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Deciding between T-Mobile, AT&T, & International Unlocked Note 4

Which variant of the Note 4 should I buy? I live in the states, but don't use the LTE coverage, but would be great to future-proof my device. I travel around the globe at times. I would rather have the warranty in the states than having a warranty belonging to some other country that I never travel to. If I had to go between the T-Mobile and AT&T version (obviously Unlocking these devices will incur an additional fee), which one should I buy? What about the International version? What are your thoughts. Please let me know. Thank you.

arjun90 said:
Which variant of the Note 4 should I buy? I live in the states, but don't use the LTE coverage, but would be great to future-proof my device. I travel around the globe at times. I would rather have the warranty in the states than having a warranty belonging to some other country that I never travel to. If I had to go between the T-Mobile and AT&T version (obviously Unlocking these devices will incur an additional fee), which one should I buy? What about the International version? What are your thoughts. Please let me know. Thank you.
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T-Mobile give you free Wifi calling, international texts and data, $.20 international calls if you can't get on Wifi, plus free texts and voicemail in the air through Go-Go. That's why I'm getting it.

Thanks for the information. I too am considering T-mobile and just signed up for their test-drive phone.
JimSmith94 said:
T-Mobile give you free Wifi calling, international texts and data, $.20 international calls if you can't get on Wifi, plus free texts and voicemail in the air through Go-Go. That's why I'm getting it.
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arjun90 said:
Which variant of the Note 4 should I buy? I live in the states, but don't use the LTE coverage, but would be great to future-proof my device. I travel around the globe at times. I would rather have the warranty in the states than having a warranty belonging to some other country that I never travel to. If I had to go between the T-Mobile and AT&T version (obviously Unlocking these devices will incur an additional fee), which one should I buy? What about the International version? What are your thoughts. Please let me know. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The previous answers seem to be talking about using a T-Mobile Note 4 and getting T-Mobile service. Your question's about which device would be the most versatile used both in the U.S. and overseas. Definitely go with international version. Samsung's UK site shows it supports both AT&T and T-Mobile's LTE bands as well as additional international bands neither of the U.S. phones support.
While you may be able to use a AT&T Note 4 on T-Mobile and vice versa their radios are optimized for the networks they are designed to be used on. I'm in an AT&T VoLTE market and can use it on my Note 3. A friend here using a T-Mobile N3 on AT&T can't using the same APN.
My current Note 3 is my first carrier phone out of a half dozen over four years so I have a lot of Samsung international device experience. I've only used them on AT&T and have no interest in T-Mobile as a carrier. They've performed fine on AT&T. But none of them got the same level of connectivity and data speeds as friends with AT&T phones when tested from the exact same locations. In the year I've had my AT&T Note 3 I've never had a network connectivity problem. With my international phones they'd occasionally lose connectivity and I'd have to reboot them to get them back on the network. Like when turning them on when landing at destination after a flight; they couldn't find the network on their own when moving from one AT&T network design (they're different by region through acquisition) to another.
I'm typing this on an international 3G N10.1-14. 90+% of the time I have no network issues and it works brilliantly overseas. Going with an international device is always safer than a carrier device because Samsung's international radios are generic. Every carrier's device has its radio optimized for their specific network. If you read the forums where people are using T-Mobile (and even Canadian phones) on AT&T it's not all peaches and cream. My recommendation is to go with an EU international Note 4 because of its generic support for a ton of global bands. I'd avoid Asian phones because their bands are very different as is the pre-installed s/w.
Good luck.

