chappo2000

If you haven't done it and are able to you might try using Samsung's Smart Switch PC app that replaced Kies to see if it will let you update it through there.

The OE2 update fixed my drop call issue.

Is anyone else NOT able to download the new update for the Galaxy S6? I get an "unable to update due to a network or server error." This is true for wifi, Auto, LTE, and CDMA only.

My phone last checked for an upgrade 5/9/15. I have the dropped call issue when I'm driving bad.

I see others have the same issue but I'm unable to find a solution. At last resort, I'll have to go to the dreaded Sprint store, where factory resets are plentiful.

I'm still waiting on Best Buy to release the 128 gig S6 for pre-order. It kinda sucks it looks like I'm going to miss the wireless charger promo.

I'm not a user yet, therefore I shouldn't be posting in this thread.... lol (edited)

I was surprised this morning and saw I had a system update. Does anyone have an idea on what it may have done?

http://support.sprint.com/support/article/Find_and_update_the_software_version_on_your_Samsung_Galaxy_S_III/WServiceAdvisory_542_GKB49847-2?INTNAV=SU:DP:OV:UG:SamsungGalaxySIii16gbNonsprintSpark:FindAndUpdateTheSoftwareVersionOnYourSamsungGalaxy"]http://support.sprint.com/support/article/Find_and_update_the_software_version_on_your_Samsung_Galaxy_S_III/

My 2015 phone wishlist, listed generally in order of importance:

 

-5.2" screen size MAX for comfortable one-handed use. 4.7-5" preferred. 1080p resolution preferred, since I don't believe 1440p or 2160p displays can quite yet be incorporated without noticeably reducing battery life. IPS LCD or OLED, with very low black levels and 450+ nits for outdoor visibility.

 

-Easily unlockable (domestic + international; "easily" meaning via an official OTA update or unlock code that doesn't require the owner to hack into the baseband). Even if I never leave Sprint, this will increase the phone's resale value. I also enjoy periodically using my prepaid T-Mobile SIM to keep an eye on how their network is progressing locally, even if I currently can only connect up to HSPA+ with the S4.

 

-VoLTE-ready. This feature doesn't necessarily need to be usable upon release, so long as the hardware supports it (e.g. e/rSRVCC, EVS), and Sprint has publicly promised future compatibility for that model via an OTA update, presumably to be released after FIT-testing is completed and general deployment gets underway later in 2015.

 

-CCA/RRPP roaming (B2/4/5/12). Preferably also approved for all other bands used domestically and at least a few internationally, much like the iPhone 6 (B12 aside) and the Nexus line are.

 

-HEVC encode/decode + VP8/9 decode, for efficient recording and storage of 2160p video, and to ensure smooth playback of YouTube videos, after their conversion to VP9 is completed. However, I'm not sure if the SD 808/810 or any other chip yet announced for next year will include a VP9 decoder.

 

-32GB internal NAND + MicroSDXC

 

-3GB RAM (4GB preferred).. even with 2GB, with the number of apps and tabs I keep open, I still find myself frequently having to reload them.

 

-Carrier aggregation (Cat 7 or 10 modem for 3 downlink & 2+ uplink in B41)

 

-IR blaster- may sound gimmicky, but I actually use this feature all the time.

 

-Removable battery. I'd only be willing to sacrifice this if reviews have determined that the included battery is definitely large enough to get through an entire day of heavy use.

 

-IP67 or IP68-certified for peace of mind.

 

-2x2 AC WiFi w/ MU-MIMO + WiGig

 

-OIS for rear camera (MP count less important than other qualities like sensor size)

 

Optional, but would certainly be nice:

-Dual front speakers

-Engineering screens that allow individual LTE bands to be disabled for easier identification of other bands (like the HTC One M8)

-OIS in front camera

-Wacom digitizer (stylus need not be included within the device)

 

Would like to see, but may not realistically arrive until H2 2015 or later:

-Additional CA flexibility for configurations Sprint may deploy in the future, including 3x uplink (Cat 7/10 appear to only support 2), intra-band B25, and inter-band FDD-TDD (e.g. B25+B41). The new Gobi 9x45 does claim to support FDD-TDD aggregation to some degree.

-64/128 GB internal storage options without an excessive markup.

-UHS-I/II support for microSD

-USB 3.1 type-C w/ MHL 3.0 & 5A charging

-Full "wave 2" 802.11ac w/ support for wider 80+80 & 160 MHz channels.

