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Hi,
I want to buy international model of Samsung Note 8. Also, can anyone share like the cheapest deal for Note 8's international version. ebay or anything works with me as long as the source is reliable.
zaidbaby said:
Hi,
I want to buy international model of Samsung Note 8. Also, can anyone share like the cheapest deal for Note 8's international version. ebay or anything works with me as long as the source is reliable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
N950F = International Version (EXYNOS)
N950U = US Version (SNAPDRAGON)
N950N = Korean Version (EXYNOS) 256GB
I do not reccomend buying from eBay unless its overseas. Lots of easy scams with eBay and Mobile phones
Mr.Ash.Man said:
N950F = International Version (EXYNOS)
N950U = US Version (SNAPDRAGON)
N950K = Korean Version (EXYNOS) 256GB
I do not reccomend buying from eBay unless its overseas. Lots of easy scams with eBay and Mobile phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no N950K, like the US variants, all the Korean variants were unified into one SKU, which is the SM-N950N.
zaidbaby said:
Hi,
I want to buy international model of Samsung Note 8. Also, can anyone share like the cheapest deal for Note 8's international version. ebay or anything works with me as long as the source is reliable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-N950F (Exynos Single SIM)
SM-N950F/DS (Exynos Dual SIM)
SM-N950N (South Korean carrier variant, Exynos)
SM-N950U (US Snapdragon 835 Single SIM variant, Locked Bootloader)
SM-N950W (Canadian Snapdragon 835 Single SIM, Locked Bootloader)
SM-N9500 (Chinese Snapdragon 835 Dual SIM, Unlocked Bootloader)
Preferably get either of the first two, they're unlocked and it doesn't really matter whether you get the Dual SIM or not since the software updates and all are the same.
murtaza02 said:
There is no N950K, like the US variants, all the Korean variants were unified into one SKU, which is the SM-N950N.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep my bad I meant N950N
Fixed
murtaza02 said:
SM-N950F (Exynos Single SIM)
SM-N950F/DS (Exynos Dual SIM)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that explains it with the SM-N950F/DS I have, which is the variant sold here in Singapore. I'd be willing to bet the SM-N950F has a different SIM tray.
Besides looking at the label on the bottom of the box, another way to identify the SM-N950F/DS variant is the presence of the Samsung "DUOS" logo on the top of the left side of the box, where the carrier logo would be on a carrier variant.
Additionally, Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note8 sold in Singapore have an extra Samsung Singapore support sticker on the top of the inner lid of the box, and as with past Galaxy phones sold in the same country, there's an extra brochure (separated from the documentation) highlighting some features (some of them specific to here) like Smart Switch, Samsung Pay, Samsung Concierge, and Smart Academy.
kbhasi said:
Ah, that explains it with the SM-N950F/DS I have, which is the variant sold here in Singapore. I'd be willing to bet the SM-N950F has a different SIM tray.
Besides looking at the label on the bottom of the box, another way to identify the SM-N950F/DS variant is the presence of the Samsung "DUOS" logo on the top of the left side of the box, where the carrier logo would be on a carrier variant.
Additionally, Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, and Note8 sold in Singapore have an extra Samsung Singapore support sticker on the top of the inner lid of the box, and as with past Galaxy phones sold in the same country, there's an extra brochure (separated from the documentation) highlighting some features (some of them specific to here) like Smart Switch, Samsung Pay, Samsung Concierge, and Smart Academy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It probably does, and yes the stuff you mentioned in the spoiler is exactly the same as my Note 8 which is a Singapore import as well. I too have the extra Samsung support sticker, Samsung Pay info and extra brochures inside the box.
murtaza02 said:
It probably does, and yes the stuff you mentioned in the spoiler is exactly the same as my Note 8 which is a Singapore import as well. I too have the extra Samsung support sticker, Samsung Pay info and extra brochures inside the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except, I do actually live in Singapore*, where it has a recommended retail price of S$1398, and it seems to be more expensive in Australia.
