US Carrier unlock VS T-Moble model phone - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions & Answers

I'm looking to upgrade to the S9 and looking for advice on whether or not to get the US carrier unlock version or the T-Mobile version. So those of you who went with the US carrier unlocked S8, What are the Pros and Cons of it please?

supercharged5 said:
I'm looking to upgrade to the S9 and looking for advice on whether or not to get the US carrier unlock version or the T-Mobile version. So those of you who went with the US carrier unlocked S8, What are the Pros and Cons of it please?
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Click to collapse
They do not support the same set of bands/frequencies. If you plan to use it in US on T-Mobile network it is better to get it from them.

vzaliva said:
They do not support the same set of bands/frequencies. If you plan to use it in US on T-Mobile network it is better to get it from them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So buy directly from from T-mobile or buy from Samsung for the T-mobile carrier?

supercharged5 said:
So buy directly from from T-mobile or buy from Samsung for the T-mobile carrier?
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Click to collapse
It does not matter as long as you buy the right model. It looks like T-mobile model numbers are:
SM-G960UZKATMB (Midnight Black)
SM-G960UZBATMB (Coral Blue)
SM-G960UZPATMB (Lilac Purple)
But please do not trust me on this and double-check before purchasing
Also, see this thread for additional discussion:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/help/t-mobile-vs-unlocked-version-t3756999

Thanks

Related

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

I am looking to get an Unlocked Note 5 in Silver (does anyone have this or have you seen it - does it look as good in person)
My question is:
There are many unlocked versions, but I believe there are several versions that may work in the US
But I am thinking it is one of: N920C or N9200 or N920I (I am thinking it is the N920I, with the "I" standing for International?)
Can anyone tell me which works on GSM in US, T-Mobile
Thanks
eric0668 said:
I am looking to get an Unlocked Note 5 in Silver (does anyone have this or have you seen it - does it look as good in person)
My question is:
There are many unlocked versions, but I believe there are several versions that may work in the US
But I am thinking it is one of: N920C or N9200 or N920I (I am thinking it is the N920I, with the "I" standing for International?)
Can anyone tell me which works on GSM in US, T-Mobile
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would stay away from the N920C if you are going to use it in the US. I have the N920C and on ATT network it is getting only 3G and the signal is considerably weaker than on other phones compatible with ATT.
What does the N920C stand for. I think I need the "I" don't you.
eric0668 said:
What does the N920C stand for. I think I need the "I" don't you.
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Click to collapse
They are designed for different continents. The N920I is for - Australia, New Zealand, Singapore. The N920C is for middle east, russia, africa, israel ...etc. If you can get the Unlocked T-mobile variant, you're good. Otherwise checkout the willmyphonework.net or the "The Ulimate Note 5 Band Guide."
Are you sure the I isnf for international.
That's what I wanna know. What one is able to be used. There is no such thing as a T-Mobile unlocked version. Yes there is one that works on T-Mobile, ATT etc. If you hear of the specific model I'd be grateful.
eric0668 said:
Are you sure the I isnf for international.
That's what I wanna know. What one is able to be used. There is no such thing as a T-Mobile unlocked version. Yes there is one that works on T-Mobile, ATT etc. If you hear of the specific model I'd be grateful.
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Click to collapse
http://www.willmyphonework.net/
Thank you really ALot. I tried that and they got 2 blue checks and a yellow. So the same #frustrating
I bought the N920i version and work perfectly with ATT and TMOBILE. It have an amazing internet speed, i'm talking about more than 45MBPS.
Is a grate phone.
Thank you. I was thinking that was for International. Then I saw some sites (Expansys) who was selling the N9200 and was told they were the same.
thanks so much
Yes, N9200 is pretty much the same as N920i but dual sim card model. It should work in US. Be careful, this model can come from China and Google apps may be a problem.
I have ordered this model from Expansys and it should come from South Korea.
Spoke to Samsung via chat, NewEgg and Best Buy most will work to some degree here . BUT they said the one made for gsm carriers in US is the N920G. It can be had on NewEgg or Expansys but def eBay Amazon and Best Buy for $100 more than other places
just adding my 2 cents worth: i'm using a 64GB Silver SM-N9208 (Taiwan - CSC is BRI) dual SIM Note 5 on ATT & T-Mobile and it's working great. no network issues at all. 5 of the 10 people on my current project use Note 5's (including me); the other 4 Note 5 users are in awe of my device, especially the Silver color and the fact that i can make/receive calls from both SIMs at the same time.
jtOttawa said:
http://www.willmyphonework.net/
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Click to collapse
There are so many threads dealing with this issue.
You should either use the above website or use pdadb.net to see which LTE bands a particular model uses and then compare that to the LTE bands your carrier uses (which is what the above website actually does)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Both N920C and N920I should work fine in US except one 3G band for T-Mobile....but when it comes to Software updates...what do you think is first to get official updates? N920I being the Australia model, would it be after N920C? I heard sometimes its after even US models...Thoughts?

