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Bell Galaxy S Vibrant

I live in the USA, using AT&T, and is shopping around for Galaxy S phone. The Captivate is the obvious choice under the Galaxy S flag. I just noticed the Galaxy S Vibrant from Canada today and I am really interested in it, especially because of the front facing camera.
How would I go about purchasing it? How would I get it working under the AT&T carrier? How is Edge, 3G, and voice, etc? How would future rom updates be installed? What are the down sides to buying the Vibrant versus a local Captivate?
Thanks

I have a Bell GS and on Bell it works great. Though after a firmware upgrade yesterday is is acting a bit wonky, might have to do reset.
To use it on ATT in the US you would have to buy it outright from Bell or other brick and mortar store that carry Bell phones. ie. Best Buy/FutureShop.
There is an unlock app for GS's and supposedly works on the Bell I9000, haven't tried it myself, no need atm. This will allow you to use a ATT sim card in the phone.
To update, you can use Samsung kies, supposedly what they will be using to push updates to GS, you can get that from samsungs web site. From what I have found so far you need to be in the touch wiz launcher to use kies. only matters if you use 3rd party launchers.
Not sure how the FFC will work for you. That might be dependant on ATT?
Your best bet, if you decide to get one. ROOT and make it your *****!

It would be 100% compatible on AT&T's network. In fact, it's even more compatible because Bell doesn't have a 2G network you can switch to to save battery life.
ROM updates come officially through Kies like normal, although you should also be able to flash most international i9000 ROMs you see floating around here, just make sure before doing so. Flashing a Captivate ROM just because you're on AT&T is a surefire way to brick your phone.
To buy it you will likely need to use something like eBay because even if you purchase it outright almost every store won't let you leave unless you have existing service with Bell. You can unlock it for free though with the method that I am sure is detailed on the Android Development board somewhere.
The obvious downside to buying Bell's Galaxy S is it comes at full retail price (over $500 Canadian) and in all likelihood you're probably going to get a model with the three button download/recovery modes disabled, making flashing ROMs risky. Hold out until the end of this month to see if Samsung Canada announces more about their promised fix for this.

I am using one on AT&T as well and it works fine. Best part is that AT&T doesn't force you on their limited smartphone plans and you can put it on a cheaper unlimited plan.
I got mine in a trade for a BB Torch but you can find one on eBay or maybe talk to a Canadian member here to see about picking one up for you. I would suggest you have them check for the 3 button recovery to make sure it's working before they buy it though.
The downside is warranty issues if it breaks but as long as the 3 button recovery works you should be able to recover from a bad flash and the hardware seems pretty solid so far so no worries there.

Based on the responses, I am definitely going with the Bell/Canadian Vibrant. The only trouble I have now is just finding one to purchase.
How do I post my intentions here to let people that I want one? Who is a reliable dealer here?
Many Thanks
GH

the bell ones got both 850 and 1900 bands?
Also does it have a bell logo on it or is it unbranded.

send me a PM if you want to buy a Bell SGS with 3 button working tested, and GPS tested before mailing it to your address of choice.

BuddyLee said:
the bell ones got both 850 and 1900 bands?
Also does it have a bell logo on it or is it unbranded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is unbranded

3 button mode is enabled again with latest firmware

Epic 4G (used as 3G on Bell / Rogers)
Hello,
I am interested exactly the opposite: I want to buy an Epic from Sprint (with no contract) and to use it in Canada (on Bell or Rogers) but only with a data plan, no voice (as I will use the SIP / VOIP). If Bell or Rogers offers only data plan, should this phone (Epic) works out of the box (or with the unlocking code) on the 3G network of Bell / Rogers, simply inserting their SIM card into the phone?

catalinu said:
Hello,
I am interested exactly the opposite: I want to buy an Epic from Sprint (with no contract) and to use it in Canada (on Bell or Rogers) but only with a data plan, no voice (as I will use the SIP / VOIP). If Bell or Rogers offers only data plan, should this phone (Epic) works out of the box (or with the unlocking code) on the 3G network of Bell / Rogers, simply inserting their SIM card into the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the sprint version is CDMA, chances are it's CDMA locked to sprint
CDMA unlocking is done on the server side, is not on the phone like GSM
you need to register your CDMA IMEI number to the say... Bell or Telus, if they see it on their server it's allowed they will let you in, if they see it listed as not allowed then they wont register the phone into their (Telus/Bell) CDMA network

garyHal said:
I live in the USA, using AT&T, and is shopping around for Galaxy S phone. The Captivate is the obvious choice under the Galaxy S flag. I just noticed the Galaxy S Vibrant from Canada today and I am really interested in it, especially because of the front facing camera.
How would I go about purchasing it? How would I get it working under the AT&T carrier? How is Edge, 3G, and voice, etc? How would future rom updates be installed? What are the down sides to buying the Vibrant versus a local Captivate?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use it on Rogers network and it works great. No problem so far.

