Database Develop

[Q] newbie question, AT&T or TMO Moto X outside US

Hey all,
Hope this is in the right place. Saw a few similar questions, but nothing exactly like what I was looking for.
I currently have a VZW Galaxy Nexus, rooted, running Shiny ROM with Xposed and GravityBox. Thinking about dumping VZW and going to a Moto X on AT&T or TMO, both prepaid. Question is, which carrier's phone would I be able to use outside the US? I'll be going to Europe this summer and would like to purchase a local SIM in Europe and use it there, instead of paying roaming fees on AT&T or TMO.
According to Wikipedia (can't post link) and what I've read on here, the TMO version is SIM unlocked. So this means it will work on all GSM carriers, right? In the US, that would be AT&T (if TMO doesn't have good signal where I live), and when I travel, that means I can use a local SIM, correct?
Thanks in advance, any help is appreciated!

lmm5247 said:
Hey all,
Hope this is in the right place. Saw a few similar questions, but nothing exactly like what I was looking for.
I currently have a VZW Galaxy Nexus, rooted, running Shiny ROM with Xposed and GravityBox. Thinking about dumping VZW and going to a Moto X on AT&T or TMO, both prepaid. Question is, which carrier's phone would I be able to use outside the US? I'll be going to Europe this summer and would like to purchase a local SIM in Europe and use it there, instead of paying roaming fees on AT&T or TMO.
According to Wikipedia (can't post link) and what I've read on here, the TMO version is SIM unlocked. So this means it will work on all GSM carriers, right? In the US, that would be AT&T (if TMO doesn't have good signal where I live), and when I travel, that means I can use a local SIM, correct?
Thanks in advance, any help is appreciated!
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Yep, that's correct. T-mo is SIM unlocked. I use mine with AT&T actually too. It should work abroad with no trouble other than tracking down a local nano sim or cutting one down.
If however you want to use LTE abroad I don't think the bands in the T-Mobile version match those used in Europe. HSPA+ should work fine though.
From my experience when traveling abroad a prepaid SIM w/ LTE was way more expensive than something I wanted just for being able to gchat home and look up directions on gmaps so it was a moot point.

superm1 said:
Yep, that's correct. T-mo is SIM unlocked. I use mine with AT&T actually too. It should work abroad with no trouble other than tracking down a local nano sim or cutting one down.
If however you want to use LTE abroad I don't think the bands in the T-Mobile version match those used in Europe. HSPA+ should work fine though.
From my experience when traveling abroad a prepaid SIM w/ LTE was way more expensive than something I wanted just for being able to gchat home and look up directions on gmaps so it was a moot point.
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Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for! I figured LTE wouldn't work in Europe, I was fine with settling for HSPA+ or 3G.
Found a thread here explaining the differences between AT&T, TMO, and Dev Edition. From what I can see, the TMO edition is more flexible than the AT&T edition. Only difference compared to Dev Edition is that unlocking the bootloader on TMO voids your warranty.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2546466

lmm5247 said:
Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for! I figured LTE wouldn't work in Europe, I was fine with settling for HSPA+ or 3G.
Found a thread here explaining the differences between AT&T, TMO, and Dev Edition. From what I can see, the TMO edition is more flexible than the AT&T edition. Only difference compared to Dev Edition is that unlocking the bootloader on TMO voids your warranty.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2546466
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LTE works in Europe although is not yet as widely spreaded as in the USA. But you'll be fine with 3G which is fast enough and most countries are well covered with that network. More important issue is roaming if you are planning to visit different countries. You must switch between different operators and even using service from the same operator in different states ( e.g. T-mobile) imply roaming charges. In my opinion the best solution is using local sim with best data plan and voip for calling in every country. If you don't want to switch sim cards, you may find the best roaming solution with prepaid Vodafone Italy. You can buy its clone online (http://www.motorhomewifi.com/product/europa-sim-roaming-data-sim-card/) and refill it in any Vodafone shop around Europe.

