I live in the US and the phone works - but it's a Snapdragon, not an Exynos ( so ... better?) and I'm not really sure what to think now that I see the hardware model of it.
The only noticeable differences I could find are that handwriting defaulted to Chinese and the Chinese calendar seems burned into the Samsung Calendar app.
Anything I should look out for? Should I pursue a return through Amazon?
Samsung pay?
Try hard reset then immediately sideloading Samsung Pay 2.7.03 (apk from apkmirror) and Framework 2.7.51 see if spay will work.
If you have problems with language options in general, you can factory reset and set up your languages defaults from the very beginning (on the very first page, you will have a language selector, possibly showing Korean as a default choice, type the Korean writing and choose your favorite localization; this happens on any model by Samsung). This is highly recommended if you do not trust the vendor.
As far as I can tell, the main limitation of N9500 is localization of hardware-secured features: if you plan to use the (awesome) Samsung Pay, apparently you can do so only in Hong Kong so far (with N9500). As I understand, Samsung uses/experiments a more advanced system in Hong Kong, which you will not be able to use elsewhere. I have a N9500 and I want to try to spoof the model number in build.prop to see if one can cheat the phone to have Samsung Pay work everywhere.
Snapdragon vs Exynos is a mixed bag, depending on your workload. Exynos performs slightly better, Snapdragon will offer a faster web experience. In my opinion, no noticeable difference at all. However if you:
-Have a 64GB model
-Have a write heavy workload (quite rare, for instance you do some video-editing on phone or backup GB of data TO the phone every day)
exynos will perform noticeably better in these tasks since Samsung uses different NAND on the two models. For reading workload, again the difference is not noticeable.
Also, my guess is that you got N9500 for a better price: these are usually imported models from Hong Kong or UAE, with no official support. Importers likely got a much better price than the local Samsung offer, or maybe they avoided some import taxes via shady practices. If you paid the same as the official listing in your country, you may want to ask for a replacement regardless of the hardware.
---------- Post added at 09:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:23 AM ----------
Just to clear out, in the message before I meant that both the conditions (64GB AND write heavy) need to be satisfied to have an Exynos preference.
I haven't run into any actual problems yet (4 hours of use?) and I'm trying to avoid any modifications while I decide how to handle this... The whole thing seems shady, there's a promotional coupon stuck over the model number on the box. I feel like it was done intentionally for some reason.
delugeofspam said:
I haven't run into any actual problems yet (4 hours of use?) and I'm trying to avoid any modifications while I decide how to handle this... The whole thing seems shady, there's a promotional coupon stuck over the model number on the box. I feel like it was done intentionally for some reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you were sold a model different than the listing description and you are worried/not happy about it, get your money back and make sure you don't lose even a penny (teaching seller a lesson in the process since a lot of this purposeful shadiness seems to be happening even when seller knows).
Don't be upset. You might have gotten the only Snapdragon variant with an unlockable bootloader out the box. If you don't mind double checking this, go to developer options and see if there's an OEM unlocking toggle. Then download Crom and run it, it should unlock your bootloader.
Paradoxumical said:
Don't be upset. You might have gotten the only Snapdragon variant with an unlockable bootloader out the box. If you don't mind double checking this, go to developer options and see if there's an OEM unlocking toggle. Then download Crom and run it, it should unlock your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, no such luck.
delugeofspam said:
Unfortunately, no such luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Damn, Samsung is seriously tightening things up, the HK and CN variants used to the only Snadragon models that came with an official bootloader unlock tool/method.
Paradoxumical said:
Really? Damn, Samsung is really tightening things up, the HK and CN variants used to the only Samsung models that came with an official bootloader unlock tool/method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't people have to wait exactly a week after activation for that option to show up or something like that?
evangelionpunk said:
Didn't people have to wait exactly a week after activation for that option to show up or something like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don’t recall anything of the sort, but don’t hold that against me. My last Samsung device prior to the Note 8 was the S6 (which I despised). The S5 was Samsung’s last great and true user/developer/mod friendly device. Even though the design got a lot of hate, I quite liked it. It went to eight different countries with me, and never gave me grief even though I used it as an underwater camera countless times.
Paradoxumical said:
I don’t recall anything of the sort, but don’t hold that against me. My last Samsung device prior to the Note 8 was the S6 (which I despised). The S5 was Samsung’s last great and true user/developer/mod friendly device. Even though the design got a lot of hate, I quite liked it. It went to eight different countries with me, and never gave me grief even though I used it as an underwater camera countless times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep double checked and there is a 1 week wait post activation for OEM UNLOCK option to appear.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-8-exynos-n950f-fd-oem-unlock-t3673140/page64
Not sure if applies to qualcomm variants too. Doesnt HK/CN by law require OEM UNLOCK? Read something along this line somewhere here.
evangelionpunk said:
Yep double checked and there is a 1 week wait post activation for OEM UNLOCK option to appear.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...-8-exynos-n950f-fd-oem-unlock-t3673140/page64
Not sure if applies to qualcomm variants too. Doesnt HK/CN by law require OEM UNLOCK? Read something along this line somewhere here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey! That’s amazing news for OP. I believe HK/CN does require that by law. I remember when the S7 was released there, it looked so sleek without the Samsung logos.
