Database Develop

On AT&T, but where to get 64gb unlocked version

Knowing that AT&T locks their bootloaders (bastards), I'd like to get a version with an unlocked bootloader that I can mod, swap ROMs, etc.
I've found lots of 32gb versions, but I can't find many 64gb versions out there except those that are ~$1200 and I just can't spend that.
Wondering how others are solving this and getting their hands on one that's AT&T LTE friendly...
Thanks!
edit: also, if you knew a model #, that would be helpful as I'm a bit confused on all the variations.

Ogawa said:
Knowing that AT&T locks their bootloaders (bastards), I'd like to get a version with an unlocked bootloader that I can mod, swap ROMs, etc.
I've found lots of 32gb versions, but I can't find many 64gb versions out there except those that are ~$1200 and I just can't spend that.
Wondering how others are solving this and getting their hands on one that's AT&T LTE friendly...
Thanks!
edit: also, if you knew a model #, that would be helpful as I'm a bit confused on all the variations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile (N920T) is probably the best, simplest choice. you can sign up for new service, purchase at full price, root it, get it sim unlocked using a root method (search xda) or hassle with T-Mobile and then cancel once you have it SIM unlocked. N920I also works but it's an international model. i'm using the N920T and the dual-sim N9208 on att and both work flawlessly. search-xda is your friend, you'll find all the answers you're looking for. good luck

I just bought an N920i on eBay. It arrives tomorrow. Excited!

cortez.i said:
T-Mobile (N920T) is probably the best, simplest choice. you can sign up for new service, purchase at full price, root it, get it sim unlocked using a root method (search xda) or hassle with T-Mobile and then cancel once you have it SIM unlocked. N920I also works but it's an international model. i'm using the N920T and the dual-sim N9208 on att and both work flawlessly. search-xda is your friend, you'll find all the answers you're looking for. good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm leaning that way, but there seems to be a lot of back and forth on T-Mobile and their willingness to unlock. Just looking for other routes and then compare pricing
cxhugh said:
I just bought an N920i on eBay. It arrives tomorrow. Excited!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interested to hear how it goes for you. Keep in touch!

Ogawa said:
Thanks. I'm leaning that way, but there seems to be a lot of back and forth on T-Mobile and their willingness to unlock. Just looking for other routes and then compare pricing
Interested to hear how it goes for you. Keep in touch!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought an N920T for use on at&t. here is a lengthy discussion about the potential drawbacks to the missing bands when using a tmo on att. TL/DR; on that one is that you might not get service in the boonies using a tmo on att; i haven't ever had a problem with my tmo note 4 in over a year on att.
here is a guy that can provide free SIM unlock (he's fixing to do mine in about 2 hours. many have reported success with him.) in fact i bought a tmo phone under the premise he'd be able to help me, as TMO will make a big fuss about helping you.

wdkingery said:
I bought an N920T for use on at&t. here is a lengthy discussion about the potential drawbacks to the missing bands when using a tmo on att. TL/DR; on that one is that you might not get service in the boonies using a tmo on att; i haven't ever had a problem with my tmo note 4 in over a year on att.
here is a guy that can provide free SIM unlock (he's fixing to do mine in about 2 hours. many have reported success with him.) in fact i bought a tmo phone under the premise he'd be able to help me, as TMO will make a big fuss about helping you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reference thread. I've been searching, but didn't come across that one. I've downloaded the app and unfortunately, it looks like 17 is my primary band at my office. I'll keep it up and will monitor across the city. Very helpful!
I did find the unlocker's thread and am watching there as well. Let me know how it goes for you.

he unlocked with no problems.. having trouble getting an LTE band tho.

wdkingery said:
he unlocked with no problems.. having trouble getting an LTE band tho.
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Click to collapse
Eek!

wdkingery said:
he unlocked with no problems.. having trouble getting an LTE band tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to see how it's going for you. I've been monitoring my bands here in DC and I'm pretty much always on 17. 4 is here, but looks pretty light and sparse