Xfinity Mobile version? ($300 off via prepaid card rebate)

I'm surprised I haven't seen much talk about this version here, or Xfinity Mobile in general. It is definitely the best option in price (to purchase a single Note 9 with little service commitment) over the unlocked version without being being too much of a hassle to get the rebate.
For myself, that means I activated a prepaid line (T-mobile, $10 sim, $6 for 2 months of service) to port to Xfinity in order to get the rebate. I'm on Sprint's 1 year free plan until the middle of next year, and since I already subscribe to Xfinity Internet at home, I might as well use that as an advantage to get the discounted phone. Since my main # is on Google Voice, I use their call forwarding to the carrier number currently, so I can do the same on Xfinity -- forwarding calls for the first month (or 2) until I can request an unlock code. For the first few months, I will actually use the service in part and keep it active to get the rebate (and get paid for it!), since I also have a BankAmeriDeals $50 cashback offer from Xfinity Mobile once 2 monthly billing charges hit. The timing was very sweet on that one, ha!
For others, I understand this offer might be too much work, as would be the alternate solution of switching carriers altogether to Xfinity Mobile, which is more than likely why it doesn't have that much appeal. That being said, I wanted to point out that this option is available, and start this thread for discussion on supported bands related to the Xfinity, or Comcast (CCT) model.
Known/deduced information so far:
128 GB model #s: SM-N960UZBACCT (Ocean Blue), SM-N960UZPACCT (Lavender Purple)
512 GB model #s: SM-N960UZBFCCT (Ocean Blue), SM-N960UZPFCCT (Lavender Purple)
I cannot find any information on the supported bands for this CCT variant other than (what I hope is) a limited list from the Xfinity website (B2, B5, B13, B4, B66).
Is the below assumption incorrect? I've been on Google devices for a while and I've been out of the loop with Samsung:
1) Once released, factory unlocked US firmware (XAA) can be flashed to this CCT (or any other) US carrier variant, and this should enable the bands supported by the US unlocked firmware.
Finally, if anyone has a previous Galaxy S9 or similar on Xfinity, can they comment if the bands on the device are the same or similar to the Verizon (VZW) variant?
References:
SM-N960 model number differences
Cellular frequencies in the US

I disagree that it's definitely the best option for a discount in price. Verizon BOGO and T-mobile $500 off are better, in my opinion. Yes, they're bill credits, but I'm not going anywhere anyway. More money off = better to me. I think T-mobile is the best one since it's basically just half off the phone.
I have Comcast and had Verizon. I thought about the Xfinity thing but then it's the same old game is taxes and fees increasing your bill. I'd pay about $36/mo for 3GB (still restrictive) and then with taxes and crap I'd be at $45/mo for limited data and I'd be watching my usage still (as I did with my 3GB on Verizon). Instead, I opted for T-mobile and will be paying $33/mo (as part of a 6-line account) for unlimited data and no taxes and fees. That makes me a happy camper. Plus with T-mobile Tuesdays, I'll get free Pandora Plus for year, I get free Netflix for life, free MLB TV each season, etc. I'm loving this company so far! And for $10 more, I can get 20GB of 4G Hotspot a month. ?
Anyway, I really did consider Xfinity wireless. The biggest turnoff was the lack of phone options, promotions, and the data is costly.

PsiPhiDan said:
I disagree that it's definitely the best option for a discount in price.
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This is why I clarified for a single phone purchase. I think I needed to be more specific and mention without a long term service commitment. With any other carrier I would have needed to:
(1) Do a credit pull
(2) Stay with the carrier for 2 years to deal with bill credits (no thanks)
(3) Pay more than I do now for service (current bill w/ Sprint's free 1-year plan is <$20/mth for 4 lines) -- I'm not staying w/ Xfinity after I get the rebate, heh. Once the Sprint taxes+fees gravy train is over I'll see where I move
If anyone has any insight for the supported bands on CCT (Comcast/Xfinity models) I'd appreciate it.
Would US XAA firmware be able to be cross-flashed to this CCT (or any other) US carrier variant to enable the bands supported by the XAA US unlocked firmware? From the searches I did yesterday, it seems like it is possible, but may require a modified Odin version?