Paradoxumical said:
Hey! That’s amazing news for OP. I believe HK/CN does require that by law. I remember when the S7 was released there, it looked so sleek without the Samsung logos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep it would be if it applies to Qualcomm variants and if it does it may only apply to HK/CN variants.
Maybe someone that has already had this model for 7+ days can confirm it for him.
The company I purchased it from refuses to advance-replace this with the phone I ordered and seems to expect me to pay to ship it back to them. This is probably going to turn into a dispute with Amazon, so I'm out another $900+ as I have to get into a new phone ASAP, and leave this one with zero wear.
I'm pretty convinced that I want the N950FD/S Aus, Europe & Lat edition of this phone despite living in the U.S. I don't want to suffer heavily locked bootloaders even for a Snapdragon and it seems there is more development for Exynos.
Please, though, tell me I'm wrong and that I should keep this phone that I dumped hours into configuring before catching on to the damn Chinese calendar embedded in the Samsung Calendar app :|
Damn yeah I would return it and get the exynos model you want oem unlock for sure ! I love my deep sea blue 256gb N950N its a work horse things were a pain at first but most the issues have been sorted out and its the best 1200$ i spent.
delugeofspam said:
The company I purchased it from refuses to advance-replace this with the phone I ordered and seems to expect me to pay to ship it back to them. This is probably going to turn into a dispute with Amazon, so I'm out another $900+ as I have to get into a new phone ASAP, and leave this one with zero wear.
I'm pretty convinced that I want the N950FD/S Aus, Europe & Lat edition of this phone despite living in the U.S. I don't want to suffer heavily locked bootloaders even for a Snapdragon and it seems there is more development for Exynos.
Please, though, tell me I'm wrong and that I should keep this phone that I dumped hours into configuring before catching on to the damn Chinese calendar embedded in the Samsung Calendar app :|
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were you, I would keep it. I’m 92% sure TWRP will pop-up for your device in the upcoming weeks. I don’t know if Samsung has released the kernel source yet, but once they do, I’ll be more than happy to compile it for you. I remember the same thing happened with the HK/CN variant of the S7. Holding out a week to see if OEM Unlocking shows up will be worth if it does.
Dont want to start a new thread so hopefully someone can help on here.
I ordered a N950fd but have received a N9500. It's currently sat in dubai waiting for a friend to bring back to UK.
Should i stick with it or get the N950FD instead? I would like to use Samsung pay but it's not a deal breaker as dont use it that much now anyway. Is there anything else i should be worried about?
thanks
So you ordered the Big Mac and got a Cheeseburger...
If you were at Macca's would you complain and want the right order? I know I would...
ultramag69 said:
So you ordered the Big Mac and got a Cheeseburger...
If you were at Macca's would you complain and want the right order? I know I would...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol do you really think there's that much difference?
imy300 said:
Lol do you really think there's that much difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.....
Not only is there a difference, but I want what I ordered...
Related
I have never bought an unlocked phone before, but then again I had never anticipated phones prices becoming so expensive, so I prefer to get the best bang-for-my-buck. Is there a significant performance difference between SnapDragon and Exynos? From some quick research I did, it seems that SnapDragon is slightly better than Exynos in gaming due to its GPU, and Exynos gets better battery performance and a slightly smoother experience all while being an unlocked phone? If it is too much of a hassle to get the Deep sea Blue Exynos Note 8 imported and if there isn't much of a difference I can settle for the SnapDragon one.
I have looked online but find can't any places besides Amazon where I feel safe dishing out $1300 CAD and know its going to be just as good as if I bought it from Samsung (unfortunately amazon doesn't seem to have the blue colour). I get that technically they are a 3rd party seller but their customer service and return policy is so good that it's fine; especially because internationally imported phones seem to have no warranty. I thought about eBay at first, but honestly that's a crap-shoot. Only other possibility was NCIX but I despise them.
would subscribing to a VPN and then loading up the Samsung website in region that has Exynos work?
What makes you think that eBay is a "crap shoot"? Many of us got ours that way.
Kalm_Traveler said:
What makes you think that eBay is a "crap shoot"? Many of us got ours that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I have gotten scammed before and getting your money back is a hassle. Not worth the trouble. Anyway you think it's worth to get the Exynos ?
GreenBirdo said:
Because I have gotten scammed before and getting your money back is a hassle. Not worth the trouble. Anyway you think it's worth to get the Exynos ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the 256gb and Exynos are worth it. If it was only the cpu I might need to think twice.