 

Assuming there is the usual amount of screen creep in the next wave of releases this spring, regular flagships like the S6 and M9 Prime may unfortunately be out. From what I can gather, the best hope to fulfill most of this list in H1 2015 lies with the Z4 Compact (assuming it also creeps up a bit to 4.7-4.8"), even though I'd be giving up a removable battery. Hopefully Sprint will decide to carry the Z4 line next year, and make them among the first devices certified for VoLTE.

 

If anyone reading this would also like to see this happen, be sure to tweet Marcelo or mention during a Sprint chat that you'd like to see them carry the Z3. Even if it's too late for them to develop and market that particular phone, hopefully they will take all that feedback into account when deciding whether or not to sell any Sony devices next year.

The above list represents my list well.

The only thing I'd add is:

1. A fingerprint scanner. - I think it's handy in certain circumstances.

2. Wireless charging - I had USB charging port issues with my current phone and will likely use this a lot.

3, The snapdragon 810.

4. A battery as close to 3,000 (units of measurement) as a 5" phone will allow,

5. Still has NFC.

6. LED notification.

Things I care not to see -

1. 16 gig internal phones.

2. More phablet options. It's time to make a decent 5"ish device. 

3. Heartbeat sensor. - Just the thought of paying for it to be in the device makes me cringe.

4. Anything more than 1080p. - This isn't a deal breaker but don't want to take the battery hit.

So, I'm still debating whether I should preorder at the end of the week (in order to take advantage of the $200 rebate) or hold off till mid October to see if anything "unexpected" shows up.

 

To me, the lack of carrier aggregation is the biggest downside - it seems from what I've read, Cat 6 and the next gen modem with the 805 is pretty pointless without it.  But upgrading to triband from my lowly Evo 4G LTE would be a big improvement.

As for Sprint VoLTE, isn't it still in the specifications / design stage?   Also, I wonder where it sits on the priority list now that Sprint's leadership has changed up.  I'm assuming I can live without it till mid 2016.

With CCA / RRPP program, I seem to recall that the benefits were largely regional, and that in California, there would be little to no benefit, so its one of those, would be nice bits.

 

The Nexus X or whatever its to be called probably won't be out till the end of October, and I don't see anything new beyond that until Spring.  Since we aren't getting the Moto X (2nd Gen) and the new nexus is motorola, I wonder if that will have an effect on its availability on Sprint....

 

What do you guys think?

The way I see it..... either you're going to deprive yourself now or later.

You have two options:

1) Purchase now and deprive yourself when VoLTE, CCA/RRPP, and carrier aggregation are fully implemented - until you decide to upgrade AGAIN.

2) Deprive yourself now of all the goodies that are in the Note 4 and not in an Evo 4G LTE (I have a Galaxy S3 so I'm in the same boat) and wait for a phone that's compatible  with the aforementioned wish list.

Comfort yourself with the fact that either choice will leave you deprived. It's your decision and yours alone what is worth the deprivation. Although, the sooner you update the less you'll have to be without the wish list features. (You'll be able to upgrade sooner)

I hope that helps.

 

I live in Hawaii and I don't think Sprint has 4G or LTE service here yet.  

 

You could always become an S4gru Sponsor and see for yourself..... 

Check out the details here:

http://s4gru.com/index.php?/topic/1195-information-about-s4gru-sponsorship-levels-and-how-to-become-a-sponsor/?p=23387

So yesterday Sprint posted this to their newsroom site:

 

 

And here is the Sprint version of the GS5 Active.

 

Source: Sprint

Ugh. 16 gig, huh? I guess I'll be holding out for a Galaxy F.

I am sorry, but that is ridiculous.  Why would anyone install an app like that on a smartphone?  A Wi-Fi tablet?  Sure.  A smartphone on an "unlimited" data plan?  Hell no.

 

I know I will take heat for this, but I do not care.  Some of you guys need to get a grip on your smartphone usage.  It does not need to satisfy all your waking needs for phone, laptop, TV, Walkman, gaming system, camera, e-penis, and e-vagina all rolled into one.

 

This is why we really cannot have "unlimited" data...

 

AJ

I'm somewhere in the middle. I don't see a problem in having a device that can satisfy so many needs and wants, my only point is that it should be done responsibly.

