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[Q] International (D6603) vs T-Mobile (D6616) pros/cons

For those of us who will be using T-Mobile as our carrier and are considering buying an international variant of the Z3 instead of the T-Mobile variant, what are all of the pros/cons? There's only a few that I can think of, and some important ones that we need someone to confirm if possible.
Pros:
Unlocked bootloader
Color options other than black
Cons:
No international variant with LTE Band 12 support
No VoLTE support?
No WiFi Calling support (Android 4.4.4 or Android 5.0)?
Can't use Jump! (ie. no insurance)
Although perhaps negligible, less battery life (from having more frequency support)?
16GB Internal Storage

Pretty much summed it up. The battery life difference should be negligible. T-Mobile version does have 32GB internal storage as well.

se1000 said:
Pretty much summed it up. The battery life difference should be negligible. T-Mobile version does have 32GB internal storage as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is only one thing I cannot find any clarification on, and that's whether or not the T-Mobile version as Band 12 support. T-Mobile's site says no - Sony's site says yes. Do we know which to believe?
-Collin-

CollinFX45 said:
There is only one thing I cannot find any clarification on, and that's whether or not the T-Mobile version as Band 12 support. T-Mobile's site says no - Sony's site says yes. Do we know which to believe?
-Collin-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say that the T-Mobile version definitely has Band 12, but that it isn't active yet and will be turned on when the network is ready.

CollinFX45 said:
There is only one thing I cannot find any clarification on, and that's whether or not the T-Mobile version as Band 12 support. T-Mobile's site says no - Sony's site says yes. Do we know which to believe?
-Collin-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no debate on this. The T-Mobile version (D6616) has LTE Band 12. T-Mobile may simply not be listing it because they don't want to advertise a network that isn't up yet.

se1000 said:
Pretty much summed it up. The battery life difference should be negligible. T-Mobile version does have 32GB internal storage as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgot about the storage difference. I've added that now.

s1dest3pnate said:
There's no debate on this. The T-Mobile version (D6616) has LTE Band 12. T-Mobile may simply not be listing it because they don't want to advertise a network that isn't up yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, glad to hear it.
After the Moto X "Pure Edition" I purchased as supposedly having Band 12 and finding out it didn't, I'm overly cautious I guess! Then again, I live in the Bay Area and I think T-mo has a lot of work to do to clear up the Band 12 licenses here unfortunately.
-Collin-

One think to mention of the international version is that it isn't carrier locked and that it is free from T-Mobile's bloatware. I also like a device without carrier's logo on it. Copper and White Z3s looks awesome. Happened the same with my first Xperia Z1, it was international version purple color when all other T-Mo customers has black Z1s.

se1000 said:
I would say that the T-Mobile version definitely has Band 12, but that it isn't active yet and will be turned on when the network is ready.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is something else that is unclear to me: • VoLTE support! I did see the T-Mobile's version having an option in settings>call settings: Enable VoLTE if available (check mark). So international version won't have this?

I don't know if the D6603 has the VoLTE menu ootion, however on a hardware level I believe it does.

abhinav.tella said:
I don't know if the D6603 has the VoLTE menu ootion, however on a hardware level I believe it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I was ready to buy an unlocked version, but I saw this thread, so I searched online yesterday for a good 30+ minutes, even Z3's white pages, specs, but nothing that would mention VoLTE. The interesting thing that I found is that Xperia Z3 Compact, does mention VoLTE support. I also emailed few people on youtube that had made videos about Z3, waiting on their reply.

Anyone able to confirm if T-Mobile VoLTE works on the D6603 model? Screenshot showing the HD icon?

I can confirm it does have volte. Now if we could just get root Haha!! __
Sent from my D6616 using XDA Free mobile app

s1dest3pnate said:
Anyone able to confirm if T-Mobile VoLTE works on the D6603 model? Screenshot showing the HD icon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a D6603 using it on tmobile for a good week. No Volte and no Wifi calling. Thats confirmed.