I bought mine about 3 weeks ago on ebay.It took 2 weeks to get here from the seller.Despite the seller being a U.S. seller. But in all its glory and beauty I got my 256gb deep blue sea brand new in box I was very happy.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
I found one one and I'm tempted to pull the trigger but the more I think on the the more I'm hesitant. Not having warranty on a $1300CAD device is a little disappointing. You guys thinks it's worth?
Got mine on eBay worth it 100%
Yep do it !! Just get a nice case and your golden.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
Alright, you guys talked me into it. Just three quick questions. Are these two websites reputable? https://www.clove.co.uk/ https://www.omegacell.com/ and are the phones new? As in they won't send me old one someone sent back and call it "new" when shipping it to me.
Also it will work on Freedom Mobile, right? I did my research and it seems to work, but just wanted to double check with you more knowledgeable folks here.
Edit: would Bixby also work?
GreenBirdo said:
I found one one and I'm tempted to pull the trigger but the more I think on the the more I'm hesitant. Not having warranty on a $1300CAD device is a little disappointing. You guys thinks it's worth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is definitely a valid concern. My N950N had the lower usb/mic/speaker/antenna circuit board stop working properly after about a week and apparently quite a few of us have run into issues with that same component. The rest of the phone works perfectly, and the boards are $5 to $10 US once they're available so I'm not very concerned but it is a bit frustrating to pay over $1300 and have something break in the first week, when all the US model phones I've had never had a single issue that wasn't entirely my fault.
i can't find any deepbluesea one's on ebay
Kalm_Traveler said:
This is definitely a valid concern. My N950N had the lower usb/mic/speaker/antenna circuit board stop working properly after about a week and apparently quite a few of us have run into issues with that same component. The rest of the phone works perfectly, and the boards are $5 to $10 US once they're available so I'm not very concerned but it is a bit frustrating to pay over $1300 and have something break in the first week, when all the US model phones I've had never had a single issue that wasn't entirely my fault.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn that sucks. There is no way to ship it back to the seller and have them send it in for a fix, no? You just kind of burst my bubble. But I think I'm still going to pull the trigger. I'll wait 1-2 more days before I drop that much money. But if all I'm losing is WiFi-calling and VoLTE, It's a go from me. If I lose Bixby too, then I guess SD it is.
GreenBirdo said:
Damn that sucks. There is no way to ship it back to the seller and have them send it in for a fix, no? You just kind of burst my bubble. But I think I'm still going to pull the trigger. I'll wait 1-2 more days before I drop that much money. But if all I'm losing is WiFi-calling and VoLTE, It's a go from me. If I lose Bixby too, then I guess SD it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might have been able to ship it over there but TWRP + root = Knox 0x1 so they wouldn't warranty repair it anyway, nevermind the down time of being without it for who knows how long with shipping both ways and repair time.
You'll lose wifi calling and VoLTE unless you flash your carrier's CSC and make sure they have those features enabled for the new phone. Bixby still works.
Kalm_Traveler said:
I might have been able to ship it over there but TWRP + root = Knox 0x1 so they wouldn't warranty repair it anyway, nevermind the down time of being without it for who knows how long with shipping both ways and repair time.
You'll lose wifi calling and VoLTE unless you flash your carrier's CSC and make sure they have those features enabled for the new phone. Bixby still works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, I see. Guess the warranty part wouldn't apply to you regardless since you instantly rooted it, lol. VoLTE is okay, but doesn't impact me in anyway. Just seems like better connection/quality. WiFi-calling just seems like more of the same and kind of useless to me personally. Unless I don't understand what it does. But in this day and age we have good enough call quality and pretty much unlimited calling that I don't get the big deal. But to each their own.
GreenBirdo said:
I see, I see. Guess the warranty part wouldn't apply to you regardless since you instantly rooted it, lol. VoLTE is okay, but doesn't impact me in anyway. Just seems like better connection/quality. WiFi-calling just seems like more of the same and kind of useless to me personally. Unless I don't understand what it does. But in this day and age we have good enough call quality and pretty much unlimited calling that I don't get the big deal. But to each their own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VoLTE and Wifi calling are basically the same thing, just that one runs on your LTE connection and one runs over your wifi-to-internet connection. They should in theory provide better voice calls than standard 3g can handle. Wifi calling is also great if you can use it overseas - every time I go to Asia I keep my T-Mobile SIM card around and make calls to home people for free because it's going over the internet instead of through the phone system.