AllGamer said:
the sprint version is CDMA, chances are it's CDMA locked to sprint
CDMA unlocking is done on the server side, is not on the phone like GSM
you need to register your CDMA IMEI number to the say... Bell or Telus, if they see it on their server it's allowed they will let you in, if they see it listed as not allowed then they wont register the phone into their (Telus/Bell) CDMA network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer.
I am not a tech, but the 4G/3G is also depending on CDMA? Or CDMA concerns only voice? Is it 4G/3G a standard (the same on Sprint and Bell and Rogers) that doesn't depend neither on CDMA or GSM?

we don't have 4G support yet in Canada
CDMA is for voice, but if you can not register the phone in the network for voice, you will also not get access to data
to have data you must have a voice connection
not a phone requirement but a phone network carrier requirement

Thanks.
Anyway, I checked right now with Bell and Rogers and no one offers only data plan... But what they will do with iPad and Galaxy Tab that doesn't support voice, but only data? If I will take the SIM out the gTab and put in a phone (Epic or Vibrant or Captivate), will the phone be able to work on 3G?

catalinu said:
Thanks.
Anyway, I checked right now with Bell and Rogers and no one offers only data plan... But what they will do with iPad and Galaxy Tab that doesn't support voice, but only data? If I will take the SIM out the gTab and put in a phone (Epic or Vibrant or Captivate), will the phone be able to work on 3G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tab is a Cell phone, just gigantic! one at that LOL
you can make phone calls with Samsung Tab, just like the Apple iTab... ipad i mean

AllGamer said:
Tab is a Cell phone, just gigantic! one at that LOL
you can make phone calls with Samsung Tab, just like the Apple iTab... ipad i mean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but if Bell already sells the dataonly plan for iPad, why they don't sell a dataonly plan also for a smartphone?

because they can claim a Tab is "not a phone" (whatever...)
and a Galaxy is a "phone"

garyHal said:
I live in the USA, using AT&T, and is shopping around for Galaxy S phone. The Captivate is the obvious choice under the Galaxy S flag. I just noticed the Galaxy S Vibrant from Canada today and I am really interested in it, especially because of the front facing camera.
How would I go about purchasing it? How would I get it working under the AT&T carrier? How is Edge, 3G, and voice, etc? How would future rom updates be installed? What are the down sides to buying the Vibrant versus a local Captivate?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently have a I9000 and am on ATT's network in southern california. I'm all but satisfied since my coverage is poor indoors and in some areas because of the lack of 850 band support.
I'm looking to move instead to the I9000M from Bell to get the added 850 3g coverage. Were you able to get a phone, root, unlock it and upgrade to froyo 2.2? Can you tell me about your experience so far including testing for 3-button boot into recovery? Where and how much you got the phone for out-the-door? Thanks.

Sorry mate, still waiting on mine, can't believe its been a month. An xda member here indicated that the stores in Canada are out of stock for awhile now.

[Q] HD7 for AT&T/Telus

I bought my HD2 from Telstra to use on AT&T. When I received it I couldn't get it to work on AT&T with the factory ROM and had to HSPL/Reflash it. What are the thought on the HD7 from Telstra working with an AT&T sim on the AT&T network? I would really hate to go back to a smaller screen and honestly the surround seems a bit kitchy.