vacaloca said:
This is why I clarified for a single phone purchase. I think I needed to be more specific and mention without a long term service commitment. With any other carrier I would have needed to:
(1) Do a credit pull
(2) Stay with the carrier for 2 years to deal with bill credits (no thanks)
(3) Pay more than I do now for service (current bill w/ Sprint's free 1-year plan is <$20/mth for 4 lines) -- I'm not staying w/ Xfinity after I get the rebate, heh. Once the Sprint taxes+fees gravy train is over I'll see where I move
If anyone has any insight for the supported bands on CCT (Comcast/Xfinity models) I'd appreciate it.
Would US XAA firmware be able to be cross-flashed to this CCT (or any other) US carrier variant to enable the bands supported by the XAA US unlocked firmware? From the searches I did yesterday, it seems like it is possible, but may require a modified Odin version?
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Since the S8, all of the S and Note line devices that are US based have the exact same hardware and features. It's the exact same phone with different carrier software. What funny is, if your unlock the device and just pop in another major carrier sim, Xfinity apps and bloat will be gone and the carrier sim you put in will populate.

Jammol said:
Since the S8, all of the S and Note line devices that are US based have the exact same hardware and features. It's the exact same phone with different carrier software. What funny is, if your unlock the device and just pop in another major carrier sim, Xfinity apps and bloat will be gone and the carrier sim you put in will populate.
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That's good to hear. So assuming anything else is unchanged in the Samsung ecosystem, the US XAA firmware can be loaded onto any US carrier variant, yes? My understanding is that the different carrier firmwares enable/disable specific bands.
If root was available, it would seem that bands could be added regardless of the carrier firmware [1], however, root seems unlikely for a new flagship device unless the engineering firmware happens to leak.
References:
[1] https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/qualcomm-phones-add-lte-band-using-qxdm-t3785458

vacaloca said:
That's good to hear. So assuming anything else is unchanged in the Samsung ecosystem, the US XAA firmware can be loaded onto any US carrier variant, yes? My understanding is that the different carrier firmwares enable/disable specific bands.
If root was available, it would seem that bands could be added regardless of the carrier firmware [1], however, root seems unlikely for a new flagship device unless the engineering firmware happens to leak.
References:
[1] https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/qualcomm-phones-add-lte-band-using-qxdm-t3785458
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Correct, the bands that are open is dependant on the SIM Card inserted. The firmware on the device has every single supported US carrier required files with the exception of a small few. Carriers such as Total Wireless or the Walmart ones won't have firmware specific files, but because those carriers don't have their own towers, the device will use the files for the carriers that own the towers.
Example of Xfinity mobile. They just use Verizon towers for their service coverage. Xfinity however piggie backed their files or Verizon's in the firmware. Rooting could allow more bands to open.
Man I would love to see some hardware hacking of the S and Note series to allow them to work fully on Google's Project Fi.

I have the Xfinity Note 9, and having come from Verizon I immediately save the $20 line access fee, so it's a win if you want to be on the Verizon network.
So far my only complaint is that voicemail isn't transcribed. Should be, but doesn't seem to work.
For those wondering, Mobile Hotspot (using your device as a hotspot) works just fine with either plan. It's just hard to Google search for an answer because Xfinity has mobile hotspots that augment their signal.

I made the switch and save money too. Got the $300 rebate card, save $20/month so it is less when you factor it all in. That's $540. [emoji3]
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.

Verizon 20FE on Xfinity 5G?

I am planning to purchase an S20 FE direct from Samsung. I am on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon MVNO). Xfinity now offers 5G. I usually purchase unlocked phones but not sure if this will work.
1. If I want 5g will I need to purchase the Verizon model?
2. Will I be able to use the Verizon "variant" on Xfinity without ever activating on Verizon?
I asked Samsung, Xfinity and Verizon and no accurate or definitive response.
Xfinity:"You need to purchase your phone from us", I am currently using unlocked S9 Plus not purchased from them
Samsung: "Verizon phones only work on Verizon and will not work on any other carrier" (agent did not know what an MVNO was)
Verizon: "All Verizon phones are sim-unlocked but you cannot use a Verizon phone on Xfinity because it will be network locked"
Thank You in advance for helpful replies.