Kalm_Traveler said:
VoLTE and Wifi calling are basically the same thing, just that one runs on your LTE connection and one runs over your wifi-to-internet connection. They should in theory provide better voice calls than standard 3g can handle. Wifi calling is also great if you can use it overseas - every time I go to Asia I keep my T-Mobile SIM card around and make calls to home people for free because it's going over the internet instead of through the phone system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it. You have been amazing! After much deliberation with myself, I went ahead and bought the SD version. Due to the fact that I'm an extremely picky person when I am spending this much money on a product. I need to be 100% sure the product I received had in no way been opened and used, and I'm fairly certain that they power-up the product to see if it's DOA; this irks me. Also the fact that I don't have warranty was too much of a loss for me. If I get the phone and if it ends up breaking or having screen bleeding I can exchange it no problem. I would rather sacrifice a little bit of performance and [email protected] video over peace of mind in the product i'm getting. Plus I managed to get $700 off the phone due to calling my carrier and complaining about the troubles I have with my current phone.
Also thank you for the information about the differences betwen VoLTE and WiFi-calling
Wish you the best. Cheers mate.
This is so weak! First time I bought an unlocked variant Samsung phone and guess what AT&T updated before the phone I bought unlocked directly from Samsung USA. Wtf?
i am mad because i was on ATO 7.1 went onto 8.0 XEF and i waited around 2 weeks, still my f*ckin RMM state is prenormal. I CANT F*CKING UNLOCK OEM. now im back to ATO 7.1 firmware and have to wait MORE TO GET THIS S*ITTY RMM!! cant even downgrade the bootloader.
Cool down, getting so pissed will not solve anything...
Some who received Oreo are complaining about poor battery life, so careful what you wish for.
xbmoyx said:
Some who received Oreo are complaining about poor battery life, so careful what you wish for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I'm not on the beta. I get great battery life on 7.1 and so so on 8.0. I suspect it's because it's the bloated carrier version and not the unlocked. So to answer the OP I say I'm disappointed rather than mad.
Less than 3 weeks and it'll be available. I have Tmobile Note that I flashed unlocked firmware to it. Really it works near perfect...but still I always want the newest. Almost flashed back to carrier firmware but I'll just wait
Nope, not me. Official Oreo has been out for my F but I did not upgrade as soon as it came out. I have flashed Oreo on my phone & played with it a bit but as I knew from seeing all the early Oreo reviews nothing special. I'm back on Nougat now, too many imcompatibilities & things I don't like for now. Hopefully we get 8.1.1 but I don't care if we don't.
It's disappointing, Sprint and Verizon are getting theirs today (3/30/2018), yet Samsung has yet to release theirs for unlocked users.
Soon grasshopper soon.
Just enjoy your Nougat while you can!
It just doesn't make any sense. Why would a carrier bloated firmware be pushed before a non one? We really should not have to wait a year for an operating system, proud. Great job Samsung!
YES.
PS: This would have been a perfect thread for a poll. :good:
Not too long ago on Sammobile.com, an explanation was reported that unlocked devices needed to be tested to work correctly for all networks, while the branded needed only testing for the dedicated carrier...
I don't really buy that story, but I am not 100% sure.
Anyway, I don't expect the pleasure in using my phone will change notably after receipt of Oreo, so I don't really care when it arrives...
whmgreen said:
It just doesn't make any sense. Why would a carrier bloated firmware be pushed before a non one? We really should not have to wait a year for an operating system, proud. Great job Samsung!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because carriers ones have more slave users than unlocked ones. If there is no update on carrier simply the users could change their phones for another brand into their own cellphones plans (contacts). But if you have an unlocked one you can't protest; better do it by your self. I was on 7.1.1 with the August firmware until few days ago when i decided to flash throw Odin and now I'm happy with all oreo stuff and excellent battery life. Also I didn't have OEM stuff so I just flashed the same csc and that's all.
Regards
OnnoJ said:
Not too long ago on Sammobile.com, an explanation was reported that unlocked devices needed to be tested to work correctly for all networks, while the branded needed only testing for the dedicated carrier...
I don't really buy that story, but I am not 100% sure.
Anyway, I don't expect the pleasure in using my phone will change notably after receipt of Oreo, so I don't really care when it arrives...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you're on the right track...I read that they need to approve it or something along those lines too. People think unlocked firmware gets updated first, but in reality it basically gets updated towards the end, if not last.
sefrcoko said:
Yes you're on the right track...I read that they need to approve it or something along those lines too. People think unlocked firmware gets updated first, but in reality it basically gets updated towards the end, if not last.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But that isn't historically accurate. I believe what has changed is that now Samsung has made their US unlocked phones compatible with all Networks firmware and bloat. Where as before the unlocked phones from years prior were not. I think I am beginning to understand now. Thanks!
whmgreen said:
But that isn't historically accurate. I believe what has changed is that now Samsung has made their US unlocked phones compatible with all Networks firmware and bloat. Where as before the unlocked phones from years prior were not. I think I am beginning to understand now. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah that makes more sense... Thank you
Real incentive to buy Samsung's flagship model directly from Samsung unlocked and the go straight to the back of the queue for updates and receive them 6 months later.
I certainly won't be doing that again.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
;76079965 said:
Real incentive to buy Samsung's flagship model directly from Samsung unlocked and the go straight to the back of the queue for updates and receive them 6 months later.