You probably will have to have it sim unlocked. Thats easier than flashing a rom, but with WP7 I don't know.

i want to do the same thing i need an HD7 on at&t

i am on the same page
I am using a telstra hd2 on us att 3g, i switch between wm 6.5.x and android 2.2 desire rom, i've been using android a lot more lately, because i got tired of squeezing functionality out of winmo when its already there with android (tired of second rate facebook, foursquare apps etc ), alas i really want WP7 to succeed and will be there to support it, but i do not want to downgrade to a smaller device to stay on at&t, I have a cheap unlimited data plan (at&t thinks im using a
little nokia phone for data), the A list where i use my google voice for calls and have accrued over 3,000 roll over minutes,so it looks like ill be forking over $800 bucks again for a telstra hd7 if that's the case, i imagine though when i sell my unlocked hd2 running on att 3g network with dual operating systems i may get a decent penny on ebay to contribute towards the telstra hd7 purchase
and also has anyone else using this phone have found little support for those running android on it or anything else? sometimes i feel like im the only guy in the united states with a telstra hd2 and everyone else is using the tmo usa one, all the forums talk about the euro hd2 and the tmo usa one

im in the same boat, but with Bell in canada..i use the Telstra HD2 and from the looks of things were just getting the LG with the keyboard and a 3.5in screen..looks awful. im hoping the same with the HD7, just a matter of whether they can be sim unlocked. ill be keeping my eye on it and hoping for the best anyway.

Is it telstra even getting the hd7?

Seems like Telstra will be getting the HD7 exclusively in 2011 similar to what happened with the HD2.
Launch availability will be T-Mobile(US) O2(England/Germany) and SingTel(Singapore) none of which support UMTS/HSDPA 850.

Strange because according to these guys the HD7 will be coming to Telstra in November: http://smarthouse.com.au/Phones/Mobile/X6L9N4K3
And for those of us that bought the Telstra HD2 we may recall the device came factory unlocked. Great for me as I'm using it on Telus in Toronto, Canada.
I looked at our launch line up here as well and our choices are pretty weak. I've read someone confirmed the Dell Venue Pro will work for us on the North American bands. That's my second choice.
But I think the HD7 from Telstra will be good to go. Except we'll be stuck with a Telstra Hub until someone figures out how to flash new roms lol..

pistol44 said:
Strange because according to these guys the HD7 will be coming to Telstra in November: http://smarthouse.com.au/Phones/Mobile/X6L9N4K3
And for those of us that bought the Telstra HD2 we may recall the device came factory unlocked. Great for me as I'm using it on Telus in Toronto, Canada.
I looked at our launch line up here as well and our choices are pretty weak. I've read someone confirmed the Dell Venue Pro will work for us on the North American bands. That's my second choice.
But I think the HD7 from Telstra will be good to go. Except we'll be stuck with a Telstra Hub until someone figures out how to flash new roms lol..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can uninstall the operator's hub, it'll just come back at each hard reset

front facing camera?
is it possible to find someone who can install a front facing camera as well? I would pay who ever could do it, it can be done with the samsung vibrant, it is really disappointing there is no ffc installed
and now im worried once i import the hd7 from telstra will there be roms that i can use to remove the telstra hub and skins? I doubt a hard reset will remove this, we are all venturing into new ground here indeed

there are no skins, and the carrier apps can be uninstalled

pistol44 said:
Strange because according to these guys the HD7 will be coming to Telstra in November: http://smarthouse.com.au/Phones/Mobile/X6L9N4K3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to this article "Unfortunately the elusive HTC HD7 is not available at launch. It’s officially slated to be available exclusively through Telstra next year in 2011. You would be wise to bet the first half of the year."
I honestly believe it will be worth the wait.
Were you able to use your Telstra HD2 on AT&T straight out of the box? I ask this because I could not. It was indeed sim unlocked, but didn't work for me. Granted I only tested it once and then HSPL/Flash to NRG.
-Brad

ckacey said:
You can uninstall the operator's hub, it'll just come back at each hard reset
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say "uninstall" I assume then you mean just remove their hub from the homescreen without actually uninstalling their software.

bworls said:
According to this article "Unfortunately the elusive HTC HD7 is not available at launch. It’s officially slated to be available exclusively through Telstra next year in 2011. You would be wise to bet the first half of the year."
I honestly believe it will be worth the wait.
Were you able to use your Telstra HD2 on AT&T straight out of the box? I ask this because I could not. It was indeed sim unlocked, but didn't work for me. Granted I only tested it once and then HSPL/Flash to NRG.
-Brad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd that on the same day 2 different stories would be printed. One saying it's available next month, the other saying next year. Guess we'll know for sure by November if it doesn't actually arrive.
For me personally it worked on the Telus network right out of the box, even before I HSPL'd it. The only hassle was setting up the data and mms manually. But later I found a few custom roms that did that for me.