Note 9 Unlocked - Verizon - Non US Phone?

Hello,
What model should / would we be able to get to work on Verizon that can have an unlocked boot loader, TWRP and install custom roms.
My understanding from reading here is that no US model will work. What foreign model is best for getting the above done on Verizon.
Its about time to say goodbye to my note 4.
Thanks
i am going to rock an unlocked USA model on verizon, not sure there is one that will work on verizon with unlocked bootloader
vIgGeN7 said:
Hello,
What model should / would we be able to get to work on Verizon that can have an unlocked boot loader, TWRP and install custom roms.
My understanding from reading here is that no US model will work. What foreign model is best for getting the above done on Verizon.
Its about time to say goodbye to my note 4.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your only possible option is the 9600 since its a snap and im not 100% sure it will work
So Id suggedt researchung heavily before buying
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Ya I spent a few hours trying to find anything.
Only thing I was able to see that might work is a portorican phone but saw somthing that we needed some kinda firmware flashed first?
So made this post in hopes someone had an idea on how we could do this and make sure it works good.
Thanks!!
vIgGeN7 said:
Ya I spent a few hours trying to find anything.
Only thing I was able to see that might work is a portorican phone but saw somthing that we needed some kinda firmware flashed first?
So made this post in hopes someone had an idea on how we could do this and make sure it works good.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a friend with the Latin American S9+ Snapdragon that's bootloader unlocked on Verizon. He told me he just flashed the Puerto Rico firmware to get signal. I'll be trying the same thing as soon as the Odin files are up on Updato for the Note 9 Latin version. I'll update when I have some real results.
vIgGeN7 said:
Hello,
What model should / would we be able to get to work on Verizon that can have an unlocked boot loader, TWRP and install custom roms.
My understanding from reading here is that no US model will work. What foreign model is best for getting the above done on Verizon.
Its about time to say goodbye to my note 4.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Snapdragon Variant - Hong Kong has an unlocked bootloader and works on Verizon Bands 1700, 1900 and 2100.
https://www.teamandroid.com/2018/08/14/samsung-galaxy-note-9-model-numbers/
varcor said:
The Snapdragon Variant - Hong Kong has an unlocked bootloader and works on Verizon Bands 1700, 1900 and 2100.
https://www.teamandroid.com/2018/08/14/samsung-galaxy-note-9-model-numbers/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Latin America also
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
jal3223 said:
I have a friend with the Latin American S9+ Snapdragon that's bootloader unlocked on Verizon. He told me he just flashed the Puerto Rico firmware to get signal. I'll be trying the same thing as soon as the Odin files are up on Updato for the Note 9 Latin version. I'll update when I have some real results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the model of the phone which you're talking about.
Will this work on the Verizon LTE bands?
vIgGeN7 said:
Do you have the model of the phone which you're talking about.
Will this work on the Verizon LTE bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive been asked and have answered both of those questions already numerous times.....today alone lol
You guys really need to start using the search button, this is getting ridiculous seriously.
N9600
And in theory it should yes but as I am not on Verizon and dont know anyone who is i cannot say for sure 100%.
Again....you will need to do some more in depth research on your own but someone posted a chart with the models and LTE bands here somewhere today so start looking for that post...very useful. Id i come across ill link it here
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Found some info here for the sm-n9600 ::
http://www.pakfirmware.com/2018/08/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n9600-eng-boot-file/
Still trying to find info on if it works fully with Verizon bands.
Would the SM-N960UZBFXAA Unlocked from samsung's site work for verizon?
Also when they say unlocked is that the boot loader? or just to carrier?
They have preorder there.
vIgGeN7 said:
Would the SM-N960UZBFXAA Unlocked from samsung's site work for verizon?
Also when they say unlocked is that the boot loader? or just to carrier?
They have preorder there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol... carrier. We all wish it was bootloader
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
vIgGeN7 said:
Would the SM-N960UZBFXAA Unlocked from samsung's site work for verizon?
Also when they say unlocked is that the boot loader? or just to carrier?
