[Q] GSM Bands and Comptability? - Galaxy S III I9305 (4G LTE + 2GB RAM) Q&A, Help &

Hello Everyone,
I would like to know whether the S3 i9305 work in Pakistan? since a salesman told me that this phone will not work with carriers over here but he didn't seem that much literate to me.
The GSM bands we have here are 900 and 1800.. no LTE over here..
The carrier i use specifically supports these frequencies 894-902.5 / 939.9-947.5 and 1718.9-1724.9 / 1813.9-1919.9
The SIM I currently have is a mini-sim.. but my carrier will replace my sim to a micro-sim for a buck so that's no issue..
So can i get S3 i9305 and make it work on my phone and will it be compatible with my sim?
On a side note what colors are available for i9305, can you link me pictures to all available colors for the i9305?
I will be using my phone purely for browsing and a little bit of facebook / whatsapp / mild gaming ... that's why I am going for 2GB of RAM so there's plenty left even after tons of tabs and apps
Waiting for your reply..
Cheers

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samsung_Galaxy_S_III
see bands
Colours see vendors

Well i am not that tech savvy either.. with the info that I provided imo it should work.. since this supports them.. but I would like to confirm it from you people since you all know a lot about this stuff while I have no idea.. and also.since the shopkeeper said otherwise..

Related

HTC Diamond World or US? Need Help ASAP!

Right now I have a choice between original HTC Diamond or the US version but I am not sure which one to pick. Can anyone please shed some light on this? Thank you in advance!
it would help if you were to mention where you live (US vs. Europe) and travel to, and other things factoring into your decision. if you're in the US (e.g., live here) go with the US version because it has the correct 3G radio; high-speed internet access on your phone AND 850 band which provides better signal..
Sorry, I live in US and on T-Mobile network.
Main difference between the EU and US models lies in the 3G/HSDPA data connections. While serious doubts/uncertainties on the use of EU model for 3G on T-Mobile (only 26 cities in the US so far) have been raised (details can be found in this thread), the US model will allow you to use the 3G/HSDPA data connection should you decide to switch to AT&T in the future. Second, the EU model has a front camera for video conferencing, but I was told neither T-Mobile nor AT&T would make this option available to their phone customers at this time. There are software available through Wifi for video conferencing as I learned from this thread, and you would need the EU model to do it if it works (I haven't tried). Google Maps, third, is not installed in the EU model, but there is a CAB file to be downloaded from this thread or the google website. Price wise, at last, the US model is a little cheaper than the EU model by $10-$20 USD (may due to the lack of the front camera?). There have been reports in this thread about yellow/green/wash-out background in the US model. This may be something you want to check closely if you want to consider the US model.
I read some other thread here which points out that the Euro version has the yellow spots and yellow tint problem, not the US version.
tzour said:
Main difference between the EU and US models lies in the 3G/HSDPA data connections. While serious doubts/uncertainties on the use of EU model for 3G on T-Mobile (only 26 cities in the US so far) have been raised (details can be found in this thread), the US model will allow you to use the 3G/HSDPA data connection should you decide to switch to AT&T in the future. Second, the EU model has a front camera for video conferencing, but I was told neither T-Mobile nor AT&T would make this option available to their phone customers at this time. There are software available through Wifi for video conferencing as I learned from this thread, and you would need the EU model to do it if it works (I haven't tried). Google Maps, third, is not installed in the EU model, but there is a CAB file to be downloaded from this thread or the google website. Price wise, at last, the US model is a little cheaper than the EU model by $10-$20 USD (may due to the lack of the front camera?). There have been reports in this thread about yellow/green/wash-out background in the US model. This may be something you want to check closely if you want to consider the US model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good clarification on the 3G network; T-Mobile uses, I believe, the 1700 3G band in the US and att uses the 850/1900 3G band. also, if you weren't aware, the US version of the Diamond is available at Best Buy Mobile, typically located in Best Buy stoes.
datzent83 said:
I read some other thread here which points out that the Euro version has the yellow spots and yellow tint problem, not the US version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then probably yellow tints/stripes are found for both models:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=426319&page=10, which is for the US 3G Diamond.. sigh
@cortez.i: Thank you for confirming the complicated 3G issues
The US version is also more easily returned and exchanged by just going into a Best Buy and it will be better covered under the warranty from HTC. HTC is not pleased that companies like Expansys sell Euro HTC phones to customers in the US and says it won't fully cover those phones. You can't use either model on 3G on T-Mobile USA, so for you the main difference would be the warranty.