Review of the HD7 PCWorld AU
"This Telstra-exclusive Windows Phone 7 smartphone will launch in Australia in January 2011."
Anyone have a time machine?

The UK carrier O2 is also adding the HD7 to their line up for Oct. and has quad band GSM:
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Oct2010/o2-add-htc-hd7-windows-phone-7-smartphone.html
Based on my previous knowledge of quad band phones it should support the more popular 850/900/1800/1900 bands.. that being said can someone with more knowledge than myself confirm whether this would work similarly to the Telstra version?

vetvito said:
You probably will have to have it sim unlocked. Thats easier than flashing a rom, but with WP7 I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually flashing a ROM won't work. You can't unlock the SIM by flashing another ROM, you have to get the unlock code regardless.
Most carriers do it for free or you can find a site online that will do it for a charge.
The OS does not effect SIM UNLOCKING so I do not see any change with WP7

pistol44 said:
The UK carrier O2 is also adding the HD7 to their line up for Oct. and has quad band GSM:
http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/Oct2010/o2-add-htc-hd7-windows-phone-7-smartphone.html
Based on my previous knowledge of quad band phones it should support the more popular 850/900/1800/1900 bands.. that being said can someone with more knowledge than myself confirm whether this would work similarly to the Telstra version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GSM (2G) is 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS/HSDPA (3G) is more than likely 900/2100 where AT&T is 850/1900

bworls said:
GSM (2G) is 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS/HSDPA (3G) is more than likely 900/2100 where AT&T is 850/1900
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I figured as much.. wishful thinking I guess. So we wait until January 2011

xma1e said:
Actually flashing a ROM won't work. You can't unlock the SIM by flashing another ROM, you have to get the unlock code regardless.
Most carriers do it for free or you can find a site online that will do it for a charge.
The OS does not effect SIM UNLOCKING so I do not see any change with WP7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know any reliable and trusted website? I don't mind paying I just want to be sure the site can do it.

[Q] Carriers/network frequencies

I just purchased an unlocked Optimus black, I have inserted my sim card and can connect, however it doesn't seem to go into 3g mode. My Carrier is Rogers, (Canada). When I look in the Settings/.../Network Mode the options I have are GSM/WCDMA (auto mode) or WCDMA only or GSM only. Does this mean the phone will not do 3G on Rogers? Rogers is a GSM Carrier.
When I checked the frequencies (@gsmarena) for the phone prior to purchasing, it listed 2 "HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100" & "HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100" my current phone matches the second one so I assumed all was good, have I erred in assuming the phone supports both when in actuality it only supports one depending on which 'sub' model you get?
Accept my apologies if I have asked this question in the wrong area, and tell me to bugger off after pointing me in the right direction.
Tia...

bolloc said:
I just purchased an unlocked Optimus black, I have inserted my sim card and can connect, however it doesn't seem to go into 3g mode. My Carrier is Rogers, (Canada). When I look in the Settings/.../Network Mode the options I have are GSM/WCDMA (auto mode) or WCDMA only or GSM only. Does this mean the phone will not do 3G on Rogers? Rogers is a GSM Carrier.
When I checked the frequencies (@gsmarena) for the phone prior to purchasing, it listed 2 "HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100" & "HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100" my current phone matches the second one so I assumed all was good, have I erred in assuming the phone supports both when in actuality it only supports one depending on which 'sub' model you get?
Accept my apologies if I have asked this question in the wrong area, and tell me to bugger off after pointing me in the right direction.
Tia...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by unlocked OB? Is it other than P970?
The P970 (Normal OB) can't be networked locked in the first place.
And yes it's in the right place .

xonar_ said:
What do you mean by unlocked OB? Is it other than P970?
The P970 (Normal OB) can't be networked locked in the first place.
And yes it's in the right place .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone was advertised as unlocked and that it could be used with any GSM carrier. In the past when I had called a different carrier searching for better rates I was told it was ok to use my phone on their networks if it was unlocked so I made sure I didn't purchase a locked phone. So was that really redundant, this model can't be locked?
I think the problem I have is this phone doesn't appear to work on one of the frequencies I need (HSDPA/HSUPA 850). I compared the specs at gsmarena for my existing phone and for the OB, like I said in the first post, I thought they had similar frequencies. After posting this question I looked into it more, the specs for my existing phone at the manufacturers website differ, they show HSDPA/HSUPA at 900/1900/2100 MHz or 850/900/1900/2100 MHz. Then I researched the networks used by the carriers and sure enough Rogers is UMTS 850/1900 as are the other carriers here.

