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S6 for AT&T locked bootloader option?

So as previous Galaxy versions, I'm pretty sure AT&T will lockdown the bootloader on the S6, so my question is, what other variant of the S6 can I buy that will fully work with AT&T's LTE network?
Thanks.

eortizr said:
So as previous Galaxy versions, I'm pretty sure AT&T will lockdown the bootloader on the S6, so my question is, what other variant of the S6 can I buy that will fully work with AT&T's LTE network?
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
I've been wondering the same thing but I've never found a good answer. With other versions of Samsung's phones it's always "you're missing this band or that band", "this might work but that won't work." I'm not sure there is a phone you can buy that will work with AT&T as well as one of their phones without their locked down BS. I'm also on AT&T and I like the service and my plan but not the locked down bloated phones they offer. I think I'm making my next phone purchase a hard decision but every phone I look at has a major drawback. I think sometimes I should jump on the S6 from AT&T and live with the phone in it's factory state which I'm sure is awesome but I'm not sure I'd be happy with that. Will probably keep waiting, the good part is that every new phone is better than the one before it.

I currently have an ATT S5 and despise this locked bootloader. I am planning on getting a TMobile S6 because of the modding capabilities(assuming their S6 won't be locked down) and I've heard people using their TM S5's on ATT as well. But I am not sure if the unlocked/regular(?) version will support all of the ATT bands..

Honestly folks on Verizon, AT&T or others wanting to know if (and if so, how much) it will be locked down... I suggest waiting until some folks get hands-on testing with it.
The fact that it will be Exynos means much of what blocked the S5/N3/N4 doesn't apply... and the new solution is unknown.
Part of me thinks that if they're this confident to switch back to Exynos they may have developed their own alternative to the QC features.
The only way to know for sure is to test with an actual device, which won't likely happen until rollout.

If its based on the s5, the tmobile one would be the one to get. The tmobile s5 has all the tmobile bands (minus band 12 LTE) and all of the AT&T HSPA+ and LTE bands. im planning on picking up my s6 from tmobile but in the mean time, making friends with tmobile reps at my local tmobile store is essential as tmobile doesnt like selling their devices without a plan.

osmosizzz said:
If its based on the s5, the tmobile one would be the one to get. The tmobile s5 has all the tmobile bands (minus band 12 LTE) and all of the AT&T HSPA+ and LTE bands. im planning on picking up my s6 from tmobile but in the mean time, making friends with tmobile reps at my local tmobile store is essential as tmobile doesnt like selling their devices without a plan.
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Well, out of curiousity I checked - lo and behold, the FCC docs are available this week.
LTE Bands for SM-G920T are.... 12,1 2/17 (share same frequency in some cases), 5, 4 and 2.

garwynn said:
Well, out of curiousity I checked - lo and behold, the FCC docs are available this week.
LTE Bands for SM-G920T are.... 12,1 2/17 (share same frequency in some cases), 5, 4 and 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a link to the doc?

osmosizzz said:
Got a link to the doc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/
Grantee Code: A3L
Product Code: SMG920T
Go into the detail records and you'll find all the nitty gritty details including LTE tests.
Just wish could see the rest of the confidential docs that the FCC gets to see...

garwynn said:
http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid/
Grantee Code: A3L
Product Code: SMG920T
Go into the detail records and you'll find all the nitty gritty details including LTE tests.
Just wish could see the rest of the confidential docs that the FCC gets to see...
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Click to collapse
Looking at the Verizon docs for both the S6 and S6 Edge, they both are missing Appendix F, which is where the DUT Antenna Locations are indicated.
So the primary document of interest is missing...
I don't get it, how can you just not post that information?

xdadevnube said:
Looking at the Verizon docs for both the S6 and S6 Edge, they both are missing Appendix F, which is where the DUT Antenna Locations are indicated.
So the primary document of interest is missing...
I don't get it, how can you just not post that information?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The summary list, instead of detail, shows all docs submitted and if they are confidential.
I'll bet it's in there and confidential.

garwynn said:
The summary list, instead of detail, shows all docs submitted and if they are confidential.
I'll bet it's in there and confidential.
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Click to collapse
Most modern phones I have looked at have the DUT Antenna Location diagram listed. The Nexus 6 is listed. Other modern phones have it missing though, and it seems that Sprint's may have it listed when Verizon's does not (I think the Note 4 is an example, but that is just from my memory.) The Sprint model isn't up yet so I have my fingers crossed.
I knew from the Nexus 6 FCC docs that there was no simultaneous voice and data on either EVDO or LTE because there was a single shared antenna. I am curious if the S6 is same way.

garwynn said:
The summary list, instead of detail, shows all docs submitted and if they are confidential.
I'll bet it's in there and confidential.
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Click to collapse
" The requested Permanent and Short-Term Confidential exhibits are listed as follows:
PERMANENT AND SHORT-TERM CONFIDENTIAL LIST
Exhibit Description
PERMANENT
1 Block Diagram
2 Operational Description
3 Schematics
4 Parts List & Tune-Up Procedure
SHORT-TERM
5 External Photos
6 Internal Photos
7 Test-Setup Photos
8 Users Manual "
Perhaps you are correct. That would be lame.

Update: The same confidentiality letter for the S6 is listed for several different phones, including the Note 4.
I just checked the docs and both Sprint and Verizon (maybe the T-Mobile and AT&T as well) show the antenna location diagram.
The confidentiality letter therefore doesn't cover the antenna location diagram. For the S6, the antenna location diagram is being described as listed in Appendix F, which is not included in the FCC listing. Perhaps it will be listed at a later time, but I suspect that it isn't confidential, it is just not available.
However, for the those of you interested, the S6 IS NOT capable of simultaneous voice and LTE, according the docs. You would have be on VoLTE. The same for goes for HTC m9. Pretty disappointing. Of the phones I've actually considered recently (Nexus 6, Droid Turbo, HTC m9, and Samsung S6), none of the them can do voice and LTE on Verizon...

We should send ATT/Samsung a message
When it comes out I plan on buying one or two phones(128Gb S6 Edge they will be more exp) and opening them both then returning them in a week or two if they have a locked bootloader. Then I plan on buying and returning them every couple of weeks. This should cost AT&T $$$. If everyone on XDA does it perhaps we can hurt their bottom line and they will get the message not to be assholes.

cciechad said:
When it comes out I plan on buying one or two phones(128Gb S6 Edge they will be more exp) and opening them both then returning them in a week or two if they have a locked bootloader. Then I plan on buying and returning them every couple of weeks. This should cost AT&T $$$. If everyone on XDA does it perhaps we can hurt their bottom line and they will get the message not to be assholes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What??? You have a lot of free time on your hands, maybe you should go work at AT&T for free so they will appreciate you as you do them!
Seriously though, you can't be serious!?!?
Sent from my SM-G900T using AllianceR(●)m

The Sprint Galaxy S3 was the first Android device I ever owned. I found out pretty quick that I did not like TouchWiz so I found out how to root and flash a custom recovery and that's when I fell in love with stock Android.
Anyways, I'm on AT&T now with a HTC One M8. I love the phone, but I really wish the camera were better. The only thing keeping me from instantly wanting a M9 is no optical image stabilization AGAIN.
So, with that said, and after reading through everything in this thread, if the bootloader is locked down on the AT&T Galaxy S6, does that mean we will not be able to achieve root? I'm not worried about flashing ROMs and stuff, I mainly just want root to run root apps like xposed and greenify.

eortizr said:
So as previous Galaxy versions, I'm pretty sure AT&T will lockdown the bootloader on the S6, so my question is, what other variant of the S6 can I buy that will fully work with AT&T's LTE network?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm exploring the same alternative at this point. In fact I am looking at the South Korean variants currently at this point which follow the SM-G920s/k/L variants. On my current LG G3 F400S which operates under the carrier SK Telecom, AT&T LTE works flawlessly, not to mention the device was 1 of the first devices to get 5.0 back in November. I'm still researching these variants, but if all checks out, this is the direction I will be going.