[Q] Samsung Galaxy Note LTE Detective Case?

Samsung Galaxy Note Korean Version SHV E160S clears FCC
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas...e=N&application_id=977164&fcc_id='A3LSHVE160S
This FCC clearance is only validated with bluetooth communication.
If this is the Korean version why is it clearing with the FCC
if it is the Korean version? Maybe a just in case we decide to release in the US?
Does this imply as has been speculated as well that the Samsung Galaxy Note Korean version will have LTE? And compatibility with AT&T LTE? Will there be incompatibility with the Samsung Exynos processor and LTE, so it will include the Qualcomm's Snapdragon S3? I personally prefer the Exynos as it tests better then the Qualcomm.
------------------------------
As well another version US(?) GT-i9220 only HSPA+(only as if that was crazy slow, haha) cleared the FCC:
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas...=N&application_id=258095&fcc_i d='A3LGTI9220'
--------------------------------
Tired of these games by the carriers and manufactures!
I just want a clear answer is AT&T getting a LTE version of the note
within the next 3 months? And if not will the Korean version have LTE compatibility
with AT&T LTE? And when will the Korean version be released?
--------------------------------
Any other detectives work shared appreciated?
Please no speculation without some facts as there is plenty of that already.
Thanks
isimme said:
Samsung Galaxy Note Korean Version SHV E160S clears FCC
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas...e=N&application_id=977164&fcc_id='A3LSHVE160S
This FCC clearance is only validated with bluetooth communication.
If this is the Korean version why is it clearing with the FCC
if it is the Korean version? Maybe a just in case we decide to release in the US?
Does this imply as has been speculated as well that the Samsung Galaxy Note Korean version will have LTE? And compatibility with AT&T LTE? Will there be incompatibility with the Samsung Exynos processor and LTE, so it will include the Qualcomm's Snapdragon S3? I personally prefer the Exynos as it tests better then the Qualcomm.
------------------------------
As well another version US(?) GT-i9220 only HSPA+(only as if that was crazy slow, haha) cleared the FCC:
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas...=N&application_id=258095&fcc_i d='A3LGTI9220'
--------------------------------
Tired of these games by the carriers and manufactures!
I just want a clear answer is AT&T getting a LTE version of the note
within the next 3 months? And if not will the Korean version have LTE compatibility
with AT&T LTE? And when will the Korean version be released?
--------------------------------
Any other detectives work shared appreciated?
Please no speculation without some facts as there is plenty of that already.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Note came out in EU in the beginning of NOV, add 8 months to that for the release date in the US
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I can't imagine at&t releasing a non lte note now that they launched the skyrocket. I've been wrong before...
I think the official ATT version will have LTE and it will arrive sometime after it's released in Korea. I'd earlier anticipated the USA release as before mid December but time will tell.
I almost bought an imported unlocked Note last week but when Newegg didn't have it in stock I decided to wait and if there is news shortly about an LTE Note I think I'll hold off a little longer.
I do hope the LTE version has an even bigger battery and comes out of the box with ICS...
Brian
I'll defiantly buy an AT&T LTE if it comes out. I can handme down my UK Note to my mom & get her on an unlimited dumbphone plan.
I would buy an Note if it Ran on AT&T and had HSPA+ and AT&T's upcoming flavor of LTE.
hello there... i'm new to the site but found this post while Googling for details on the Korean version of the Note. i'm actually getting mine tomorrow, most likely. I also have an iPhone with AT&T in the US. i'm also going to the US in a couple days for work. if there's something you'd like me to try out with the Note, let me know.