People need to take control of their own data usage and limit it when practical.

Sure, you get a notification that an update is available for a big app. Can't you update that on wifi before you leave the house or when you get home? Is it really that urgent?

Daily I get a list of apps that need updates. I only update one or two from the whole list that I will actually use before I get home. Even if it's something I'll use.... I'll wait till I get home before I update a big app and "deal" with the old version for a few hours.

It's that age old debate over personal responsibility versus (mostly government) mandates. People are unwilling to act responsibly so other systems have to be put in place to limit everyone. (In most cases)

I do think a big problem that cell data usage is a symptom of is the lack of rural broadband options. I know I go to some areas and the cell network is faster than ISP options. People then are encouraged to use their cell as an ISP... which it isn't intended for.

If we as network users, whichever the network, treat it as a public restroom it's going to be bad for all of us. Until people take that seriously I don't think companies have much choice than to protect themselves and their networks.

Having a 128GB MicroSD to complement my 16GB S4 has been working out quite well for me. I can move all my media and most apps to the card, among other things. The S3 should also support MicroSDXC. I wouldn't say no to more internal memory though. Having a total of 192GB to work with (64GB internal + card) would be pretty nice.

 

I've been happy to see that expandable storage has been making a comeback this year. Last year, it seemed only Samsung and Sony still offered the option on their flagships. One thing still missing though is UHS-I support, but Class 10 speeds have so far proven good enough.

Ever since the days of my OG Evo 4G and its 1 gig of internal memory, I have promised myself never to skimp on internal memory again. Also, having an SD card fail is never a good feeling

I wish Samsung\Sprint would give us the 32 gig model of the S5. I don't think I can downgrade back to 16 gig internal memory and this S3 can't last forever.

No one laugh but I'm interested in a comparison of RF performance between the S3 and the S5. Obviously only on the bands in common.

As far as everything else it looks like the S5 is a night and day improvement to the S3.

The tower that I'm connected to is one of the last to be upgraded. I have Signal Check Pro with the 800 alert on, and my phone started vibrating like crazy. That's how I figured out that I was connected to 800.

Also, I'd like to apologize for any confusion. I'm new to this site.

JMM068,

It's good to have you here at S4GRU. Welcome!

Verified 1x800 is definitely a sign of exciting things in your area's future.

You may want to check out the benefits of being a Sponsor. You get access to the status of all the sites in your area. You can see which ones have been upgraded and follow them through the various stages of upgrade. It's a good way to see what's going on first hand.

http://s4gru.com/index.php?/topic/1195-information-about-s4gru-sponsorship-levels-and-how-to-become-a-sponsor/

Just an idea. Otherwise, let us know if you have any other questions.

I don't know exactly what you mean by unstable.

I am in the DC market and I only see 800 voice when it's truly needed. For example, driving home from work there used to be a known dead spot at the point I crossed a river. Now, instead of the call dropping, I get the Signal Check notification that I've switched to 800 voice. When I'm clear of that area my phone then returns to what it was on before the switch. 

I only see 800 for a moment.... but it's doing its job. Likewise.... if I was heading into a dead spot I'd expect to switch to 800 first then the call would be dropped as I move more into the dead spot Again, you'd only see 800 for moments.... but it's trying to give you more coverage than you would have otherwise.

Make sense?

Custom PRL's can be installed to see more 800 voice. I'm on a stock PRL.

Actually, this article is different in that it suggests a positive spin to Download Booster for Sprint. Everything I've read has been doom and gloom.

"It'll be interesting to see if Sprint and T-Mobile plug their unlimited plans with Download Booster as a way to get the most out of shaky public Wi-Fi connections. It'll be equally interesting to see if AT&T and Verizon block it."

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2455011,00.asp

Sprint loves it and Verizon blocks it? Yeah, that's looking at the issue from a totally different perspective.

Who is right/wrong? I still think the concerns are still warranted and whatever positive affects will come at too high of a cost to the network. Just my lay person opinion.

The beauty in all of this, for me, is that I have an S3 and I actually don't feel like I have to upgrade. I'm days away from being eligible and I feel like I could hold onto my phone for another few months without the itch to upgrade. I couldn't say that two years ago when I had the OG Evo 4g. I give Samsung a lot of credit for that. 