*I'm currently on holiday with some relatives in Perth, that's why I bothered to research the Australian retail price.
Oh yeah! I just remembered, Samsung Pay appears to be region/country specific. I'm not sure if there'll be a way to sideload a different country version without rooting, or if the user would have to use Android Pay instead. At least, after finding out while browsing the "My Apps" list in Galaxy Apps, I now have a second reason why I bought mine in my home country (besides the price difference).
I can post a screenshot of what I mean here, or you can watch this video I just uploaded, where you can also see my particular unit I just mentioned:
Oh, and if you want to see them, more photos I posted on Instagram, and I have even more photos of mine.
kbhasi said:
Except, I do actually live in Singapore*, where it has a recommended retail price of S$1398, and it seems to be more expensive in Australia.
*I'm currently on holiday with some relatives in Perth, that's why I bothered to research the Australian retail price.
Oh yeah! I just remembered, Samsung Pay appears to be region/country specific. I'm not sure if there'll be a way to sideload a different country version without rooting, or if the user would have to use Android Pay instead. At least, after finding out while browsing the "My Apps" list in Galaxy Apps, I now have a second reason why I bought mine in my home country (besides the price difference).
I can post a screenshot of what I mean here, or you can watch this video I just uploaded, where you can also see my particular unit I just mentioned:
Oh, and if you want to see them, more photos I posted on Instagram, and I have even more photos of mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Pay will activate in your country when you activate the phone with a SIM card from that country, doesn't matter where you bought it.
Singapore's default CSC is XSP, activating the phone with a Singaporean SIM card will activate XSP on the phone and you'll be able to use Samsung Pay in Singapore.
Suppose you take the phone to Australia cause you've moved there. Reset it, activate it with an Australian SIM card. Origin CSC stays as XSP, active CSC however becomes XSA or any other Australian CSC and Samsung Pay will work there too.
Keep in mind this only applies to international model phones (N950F), and not the other variants.
The issue with the Korean Note FEs was that they were all South Korean carrier phones which meant they could only be used there for Samsung Pay and nowhere else.
murtaza02 said:
Samsung Pay will activate in your country when you activate the phone with a SIM card from that country, doesn't matter where you bought it.
Singapore's default CSC is XSP, activating the phone with a Singaporean SIM card will activate XSP on the phone and you'll be able to use Samsung Pay in Singapore.
Suppose you take the phone to Australia cause you've moved there. Reset it, activate it with an Australian SIM card. Origin CSC stays as XSP, active CSC however becomes XSA or any other Australian CSC and Samsung Pay will work there too.
Keep in mind this only applies to international model phones (N950F), and not the other variants.
The issue with the Korean Note FEs was that they were all South Korean carrier phones which meant they could only be used there for Samsung Pay and nowhere else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I get it now. I'll go update the description of my video.
The thing is, I saw these packages in Galaxy Apps:
(It disappeared, but I remember it being there when I made the video yesterday)
Oh yeah, and a small side effect for me that can be ignored: I bought my Note8 from someone else, who got it from Singtel, and when I set it up for the first time, I didn't have my SIM card installed, which had it set the CSC to XSP, and install that carrier's bloatware. (I did it like this first because I wanted to try some stuff that I couldn't try on the retail demo unit, theming being one of them) I did a reset, and put in my M1 SIM card. This time, only "My Singtel" app installed, and I could disable that and "Singtel Apps" packages in the Apps section in Settings.
I did, however, find out a way to view the active CSC, which I remembered not being able to do on my Note3 a few years ago.
Hey guys, might be a stupid question, but I wanted to ask this, is the N950F/DS the same (or another name actually) as the N950FD ?
DeejayTelis said:
Hey guys, might be a stupid question, but I wanted to ask this, is the N950F/DS the same (or another name actually) as the N950FD ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Technically there is no N950FD but most retailers have the dual SIM variant listed as such. That and the N950F/DS are exactly the same.
murtaza02 said:
Yes. Technically there is no N950FD but most retailers have the dual SIM variant listed as such. That and the N950F/DS are exactly the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happy new year! And thank you very much!