Thanks for a very careful and thorough explanation. Are there any ebay sellers selling the UK Note 4 version? How should I go about adding warranty? Squaretrade?
BarryH_GEG said:
The previous answers seem to be talking about using a T-Mobile Note 4 and getting T-Mobile service. Your question's about which device would be the most versatile used both in the U.S. and overseas. Definitely go with international version. Samsung's UK site shows it supports both AT&T and T-Mobile's LTE bands as well as additional international bands neither of the U.S. phones support.
While you may be able to use a AT&T Note 4 on T-Mobile and vice versa their radios are optimized for the networks they are designed to be used on. I'm in an AT&T VoLTE market and can use it on my Note 3. A friend here using a T-Mobile N3 on AT&T can't using the same APN.
My current Note 3 is my first carrier phone out of a half dozen over four years so I have a lot of Samsung international device experience. I've only used them on AT&T and have no interest in T-Mobile as a carrier. They've performed fine on AT&T. But none of them got the same level of connectivity and data speeds as friends with AT&T phones when tested from the exact same locations. In the year I've had my AT&T Note 3 I've never had a network connectivity problem. With my international phones they'd occasionally lose connectivity and I'd have to reboot them to get them back on the network. Like when turning them on when landing at destination after a flight; they couldn't find the network on their own when moving from one AT&T network design (they're different by region through acquisition) to another.
I'm typing this on an international 3G N10.1-14. 90+% of the time I have no network issues and it works brilliantly overseas. Going with an international device is always safer than a carrier device because Samsung's international radios are generic. Every carrier's device has its radio optimized for their specific network. If you read the forums where people are using T-Mobile (and even Canadian phones) on AT&T it's not all peaches and cream. My recommendation is to go with an EU international Note 4 because of its generic support for a ton of global bands. I'd avoid Asian phones because their bands are very different as is the pre-installed s/w.
Good luck.
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arjun90 said:
Are there any ebay sellers selling the UK Note 4 version? How should I go about adding warranty? Squaretrade?
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Click to collapse
I'd stay away from eBay. Most LTE Samsung devices sold there are Asian. The dollar's exceptionally strong right now. I'd buy it from handtec.co.uk if I were you. In fact, if I wasn't getting the Note 4 for free because I'm on Next I'd buy my Note 4 from Handtec too. You can even get it in bronze and be the first on your block. Converted from GBP it's currently $806 including two-day FedEx shipping; that's cheaper than AT&T's $826 without tax. Because you're buying a UK phone in the UK Samsung's 24 month UK warranty is intact. You'll have to pay to send it there if it needs service but it's better than nothing. I had a UK SGS2 that had a cracked bezel and Samsung UK was very accommodating in repairing it. I'd get SquareTrade anyway and they'll cover an imported UK phone. The UK is also one of the first region's to receive updates so that's a plus too.

Seems like Clove is able to take off the region-lock whereas Handtec is unable to. Do the UK LTE Note 4's support T-Mobile's Band 12. Seems like I just want as many bands as possible as you never know when you want to switch to another US Carrier.

I'm currently using an MVNO (PureTalk) that relies on AT&T's network; currently using an unlocked T-Mobile Note 2 in Mint Condition, soon to be sold.
I do see how the European Model N910F is more versatile and at the same time, most expensive if purchased in the states (~$1300) compared to the Korean LTE Variants and Hong Kong Exynos (910U) Variant. The T-Mobile units are available online for $~750.
JimSmith94 said:
T-Mobile give you free Wifi calling, international texts and data, $.20 international calls if you can't get on Wifi, plus free texts and voicemail in the air through Go-Go. That's why I'm getting it.
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Click to collapse

Just to confirm, does Samsung consider the N910F to be an international unlocked Note 4?
I can't seem to tell what is the official International Unlocked version
http://www.clove.co.uk/samsung-galaxy-note-4

Would you go for the 910'F' or 910'C'?

Note 5 weak LTE signal issues?

Is anyone experiencing weak LTE reception on this phone, and is there any work around?
I sat my Note 5 directly next to my iPhone 6+ last night. Both Sprint network phones. The iPhone 6+ was at -88 dBm while the Note 5 was at -114 dBm. Pretty drastic difference that is causing a noticeable drop in performance.
I don't want to get rid of this phone but I also need it to work at least as well as my last one.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

Very possible that I am experiencing this, I don't have a good way to measure though because my S6 is on ATT and my Note5 on Verizon, this is the first time I have had Verizon so I was just thinking that maybe they lacked coverage at my house.. Either way, full bars on my S6 and 1-2 on my Note5.

