T-mobile version network capabilities vs unlocked

[CKwik240]

In reading through some of these threads, I ran across some comments stating certain network capabilities won't work on the unlocked version on t-mobile's network. So I tried looking it up on Google but couldn't find any credible information or sources listed. Can anyone provide these?

 

[Almeuit]

In reading through some of these threads, I ran across some comments stating certain network capabilities won't work on the unlocked version on t-mobile's network. So I tried looking it up on Google but couldn't find any credible information or sources listed. Can anyone provide these?

Everything should work on the T-Mobile network with the unlocked one. They allow things like VoLTE, WiFi calling, etc. to work. Visual Voicemail might be the only hiccup but I wouldn't think so... I would think you could just download the VVM app.

 

[CKwik240]

I couldn't recall off the top of my head, but what I saw mentioned was the 4x4 MIMO, 256 QAM, and carrier aggregation. I fully expect VVM VOLTE, and wifi calling to work as they worked fine on an international unlocked Sony Z5C I had.

 

[hasasimo]

I don't think T-Mobiles new 600MHz spectrum will work with the unlocked models, but I could be mistaken.

 

[CKwik240]

I don't think T-Mobiles new 600MHz spectrum will work with the unlocked models, but I could be mistaken.

Do you have any basis from which you came up with that?

 

[hasasimo]

Do you have any basis from which you came up with that?

https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/

 

[CKwik240]

Thanks for taking the time to at least cite a source. But from the comments, it sounds like it's a work in progress, and the last comment had someone questioning why B71 wasn't listed (implying it should be). I've also read somewhere that it just needs the T-mobile firmware to make it work, but again, no source cited.

 

[bhatech]

Been using unbranded phones on T-Mobile forever and never had any issues. Granted I don't use voicemail from carrier (use Google voice) and other stuff. But the reason I prefer to be in TMobile is how compatible it's with non carrier device and most carrier specific features work as well if needed.

 

[hasasimo]

Thanks for taking the time to at least cite a source. But from the comments, it sounds like it's a work in progress, and the last comment had someone questioning why B71 wasn't listed (implying it should be). I've also read somewhere that it just needs the T-mobile firmware to make it work, but again, no source cited.

I suppose that's possible. Like I said, I could be wrong. Just alerting you to the possibility of no B71. Are you planning to pre-order tonight? If you're waiting a bit, perhaps you could get more definitive word first.

Also, depending on your use-case, you may not even notice not having B71, so it may not matter.

 

[CKwik240]

I am planning to order tonight. Ultimately, I'm won't be terribly disappointed to get a T-Mobile version. But if the Unlocked version were to be confirmed to be just as functional, I'd just opt for that.

 

[Jaycemiskel]

I couldn't recall off the top of my head, but what I saw mentioned was the 4x4 MIMO, 256 QAM, and carrier aggregation. I fully expect VVM VOLTE, and wifi calling to work as they worked fine on an international unlocked Sony Z5C I had.

Usually the hardware is the exact same, it's usually software that's different. My guess would be that with T-mobile all of the stuff that works on the t-mobile version would work.

 

[Extremevl]

I posted this is another thread -


Downsides of buying unlocked version and using it on T-Mobile's Network would could be losing some or all of these network features/options -

1. No RCS/Advanced Messaging

2. No 4x4 MIMO

3. No 256 QAM Technology

4. Carrier Aggregation

5. No 600Mhz Band 71 LTE Frequency

***Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ are the first phones on T-Mobile to use the Band 71 frequency.

Since the unlocked models are made to be used on multiple carriers then it probably won't have this band since that's only unique to T-Mobile.

That's why unlocked models of any phone tend to only have primary bands that all carriers in that country/region use and not carrier specific bands.

Wireless carriers in America ALWAYS lock certain network features to their carrier software, since the unlocked models don't come with carrier software you can't get these features even if your unlocked phone has the hardware.

 

[CKwik240]

I think I had seen that but couldn't remember where. While I don't question the possibility that it can be true, and I've seen that occur in phones in the past, the general understanding about the S8/+ was that all the phones had the exact same hardware and it was the software that locked or unlocked the bands. But it was hearsay. Which is what your post is unless you can provide a citation from a credible source. It may cost more money for Samsung to manufacture different hardware variants. Samsung has gotten big enough that they may not have to make such concessions to carriers anymore. Other manufacturers may not have as much leverage other than maybe Apple. So I don't automatically believe this is the case for these phones. But I'm certainly not saying it can't be the case. What I'm trying to avoid is having a discussion based purely on rumors and speculation. Its not really helpful to anyone.

 

[Extremevl]

I think I had seen that but couldn't remember where. While I don't question the possibility that it can be true, and I've seen that occur in phones in the past, the general understanding about the S8/+ was that all the phones had the exact same hardware and it was the software that locked or unlocked the bands. But it was hearsay. Which is what your post is unless you can provide a citation from a credible source. It may cost more money for Samsung to manufacture different hardware variants. Samsung has gotten big enough that they may not have to make such concessions to carriers anymore. Other manufacturers may not have as much leverage other than maybe Apple. So I don't automatically believe this is the case for these phones. But I'm certainly not saying it can't be the case. What I'm trying to avoid is having a discussion based purely on rumors and speculation. Its not really helpful to anyone.