They have preorder there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung UNLOCKED = "Unbranded" i.e. generic software. It doesn't mean that its bootloader unlocked.
When using the USA unlocked/unbraded GS8/Note8/GS9 there were a few limits on the USA carriers... While calling/data/sms works, Carrier specific features like Wifi Calling, VoLTE, Visual Voicemail, etc. varied. I expected that would apply to the unlocked/unbranded Note 9 too. For unlocked on ATT, there is a VVM app in the Google Play Store that works, but if I recall correctly, Wifi Calling and VoLTE didn't work. For Verizon, at first there wasn't a VVM app, but there is one in the GALAXY app store now that works (and now will auto install when Verizon sim is in the phone if you open the Galaxy App Store). VoLTE (aka HD Voice) works. Wifi Calling and Verizon's Video Calling features do not work. T-Mobile seems most compatible with the Unlocked/Unbranded device as all of its features work out of the box. with a T-Mobile SIM, except you have to download the VVM app from Google Play Store.
Now that my Unlocked (aka Unbranded) Note 9 from Samsung USA arrived, I can confirm that just like my past unlocked/unbranded Galaxy devices on Verizon.... Bootloader is locked, SIM is unlocked. Wifi Calling and Verizon's Video Calling don't work. For Visual Voice Mail there is an app in the GALAXY App Store (that will install after you insert Verizon SIM and open the Galaxy App Store). And the rest works just like my Verizon branded GS8/Note8/GS9 devices.
Tethering check on unlocked version?
KidJoe said:
The Samsung UNLOCKED = "Unbranded" i.e. generic software. It doesn't mean that its bootloader unlocked.
Now that my Unlocked (aka Unbranded) Note 9 from Samsung USA arrived, I can confirm that just like my past unlocked/unbranded Galaxy devices on Verizon.... Bootloader is locked, SIM is unlocked. Wifi Calling and Verizon's Video Calling don't work. For Visual Voice Mail there is an app in the GALAXY App Store (that will install after you insert Verizon SIM and open the Galaxy App Store). And the rest works just like my Verizon branded GS8/Note8/GS9 devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does your version check for hotspot eligibility? In the past the unlocked versions have not checked (Note 8, etc.) but want to be absolutely sure with the Note 9 before ordering. Thanks.
All the research I've done points towards the 9600 (Latin America or wherever else the model is sold) being the best choice for verizon. The only fly in the ointment is it does not as far as I can find support band 13. I have seen threads in some other forums about enabling bands but don't know if it would be possible. Hope that helps.
geoclooney said:
Does your version check for hotspot eligibility? In the past the unlocked versions have not checked (Note 8, etc.) but want to be absolutely sure with the Note 9 before ordering. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, and can't check because my personal Verizon line is a current unlimited plan that includes tethering.
I'll have to see what happens if I put my work sim in (I have Vzw, At&t and Tmo lines)
elevatorguy said:
All the research I've done points towards the 9600 (Latin America or wherever else the model is sold) being the best choice for verizon. The only fly in the ointment is it does not as far as I can find support band 13. I have seen threads in some other forums about enabling bands but don't know if it would be possible. Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's probably just the firmware that it ships with. On the Latin s9 and S9+ you just had to flash the Puerto Rico firmware to have all bands and Volte working. I'm thinking it will be the same way for the Note 9. I'm just waiting on the Odin files to be released and I'm purchasing one immediately to try.
jal3223 said:
It's probably just the firmware that it ships with. On the Latin s9 and S9+ you just had to flash the Puerto Rico firmware to have all bands and Volte working. I'm thinking it will be the same way for the Note 9. I'm just waiting on the Odin files to be released and I'm purchasing one immediately to try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thank you for being the guinea pig. I'm new to the whole samsung world. Keep us updated on if everything works.
jal3223 said:
It's probably just the firmware that it ships with. On the Latin s9 and S9+ you just had to flash the Puerto Rico firmware to have all bands and Volte working. I'm thinking it will be the same way for the Note 9. I'm just waiting on the Odin files to be released and I'm purchasing one immediately to try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya looks like we will have to wait till I order this untill someone confirms we can get all the bands working on the phone here in the US.
*patiently waiting as my note 4 is failing. *
Guys see here.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=77406260
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