I certainly won't be doing that again.
Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming project treble is part of future Notes, it may not really be a problem after the Note 8.
I'm pretty sure the carriers had something to do with the delay. My first unlocked device , and I am not alone. I think alot of folks went unlocked this time around , and the carriers don't like that. Although I am curious for Oreo , my note runs great now, so in a way I couldn't care less if they released it. Just that techy part of me that wants the latest and greatest.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
I put the zip on the root of SD. How do I avoid the factory reset?
Anyone?
10pmStalker said:
Anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly are you flashing? Are you doing it in TWRP, or stock recovery? People really need to be more specific when they're opening these threads, I see one question that they ask and then I have to reply with multiple questions just to know what they're on about.
Does your update zip contain the CSC? If so, I know that flashing firmware through Odin, there are two CSC files, one called CSC and one called CSC home, or something to that effect, one wipes your phone, the other doesn't.
That's about all I can think of, you really need to give more details.
beta546 said:
What exactly are you flashing? Are you doing it in TWRP, or stock recovery? People really need to be more specific when they're opening these threads, I see one question that they ask and then I have to reply with multiple questions just to know what they're on about.
Does your update zip contain the CSC? If so, I know that flashing firmware through Odin, there are two CSC files, one called CSC and one called CSC home, or something to that effect, one wipes your phone, the other doesn't.
That's about all I can think of, you really need to give more details.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean you can side load an update zip in stock recovery.
If it's an update zip as in a manually installed ota it does have an csc..
Also op is likely an att or Sprint user so wiping when manually flashing is a fact of life.
---------- Post added at 02:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:36 PM ----------
10pmStalker said:
I put the zip on the root of SD. How do I avoid the factory reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on Sprint or ATT then no, manually flashing an OTA will always wipe your device.
pcriz said:
I mean you can side load an update zip in stock recovery.
If it's an update zip as in a manually installed ota it does have an csc..
Also op is likely an att or Sprint user so wiping when manually flashing is a fact of life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah okay, seems like an awful pain for anyone that has that device, I assume it's a firmware that's branded by them as well so waiting for official OTAs would take even longer.
beta546 said:
Ah okay, seems like an awful pain for anyone that has that device, I assume it's a firmware that's branded by them as well so waiting for official OTAs would take even longer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really. In the states sometimes non carrier branded software takes longer, some times it comes first. It just depends.
The user is likely loading leaked OTA updates from att which means it's not an official release. Just hopping the line a little.
pcriz said:
Not really. In the states sometimes non carrier branded software takes longer, some times it comes first. It just depends.
The user is likely loading leaked OTA updates from att which means it's not an official release. Just hopping the line a little.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that's a surprise actually, here in the UK the carrier branded can sometimes take months longer, but how do the carriers release new versions even before Samsung pushes them? Do the carriers over there build there own firmware themselves rather than just taking what Samsung releases and adding all their crap to it?
beta546 said:
Oh, that's a surprise actually, here in the UK the carrier branded can sometimes take months longer, but how do the carriers release new versions even before Samsung pushes them? Do the carriers over there build there own firmware themselves rather than just taking what Samsung releases and adding all their crap to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung builds all of the software builds and carriers test them when they get them but carriers take priority I am assuming because users on carrier plans using carrier branded phones fall in the 90 percentile of cell phone subscribers.
Now I am just making that number up but our market only recently started being a little more diverse when it comes to unlocked options.
It's the difference in paying 800 bucks up front and paying 200 to subsidize and stay on a contract you were probably keeping anyways.
pcriz said:
Samsung builds all of the software builds and carriers test them when they get them but carriers take priority I am assuming because users on carrier plans using carrier branded phones fall in the 90 percentile of cell phone subscribers.
Now I am just making that number up but our market only recently started being a little more diverse when it comes to unlocked options.
It's the difference in paying 800 bucks up front and paying 200 to subsidize and stay on a contract you were probably keeping anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah right, well that's interesting. And yeah mobile contracts are the main method of acquiring devices here too, but I chose not to upgrade my plan this time and went on SIM only contract with 20gb data, then I used PayPal credit to buy the note 9 from Switzerland with no VAT, which works out significantly cheaper than the £70 + per month to get the phone on contract with any service provider here, that's without paying several hundred pounds up front for the device.
beta546 said:
Ah right, well that's interesting. And yeah mobile contracts are the main method of acquiring devices here too, but I chose not to upgrade my plan this time and went on SIM only contract with 20gb data, then I used PayPal credit to buy the note 9 from Switzerland with no VAT, which works out significantly cheaper than the £70 + per month to get the phone on contract with any service provider here, that's without paying several hundred pounds up front for the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my almost five years on T-Mobile this is the second time I've done a phone through them. Usually I sell my last and buy the new one out right.