You're getting the Korean version of the Note?
I think what a lot of us would like to know is if the Korean version will support T-Mobile's 3G data bands. I've personally got a very favorable plan, and don't want to ditch it--but really want the Note.
malefactor said:
You're getting the Korean version of the Note?
I think what a lot of us would like to know is if the Korean version will support T-Mobile's 3G data bands. I've personally got a very favorable plan, and don't want to ditch it--but really want the Note.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep. i'm getting the Samsung Note... Korean version sometime tomorrow or the next day. it'll be my first Android phone.
unfortunately, i have an AT&T acct in the US so i wont be able to check compatibility with T-Mobile. i'll see when i get back to NYC on NYE if any of my friends do.
meanhoe said:
yep. i'm getting the Samsung Note... Korean version sometime tomorrow or the next day. it'll be my first Android phone.
unfortunately, i have an AT&T acct in the US so i wont be able to check compatibility with T-Mobile. i'll see when i get back to NYC on NYE if any of my friends do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please tell us how much it cost you? and does it support NFC?
BR
meanhoe said:
hello there... i'm new to the site but found this post while Googling for details on the Korean version of the Note. i'm actually getting mine tomorrow, most likely. I also have an iPhone with AT&T in the US. i'm also going to the US in a couple days for work. if there's something you'd like me to try out with the Note, let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ meanhoe:
Thanks for your generous offer.
Please can you let us know if your Korean Note works with AT&T's LTE,
does it have NFC,
and if you feel comfortable the cost you paid(subsidized or unsubsidized)?
yes it supports NFC. i'm having some issues getting the APN to work on my AT&T acct.
This should be well known/easy, but it's not. Please correct me where I'm wrong.
Everything I've been able to find tells me T-mobile 3g operates on 1700/2100 bands. This may be dependent on region. (so one area uses 2100, one area uses 1700)
This is not the same as AT&T.
SK Telecom operates on the UMTS 2100 band. So there MIGHT be compatibility with T-Mobile here. But my fear is it's only partial compatibility, so an $800 phone might work at full speed in only half the US T-mobile areas. If there's a handy map to point out what bands are used where, I'd appreciate it.
So I think, on AT&T, your SK Telecom note will be able to connect GPRS and EDGE. But not 3g. If you get a T-mobile SIM, you might be able to connect, depending..
t-mobile 1700
You're close, T-Mobile 3g requires BOTH 1700 and 2100 to work. It downloads on 2100 and then uploads on 1700. It MUST make a FULL cycle or T-Mobile will assume that your phone is unable to connect on 3g and bump you down to edge.
So, meanhoe, you could toss in a T-Mobile sim and boot. If you get 3g, that would be great, but more likely you will only get edge. Then you could go to your frequencies/bands menu and turn on 1700 and see if you can get 3g then. But the people that have tried had to do a factory reset when it didn't work, so that doesn't sound like fun.
Thanks for your help meanhoe!
-GT
Importing from korea the LTE version
Does anybody know how to import the Galaxy Note LTE SHV-E160S from Korea ?
I search everywhere.... but since I don't speak Korean it makes it more conplicated !!!!
Or if anybody sells it somewhere ? (...like before christmass!!!!)
Thanks
I would like to know this too, where can I import/buy one?
Korean LTE in 800 MHZ frequency range, AT&T runs in 700MHZ
From what I have read the Korean GNote wil not support AT&T USA LTE.
I may be wroing here but ....
at least one thing for sure, my SK-Telecom Galaxy Note LTE does not connect to 3G network for neither T-Mobile nor AT&T.
LTE is not covered in my area, so couldn't test on that.