I think an upgrade to the S5 depends on your situation. if you have an S3, the bump in specs and LTE is likely enough. Similar to the people who upgraded to the S4 from the S3. 

if you have an S4 then it's likely not enough. Although, I don't understand the triband S4. It seems like they're taking sales from the S5.

I can probably wait for the announcement from HTC and maybe even Apple to decide. I really wish Amazon would just release the Instant Video app to Android phones already..... it's the only thing that tempts me to Apple. (Random, I know)

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:30:00 EST

Statement on Samsung Galaxy S 5 from Sprint Featuring Super-High-Speed Network Access with Sprint Spark

"OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), February 24, 2014 - Sprint (NYSE: S) will be the only wireless carrier to offer the U.S. variant of Samsung Galaxy S^® 5 paired with the super-high-speed network capability of Sprint Spark™ and the significant savings of the Sprint Framily Plan in April. Introduced by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today at Mobile World Congress, Galaxy S 5 is the next generation of the award-winning Samsung Galaxy S family of smartphones.

David Owens, vice president of Product, Sprint, issued the following statement:

“Sprint and Samsung have a strong history of innovation over almost 20 years, and Galaxy S 5 powered by Sprint Spark continues that legacy. Sprint will offer Galaxy S 5 with the ability to use all three bands of 4G LTE wireless network spectrum available on the Sprint network to provide our customers with an enhanced LTE experience. Best of all, Sprint customers can take advantage of Sprint’s new Framily Plan with Galaxy S 5, letting customers share savings without the hassle of a monthly contract or sharing a bill with someone.”

Customers can preregister and enter to win a Galaxy S 5 smartphone or a $100 Visa gift card.¹ For more information and the official rules, see www.sprint.com/galaxys5.

Galaxy S 5 from Sprint also supports Pinsight Touch, a nationwide, open platform powered by Sprint for NFC-enabling mobile applications and services across transit, access control and payment verticals. The service from Pinsight Media+ provides a direct path for brands and credential issuers to NFC-enable their own branded applications and share secured access to those credentials with other trusted applications using the embedded secure element on Sprint NFC devices.

Additional details, including pricing and availability will be made available in the coming weeks..."

http://newsroom.sprint.com/news-releases/statement-on-samsung-galaxy-s-5-from-sprint-featuring-super-high-speed-network-access-with-sprint-spark.htm

You probably had a Samsung SPH-A500.  I remember it well.  It was a sexy handset in 2002.

 

http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=158

 

AJ

I had the same phone. Actually have, it's still in a drawer somewhere. You never know when you might need a spare Sprint device. lol

Yes. There are some LTE. But not continuous.

In my experience, there is more LTE in the DC Market than not. At least where I am in Northern Virginia.

The main reason I want it to be announced is to indicate the eCSFB issues have been resolved in the market. That would be a nice thing to know before I upgrade to a triband device. (Probably the Galaxy S5 - Assuming it's triband.)

I say we all chip in and buy Robert some spectrum.......

Sprint users lose cell service

HAMPTON ROADS (WAVY) - Sprint customers are experiencing a loss of service in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.

Officials told WAVY.com cell towers are down and technicians are working on the issue and hope to have it fixed by 3 p.m.

Users may not be able to use the internet or text with their devices.

Stay with WAVY.com for more information on this developing story.

http://www.wavy.com/news/local/sprint-users-lose-cell-service

_________________________________________________________________________

There isn't much of a story here but it's still a shame to see.

Does anyone have any first hand experience how widespread it was? Or if it was just a tower here and there?

I wonder what would cause a large scale outage.... (If it was, indeed, that.)

If this was already posted elsewhere, I apologize. I did attempt to look for it.

Hello from the Tri-Cities (Bristol) which isn't to far off from the great City of Lynchburg.    

^No disrespect intended

I went to college in Danville, VA and dated a girl from Liberty. It's a nice area. She actually worked there while she got her masters too. It's a great school, but dating a girl who goes there was a challenge. Ha.

It's no big deal..... but does anyone else have trouble reading the greyish font color of the S4GRU.com's "unselected" section titles (The Forums, The Member Zone, etc) contrasted with they dark yellow background? I'm referring to the desktop site, of course.

Who knows, I may need to spend next year's flex spending on glasses....

Edit: Also, the font color of "Started by: (User's name), (Date and Time)" as you're reading a forum post. Something about that color makes it hard for me to read. lol