bolloc said:
The phone was advertised as unlocked and that it could be used with any GSM carrier. In the past when I had called a different carrier searching for better rates I was told it was ok to use my phone on their networks if it was unlocked so I made sure I didn't purchase a locked phone. So was that really redundant, this model can't be locked?
I think the problem I have is this phone doesn't appear to work on one of the frequencies I need (HSDPA/HSUPA 850). I compared the specs at gsmarena for my existing phone and for the OB, like I said in the first post, I thought they had similar frequencies. After posting this question I looked into it more, the specs for my existing phone at the manufacturers website differ, they show HSDPA/HSUPA at 900/1900/2100 MHz or 850/900/1900/2100 MHz. Then I researched the networks used by the carriers and sure enough Rogers is UMTS 850/1900 as are the other carriers here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
P970 can't be locked.
The sprint variant (LG Marquee) of the OB can be locked though, not sure about the Japanese and Korean variants though.
What firmware are you using? Perhaps it will be a good idea to use your countries firmware.
Just use the official LG Updater to install the firmware.

xonar_ said:
P970 can't be locked.
The sprint variant (LG Marquee) of the OB can be locked though, not sure about the Japanese and Korean variants though.
What firmware are you using? Perhaps it will be a good idea to use your countries firmware.
Just use the official LG Updater to install the firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forget now what the original version (V10something) was because since then I have managed to totally mess it up, it now has no imei# ...
As I said in my first post the issue was with 'data' performance it was pathetic, I did not see this phone show a 3g icon when connected and when I measured the speed it was reminiscent of performance we experienced a few years ago prior to 3g.
So I flashed it, with a patched V20J... oops, this is where things went from bad to worse. Somewhere during my troubleshooting research I noticed that this wasn't a P970. Although this is what was advertised in the sale, it is in fact a KU5900. I thought no problem I will download a korean firmware, that sounds easier than the reality though, I can't download the korean firmware from lg-phone-firmware.com probably because I am in Canada, I even tried to do it through a korean proxy, didn't work.
I found a link here to the V30I firmware that I could download, flashed that, bricked the sucker. Fixed the brick by putting the V20J back, found your post re. dd the imei to mmcblk0p11, it didn't work, perhaps this is one of the differences in the KU5900? And yes I did see your heading warning it was for a P970 only but figured what have I got to loose
I did try the LG updater it failed, come to think of it this is where I found out it was a KU5900, of course I tried that after the fact, and I found your thread about re-writing the nvram with advise to back it up first, after the fact.
Now to address the locking portion of your reply, I purchased a P970 on the day you replied to this thread. From a different carrier, they had a great deal on their plans and I needed to jump on it then and there, although I had purchased a new phone the deal also included a phone so I grabbed the 'same' an optimus black. This phone will only work with the sim they provided, when I put in my Rogers sim it wouldn't work, I tried setting it up manually, nothing. This is what I understand as being locked, whether the correct terminology is network locked or not I have no idea.
On a side note, the seller has agreed to replace the phone, unfortunately I believe that even though they have confirmed it will be a P970, I will end up with another KU5900, I couldn't care less providing I have access to KU5900 firmware which seems to be a bit of a challenge.

'CDMA Only' Screen Replacement?!

Hello,
I'm very confused.
I live in Israel and I have a Verizon S6 Edge (G925V). The phone is working fine here even though we don't have CDMA network.
As far as I know G925V supports GSM networks (http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s6_edge_(usa)-7166.php).
My screen has shattered so I ordered this replacement:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Samsung...715005?hash=item51f2137f3d:g:UyAAAOSwImRYdBBU
The seller then gave me refund claiming that "This item will NOT work for you if you have GSM. The frame for GSM and CDMA are different, so you would not be able to install this item.".
I'm really confused now, how is this screen different than the screen I originally got with my G925V? What screen do I need? Where to buy it from?
Thanks in advance for your help!

