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A G6 model that works with all 4 US carriers?

T

traxxo

Lurker
Which G6 model works - or can be ROM-flashed to work - on all 4 major US networks?

The US997 will apparently work on 3 of the 4 networks, but not Sprint? From what I've heard, you have to use a stock LS993 for Sprint, because flashing a US997 to a LS993 either won't work on Sprint (even though the hardware is the same), or Sprint won't approve it for their network. If that's true - and I'm not positive that it is - is it feasible to start with a LS993 instead, then flash that to a US997 when moving to one of the other 3 networks?

Thanks
 
Different phone models will have a predetermined cellular radio chip inside, soldered directly to the motherboard. Some chipsets are more exclusive, tied to one carrier's specific cellular network (branded); while others will cover a more expansive range of bands/frequencies (unlocked). This link provides a nice breakdown on what the carriers base their cellular networks on:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/Che...on-T-Mobile-and-Sprint-use-in-the-USA_id77933
So if you're shopping around for a LG G6, stay away from the branded variations and get the H870 variation. It supports multiple carriers.
https://www.lg.com/hk_en/mobile-phone/lg-H870DSU-Gold-128GB

As for flashing a phone using a ROM made for a different variation, don't to that. ROMs are not made to be exchangeable between different models, they're specific to the model they were made for. The ROM for a branded variation of the G6 will contain the software/drivers/firmware for that particular model variation, which may or probably not match up exactly with the hardware in an unlocked variation of the G6 (again, different cellular radio chips will have different capabilities). So it's not just the ROM (software) that determines what carriers a phone will work with, it's also based on the hardware (internal components, which vary quite a bit between models and their variations.
 
traxxo said:
Which G6 model works - or can be ROM-flashed to work - on all 4 major US networks?

The US997 will apparently work on 3 of the 4 networks, but not Sprint? From what I've heard, you have to use a stock LS993 for Sprint, because flashing a US997 to a LS993 either won't work on Sprint (even though the hardware is the same), or Sprint won't approve it for their network. If that's true - and I'm not positive that it is - is it feasible to start with a LS993 instead, then flash that to a US997 when moving to one of the other 3 networks?

Thanks
Click to expand...
well couple of things we need to get straight. sprint, verizon, and us cellular use cdma mobile technology. while att and tmobile use gsm technology. so it will be hard to find a phone that is compatible across both technologies which at the moment there is not any.

https://www.androidauthority.com/gsm-vs-cdma-689328/
https://www.pcmag.com/news/300986/cdma-vs-gsm-whats-the-difference

so no you will not find a g6 that will work. nor is it possible to switch carriers that easily.
 
traxxo said:
Which G6 model works - or can be ROM-flashed to work - on all 4 major US networks?

The US997 will apparently work on 3 of the 4 networks, but not Sprint? From what I've heard, you have to use a stock LS993 for Sprint, because flashing a US997 to a LS993 either won't work on Sprint (even though the hardware is the same), or Sprint won't approve it for their network. If that's true - and I'm not positive that it is - is it feasible to start with a LS993 instead, then flash that to a US997 when moving to one of the other 3 networks?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I've read quite a few times on AF, that phones have to be approved for use on Sprint. You can check here abut what you can BYOD with that carrier.

https://www.sprint.com/en/landings/bring-your-own-phone.html
 
svim said:
Different phone models will have a predetermined cellular radio chip inside, soldered directly to the motherboard. Some chipsets are more exclusive, tied to one carrier's specific cellular network (branded); while others will cover a more expansive range of bands/frequencies (unlocked). This link provides a nice breakdown on what the carriers base their cellular networks on:
https://www.phonearena.com/news/Che...on-T-Mobile-and-Sprint-use-in-the-USA_id77933
So if you're shopping around for a LG G6, stay away from the branded variations and get the H870 variation. It supports multiple carriers.
https://www.lg.com/hk_en/mobile-phone/lg-H870DSU-Gold-128GB

As for flashing a phone using a ROM made for a different variation, don't to that. ROMs are not made to be exchangeable between different models, they're specific to the model they were made for. The ROM for a branded variation of the G6 will contain the software/drivers/firmware for that particular model variation, which may or probably not match up exactly with the hardware in an unlocked variation of the G6 (again, different cellular radio chips will have different capabilities). So it's not just the ROM (software) that determines what carriers a phone will work with, it's also based on the hardware (internal components, which vary quite a bit between models and their variations.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the fast and informative response.

I didn't look at any of the H870 variations because they're all listed as non-US (https://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g6-8466.php). Are you sure they work with any or all four US carriers?

I'm also going by the (possibly conflicting) compatibility tables on this page: https://apn.gishan.net/en/apn/sprint/lg-g6.

Btw, I still don't get how the US997 can be called "unlocked" if it doesn't work with Sprint (unless it does...)

I'm aware of the various points you made about ROMs, but apparently that depends on the phone. Or in any case, there are numerous threads on the XDA Developers forum about using different ROMs on the G6.
 
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Re-read that link you posted:
https://apn.gishan.net/en/apn/sprint/lg-g6
It does state that a LG G6 GSM model is not going to work with Sprint's CDMA network but a LG G6 unlocked model (like the H870, also referred to if you scroll down through the article) will -- basically if you do opt to use Sprint you'll need to get a Sprint SIM which tied to Sprint's 4G/LTE service. So don't get a branded GSM variant, get an unlocked one if you want to be able to use your phone with all four networks. Again, re-read that article.

If you want to experiment with your phone using ROMs for other models/variants, be sure to have readily available access to a stock ROM for your model. When you soft-brick it you'll need a stock ROM to restore your phone back to working condition. And be sure to back up your data first, especially important if you're doing this kind of experimenting on your sole, primary phone.
 
