Database Develop

Unlocked AT&T S5

Hey everyone, I am about to pay full retail price for the S5 through AT&T which means it will be unlocked.
Question is...any root method or exploits that work for the international version also apply to the AT&T model?

Nope, paying full price for an "Unlocked AT&T" model, means it's carrier unlocked, bootloader is still locked down on all AT&T branded S5's. If your paying full price and want root, you should just buy an unlocked T-Mobile version from somewhere like swappa.com, supports AT&T frequencies and the bootloader comes unlocked.

It would be nice if XDA had a "Glossary of Terms" in the wiki that explained terms that are used often like"bootloader unlocked" and "carrier unlocked". Maybe, it wouldn't make much difference, but the some words and terms are often confused and are explained again. It might be easier to just link to the glossary.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Keep in mind the phones aren't usually unlocked (carrier unlocked) at the point of sale and you'll have to submit an unlock request once you've bought it.. As a side note, I highly recommend buying the T-Mobile version, as it's compatible with at&t and DOES have the bootloader unlocked by default. There's really no reason to buy the at&t version if you're buying at full price.

kevinco1 said:
Hey everyone, I am about to pay full retail price for the S5 through AT&T which means it will be unlocked.
Question is...any root method or exploits that work for the international version also apply to the AT&T model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are going to pay full price, just go to T-Mobile store and by the T-Mo version which comes with an unlocked bootloader and supports all AT&T frequencies, then just replace your back cover for an unbranded or at&T branded one.
the AT&T one will not get Root anytime soon.

[Q] How to identify variant? And OTA question

I just picked up a Nexus 6 secondhand, and was wondering if there is a way to determine whether this is a Google Play device or a carrier variant. It doesn't have any obvious branding so I'm sure it's not an AT&T variant.
Also, let's say it is the T-Mobile variant. Will I need to run a T-Mobile SIM card to get the OTA updates? Or will I still be able to get them with an AT&T SIM card?

chp said:
I just picked up a Nexus 6 secondhand, and was wondering if there is a way to determine whether this is a Google Play device or a carrier variant. It doesn't have any obvious branding so I'm sure it's not an AT&T variant.
Also, let's say it is the T-Mobile variant. Will I need to run a T-Mobile SIM card to get the OTA updates? Or will I still be able to get them with an AT&T SIM card?
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they are all exactly the same device. you can buy from sprint, but use on tmpbile if you want. besides for att som locking it until fully paid off, they are all identicle.

@chp,
OTA updates come directly from Google. If there are different carrier variants, you will get the one related to your SIM.

There's only two variants.
The North America 'variant', XT1103, and the international 'variant', the XT1100. This tells us that finally carrier branding is only on the outside and/or with a bit of carrier bloat in the software. No longer affects the hardware.
thank WNRussell next time you see him about. . . . .

Carrier Unlocked vs Carrier Phone

I'm going to take advantage of the Note 7 promotion. I'm currently on Sprint. From what I understand, there are no hardware differences between the carrier unlocked version and the Sprint version (per Samsung chat). The only major differences are in carrier software, I think? Also, it looks like software updates may be extremely slow? I would have expected the opposite since it's coming straight from Samsung.
From what I can tell, I can always flash the carrier ROM on the unlocked version, but I think this would trip Knox and I would lose Samsung Pay, right? Conversely, if I go with the carrier version, I can unlock it because I'll own it outright, correct?
I'm really stuck on which one to preorder. I always figured carrier unlocked was better, but perhaps not? Any guiding thoughts for me?

Wonder about this too.
Is the cellular bands listed on this site accurate?
https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-8-sm-n950-model-number-differences/
If it is, the unlocked may not have all the bands for, for example, T-mobile. So if sticking with one carrier and not planning to change, will getting the carrier one, though with more bloatware, be better for coverage?

Here is a screen capture for the Carrier Unlocked Note 8 from Best Buys Website.

just take this with a pinch of salt but carrier lock is way better than the other.