Ogawa said:
Just wanted to see how it's going for you. I've been monitoring my bands here in DC and I'm pretty much always on 17. 4 is here, but looks pretty light and sparse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for quoting me; i had lost this thread, and there are updates:
there was nothing wrong with the process @stifilz used to unlock the phone. the problem was that my IMEI wasn't recognized by AT&T, so they wouldn't send me LTE service. but i got that straight.
it appears i use primarily bands 4 and 5 here.
ooo so band 17.. you are speaking about an AT&T phone huh?? that's not as good, as there is some debate as to whether or not a TMOBILE phone will receive at&t's band 17 correctly. i think i already linked that thread previously, so you might re-read that to see if it'll provide an issue for you.
cheapest, tho not the easiest, way for you to figure out if you'll have problems is to find a person using an unlocked TMO phone and put your sim card in it, and then see if it gets LTE (particularly band 17)

wdkingery said:
thanks for quoting me; i had lost this thread, and there are updates:
there was nothing wrong with the process @stifilz used to unlock the phone. the problem was that my IMEI wasn't recognized by AT&T, so they wouldn't send me LTE service. but i got that straight.
it appears i use primarily bands 4 and 5 here.
ooo so band 17.. you are speaking about an AT&T phone huh?? that's not as good, as there is some debate as to whether or not a TMOBILE phone will receive at&t's band 17 correctly. i think i already linked that thread previously, so you might re-read that to see if it'll provide an issue for you.
cheapest, tho not the easiest, way for you to figure out if you'll have problems is to find a person using an unlocked TMO phone and put your sim card in it, and then see if it gets LTE (particularly band 17)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear. AT&T made that same mistake with my OPO. Always a chuckle when you know more than the service reps.
Yeah, I've been checking LTE discovery anytime I go anywhere different in DC and it's always band 17 which the TMO version doesn't have. There is band 4 here, but it's considerably less frequent and a much weaker signal. So, that likely means that I'll get spotty LTE service most of the time and have extra battery suck as it works to switch between LTE and 3G. Not sure it's worth it since I'm pretty constantly on the move...

Ogawa said:
Good to hear. AT&T made that same mistake with my OPO. Always a chuckle when you know more than the service reps.
Yeah, I've been checking LTE discovery anytime I go anywhere different in DC and it's always band 17 which the TMO version doesn't have. There is band 4 here, but it's considerably less frequent and a much weaker signal. So, that likely means that I'll get spotty LTE service most of the time and have extra battery suck as it works to switch between LTE and 3G. Not sure it's worth it since I'm pretty constantly on the move...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well there's a guy in a thread iposted about earlier in the Q&A section that spoke up to say his tmobile note 5 does connect to 17 all the time, I'm waiting on his response as to whether that's AT&T band 17 or t-mobile band 17. ( I don't know if there is a difference or if it makes a difference)
Might still be a go

wdkingery said:
Well there's a guy in a thread iposted about earlier in the Q&A section that spoke up to say his tmobile note 5 does connect to 17 all the time, I'm waiting on his response as to whether that's AT&T band 17 or t-mobile band 17. ( I don't know if there is a difference or if it makes a difference)
Might still be a go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's gotta be a mistake. According to TMO's site, it doesn't have LTE 17 and they're standard frequencies.
But, the question for me will be how strong LTE4 is. It might be enough. I'm trying to figure out how to disable 17 on my OPO for testing...

band 17, at&t!
intifadamericana said:
I use Cricket, so AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

wdkingery said:
band 17, at&t!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, what?

Ogawa said:
Wait, what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
intifadamericana said:
I can confirm that I have a tmobile branded unit that attaches to band 17. It isn't as frequently as on my note 4, I'm generally on band 2. With that said I've had virtually no trouble with service. I was initially worried about the b17 issue, but it hasn't seemed to make any difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it attach to band 17 on AT&T or t-mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
intifadamericana said:
I use Cricket, so AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That all took place in this thread.

wdkingery said:
That all took place in this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, but I'm not sure I'm buying it - take a look at TMO's spec sheet - http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-note5.html
Doesn't list Band 17.
I think I'll need some corroboration on that...

Ogawa said:
Interesting, but I'm not sure I'm buying it - take a look at TMO's spec sheet - http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-note5.html
Doesn't list Band 17.
I think I'll need some corroboration on that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'll look; yeah i mean dude only has 3 posts ever, so who knows.
maybe i'll prompt him to make a screen shot

wdkingery said:
i'll look; yeah i mean dude only has 3 posts ever, so who knows.
maybe i'll prompt him to make a screen shot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted at him as well, but didn't think about a screenshot. Good idea.