I really think you guys are getting a bit ahead of yourselves. Using the S3/4/5 or Note 3/4 as a basis of comparison for the S6 doesn't work.
Remember, with the S6 going Exynos we don't have a recent frame of reference to gauge against. The closest comparison is the Note II.

garwynn said:
Well, out of curiousity I checked - lo and behold, the FCC docs are available this week.
LTE Bands for SM-G920T are.... 12,1 2/17 (share same frequency in some cases), 5, 4 and 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is that fully compatible with AT&T LTE or no?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G850A

cciechad said:
When it comes out I plan on buying one or two phones(128Gb S6 Edge they will be more exp) and opening them both then returning them in a week or two if they have a locked bootloader. Then I plan on buying and returning them every couple of weeks. This should cost AT&T $$$. If everyone on XDA does it perhaps we can hurt their bottom line and they will get the message not to be assholes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ALL ATT Phones have locked bootloaders - they made that announcment after the S4 -the ATT S6 is going to be locked bootloader. Guaranteed.
TMOBILE PHONES work on ATT just fine. I have been doing this since the Note 3 came out. unfortunately, the TMOBILE S6 cannot be unlocked for use on other carriers without the help of TMOBILE - and their policy is that you have to use the phone for three months before they will give you an unlock code.
You can't buy an unlock code online for it - because TMOBILE has an app that has to be used to unlock the SIM for use on other carriers. So unless someone comes up with a workaround, if you buy a TMOBILE S6, you will be stuck on TMOBILE with it for three months or so - unless something significant changes before then.
I tried to unlock the sim so I can use it on ATT (like I did all of my previous phones) and his is what I have learned. I am hoping that someone can figure out a secret samsung code that will unlock it but I am not real sure that will happen - fingers crossed...

[Q] Pros and cons of unlocked Note 8

Best Buy has preorders for both the carrier locked and unlocked versions of the Note 8. I am coming off of a Note 4, and am very interested in the Note 8. My question is, are there any real benefits to me for buying the unlocked version vs. the Verizon version.
In the area in which I live, cell service mostly sucks across the board, but Verizon sucks the least. So I will not be changing carriers. So far, this is the pros/cons list based on the information that I've been able to find. I might be incorrect about one or more of these.
Pros:
Can change carriers whenever.
No carrier bloat.
Might get future updates more quickly.
Cons:
Might lose wifi calling.
Might lose wireless hotspot
Insurance is more expensive.
Best Buy has deals on pre-orders. For any Note 8, you get either a free memory card and wireless charging dock, or a Gear 365 camera. If you have their Best Buy card, then they have 24 month no interest financing. If you buy a carrier version of the phone, in addition to the other freebies, you get up to $150 off. The price of a Verizon Note 8 is $33.78 per month. The price of the unlocked Note 8 is $38.74 per month. Verizon also has a trade-in on my Note 4 of $240, which knocks the price down to $22.75 per month.
So given all of this, is there a compelling reason to get an unlocked phone? I know that carrier bloatware sucks, but there are solutions for it. At least there are on my Note 4.
One other question is, if I got a phone not tied to a carrier, does that make it easier to root in the future?

I pre ordered the unlocked phone and the reason was what happened to me with the note 7 (both times) and the ability to switch from AT&T to Verizon if I want to. Also lack of carrier bloat. Samsung has insurance for 12 bucks a month that is better than the carrier crap insurance. Wifi calling is a non issue for me, didn't realize that I might not have hot spot, but unlocked will get root first, and then Hotspot no trouble.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using XDA-Developers Legacy app

I too pre ordered the unlocked version from samsung's website. I am with att right now and is planning to switch to t-mobile of project fi. not sure yet which of the two. but defintely a good plus having the unlocked version. I am not really concerned about wi fi calling since majority of the stuff i do to communicate is through text messages and through facebook messenger.

I have a unlock S8. I use it 100% fine on my T-mobile. But I can't do video call to another T-mobile customer. Thats the only difference.

I picked up the AT&T variant. My insurance is only $8.99 and if I call before 4pm I will have my phone the next day. Also if I need to warranty my phone they will send me another phone before I have to ship mine back to them. I'm not worried about bloat if that was the case I would just buy a OnePlus 5 or wait for the Pixel 2 you can uninstall or disable anything you don't want. I really don't see a need to root anymore. Im not all about flashing ROMs just to lose the features that make the Note the Note.
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

i preordered ATT note8, i worry the unlocked note8 wont have all the att LTE bands.
on my att galaxy s8+ i getting 115mb down, 28mb up on att LTE Advanced

Speaking from my experience here in the UK, I have found that locked phones are a bad deal generally. They don't get the latest updates very quickly and you can only stick with one SIM card. They also devalue the phone when you want to sell it, and whilst you could use an unlocking service, they aren't always available for you phone or carrier combo.
You don't really get much (if any) carrier bloatware here however, so that's not a consideration. WiFi calling doesn't always deliver a good call connection and I have had occasional issues with this when using my hands-free car connection.
.

ahenderson223 said:
I picked up the AT&T variant. My insurance is only $8.99 and if I call before 4pm I will have my phone the next day. Also if I need to warranty my phone they will send me another phone before I have to ship mine back to them. I'm not worried about bloat if that was the case I would just buy a OnePlus 5 or wait for the Pixel 2 you can uninstall or disable anything you don't want. I really don't see a need to root anymore. Im not all about flashing ROMs just to lose the features that make the Note the Note.
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, root is only useful for two reasons.
1. Ad blocking.
2. Tracking down the nuisance wakelocks that android always seems to have. I've had many android phones going back to the Evo, and the only ones that I didn't end up hating were the ones that I could root. My most current phone is a Note 4 and I blew it and lost root a couple of weeks ago and couldn't get it back. Now I can't tell what's keeping my phone awake all of the time.
I'm not into flashing anymore. When I had the Evo, I must have flashed it with 100 different ROMs. Now I just want a stable phone that doesn't get killed by wakelocks.

Battery life has been good to me on my last couple of Android devices. As far as updates on my S8+ I'm running the most current software and security patch that the unlocked unbranded has.
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

My problem is, as a former note 7 user, I need to buy Note 8 direct from Samsung to get discount and it is a nightmare to SIM unlock the phone on Tmobile, if purchased from Samsung. Samsung can't unlock it, only T-mobile can and since the phone comes direct from Samsung, T-mo has no record of it. So you need to spend a lot of time talking to higher level support, they need to input your IMEI manually into their system, probably call Samsung to verify status of the phone etc. It's just too much headache. So I was wondering if I could buy unlocked phone and load T-mo software to get wifi calling back, but I just hope the phone will remain unlocked? Anybody knows?