I've recently received my note 8, and I've been meaning to install the ironman rom + kernel + twrp, so i wanted to know if it would be possible. Thanks again!
DeejayTelis said:
Happy new year! And thank you very much!
I've recently received my note 8, and I've been meaning to install the ironman rom + kernel + twrp, so i wanted to know if it would be possible. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's a N950F or the DS variant, it is possible.
Happy new year to you too.
Cheers
Can I use the International the N950f in the US ??
Thank You.
Mr.Ash.Man said:
N950F = International Version (EXYNOS)
N950U = US Version (SNAPDRAGON)
N950N = Korean Version (EXYNOS) 256GB
I do not reccomend buying from eBay unless its overseas. Lots of easy scams with eBay and Mobile phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mr. Ash Man thanks for the info on the Note 8 variants !!!
I really appreciate XDA Developers, the limitless amount of legitimate information that is given freely on XDA is truly astonishing.
XDA is my go to place for all things Android.
Hmmmmmm
Mr.Ash.Man said:
N950F = International Version (EXYNOS)
N950U = US Version (SNAPDRAGON)
N950N = Korean Version (EXYNOS) 256GB
I do not reccomend buying from eBay unless its overseas. Lots of easy scams with eBay and Mobile phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't understand Samsung's choices sometimes, at time I feel totally mind boggled by some of the decisions that Samsung makes, like putting Tizen on Gear smartwatches & making it incompatible with Android Wear, why not make Gear line of run on both Android's os & Samsung's Tizen os just like our Notes & S line phones do, if they couldn't put both operating systems on the devices then why not make a line that runs Android os & a line that runs Tizen os, the same frustration with Samsung when they short the US customers with base variant phones that only come with 64gb of rom, we do always get blessed with the flagship snapdragon processor chip, I definitely appreciate Samsung for that b/c the Snapdragon processors are always better, what I don't understand is why bless the states with Snapdragons flagship processor chips but then turn around & short us by only releasing base version variants that only come with 64gb, bless us with the best processors & cut us off at the knees by only releasing a base model with 64gb of rom while Samsung releases variants with 64gb rom & 128gb rom & 256gb rom.
I WANT the 256gb version, I always go for the variant that has the largest screen size & the most memory.
Samsung should release all variants in every country, it shouldn't be a problem for anyone in any country to go to Samsung's global site or our country's site & order whatever device we want with whatever variant that we want.
---------- Post added at 08:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 AM ----------
Mr.Ash.Man said:
N950F = International Version (EXYNOS)
N950U = US Version (SNAPDRAGON)
N950N = Korean Version (EXYNOS) 256GB
I do not reccomend buying from eBay unless its overseas. Lots of easy scams with eBay and Mobile phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 256gb Korean variant compatible with US carriers ?!!
If so which carriers is it compatible with ?
Verizon Wireless is my carrier.
Do any of you have a non US variant & if so does it fully function or is it limited ?
Is the 950F/DS or 9500 on 8.0 yet?
note 8models unlock issue
note 8 from pakistan model number SM-N950FZKDXSG
is this unlocked in my country?
im ordering this from online dubai website
kindly help
SAMSUNG NOTE 8 SM-N950U and SM-N9500
Hello All. Please, I need some help. I have a Samsung note 8 SM-N950U as it says in the "About Phone" option with the Snapdragon 835. When i take photos or connect the phone to a PC, it says Samsung note 8 with model number SM-N9500.
I am confused because it is a single sim device and all the SM-N9500 are dual sim device. I was thinking of flashing with the China firmware but i am scared the IMEI will become locked again.
What should I do at this point?