[SOLVED!] Very dissapointed with LTE Samsung Phablets, any opinions please?

NOT DISSAPOINTED ANYMORE BOUGHT A SM-T715Y AND EVERYTING WORK FINE NOW, THANKS TO ALL
Hi, i bought this 3 Samsung Phablets
sm-t235y one year ago
sm-t705 3 months ago
sm-t715c yesterday
Im really dissapointed with this devices, all 3 devices are SUPPOSED to be LTE but none of them got LTE on US T-mobile. I understand its because of LTE bands, but im really frustrated cant get a phablet that works in LTE, its crazy, i know about businness model and LTE band for each region of world, but have no any other choice of buying this models because US version of this LTE devices has no phone capability.
H+ data seems not be as reliable as LTE, i have a Galaxy Note 4 provided by T-Mobile and LTE works really great on it! <10ms ping, better coverage, duble as fast as H+ download and uploads speed
I notice difference in Skype or Whatsapp calls the difference between LTE and H+ . Because of that i want to get a LTE working phablet.... i use a lot voip calls
sh-t715c is a very new device so there is no too much information but i have seen that sm-715 (not the sm-715c) in some pictures, seems to have proximity sensor and US LTE bands, it is true?
Any opinions will be welcome because im little lost, and dont know
*When i talk about LTE im talking not about just the LTE icon... im talking about for example... lower ping times than 40ms (on all this devices ping time is +-40ms) and (HOPE) better data service coverage with less interruptions.
Thanx in advance
NOT DISSAPOINTED ANYMORE BOUGHT A SM-T715Y AND EVERYTING WORK FINE NOW, THANKS TO ALL
What you are describing isn't Samsung's fault. Basically, it was your choice to purchase this specific model (815C). You could have purchased the T-Mobile specific model (817T) which has all of T-Mobile's LTE bands or the an unlocked AT&T model (817A) or an unlocked Canadian model (817W) which also have all of T-Mobile's bands or the international unlocked model (815N) which has T-Mobile's main LTE bands (and possibly all of them, which is what I have been trying to verify in this thread but no one has replied to it). The 815N goes for $539 on Amazon. If you are in a non-LTE band 12 area for T-Mobile then the 815N version will work just as well as the 817T, A or W versions on T-Mobile. If you are in a band 12 area then I would strongly advise to purchase the 817T, or unlocked A or W models.
In other words, the only advice anyone can give you is... if you really want good performance on T-Mobile, you need to buy a variant which supports it.
to further clarify..if you are looking for LTE AND voice calling then you should get (have got) the international version as the carriers block out the cellular voice calling (sure wifi-based skype etc always exist) at least that has been the practice all along upto the previous generation (not Samsung's fault..for that matter the Ipad mini lte does not have cellular voice calling either).
@mac231us, what is the full Samsung model number of your s2 and what is the model's FCC ID? (if it's not listed on the box or device then it should be listed under regulatory information under the about device menu under the system menu).
T815Y has LTE on ATT's network here in the states. I have one myself.
This one from this seller to be exact.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281786597546?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
ProStreetCamaro said:
T815Y has LTE on ATT's network here in the states. I have one myself.
This one from this seller to be exact.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281786597546?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With respect to the OP, unfortunately there is no band 12 on the Y variant.
myphone12345 said:
What you are describing isn't Samsung's fault. Basically, it was your choice to purchase this specific model (815C). You could have purchased the T-Mobile specific model (817T) which has all of T-Mobile's LTE bands or the an unlocked AT&T model (817A) or an unlocked Canadian model (817W) which also have all of T-Mobile's bands or the international unlocked model (815N) which has T-Mobile's main LTE bands (and possibly all of them, which is what I have been trying to verify in this thread but no one has replied to it). The 815N goes for $539 on Amazon. If you are in a non-LTE band 12 area for T-Mobile then the 815N version will work just as well as the 817T, A or W versions on T-Mobile. If you are in a band 12 area then I would strongly advise to purchase the 817T, or unlocked A or W models.
In other words, the only advice anyone can give you is... if you really want good performance on T-Mobile, you need to buy a variant which supports it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi myphone12345, i think you did not read me in deept or i have been not so clear