This white paper PDF from the Sony Developer World website contains charts showing the differences between all the Z3 models. It also shows LTE band 12 support in model D6616.
http://dl-developer.sonymobile.com/...ria_Z3_D6603_D6633_D6643_D6653_D6616_WP_1.pdf

Load TMobile software on a D6603 Z3??
Hey everyone. I own a international Sony Xperia Z3 model D6603 and was wondering if it was possible to load US TMobile D6616 software on it in order to enable WiFi calling/texting??
Thanks for everyone's help!

I would imagine so. Just use FlashTool and XperiFirm, but be ready to roll back with the proper files in case something goes wrong. So I'm not 100% sure, but I'd imagine you can if the hardware is similar enough. Do at your own risk, though - perhaps someone who knows more than me about this could chime in.

i just put my t mobile sim in a D6603 and can make calls, but i can't get 4g, 3g or even 2g...
what's going on? bad unit?
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app

gcbxda said:
i just put my t mobile sim in a D6603 and can make calls, but i can't get 4g, 3g or even 2g...
what's going on? bad unit?
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You likely need to add your APN. Should be plenty of info on how to do that online.

gcbxda said:
i just put my t mobile sim in a D6603 and can make calls, but i can't get 4g, 3g or even 2g...
what's going on? bad unit?
Sent from my XT1053 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did it work eventually???

VoLTE on unlocked version

I have a feeling I know the answer to this, but is there any way to enable VoLTE on the unlocked version, notably on the Rogers network in Canada?
Thanks

DenisEhm said:
I have a feeling I know the answer to this, but is there any way to enable VoLTE on the unlocked version, notably on the Rogers network in Canada?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you have a 4G sim card and your network provider support this on your tariff

Nyssa1104 said:
Only if you have a 4G sim card and your network provider support this on your tariff
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Click to collapse
Ok thanks. That would be a yes on all of those (as it worked on my GS7 quite well) so is it just an option in the settings? If so I can't find it..?

DenisEhm said:
Ok thanks. That would be a yes on all of those (as it worked on my GS7 quite well) so is it just an option in the settings? If so I can't find it..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings-->More-->Mobile network-->VoLTE calls. Enable that. If LTE stays connected when making a call you have VoLTE.

kevev said:
Settings-->More-->Mobile network-->VoLTE calls. Enable that. If LTE stays connected when making a call you have VoLTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but that's what I originally feared: there is no VoLTE option anywhere in there..? I had done a search too and nothing pops up.
Rummaging through the internet, I found an article saying the unlocked version (mine) would NOT have VoLTE. No sure how accurate that was.

DenisEhm said:
Thanks but that's what I originally feared: there is no VoLTE option anywhere in there..? I had done a search too and nothing pops up.
Rummaging through the internet, I found an article saying the unlocked version (mine) would NOT have VoLTE. No sure how accurate that was.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you connected to Wind by any chance? I don't think that network has volte yet. I think Rogers purchased them.

No, I'm on Rogers and I can confirm I had VoLTE before on my Galaxy S7, so it's neither the network or my account the issue.

DenisEhm said:
No, I'm on Rogers and I can confirm I had VoLTE before on my Galaxy S7, so it's neither the network or my account the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very weird. Maybe ask your carrier to check provisioning for your device. What bands does your carrier use for VoLTE?

it should be supported bu carrier it self , not only the phone ! check with them !

Well after some investigating, I have an answer: Rogers only support VoLTE on Apple, LG and Samsung devices...
This is really unfortunate but it's one last thing missing from the Honor 8 to make it my daily driver. It's an excellent device and I was very impressed for the price tag, but not having wireless charging, VoLTE and 4k video made me realize how much I actually use it.
Thanks for the help guys!
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using XDA-Developers mobile app

DenisEhm said:
Well after some investigating, I have an answer: Rogers only support VoLTE on Apple, LG and Samsung devices...
This is really unfortunate but it's one last thing missing from the Honor 8 to make it my daily driver. It's an excellent device and I was very impressed for the price tag, but not having wireless charging, VoLTE and 4k video made me realize how much I actually use it.
Thanks for the help guys!
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Price Tag is Good Comparing With iPhone and Samsung . You Welcome , if u have any other Questions We Will Be happy To help you .,
GD Luck !

