Database Develop

International vs T-Mobile

I am looking to buy another Note 4 and was wondering what the pros and cons of each where. Also will the international work on T-mobile without issue? I tried searching for the answers before I made this post (I may just do a poor job searching) and only found speculation post before the phones were released. I know with my T-Mobile Note 4 it seems it overheats from time to time if I am downloading a torrent and I found an article about Samsung dropping the 810 because of "overheating fears".
Thanks for any advice or information in advance.

910U taiwan is awesome. no issues.

Im on the tmober and am actually overclocked to the max.. zero problems...

Using n910c on tmobile works fine had n910p on sprint that model had overheating problems
Sent from my SM-N910C using XDA Free mobile app

Buy the T-Mobile variant if you live in the states and use T-Mobile or any of its affiliate MNVO's.
Buy the T-Mobile variant if you live in the states and want the warranty via T-Mobile / Samsung.
Buy the T-Mobile variant if you live in the states or live abroad and want true GSM bands and or want to root.
Don't Buy the T-Mobile variant if you're concerned with overheating (Common byproduct of Snapdragon SoC's)
Buy the SM-910C instead, and be aware, of its CAT4 LTE Modem, Lack of Warranty (if buying and living in the States), and Exynos Chipset (Some say performs a tad bit better), but lesser ROM Development; still caries most of the bands the T-Mobile Snapdragon variant and is GSM-ready.

Get Tmo, it has an insane amount of dev going on for it.

Excatly! :good:
tal123 said:
Get Tmo, it has an insane amount of dev going on for it.
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Click to collapse

Thank you all so much, I got another T-Mobile one.

Looking to get an Unlocked Note 5...Model?

I am looking to get an Unlocked Note 5 in Silver (does anyone have this or have you seen it - does it look as good in person)
My question is:
There are many unlocked versions, but I believe there are several versions that may work in the US
But I am thinking it is one of: N920C or N9200 or N920I (I am thinking it is the N920I, with the "I" standing for International?)
Can anyone tell me which works on GSM in US, T-Mobile
Thanks

eric0668 said:
I am looking to get an Unlocked Note 5 in Silver (does anyone have this or have you seen it - does it look as good in person)
My question is:
There are many unlocked versions, but I believe there are several versions that may work in the US
But I am thinking it is one of: N920C or N9200 or N920I (I am thinking it is the N920I, with the "I" standing for International?)
Can anyone tell me which works on GSM in US, T-Mobile
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would stay away from the N920C if you are going to use it in the US. I have the N920C and on ATT network it is getting only 3G and the signal is considerably weaker than on other phones compatible with ATT.

What does the N920C stand for. I think I need the "I" don't you.

eric0668 said:
What does the N920C stand for. I think I need the "I" don't you.
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They are designed for different continents. The N920I is for - Australia, New Zealand, Singapore. The N920C is for middle east, russia, africa, israel ...etc. If you can get the Unlocked T-mobile variant, you're good. Otherwise checkout the willmyphonework.net or the "The Ulimate Note 5 Band Guide."

Are you sure the I isnf for international.
That's what I wanna know. What one is able to be used. There is no such thing as a T-Mobile unlocked version. Yes there is one that works on T-Mobile, ATT etc. If you hear of the specific model I'd be grateful.

eric0668 said:
Are you sure the I isnf for international.
That's what I wanna know. What one is able to be used. There is no such thing as a T-Mobile unlocked version. Yes there is one that works on T-Mobile, ATT etc. If you hear of the specific model I'd be grateful.
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http://www.willmyphonework.net/

Thank you really ALot. I tried that and they got 2 blue checks and a yellow. So the same #frustrating

I bought the N920i version and work perfectly with ATT and TMOBILE. It have an amazing internet speed, i'm talking about more than 45MBPS.
Is a grate phone.

Thank you. I was thinking that was for International. Then I saw some sites (Expansys) who was selling the N9200 and was told they were the same.
thanks so much

Yes, N9200 is pretty much the same as N920i but dual sim card model. It should work in US. Be careful, this model can come from China and Google apps may be a problem.
I have ordered this model from Expansys and it should come from South Korea.

