I am sure this has probably been asked before but I couldn't find a clear answer.
I have the AT&T version of the Galaxy Note 4. I am thinking of changing my provider to T-Mobile (for a bunch of reasons including I have come to hate AT&T). I know the AT&T version will work on the T-Mobile network as a Smartphone with a T-Mobile SIM. But I have several questions.
1. From what I have been reading, it appears that the AT&T bootloader is locked. Is that correct? So does that mean I won't be able to put in a T-Mobile ROM or a ROM from here?
2. If I can't put in a T-Mobile ROM and unlock the bootloader, how will I be able to get future updates for the phone once I have switched to T-Mobile. I currently have the latest official AT&T OTA release (5.1.1, Baseband N910AUCU2DOI2, Kernel 3.10.40-5613584, etc.). But Samsung has promised Marshmallow for this phone.
Any thoughts anyone? Or should I just break down and buy a T-Mobile phone or a Google Nexus 6P?
Thanks
-- Charley
charley000 said:
I am sure this has probably been asked before but I couldn't find a clear answer.
I have the AT&T version of the Galaxy Note 4. I am thinking of changing my provider to T-Mobile (for a bunch of reasons including I have come to hate AT&T). I know the AT&T version will work on the T-Mobile network as a Smartphone with a T-Mobile SIM. But I have several questions.
1. From what I have been reading, it appears that the AT&T bootloader is locked. Is that correct? So does that mean I won't be able to put in a T-Mobile ROM or a ROM from here?
2. If I can't put in a T-Mobile ROM and unlock the bootloader, how will I be able to get future updates for the phone once I have switched to T-Mobile. I currently have the latest official AT&T OTA release (5.1.1, Baseband N910AUCU2DOI2, Kernel 3.10.40-5613584, etc.). But Samsung has promised Marshmallow for this phone.
Any thoughts anyone? Or should I just break down and buy a T-Mobile phone or a Google Nexus 6P?
Thanks
-- Charley
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do updates using samsung keis... look into cricket wireless, I hated tmobile, the messed my bills up constantly and the service was iffy... if u have good service with att cricket will be the same for 35 bucks a month. Make sure you carrier unlock your phone with art BEFORE YOU CANCEL!
I'm ashamed to even ask.....
Former TMO S3 owner here who switched to Nexus and never looked back. Things are just so much easier now with firmware updates and rooting.
We currently pay cell bills for one of our workers and his wife on our TMO family account. His wife was using my old S3, and without talking to me first, he bought her a SIM locked ATT S6 online recently.
I'm working on a SIM unlock code, that won't be a problem.
I'm right in thinking that there's no (current) way to load a TMO S6 ROM onto the ATT S6, right?
Bootloader still locked up tight on ATT?
I know that in the past some of the Galaxy S phones had hardware differences......are the ATT and TMO S6 variants now the exact same hardware (other than exterior logos)?
Sorry for what seems to be an obvious and already asked question. I know someone asked the same question back in August.....wondering if anything has changed since then.
Thanks for all replies.
Yup, bootloader locked tight, can't even get a root working besides the people who are selling it
I bought a Verizon Galaxy S6 Edge few months ago. Now I moved to T-Mobile. I am using the phone right now without any issues.
There is still Verizon crap on it that I cannot uninstall. Is it possible to install stock or preferably, T-Mobile firmware on this device?
I'll just keep it short and sweet. Practically speaking, no.
Better explanation please
The phones are identical except the firmware. Why would it not work? I would like to do the same so I can access better reception and wifi calling. There's literally nothing different Hardware wise between the diff carrier versions other than what each carrier unlocks or blocks. Can someone give a more detailed reason why it won't work?
This is a great question.... I'd like to know the same, BUT, for me, Tmobile charges too much for single service here in Colorado.
What about just bypass frp?
As far as I'm aware I believe the Note 5, based on the Exynos7420 uses a different modem chip in each carrier. Originally I thought the S6 Edge was still a universal World Phone. But even rooted, some people have still had problems actually migrating from Verizon to T-Mobile.
I've had a tester somehow manage to install a TMobile modem on an AT&T Note5, but it messed up the Device Root Key. Which I do believe is the "hardware baked" signature used to decrypt firmware.
android-rox said:
I bought a Verizon Galaxy S6 Edge few months ago. Now I moved to T-Mobile. I am using the phone right now without any issues.