Chidavis said:
Hello All. Please, I need some help. I have a Samsung note 8 SM-N950U as it says in the "About Phone" option with the Snapdragon 835. When i take photos or connect the phone to a PC, it says Samsung note 8 with model number SM-N9500.
I am confused because it is a single sim device and all the SM-N9500 are dual sim device. I was thinking of flashing with the China firmware but i am scared the IMEI will become locked again.
What should I do at this point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot into download mode and it'll show you the actual model number.
If it's SM-N9500, you can flash the TGY SM-N9500 ROM and you should be able to get dual SIM functionality.
Hi!
So I've bought a Samsung S9 Duos recently and to be honest, although I like the phone and have been on a Samsung streak for the past few years, I'm getting seriously tired of their country dependant shenanigans. Because I live in Canada, when I buy a Global phone there's a bunch of stuff that either doesn't work or does only partially. And because the Canadian model is a SD proc, not an Exynos, it's an absolute nightmare to switch CSCs and get everything working right...
I hesitated long and hard to get a P20 pro, but the fact it wasn't available anywhere in Canada made me nervous. But my carrier (Rogers) recently announced it so, being really tired of this Samsung ****e, I'm considering returning the S9 and getting the P20 pro (even if it doesn't have a lot of stuff I like such as the headphone jack, SD card and wireless charging).
TL;DR
My question is, if I get an international (dual SIM) model of the P20 pro, is it going to be different than the Canadian one? Is there an equivalent of CSC codes with Samsung that I have to worry about, or can I assume it will be the same phone and I just need to activate it to get carrier specifics?
Thanks
I'm not an expert, but before I bought my P20 Pro, I made sure that it worked with the AT&T's network frequency bands. Each network has different bands and if the phone doesn't support the band, it won't connect.
https://www.droid-life.com/2015/02/...sm-cdma-wcdma-lte-verizon-att-sprint-tmobile/
https://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html
Here are the tech specs from Huawei:
4G FDD-LTE, TD-LTE: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B6/B7/B8/B9/B12/B17/B18/B19/B20/B26/B28/B32/B34/B38/B39/B40
3G WCDMA: B1/B2/B4/B5/B6/B8/B19
https://consumer.huawei.com/uk/phones/m/p20-pro/tech-specs/
honua said:
I'm not an expert, but before I bought my P20 Pro, I made sure that it worked with the AT&T's network frequency bands. Each network has different bands and if the phone doesn't support the band, it won't connect.]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input. I checked the bands for sure, and they are covered since it will be sold on my carrier soon. I guess what I meant is more the model itself, if there are variants per country or if we (Canada) are getting the same global version.
You see I come from a Samsung user's background and they have these silly country codes that dictate what you can use and where. I'm not sure it's related, but I found that even if on paper all LTE bands are covered with my S9, it still has shoddy reception compared to a Canadian S7. I could try to flash my CSC code to the phone, but a) it's complicated and risks bricking the phone and b) since the Canadian model is NOT the same as the global one, my CSC cannot be applied to this phone no matter how hard I try...
DenisEhm said:
Thanks for the input. I checked the bands for sure, and they are covered since it will be sold on my carrier soon. I guess what I meant is more the model itself, if there are variants per country or if we (Canada) are getting the same global version.
You see I come from a Samsung user's background and they have these silly country codes that dictate what you can use and where. I'm not sure it's related, but I found that even if on paper all LTE bands are covered with my S9, it still has shoddy reception compared to a Canadian S7. I could try to flash my CSC code to the phone, but a) it's complicated and risks bricking the phone and b) since the Canadian model is NOT the same as the global one, my CSC cannot be applied to this phone no matter how hard I try...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FunkyHuawei offers a rebranding tool, which changes the region of the ROM. I used it because I bought mine from a Chinese e-commerce website. I rebranded to European region.
I couldn't find anything about International or Global versions of the phone. I know they are region locked, but the rebranding tool will fix that. You can also flash a firmware from FunkHuawei or use HuRUpdater tool from TWRP custom recovery.