pete4k said:
My problem is, as a former note 7 user, I need to buy Note 8 direct from Samsung to get discount and it is a nightmare to SIM unlock the phone on Tmobile, if purchased from Samsung. Samsung can't unlock it, only T-mobile can and since the phone comes direct from Samsung, T-mo has no record of it. So you need to spend a lot of time talking to higher level support, they need to input your IMEI manually into their system, probably call Samsung to verify status of the phone etc. It's just too much headache. So I was wondering if I could buy unlocked phone and load T-mo software to get wifi calling back, but I just hope the phone will remain unlocked? Anybody knows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been done many times over on s8 unlocked so I'd think yes.
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

pete4k said:
My problem is, as a former note 7 user, I need to buy Note 8 direct from Samsung to get discount and it is a nightmare to SIM unlock the phone on Tmobile, if purchased from Samsung. Samsung can't unlock it, only T-mobile can and since the phone comes direct from Samsung, T-mo has no record of it. So you need to spend a lot of time talking to higher level support, they need to input your IMEI manually into their system, probably call Samsung to verify status of the phone etc. It's just too much headache. So I was wondering if I could buy unlocked phone and load T-mo software to get wifi calling back, but I just hope the phone will remain unlocked? Anybody knows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand all of this rhetoric about wifi calling not working. I had a mid level Samsung Grand Prime from Sprint that did not have ANY service hooked up to it. I think the previous owner that sold it on ebay left his sim card in it since he switched carriers but I never hooked it up to service and for a time of many months, went around making wifi calls anywhere there was a wifi connection just to go off the grid and remember what it was like when we didn't have mobile phones and the only communication when out-and-around town, was a pay phone on the corner gas station ...... if it didn't have two or three people waiting in line to use it.
I understand that some carriers software disable their wifi calling features in some models of phones because they don't want anyone to be able to make a call unless they are paying for service, but seams from my experience that it only requires network service provisioning which is probably why my GP worked with the SIM, even though it wasn't active which means that it SHOULD work on any phone with any carrier that has a network SIM regardless of it being active with service. I realize (although not personally experienced) that some carriers disable wifi calling in their branded phones even with provisioning and SIM unless there is active service and I think some disable it even with active service so as to charge extra for it, am I right? That should be fixable by a patch or something. Do not all ROM's correct that nad make wifi calling work?
---------- Post added at 05:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------
PS. I think unlocked branded phones are the way to go just because of the lack of bloatware and ability to switch carriers at will and/or pop in a SIM from another carrier where you don't have good coverage or travel out of the country. To highlight, I just this year worked in two different towns where T-mobile had almost nonexistent coverage (one of which was instrumental in loosing a job) and being able to pop in a pre-paid sim would have corrected that. I thought this 2-3 years ago but didn't listen to myself and purchased a T-Mobile Note 8 last year and have been kicking myself for it ever since.

I prefer having a unlocked device that way I can use it with any Cell Provider I want.

N950N Note 8 256GB working on at&t

SO I picked up a 256GB emperor edition from Korea. It is Confirmed to have every single LTE band that AT&T uses. I put my sim in and only get 3G not 4G. Called at&t and they said they need to re-appropriate the IMEI for the USA as it comes up as a 2g/3g phone because the SKoren SK telecom IMEI assigned to the phone is different in the USA. IS that True? Anyone know how and if I can get the Phone to work on 4G LTE on at&t or do I have to hope they get it right? I paid $1400 for this phone I don't want to use a 64GB version I have been waiting to have 500+ GB on a phone for so long.. Any TIps? Hints? Recommendations?
EDIT: for those reading this thread for the first time. As of 10/9/17 I was able to get good LTE speeds as well as WIFI calling and Video Calling on my N950N note 8 Korean Exynos model. In a nutshell here is what I did to make it work.
Flash nemesis n950F rom to my phone.
Flash AT&T CSC to the phone using the CSC tool and you do have to modify one line (user RED FLAME) has this in the CSC thread.
Call at&t and give them the IMEI of a VOLTE wifi calling/video calling capable cellphone (I used my wifes S8+ - and yes you can DOUBLE USE IMEI on the same account)
I also did one other thing - Check page 14 for that information.
I just wanted to give a synopsis of this thread so new N950N and at&t owners don't feel like they are wasting their time searching XDA and google. I only wish other people did this when their problem is solved so people can easily see they are not in the wrong place and don't have to read tons of pages of stuff.

Comp1demon said:
SO I picked up a 256GB emperor edition from Korea. It is Confirmed to have every single LTE band that AT&T uses. I put my sim in and only get 3G not 4G. Called at&t and they said they need to re-appropriate the IMEI for the USA as it comes up as a 2g/3g phone because the SKoren SK telecom IMEI assigned to the phone is different in the USA. IS that True? Anyone know how and if I can get the Phone to work on 4G LTE on at&t or do I have to hope they get it right? I paid $1400 for this phone I don't want to use a 64GB version I have been waiting to have 500+ GB on a phone for so long.. Any TIps? Hints? Recommendations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi.
There is a thread somewhere here they were talking about similar problems.
What you where told is essentially correct. Though they also said that they needed a new sim card, too.
Hope this helps. Still waiting for my Note 8.

Too bad those devices do not have the CDMA bands...

I have the same model and same problem but with softbank, though softbank has been less helpful.. i read someone flashing a different csc (if its the right one) will "unblock" the phone? Would any exymos model csc work?
My roaming menu is also greyed out... not sure if that is related.

I think you just need to give them the IMEI and have them set it up for LTE in their system, since they don't by default allow LTE on bring your own devices.

Did you change the apn? I have the same phone on tmobile and i changed the apn to the tmobile apn and i have no problems with the phone.

Kalm_Traveler said:
I think you just need to give them the IMEI and have them set it up for LTE in their system, since they don't by default allow LTE on bring your own devices.
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Click to collapse
Just a quick comment - I think you mis-spoke. ATT Does allow LTE on Bring your own devices. I have been using G955F variants for the last 4 years and never had to do anything other than put the SIM card in for it to work. HOwever, LTE Enhanced Services are not available on Bring your own Devices. This includes HD Calling, Wifi Calling and Video Calling. BUT, LTE will work.
I don't know anything about the Korean Model so I hope the OP is able to get things straightened out - but other variants have always worked on ATT - including TMOBILE PHONES and international variants as well.

Geekser said:
Just a quick comment - I think you mis-spoke. ATT Does allow LTE on Bring your own devices. I have been using G955F variants for the last 4 years and never had to do anything other than put the SIM card in for it to work. HOwever, LTE Enhanced Services are not available on Bring your own Devices. This includes HD Calling, Wifi Calling and Video Calling. BUT, LTE will work.
I don't know anything about the Korean Model so I hope the OP is able to get things straightened out - but other variants have always worked on ATT - including TMOBILE PHONES and international variants as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's probably what I meant. I haven't been an AT&T customer for many years, and have been with T-mobile for all my smart phone career, and they don't require any special setup on their end for VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, etc as I can confirm with my Korean Note 8. After somewhat jankily switching CSCs with a modified script that was originally made for S8 and 8+ phones I definitely have VoLTE and probably have Wi-Fi calling working without any communication to T-mobile.

Waiting on at&t now.. to see what happens.. SPEC for SPEC this phone is exactly the same as an at&t phone. It has every single band, not missing a single one. If you put the specs side by side there is ZERO difference. I changed the APN - there are 3 at&t choices. One gives me 3G the other 2 do not work. SO waiting on at&t to re-appropriate the IMEI to register as a note 8 on their network. I had not idea it was going to be this much of a pain in the arse. I was told by a few sellers, pop in your sim and your good to go. I did need a new sim since my note 4 sim did not fit in the note 8, so They gave me a new sim. I put the sim (using an adapter) back into my Note 4 until they change over the IMEI and the new sim works just fine on the note 4 - all my video calling, wifi calling and tethering work fine. So hoping I do not need to return this phone and use a 64GB model. I wish samsung would just release the 256 here on at&t like apple is doing with the iphone X. I would pay $1200 for it no problem. (and since the iphone X is $1149 with 256gb - I am sure samsung would do $999 or $1099 to undercut apple. But Samsung is going to epic fail and never give the US customers what they want.

Hi there, I would also like to have the Emperor's edition, and use it in Canada (Bell) and USA (T-Mobile or AT&T). Is N950N the correct model number for this edition? Does it come with dual sim? Thanks! So far I found an Ebay seller from Hong Kong with F950FD which looks to be 256GB Duos - I'm wondering what the difference is with N950N and whether I will have an issue with region lock?
Thanks for any comments...

I have the unlocked version on at&t and this is my son, just in case...

jocarog said:
I have the unlocked version on at&t and this is my son, just in case...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you need a new sim card?

borijess said:
Did you need a new sim card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I was using it on a HTC10 and previously on a Note 4...