Unlocking Band 66/71

Hello,
I haven't posted here in quite some time, but I picked up the Mi Mix 2s (Fantastic device), and the only thing that's missing to make this perfect for me, is the inclusion of Band 71 (600MHz). I've seen on multiple posts about Qualcomm phones having bands unlocked using QDXM and QPST tools. In other tutorials I see that they use an app to calculate the proper NV values, but I can't seem to find one that goes beyond Band 44. Does anyone know of a manual way to calculate this value, or another tool I could use?
Thank you much,
Blimey

sublimewulf said:
Hello,
I haven't posted here in quite some time, but I picked up the Mi Mix 2s (Fantastic device), and the only thing that's missing to make this perfect for me, is the inclusion of Band 71 (600MHz). I've seen on multiple posts about Qualcomm phones having bands unlocked using QDXM and QPST tools. In other tutorials I see that they use an app to calculate the proper NV values, but I can't seem to find one that goes beyond Band 44. Does anyone know of a manual way to calculate this value, or another tool I could use?
Thank you much,
Blimey
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app are you using to check current supported bands?

pi4a7a said:
What app are you using to check current supported bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used NV calculator and LTE Band Calculator on the Play Store.

I found this video. I can't test it until 2 weeks from now as I just started unlocking process. If you test, please let me know if it works.

Ascertion said:
I found this video. I can't test it until 2 weeks from now as I just started unlocking process. If you test, please let me know if it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By taping Lock bands then LTE all of them are checked, is that how it's supposed to be ?
I also don't have the option LTE Band Append...

pi4a7a said:
By taping Lock bands then LTE all of them are checked, is that how it's supposed to be ?
I also don't have the option LTE Band Append...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked mine on my other rooted device. It looks like they removed the LTE Band Append option sometime between January and now. I sent the dev an email asking for more about this, I'll keep you posted.
If it turns out to be a paid feature, I think the price gouging is ridiculously too high. It's $50/week! But we'll see.

Ascertion said:
I checked mine on my other rooted device. It looks like they removed the LTE Band Append option sometime between January and now. I sent the dev an email asking for more about this, I'll keep you posted.
If it turns out to be a paid feature, I think the price gouging is ridiculously too high. It's $50/week! But we'll see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was their response. I guess we can't use this feature.
HI
This feature is not allowed to access since it’s not safe to mobile phones. Please understand…
Regards

Install T-Mobile software instead of international

Hi everyone. I purchased a OnePlus 8 5G directly from OnePlus, running on the T-Mobile network. After trying to figure out why I didn't receive the T-Mobile 5G SA update (10.5.17.IN55CB), I realized my phone is running the international version of the software. I guess this is because it's factory unlocked but I didn't realize this would limit my access to T-Mobile 5G updates! I never travel internationally and don't really care about an unlocked bootloader, etc. as long as the SIM is unlocked.
Can I manually download and install the T-Mobile software so I will get the 5G SA update (and future T-Mobile OTA updates)?

i was also wondering if that would make a difference. maybe someone could provide the modem.img from that update, if it changed. flashing the euro modem on the international rom definitely made a difference for me. not really with speed but overall coverage and stability.

nickdearing88 said:
Hi everyone. I purchased a OnePlus 8 5G directly from OnePlus, running on the T-Mobile network. After trying to figure out why I didn't receive the T-Mobile 5G SA update (10.5.17.IN55CB), I realized my phone is running the international version of the software. I guess this is because it's factory unlocked but I didn't realize this would limit my access to T-Mobile 5G updates! I never travel internationally and don't really care about an unlocked bootloader, etc. as long as the SIM is unlocked.
Can I manually download and install the T-Mobile software so I will get the 5G SA update (and future T-Mobile OTA updates)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now you dont want it. It breaks incoming and outgoing phone calls.