1-first of all, i have to say that i think that i could not use a 10 inches tab as a phone as you said... if i choose this models was because i like a phone between 7 and 8.4 max inches can fit in my pocket (they fit)... you recommend a 9.7 phone.... would have to keep phone on on hand or a bag.
2-In other hand, you recommend me to but a T-Mobile specific model (817T)... that, my friend, is not a phone... it is a tablet, it does not have speaker on front beside the front camera.... and again 9.7 inches....
3-Obviusly a tmobile device will have all of T-Mobile's LTE bands... thats my point... i want to a 7 to 8.4 phablet.... i mean a tablet with real phone capabilities, i know skype, google voice, and all voip and no... dont want that want to use a regular phone
I conclusion, in my opinion there is no samsung phablet 7 to 8.4 inches that work with all real lte bands and have real phone capabilities
mac231us said:
to further clarify..if you are looking for LTE AND voice calling then you should get (have got) the international version as the carriers block out the cellular voice calling (sure wifi-based skype etc always exist) at least that has been the practice all along upto the previous generation (not Samsung's fault..for that matter the Ipad mini lte does not have cellular voice calling either).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont understand friend, these are all international versions with LTE (not us LTE) and voice calling.... talking about sm-t715c specifically, i can make calls, use data service, but not real LTE speeds like as example my galaxy note 4.... all sm-t715c works great only problem is it has not LTE.... just H+.... and im talking about some "malificent" deals betwen samsung and companies like tmo att verizon... that samsung does not sell devices with US LTE because samsung obviusly has a big bussines with these carriers so samsung "help" tmo att verizon to users have to buy his devices....
but..... when a mad guy like me want a phablet, cant find one, because all samsungs tablet on tmo, att and verizon DOES NOT HAVE REAL VOICE CALL CAPABILITIES... just check all of them has not the speaker on front at side of camera...
do you understand my point? sorry if im not so clear my english is not so good
myphone12345 said:
With respect to the OP, unfortunately there is no band 12 on the Y variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, as i said above.... it sounds great... but cant fit on my pocket... looking for a 7 to 8.4 one...
ProStreetCamaro said:
T815Y has LTE on ATT's network here in the states. I have one myself.
This one from this seller to be exact.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281786597546?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, as i said above.... it sounds great... but cant fit on my pocket... looking for a 7 to 8.4 one...
myphone12345 said:
@mac231us, what is the full Samsung model number of your s2 and what is the model's FCC ID? (if it's not listed on the box or device then it should be listed under regulatory information under the about device menu under the system menu).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check on attached files.... thanx
wallyhenderson said:
dont understand friend, these are all international versions with LTE (not us LTE) and voice calling.... talking about sm-t715c specifically, i can make calls, use data service, but not real LTE speeds like as example my galaxy note 4.... all sm-t715c works great only problem is it has not LTE.... just H+.... and im talking about some "malificent" deals betwen samsung and companies like tmo att verizon... that samsung does not sell devices with US LTE because samsung obviusly has a big bussines with these carriers so samsung "help" tmo att verizon to users have to buy his devices....
but..... when a mad guy like me want a phablet, cant find one, because all samsungs tablet on tmo, att and verizon DOES NOT HAVE REAL VOICE CALL CAPABILITIES... just check all of them has not the speaker on front at side of camera...
do you understand my point? sorry if im not so clear my english is not so good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am confused too now...lol (sorry)
anyway...this much I know
my t715 (not C, Y etc) just T715 gets LTE on ATT (I have checked and let alone all the checking from all my experience using the tab S T805, Tab pro T325, Huawei Honor mediapad x2 gem-703, sharp sh-06f, Tab 4 7.0 sm-t235, oppo find 5, xperia ultraz, Chinese 7 inch mediatek-based phablet, and other NON-U.S carrier-branded devices (yes device junkie), this is the only device that I have used-again talking from among the non-u.s carrier-branded devices that I have used...this is the only device aside from oppo find 5 and the ultra z that actually does LTE (from checks AND how it FEELS speed-wise)...others all managed like H+
bands are LTE (B1)2100/(B3)1800/(B7)2600/(B8)900/(B28)700 MHz