This year they offered my half off in payments over 24 months. So I went for it. I certainly don't like the feeling of a contract but ultimately it works out better price wise but I usually push people to pay as you go alternatives and ysed phones from swappa if they aren't addicted to the "New Big Thing" like me.
I did just read an article from last year that said about 12% of the mobile phones in the US are carrier unlocked.
Now it's making more sense though since we moved away from subsidized and now we lease for the full price like you all over the pond. I think I will try very hard to keep this one for two years though. The prices are just too high. That or grabbing last years model pixel since at this point battery and camera are my big must haves. Ya know if Samsung keeps climbing in price.
pcriz said:
In my almost five years on T-Mobile this is the second time I've done a phone through them. Usually I sell my last and buy the new one out right.
This year they offered my half off in payments over 24 months. So I went for it. I certainly don't like the feeling of a contract but ultimately it works out better price wise but I usually push people to pay as you go alternatives and ysed phones from swappa if they aren't addicted to the "New Big Thing" like me.
I did just read an article from last year that said about 12% of the mobile phones in the US are carrier unlocked.
Now it's making more sense though since we moved away from subsidized and now we lease for the full price like you all over the pond. I think I will try very hard to keep this one for two years though. The prices are just too high. That or grabbing last years model pixel since at this point battery and camera are my big must haves. Ya know if Samsung keeps climbing in price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I've always had phones from the carriers over here, it's always been the best and cheapest option, maybe not cheapest in total, but cheapest on a month by month basis.
But since I discovered PayPal offer credit now, being able to buy anything off eBay and pay in monthly instalments, just worked out much cheaper for me,
I saved 180 on the retail price here, and although I will end up paying some interest, over the time I've paid it off, it is still miles better than £70 a month, and I got 4 months interest free as well which will help in paying a big chunk of it before interest kicks in.
And yeah phones are getting way more expensive these days, they're beginning to sky rocket, the note 9 is the most expensive thing I've ever bought in my life haha. I certainly won't be doing it again for at least a few years, with the hardware we've got it will be at least a couple years before it starts to really fall behind, although saying that, smartphone technology is coming along faster than ever.
Think what we have now, it was only 20 years ago that the Nokia 5110 was the top end of the phone market haha. Now we're looking at foldable screens and such in the near future.
---------- Post added at 04:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:55 PM ----------
Just realised we've completely hijacked this thread ?
beta546 said:
Yeah I've always had phones from the carriers over here, it's always been the best and cheapest option, maybe not cheapest in total, but cheapest on a month by month basis.
But since I discovered PayPal offer credit now, being able to buy anything off eBay and pay in monthly instalments, just worked out much cheaper for me,
I saved 180 on the retail price here, and although I will end up paying some interest, over the time I've paid it off, it is still miles better than £70 a month, and I got 4 months interest free as well which will help in paying a big chunk of it before interest kicks in.
And yeah phones are getting way more expensive these days, they're beginning to sky rocket, the note 9 is the most expensive thing I've ever bought in my life haha. I certainly won't be doing it again for at least a few years, with the hardware we've got it will be at least a couple years before it starts to really fall behind, although saying that, smartphone technology is coming along faster than ever.
Think what we have now, it was only 20 years ago that the Nokia 5110 was the top end of the phone market haha. Now we're looking at foldable screens and such in the near future.
---------- Post added at 04:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:55 PM ----------
Just realised we've completely hijacked this thread ?
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Yeah the guilt each year gets higher for me especially paying full price a lot of the time.
You're right though we did hijack. Good convo but sorry op
Our bad
pcriz said:
Yeah the guilt each year gets higher for me especially paying full price a lot of the time.
You're right though we did hijack. Good convo but sorry op
Our bad
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Yeah I've been quiet good for a long time now and stuck with more mid range phones, but on seeing the note 9 I just needed it, for reasons haha. It didn't help seeing it being advertised on TV every 5 minutes, so if you asked me, it's Samsung's fault.
And yeah, good chat, and I think we partially answered his question at least haha.
pcriz said:
I mean you can side load an update zip in stock recovery.
If it's an update zip as in a manually installed ota it does have an csc..
Also op is likely an att or Sprint user so wiping when manually flashing is a fact of life.
---------- Post added at 02:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:36 PM ----------
If you are on Sprint or ATT then no, manually flashing an OTA will always wipe your device.
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That's the first explanation that makes sense. I haven't heard that before. I'm on AT&T. Guess I have to live with it. Not a huge deal as I back everything up but it's a bit of a hassle changing all the setting back.
I use https://samsung.firmware.science for any new firmware that comes out.
10pmStalker said:
That's the first explanation that makes sense. I haven't heard that before. I'm on AT&T. Guess I have to live with it. Not a huge deal as I back everything up but it's a bit of a hassle changing all the setting back.
I use https://samsung.firmware.science for any new firmware that comes out.