There is still Verizon crap on it that I cannot uninstall. Is it possible to install stock or preferably, T-Mobile firmware on this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at the instructions posted here to remove bloatware. I believe if you substitute the correct counterpart firmware the process is still doable. There is also the De-Bloater v3.90 app that should work as well.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75842235&postcount=110
Anyone know if the exynos version would work on verizon? I assume that that it would but the 1x and 3g would not. lol, i would be ok with that if i also go root and TWRP.
My follow up question is where could we order it? It would be nice to get it right from samsung, but i don't see that option.
I have the same question
Gigatopiloto said:
I have the same question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think this is the place to buy it. Since they will open it up and use one of their sims to make 5 minutes of calls before sending it to us, so it doesn't lock up once we get it.
Has anyone used 4g exclusively on verizon, what are the drawbacks?
I know where to buy it here in the US. I could actually buy it today. Just want to know if it will work on Verizon
Gigatopiloto said:
I know where to buy it here in the US. I could actually buy it today. Just want to know if it will work on Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think you will be able to use it to make phone calls or msg because verizon use a CDMA network for this and the exynos version doesnt have this. Just my guess.
Samsung's soc never supports cdma (big Q owns the patents) so that's why the rest of the world who aren't on cdma gets the exynos versions
gqukyo said:
Samsung's soc never supports cdma (big Q owns the patents) so that's why the rest of the world who aren't on cdma gets the exynos versions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true at all, my Galaxy Tab S2 is an Exynos and runs on Verizon LTE., and the galaxy S6 was an Exynos 7420 on Verizon.
Oh I stand corrected. I knew the tablets were supported but figured since you don't make calls from them, it wouldn't need cdma. In either case, unless it's made for Verizon, the exynos versions won't natively support Verizon.
The FCC filing shows it support the Verizon LTE bands, but no CDMA bands.
It would probably work for data but I am not sure if it would work for calls, unless they implement VOLTE on the international version for Verizon.
Guys it's best to wait for the North American unlocked version (Qualcomm chip) to become available in a couple of weeks or so.
It will definitely work on both Verizon and Sprint and their MVNOs.
I can see bhphotovideo taking preorders for it already, and the page is setup on bestbuy. This is the S8 version I'm gonna go for. Downside is it will cost you a little more, but it is worth it to me to know I can use it on all US carriers.
Edit: looks like bhphoto added the model numbers for their preorders as "SM-G950F" and "SM-G955F", which is the same as the European/global GSM version. So that is Exynos chipset powered, and it's a no go for CDMA guys.
The plus on this model is it gets the software updates more quickly than the US unlocked model. (This is still speculation based on Samsung not updating SM-G930U to Android 7 for months while the SM-G930F and the US carrier models already received their updates.)
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Commodore 64 said:
Guys it's best to wait for the North American unlocked version (Qualcomm chip) to become available in a couple of weeks or so.
It will definitely work on both Verizon and Sprint and their MVNOs.
I can see bhphotovideo taking preorders for it already, and the page is setup on bestbuy. This is the S8 version I'm gonna go for. Downside is it will cost you a little more, but it is worth it to me to know I can use it on all US carriers.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlocked as in unlocked BOOTLOADER? Or just for use on any carrier?
JAYNO20 said:
unlocked as in unlocked BOOTLOADER? Or just for use on any carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked as in "unlocked for all carriers" (or "sim free" is what Samsung UK calls their SM-G95*F versions). But I wouldn't be surprised if the bootloader is also unlocked.
My guess, even with the unlocked (unencrypted) bootloader, is once you flash a custom ROM/recovery it will still trip the Samsung Knox binary counter and void the warranty. This is just speculation based on Samsung's devices in the past. We have to wait until someone gets their hand on the US unlocked version.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Commodore 64 said:
Unlocked as in "unlocked for all carriers" (or "sim free" is what Samsung UK calls their SM-G95*F versions). But I wouldn't be surprised if the bootloader is also unlocked.
My guess, even with the unlocked (unencrypted) bootloader, is once you flash a custom ROM/recovery it will still trip the Samsung Knox binary counter and void the warranty. This is just speculation based on Samsung's devices in the past. We have to wait until someone gets their hand on the US unlocked version.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sim unlocked at best buy will be out may 9th priced at 725/825
i buy international versions all the time...
don't listen to all these people who just make things up but never used it.
supported bands according to this site just an example:
http://www.china-prices.com/phone/bands/7922/samsung-galaxy-s8-exynos
I have the exynos s7 i bought from B&H in US. on verizon CDMA won't connect, but if you are in a region with VOLTE and you don't travel within US, it should be fine.
all the international versions have much better support if you are on ATT/Tmobile where GSM is the "3g/crippled 4g" I left verizon for Tmobile just to get better support for Exynos.
now... i didn't check validity of the site above, but it gives u an idea. i just wanted to chime in.