Spoke to Samsung via chat, NewEgg and Best Buy most will work to some degree here . BUT they said the one made for gsm carriers in US is the N920G. It can be had on NewEgg or Expansys but def eBay Amazon and Best Buy for $100 more than other places

just adding my 2 cents worth: i'm using a 64GB Silver SM-N9208 (Taiwan - CSC is BRI) dual SIM Note 5 on ATT & T-Mobile and it's working great. no network issues at all. 5 of the 10 people on my current project use Note 5's (including me); the other 4 Note 5 users are in awe of my device, especially the Silver color and the fact that i can make/receive calls from both SIMs at the same time.

jtOttawa said:
http://www.willmyphonework.net/
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There are so many threads dealing with this issue.
You should either use the above website or use pdadb.net to see which LTE bands a particular model uses and then compare that to the LTE bands your carrier uses (which is what the above website actually does)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Both N920C and N920I should work fine in US except one 3G band for T-Mobile....but when it comes to Software updates...what do you think is first to get official updates? N920I being the Australia model, would it be after N920C? I heard sometimes its after even US models...Thoughts?

Midnight black 512 GB version for tmobile

Where can I find one that'll work with tmobile?

You'd have to purchase an international unlocked version from a website like clove.co.uk
When you check out there is an option for them to open the box and insert a local sim card to unlock the device for use in other markets.

Looking for the same thing. Is there a reliable online US source for the 512gb black Note 9? Also what will we be losing by getting an unlocked version, I guess besides video calling on TMobile? TMobile Tuesday..?

dominick_7 said:
Looking for the same thing. Is there a reliable online US source for the 512gb black Note 9? Also what will we be losing by getting an unlocked version, I guess besides video calling on TMobile? TMobile Tuesday..?
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You can download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app from the Google Play Store.
It works on any phone,provided you have a T-Mobile account.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.tuesdays&hl=en_US
Same goes for T-Mobile DIGITS,just grab the app from the Play Store,log-in & set-up.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.digits&hl=en_US
As for what you'll be losing?
LTE Band71
Not sure how well an international version works as far as signal strength/WI-FI Calling/VoLTE,but,my guess would be to go with a dual SIM version that has the QUALCOMM Snapdragon chip vs the Samsung Exynos Chip:
Qualcomm SnapDragon 845 8GB RAM/256GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...2a:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521930713601
Qualcomm SnapDragon 845 6GB RAM/128GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...57:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521918316706
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Samsung EXYNOS 8 GB RAM/256GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...15:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521930711183
Samsung EXYNOS 6 GB RAM/128GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...ff:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=502408235508

KOLIOSIS said:
You can download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app from the Google Play Store.
It works on any phone,provided you have a T-Mobile account.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.tuesdays&hl=en_US
Same goes for T-Mobile DIGITS,just grab the app from the Play sSore,log-in & set-up.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.digits&hl=en_US
As for what you'll be losing?
LTE Band71
Not sure how well an international version works as far as signal strength/WI-FI Calling/VoLTE,but,my guess would be to go with a dual SIM version that has the QUALCOMM Snapdragon chip vs the Samsung Exynos Chip:
Qualcomm SnapDragon 845 8GB RAM/256GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...2a:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521930713601
Qualcomm SnapDragon 845 6GB RAM/128GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...57:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521918316706
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Samsung EXYNOS 8 GB RAM/256GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...15:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521930711183
Samsung EXYNOS 6 GB RAM/128GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...ff:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=502408235508
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Cool, thank you for clarifying. About the band, are you sure, people are reporting it has LTE band71? Also do we know which is better, the Snapdragon for the 8gb version or Exynos for 6gb? I guess there's only root for the exynos, but I haven't rooted in years and not sure I'll mess with it.

dominick_7 said:
Cool, thank you for clarifying. About the band, are you sure, people are reporting it has LTE band71? Also do we know which is better, the Snapdragon for the 8gb version or Exynos for 6gb? I guess there's only root for the exynos, but I haven't rooted in years and not sure I'll mess with it.
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I know the US Qualcomm has Band 71,but,every site,including Samsung's sites in overseas Qualcomm markets,do not show Band 71.
Perhaps once the T-Mobile US SIM Card is installed,it's activated,if that's even possible,with or without flashing T-Mobile US Firmware...... & IDK if T-Mobile US Firmware can be flashed on an international Qualcomm model.
It's still early in the game, surely someone will post here @ XDA in the coming days.
I'd like to know myself, so that I'm armed with the information for next year's Note 10.

Canada has an unlocked black model that uses the same bands as the US. Not sure about band 71, but probably the closest you'd get compatibility wise.