Totally DIsappointed... No way I am keeping this $1300 phone for how crappy it is on At&T.
They Finally Updated the IMEI so that is shows up as a next gen smartphone on at&t network and I get an LTE logo. I set my own ACCESS POINT as well as used all 3 that showed up automatically. ATT Phone, ATT NEXTGENPHONE and ATT UTDATA (Nextgen) + I did what was recommended on att.com for bringing over a phone that might not get the access point which was the same settings as ATT Phone - all of them gave me LTE on my bar and showed AT&T as the network. Every single LTE Band on this phone is the same as the official ATT note 8. Yet on my speed test I couldn't get better than 4MB/s down and 1.56MB/s up, my note 4 (pop the sim card back in there) even with 1 Bar on my phone I get 42MB/s download and like 10MB/s Upload.
IT is too late to call at&t tonight but I am extremely disappointed. I have wanted a phone with 256GB of memory for like 2 years now, and to have MicroSD expansion for just MUSIC (NOTHING ELSE).
If At&t can't get this note 8 to perform exactly like a at&t version would, then I either going back to my Note 4 or Perhaps the US Samsung unlocked version (which I already have but is not opened as I hoped to sell it and make a few hundred on it to make up for the $1300 I spent on this Emperor Edition.
Any advice?
Anyone want to buy it.. I paid $1299.99 Shipped from NK. Instead of returning it - if anyone wants to buy it, id do the same thing $1299.99 shipped anywhere in US or Canada. Perhaps it will work better on another network...
jocarog said:
I have the unlocked version on at&t and this is my son, just in case...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does your unlocked version work as it should.. FAST LTE 4G LTE? Does your WIFI and Video Calling work?

Comp1demon said:
Totally DIsappointed... No way I am keeping this $1300 phone for how crappy it is on At&T.
They Finally Updated the IMEI so that is shows up as a next gen smartphone on at&t network and I get an LTE logo. I set my own ACCESS POINT as well as used all 3 that showed up automatically. ATT Phone, ATT NEXTGENPHONE and ATT UTDATA (Nextgen) + I did what was recommended on att.com for bringing over a phone that might not get the access point which was the same settings as ATT Phone - all of them gave me LTE on my bar and showed AT&T as the network. Every single LTE Band on this phone is the same as the official ATT note 8. Yet on my speed test I couldn't get better than 4MB/s down and 1.56MB/s up, my note 4 (pop the sim card back in there) even with 1 Bar on my phone I get 42MB/s download and like 10MB/s Upload.
IT is too late to call at&t tonight but I am extremely disappointed. I have wanted a phone with 256GB of memory for like 2 years now, and to have MicroSD expansion for just MUSIC (NOTHING ELSE).
If At&t can't get this note 8 to perform exactly like a at&t version would, then I either going back to my Note 4 or Perhaps the US Samsung unlocked version (which I already have but is not opened as I hoped to sell it and make a few hundred on it to make up for the $1300 I spent on this Emperor Edition.
Any advice?
Anyone want to buy it.. I paid $1299.99 Shipped from NK. Instead of returning it - if anyone wants to buy it, id do the same thing $1299.99 shipped anywhere in US or Canada. Perhaps it will work better on another network...
Does your unlocked version work as it should.. FAST LTE 4G LTE? Does your WIFI and Video Calling work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you Odin the CSC and IMS? From what I have read that needs to be done?
Sent from my SM-N950U1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

No, I haven't flashed the CSC profile, no wifi calling or VOLTE but internet speed is fast...

Comp1demon said:
Totally DIsappointed... No way I am keeping this $1300 phone for how crappy it is on At&T. .......
Any advice?
.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tl;dr - Under Settings->Connections->More Settings there's an option titled Reset Network Settings and, i had to use that on my Korean, Note Fan Edition to get LTE working.
more detail on how i got VoLTE and HD Voice working.... i grabbed an ATT (Snapdragon) S8+ CSC and manually applied to the FE. To get HDVoice and VoLTE working, i called ATT and told them i was going to use my (no-longer used/retired) ATT Samsung S7Active with my cell number. this step was a must to get VoLTE working. once they associated S7Active IMEI with my cell number, i rebooted the Note FE and VoLTE was active. i occasionally receive calls and the HD Voice icon appears on the dialer screen; i assume the other person is calling me via Wifi when i see the icon. Video calling and Wifi calling haven't worked for me on none of my international devices. once i got my UK note 8, i applied the same CSC content (after rooting my device), i inserted the same ATT sim used in the Note FE, reset network settings and VoLTE and HD Voice (when receiving calls) still works.

I don't know about the Korean model, but here is how you get Volte on ATT on the Note 8 F model. https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73851525&postcount=308 After you slightly modify the zip and flash this, you must call ATT and give the friendly customer service person the IMEI of a phone purchased from ATT directly that is roughly equivalent and had Volte and wifi calling features. I used an old S7. ATT will NOT accept an IMEI of any phone not sold by ATT. Once they put it into their system, reboot your Note 8 and whala - wifi calling and Volte work perfectly.

Flame Red said:
I don't know about the Korean model, but here is how you get Volte on ATT on the Note 8 F model. https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=73851525&postcount=308 After you slightly modify the zip and flash this, you must call ATT and give the friendly customer service person the IMEI of a phone purchased from ATT directly that is roughly equivalent and had Volte and wifi calling features. I used an old S7. ATT will NOT accept an IMEI of any phone not sold by ATT. Once they put it into their system, reboot your Note 8 and whala - wifi calling and Volte work perfectly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kind of a NOOB when it comes to all this. I haven't flashed or done any phone hacking in a few years (my s4 was the last phone I really played with).
SO I downloaded the CSC Selection V1.2.1 on Android Filehost
I honestly do not know what to do from here.
Thanks.

Comp1demon said:
Kind of a NOOB when it comes to all this. I haven't flashed or done any phone hacking in a few years (my s4 was the last phone I really played with).
SO I downloaded the CSC Selection V1.2.1 on Android Filehost
I honestly do not know what to do from here.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you try resetting network settings to at least get LTE going? Under Settings->Connections->More Settings there's an option titled Reset Network Settings and, i had to use that on my Korean, Note Fan Edition to get LTE working. Or are you good to go on LTE?

Wifi calling and voLTE on Att only

Wanted to ask if anyone with a USA model rog 2 tried att Sim card and did it work with att? We already know t-mobile doesn't list those options. This way we can all go search for phones that will suit our needs.

My US model will be delivered either Saturday or Monday and I use AT&T. Will post my results then.

I just talked to support again, and they said no VoLTE or VoWifi on Tmobile, Verizon, or AT&T, or any American carrier. They have no plans to enable it. The suggestion was that I leave them a complaint, so I did so via their form on Asus.com as well as Facebook.

The problem is AT&T is shutting down their 3G service this year so if VoLTE isn't enabled we can't make voice calls.

TawkinTrash said:
The problem is AT&T is shutting down their 3G service this year so if VoLTE isn't enabled we can't make voice calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As is TMobile, from what I understand. You should be able to make calls, but it will default to EDGE, IIRC.

Cellendril said:
As is TMobile, from what I understand. You should be able to make calls, but it will default to EDGE, IIRC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I just tried to confirm and got info they're not shutting down 3G just yet. We still have a few more years.
I guess that's good we'll still have calls but isn't good because there's no reason for VoLTE.

Thanks to ryououki for the offer, we will await your testing and we will be here if u need any help

I seriously don't understand a U.S model, yet no volte? That's just dumb. Wtf?

I can tell you right now it wont work, Its a sick phone but I'm sending it back because of this. Asus screwed up with no VoLTE, no VoWiFi, and only a 1080p screen IMO. Maybe next time they will get it right. I hope the OnePlus 7T and the 7T Pro has it... Crazy!