---------- Post added at 06:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:58 AM ----------
wallyhenderson said:
check on attached files.... thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would this be the Chinese version of the t715 (hence the C...sorry if late to the discussion here or missed something already communicated)
https://translate.google.com/transl...UMqaxD5pZefME%2BH%2BnKk9SbX97MmDB&prev=search
Link above from TENAA (China equivalent of the U.S. FCC)
says Network frequency 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2GHz, Band 38, Band 39, Band 40, Band 41 (2555-2575 MHZ, 2575-2635 MHZ, 2635-2655 MHZ), Band 1, Band 3,1.9GHz, I
if so, (maybe?) it could explain the difference in bands/speeds versus the other international t715?
I see the C version is being sold on Amazon here in the U.S
@walleyhenderson, what @Mac231 and I are trying to say is that if you got the SM-T715Y or SM-T715N instead of the SM-T715C then you would have had both LTE and voice calling in most places with T-Mobile (and all places with AT&T).
What you wouldn't have had is band 12 with T-Mobile but that is not T-Mobile's main LTE band and it may not even be deployed where you are anyway.
myphone12345 said:
@walleyhenderson, what @Mac231 and I are trying to say is that if you got the SM-T715Y or SM-T715N instead of the SM-T715C then you would have had both LTE and voice calling in most places with T-Mobile (and all places with AT&T).
What you wouldn't have had is band 12 with T-Mobile but that is not T-Mobile's main LTE band and it may not even be deployed where you are anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhh i understand now... thats what im looking for... but sadly... i been searching on google... and cant find where to buy SM-T715Y or SM-T715N, do you know any place to buy any of these? what do you recommend SM-T715Y or SM-T715N
thanx
Where are you located? I can sell you mine.
wallyhenderson said:
Ohhh i understand now... thats what im looking for... but sadly... i been searching on google... and cant find where to buy SM-T715Y or SM-T715N, do you know any place to buy any of these? what do you recommend SM-T715Y or SM-T715N
thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can easily find it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-T715-Black-International/dp/B0124SAQLI
According to what I can gather, as is the same as it's predecessor the Tab S, the international version is simply called SM-T715/T815. The T715n or T715no is a Korean model.
International versions don't usually have a letter after the model number.
My Tab S is an international version and is simply called a SM-T805.
I agree it's real confusing as to which model is which.
ashyx said:
According to what I can gather, as is the same as it's predecessor the Tab S, the international version is simply called SM-T715/T815. The T715n or T715no is a Korean model.
International versions don't usually have a letter after the model number.
My Tab S is an international version and is simply called a SM-T805.
I agree it's real confusing as to which model is which.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They all usually do have letters after the model name, it's just that it isn't always listed everywhere. Also, "N" is just the first letter. Meaning, that the full model number is actually SM-T715NZKEDBT for the black one and SM-T715NZWEDBT for the white one. Those are the variants of the Tab S2 8" LTE tablet that Samsung officially sells in Germany for example. Not sure where the SM-T715YXXXXX model is officially destined to by Samsung (my guess would be South America).
myphone12345 said:
They all usually do have letters after the model name, it's just that it isn't always listed everywhere. Also, "N" is just the first letter. Meaning, that the full model number is actually SM-T715NZKEDBT for the black one and SM-T715NZWEDBT for the white one. Those are the variants of the Tab S2 8" LTE tablet that Samsung officially sells in Germany for example. Not sure where the SM-T715YXXXXX model is officially destined to by Samsung (my guess would be South America).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm gonna see if I can find the boxes to my tab s and tab a to see if I can confirm this.
Even Samsung themselves don't add the n to any of their international firmwares or source code, however they do for the rest.
The only official firmware with the n variable is Korean.
ashyx said:
I'm gonna see if I can find the boxes to my tab s and tab a to see if I can confirm this.
Even Samsung themselves don't add the n to any of their international firmwares or source code, however they do for the rest.
The only official firmware with the n variable is Korean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The full Samsung model number of the black LTE 8" S2 Korean variant is SM-T715NZKEKOO. It supports the same bands as the European variant I mentioned above.