KOLIOSIS said:
I know the US Qualcomm has Band 71,but,every site,including Samsung's sites in overseas Qualcomm markets,do not show Band 71.
Perhaps once the T-Mobile US SIM Card is installed,it's activated,if that's even possible,with or without flashing T-Mobile US Firmware...... & IDK if T-Mobile US Firmware can be flashed on an international Qualcomm model.
It's still early in the game, surely someone will post here @ XDA in the coming days.
I'd like to know myself, so that I'm armed with the information for next year's Note 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah k. So does that mean even if I buy the 8gb 512gb unlocked version from say Best Buy in the US it won't have band 71? Otherwise it sounds like the ideal situation would be if the TMobile firmware can be flashed to the international model? I guess Im wondering, are all 512gb unlocked versions lacking that band or just ones not bought in the US like from Best Buy? I know I want the 8gb 512gb version, in black if possible, but if Im without band 71 I can deal with the stupid blue colored one as long as I have the 8gb/512gb version. They seem to be saying VoLTE and wifi calling works on the unlocked version.. does that mean it has band 71? https://forums.androidcentral.com/s...208-carrier-vs-unlocked-note-9-questions.html.

dominick_7 said:
Ah k. So does that mean even if I buy the 8gb 512gb unlocked version from say Best Buy in the US it won't have band 71? Otherwise it sounds like the ideal situation would be if the TMobile firmware can be flashed to the international model? I guess Im wondering, are all 512gb unlocked versions lacking that band or just ones not bought in the US like from Best Buy? I know I want the 8gb 512gb version, in black if possible, but if Im without band 71 I can deal with the stupid blue colored one as long as I have the 8gb/512gb version.
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I'm pretty sure the US Unlocked version has Band 71,it's just not available in Black,at least for now.
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs
Edit:
@dominick_7
Band 71 is not listed on Best Buy's specs.
Looks like your best bet is to wait for others to post their experiences, or,contact Samsung/check their site.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-note9-128gb-unlocked-ocean-blue/6278210.p?skuId=6278210
EDIT #2
@dominick_7
Here's another site stating the US Unlocked version does indeed have Band 71,so you'll definitely have to do your homework before buying:
https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/

KOLIOSIS said:
I'm pretty sure the US Unlocked version has Band 71,it's just not available in Black,st least for now.
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs
Edit:
@Dominick
Band 71 is not listed on Best Buy's specs.
Looks like your beet bet is to wait for others to post their experiences, or,contact Samsung/check their site.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-note9-128gb-unlocked-ocean-blue/6278210.p?skuId=6278210
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Ah k. So safest bet for the 512gb variant is either the US carrier/tmobile for quickest updates but stupid colors and bloatware or thee US unlocked for slower updates but less bloatware..? What's the argument to get an unlocked version over carrier otherwise? I guess the price for getting it in black is no 71 band. Still looking at the canadian one to see if it has 71. https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/.
Edit.. crap. wait if these people are reporting the US unlocked has VoLTE and wifi calling doesnt that mean it has band 71 or..? https://forums.androidcentral.com/s...208-carrier-vs-unlocked-note-9-questions.html
---------- Post added at 10:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:25 PM ----------
Guyinlaca said:
Canada has an unlocked black model that uses the same bands as the US. Not sure about band 71, but probably the closest you'd get compatibility wise.
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Click to collapse
Cool, do you know what the model number is? And why go with unlocked, just for the black color and less bloat even though it may have slower updates?

KOLIOSIS said:
I know the US Qualcomm has Band 71,but,every site,including Samsung's sites in overseas Qualcomm markets,do not show Band 71.
Perhaps once the T-Mobile US SIM Card is installed,it's activated,if that's even possible,with or without flashing T-Mobile US Firmware...... & IDK if T-Mobile US Firmware can be flashed on an international Qualcomm model.
It's still early in the game, surely someone will post here @ XDA in the coming days.
I'd like to know myself, so that I'm armed with the information for next year's Note 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
International models are exynos not Qualcomm

dominick_7 said:
Cool, do you know what the model number is? And why go with unlocked, just for the black color and less bloat even though it may have slower updates?
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SM-N960WZKAXAC
https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product...12854642.aspx?

TechOut said:
International models are exynos not Qualcomm
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Click to collapse
There's Qualcomm powered phones in China,Japan,Latin America & North America.
The rest have Exynos.
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs

Guyinlaca said:
SM-N960WZKAXAC
https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product...12854642.aspx?
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Thats not listed here, https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/ yet, and it seems thats the 128gb model though right?

The Canadian model probably has band 71. I don't know if anything has changed since T-Mobile's acquisition of band 71.

So annoying ghat the USA has odd bands compared to everyone else right?

mikey_sk said:
So annoying ghat the USA has odd bands compared to everyone else right?
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Agreed, I wish I could have purchased a black one without having to jump through all the hoops and risk it not working as well.