Just read this for T-Mobile:
Due to lack of VoLTE support you won't be able to place and receive calls including 911 calls in some buildings and some outdoor areas where 2G GSM and 3G HSPA+ signal (marketed by T-Mobile as "4G") is too weak or non-existent while LTE band 12 is available

Great info so far , just need someone to try it with att sim for confirmation.
So far we know,
Tmobile no go on volte or wifi call
Verizon works on data only no calls or txt just like rog one. Cdmaless option unclear at this moment .
Att no test yet

I have a US model on AT&T and can't get VoLTE yet.
I talked to AT&T support and they said there's no compatibility yet.
The IMEI doesn't come up in their system as a known device.

I have at&t and a USA version of the phone, I can confirm as well that the phone drops to 3g when making voice calls.
This is really really bad because at&t plans to shut down their 3g in 2021, that means no voice calls after that. Asus USA knowingly selling a $900 phone that cant make a call in 2 years is borderline fraudulent.

yok3 said:
I have at&t and a USA version of the phone, I can confirm as well that the phone drops to 3g when making voice calls.
This is really really bad because at&t plans to shut down their 3g in 2021, that means no voice calls after that. Asus USA knowingly selling a $900 phone that cant make a call in 2 years is borderline fraudulent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree. Its just dumb.
Someone needs to see if something like this can work.....
https://forum.xda-developers.com/Mi-9/how-to/wifi-calling-volte-mi-9-t3917887
There has to be options somewhere we can atleast get VOLTE working. Yes root will be mandatory, but i am ok with that. I might order one from amazon. Whats the return policy for phones on amazon? Anyone know?

I believe there were reports that VoLTE was working on Tencent models?
We really need to look into making a custom rom for our phones for the US carriers.

Did you try dialer codes *#*#VOWIFI#*#* and *#*#VOLTE#*#*

How ridiculous. This is how you ruin a near perfect phone.

stealthj said:
I believe there were reports that VoLTE was working on Tencent models?
We really need to look into making a custom rom for our phones for the US carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did more research, it seems to be more on the AT&T side than on the Asus side of things. Barring a few well-know phones like the Pixel 3, most BYOD Android devices on AT&T in general don't get VoLTE, including unlocked versions of Samsung Galaxy devices that are not purchased through AT&T. It looks like AT&T does not enable VoLTE for device models with IMEIs that it does not recognize (i.e. doesn't have AT&T certified ROMs), because they are afraid of getting fined by FCC for non-E911 compliance which requires the carrier to certify E911 support on all handset/firmware when on VoLTE. My guess the Tencent models with VoLTE working are somehow whitelisted by AT&T ad-hoc or they are working on Non-U.S. carriers. So it is more of an AT&T problem than an Asus/ROM issue. (though there may be ROM hacks to ask the handset to force VoLTE even if AT&T doesn't advertise the capability during protocol handshake).
Since this is a much bigger issue than just the ROG II phone, hopefully they have a plan to white list all BYOD Android devices for VoLTE when they sunset 3G. Otherwise AT&T would stand to lose a good chunk of revenue from those who migrate over from other carriers with BYOD phones, say a Galaxy phone with a T-Mobile ROM. You simply can't even offer a BYOD plan if you don't have voice call working for most of the BYOD Android devices.

suzook said:
I have to agree. Its just dumb.
Someone needs to see if something like this can work.....
https://forum.xda-developers.com/Mi-9/how-to/wifi-calling-volte-mi-9-t3917887
There has to be options somewhere we can atleast get VOLTE working. Yes root will be mandatory, but i am ok with that. I might order one from amazon. Whats the return policy for phones on amazon? Anyone know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure their return policy for phones is the same as all other goods. I bought and returned the original ROG phone last year through Amazon, considering doing the same with ROG II unless there's a breakthrough on providers and features with custom ROMS/etc.

Yea that's pretty dirty to whitelist the Tencent version but not the US model.

Question Vivo X Fold VoLTE access in Canada?

I am currently with Fido for my cellular phone service running a old import( 2016), Huawei Honor Note 8, from Toronto, Canada area, and interested in the Vivo X Fold and this Fido support webpage shows that it should work along with Gishan Canada for Fido APN settings for the Vivo X Fold but I am concerned after hearing that the Vivo X Fold VoLTE is not working in Canada from senior forum member Frcraig, despite all of his efforts.
I have read about the Vivo X Fold phone in general to understand about it's issue being a Chinese only ROM and most likely no Global Rom is coming for software ( I currently own and have dealt with this the past 6 years on my Huawei Honor Note 8). I can also live with it's limited multi-tasking (i.e. hardware quality/form factor amazing and hope updates will only improve the multi-tasking in the near future) I also understand that amongst the top foldables in similar full size phone format/foldable format: HUAWEI Mate X2, Vivo X Fold, Oppo Find N, and the Samsung Fold 4 are the only ones at this point (Surface duo 2 is more a two screen device with a distinctive separation/hinge in the middle) that compete with each other. I am not a fan of the narrow front screen of the Samsung fold 4, hence the Vivo X Fold direction.
For the Vivo X Fold I understand from a senior member here on the forum, Frcraig (Thanks so much for all of your efforts and sharing thus so far) that VoLTE on this phone is not available from Canadian carriers, because they did not pay any of the Canadian carriers the VoLTE certification, and the reason why it can't be turned on. Without VoLTE, the phone will drop to 3G if available but because 3G in Canada is going to be phased out starting in Dec 2023 and generally not available in the States, this is a major concern for people interested in this phone if in Canada.
I am hoping that there can be a possible a resolution to this and started this thread to explore possibilities and/or solutions as this is a major concern!
Would like to know if anyone in Canada has been able to get the VoLTE to work/turn on?
I understand that it is greyed out and can't be turned on in the mobile settings- maybe because:
1) it hasn't been certified (Vivo has not paid any of the Canadian carriers the certification fee) even though it works on most bands including 5G in some cases?
2) sim card is not the latest, and therefor can't offer the VoLTE option?
I spoke to a Rogers technician from technical support today, speaking about the above VoLTE issue, the issues that Frcraig is already experiencing with his new Vivo X Fold. We spoke about the phone bands in general should work according to the phone bands it offers. Rogers Technical support, the lady I was speaking to, Stephanie, for over 30 min, had also put the question on their live global message board to see if there was any specific answers, and received mixed answers- i.e. yes and no, and did not have a definitive answer, but 5 points were made:
1) Can not give a guarantee that the phone will work with VoLTE and not aware of this licensing issue
2) Should work as it does have the 4G and LTE bands - make sure you have an updated Sim Card
3) Confirmed that the 3G is going to be removed in the near future (Dec 2023, after speaking to Frcraig)
4) She Suggested to try a BIOS code to switch it on: "*#*#4636#*#*" on the phone dial pad, as it is a universal code to switch that radio on if it is off, or turn off and back on to reset it - I found a video showing this process using the Redmi Note, @ the 5 min time stamp - Note also very important, prior to doing this, the Sim Card in your phone should be relatively new, and if not get yours replaced, so the sim card has that option/ability to use the VoLTE service from the updated current Sim Card hardware
5) Suggest to use Google search term: what to do if volte is not working - for more information
I am also wondering if this phone absolutely does not work with the VoLTE, that maybe after the 2023 3G removal, that Canadian carriers will update/allow at that time, as I understand the phone can work on the VoLTE as it has the 4G and LTE bands on pretty much all the Canadian Carriers.
Hopefully this community forum and interested parties can find a solution to this VoLTE problem, that I am told is an issue,
so those who do have the phone please confirm that you have the latest Sim Card and have tried the steps above
and/or if someone else has work-around solutions... maybe through rooting the phone or something?