MrJavi said:
Really great advice and I have to agree with the other members. As a Sprint customer, BYOP is subject to approval. The link is from 2017 but s good starting point.

First

https://community.sprint.com/t5/LG/Bring-my-own-G6/td-p/964293

Second (similar issues in general)

https://www.google.com/amp/s/forum....want-to-flash-to-ls993-firmware-t3798396/amp/

Check out the links above for another model phone and check with Sprint for approval as there the most picky. Also, factory unlocked for CDMA/GSM completely with all carriers.
Click to expand...

Which advice are you referring to that you approved of?

The first link is to a Sprint forum thread, which concludes with the customer failing to get Sprint approval for a US997 (the carrier unlocked variant). Which basically confirms what I mentioned in my OP. And while that's worth noting, my question isn't about using a stock US997 with Sprint.

The second link is to an XDA thread about someone trying to flash a LS993 back to stock (after he'd flashed it to a H873). Since different points could be made from that, you'd have to qualify what you had in mind.

"Also, factory unlocked for CDMA/GSM completely with all carriers."
This is an incomplete sentence. Please clarify.

I appreciate you taking the time to reply, and while those two links contain useful/interesting information about the G6, they don't really address my questions.
 
svim said:
Re-read that link you posted:
https://apn.gishan.net/en/apn/sprint/lg-g6
It does state that a LG G6 GSM model is not going to work with Sprint's CDMA network but a LG G6 unlocked model (like the H870, also referred to if you scroll down through the article) will -- basically if you do opt to use Sprint you'll need to get a Sprint SIM which tied to Sprint's 4G/LTE service. So don't get a branded GSM variant, get an unlocked one if you want to be able to use your phone with all four networks. Again, re-read that article.

If you want to experiment with your phone using ROMs for other models/variants, be sure to have readily available access to a stock ROM for your model. When you soft-brick it you'll need a stock ROM to restore your phone back to working condition. And be sure to back up your data first, especially important if you're doing this kind of experimenting on your sole, primary phone.
Click to expand...

I did read the article. It says:
"LG G6 H870 does not support Sprint CDMA."
"LG G6 H870 does not support Sprint 4G LTE."

Perhaps if you quoted the section you're referring to, in case I just missed it, or am misunderstanding.

RE your points about using different ROMs: That's good advice for anyone, and I certainly agree with it.
 
In the first paragraph:
"LG G6 is compatible with Sprint CDMA, LG G6 is not compatible with Sprint GSM, LG G6 is not compatible with Sprint HSDPA and compatible with Sprint LTE."
Which would mean using a Sprint SIM would involve using their CDMA cellular network as the base cellular connection and LTE for mobile data. The article does go on to state that Sprint compatibility is 60% and going by the tables for the bands Sprint relies upon and the bands a G6 might support, if you're expecting 100% support for all four carriers than yes, you're correct and I was wrong -- don't get a LG G6 - H870. The article does go on to state: "To check if LG G6 is really allowed in Sprint network please contact Sprint support. Do not use this website to decide to buy LG G6 to use on Sprint."
Sprint's LG G6 page:
https://www.lg.com/us/cell-phones/lg-LS993-Platinum-g6-sprint
indicates it is the LS993 model, but that again goes back to a carrier-locked model, which bounces back to the problem of finding a model that works on all four carriers, with the added factor of more than 60% compatibility for all four. I'm not sure what to suggest at this point so hopefully someone who does know about universally-compatible phone models will chime in.
 
traxxo said:
Which advice are you referring to that you approved of?

The first link is to a Sprint forum thread, which concludes with the customer failing to get Sprint approval for a US997 (the carrier unlocked variant). Which basically confirms what I mentioned in my OP. And while that's worth noting, my question isn't about using a stock US997 with Sprint.

The second link is to an XDA thread about someone trying to flash a LS993 back to stock (after he'd flashed it to a H873). Since different points could be made from that, you'd have to qualify what you had in mind.

"Also, factory unlocked for CDMA/GSM completely with all carriers."
This is an incomplete sentence. Please clarify.

I appreciate you taking the time to reply, and while those two links contain useful/interesting information about the G6, they don't really address my questions.
Click to expand...

Basically, Im just trying to say, your better off getting another phone. The links are for general information only. As for the incomplete sentace, I assumed you were smart enough to figure it out for yourself but I'll go back and edit it for you. At least you got an answer in the forum.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/forum....-carrier-compatibility-ls993-vs-t3977887/amp/

The answer to your questions is no. You can not flash different factory firmware on thoughs devices easily. It might have somethig to do withs partisan sizes.

The first os your question in your post and I quote.
"The US997 will apparently work on 3 of the 4 networks, but not Sprint?"
The second is in my post and I quote.
"(similar issues in general)"

I hope that qualities what I had in mind.
. .
 
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I was at Verizon store recently and in a corner among various cables, battery packs and assorted variety of things I found a LG G6. I bought one in January of 2017 through TMobile and by August the unit had disappear from the shelves. So I asked a representative about it his response waso_O basically it was there for decoration no one was interested in buying it,
 
joe71 said:
I was at Verizon store recently and in a corner among various cables, battery packs and assorted variety of things I found a LG G6. I bought one in January of 2017 through TMobile and by August the unit had disappear from the shelves. So I asked a representative about it his response waso_O basically it was there for decoration no one was interested in buying it,
Click to expand...

You might find this of interest.


https://www.google.com/amp/s/wccftech.com/lg-g6-launch-date/amp/
 
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