Tmobile Note 8 work on Sprint?

Someone Local to me is selling a note 8. It's supposed to be unlocked. Will it work on Sprint or no?

powerstroke said:
Someone Local to me is selling a note 8. It's supposed to be unlocked. Will it work on Sprint or no?
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Before I'd buy,I'd visit T-Mobile with the seller & phone in-hand,to ensure the phone is free & clear of any financial obligations.
Otherwise,you risk the possibility of it being blacklisted if any remaining balances are unpaid.
Not sure about compatibility,but,if the T-Mobile S8+ is any indication,it's only compatible with LTE,probably won't get voice/calls:
https://willmyphonework.net/
Regardless,with it being a new phone,you're in uncharted territory,no one can know for sure at this point,less a visit to Sprint & the mentioned visit to T-Mobile.

powerstroke said:
Someone Local to me is selling a note 8. It's supposed to be unlocked. Will it work on Sprint or no?
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately, probably not. Sprint is very strict with the phones it allows under it's BYOD program, it'll only allow activation of Sprint and Unlocked models. It knows when phones are carrier versions as Samsung provides Sprint with the IMEIs of the Sprint and Unlocked models.
Sprint is the only major carrier that still uses a database whitelist for phones that can be activated on their network. Bit of a **** policy, but there's not much you can do about it.
Source: Just tried the same thing with my T-Mobile S8+. Even when I flashed the unlocked firmware on it(something you'd need to do anyway to enable the CDMA radio on the Note8, T-Mobile firmware has it disabled), still wouldn't work. Found out it was because of Sprint's stupid policy.

Just wanted to chime in on this in the hopes that no one wastes their time and money trying to activate AT&T/T-Mobile branded Note 8's with Sprint.
Flashed my AT&T device with unlocked firmware to enable CDMA features (MEID HEX/DEC)
Bought a Sprint BYOD SIM
Gave Sprint technicians device information in an attempt to add it to their inventory (HEC/DEX)
They kept getting random incompatibility errors, kind of silly given all US Note 8's have identical hardware.
Case closed, looking for a Sprint or Samsung official unlocked device now..

Verizon Note 9 on AT&T

If I get a Verizon note 9 can I just pop an Att sim into it and it will work. I know there may be differences between voice and data but Basically is the Verizon NOTE9 GSM unlocked like past Galaxy phones were?
I read a Verizon forum where the Verizon rep said that the note 9 is GSM unlocked but she said AFTER it has been activated on Verizon.
To make matters more confusing she linked to a Verizon page that basically said all Verizon's post pay phones are GSM 4G unlocked (nothing about activation first).
Anyone can help me here? Thinking of getting a cheap one of eBay to use mainly overseas and ATT or wherever else.

Yes. The Verizon models are unlocked. And it's the same exact hardware as the ATT version. My recommendation is to flash either the U1 or the ATT firmware though. Otherwise you'll get the Verizon boot animation and Verizon bloatware.
The ATT firmware will allow you to use WiFi calling and VOLTE.
The unlocked U1 firmware will be clean and have no carrier bloat.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Yes. The Verizon models are unlocked. And it's the same exact hardware as the ATT version. My recommendation is to flash either the U1 or the ATT firmware though. Otherwise you'll get the Verizon boot animation and Verizon bloatware.
The ATT firmware will allow you to use WiFi calling and VOLTE.
The unlocked U1 firmware will be clean and have no carrier bloat.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.

Henhen59 said:
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also looking for that definitive answer as I want to get the Verizon Note 9 for overseas use. I read that it will be unlocked after activation as they were having armed robberies at stores and other inventory locations. I was going to buy the Sprint model but it cost almost $150 to unlock.