Exynos has much better power management IMO. my wife's phone is S7 tmobile variant, and when i was using s7 Exynos, my battery life was BETTER AND i use the phone way more than her throughout the day.
going to, i actually bought s8 TMobile this time... just so i can use samsung pay... samsung pay will work if you modify the CSC and install spay/framework, but guess i'm getting old and getting lazy
exynos will likely get rooted FIRST, and the first root type will likely trip Knox, and without Knox, no samsung pay...
TLDR. Exynos will work on vzw but not all the bands. if you think it's too risky, don't get it.
2 upsides that actually matter IMO when it comes to Exynos versions.
1. less bloat, I say less, because Exynos versions come with all kinds of CSCs from all over the world. and depending on where it came from... you'll see it installing regional specific apps on your initial boot. 1 year i had a phone with Arab CSC and it installed bunch of apps made for Arabs... on another phone i had a UK CSC and it installed all kinds of UK news apps.
2. better battery
3. faster updates from sammobile
jucytec said:
i buy international versions all the time...
don't listen to all these people who just make things up but never used it.
supported bands according to this site just an example:
http://www.china-prices.com/phone/bands/7922/samsung-galaxy-s8-exynos
I have the exynos s7 i bought from B&H in US. on verizon CDMA won't connect, but if you are in a region with VOLTE and you don't travel within US, it should be fine.
all the international versions have much better support if you are on ATT/Tmobile where GSM is the "3g/crippled 4g" I left verizon for Tmobile just to get better support for Exynos.
now... i didn't check validity of the site above, but it gives u an idea. i just wanted to chime in.
Exynos has much better power management IMO. my wife's phone is S7 tmobile variant, and when i was using s7 Exynos, my battery life was BETTER AND i use the phone way more than her throughout the day.
going to, i actually bought s8 TMobile this time... just so i can use samsung pay... samsung pay will work if you modify the CSC and install spay/framework, but guess i'm getting old and getting lazy
exynos will likely get rooted FIRST, and the first root type will likely trip Knox, and without Knox, no samsung pay...
TLDR. Exynos will work on vzw but not all the bands. if you think it's too risky, don't get it.
2 upsides that actually matter IMO when it comes to Exynos versions.
1. less bloat, I say less, because Exynos versions come with all kinds of CSCs from all over the world. and depending on where it came from... you'll see it installing regional specific apps on your initial boot. 1 year i had a phone with Arab CSC and it installed bunch of apps made for Arabs... on another phone i had a UK CSC and it installed all kinds of UK news apps.
2. better battery
3. faster updates from sammobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you gloss over the fact that regular phone calls wont work on the international Exynos version using a Verizon sim?
954wrecker said:
Did you gloss over the fact that regular phone calls wont work on the international Exynos version using a Verizon sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes... hence i said if you are in an area with VOLTE and you don't travel. that is the reason why i went tmobile.
http://www.phonemore.com/compare/ph...m-g950v-vs-samsung-galaxy-s8-sm-g950u/5341523
look at 2g/3g difference OP
jucytec said:
yes... hence i said if you are in an area with VOLTE and you don't travel. that is the reason why i went tmobile.
http://www.phonemore.com/compare/ph...m-g950v-vs-samsung-galaxy-s8-sm-g950u/5341523
look at 2g/3g difference OP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read it I just think its a dumb GSM phone for people that have a dumb CDMA phone provider. LTE only is not a solution Verizon people simply need Verizon phones. Just like Sprint people need Sprint phones. Getting international GSM phones for use on CDMA service providers is stupid. Thats one reason CDMA is crap compared to GSM. Unlocked phones like some apple and moto and rare samsung are the best solution. Best Buy will have the unlocked snapdragon available in 2 weeks for $725/$825
---------- Post added at 07:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 AM ----------
jonno95 said:
Anyone know if the exynos version would work on verizon? I assume that that it would but the 1x and 3g would not. lol, i would be ok with that if i also go root and TWRP.