? anyone got a clue ?

tbtb123 said:
? anyone got a clue ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not repair phones and have never taken apart an S6 Edge, but I think you ordered the correct part. There are internal design differences for each carrier variant/model since they have to cram so much into a tiny space. The Verizon branded SM-G925V is a phone designed for a CDMA voice network, so the eBay seller is referring to the model of phone when he says "CDMA Only". Yes, the SM-G925V supports GSM but each carrier variant/model has different frequency band support. So, you may want to look into which frequency bands your carrier uses as the phone may only have partial support. Edit: Which model does your local carrier/provider recommend?

blkt said:
I do not repair phones and have never taken apart an S6 Edge, but I think you ordered the correct part. There are internal design differences for each carrier variant/model since they have to cram so much into a tiny space. The Verizon branded SM-G925V is a phone designed for a CDMA voice network, so the eBay seller is referring to the model of phone when he says "CDMA Only". Yes, the SM-G925V supports GSM but each carrier variant/model has different frequency band support. So, you may want to look into which frequency bands your carrier uses as the phone may only have partial support. Edit: Which model does your local carrier/provider recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks.
In Israel they only sell the global version - SM-G925F.
I think I would go with this:
https://www.etradesupply.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-edge-sm-g925v-lcd-and-digitizer-assembly-gold.html

tbtb123 said:
Hi, thanks.
In Israel they only sell the global version - SM-G925F.
I think I would go with this:
https://www.etradesupply.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-edge-sm-g925v-lcd-and-digitizer-assembly-gold.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have another 80USD? http://www.ebay.com/itm/361958487879 Just saying, it might save a lot of time and hassle (64GB too).

blkt said:
Have another 80USD? http://www.ebay.com/itm/361958487879 Just saying, it might save a lot of time and hassle (64GB too).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, crazy. But I rather keep my phone with all the data, also I will never buy any USA phone again, only global/unlocked versions.

tbtb123 said:
LOL, crazy. But I rather keep my phone with all the data, also I will never buy any USA phone again, only global/unlocked versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just trying to help. Samsung's Smart Switch software allows for very easy migration to another phone. Keep in mind the different models all have different frequency band support, so if you are back in the USA on a global phone the data speeds will likely be slower and of course only GSM/UMTS/LTE support (no CDMA carriers).
https://www.frequencycheck.com/comp...ng-sm-g925v-galaxy-s6-edge-lte-a-samsung-zero
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/JGpYA/samsung-galaxy-s6-sm-g925f
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/vDaP6/samsung-sm-g925v-galaxy-s6-edge-lte-a-samsung-zero

SM-G973F/DS in USA? Waste of time?

Long time lurker, first time poster here. First of all, a massive THANK YOU to everyone here. You guys and gals are Awesome! <3
So, I bought a Samsung S10 (SM-G973F/DS) on Ebay recently and flashed it to Lineage OS 19.1. All was fine until I tried to activate it. We did everything...manually changing the ASP settings, and a bunch of other stuff to try and get this thing to connect to the mobile network. Even placed the SIM card in another phone just to confirm the SIM card was fine, which it was.
Long story short, I think the device was perhaps locked even though the seller claimed it was unlocked. Whatever, I'm over it. I flashed stock back on it and re-locked the boot loader, sent it back. Not worth the aggravation. However, I am questioning if there wasn't something else I could have done?
I was trying to activate the S10 on Mint Mobile USA (a T-Mobile reseller, so GSM) it should have been fine. The default language on the device was German. I don't think that should matter, but maybe it does? Do European phones have problems activating in North America?
My question is: If I decide to get another S10 (SM-G973F/DS) from the secondary market (if its even worth it at this point, since the SM-G973F/DS is really hard to find), is there anything I can find out from the seller first so I don't end up having to send it back?
Or, should I just give up my dream of having an S10 installed with Lineage OS and it's glorious headphone jack and expandable storage forever? If so, are there any worthy alternatives to the S10 worth considering, given my affinity for headphone jacks and expandable storage?