I have used both tools, and had 100% success.
https://funkyhuawei.club/rebranding
https://forum.xda-developers.com/honor-9/development/tool-flash-official-firmware-recovery-t3769279/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/huawei-p20-pro/development/recovery-twrp-3-2-1-0-t3779400
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tools/general/huawei-firmware-finder-team-mt-t3469146
honua said:
FunkyHuawei offers a rebranding tool, which changes the region of the ROM. I used it because I bought mine from a Chinese e-commerce website. I rebranded to European region.
I couldn't find anything about International or Global versions of the phone. I know they are region locked, but the rebranding tool will fix that. You can also flash a firmware from FunkHuawei or use HuRUpdater tool from TWRP custom recovery.
I have used both tools, and had 100% success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool thanks, I'll see how this could help me out. I'm giving my S9 one last chance but short of that, I'll cough up another $1000 for this phone; I just don't want to end up in the same trap!
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.
I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
Same thoughts here - do I get up at 12am ET and preorder with AT&T or go with Samsung (who haven't confirmed on their site the timing of preorders at all)
Branded Snapdragon WILL be locked down and no root. If you care about root, get unlocked.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
so by the responses, its best to buy it straight from the Samsung website?
With the S9, updates came quicker on the branded versions. Development is usually lacking on the Snapdragon models as well, no matter the version.
jcbofkc said:
I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Snapdragon will not get root, the unlocked US version will be Snapdragon so if you want root you would want to buy Exynos version. The software updates are a bit slower with unlocked Snapdragon version due to Samsung testing updates to work on all carriers not just one. Hope that help.
Eudeferrer said:
Branded Snapdragon WILL be locked down and no root. If you care about root, get unlocked.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use secure folder and root yet? I can't give up secure folder. I tried using a V30 during the note fiasco and there is nothing like secure folder.
s10+ with unlocked bootloader and than it does not matter which chip it has.
x111 said:
s10+ with unlocked bootloader and than it does not matter which chip it has,
will finally replace this trash oneplus6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, no. Assuming both SD and Exynos versions have unlocked bootloaders, you cannot flash a ROM meant for the Exynos version on the SD version. They are different models.
The SD version of the Galaxy S line does not get the same ROM support as the Exynos version. A quick glimpse at the support for the S8+/S9 will confirm this The Exynos version will be easily unlocked and will have plenty of development. The SD version will be lucky to have root.
OP: if you care about unlocked bootloaders, you should get the international variant. There's been much debate about the two versions and their performance in the past, but the selling point is bootloader unlocking. Exynos version means easy unlock, SD means no unlock.
For me, I'm excited as hell about the S10 and the Galaxy buds. However, I am very happy with my 6T and Mi Mix 3. I'll wait until the international model is released.
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
Birdsfan said:
The Snapdragon will not get root, the unlocked US version will be Snapdragon so if you want root you would want to buy Exynos version. The software updates are a bit slower with unlocked Snapdragon version due to Samsung testing updates to work on all carriers not just one. Hope that help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, Snapdragon has had and likely will continue to have unlocked bootloader on international variants.
---------- Post added at 10:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:06 AM ----------
jcbofkc said:
I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy the unlocked device it will have less bloatware however it's doubtful you'll have Wifi Calling and voLTE on T-mobile's network. Carrier devices usually get updates sooner but not that much sooner than the rest. Unlocked is not Bootloader Unlocked, there's a difference. Based on previous releases, most International variant's with the exception of South Korean devices, be it Exynos or Snapdragon SoC's will have an unlocked bootloader. Exynos variants will have more custom ROM's. Hope this helps!
---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 AM ----------
AhsanU said:
Uh, no. Assuming both SD and Exynos versions have unlocked bootloaders, you cannot flash a ROM meant for the Exynos version on the SD version. They are different models.
