and finally the MVNOs. I would stay away from the MVNOs in your scenario if you're importing a handset not configured for the U.S to begin it and degrading it further by using an MVNO.