I am the exact opposite, had my Moto X on AT&T and now have the note 5 on T-Mobile. At my desk I had little to no signal with AT&T but the note 5 has four to five bars. Supposedly they both use the same towers. It's hard to compare different carriers, but I love the signal on this phone.

Last week I lost reception where I normally have great reception. Called technical support, changed out SIM, reset phone, changed settings, and still poor reception. No insurance but tech support willing to ship out a new black 64 gig note 5 to my doorstep.
I am with T-Mobile and I had great reception on the phone when I first purchased it. Never been dropped.

I've noticed that I receive text messages as much as an hour late when I have 1-3 bars. My Note 3 did not have this problem when faced with the same conditions.

I've noticed it with Samsung in general....every model I've owned had weak signal compared to other brands.
Sent from my SM-N920I using Tapatalk

Yeah I drop where I shouldn't be dropping. My S6 got a better signal. I have to use WiFi more now.

Just for european users: I just updated my 920CD dual with latest fw/11 sept. N920CXXU1AOI3 (baseband N920CXXU1AOI3) for Caucasus Countries/Kazakhstan/Russia etc. and phone seems working better (no FDD bands missed B3/B7/B20), especially on LTE/4g compared to previous fw N920CXXU1AOH2/N920CXXU1AOH4/N920CXXU1AOH6 (baseband N920CXXU1HOH3 and N920CXXU1AOH2);
3/4 dBm more with exactly same position/repeater (LTE/4G) tested in 3 different locations; of course we are talking of 920C/920CD models

My speeds have been amazing in AT&T. I use an international model (N920i) on their network and I'm getting the fastest speeds I've ever had in my area - even when compared to older carrier branded phones I've owned.
My brother just got the 6s Plus and we were at my house trying to one up each other on features and my Note 5 beat his speeds on WiFi and LTE.
That doesn't prove anything really, too many variables in that situation.
It was still funny to see the disbelief in his eyes nonetheless.

Hi Alec,
I have 920CD and the signal bar on SIM 1 is very poor while I am on LTE. Could you please tell me how it was before flashing the CAC and after?
Thank You
Khalid

Did you gave a 32gb before the replacement?
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

This has been a Sammy issue as far back as the galaxy nexus....at least for verizon. I have had the galaxy nexus, s3, s4, s5, note 2, note 3, edge+, and note 5.....they have all had weaker signals and slower dl speeds than any iPhone or other android devices I have owned. Just my personal experience and YMMV.

Agree. In lte or 4g normally only 1 bar. Samsung issue for long.
Sent from my SM-N920C

alec66 said:
Just for european users: I just updated my 920CD dual with latest fw/11 sept. N920CXXU1AOI3 (baseband N920CXXU1AOI3) for Caucasus Countries/Kazakhstan/Russia etc. and phone seems working better (no FDD bands missed B3/B7/B20), especially on LTE/4g compared to previous fw N920CXXU1AOH2/N920CXXU1AOH4/N920CXXU1AOH6 (baseband N920CXXU1HOH3 and N920CXXU1AOH2);
3/4 dBm more with exactly same position/repeater (LTE/4G) tested in 3 different locations; of course we are talking of 920C/920CD models
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Hey,I live in Europe too and just bought a N920C.don't know how to update to this new firmware,which region of update,and how? any tips?

Same here for me. I am on VZW. Sammy always sucks for reception but eh.
My Moto X and iPhone 6s Plus have much better reception than my Note 5.