The SD version of the Galaxy S line does not get the same ROM support as the Exynos version. A quick glimpse at the support for the S8+/S9 will confirm this The Exynos version will be easily unlocked and will have plenty of development. The SD version will be lucky to have root.
OP: if you care about unlocked bootloaders, you should get the international variant. There's been much debate about the two versions and their performance in the past, but the selling point is bootloader unlocking. Exynos version means easy unlock, SD means no unlock.
For me, I'm excited as hell about the S10 and the Galaxy buds. However, I am very happy with my 6T and Mi Mix 3. I'll wait until the international model is released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, International variants (China/Hong Kong/Latin America) with Snapdragon chipsets have an unlocked bootloader.
---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------
AhsanU said:
Uh, no. Assuming both SD and Exynos versions have unlocked bootloaders, you cannot flash a ROM meant for the Exynos version on the SD version. They are different models.
The SD version of the Galaxy S line does not get the same ROM support as the Exynos version. A quick glimpse at the support for the S8+/S9 will confirm this The Exynos version will be easily unlocked and will have plenty of development. The SD version will be lucky to have root.
OP: if you care about unlocked bootloaders, you should get the international variant. There's been much debate about the two versions and their performance in the past, but the selling point is bootloader unlocking. Exynos version means easy unlock, SD means no unlock.
For me, I'm excited as hell about the S10 and the Galaxy buds. However, I am very happy with my 6T and Mi Mix 3. I'll wait until the international model is released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, International variants (China/Hong Kong/Latin America) with Snapdragon chipsets have an unlocked bootloader.
---------- Post added at 10:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------
djinn415 said:
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the country, Exynos isn't available on the US Samsung site. Recent benchmarks have Exynos winning Single Core and Snapdragon winning Multi Core and Antutu as well. For AI, 5G and other applications the Snapdragon is the superior chipset. In the S9, the Exynos had battery drain and overheating issues for some users due to Samsung's focus on Single Core performance.
No US device will have an unlocked bootloader. because all US devices have the Snapdragon SoC. Qualcomm has Samsung over the barrel thanks to Verizon/Sprint. Unfortunately, Snapdragon based phone = locked bootloader. The "unlocked" version simply has no SIM locks and runs a non-carrier branded software image, but is electrically identical to the carrier versions. Which is good, because...
If the trend holds, you will be able to load the unlocked firmware onto a carrier branded device and get the best of both worlds - mostly. You obviously lose the carrier specific features, and it will still be SIM locked, but it will behave just like an unlocked device otherwise. This lets you get the carrier deals, pay it out over time on your regular bill, etc. while getting an "unlocked" device with zero carrier bloat, monitoring, etc.
As for root, it's hardly worth it. Yes, someone will leak an engineering bootloader and it will probably allow root - but it will have so many debugger cores in it that it will make the phone instantly feel two generations older than it really is, the battery life will be horrible, and you won't get to use a lot of the cool new features.
jshamlet said:
No US device will have an unlocked bootloader. because all US devices have the Snapdragon SoC. Qualcomm has Samsung over the barrel thanks to Verizon/Sprint. Unfortunately, Snapdragon based phone = locked bootloader. The "unlocked" version simply has no SIM locks and runs a non-carrier branded software image, but is electrically identical to the carrier versions. Which is good, because...
If the trend holds, you will be able to load the unlocked firmware onto a carrier branded device and get the best of both worlds - mostly. You obviously lose the carrier specific features, and it will still be SIM locked, but it will behave just like an unlocked device otherwise. This lets you get the carrier deals, pay it out over time on your regular bill, etc. while getting an "unlocked" device with zero carrier bloat, monitoring, etc.