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Yes this phone has a hell of a lot of settings compared to any I've had before. Out of curiosity, have you never tried Google's device settings backup option? I never have, and I've always wondered if it did a good job of it.
beta546 said:
Yes this phone has a hell of a lot of settings compared to any I've had before. Out of curiosity, have you never tried Google's device settings backup option? I never have, and I've always wondered if it did a good job of it.
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I haven't heard of Google device settings backup. I'll check it out now, thanks.
10pmStalker said:
I haven't heard of Google device settings backup. I'll check it out now, thanks.
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Yeah go to accounts, then backup and restore, then press Google account and you'll get this screen, I've never tried it, but as you've no choice but to wipe when updating, there's no harm you giving it a go, if you do, I wouldn't mind knowing the outcome, it may only backup certain settings, but if it does all of them, that would be great.
beta546 said:
Yeah go to accounts, then backup and restore, then press Google account and you'll get this screen, I've never tried it, but as you've no choice but to wipe when updating, there's no harm you giving it a go, if you do, I wouldn't mind knowing the outcome, it may only backup certain settings, but if it goes all of them, that would be great.
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I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. Got it all backed up. Might be a bit before October update shows up but I'll come back and update you
10pmStalker said:
I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. Got it all backed up. Might be a bit before October update shows up but I'll come back and update you
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Cool thanks mate. I'd appreciate it.
beta546 said:
Cool thanks mate. I'd appreciate it.
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Updated October security patch. Google didn't restore anything. Unless I'm doing something wrong. Not too sure
Hi guys
The preorder is up early morning itself. Place my pre-order for S21 Ultra Phantom Navy (Custom Color) from Samsung Online. Noticed the special note that it will take 3-4 weeks for getting it ready. I hope they deliver sooner than 3-4 weeks.
Whats your choice guys? Model-Color etc.
Thanks.
Anyone from Australia got their phone yet?
Ordered mine on the 21st and in my hand on the 25th January (Vodafone).
Upgraded from an S9+ and very happy (so far).
raggamuffin said:
Ordered mine on the 21st and in my hand on the 25th January (Vodafone).
Upgraded from an S9+ and very happy (so far).
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How is it? It says Dual SIM on the website. Is it Dual Physical SIM or SIM + eSIM?
venki5star said:
How is it? It says Dual SIM on the website. Is it Dual Physical SIM or SIM + eSIM?
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My Phantom Silver 512GB model is single SIM. Was given an option to use eSIM but stayed with the physical SIM I had in my S9+.
Coming from the S9+ it's taken a while to retrain my brain to use the in-screen fingerprint scanner.
Other than that; the only annoying bug is the occasional switching back to the One UI 3.1 launcher (from Nova Prime).
Other than that, I'm very happy so far. I do miss having the option to use sdcard expansion. Transferred 3,500 odd photos and 5,000 odd MP3s from the S9 to the S21 and still have 75% free.
I tend to take far more still images than video so the physical storage limitation shouldn't cause me any issues but time will tell.
raggamuffin said:
My Phantom Silver 512GB model is single SIM. Was given an option to use eSIM but stayed with the physical SIM I had in my S9+.
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Thanks for clarifying
raggamuffin said:
Coming from the S9+ it's taken a while to retrain my brain to use the in-screen fingerprint scanner.
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You will be ok within a week.
raggamuffin said:
Other than that, I'm very happy so far. I do miss having the option to use sdcard expansion. Transferred 3,500 odd photos and 5,000 odd MP3s from the S9 to the S21 and still have 75% free.
I tend to take far more still images than video so the physical storage limitation shouldn't cause me any issues but time will tell.
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Never been a problem. Always in cloud. I stopped using MP3s long time ago.
Got update that my Phantom Navy Ultra is shipped. Should be getting tomorrow
raggamuffin said:
My Phantom Silver 512GB model is single SIM. Was given an option to use eSIM but stayed with the physical SIM I had in my S9+.
Coming from the S9+ it's taken a while to retrain my brain to use the in-screen fingerprint scanner.
Other than that; the only annoying bug is the occasional switching back to the One UI 3.1 launcher (from Nova Prime).
Other than that, I'm very happy so far. I do miss having the option to use sdcard expansion. Transferred 3,500 odd photos and 5,000 odd MP3s from the S9 to the S21 and still have 75% free.
I tend to take far more still images than video so the physical storage limitation shouldn't cause me any issues but time will tell.
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I'm moving from Exynos S9+ too. How's battery life and general camera quality for you in comparison?
Got my phone today morning. All setup done. Loving the camera details...
Curious to know if any other aussies have received the Feb update ? I'm still stuck on jan1....
Quazza said:
Curious to know if any other aussies have received the Feb update ? I'm still stuck on jan1....
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No update yet. Based on my experience, Australia is the last country to get any update from Samsung
Finally for the Feb update .....HUZZAH
Got it last night.
Meanwhile, March has started rolling out in some countries.