I've got the exynos 512/8 midnight black and I will be working in the USA for a few months. Wondering what network over there will be the best fit. Usually it's either T Mobile or ATT as they are GSM... But his band 71 gig means that I am effectively unable to use tmo 4g?

mikey_sk said:
I've got the exynos 512/8 midnight black and I will be working in the USA for a few months. Wondering what network over there will be the best fit. Usually it's either T Mobile or ATT as they are GSM... But his band 71 gig means that I am effectively unable to use tmo 4g?
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Click to collapse
No,T-Mobile has Bands 2/4/5/12/66/71
Band 71 deployment is sparse at best ATM.
Most of T-Mobile users are covered in the rest.
Depending on where you plan to use your phone the most is going to dictate who works best for you.
There is a lot of overlap in most densely populated markets,if you're going to be in the sparsely populated areas AT&T is probably your best bet.
Try out this site,it should give you a good indication of which carriers are best for you:
https://www.cellmapper.net/map
EDIT:
@mikey_sk
I've since edited to remove the VZW recommendation for rural areas,or,just in general,with your phone.
AT&T still likely has a slight advantage in rural areas,check the link I posted for a good indicator on which works best for you.
If you have the D/S version,then,of course you have the luxury of using both T-Mobile & AT&T,if you choose to do so.
Another BTW:
If you're going to be using a fair amount of data & are considering saving some $$$ by using pre-paid MVNOs of AT&T or T-Mobile,be aware all of them are subject to,if not outright,slower speeds vs the main carrier itself.
This is particularly true of any pre-paid option on AT&T & the MVNO's that use their network,read the fine print on any pre-paid service you choose,some have really slow speeds/throttling.
As for MVNO's/prepaid,your best bet is likely MetroPCS,which is actually part of T-Mobile US & most customers are genuinely pleased with the service/speeds & ovearll value.

KOLIOSIS said:
No,T-Mobile has Bands 2/4/5/12/66/71
Band 71 deployment is sparse at best ATM.
Most of T-Mobile users are covered in the rest.
Depending on where you plan to use your phone the most is going to dictate who works best for you.
There is a lot of overlap in most densely populated markets,if you're going to be in the sparsely populated areas AT&T is probably your best bet.
Try out this site,it should give you a good indication of which carriers are best for you:
https://www.cellmapper.net/map
EDIT:
@mikey_sk
I've since edited to remove the VZW recommendation for rural areas,or,just in general,with your phone.
AT&T still likely has a slight advantage in rural areas,check the link I posted for a good indicator on which works best for you.
If you have the D/S version,then,of course you have the luxury of using both T-Mobile & AT&T,if you choose to do so.
Another BTW:
If you're going to be using a fair amount of data & are considering saving some $$$ by using pre-paid MVNOs of AT&T or T-Mobile,be aware all of them are subject to,if not outright,slower speeds vs the main carrier itself.
This is particularly true of any pre-paid option on AT&T & the MVNO's that use their network,read the fine print on any pre-paid service you choose,some have really slow speeds/throttling.
As for MVNO's/prepaid,your best bet is likely MetroPCS,which is actually part of T-Mobile US & most customers are genuinely pleased with the service/speeds & ovearll value.
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Click to collapse
Thanks. Yes I know they provide slower speeds to MVNOs over there. In Europe they dont really do this so pre paid is as quick as a contract sim. I am on Three UK and I can use my data (I have 100gb allowance per month) in the USA for free so will only be using the pre paid for receiving calls. I am therefore able to pick either T Mobile or ATT when I am over there depending which one is best etc.

Does the Straight Talk Note9 use U/U1 firmware?

I'm looking into buying a new phone very soon, I haven't had a cell phone since like a year ago, that is why all my posts dropped off. Last Time I had my own phone I had the S6 Edge and Note 5. But I'm really kind of tired of not using an international version, since no has cracked the SnapDragon's bootloader locks yet.
I could get a 128GB Note 9 from Straight Talk decently priced right now, but realistically I don't want to buy it if it is only the Unbranded SnapDragon version. I really want a newer Exynos Processor. When I looked online I couldn't find the model number for the version sold from Straight Talk. Maybe I didn't look hard enough. Does any carrier in the US sell the F versions?

You made this a Q&A but didn't post it in the Q&A forum? I'm not an expert but I'm sure the N960F doesn't work in America, don't you use CDMA there? I don't thing the F is compatible with that. I may be wromg, but I'm sure I've read things to that effect.

An Exynos model doesn't have the right bands for Verizon, Sprint, or their MVNOs in America. Exynos models may work on T-Mobile or AT&T, but even then may lack the new bands that enhance 4G coverage.