Use Sprint Note5 on Tmobile

Hi guys, this is my first post so please be easy on me. I have an unlocked Sprint Note5 that I use on Tmobile network right now. I added the 'fast. t-mobile.com' APN and have mobile network working. BUT ONLY 3G!! The fastest I've gotten so far is about 10 Mbps or so, and usually it's just 2-3 Mbps.
My question: is there a way for me to get LTE on this device with Tmobile? Or it's hardware/software impossible? For the simple reason of Samsung Pay, I'd rather not root my phone. The Samsung Pay has given A LOT promotions so far and I prefer to keep it.

joeyzh said:
My question: is there a way for me to get LTE on this device with Tmobile? Or it's hardware/software impossible? For the simple reason of Samsung Pay, I'd rather not root my phone. The Samsung Pay has given A LOT promotions so far and I prefer to keep it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure Sprint is CDMA and your phone is meant for GSM LTE so the answer is, probably not.

CodeNameRedNeck said:
Pretty sure Sprint is CDMA and your phone is meant for GSM LTE so the answer is, probably not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I know that iPhone 6s is compatible with LTE connection of all networks, so I was just wondering if the Note 5 is the case as well. Does anyone know what LTE bands that the Sprint Note 5 has?

Enable Tmobile US Carrier Feature On Exynos N960F/DS

Hello Is it possible to enable all the T-mobile US carrier features on the Exynos N960F/DS ?

Yes, when I reach 10 posts. I will be able to make a new thread with step by step images.
HERE is the guide, I got to 10 post
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/note-9-n960fd-dual-sim-csc-change-oxm-t3841000

jgoorn said:
Yes, when I reach 10 posts. I will be able to make a new thread with step by step images.
HERE is the guide, I got to 10 post
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/note-9-n960fd-dual-sim-csc-change-oxm-t3841000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there absolutely any way to do it without root? Can't I take the home CSC of a desired rom and flash just that in Odin, keeping everything else as it originally was?

hkalltheway said:
Is there absolutely any way to do it without root? Can't I take the home CSC of a desired rom and flash just that in Odin, keeping everything else as it originally was?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure, I saw something like that on another post but then it was updated 4 pages later to say that method was not functioning. I assume you don't want to trip knox, but if you just don't want root but want custom CSC flash twrp and custom rom with root. Edit files to change csc as shown in my guide, or others guides. then factory reset rom, and reflash without root, and then make odin reset the recovery to stock recovery.
This is all speculation however.

I was very excited to see this as I've been wanting an international Exynos variant due to absolutely 'needing' to have root.
The Million dollar question is "Does the carrier aggregation still exist? ie... Does ALL the bands work perfectly on T-Mobiles network just as it would 1:1 on a TM variant Note 9?"
I along with some other fellow Note 8 owners got the (F) model of the Note 8 last year and we had discovered that the international variants on T-Mobile / US network suffered from carrier aggregation, where it would connect fine to one single frequency, but it would not aggregate properly to where it would not be able to 'hand off' / 'connect to multiple frequencies at once' with the (F) variants....
For those that remember, I went as far as completely disassembling my Note 8 and testing varies antenna cables thinking that it was hardware related, however, it has been concluded that it is a software issues that causes the international variant of the Note 8 to not work properly on US carriers....
Note: If one is in an area with good signal in the US with a (F) variant, it may look like everything is fine and well, however, it is not. Due to the good reception, the (F) variant is connecting only to that one band, whereas with other devices the domestic US variant would have the ability to pick up several bands and aggregate accordingly, where the (F) can't ...
Therefore, the Million dollar question is "Does this carrier aggregation issue still exist on the Note 9?"
The only way to be able to properly test this is for one to have both the T-Mobile Note 9 + the International (F) variant Note 9 and test the bands side by side in multiple areas ... along with checking in the hidden settings to see exactly what bands it is connected to. If they match, great.... if not, then the carrier aggregation still exists.....
While at it, I'll tag my fellow OG partners in Android Fanatics @DeeXii , @butchieboy , @KennyLG123 ....

I doubt it. It will probably be another year or two to get full or near full capability on Samsung modems. Look at all the weird spectrums going up in different countries. And TMobile just got band 71. It will be awhile before we start seeing noticeable effects nationwide for 71. Your optimism is obsessive. When the galaxy note 2 came out all were Exynos chipsets but some had LTE radios. I opted for without mainly because LTE was not fleshed out yet. (and the LTE radios were add on chips and not fully integrated meaning they were battery drainers). I made a good call as did Apple. You also have to consider Qualcomm has a lot more experience than Samsung and Intel in modems and radios. People are so focused on the results or what they can get without thinking through the whole front end of it and what is plausible, necessary and time needed. I am not saying no but again your optimism is obsessive to a fault. Qualcomm hasn't even made a truly international modem yet. (More bands than they can fit in their design and still too many different techs.) How would Samsung do it? It could be done but your battery life would suffer. That's why there are regional phones. Alsooooo, 2g bands are being deprecated in a few places (I think hspa too but nowhere near as much as GPRS/EDGE). To be honest I think it won't be until 2021 at the very least where there will be a few mainstream phones that you could pop in a sim anywhere and get good service across those regions. For now, you have to compromise. LTE is thankfully dropping in the GSM bucket but it needs to be sorted out.