Message to https://www.vivo.com/en/support page through their email
(also commented on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vivocareGlobal a quick question also)
I am in Canada interested in getting the Vivo X Fold, but finding out that Canadian carriers (main ones here in Canada: Rogers and Bell) from local XDA Forum on the Vivo X Fold (https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/vivo-x-fold.12651/) do not allow the VoLTE 4G to be turned on here in Canada even though carriers support 4G and LTE bands on your phone.
VoLTE is the major Voice Over LTE 4G communications standard protocol, that allows us in Canada with local carriers to talk on the phone with others.
See forum feedback from XDA member that is in Canada with your Vivo X Fold phone:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...e-fence-as-to-which-one.4473827/post-87216075
for his feedback and efforts to get VoLTE to work, i.e. it is not working!
Is there a reason why the VoLTE 4G is greyed out and can't be turned on, on the Vivo X Fold her in Canada, thereby making voice phone calls not possible on your phone through this standard voice communications protocol?
There are a lot of interested people here for the Vivo X Fold in Canada that want a quality foldable phone and don't want to use the Samsung fold because it is too narrow on the front screen,
but looks like we are forced to get it as it is the only foldable that will work on Canadian carriers! Your phone is the only other possible choice BUT DOESN'T HAVE VOLTE 4G WORKING with any of the carriers here in Canada!
Have confirmed this with Rogers and Bell putting their current Sim Card in, and the option to turn on VoLTE is greyed out, i.e. can't be turned on by either cellular service.
I know T-Mobile in USA, the Vivo X Fold works on their network, but why not at least one carrier in Canada?
(There is talk that Vivo got their phones certified for use with T-Mobile in the USA, but no carriers were certified (paid registration fee so that it works with carrier) in Canada, leaving us Canadians that want to use any of your phones, not able to because the VoLTE can't be turned on in the phones mobile service settings.
Can you tell me why this is not working and/or reason why VoLTE is not able to be turned on?
Is there anything that can be done about this?

Q-Prof said:
Message to https://www.vivo.com/en/support page through their email
(also commented on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vivocareGlobal a quick question also)
I am in Canada interested in getting the Vivo X Fold, but finding out that Canadian carriers (main ones here in Canada: Rogers and Bell) from local XDA Forum on the Vivo X Fold (https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/vivo-x-fold.12651/) do not allow the VoLTE 4G to be turned on here in Canada even though carriers support 4G and LTE bands on your phone.
VoLTE is the major Voice Over LTE 4G communications standard protocol, that allows us in Canada with local carriers to talk on the phone with others.
See forum feedback from XDA member that is in Canada with your Vivo X Fold phone:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...e-fence-as-to-which-one.4473827/post-87216075
for his feedback and efforts to get VoLTE to work, i.e. it is not working!
Is there a reason why the VoLTE 4G is greyed out and can't be turned on, on the Vivo X Fold her in Canada, thereby making voice phone calls not possible on your phone through this standard voice communications protocol?
There are a lot of interested people here for the Vivo X Fold in Canada that want a quality foldable phone and don't want to use the Samsung fold because it is too narrow on the front screen,
but looks like we are forced to get it as it is the only foldable that will work on Canadian carriers! Your phone is the only other possible choice BUT DOESN'T HAVE VOLTE 4G WORKING with any of the carriers here in Canada!
Have confirmed this with Rogers and Bell putting their current Sim Card in, and the option to turn on VoLTE is greyed out, i.e. can't be turned on by either cellular service.
I know T-Mobile in USA, the Vivo X Fold works on their network, but why not at least one carrier in Canada?
(There is talk that Vivo got their phones certified for use with T-Mobile in the USA, but no carriers were certified (paid registration fee so that it works with carrier) in Canada, leaving us Canadians that want to use any of your phones, not able to because the VoLTE can't be turned on in the phones mobile service settings.
Can you tell me why this is not working and/or reason why VoLTE is not able to be turned on?
Is there anything that can be done about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what its worth, you can enable VoNR for stand alone frequencies. in developer settings or with a dialing code. The problem is that while these phones can connect on n78 Stand Alone networks, (3500mhz) the Canadian telecoms have just started using this frequency and it is only in a few major cities. They are also not using Voice Over 5G (VoNR) so even when the n78 band reaches your area, you would have to wait for the carrier to switch their technology for voice calls from VoLTE to VoNR. So far only T-Mobile (in Seattle and Salt Lake City) have turned on VoNR.

frcraig said:
For what its worth, you can enable VoNR for stand alone frequencies. in developer settings or with a dialing code. The problem is that while these phones can connect on n78 Stand Alone networks, (3500mhz) the Canadian telecoms have just started using this frequency and it is only in a few major cities. They are also not using Voice Over 5G (VoNR) so even when the n78 band reaches your area, you would have to wait for the carrier to switch their technology for voice calls from VoLTE to VoNR. So far only T-Mobile (in Seattle and Salt Lake City) have turned on VoNR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So 5G works but VoLTE 4G doesn't! Yeah, I see that band for Rogers, Bell, Telus, Virgin, and Koodo. Do you think that the VoNR may be up by Dec 2023, in large citiy like Toronto... maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Vivo X Fold voice communication then?

I called Rogers and asked that exact question, and they said VoNR (Vo5G) "isn't on the horizon". In the US T-Moblile has switched it on in two test cities - Seattle and Salt Lake. Rogers contracts with Ericsson for their VoLTE and 5G technology, and Ericsson has rolled out VoNR for other clients in other countries - so it is coming, just not soon. I'll cross my fingers it is here before Canada shuts down 3G.

As an aside for those facing the issue of VoLTE not being enabled on this device with Canadian carriers, there is a work around to voice calls dropping to 3G (and therefore no voice calls once 3G is shut down). I subscribed for $10 per month to a Google Voice business account, which gives me a Halifax, Nova Scotia phone number and calls placed with the Google Voice dialing app go out over mobile data, so I can place voice calls via the 5G network. I can't tell the difference between voice quality on VOIP over 5G and regular 3G voice. These calls do consume mobile data (as opposed to unlimited voice minutes) but I ran a log to see how much data these calls were consuming, and for the past 30 days I've used Google Voice for 1,800 minutes (30 hours of talking!) used just over 1 GB of mobile data. On my 80 GB monthly plan I don't know how I could ever exceed that even if I let my wife talk on the phone : )

frcraig said:
As an aside for those facing the issue of VoLTE not being enabled on this device with Canadian carriers, there is a work around to voice calls dropping to 3G (and therefore no voice calls once 3G is shut down). I subscribed for $10 per month to a Google Voice business account, which gives me a Halifax, Nova Scotia phone number and calls placed with the Google Voice dialing app go out over mobile data, so I can place voice calls via the 5G network. I can't tell the difference between voice quality on VOIP over 5G and regular 3G voice. These calls do consume mobile data (as opposed to unlimited voice minutes) but I ran a log to see how much data these calls were consuming, and for the past 30 days I've used Google Voice for 1,800 minutes (30 hours of talking!) used just over 1 GB of mobile data. On my 80 GB monthly plan I don't know how I could ever exceed that even if I let my wife talk on the phone : )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To clarify though, for my understanding, the Vivo X Fold and other Vivo's for that matter for the most part depending on bands and the carriers here, will generally work on the 4G and LTE, and 5G if available, but not on the VoLTE 4G (which is voice over the 4G and LTE as a communication protocol for regular standard voice phone calls... but because Vivio didn't certify/pay any of the Canadian carriers, the sim cards will not allow you to turn it on and/or allow you to use it even though it is just a software switch as the phone could work as it does with other carriers such as T-Mobile in the States. - Hopefully I am correct so far....
So, the next question based on what you mentioned about the Vo5G.... would that not also required Vivo to have certified/pay the carriers upfront to use that communication protocol through the sim card when it becomes available (voice over 5G), as some of the carriers offering the 5G Bands with the Vivo X Fold are already running off the 5G for Data.
To have voice over 5G (Vo5G), isn't it similar to VoLTE 4G's lack of certification/payment to the carrier from Vivo, i.e. if they didn't pay for VoLTE 4G, then they surely didn't pay for Vo5G also, right?
Using subscription VOIP over 5G as a monthly cost is a great idea and patches this problem of the voice calling when 3G is dropped with and added cost to your phone service. As you mentioned all of those calls equate to a small amount of your data which is good... so an option that allows you to pay a little extra to have a call service better than Skype is a way-out, to still have phone service if you have a Vivo and no 3G for here in Canada.
Side note, I use a VOIP service when I got rid of my Bell landline for the house, which looks like it can be also linked to a "softphone" that I am already paying for, so there is that...
I never bothered to set-up on my phone, as I use the cellular service for my voice calls.
LOL, you have me thinking here, maybe the Vivo X Fold may be still be a possibility... if I could live with this... on the fence with both, Ugh... Samsung Fold 4 revile and pre-orders start Wed... I know you already suggested the Samsung as your choice now that you know about this VoLTE... just that the Vivo's front screen improved width, quality material/feel is a big weight with the tradeoff being no s-pen, better software-multi-tasking/apps... oh and working VoLTE for this side of the earth...
if I went with Samsung, I probably get their new ear buds and watch also as I don't have either. I think I am going to the store again and look at the Samsung Fold 3 in my hands again... every time I have, it is just so narrow and I am so use to my quality phone with the 7" screen, I have used since 2016.