Pre-order / Buy Exynos version of S10 for USA?

If someone could help me find out if its possible to pre-order or buy the s10 International (Exynos) variants from USA. Thanks

I think Bestbuy will be the best place to look.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL

Here's the info about usa Pre order and trade in.

Tried to pre order from the UK site, and they wont ship to the US. Not sure which version the unlocked version will be - they dont post model numbers... following for sure.

Clove.co.uk

As above, Clove offer delivery to the U.S

kpjs4s said:
If someone could help me find out if its possible to pre-order or buy the s10 International (Exynos) variants from USA. Thanks
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Click to collapse
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Galaxy-S10-Plus/192828272845
I bought from them multiple times before, they are trustable

Thanks for the tip. Gonna pull the trigger on this. Really wanted prism green. Just need to get cracking on getting S-Pay to work on it.

thunderroid said:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Galaxy-S10-Plus/192828272845
I bought from them multiple times before, they are trustable
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I pulled the trigger on the Prism Green S10+ (G975F/DS) from them on Thursday. Looks like it is shipping out on Monday (I thought it might be last Friday) since they claimed it was in stock. I've bought a few phones from them before and they've always delivered so am hoping that they come through!

Reading on down that Ebay listing I see one thing in the specs that has me wondering.
"OS Android 9.0 (Pie); One UI
ChipsetExynos 9820 Octa (8 nm) - EMEA
Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) - USA/LATAM, China"
That doesn't mean that they will ship a Snapdragon model to the US does it bacause it sure reads that way unless that's just a copy/paste of Samsung's specs.

You're reading too much into it. It's just a copy paste.

Insert_here said:
You're reading too much into it. It's just a copy paste.
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When buying crap off Ebay, I never read too much into it.

Sorry for the bit off topic question but why would you even want the Exynos version? AFAIK the 855 beats the 9820 benchmark wise. The only reason I see to get the Exynos version is its 8K video recording potential (if we can hack it to work).

CroGamer1 said:
Sorry for the bit off topic question but why would you even want the Exynos version? AFAIK the 855 beats the 9820 benchmark wise. The only reason I see to get the Exynos version is its 8K video recording potential (if we can hack it to work).
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That's not really true from what I have seen, the Exynos beats out the Snapdragon in both single core & multicore, correct me if I'm wrong......

Tel864 said:
Reading on down that Ebay listing I see one thing in the specs that has me wondering.
"OS Android 9.0 (Pie); One UI
ChipsetExynos 9820 Octa (8 nm) - EMEA
Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) - USA/LATAM, China"
That doesn't mean that they will ship a Snapdragon model to the US does it bacause it sure reads that way unless that's just a copy/paste of Samsung's specs.
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Click to collapse
Its the dual-sim version and only Exynos have dual SIM versions

Duncan1982 said:
That's not really true from what I have seen, the Exynos beats out the Snapdragon in both single core & multicore, correct me if I'm wrong......
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Click to collapse
Here you go: https://www.bgr.in/news/samsung-gal...nchmark-scores-revealed-march-8-india-launch/

CroGamer1 said:
Sorry for the bit off topic question but why would you even want the Exynos version? AFAIK the 855 beats the 9820 benchmark wise. The only reason I see to get the Exynos version is its 8K video recording potential (if we can hack it to work).
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If Samsung's history with the past several S models remains the same, the Exynos version will have a fully unlocked bootloader, while the USA 855 models will be fully locked down.

hella356 said:
If Samsung's history with the past several S models remains the same, the Exynos version will have a fully unlocked bootloader, while the USA 855 models will be fully locked down.
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You have a point there, but there is a possibility of network incompatibilities with US carriers. I heard that some T-Mobile bands are unsupported.

CroGamer1 said:
You have a point there, but there is a possibility of network incompatibilities with US carriers. I heard that some T-Mobile bands are unsupported.
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True, band 71 & carrier aggragation & some calling features & warranty if unlocked...

CroGamer1 said:
You have a point there, but there is a possibility of network incompatibilities with US carriers. I heard that some T-Mobile bands are unsupported.
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I can't speak to the S10 models, but I have both a T-Mobile (Qualcomm) and international (Exyonos) S7. I've never seen a difference in connectivity or download speeds between the two of them. I'm guessing the situation will be similar with the S10, but only time will tell. The reality for me is that the current speed and quality of connection I get is terrific, and I'd assume that either S10 version will at least equal and probably better what I'm getting now. Our needs all vary, of course, but I'll sacrifice some download speed (if that even ends up being the case) for an unlocked bootloader every time.