iunlock said:
I was very excited to see this as I've been wanting an international Exynos variant due to absolutely 'needing' to have root.
The Million dollar question is "Does the carrier aggregation still exist? ie... Does ALL the bands work perfectly on T-Mobiles network just as it would 1:1 on a TM variant Note 9?"
I along with some other fellow Note 8 owners got the (F) model of the Note 8 last year and we had discovered that the international variants on T-Mobile / US network suffered from carrier aggregation, where it would connect fine to one single frequency, but it would not aggregate properly to where it would not be able to 'hand off' / 'connect to multiple frequencies at once' with the (F) variants....
For those that remember, I went as far as completely disassembling my Note 8 and testing varies antenna cables thinking that it was hardware related, however, it has been concluded that it is a software issues that causes the international variant of the Note 8 to not work properly on US carriers....
Note: If one is in an area with good signal in the US with a (F) variant, it may look like everything is fine and well, however, it is not. Due to the good reception, the (F) variant is connecting only to that one band, whereas with other devices the domestic US variant would have the ability to pick up several bands and aggregate accordingly, where the (F) can't ...
Therefore, the Million dollar question is "Does this carrier aggregation issue still exist on the Note 9?"
The only way to be able to properly test this is for one to have both the T-Mobile Note 9 + the International (F) variant Note 9 and test the bands side by side in multiple areas ... along with checking in the hidden settings to see exactly what bands it is connected to. If they match, great.... if not, then the carrier aggregation still exists.....
While at it, I'll tag my fellow OG partners in Android Fanatics @DeeXii , @butchieboy , @KennyLG123 ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I remember that thread very well, kalm_traveller also made adjustments to the antenna . I recall that ultimately carrier aggregation didn't work on international models when used on the USA networks.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

@rbiter said:
I doubt it. It will probably be another year or two to get full or near full capability on Samsung modems. Look at all the weird spectrums going up in different countries. And TMobile just got band 71. It will be awhile before we start seeing noticeable effects nationwide for 71. Your optimism is obsessive. When the galaxy note 2 came out all were Exynos chipsets but some had LTE radios. I opted for without mainly because LTE was not fleshed out yet. (and the LTE radios were add on chips and not fully integrated meaning they were battery drainers). I made a good call as did Apple. You also have to consider Qualcomm has a lot more experience than Samsung and Intel in modems and radios. People are so focused on the results or what they can get without thinking through the whole front end of it and what is plausible, necessary and time needed. I am not saying no but again your optimism is obsessive to a fault. Qualcomm hasn't even made a truly international modem yet. (More bands than they can fit in their design and still too many different techs.) How would Samsung do it? It could be done but your battery life would suffer. That's why there are regional phones. Alsooooo, 2g bands are being deprecated in a few places (I think hspa too but nowhere near as much as GPRS/EDGE). To be honest I think it won't be until 2021 at the very least where there will be a few mainstream phones that you could pop in a sim anywhere and get good service across those regions. For now, you have to compromise. LTE is thankfully dropping in the GSM bucket but it needs to be sorted out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how come Apple is doing that since the iPhone 6s unlocked version? Qualcomm Modem and a truly a word.

Doing what?

I would almost guarantee no ca working. Does it really matter? My s8+ still got 12mb download speeds.