Q-Prof said:
To clarify though, for my understanding, the Vivo X Fold and other Vivo's for that matter for the most part depending on bands and the carriers here, will generally work on the 4G and LTE, and 5G if available, but not on the VoLTE 4G (which is voice over the 4G and LTE as a communication protocol for regular standard voice phone calls... but because Vivio didn't certify/pay any of the Canadian carriers, the sim cards will not allow you to turn it on and/or allow you to use it even though it is just a software switch as the phone could work as it does with other carriers such as T-Mobile in the States. - Hopefully I am correct so far....
So, the next question based on what you mentioned about the Vo5G.... would that not also required Vivo to have certified/pay the carriers upfront to use that communication protocol through the sim card when it becomes available (voice over 5G), as some of the carriers offering the 5G Bands with the Vivo X Fold are already running off the 5G for Data.
To have voice over 5G (Vo5G), isn't it similar to VoLTE 4G's lack of certification/payment to the carrier from Vivo, i.e. if they didn't pay for VoLTE 4G, then they surely didn't pay for Vo5G also, right?
Using subscription VOIP over 5G as a monthly cost is a great idea and patches this problem of the voice calling when 3G is dropped with and added cost to your phone service. As you mentioned all of those calls equate to a small amount of your data which is good... so an option that allows you to pay a little extra to have a call service better than Skype is a way-out, to still have phone service if you have a Vivo and no 3G for here in Canada.
Side note, I use a VOIP service when I got rid of my Bell landline for the house, which looks like it can be also linked to a "softphone" that I am already paying for, so there is that...
I never bothered to set-up on my phone, as I use the cellular service for my voice calls.
LOL, you have me thinking here, maybe the Vivo X Fold may be still be a possibility... if I could live with this... on the fence with both, Ugh... Samsung Fold 4 revile and pre-orders start Wed... I know you already suggested the Samsung as your choice now that you know about this VoLTE... just that the Vivo's front screen improved width, quality material/feel is a big weight with the tradeoff being no s-pen, better software-multi-tasking/apps... oh and working VoLTE for this side of the earth...
if I went with Samsung, I probably get their new ear buds and watch also as I don't have either. I think I am going to the store again and look at the Samsung Fold 3 in my hands again... every time I have, it is just so narrow and I am so use to my quality phone with the 7" screen, I have used since 2016.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VoLTE options only appear by virtue of the carrier check and SIM, however Vivo has chosen to include VoNR options in the firmware that are not carrier check and SIM dependent. There is a switch in Developer Settings (which can also be activated with a dialing code) that enables VoNR.

Q-Prof said:
To clarify though, for my understanding, the Vivo X Fold and other Vivo's for that matter for the most part depending on bands and the carriers here, will generally work on the 4G and LTE, and 5G if available, but not on the VoLTE 4G (which is voice over the 4G and LTE as a communication protocol for regular standard voice phone calls... but because Vivio didn't certify/pay any of the Canadian carriers, the sim cards will not allow you to turn it on and/or allow you to use it even though it is just a software switch as the phone could work as it does with other carriers such as T-Mobile in the States. - Hopefully I am correct so far....
So, the next question based on what you mentioned about the Vo5G.... would that not also required Vivo to have certified/pay the carriers upfront to use that communication protocol through the sim card when it becomes available (voice over 5G), as some of the carriers offering the 5G Bands with the Vivo X Fold are already running off the 5G for Data.
To have voice over 5G (Vo5G), isn't it similar to VoLTE 4G's lack of certification/payment to the carrier from Vivo, i.e. if they didn't pay for VoLTE 4G, then they surely didn't pay for Vo5G also, right?
Using subscription VOIP over 5G as a monthly cost is a great idea and patches this problem of the voice calling when 3G is dropped with and added cost to your phone service. As you mentioned all of those calls equate to a small amount of your data which is good... so an option that allows you to pay a little extra to have a call service better than Skype is a way-out, to still have phone service if you have a Vivo and no 3G for here in Canada.
Side note, I use a VOIP service when I got rid of my Bell landline for the house, which looks like it can be also linked to a "softphone" that I am already paying for, so there is that...
I never bothered to set-up on my phone, as I use the cellular service for my voice calls.
LOL, you have me thinking here, maybe the Vivo X Fold may be still be a possibility... if I could live with this... on the fence with both, Ugh... Samsung Fold 4 revile and pre-orders start Wed... I know you already suggested the Samsung as your choice now that you know about this VoLTE... just that the Vivo's front screen improved width, quality material/feel is a big weight with the tradeoff being no s-pen, better software-multi-tasking/apps... oh and working VoLTE for this side of the earth...
if I went with Samsung, I probably get their new ear buds and watch also as I don't have either. I think I am going to the store again and look at the Samsung Fold 3 in my hands again... every time I have, it is just so narrow and I am so use to my quality phone with the 7" screen, I have used since 2016.
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Just to complicate your purchase decision, several tech industry leaks in the past two days have suggested Vivo will release a new foldable (being dubbed "Vivo X Fold S" by Gizbchina). One Indian source said it may launch in the next few weeks and include a global version with FunTouch firmware.

frcraig said:
VoLTE options only appear by virtue of the carrier check and SIM, however Vivo has chosen to include VoNR options in the firmware that are not carrier check and SIM dependent. There is a switch in Developer Settings (which can also be activated with a dialing code) that enables VoNR.
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frcraig, You keep surprising me with your in-depth knowledge and nuance's of technical detail.... so Vo5G/VoNR is not going to be a problem then, when "eventually" we get there on this phone. Lol, I think you have more insight and information than calling a Tech Support at a carrier, lol... thanks for the explanation and info.

frcraig said:
Just to complicate your purchase decision, several tech industry leaks in the past two days have suggested Vivo will release a new foldable (being dubbed "Vivo X Fold S" by Gizbchina). One Indian source said it may launch in the next few weeks and include a global version with FunTouch firmware.
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Oh man, I confirmed with a search, one on Aug 8 & 9, you're right on the ball with this. Bigfire member on another thread here, was asking about this very thing.
You know, I was testing out a Fold 3 again today, thinking to my demise that this is most likely going to be the phone I will be reluctantly getting because my phone is really long in the tooth, Samsung has a monopoly here in Canada on the folds, and the fact that Vivo X Fold has the VoLTE issue which I think is a big negative.
Now that you have pointed out this Vivo X Fold S, and reading about the leaked improvements, hmm... two weeks.... I don't know, was intending to pre-order the Fold 4 tomorrow, and now have more questions.
If it is going to have the Funtouch Global version, does this mean that it would likely have VoLTE licensing... you had mentioned earlier that all Vivo phones will not work here because no VoLTE licensing here, with Canadian carriers?
Side note, the Xiami Mix Fold 2 just got teased and is thinner (5.4 vs 6.28 Vivo X fold vs 6.4 Sam Fold 3) and with the flat fold will be a lot thinner than the 14-16 mm of the Sam Fold 3.

frcraig said:
Just to complicate your purchase decision, several tech industry leaks in the past two days have suggested Vivo will release a new foldable (being dubbed "Vivo X Fold S" by Gizbchina). One Indian source said it may launch in the next few weeks and include a global version with FunTouch firmware.
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on the one hand I am disappointed with the development and I am hoping it's a small spec bump. But if it provides an ease transition between x fold and x fold s (e.g. fun touch installation) it could be very compelling.
I think that project is just for the people who are rooted and BLU to try.