Hello PhonePerfection, all a novel why you speak S10 G973F / DS in the United States.
Already your model S10 G973F/DS exynos 5G or the first 4G model so if these this Europe chip model, if now installed Samsung phone info look at who is scoring at worst take screenshots.
I don't understand your question United States, locked unlocked the seller.
You buy in the back market refurbished and unlocked telephone all operator therefore for sim card, the concern these the chip to install network either US or ASIA controls your model if these good SM-G973F/DS and not SM-G973U or G973U1.
Don't forget to say hello

I think what @meric57 is trying to say is that your phone doesn't have the right chips to communicate on the frequencies in the USA. It's made for other markets and other frequencies... so it won't work here.
If you use FrequencyCheck you can see what carriers support what frequencies on your specific model: https://www.frequencycheck.com/comp...m-td-lte-512gb-samsung-beyond-1/united-states
Scroll down to the "United States" area and you'll see it doesn't support the frequencies used in the USA (except for GSM 2.5, which is old and dead here in the USA). The US is primarily on LTE... and you can see that phone model doesn't support ANY of the available frequencies.
Bottom line "GSM" doesn't tell you enough. You have an incomatible phone model for the USA market. No SIM card will fix that.
Note, in SOME cases, you can activate other frequencies by loading different ROMs into the phone. My old LG V30 did this, for example. I have heard that you can run some Exynos phones here in the USA, but I don't know the details to help. FrequencyCheck may help you figure that out. Be sure the look for the complete model number, not just "Galaxy S10" or something... the naming is worthless for figuring this out.

schwinn8 said:
I think what @meric57 is trying to say is that your phone doesn't have the right chips to communicate on the frequencies in the USA. It's made for other markets and other frequencies... so it won't work here.
If you use FrequencyCheck you can see what carriers support what frequencies on your specific model: https://www.frequencycheck.com/compsomethingatibility/RdEkS7k/samsung-sm-g973f-ds-galaxy-s10-global-dual-sim-td-lte-512gb-samsung-beyond-1/united-states
Scroll down to the "United States" area and you'll see it doesn't support the frequencies used in the USA (except for GSM 2.5, which is old and dead here in the USA). The US is primarily on LTE... and you can see that phone model doesn't support ANY of the available frequencies.
Bottom line "GSM" doesn't tell you enough. You have an incomatible phone model for the USA market. No SIM card will fix that.
Note, in SOME cases, you can activate other frequencies by loading different ROMs into the phone. My old LG V30 did this, for example. I have heard that you can run some Exynos phones here in the USA, but I don't know the details to help. FrequencyCheck may help you figure that out. Be sure the look for the complete model number, not just "Galaxy S10" or something... the naming is worthless for figuring this out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
schwinn8 said:
I think what @meric57 is trying to say is that your phone doesn't have the right chips to communicate on the frequencies in the USA. It's made for other markets and other frequencies... so it won't work here.
If you use FrequencyCheck you can see what carriers support what frequencies on your specific model: https://www.frequencycheck.com/comp...m-td-lte-512gb-samsung-beyond-1/united-states
Scroll down to the "United States" area and you'll see it doesn't support the frequencies used in the USA (except for GSM 2.5, which is old and dead here in the USA). The US is primarily on LTE... and you can see that phone model doesn't support ANY of the available frequencies.
Bottom line "GSM" doesn't tell you enough. You have an incomatible phone model for the USA market. No SIM card will fix that.
Note, in SOME cases, you can activate other frequencies by loading different ROMs into the phone. My old LG V30 did this, for example. I have heard that you can run some Exynos phones here in the USA, but I don't know the details to help. FrequencyCheck may help you figure that out. Be sure the look for the complete model number, not just "Galaxy S10" or something... the naming is worthless for figuring this out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, this is great info. Good to know. It looks like that S10 could only communicate on 1 of 8 bands used by Mint/T-Mobile. That 1 usable band appears to have been deprecated by T-Mobile as it is. I think that explains it perfectly. Thank You!

You're welcome.
Yeah, frequencies/bands are very important to watch, particularly if you're buying out of market devices. You have to know model numbers and carriers to be sure of anything, and unfortunately this info is relatively hidden.

schwinn8 said:
You're welcome.
Yeah, frequencies/bands are very important to watch, particularly if you're buying out of market devices. You have to know model numbers and carriers to be sure of anything, and unfortunately this info is relatively hidden.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CSC on that device was DBT (Germany). I had to find that out in order to put the correct stock OS back on there.
Makes me wonder if the ebay seller even knows this. They appear to specialize in mobile phones with tens of thousands of transactions, so I would hope they've encountered this situation before. They were more than happy to accept a return on the device. Sent me a prepaid shipping label immediately.
Back to the CSC... Let's say I look for another S10 (SM-G973F/DS) but I ask what the CSC is for that device. Are there any regions outside the lower 48 states with reasonably good chances of it working? I suppose I would need to study the mobile frequency website for the answer to that.