Yakuzahi said:
So how come Apple is doing that since the iPhone 6s unlocked version? Qualcomm Modem and a truly a word.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doing what?

iunlock said:
I was very excited to see this as I've been wanting an international Exynos variant due to absolutely 'needing' to have root.
The Million dollar question is "Does the carrier aggregation still exist? ie... Does ALL the bands work perfectly on T-Mobiles network just as it would 1:1 on a TM variant Note 9?"
I along with some other fellow Note 8 owners got the (F) model of the Note 8 last year and we had discovered that the international variants on T-Mobile / US network suffered from carrier aggregation, where it would connect fine to one single frequency, but it would not aggregate properly to where it would not be able to 'hand off' / 'connect to multiple frequencies at once' with the (F) variants....
For those that remember, I went as far as completely disassembling my Note 8 and testing varies antenna cables thinking that it was hardware related, however, it has been concluded that it is a software issues that causes the international variant of the Note 8 to not work properly on US carriers....
Note: If one is in an area with good signal in the US with a (F) variant, it may look like everything is fine and well, however, it is not. Due to the good reception, the (F) variant is connecting only to that one band, whereas with other devices the domestic US variant would have the ability to pick up several bands and aggregate accordingly, where the (F) can't ...
Therefore, the Million dollar question is "Does this carrier aggregation issue still exist on the Note 9?"
The only way to be able to properly test this is for one to have both the T-Mobile Note 9 + the International (F) variant Note 9 and test the bands side by side in multiple areas ... along with checking in the hidden settings to see exactly what bands it is connected to. If they match, great.... if not, then the carrier aggregation still exists.....
While at it, I'll tag my fellow OG partners in Android Fanatics @DeeXii , @butchieboy , @KennyLG123 ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the F model and tested with both AT&T and T-Mobile. Carrier aggregation works with 2 bands on AT&T (12+2) and while it supports all the other AT&T bands it will not aggregate them. No carrier aggregation at all on T-Mobile (single band only).
You can see the supported CA combos the F model has by looking at the FCC filing of the device (do a google search).
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

@rbiter said:
Doing what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doing a world phone with smaller battery than the Note line.
So basically it can be done. Samsung can make a world if they want to.

Apple doesn't have a world phone. They have a minimum of 2 phones to do the world. You have to pick your poison of which part. If they do have one, it probably has you covered for calls but not data. Heck any phone has this if data is less a priority and making calls and texts are a higher priority.
There might be obscure world phones but we probably are not privy to it. Satellite phones too of course but price. I actually read an article about Qualcomm's modem and the increase of LTE bands that came out recently talking about RF360 and Intel and Samsung probably not having anything to compete for at least a couple of years. They don't have an all in one solution yet. Close but not world yet. You have China, US and I forgot what part of South America that messes it up. Even though LTE falls under GSM standards I wish they would tighten it up. So many bands across different countries now and you can't keep up. Band 71 for TMobile is not relevant yet unless you live in a market that is getting it because of low or no coverage.

@rbiter said:
I doubt it. It will probably be another year or two to get full or near full capability on Samsung modems. Look at all the weird spectrums going up in different countries. And TMobile just got band 71. It will be awhile before we start seeing noticeable effects nationwide for 71. Your optimism is obsessive. When the galaxy note 2 came out all were Exynos chipsets but some had LTE radios. I opted for without mainly because LTE was not fleshed out yet. (and the LTE radios were add on chips and not fully integrated meaning they were battery drainers). I made a good call as did Apple. You also have to consider Qualcomm has a lot more experience than Samsung and Intel in modems and radios. People are so focused on the results or what they can get without thinking through the whole front end of it and what is plausible, necessary and time needed. I am not saying no but again your optimism is obsessive to a fault. Qualcomm hasn't even made a truly international modem yet. (More bands than they can fit in their design and still too many different techs.) How would Samsung do it? It could be done but your battery life would suffer. That's why there are regional phones. Alsooooo, 2g bands are being deprecated in a few places (I think hspa too but nowhere near as much as GPRS/EDGE). To be honest I think it won't be until 2021 at the very least where there will be a few mainstream phones that you could pop in a sim anywhere and get good service across those regions. For now, you have to compromise. LTE is thankfully dropping in the GSM bucket but it needs to be sorted out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your lack of optimism is obsessive and at fault. What's wrong with being optimistic and having hope? Most of us are just wanting a simple root on the SD variant of the Note 9, whether it be a samfail method or whatever, we'll take it.
The US variant Note 5 was Exynos and worked just fine, so its not impossible for an Exynos equipped phone to work on US carriers. After all, most of the newer phones have a wide range of frequencies that it can support. Sure some phones are set regionally, but you're aware that there are dual SIM phones right?
If you were familiar with the F model Note 8 that some of us got and have tested last year, then my post would have made more sense to you.
suzook said:
I would almost guarantee no ca working. Does it really matter? My s8+ still got 12mb download speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does matter, because with out the ability for the phone to hand off and/or merge the signals, for those in areas where the reception is sketchy, it'd become major headache.
clubtech said:
I have the F model and tested with both AT&T and T-Mobile. Carrier aggregation works with 2 bands on AT&T (12+2) and while it supports all the other AT&T bands it will not aggregate them. No carrier aggregation at all on T-Mobile (single band only).
You can see the supported CA combos the F model has by looking at the FCC filing of the device (do a google search).
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey @clubtech, thanks for reiterating. Yea that was the case exactly as you've described.... I was getting the same results on TM on the F variant. I'm aware of the fcc filings, but the curiosity stems from the potential possibility...