Q-Prof said:
Oh man, I confirmed with a search, one on Aug 8 & 9, you're right on the ball with this. Bigfire member on another thread here, was asking about this very thing.
You know, I was testing out a Fold 3 again today, thinking to my demise that this is most likely going to be the phone I will be reluctantly getting because my phone is really long in the tooth, Samsung has a monopoly here in Canada on the folds, and the fact that Vivo X Fold has the VoLTE issue which I think is a big negative.
Now that you have pointed out this Vivo X Fold S, and reading about the leaked improvements, hmm... two weeks.... I don't know, was intending to pre-order the Fold 4 tomorrow, and now have more questions.
If it is going to have the Funtouch Global version, does this mean that it would likely have VoLTE licensing... you had mentioned earlier that all Vivo phones will not work here because no VoLTE licensing here, with Canadian carriers?
Side note, the Xiami Mix Fold 2 just got teased and is thinner (5.4 vs 6.28 Vivo X fold vs 6.4 Sam Fold 3) and with the flat fold will be a lot thinner than the 14-16 mm of the Sam Fold 3.
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The VoLTE issue on Canadian carriers applies equally to the Origin OS Ocean and Funtouch versions of Vivo Phones. It also applies to Xiaomi phones (they release their new Mix Fold 2 tomorrow) but you can disable carrier checks and enable VoLTE on Xiaomi phones with a dialer code.

This is from Big WhiteDwarf in the comments section to me
"I live in Canada, too. In terms of volte, I unlocked my Xiaomi phone and flashed the xiaomi EU ROM, updated the Google carrier services component, then volte just works. I'm not sure if the Chinese ROM works the same way, but it can be done via software tweaks most likely. But to be honest, I don't really notice much difference with volte on or off and I don't really make calls too much these days. Btw, mix fold 2 won't get the EU ROM."
.... Not sure but you can only do this if you can get access to the bootloader which I understand in recent security update, that is no longer available now.

Finally received a response from vivo Customer Care about the VoLTE on the Vivo X Fold:
"Thank you so much for your email and we are sorry for the delayed reply. According to your email, we are sorry for the inconvenience. We appreciate your interest in purchasing our products. We are very sorry to inform you that our service is not available in Canada. Also like to inform you that, all our handsets have not yet been tested to see if data, Volte, and network service is compatible in another country. However, please note that we are still expanding our overseas market, if there is no official store in your country temporarily, we do not suggest you purchase vivo Phones from other channels since it’s inconvenient for you to repair the phone if is damaged. Also, we can not provide any service for other problems. We are not available in Canada right now but don't worry we are take your dimand as a suggestion and forward it to our concern team. Hope they will work on it and you will understand this fact."
So, for Canadians, no VoLTE is a big issue, and they are straight out saying not to get their phone.

a japanese figured out how to unlock volte in japan. but u have to unlock the bootloader, root and patch an img file with magisk. then again, it's a risk for doing that. and it might not necessarily work in canada.
【簡単BLU】vivo X FoldでVolteを有効化する方法 | Re:Gadget
vivo X Foldを買ったのは良いものの、この端末はVolteに非対応。 おまけにコマンドから「LTE Only」にしないとSIMカードを読み込まない始末だ。 メイン機として買ったのにコレじゃあ使えないので、頑張ってVolteを有効化し
yukimejiyoung.com

shoho80 said:
a japanese figured out how to unlock volte in japan. but u have to unlock the bootloader, root and patch an img file with magisk. then again, it's a risk for doing that. and it might not necessarily work in canada.
【簡単BLU】vivo X FoldでVolteを有効化する方法 | Re:Gadget
vivo X Foldを買ったのは良いものの、この端末はVolteに非対応。 おまけにコマンドから「LTE Only」にしないとSIMカードを読み込まない始末だ。 メイン機として買ったのにコレじゃあ使えないので、頑張ってVolteを有効化し
yukimejiyoung.com
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Thanks for sharing this. I wouldn't mind giving it a try, will keep 6oi guys posted.

shoho80 said:
a japanese figured out how to unlock volte in japan. but u have to unlock the bootloader, root and patch an img file with magisk. then again, it's a risk for doing that. and it might not necessarily work in canada.
【簡単BLU】vivo X FoldでVolteを有効化する方法 | Re:Gadget
vivo X Foldを買ったのは良いものの、この端末はVolteに非対応。 おまけにコマンドから「LTE Only」にしないとSIMカードを読み込まない始末だ。 メイン機として買ったのにコレじゃあ使えないので、頑張ってVolteを有効化し
yukimejiyoung.com
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Thanks for sharing as instructions look promising! Having VoLTE access here in Canada would do two things, allow us to import and use this quality form factor phone in Canada with Canadian carriers as a main driver and therefor give Samsung Z Fold 4 some over-due competition which is badly needed.
There is a rumor that there is a Vivo X Fold S edition coming soon and may have a global rom.... I similar heard that the Oppo Find N Foldable will also will be coming out with a global version, and then there is the sleek thin Mix 2 with its great form factor, although software is ? and not refined as Samsung's.
If anyone in Canada (frcraig, rocky272727....) is willing to try this unlock procedure, please share here so we know if this is a possible fix for the VoLTE. I am sure the appreciation would go a long way, as I was on board with the Vivo X Fold with all of its concerns, but VoLTE is the big one that has stopped me from ordering it and have preordered the Z Fold 4 instead.
Side note: Isn't the bootloader now locked with a recent June security patch, i.e. making it impossible to unlock the bootloader? I understand when it is purchased, Giztop and Wonda both update and add Google on the phone to save customers the pain of trying to start the phone in Chinese which in turn I understand the Bootloader is permanently locked. You could when ordering, tell them not to update and hopefully it is still with the original rom that is unlockable, but not sure.

The Japanese instructions for unlocking the bootloader, rooting with Magisk, and installing the VoLTE enabler module are dated June 26th. If find that date odd. For these instructions to work you would need to have a pre-June version of the firmware, because the June 1st security update removed the unlocking vulnerability that this method relies on. Vivo hasn't added any firmware versions for the Vivo X Note or the Vivo X Fold to its downgrading tool, so if you upgraded (like I did) before using this exploit you are out of luck. The reason I ordered the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is that unlike Vivo, Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader, so I will root with Magisk (canary) and install the VoLTE enabler module the Japanese chap used.

frcraig said:
The Japanese instructions for unlocking the bootloader, rooting with Magisk, and installing the VoLTE enabler module are dated June 26th. If find that date odd. For these instructions to work you would need to have a pre-June version of the firmware, because the June 1st security update removed the unlocking vulnerability that this method relies on. Vivo hasn't added any firmware versions for the Vivo X Note or the Vivo X Fold to its downgrading tool, so if you upgraded (like I did) before using this exploit you are out of luck. The reason I ordered the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is that unlike Vivo, Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader, so I will root with Magisk (canary) and install the VoLTE enabler module the Japanese chap used.
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ur right, the guy wrote at the top of the page (in red) saying that the latest version of OS is blocked from unlocking the bootloader.... maybe i shouldn't update my OS....