I did some quick searching, and supposedly there are websites that say the 973F/DS will work on MM (mint mobile)... but they don't detail how. For example: https://de-googled.com/blogs/news/a-word-on-network-compatibility-of-our-degoogled-phones
and https://www.ebay.com/p/15030406771 (in the description).
So, maybe it is possible? I don't know, so maybe someone else can chime in.
Personally, I stuck with U-version phones and gave up rooting/romming. It's just getting too hard to find phones that offer this, so I figured I'd just adapt back to a stock ROM, since choices are limited. I had done a bunch of that in the past, but I found that stock roms (today) are pretty good... and allow enough customization that made root/rom unnecessary... for me. My current is an SM-G975U1 (unlocked, USA, Snapdragon S10+) on Total Wireless (VZ MVNO)... it works great and I don't miss root/rom at all.
Rumor is that the Galaxy S23 will only be offered as Snapdragon, so maybe that will open up more options... but I doubt it. Samsung loves it's Knox system, and will likely lock down the phone even more with every generation.

schwinn8 said:
I did some quick searching, and supposedly there are websites that say the 973F/DS will work on MM (mint mobile)... but they don't detail how. For example: https://de-googled.com/blogs/news/a-word-on-network-compatibility-of-our-degoogled-phones
and https://www.ebay.com/p/15030406771 (in the description).
So, maybe it is possible? I don't know, so maybe someone else can chime in.
Personally, I stuck with U-version phones and gave up rooting/romming. It's just getting too hard to find phones that offer this, so I figured I'd just adapt back to a stock ROM, since choices are limited. I had done a bunch of that in the past, but I found that stock roms (today) are pretty good... and allow enough customization that made root/rom unnecessary... for me. My current is an SM-G975U1 (unlocked, USA, Snapdragon S10+) on Total Wireless (VZ MVNO)... it works great and I don't miss root/rom at all.
Rumor is that the Galaxy S23 will only be offered as Snapdragon, so maybe that will open up more options... but I doubt it. Samsung loves it's Knox system, and will likely lock down the phone even more with every generation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link. I think I may try for an S10 again if the seller can tell me what the CSC is. That page on De-googled.com affirms that American devices are more restrictive than their European counterparts.
It just doesn't make any sense to me personally to use a device with an open source OS that has loads of telemetry, spyware, bloat, etc. Which is a contradiction that I am not comfortable with. It's like installing a Linux distro that comes bundled with Facebook.
To me, being proactive about privacy is the equivalent to standing up for yourself in the real world. Sure, you can use a stock ROM and there is nothing wrong with that. It's having the freedom to choose which is most important. So long as that choice is available, I will happily go that route.
I like the added bonus of an Android device that seems faster with a longer lasting battery as well. I mean, I paid for this device. I should have the right to decide what apps are running on it.

No argument there... I agree with why we should be allowed to root/rom. Unfortunately, the carriers pull the strings in the USA (business over people) so we are losing options. Frankly, it pisses me off that they can still prevent phones from connecting to their network just because the IMEI doesn't match (even if the software is correct). In the end, if the device CAN work on the network, the carrier should have no say in allowing/disallowing it on the network. They like to claim that a "bad" device could "hurt" the network, but if that happens, they can lock out that phone and figure it out. I doubt that's even ever happened, but whatever. (They prevented me from using my already-working V30 US998 phone on the network, even though it ran as VS996 with no issues for years... they only later saw the IMEI wasn't "theirs" (original SIM card failed) so they prevented me from re-registering it. So stupid.)
Good luck, and let us know if you figure it out... I'm always curious to learn!

yes, most japan and europe phones do not have the correct radios channels in them for 4g and 5g. i ran into this same problem with my xperia phones that i bought overseas. this is a common problem that can happen.

The S10 and all it's variants is a world compatible GSM phone. So yes, the F variant should work with most GSM carriers and resellers in N. America.
There are various websites that will tell you what frequencies and carriers any particular model will work with if you do a search. Like this one.
WillMyPhoneWork.net - Check if your phone works on a network
Check 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE Network Frequency Compatibility for a Smartphone, Tablet, and Mobile Device in any Country and Mobile Network Carrier
willmyphonework.net
According to that site the SM-G973F/DS supports all 2G, 3G, and 4G frequencies used by Mint.