Seems they pulled the update as well

Guys I'm on TMO but switched over to global voluntarily. Honestly check out TMO 5G info and you'll find it's not as great as you think. It's the beginning of a software change. Veteran modders know the beginning of updates have a lot of bugs.
If you really want it then get the MSM Tool, downgrade to 10.5.7 and let it upgrade you manually to 10.5.17. then you can get back to global if you'd like with the modem. Happy modding!

Thanks, it sounds like it was premature. I live in a rural area and my main concerns are 1) better (not reliant on LTE) 600Mhz coverage and 2) lower latency.
Do you think the global software line will get an SA update down the road? Are there any other difference between the global and T-Mobile line of software that would affect my coverage performance with LTE or 5G?

nickdearing88 said:
Thanks, it sounds like it was premature. I live in a rural area and my main concerns are 1) better (not reliant on LTE) 600Mhz coverage and 2) lower latency.
Do you think the global software line will get an SA update down the road? Are there any other difference between the global and T-Mobile line of software that would affect my coverage performance with LTE or 5G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great question, This is my first OnePlus phone so I can't tell you if and when gonna will get the update. What I have heard of that TMO is rolling out 5G in several layers. This first one is pretty low key but it had some books already. Second and third would be better. I guess check around here to see more about it. If you are absolutely sure you want this update then you can use MSM took to downgrade then just let the TMO servers do the work for you. Happy modding!

nickdearing88 said:
Thanks, it sounds like it was premature. I live in a rural area and my main concerns are 1) better (not reliant on LTE) 600Mhz coverage and 2) lower latency.
Do you think the global software line will get an SA update down the road? Are there any other difference between the global and T-Mobile line of software that would affect my coverage performance with LTE or 5G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be surprised if the global version got an update for SA 5g. That's TMO specific and OnePlus would have zero care about a specific carrier of all the world's carriers .
There are differences in modems according to TMobile. I can't remember specifics but I think it was carrier aggregation on band 66 ( I don't remember much so I may be way off)

Josh McGrath said:
I would be surprised if the global version got an update for SA 5g. That's TMO specific and OnePlus would have zero care about a specific carrier of all the world's carriers .
There are differences in modems according to TMobile. I can't remember specifics but I think it was carrier aggregation on band 66 ( I don't remember much so I may be way off)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I figured that was unlikely with the global version, although I'm sure carriers across the world will begin deploying SA 5G at some point.
I was going to start a new thread but after you notes about the modem differences, this might relate to another issue I've noticed: When connected to Band 2 (1900 Mhz) with LTE or 5G, I was getting really good speeds (~30Mbps Down/5Mbps Up). Now, when I test using 5G or LTE (by turning off 5G) my speed tests are horrible: ~1Mbps Down/0.7Mbps Up. I have tested with "Smart 5G" on and off, and also removed and reinstalled the SIM card. If I pop the SIM card out and put it back into my Pixel 2, I get 30Mpbs Down/5Mpbs Up with LTE on Band 2. My Pixel 2 was purchased directly from Google and is factory unlocked/direct Google updates.
Do you think this is because of the carrier agg issue you mentioned? In my area Band 4/Band 66 is only used for T-Mobile 2G/3G, to my knowledge. LTE is offered on Bands 2, 12, and 71. 5G NR seems to only be on Band 71 here at present.

Josh McGrath said:
I would be surprised if the global version got an update for SA 5g. That's TMO specific and OnePlus would have zero care about a specific carrier of all the world's carriers .
There are differences in modems according to TMobile. I can't remember specifics but I think it was carrier aggregation on band 66 ( I don't remember much so I may be way off)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Josh, not often this happens, but I disagree with what you say here. Normally I agree with everything you post. However, this time I have to disagree.
5G SA is not at all T-Mo specific and is a standardized implementation for carriers should they choose to go that route.
However, OnePlus caring about it is up in the air, lulz!
See here: https://ibasis.com/what-is-5g-sa-nsa/
5G SA means stand alone. This means that the device will only ride on 5G and not aggregate with 4G.
If I am wrong please correct me. Thanks!
Nathan.7118391 said:
If you are absolutely sure you want this update then you can use MSM took to downgrade then just let the TMO servers do the work for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I and many others posted that they cannot get the update. Those that did said they had connectivity issues. I suspect that T-Mo pulled the update. I don't know this for fact, however I cannot get the update. T-Mo site says check back after 8/31. That's crazy weird. Others also complain. I think the update is borked hence the lack of wide roll out. . Again, dont know this for fact but just speculating...