Is this a possible lead to get CA working on N960F/DS?
https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS8/comments/75ru94/root_exynos_galaxy_s8_how_to_get_carrier/
I've tried this method but just get these two lines without the menu popping up as instructed.
Broadcasting: Intent { act=android.provider.Telephony.SECRET_CODE dat=android_secret_code://27663368378 flg=0x400000 }
Broadcast completed: result=0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am most likely doing something wrong or these devices are somehow further locked down. I'm rooted, connected adb, etc. as the instructions say with no success.

Techronico said:
Is this a possible lead to get CA working on N960F/DS?
https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS8/comments/75ru94/root_exynos_galaxy_s8_how_to_get_carrier/
I've tried this method but just get these two lines without the menu popping up as instructed.
I am most likely doing something wrong or these devices are somehow further locked down. I'm rooted, connected adb, etc. as the instructions say with no success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mind sharing more info? I'm willing to try it with my device, I'll make a full backup and give it a go! Anything for even better reception!

jgoorn said:
Mind sharing more info? I'm willing to try it with my device, I'll make a full backup and give it a go! Anything for even better reception!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried using the dialer codes *#0011# and *#2263# first to get an idea of what I was looking at. These are mentioned further down in the Reddit thread by other users.
Apparently the code mentioned in the Reddit thread OP is a more advanced code that was removed/disabled from being activated from the dialer several iterations of Samsung devices ago...(ie. It now requires root, can only be activated from adb or terminal).
My theory is that Samsung has now fully gimped it or further hid the activation method. This method apparently worked on the Note 8...

Techronico said:
I tried using the dialer codes *#0011# and *#2263# first to get an idea of what I was looking at. These are mentioned further down in the Reddit thread by other users.
Apparently the code mentioned in the Reddit thread OP is a more advanced code that was removed/disabled from being activated from the dialer several iterations of Samsung devices ago...(ie. It now requires root, can only be activated from adb or terminal).
My theory is that Samsung has now fully gimped it or further hid the activation method. This method apparently worked on the Note 8...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I'm the author of that thread and I also have an Exynos s9+ which is same as the Note 9.
The menu is indeed completely disabled, you can't get to it even with adb or root.
There is a way to activate it, but it will not fix our issue. I've been trying for weeks.
We have a problem that started out on the Note 8, and that is the phone is not reporting the correct supported aggregation combos to the cell tower.
Using the menu, my phone does not support 4+12 however it reports 2+12 and I get carrier aggregation when I disable B4.
So far j haven't found a way to change those combos. At this point I'm very sure it grabs them from the CSC. I've been experimenting and have been unsuccessful so far
The S8 reported the correct combos out of the box, however the ill configured 3xCA was stopping it from working, disabling 3xCA made 2xCA work perfectly.
Our issue here is just were missing those combos so no matter what the phone will not do 4+12 even though the hardware is fully capable.
If anyone knows how to change combos, pm me or reply here, thanks.

Interceptor777 said:
Hey, I'm the author of that thread and I also have an Exynos s9+ which is same as the Note 9.
The menu is indeed completely disabled, you can't get to it even with adb or root.
There is a way to activate it, but it will not fix our issue. I've been trying for weeks.
We have a problem that started out on the Note 8, and that is the phone is not reporting the correct supported aggregation combos to the cell tower.
Using the menu, my phone does not support 4+12 however it reports 2+12 and I get carrier aggregation when I disable B4.
So far j haven't found a way to change those combos. At this point I'm very sure it grabs them from the CSC. I've been experimenting and have been unsuccessful so far
The S8 reported the correct combos out of the box, however the ill configured 3xCA was stopping it from working, disabling 3xCA made 2xCA work perfectly.
Our issue here is just were missing those combos so no matter what the phone will not do 4+12 even though the hardware is fully capable.
If anyone knows how to change combos, pm me or reply here, thanks.
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Click to collapse
I will totally donate to you if you can get this to work some how! It's pretty much the last feature I'm looking at as a "This phone is perfect except for X".

