Unlocked vs Carrier

[bhatech]

I can't use wifi calling on an unlocked note with AT&T.

I wonder if it's a restriction on devices that they offer on their Network? People are saying they can use the feature with Pixel and Essential devices. But seems like Samsung and devices are blocked since they already offer them. *

Yeah it depends on carriers on what carrier feature work on the unlocked model. AT&T is the worst carrier in terms of compatibility. But things can change any time, for example starting with S10 series things improved on Verizon compatibility and lots of Verizon specific features started working on the unlocked model.

 

[mustang7757]

That's correct things changed from the S10 series for US unlocked model in terms of Verizon features working on it.

That's true

Yeah it depends on carriers on what carrier feature work on the unlocked model. AT&T is the worst carrier in terms of compatibility. But things can change any time, for example starting with S10 series things improved on Verizon compatibility and lots of Verizon specific features started working on the unlocked model.

It does depend on carriers but look like they improving this lately

 

[sqa4life]

Last I recall on AT&T, you can't use WiFi calling with an unlocked device. It sucks, and that's how they get you. I need to have WiFi calling. Or else, I would be sitting here happy with a pre-ordered Note10+ 512GB in Blue. And I think the HotSpot also, I've never needed a hotspot from my phones, so I am not sure if that's still an issue too.

As msm0511 mentioned, you can flash to AT&T firmware and get everything, just like AT&T version.

I am also with AT&T and I ordered a blue N10+ unlocked version.

 

[mustang7757]

As msm0511 mentioned, you can flash to AT&T firmware and get everything, just like AT&T version.

I am also with AT&T and I ordered a blue N10+ unlocked version.

Definitely agree

 

[TheMiz]

Funny guy lol
Unlocked will work for all 4 carrier, some features might be missing like video chat ,RCS texting,wifi calling, but that's it

I might be confused but what else it new LOL

WiFi calling is important to me but I thought I read that the UnLocked Note 10+ has it for Verizon
Is it different with different carriers ?

As Always Thanks

 

[Serkle K]

As msm0511 mentioned, you can flash to AT&T firmware and get everything, just like AT&T version.

I am also with AT&T and I ordered a blue N10+ unlocked version.

I was not aware that's a possibility. In either case, I wanted the 512 10+, and it seems like its only currently available in Black, carrier and unlocked, so I'll just keep my order. I dont want to go through the hassle with BestBuy or AT&T. My Note8 is AT&T branded, and been a good experience over the last 2 years, compared to the first year with my S7E.

 

[mustang7757]

I might be confused but what else it new LOL

WiFi calling is important to me but I thought I read that the UnLocked Note 10+ has it for Verizon
Is it different with different carriers ?

As Always Thanks

It is different for carriers, but if the unlocked 10+ has it you should be fine

 

[burrzoo]

Definitely agree

Couple of questions:
How long will it typically take to get the first file to Flash the AT&T crapware? I just cancelled my AT&T N10+ model and ordered the Unlocked version (after I read 100's of posts on flashing). I get such poor service at my home, I'm hoping that the modem in the Note 10+ works that much better than my N9 so I won't have to flash. AT&T always tries to keep such a short leash on you. Money, money, money.

I also have a T-Mo SIM in an iPhone XR. Can I move the SIM back and forth between the XR and the N10+ without issue? I ask because I was trying to unlock my N9, moved the T-Mo SIM to the N9 where I needed to enter my SIM Unlock code and then when I eventually put the T-Mo SIM back into the iPhone, It was like it needed activation all over again! What a PIA! I had to call T-MO to get it working again. Does this sound like something that should be happening? Maybe I screwed something up somewhere?

Thanks!!!

 

[Mike Dee]

Couple of questions:
How long will it typically take to get the first file to Flash the AT&T crapware? I just cancelled my AT&T N10+ model and ordered the Unlocked version (after I read 100's of posts on flashing). I get such poor service at my home, I'm hoping that the modem in the Note 10+ works that much better than my N9 so I won't have to flash. AT&T always tries to keep such a short leash on you. Money, money, money.

I also have a T-Mo SIM in an iPhone XR. Can I move the SIM back and forth between the XR and the N10+ without issue? I ask because I was trying to unlock my N9, moved the T-Mo SIM to the N9 where I needed to enter my SIM Unlock code and then when I eventually put the T-Mo SIM back into the iPhone, It was like it needed activation all over again! What a PIA! I had to call T-MO to get it working again. Does this sound like something that should be happening? Maybe I screwed something up somewhere?

Thanks!!!

You should disable iMessage and FaceTime before removing the SIM if you are moving it to Android.

 

[burrzoo]

You should disable iMessage and FaceTime before removing the SIM if you are moving it to Android.

Thanks @Mike Dee!
Once I do that it should work smoothly going back & forth?

 

[burrzoo]

Will we be able to use AT$T NumberSync with our Galaxy Watches on the Unlocked Ver. if we don't flash? Anyone have experience with this?

 

[mustang7757]

Couple of questions:
How long will it typically take to get the first file to Flash the AT&T crapware? I just cancelled my AT&T N10+ model and ordered the Unlocked version (after I read 100's of posts on flashing). I get such poor service at my home, I'm hoping that the modem in the Note 10+ works that much better than my N9 so I won't have to flash. AT&T always tries to keep such a short leash on you. Money, money, money.