I own the 920c (european version) and I have noticed that the LTE reception is 10-15dbm (even 20) weaker than my friend's Galaxy S6 Edge plus. HSDPA (3g) seems to be fine, as well as the wifi. the LTE, however, seems to be on the poor side. This might be a radio issue, but I tend to believe that this is hardware related. Me and my friend are both using the same cellular provider and tested the reception on both devices on the same locations. Each time his device was 10-15dbm stronger than mine.
My Baseband version is N920CXXU2AOJ5.

No issues on my unit, in fact I found it to smoke the G2 and Moto X in a network speedtest, by a large margin at that, on the same carrier.

Side by side Sprint Note 5 and sprint Note 3, Note 3 is strong signal, whereas the Note 5 is very weak.

Same here N9208 duos.. bought 2 unit last year.. blue colour sent to samsung center 3x bcoz of network issue, then line stable enough for me.. gold colour quite ok reception compare to blue. Now warranty expired and sell it. Really missed note 5 as daily driver, get another one 64gb but same problem.. line drop suddently compare to note 3, A8, j7 prime & A9 pro. Really sad with note 5 quality.

920CD both wifi and dual sims have terrible strength but worse on Sim 1. I think its manufacturing fault in most note 5s. So sad !

Unlocked U.S Note 9 Slow Updates?

Hi everyone,
For anyone out there that won't be trading in a phone and paying full price, it looks like B&H has the best deal on the Note 9 that's compatible with T-Mobile U.S.A. They are throwing the new QI wireless charger duo, a dex dock and the AKG headphones (although via rebate )
My question: How's Samsung's software updates for their unlocked phones? I know they caught some heat in the past for doing quarterly security updates instead of monthly which they have now fixed but is that true for their major OS updates? I don't want to be stuck on 8.0 till this time next year when 9.0 is starting to roll out now..
Anything else I would be losing by going the unlocked route? I have TMobile here in the U.S and the specs sheet pretty much covers everything including bands 66 and 71.. I'm assuming wifi calling is a given although it doesn't say so..
No tax and the additional freebies have me lingering on the preorder click button.. What say you?

Avoid T-Mobile since it would come with a locked bootloader. I am still rocking a Note-4 on TMO since the bootloader was unlocked. It is probably better to get an international model of the phone.

I'm on the fence as the OP as well. Has band 71 been totally confirmed for the US unlocked version!?

It is my understanding that the international version will have full band support for the US-Based GSM carriers (AT&T and T-Mo) but not for CDMA (Verizon and Shint).

If I'm not mistaken, Carrier versions get the update from Samsung, after Samsung does their tweaks, and then the carrier puts their little changes, and then the update rolls out. Unlocked versions should get updates sooner since there's no carrier involved right?
---------- Post added at 12:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:57 PM ----------
mike2518 said:
I'm on the fence as the OP as well. Has band 71 been totally confirmed for the US unlocked version!?
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According to BestBuy.com
LTE Band 1, LTE Band 12, LTE Band 13, LTE Band 17, LTE Band 18, LTE Band 19, LTE Band 2, LTE Band 20, LTE Band 25, LTE Band 26, LTE Band 28, LTE Band 29, LTE Band 3, LTE Band 30, LTE Band 38, LTE Band 39, LTE Band 4, LTE Band 40, LTE Band 41, LTE Band 5, LTE Band 7, LTE Band 8

As far as wifi calling it should work on a unlocked Note 9. I have the unlocked Note 8 and wifi calling works on tmobile.
I am not sure about the bands support as phone arena also says that it does t have B71 support.
But if the US unlocked S9 can be used as an example, it has b71 support. So I wouldn't see why Samsung would drop b71 support on the US unlocked Note 9.

jayr04 said:
If I'm not mistaken, Carrier versions get the update from Samsung, after Samsung does their tweaks, and then the carrier puts their little changes, and then the update rolls out. Unlocked versions should get updates sooner since there's no carrier involved right?
You would think it works that way but no. All carriers are satisfied first before unlocked units. My unlocked note 8 always received updates well after carriers. I guess unlocked users represent a smaller percentage and thus lower priority.
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PC Mag review has confirmed that tmobile wifi calling works on the unlocked Note 9 but not for any of the other carriers. Still don't know about band 71 coverage though b&h has it listed on their website.