Using dual sim n9600 in USA

I am thinking of getting n9600 for use on t-mobile and at&t
Will losing B71 band mean too much of a hassle, or I won't even feel it?
Any ideas?
Anybody here using that. I am gravitating towards that due to dual sim

tsk1979 said:
I am thinking of getting n9600 for use on t-mobile and at&t
Will losing B71 band mean too much of a hassle, or I won't even feel it?
Any ideas?
Anybody here using that. I am gravitating towards that due to dual sim
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Click to collapse
I'm using n9600 in bay area with simple mobile (tmobile network) and get calls, sms/mms and lte data out of the box.
I didn't have to but i flashed detonator anyway for the wifi calling, Volte and video calling. I don't ever use those but it's nice to know it's there.

Seeing as the N9600 is a Snapdragon device, you should be able to use it in the states without any issues.

iceepyon said:
Seeing as the N9600 is a Snapdragon device, you should be able to use it in the states without any issues.
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Click to collapse
The problem is
1. No CDMA
2. Some bands like B71 missing. Am wondering if it won't be too much of a hassle

iceepyon said:
Seeing as the N9600 is a Snapdragon device, you should be able to use it in the states without any issues.
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Misleading and oversimplified statement...there's more to it than simply Snapdragon or Exynos.

I just got one (n9600) for Metro by TMobile. Would love video calling, volte, Samsung pay. Any ideas?

tsk1979 said:
The problem is
1. No CDMA
2. Some bands like B71 missing. Am wondering if it won't be too much of a hassle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's going to depend on where you are whether the missing bands are going to be a hassle or not. I live in an almost purely Band71 area so it would be almost useless to me at home, however I travel to areas where it's band 4 so it wouldn't be an issue there. So the question is, where do you plan to use it the most?

note 9 verizon vs note 9 tmobile

I have an up to date verizon note 9 although still paying for it I had it on their service for over 6 months so legally allowed to use on another service currently using it on cricket with no issues other than no VOlte which I've never had with cricket no matter what phone because I won't use the phones they have because I don't like them but that's another story....Since I can't get volte on my Verizon model note 9 that's fully updated for US I was wanting to switch to tmobile...I was set up with a sim card on their magenta plus plan worked great till I got to my home which is in a more rural area but did show verified coverage at driveway on their map I had no signal so I went to settings searched for mobile networks found tmobile listed registered and it connected like 2 bars LTE but within min lost service did it again lost service again while I had lte I was able to call and use data...so my question is could this be me using a verizon phone for it not latching on by itself or holding the signal I know note 9 has the 600mhz band but was wandering if I went ahead and got a tmobile phone if it would actually latch on and hold the signal that Verizon's addons and changing is playing well with tmobile...UNLESS someone can tell me how to get VOlte on cricket with this note 9 then I wouldn't need tmobile then 3g calling has went to crap over a year....thankyou for any input

Terasman210 said:
I have an up to date verizon note 9 although still paying for it I had it on their service for over 6 months so legally allowed to use on another service currently using it on cricket with no issues other than no VOlte which I've never had with cricket no matter what phone because I won't use the phones they have because I don't like them but that's another story....Since I can't get volte on my Verizon model note 9 that's fully updated for US I was wanting to switch to tmobile...I was set up with a sim card on their magenta plus plan worked great till I got to my home which is in a more rural area but did show verified coverage at driveway on their map I had no signal so I went to settings searched for mobile networks found tmobile listed registered and it connected like 2 bars LTE but within min lost service did it again lost service again while I had lte I was able to call and use data...so my question is could this be me using a verizon phone for it not latching on by itself or holding the signal I know note 9 has the 600mhz band but was wandering if I went ahead and got a tmobile phone if it would actually latch on and hold the signal that Verizon's addons and changing is playing well with tmobile...UNLESS someone can tell me how to get VOlte on cricket with this note 9 then I wouldn't need tmobile then 3g calling has went to crap over a year....thankyou for any input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All N960U and N960U1 devices are EXACTLY the same. The only difference between the devices is software.
Flash the software for the carrier your running including the Userdata for you Note 9. It should work for all features especially on T-Mobile. T-Movile fully allows unlocked devices on their network whereas Verizon doesn't. I'm pretty sure at&t is like Verizon through when it comes to unlocked devices, and they own cricket so that rule probably trickles down to them as well.
You can get all carrier version of software for your Note 9 on samfirm or sammobile