I've been refreshing Sammobile and Frija the last couple of days hoping that they'll push it out. Nothing yet
Quazza said:
Finally for the Feb update .....HUZZAH
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Interestingly! I posted a rant on Samsung Australia Twitter account that morning
venki5star said:
rant on Samsung Australia Twitter account
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Why? I still find it really baffling that people blame Samsung for the delays. It's the carriers that hold the updates until they've completed testing. It's been that way for as long as there have been galaxy phones. Ranting makes 0 difference, if you want to make a change, don't buy the product, hit Samsung where it actually hurts so they can push carriers to fall in line to an update cycle like apple.
jigna said:
Why? I still find it really baffling that people blame Samsung for the delays. It's the carriers that hold the updates until they've completed testing. It's been that way for as long as there have been galaxy phones. Ranting makes 0 difference, if you want to make a change, don't buy the product, hit Samsung where it actually hurts so they can push carriers to fall in line to an update cycle like apple.
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Not everyone buys from carrier. I have Tab S7+ LTE & S21 Ultra bought outright from Samsung online. I don't buy from carriers for the reason you explained above. Samsung completely ignores centain countries in their release cycle.
I want to mention that, both Tab and Mobile got update on the same day after the morning rant. Could be coincidence but I posted my thought to them.
Why I have switch when I am completely ok with Android phones? If I switch, I am one in millions. For Samsung, its nothing. Because I bought Samsung, I didn't sell my soul to them and why I to be quite. If Apple can do it, Google can do it, Samsung can also do it.
venki5star said:
Not everyone buys from carrier. I have Tab S7+ LTE & S21 Ultra bought outright from Samsung online. I don't buy from carriers for the reason you explained above. Samsung completely ignores centain countries in their release cycle.
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You don't understand how it works in Australia then. Regardless of where you bought your phone (samsung, voda, telstra, optus) the carriers test the firmware before it's released <== process takes weeks.
venki5star said:
Could be coincidence but I posted my thought to them.
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100% coincidence. 100% those types of comments (your rant) have no impact on their process
venki5star said:
If Apple can do it, Google can do it, Samsung can also do it.
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Exactly. But Samsung has no vested interest in doing it when it doesn't impact them selling phones. You just said it, it doesn't stop you from buying the phone, despite you knowing that Australia releases later in the month. If people want a company to change, the most effective way is through $$$ <== don't buy their products so they know things need to change.
I'll also flag that Australia DOES get regular updates out in a timely manner i.e. it's the generally the same time each month. The issue for 'techie' people is that they know it's released in other parts of the world weeks earlier, then get annoyed about it.
If you're bothered by it, use Frija and Odin to flash the latest update manually, it's an easy process and ensures you're on the latest firmware.
jigna said:
You don't understand how it works in Australia then. Regardless of where you bought your phone (samsung, voda, telstra, optus) the carriers test the firmware before it's released <== process takes weeks.
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Actually you don't understand how it works. All your theory is only true for carrier customised and sold phones. Rest has no relationship. If you look at CSC of unlocked Australia, it different than what sold by Telstra, Optus, etc. Please do some research before you talk about it.
venki5star said:
All your theory is only true for carrier customised and sold phones
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Click to collapse
Nope. None of the builds are even touched anymore since multi-csc came into play. But Aussie carriers (as in the wholesalers of the networks not the badge/csc of phone) won't allow the firmware to be pushed until they've ALL tested it. That INCLUDES XSA.
EDIT: changed wording to clarify badge/csc not brand of phone
venki5star said:
Please do some research before you talk about it.
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It's pretty amusing how wrong you are, but given how defensive you're getting, I'll drop it. If you think your ranting and annoyance has any impact, go for it - you keep fighting the fight.
Hello all,
I've got myself S20 FE 5G Chinese variant (7810, CHC, seems to be reflashed to TGY in some shady store where I got it), and Google Pay can be set up, cards can be added but each time when I try to pay with it in stores - POS does not accept the payment and Google Pay says "That didn't work" or "Try again" and it never works. SafetyNet passes, system is updated, bootloader seems to be locked (at least there's no notifications on boot about unlocked one) so I don't know what else should I try to fix it.
Maybe someone can give me some advices on resolution of this issue? Thank you very much!
return it
3mel said:
return it
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I will try, but since this store is pretty weird (it's like unofficial one where stuff is really cheaper than in official ones because it got imported from another region) I'm not sure they'll accept it so I'm trying to figure out what to do if they won't accept it back
kingracer said:
I will try, but since this store is pretty weird (it's like unofficial one where stuff is really cheaper than in official ones because it got imported from another region) I'm not sure they'll accept it so I'm trying to figure out what to do if they won't accept it back
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Click to collapse
if you paid by credit card or PayPal complain to them that the item is misleadingly or deceptively sold and isn't fit for purpose.
forget about trying to fix and live with it until you've utterly exhausted all approaches for getting your money back.
you'll be a long time stuck with a lemon and the clock is ticking on you being able to change your mind.