My follow up question is where could we order it? It would be nice to get it right from samsung, but i don't see that option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You dont need regular calls? You are going LTE only and hoping you dont miss any calls? If you are using hangouts for calls and don't need cellular phone calls then go get one. Ebay, amazon, they have them for sale, forget warranty unless you want a huge hassle.
954wrecker said:
I read it I just think its a dumb GSM phone for people that have a dumb CDMA phone provider. LTE only is not a solution Verizon people simply need Verizon phones. Just like Sprint people need Sprint phones. Getting international GSM phones for use on CDMA service providers is stupid. Thats one reason CDMA is crap compared to GSM. Unlocked phones like some apple and moto and rare samsung are the best solution. Best Buy will have the unlocked snapdragon available in 2 weeks for $725/$825
---------- Post added at 07:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 AM ----------
You dont need regular calls? You are going LTE only and hoping you dont miss any calls? If you are using hangouts for calls and don't need cellular phone calls then go get one. Ebay, amazon, they have them for sale, forget warranty unless you want a huge hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand everything. I was wondering who has done it in the past. Everyone in my company with the latest update from Verizon has seen their CDMA coverage disappear. Where they once had CDMA service, they now have none. Verizon seem to really be pushing the VoLTE. I've had phones where i have disabled all non 4g bands, because i didn't like it switching, and it actually worked better for me. The main reason i ask is because the international version has root and TWRP. Hopefully the US version will get root, but i don't think we'll every get an unlocked bootloader. The verizon version is already sim unlocked, so i'm not looking for more sim unlocked phones that don't have root.
jonno95 said:
I understand everything. I was wondering who has done it in the past. Everyone in my company with the latest update from Verizon has seen their CDMA coverage disappear. Where they once had CDMA service, they now have none. Verizon seem to really be pushing the VoLTE. I've had phones where i have disabled all non 4g bands, because i didn't like it switching, and it actually worked better for me. The main reason i ask is because the international version has root and TWRP. Hopefully the US version will get root, but i don't think we'll every get an unlocked bootloader. The verizon version is already sim unlocked, so i'm not looking for more sim unlocked phones that don't have root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I undersrand now. Go exynos based on what you just mentioned
954wrecker said:
I undersrand now. Go exynos based on what you just mentioned
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help and concern. haha, i still don't want to be the first. I'm going to see what happens here before i get too serious about getting it. The risk in waiting is that the current unlocked bootloader method for the exynos may get patched. idk
Someone Local to me is selling a note 8. It's supposed to be unlocked. Will it work on Sprint or no?
powerstroke said:
Someone Local to me is selling a note 8. It's supposed to be unlocked. Will it work on Sprint or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I'd buy,I'd visit T-Mobile with the seller & phone in-hand,to ensure the phone is free & clear of any financial obligations.
Otherwise,you risk the possibility of it being blacklisted if any remaining balances are unpaid.
Not sure about compatibility,but,if the T-Mobile S8+ is any indication,it's only compatible with LTE,probably won't get voice/calls:
https://willmyphonework.net/
Regardless,with it being a new phone,you're in uncharted territory,no one can know for sure at this point,less a visit to Sprint & the mentioned visit to T-Mobile.
powerstroke said:
Someone Local to me is selling a note 8. It's supposed to be unlocked. Will it work on Sprint or no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, probably not. Sprint is very strict with the phones it allows under it's BYOD program, it'll only allow activation of Sprint and Unlocked models. It knows when phones are carrier versions as Samsung provides Sprint with the IMEIs of the Sprint and Unlocked models.
Sprint is the only major carrier that still uses a database whitelist for phones that can be activated on their network. Bit of a **** policy, but there's not much you can do about it.
Source: Just tried the same thing with my T-Mobile S8+. Even when I flashed the unlocked firmware on it(something you'd need to do anyway to enable the CDMA radio on the Note8, T-Mobile firmware has it disabled), still wouldn't work. Found out it was because of Sprint's stupid policy.
Just wanted to chime in on this in the hopes that no one wastes their time and money trying to activate AT&T/T-Mobile branded Note 8's with Sprint.
Flashed my AT&T device with unlocked firmware to enable CDMA features (MEID HEX/DEC)
Bought a Sprint BYOD SIM
Gave Sprint technicians device information in an attempt to add it to their inventory (HEC/DEX)
They kept getting random incompatibility errors, kind of silly given all US Note 8's have identical hardware.
Case closed, looking for a Sprint or Samsung official unlocked device now..