This is based off the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ being used on T-Mobile -

https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...port%2Fanswer%2FANS00077531%2F&token=DRrKRy5M
(Read - Support for certain features and services may vary by wireless service provider). It's vague but does show that unlocked models are probably missing certain carrier network options as the other links explain.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS8/comments/6hbq91/confirmed_unlocked_s8_firmware_does_not_support/

https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/help/galaxy-notes-8-unlocked-version-vs-t-t3664508

It's very hard to find concrete or official evidence from T-Mobile or Samsung because they just don't talk about it and for good reason...they don't want to hurt sales on either side or deal with upset customers.

I've seen multiple other threads and forums confirming this information (Google search) but at the end of the day it's up to you to believe what you thing is right or isn't. I know you don't want rumors or speculations but excepting something official just isn't going to happen.

I rather take the words of people from sites like XDA-Delevoplers, AnandTech and Reddit (depending on the source) because they have extremely knowledge people that break down software, hardware, features, etc and give very creditable information.

I love unlocked models but at the end of the day I want the most out of my phone and service and that means having all the features available from my carrier.

 

[CKwik240]

This is based off the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ being used on T-Mobile -

https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...port%2Fanswer%2FANS00077531%2F&token=jwNsmkSu
(Read - Support for certain features and services may vary by wireless service provider). It's vague but does show that unlocked models are probably missing certain carrier network options as the other links explain.

https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS8/comments/6hbq91/confirmed_unlocked_s8_firmware_does_not_support/

https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/help/galaxy-notes-8-unlocked-version-vs-t-t3664508

It's very hard to find concrete or official evidence from T-Mobile or Samsung because they just don't talk about it and for good reason...they don't want to hurt sales on either side or deal with upset customers.

Thanks for the links. Much more helpful than just some person I don't know disseminating information. I didn't necessarily expect the companies to come out and state this information (although, they really should). But solid test results are certainly not a bad way either. The reddit threads are compelling, but with all the tools available on our platform, I'm surprised I didn't see screenshots showing connection types and the like within them. I will say the XDA thread didn't really address connections I was referring to.

I've seen multiple other threads and forums confirming this information (Google search) but at the end of the day it's up to you to believe what you thing is right or isn't. I know you don't want rumors or speculations but excepting something official just isn't going to happen.

I actually tried to search through google as well but didn't really find anything worthwhile. Too much noise turns up with the search parameters I used. I realize you are trying to help, but I was pretty clear up front that I was looking for credible sources of information. Part of the reason for that is to try and avoid ending up with a lengthy thread of questionable information.

I rather take the words of people from sites like XDA-Delevoplers, AnandTech and Reddit (depending on the source) because they have extremely knowledge people that break down software, hardware, features, etc and give very creditable information.

But how does one who doesn't frequent these forums all the time distinguish who is credible and who is not? Every forum has knowledgeable people and not so knowledgeable people. And some of the latter sound like the former.

I love unlocked models but at the end of the day I want the most out of my phone and service and that means having all the features available from my carrier.

Sure. I placed my order for the T-Mobile version to make sure as well, but I was trying to see if I can confirm what, if any, limitations would exist with the unlocked version before the pre-orders opened. Either way, I appreciate your effort.

 

[bhatech]

Been using unlocked models on T-Mobile for many phones and never had any issues in Seattle area. I couldn't even think myself considering the carrier version ever. Don't even want to do anything with them other than paying for service online. I want my devices not to be touched by carriers.

 

[hasasimo]

Been using unlocked models on T-Mobile for many phones and never had any issues in Seattle area. I couldn't even think myself considering the carrier version ever. Don't even want to do anything with them other than paying for service online. I want my devices not to be touched by carriers.

I don't think the phone just working fine is the issue. Not having any issues typically just means the phone and features are functional with the network. Those with unlocked versions of phones sometimes aren't sure what they're missing. My unlocked Nokia 8 works fine on T-Mobile as well for example, from VoLTE to visual voicemail, etc. But it also doesn't carry every single T-Mobile LTE band.

 

[bhatech]

I don't think the phone just working fine is the issue. Not having any issues typically just means the phone and features are functional with the network. Those with unlocked versions of phones sometimes aren't sure what they're missing. My unlocked Nokia 8 works fine on T-Mobile as well for example, from VoLTE to visual voicemail, etc. But it also doesn't carry every single T-Mobile LTE band.

I do agree, but that never has been a big deal for me personally. For whatever reason I like the phone as intended by the OEM. I want the Samsung Galaxy S9+ not the "T-Mobile" Samsung Galaxy S9+.
I know like 99.9% could care less about this and are perfectly happy with carrier phones. Even for friends who don't change phones often or care about stuff like this I do recommend them to buy from carrier since they can walk in for any issues, get it swapped, will work with all possible carrier bands etc.
But for myself, I only prefer unbranded unless there is some major difference in network connectivity (which there isn't where I live and travel). Will I ever face that issue sometime if I travel to some place? May be but I'm ok with that one or two instance if that ever happens.

 

[Vanco333]

Hey guys,

I am not very knowledgeable in this, but the spectrumgateway website states the the unlocked S9 will have TMO Band 71.

600 MHz spectrum - Spectrum Gateway

Someone that is an expert hopefully can chime in more.

My main concern is reception as with TMO - I don't get the best in certain places.

 

[hasasimo]

Hey guys,

I am not very knowledgeable in this, but the spectrumgateway website states the the unlocked S9 will have TMO Band 71.

600 MHz spectrum - Spectrum Gateway

Someone that is an expert hopefully can chime in more.

My main concern is reception as with TMO - I don't get the best in certain places.

Well, it says "expected to be," so that's not definitive. Not sure I'd rely just on this link in making the decision to buy the unlocked variant to use with T-Mobile.