As for root, it's hardly worth it. Yes, someone will leak an engineering bootloader and it will probably allow root - but it will have so many debugger cores in it that it will make the phone instantly feel two generations older than it really is, the battery life will be horrible, and you won't get to use a lot of the cool new features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, with the current state of Android, there usually is no need to root things. Even system wide ad blocking can be done reliably with apps such as Blokada. I haven't rooted an Android device in over 3 years. Also, an unlocked bootloader can make your device more vulnerable to exploits. To me at least, these days security is more important than the ability to highly customize my device. I also feel like smartphones are more of a commodity nowadays, and I just want something that works reliably without annoying bugs that you always encounter with Custom ROMs where more often than not it's a half-assed job and you're flashing updates 6 times a week. Just not worth it IMO, but that's just me.
Thank you for all the thoughtful responses and feedback. Much appreciated. Since my company is literally located in a cave 100 to 300ft below ground, I need wifi calling. Thank you.
djinn415 said:
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
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Click to collapse
Depends on where you're located when you order. Samsung.com in the US will only get you the Snapdragon. I imagine you can order the International version off Amazon with no warranty like you could with the S9.
jcbofkc said:
I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
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I'm also on T-Mobile, and I plan on getting the S10+, but debating whether to get the unlocked version vs T-Mobile version.
While I haven't seen any confirmed and detailed information anywhere on the exact differences between the US S10 variants (unlocked and carrier-specific firmware), I have been following the threads on the Note 9. IF (and this is a strong IF, so it would be helpful if someone can confirm) the same applies to S10, here's what I've gathered so far (on the note9):
- All US unlocked/carrier variants of the same S10/S10e/S10+ are the same in hardware, only different in firmware.
- While this is an unofficial process, you can change between unlocked and carrier firmwares using Odin without needing to root. Apparently, this doesn't trip Knox, and other posters have mentioned that it *shouldn't* (but I can't confirm) void your warranty.
-All US variants, including unlocked variant, historically had locked bootloaders.
-With TMobile version, you typically have the TMobile power-up splash screen, some pre-installed TMobile apps (although not many compared to other carriers), you have integrated TMobile digits and visual voicemail, you have RCS texting, you have video calling to other TMobile users, you get updates slightly sooner, and you have carrier aggregation with mobile connectivity (so reception can be stronger and faster in some cases). Also, the phone would be SIM-locked to T-Mobile, but if you buy it at full price, they allow unlocking after some period of time (it might be 2 months?).
-With the unlocked version, you are entirely decoupled from any carrier. Also, a few stock features like Samsung caller ID may not be available on carrier variants. When using the unlocked version with TMobile in particular, you STILL get WiFi calling and VoLTE, but you get no built-in TMobile video calling, no carrier RCS texting (only traditional SMS/MMS), will need to download additional apps for TMobile VVM and Digits (if they are important to you), and you would be the last to get updates. Also, you may not get the benefit of carrier aggregation for increased signal quality and data rate.
If anyone has any confirmed/additional information on the S10 US variants, anything you can provide here would be very useful.
At the moment, I am still trying to decide between the TMobile and the unlocked variant.
djinn415 said:
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
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All north american versions regardless of carrier or unlocked have snapdragon its this way since the s7 (CAN S7 was exynos though).
Last year the snapdragon was better on battery than the exynos but just last yeat. Previous years it was all exynos.
force70 said:
All north american versions regardless of carrier or unlocked have snapdragon its this way since the s7 (CAN S7 was exynos though).
Last year the snapdragon was better on batteey than the exynos but just last yeat. Previous years it was all exynos.
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SD855 is 7nm and Exynos is 8nm. Can't wait to see how Notebookcheck and Andrei from anandtech review each variant. I suspect the SD will win to some degree (in terms of efficiency).
Ace42 said:
SD855 is 7nm and Exynos is 8nm. Can't wait to see how Notebookcheck and Andrei from anandtech review each variant. I suspect the SD will win to some degree (in terms of efficiency).
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Already done, well initial comparison anyway
https://www.anandtech.com/show/14031/samsung-galaxy-s10-first-exynos-9820-vs-snapdragon-855-scores
Kjn246 said:
I'm also on T-Mobile, and I plan on getting the S10+, but debating whether to get the unlocked version vs T-Mobile version.