If I'm not mistaken when you try to purchase Verizon phone you will need to have account at Verizon ..it will ask to login to verify existing user ...a d must activate on Verizon ... I'm also thinking their version phone has different 5G capabilities not 100 % sure though View attachment 5105831

bkdodger said:
If I'm not mistaken when you try to purchase Verizon phone you will need to have account at Verizon ..it will ask to login to verify existing user ...a d must activate on Verizon ... I'm also thinking their version phone has different 5G capabilities not 100 % sure though View attachment 5105831
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Ok, Thanks, I never got that far on shop.samsung or I would not have asked the question, seems kind of moot now.
I did understand that Verizon variant of S20FE is mmWave. That is what Xfinity Mobile uses for 5G (Verizon towers) and why I wanted Verizon variant.
Seems the bottom line is I can't buy the Verizon variant without a Verizon account and the unlocked variant is 4G only on Xfinity... kind of deflates the value for me.

iflyer said:
Ok, Thanks, I never got that far on shop.samsung or I would not have asked the question, seems kind of moot now.
I did understand that Verizon variant of S20FE is mmWave. That is what Xfinity Mobile uses for 5G (Verizon towers) and why I wanted Verizon variant.
Seems the bottom line is I can't buy the Verizon variant without a Verizon account and the unlocked variant is 4G only on Xfinity... kind of deflates the value for me.
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You wanting the 5G for future proof? Right now 5G you would be lucky if you found a good spot ...I'm on Verizon passed on their version and went unlocked ..

Yes, that is good point and same conclusion I came too. I figured Sammy was going to give me $350 for my s9+ it so for around $350 out of pocket I could get a decent phone that would last me another 2 years. I wanted mmWave 5G for future proof but I think even Verizon will have to build out sub-6 network eventually if I read correctly. I just looked at Vzw 5G map and it is not "34 Cities" as they claim, it is more like a few neighborhoods each in 34 cities.

iflyer said:
Yes, that is good point and same conclusion I came too. I figured Sammy was going to give me $350 for my s9+ it so for around $350 out of pocket I could get a decent phone that would last me another 2 years. I wanted mmWave 5G for future proof but I think even Verizon will have to build out sub-6 network eventually if I read correctly. I just looked at Vzw 5G map and it is not "34 Cities" as they claim, it is more like a few neighborhoods each in 34 cities.
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I'm in NY and I don't get excited for the few blocks of 5G..by the time we really need it we'll make back on another phone...good choice man...

Question Samsung ultra 21 Global or US version to purchase for rooting and AT

If I were to buy a Samsung 21 global version for rooting will it work with At&t network out of the box or should I just go for the US version and pay the money to get it unlocked if it is still possible. Also, does any one have any good links to get the global SM-G988b version of phone?
Edit: Accidentally hit enter when editing title.

AT&T has this whole whitelisting of the devices on their network for all features (like WiFi calling) to work. Better to buy a US unlocked variant. In the past, it has been possible to root Samsung US flagship versions.

Ah ok. I never cared about things like WIFI calling. I just wanted to still be able to make phone calls and get internet. Thanks for the info though. I still prefer the Global one if it works in the USA and so just wnateed to know if it will work in the usa.

Skizzlo said:
Ah ok. I never cared about things like WIFI calling. I just wanted to still be able to make phone calls and get internet. Thanks for the info though. I still prefer the Global one if it works in the USA and so just wnateed to know if it will work in the usa.
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If you look at the bands, the Exynos S22 is lacking bands 260, 261 (5G mmwave bands) and bands 14,29,30,66 so the coverage won't be good

I have the 998b/ds i just purchased . When it came the card in the package said it wouldnt work on cricket. I went to cricket and called. Ran my imei and was told everything would work fine. Cricket if course is att.
I will be calling today and asking why my coverage is so horrible. I wouldnt have opened the phone if they had told me everything would work.
I am experiencing horrible reception at my home, which is in the mountains. My s20 ultra worked fine and got 5 g up here.
I will report back what i find out. As for now i am disappointed i am not getting 5g at all.

Ok thanks. So looks like USA Version is my best bet.