Scott said:
Josh, not often this happens, but I disagree with what you say here. Normally I agree with everything you post. However, this time I have to disagree.
5G SA is not at all T-Mo specific and is a standardized implementation for carriers should they choose to go that route.
However, OnePlus caring about it is up in the air, lulz!
See here: https://ibasis.com/what-is-5g-sa-nsa/
5G SA means stand alone. This means that the device will only ride on 5G and not aggregate with 4G.
If I am wrong please correct me. Thanks!
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sure. I do stand corrected here on SA. I was referring to the specific bands that TMobile uses for SA 5g vs world bands SA 5g but who knows if that's impossible but I, like you, think that OP will not care about it or would screw it up.
As for the modem differences, I was referring to an older post from TMobile on their forums during the 6t launch days so I can't really remember exactly what it was. I think if you searched my posts from way you could find it
Speaking of, I am incredibly disappointed in tmos 5g. I'm lucky to get 20 dl. Are you having any better luck

Scott said:
Josh, not often this happens, but I disagree with what you say here. Normally I agree with everything you post. However, this time I have to disagree.
5G SA is not at all T-Mo specific and is a standardized implementation for carriers should they choose to go that route.
However, OnePlus caring about it is up in the air, lulz!
See here: https://ibasis.com/what-is-5g-sa-nsa/
5G SA means stand alone. This means that the device will only ride on 5G and not aggregate with 4G.
If I am wrong please correct me. Thanks!
I and many others posted that they cannot get the update. Those that did said they had connectivity issues. I suspect that T-Mo pulled the update. I don't know this for fact, however I cannot get the update. T-Mo site says check back after 8/31. That's crazy weird. Others also complain. I think the update is borked hence the lack of wide roll out. . Again, dont know this for fact but just speculating...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think you are right. As soon as it was available it became unavailable. They will roll it out when those bugs are fixed. This is one of the reasons I don't like TMO stock. They are buggy and slow to update. Not to mention all the bloatware.

Josh McGrath said:
Speaking of, I am incredibly disappointed in tmos 5g. I'm lucky to get 20 dl. Are you having any better luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am EXTREMLEY disappointed
History of my observations...
When I first switched to T-Mobile with the 6T the speeds were great. Well, decent. But around the time the S20 series came out I noticed extreme sluggishness with the 6T. Compared it to the people in the store and there's wer the same. A massive down turn in speed. I suspect it had something to do with the implementation of 5G in the area. It was my guess... Anways, moved back to T-Mobile two months ago and got this phone. The speeds are even worse. So this phone on 5G is just as bad as LTE. I disabled 5G and tested. Same results.
Long story short, T-mobile did something and slowed my connection down.
Your lucky. Very luck. I routinely get 2 to 5 mbs when I am home. In town I dont think I got over 25Mbs. AT&T has the best network in Fargo. 200MBS down on S20U all day!

Possibility of 5G for US being enabled?

I recall on other phones, notably the Nexus 4, that LTE could be enabled via a modded Kernel or Radio IMG(can't recall). What are the chances that this mod would be possible on the Nord as well? Has anyone already looked into it?

knitler said:
I recall on other phones, notably the Nexus 4, that LTE could be enabled via a modded Kernel or Radio IMG(can't recall). What are the chances that this mod would be possible on the Nord as well? Has anyone already looked into it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done zero modding to my device and have consistently gotten 5G on Google Fi in the US.

chesstopher said:
I've done zero modding to my device and have consistently gotten 5G on Google Fi in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you likely haven't, it just SAYS 5g on the bar which I suspect is a bug.
If you actually run a network tool, you'll see you are only on Band4. The Nord doesn't have official support for the T-Mobile bands the US uses for 5G. I see the same thing and I'm on Mint which is just re-sold T-Mobile.