FYI Oreo on tmobile note 8 was released April 1st while Oreo on unlocked version was released April 4th.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Tmobile band 71
Does anyone know if an unlocked Sprint Note 9 is compatible with TMobiles band 71?
I bought on Ebay a note 9 that was listed as a factory US unlocked SM-N960u1. Based on the imei number, it turns out that it is a sprint carrier unlocked note 9 that someone flashed the U1 firmware onto it. I talked to Samsung support and tmobile tech support who do Not know if this phone will work with band 71.
Sorry if I'm asking in the wrong location.
Appreciate the input.

Yes it should be compatible I think. You can try dialing *#2263# then go to band selection then LTE then look for listed bands, it should say 71 in there.

sl5400 said:
Does anyone know if an unlocked Sprint Note 9 is compatible with TMobiles band 71?
I bought on Ebay a note 9 that was listed as a factory US unlocked SM-N960u1. Based on the imei number, it turns out that it is a sprint carrier unlocked note 9 that someone flashed the U1 firmware onto it. I talked to Samsung support and tmobile tech support who do Not know if this phone will work with band 71.
Sorry if I'm asking in the wrong location.
Appreciate the input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. All the US Note 9s are the same exact hardware. There's no difference at all between the carrier models or the U1 model. It will be 100% compatible and has band 71 support. If you want video calling and rcs texting, just flash the T-Mo firmware. WiFi calling and VoLTE both work on the U1 firmware on T-Mo.
I've had a T-Mobile branded Note 9, an actual factory unlocked U1, and most recently an ATT brandes Note 9 flashed with the U1 firmware on T-Mobile. No difference whatsoever in signal strength and speed.
Just put your TMB SIM card in it and enjoy!
You also have one distinct advantage: ONLY Sprint branded phones and the factory unlocked U1s work on Sprint. So when you sell that one, you can say it's truly unlocked for all carriers.
EDIT: Added a screen shot from the *#2263# menue on my ATT Note 9 running the U1 unlocked firmware. I circled all the LTE bands it supports. Again running on T-Mobile.

So great to hear that. Thanks so much for your thorough reply. Can I leave it as is or will I need to flash the sprint firmware back to use the warranty ever. The knox counter remains at 0×0.
Thank you

sl5400 said:
So great to hear that. Thanks so much for your thorough reply. Can I leave it as is or will I need to flash the sprint firmware back to use the warranty ever. The knox counter remains at 0×0.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can leave it as is. It's running official Samsung firmware.

I understand that the tmobile variant has a locked Bootloader as well.
My last note was the note 4 which I loved because I could carry spare batteries. Since that phone, I've been on the huawei mate 8,9 and 10. Great UI and 4000 mah batteries that I easily could get more than a days usage. Most recently, I sold my mate 10 and bought a Nova 3 because I wanted a better selfie cam than 8mp. The Nova has a 24mp and a 2mp selfie.
Compared to my new note, the selfies are appreciably sharper. I want to take advantage of band 71. My wife has a s9 plus and she gets double the download speeds I ever got with huawei. Guess I'm looking for the best of all worlds. I've missed the note. I'm glad samsung finally put in a big enough battery. Personally, I still think the user replaceable battery was always the best and distinguished android from Apple by having expandable memory too.
My main complaint with this note is that I am unable to tweak the settings for better battery.
I think I've tried everything even tweaked the developer settings. Maybe the s pen is a drain even when not in use.
Best regards and thanks again!