While I haven't seen any confirmed and detailed information anywhere on the exact differences between the US S10 variants (unlocked and carrier-specific firmware), I have been following the threads on the Note 9. IF (and this is a strong IF, so it would be helpful if someone can confirm) the same applies to S10, here's what I've gathered so far (on the note9):
- All US unlocked/carrier variants of the same S10/S10e/S10+ are the same in hardware, only different in firmware.
- While this is an unofficial process, you can change between unlocked and carrier firmwares using Odin without needing to root. Apparently, this doesn't trip Knox, and other posters have mentioned that it *shouldn't* (but I can't confirm) void your warranty.
-All US variants, including unlocked variant, historically had locked bootloaders.
-With TMobile version, you typically have the TMobile power-up splash screen, some pre-installed TMobile apps (although not many compared to other carriers), you have integrated TMobile digits and visual voicemail, you have RCS texting, you have video calling to other TMobile users, you get updates slightly sooner, and you have carrier aggregation with mobile connectivity (so reception can be stronger and faster in some cases). Also, the phone would be SIM-locked to T-Mobile, but if you buy it at full price, they allow unlocking after some period of time (it might be 2 months?).
-With the unlocked version, you are entirely decoupled from any carrier. Also, a few stock features like Samsung caller ID may not be available on carrier variants. When using the unlocked version with TMobile in particular, you STILL get WiFi calling and VoLTE, but you get no built-in TMobile video calling, no carrier RCS texting (only traditional SMS/MMS), will need to download additional apps for TMobile VVM and Digits (if they are important to you), and you would be the last to get updates. Also, you may not get the benefit of carrier aggregation for increased signal quality and data rate.
If anyone has any confirmed/additional information on the S10 US variants, anything you can provide here would be very useful.
At the moment, I am still trying to decide between the TMobile and the unlocked variant.
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Click to collapse
I am also on T-Mobile and have been unlocked on the Note 9 and ordered the unlocked straight from Samsung with the free ear buds promotion,you can always find an official T-mobile firmware and flash via Odin and have all the T-mobile goodness on an unlocked S10.
I'd like to know what are all the differences between all of the Note 9 variants, in terms of what's BL locked and what's rootable.
First of all, I'm under the impression that the Exynos phones are unlockable/rootable. It is also not available in the United States, as I understand, correct? Does that mean it won't work with US Carriers at all?
Also, the Snapdragon version. Now, I don't know what are all of the Snapdragon variants, as I can only speak for my phone and the various posts I've seen about it. I'm on the SM-N960U. Is it fair to say that having a GN9 with a Snapdragon processor mean that your phone cannot be BL Unlocked/Rooted? If any Snapdragon phones can be Unlocked/Rooted, which ones are these and are they compatible with US Carriers?
I don't plan on replacing my Note 9 yet, but maybe next year with another Samsung. I read that the Note line might be going away, in space of the S-line "Ultra". But anyways, my point being when I get a new Samsung Phone, is it possible to get one that is BL Unlockable and Rootable, AND fully compatible with my US Carrier, Tmobile?
afaik, you have the Note 9's US version already (snapdragon chip version) so its certainly compatible with US carriers in the 1st place.
rooting/bootloader unlocking is another story, irrelevant to what you are concerned.
I think only US sd version is unlockable.
N960F compatability https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/help/note-9-model-sm-n960f-ds-dual-sim-t3903528
It's funny you'd ask this today.... I own an international version (unlocked) Snapdragon variant that *is* rootable... the SM-N9600 (not to be mistaken for the N960u and so on which are NOT rootable). But though my phone is *technically* rootable, there's a very messy issue with it not allowing flashing TWRP / rooting even after the OEM unlock switch is thrown. I oughta know... just again spent hours in vain trying to get it to root. It's a long story and you can find it just by googling "N9600 prenormal" or some such. Anyway, at least on paper there is a Snapdragon Note 9 that is rootable.