Henhen59 said:
Thanks for your answer. I will have to read up more on the Flashing and U1 firmware!
I see now that on ebay that some say verizon unlocked and some say verizon locked and some of the verizons up for sale dont specify (but in the item detail it says locked or contract)... This makes things more confusing.
I have always bought verizon phones for the unlocked gsm. I did read that verizon was going to stop having them unlocked....this is my main fear.
So what you're saying, is that the verizon note 9 is 100% gsm unlocked? sorry to ask again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
djohne said:
I'm also looking for that definitive answer as I want to get the Verizon Note 9 for overseas use. I read that it will be unlocked after activation as they were having armed robberies at stores and other inventory locations. I was going to buy the Sprint model but it cost almost $150 to unlock.
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Click to collapse
Verizon started that with the Pixel 3, after the Note 9. The Note 9's from Verizon are unlocked. Even with the Pixel 3, once it was activated with a Verizon SIM, it was then automatically carrier unlocked. So if you buy a used VZW Note 9 from eBay, its already been activated on Verizon, so no worries.
Just be careful buying off eBay. If its still under contract and the seller stops making payments, it will be blacklisted.

Why buy a Verizon version to use on AT&T?
What is the advantage over getting an AT&T or carrier unlocked version?

pizza_pablo said:
Why buy a Verizon version to use on AT&T?
What is the advantage over getting an AT&T or carrier unlocked version?
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Click to collapse
They buy on Verizon because Verizon offers better deals. Then they want to use the devices on other networks. But since Note only has A firmware, not B, it's an annoying process for those who haven't flashed before.
AS to your second question: ATT doesn't allow Wi-Fi Calling nor voice over LTE on unlocked devices. So many ending putting up with their bloat in order to get those features.

CrazyApe18 said:
They buy on Verizon because Verizon offers better deals. Then they want to use the devices on other networks. But since Note only has A firmware, not B, it's an annoying process for those who haven't flashed before.
AS to your second question: ATT doesn't allow Wi-Fi Calling nor voice over LTE on unlocked devices. So many ending putting up with their bloat in order to get those features.
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Huh, I would think any Verizon deal would require using Verizon service.
Thanks!

pizza_pablo said:
Huh, I would think any Verizon deal would require using Verizon service.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, they do require service. But people either don't read or think they've found some way around it.

CrazyApe18 said:
Oh, they do require service. But people either don't read or think they've found some way around it.
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Click to collapse
oh ha! Hard to outsmart big red.

pizza_pablo said:
oh ha! Hard to outsmart big red.
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Click to collapse
It used to be easier. Verizon would often offer buy one get one free on Samsung and LG devices. You had to sign up for new service and put the phones on a payment plan. But the second phone uses to actually be free, not just bill credits. And you could pay off the first one and cancel your service.
I one time bought four Galaxy S7s when they were brand new, started four lines of service with Verizon, then paid off the phones and cancelled the service. Then I sold all four phones and netted about a thousand dollar profit off the deal.
Did the same thing with the LG G4 with Verizon when they offered $600 prepaid gift cards for each phone you bought.
Now Verizon, like all other carriers, lock you in with bill credits.

As they say, all good things must come to an end.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Verizon started that with the Pixel 3, after the Note 9. The Note 9's from Verizon are unlocked. Even with the Pixel 3, once it was activated with a Verizon SIM, it was then automatically carrier unlocked. So if you buy a used VZW Note 9 from eBay, its already been activated on Verizon, so no worries.
Just be careful buying off eBay. If its still under contract and the seller stops making payments, it will be blacklisted.
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Click to collapse
I wanted them for overseas use, actually ended up getting a great deal on 2 ATT note 9s, under $500 each n paid $18 to unlock

Verizon note 9 on AT&T
I'm using an unlocked Verizon note 9 512gb 8gb ram on AT&T and amazingly everything works. Wifi calling, video calling, volte. Even went to UbreakIfix and they installed Android 10 onto the phone. When I put the Sim card into the phone it loaded all the AT&T software on the phone and I was good. The great thing about Verizon unlocked phones are that they have the full CDMA and GSM capabilities so you can use them on any carrier. It wasn't a hassle at all to do.