I also have a T-Mo SIM in an iPhone XR. Can I move the SIM back and forth between the XR and the N10+ without issue? I ask because I was trying to unlock my N9, moved the T-Mo SIM to the N9 where I needed to enter my SIM Unlock code and then when I eventually put the T-Mo SIM back into the iPhone, It was like it needed activation all over again! What a PIA! I had to call T-MO to get it working again. Does this sound like something that should be happening? Maybe I screwed something up somewhere?

Thanks!!!

My note 9 is sim unlocked
When I put my other sim Att it loads all att stuff plus splash screen, when i switch sims it automatically restart the phone to apply the new carrier configuration. Hope that helps

 

[phillthedrill]

Ok, so I have a Note 8 through Verizon and want to save money of course. So, can I get the Note 10+ unlocked sent to my house and just put in my own sim card and save activation fees? Also, it says you have to activate today to get it for $999, otherwise it's $1,099 if you activate later....how do you get by with it for $999 minus the $300 or so for the trade-in without activating it? I was confused. Also, is it better to get it on the 24 months interest free through Best Buy's credit card?

 

[phillthedrill]

Here's a pic of my order to show the discount.

How do you get by without paying the activation fee and through what carrier do you have? Thanks.

 

[burrzoo]

How do you get by without paying the activation fee and through what carrier do you have? Thanks.

I'm trying to avoid that fee with AT$T by ordering through Samsung.com & just putting in my Old Note 9 SIM.

 

[phillthedrill]

I'm trying to avoid that fee with AT$T by ordering through Samsung.com & just putting in my Old Note 9 SIM.

Yeah, but Samsung is listing it on their site for $1,099 and you can get it through Best Buy for $1,049 since Best Buy is offering a $50 instant discount. Verizon charges $40 to activate so you save $10 that way through Best Buy.

 

[bhatech]

Ok, so I have a Note 8 through Verizon and want to save money of course. So, can I get the Note 10+ unlocked sent to my house and just put in my own sim card and save activation fees? Also, it says you have to activate today to get it for $999, otherwise it's $1,099 if you activate later....how do you get by with it for $999 minus the $300 or so for the trade-in without activating it? I was confused. Also, is it better to get it on the 24 months interest free through Best Buy's credit card?

The $100 activation discount on unlocked model is given by best buy and before you check out you will have to go thru Verizon activation system and that'll treat as an upgrade and Verizon will charge the $40 activation fee. So you'll still save $60 compared to activate later and paying $1099.
In short, if you choose activate when buying unlocked model from Best buy you are saving $60 after activation fees from Verizon. There is no work around on saving activation fee if you go the activate now route because that's done at check out and not determined by what sim you use later.

On the other hand, samsung.com activate for unlocked model doesn't go thru Verizon activation system and so no activation fees. But at the same time there is no discount on Samsung.com irrespective of you choose to activate or not.


Edit:

It's only $50 discount on activate now for Verizon for unlocked model. So you are saving only $10. I would just go via Samsung.com or if you want best buy just say activate later and not deal with activation crap. You can just put your current sim.

 

[mustang7757]

The $100 activation discount on unlocked model is given by best buy and before you check out you will have to go thru Verizon activation system and that'll treat as an upgrade and Verizon will charge the $40 activation fee. So you'll still save $60 compared to activate later and paying $1099.
In short, if you choose activate when buying unlocked model from Best buy you are saving $60 after activation fees from Verizon. There is no work around on saving activation fee if you go the activate now route because that's done at check out and not determined by what sim you use later.

On the other hand, samsung.com activate for unlocked model doesn't go thru Verizon activation system and so no activation fees. But at the same time there is no discount on Samsung.com irrespective of you choose to activate or not.


Edit:

It's only $50 discount on activate now for Verizon for unlocked model. So you are saving only $10. I would just go via Samsung.com or if you want best buy just say activate later and not deal with activation crap. You can just put your current sim.

With the unlocked version bought from Samsung if you choose no activation you can put any sim that you have and just use it correct? First time buying unlocked from Samsung , I usually just flash the unlocked firmware.

 

[VidJunky]

I don't think the unlocked version would have Verizon visual voicemail would it?

Why would you pay for something that Google gives you for free with Google Voice? Voice also gives you a whole host of other useful tools, call forwarding to all of your numbers (even landlines) so you never miss a call (I mean all of your phones will ring without having to set and unset CF), transcribed VM sent to any or all of your wireless devices as SMS and/or your email so you never miss a VM, individual outgoing messages to different people/groups/contacts, a second number so you don't have to give out your personal number to every Tom **** and Harry, fully integrated into all of the Google services you already use, just to name a few.


To the OP,
I have an unlocked S10+ and before this an unlocked HTC U12+. My biggest complaint is the late updates. Plus I found out that within the past couple to few years after a few months, Verizon phones anyway, automatically unlock. If you plan to explore your options having a branded phone can have its drawbacks but if you have no intention of leaving getting the branded device will at least mean getting updates sooner and all of the carrier extras will work without work-arounds, bloat can be disabled but updates are forever... LOL

How is the update situation on an unlocked phone? I am currently getting security updates and fixes on AT&T in a timely manner, more or less, and don’t want to lose that. But I do hate being screwed over on the trade in value of my S10+.

 

[bhatech]

With the unlocked version bought from Samsung if you choose no activation you can put any sim that you have and just use it correct? First time buying unlocked from Samsung , I usually just flash the unlocked firmware.

Yes just put whatever sim you have and it works perfectly fine. Even if you choose activation it doesn't matter, they just give you a free sim of the carrier you choose to activate. But even after that you can put whatever you want.