Does the Straight Talk Note9 use U/U1 firmware?

I'm looking into buying a new phone very soon, I haven't had a cell phone since like a year ago, that is why all my posts dropped off. Last Time I had my own phone I had the S6 Edge and Note 5. But I'm really kind of tired of not using an international version, since no has cracked the SnapDragon's bootloader locks yet.
I could get a 128GB Note 9 from Straight Talk decently priced right now, but realistically I don't want to buy it if it is only the Unbranded SnapDragon version. I really want a newer Exynos Processor. When I looked online I couldn't find the model number for the version sold from Straight Talk. Maybe I didn't look hard enough. Does any carrier in the US sell the F versions?
You made this a Q&A but didn't post it in the Q&A forum? I'm not an expert but I'm sure the N960F doesn't work in America, don't you use CDMA there? I don't thing the F is compatible with that. I may be wromg, but I'm sure I've read things to that effect.
An Exynos model doesn't have the right bands for Verizon, Sprint, or their MVNOs in America. Exynos models may work on T-Mobile or AT&T, but even then may lack the new bands that enhance 4G coverage.

Which G800 best for LineageOS in US?

Hey all sorry for the newbness, I'm kinda totally new to android modding. I've been running a G800A for years now and love it to death, but it's just become a bit too outdated and limiting in stock form. I'm also under the understanding that the G800A is the most limiting version, as there is not even ROMs available to run anything about Android 5.1.1(?)
So I'm understanding if I wanted to go to LineageOS, my options are the G800F/M/Y. Anything I've found on these shows them all virtually identical other than the 4g bands. Would any one of these 3 be any better than the others to use in the USA? Does whatever carrier I would end up going with matter much?
Also, even more stupider questions- has anyone tried installing LineageOS on the G800A?
Last one- what about the G800R4 if I wanted to go with a CDMA carrier?
TIA for any help with this
you can only flash a rom built for your exact device...
only a 800f rom for a 800f device..
or you will brick..
( some roms are built for more then one device like the f/m/y variants)
sadly almost every samsung device sold in the usa after the s4 is bootloader locked.
so you cant flash anything.
you can get a s5 mini g800f from ebay for 60$ and start the flashing game is you love small phones.
That is what is did.
every samsung phone i get now is international or i dont buy it.
@nutpants thx for the reply. I'm still a bit confused tho- aren't US version G900s able to be flashed? Unless I misunderstood some of the stuff I've come across. I'm still on the fence as to whether I want to stay with something quite so small as the G800 (my eyeballs are getting old along with me). I think I might go with a G900 and see how it works out. But is this the same deal ie- I need to look for an international version of that?
Also, I've noticed that tons of international versions have limited to no compatible LTE bands with those used here in the states. I'm assuming there's no workaround for this as it's a hardware issue(?) How much does this affect real world usability?
first off i dont know everything, so you will have to research
https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/US/samsung-galaxy-s5-mini
this is a good reference but i just found it so it could be very wrong also.
( it looks like it is not very good with all the variants so its not to be considered the last word)
while i have not looked at every rom posted here ( and there might be a usa at&t s5mini xda page someplace) i don't remember seeing any rom for the g800a variant of the s5mini if it does not say g800a it will very likely not work, and will brick your device if you try.
(https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/rooting-the-s5-mini-from-at-t-g800a.3124674/
its not looking good for your g800a device at all )
i have a g900w8 (Canadian variant) and i can flash anything that the international version uses, but it has all the bands that i usa uses for the most part. (best of both worlds) but i think the usa model (v, r4,p) has a locked boot loader so it is not easy to flash roms.
( i think there is a way to do it, but i never have as i dont but bootloader locked phones)
the s7 and older Canadian phones from samsung are all easily rootable , most can be flashed with international roms, but (dont quote me on this) they use mostly the north america popular bands for lte, hspa, etc.
if you are looking for a newer phone dont get the g900 s5
get the s7 g935w8 canadian phone its about the same size, must faster, better battery ( but you cant replace it, MUCH MUCH better camera (ive had nothing but problems with the s5 camera) and ive found them for about 150$ used in great shape.
if you use data a lot then you want lte to work if you are just going to talk, then the gsm bands are good enough. ive used Canadian phones in the usa plenty and have no serious issues.
but i just got the s5 mini g800f from ebay and im still setting it up so i dont know how well it works yet.
short answer, usa phones are much much harder to root if at all, fewer roms, international phones are much better for all that but may not work well in the usa, canadian phones might be what you want to look at
(my Canadian s5 g900w8 still have support for the latest lineage os 18 )
before you buy check if the phone is supported by lineage os
https://download.lineageos.org/
if it is, then you can root, flash roms and very likely have unofficial roms for years to come.
or you can search xda, but as you can see, the s5mini is all but dead here and developers are not working hard to improve the roms we do have. in another year this place will be a ghost town.
btw i have canadian s4, s5, s7, s4 mini, s7 , s7 edge, note 2, note 3, note 4, mega . and have been very happy with them all. i have a few usa devices (s5 active)but i cant do anything with them. so they sit on a shelf. ( not that any of them do much but the hobby of flashing the newest rom and trying it out.

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