sl5400 said:
I understand that the tmobile variant has a locked Bootloader as well.
My last note was the note 4 which I loved because I could carry spare batteries. Since that phone, I've been on the huawei mate 8,9 and 10. Great UI and 4000 mah batteries that I easily could get more than a days usage. Most recently, I sold my mate 10 and bought a Nova 3 because I wanted a better selfie cam than 8mp. The Nova has a 24mp and a 2mp selfie.
Compared to my new note, the selfies are appreciably sharper. I want to take advantage of band 71. My wife has a s9 plus and she gets double the download speeds I ever got with huawei. Guess I'm looking for the best of all worlds. I've missed the note. I'm glad samsung finally put in a big enough battery. Personally, I still think the user replaceable battery was always the best and distinguished android from Apple by having expandable memory too.
My main complaint with this note is that I am unable to tweak the settings for better battery.
I think I've tried everything even tweaked the developer settings. Maybe the s pen is a drain even when not in use.
Best regards and thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ALL the US models have locked bootloaders. If you want to unlock and root, you need an international model, but you'll lose band 71.
No the SPen won't drain your battery.
What kind of battery life are you getting?

Averaging 14 to 18 hours. I've put all but 2 apps to sleep and am allowing no more than 1 app to run in the background. I also go into device maintenance frequently and optimize everything. My Huawei Nova 3 with it's 3750 battery lasts at least 25% longer.
Am I missing anything?
Thank you

sl5400 said:
Averaging 14 to 18 hours. I've put all but 2 apps to sleep and am allowing no more than 1 app to run in the background. I also go into device maintenance frequently and optimize everything. My Huawei Nova 3 with it's 3750 battery lasts at least 25% longer.
Am I missing anything?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't really tell me anything. How much screen on time do you have? How much of that 14 to 18 hours is the phone being used?

Screen on time about 4 hrs, talk time 2 1/2 hrs

DarkManX4lf said:
As far as wifi calling it should work on a unlocked Note 9. I have the unlocked Note 8 and wifi calling works on tmobile.
I am not sure about the bands support as phone arena also says that it does t have B71 support.
But if the US unlocked S9 can be used as an example, it has b71 support. So I wouldn't see why Samsung would drop b71 support on the US unlocked Note 9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that WiFi calling works on unlocked USA note 9. Carrier T-Mobile.

Mobile Reception in UK

Anyone finding reception poor with this phone? Trying to help someone else by comparing my S10+ to their S20 FE. At the problem location my S10+ has a solid 2 bars, which is enough to make a quality call. The FE moves between mostly no signal & one bar using the same SIM. FE is fully up to date software wise.

Question Issue With Low Cellular Signal Strength On My Redmi Note 10 5G (Global Version) Phone

Hi,
I recently purchased a brand new xiaomi redmi note 10 5g global version phone, it's model # M2103K19G, so far the single biggest issue I'm having with my new phone is the mobile data connection signal strength. My previous phone was a LG V30 that utilized the at&t network, my new redmi note 10 5g is not able to use the at&t network, so my current cellular service provider (red pocket mobile) had to send me a new gsmt sim card that utilizes the t-mobile network. While looking at the t-mobile coverage map, I should be receiving great signal strength on my phone @ my house. I've been communicating with both red pocket mobile & t-mobile help via direct message on their social medial portals in twitter.com. So far my signal strength issue is yet to truly be addressed, the business where I purchased my phone is a reputable online store, they seem to be a well respected business. I'm trying my best not to have to return my purchase for a refund, I have a 30 day period in which to do so. I'm really @ my wits end because I seemingly like my new phone except for the mobile date signal strength issue. I just thought I would post a question concerning my issue to see if you could possibly offer me any suggestion's about my issue. I know that xiaomi phones are really catching on lately that's why I bought the phone that I did. Thanks in advance for any & all help you might provide, I think what's concerning me the most is the fact that I really don't know what's causing my issue ??
Thanks,
David

same pb ....

Wirebrush to downgrade Android 11
MIUI 12.5.**

i'm in miui 13 global and 5g work fine without issues