Jammol said:
All N960U and N960U1 devices are EXACTLY the same. The only difference between the devices is software.
Flash the software for the carrier your running including the Userdata for you Note 9. It should work for all features especially on T-Mobile. T-Movile fully allows unlocked devices on their network whereas Verizon doesn't. I'm pretty sure at&t is like Verizon through when it comes to unlocked devices, and they own cricket so that rule probably trickles down to them as well.
You can get all carrier version of software for your Note 9 on samfirm or sammobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But my question would be would my phone latch on to tmobile towers using tmobile firmware better than my current state using verizon firmware I'm excluding wifi calling and volte just trying to determine if I would have a difference in service availability picking up towers and holding them with stronger lte signal or if it's just poor coverage both ways and will be no different than you for your advice as well

Terasman210 said:
But my question would be would my phone latch on to tmobile towers using tmobile firmware better than my current state using verizon firmware I'm excluding wifi calling and volte just trying to determine if I would have a difference in service availability picking up towers and holding them with stronger lte signal or if it's just poor coverage both ways and will be no different than you for your advice as well
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Click to collapse
You will not have a difference in coverage. T-Mobile did the same thing with where I live and listed it on their map as being fully covered. I barely get LTE at my house or anywhere in my neighborhood.

Jammol said:
You will not have a difference in coverage. T-Mobile did the same thing with where I live and listed it on their map as being fully covered. I barely get LTE at my house or anywhere in my neighborhood.
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Okay thank you for saving me the trouble of doing firmware swap or just buying a phone from them just to try and have same result and have to return....man I wish cricket would sell the note 10 or 9 where I could get the volte...but thankyou for your time

Terasman210 said:
Okay thank you for saving me the trouble of doing firmware swap or just buying a phone from them just to try and have same result and have to return....man I wish cricket would sell the note 10 or 9 where I could get the volte...but thankyou for your time
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Click to collapse
You will never know until you try it, so why not try it and find out? Make it an SM-N960U1. Debloated and ready to go with any sim you install. Flash the unbranded firmware that can work on any of the US providers. That's what I have, and when I loaded a T-Mobile sim, I got VoLTE and wifi calling. I've run a lot of custom firmwares in the past, but this is the best phone and firmware combo I've ever had. And it's pure stock.
Also, this stock One UI with dark mode is very slick. VERY! No Substratum, no themes, no fuss. Just clean and black.

gruuvin said:
You will never know until you try it, so why not try it and find out? Make it an SM-N960U1. Debloated and ready to go with any sim you install. Flash the unbranded firmware that can work on any of the US providers. That's what I have, and when I loaded a T-Mobile sim, I got VoLTE and wifi calling. I've run a lot of custom firmwares in the past, but this is the best phone and firmware combo I've ever had. And it's pure stock.
Also, this stock One UI with dark mode is very slick. VERY! No Substratum, no themes, no fuss. Just clean and black.
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Click to collapse
His goal is better service reception.
Only the carrier can fix that by actually providing the coverage they put on their maps.

Jammol said:
His goal is better service reception.
Only the carrier can fix that by actually providing the coverage they put on their maps.
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Click to collapse
Lots of people have reported better or worse quality service, all other things equal except for firmware/software: different radios enabled/disabled; different optimizations. I just read another thread where someone got better tmobile reception at his house after flashing tmobile software over US unlocked software. There are more variables than just the carrier side of things.

gruuvin said:
Lots of people have reported better or worse quality service, all other things equal except for firmware/software: different radios enabled/disabled; different optimizations. I just read another thread where someone got better tmobile reception at his house after flashing tmobile software over US unlocked software. There are more variables than just the carrier side of things.
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Click to collapse
Thankyou then that kinda answers my question that although phones are equal between verizon version and unlocked internally and firmware being the difference that using a tmobile phone with their firmware I'd stand the best chance of service and since my area uses extended range area I would probably have a better experience than on my note 9 verizon...thankyou again

Terasman210 said:
Thankyou then that kinda answers my question that although phones are equal between verizon version and unlocked internally and firmware being the difference that using a tmobile phone with their firmware I'd stand the best chance of service and since my area uses extended range area I would probably have a better experience than on my note 9 verizon...thankyou again
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Click to collapse
Yes. I think it may make no difference at all, or it might (much to gain, but nothing to lose), but most of the evidence in these forums, when it comes to connection quality, is extremely variable and anecdotal. Nobody can know an answer to this kind of question, unless they test it out for themselves. Good luck!