Galaxy Note 9 Developer Ecition

Is there any news on Samsung doing a Developer Edition of their Note 9 Verizon models like they did for the Note 4 and the Note Edge? I really want to get my hands on that 512gb phone, but cant see myself committing to the locked bootloaders.
no, there isn't.
NekoShinigami said:
Is there any news on Samsung doing a Developer Edition of their Note 9 Verizon models like they did for the Note 4 and the Note Edge? I really want to get my hands on that 512gb phone, but cant see myself committing to the locked bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? just buy a exynos F or N or SD 9600
problem solved.
After a bit of googling and searching amazon I was only able to find AT&T compatible international versions, I remember someone saying the other CDMA phones worked on a different band then the US Verizon bands. When I google Exynos CDMA I get told Exynos isn't compatible with CDMA because the radios for it aren't installed on those phones.
Not gonna happen
There is no talk of a Developer Edition and is unlikely as none of the recent Notes have had one. The Exynos models don't have the proper LTE bands for Verizon. The N9600 is a Snapdragon, but I'm not sure if it runs the correct bands for Verizon either.
Guyinlaca said:
There is no talk of a Developer Edition and is unlikely as none of the recent Notes have had one. The Exynos models don't have the proper LTE bands for Verizon. The N9600 is a Snapdragon, but I'm not sure if it runs the correct bands for Verizon either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The n9600 works fine, with all lte bands and cdma on vzw. I'm using one now. No volte or ca YET. Once I get root, I should at least be able to get volte.
suzook said:
The n9600 works fine, with all lte bands and cdma on vzw. I'm using one now. No volte or ca YET. Once I get root, I should at least be able to get volte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get your SM-N9600? The ones listed on Amazon claim to be the 9600 international version but they all say GSM only no CDMA.
EDIT: I found this: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/
It lists the different model numbers. it seems the 9600/9608 have all the bands listed under the 960U*** versions that are important to Verizon.
NekoShinigami said:
Where did you get your SM-N9600? The ones listed on Amazon claim to be the 9600 international version but they all say GSM only no CDMA.
EDIT: I found this: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/
It lists the different model numbers. it seems the 9600/9608 have all the bands listed under the 960U*** versions that are important to Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazon. They always list the international version has no CDMA. No clue why they do, but they are wrong.
suzook said:
Amazon. They always list the international version has no CDMA. No clue why they do, but they are wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks for the heads up, I will make my way right on over there and get me one on Thursday when I get paid. One question, when you select language does it give the option for US English or only Brittish English? Not really a problem, just curious as I have never bought an international version.
NekoShinigami said:
Awesome, thanks for the heads up, I will make my way right on over there and get me one on Thursday when I get paid. One question, when you select language does it give the option for US English or only Brittish English? Not really a problem, just curious as I have never bought an international version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was defaulted to UK English, but reg English is available. Make sure to ask the seller if it has Latin fw. You NEED that for vzw.
suzook said:
It was defaulted to UK English, but reg English is available. Make sure to ask the seller if it has Latin fw. You NEED that for vzw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only see one on amazon, I checked ebay also and they look pretty much the same situation over there. none of them mention if it has the latin firmware with 1 exception. there is one being resold on ebay and the guy mentioned it was the hong kong version. Is yours the dual sim one? and if it is the right model with the snapdragon processor, couldn't I just flash the Latin Firmware via Odin?

Tmobile variant on ATT

Hi all,
Going to be purchasing a Tmobile Galaxy s10 for my girlfriend and wondering what, if any, drawbacks there are to buying a TMO variant but activating it on ATT? I'm pretty sure wifi calling won't work, but what about updates? The splash screen will still be TMO I would assume and then would it still be on the TMO update schedule? Has anyone done this? Thanks.
First of all, I never buy from the carriers anymore. Bloated software, ads, etc. & LOCKED BOOTLOADERS, drive me nuts.
I would buy the International Unlocked Model. If you are looking for the S10, the SM-G973F is the international version. AND the local USA carriers will not sell you this model because they want you LOCKED on to their carrier!
But you can buy from SWAPPA or Ebay or AMAZON. I have the international S10E with the fingerprint unlock in the Power button (no problems with installing a glass screen saver).
xgerryx said:
Hi all,
Going to be purchasing a Tmobile Galaxy s10 for my girlfriend and wondering what, if any, drawbacks there are to buying a TMO variant but activating it on ATT? I'm pretty sure wifi calling won't work, but what about updates? The splash screen will still be TMO I would assume and then would it still be on the TMO update schedule? Has anyone done this? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious as to why you're not just buying an unlocked model if wifi calling doesn't matter. In reference to another rant posted, I doubt she will need to unlock the bootloader so I see no need for the international version off Ebay depending on what country she'll be using it in. On what you're asking, yes someone has done it I believe.

Question Shipping from Samsung_US to Canada (Unlocked version) /any possible method?

Hello everyone,
Could you help me answering my questions?
I'm planning to buy Samsung S21 Ultra, so I was searching for good prices here and there...
I found out that on Samsung US, it is much cheaper (Unlocked version), moreover, you'll get 250$ credit value to buy other accessories, while Samsung Canada is way too expensive without such promotions!
I tried to place the order through Samsung US and to type the shipping address to Canada .m.but unfortunately it wasn't working!
My two questions as following:
1- Is there anyway to get the S21 Ultra to Canada from Samsung US?
2- I heard that I might face problems in connection compatibility (even with the unlocked version), especially the 5G as it won't be compatible with the Canadian courriers ....so is that true? Will I face any problem if I buy S21 Ultra from Samsung US to Canada?
Will appreciate your replies ...
Thanks
Depending on your carrier in Canada, Wifi Calling and VoLTE may not/will not work. Here is a long thread about purchasing from the US etc. This will answer all your questions:
[Samsung USA] Samsung USA S21 Trade-In Deal Thread - RedFlagDeals.com Forums
i have the W version with the US U1 software on it (I love ODIN) and works it great on Telus for 5G (except the Wi-Fi calling; Telus asks for your number and then it never connects but I also have a partner account so maybe that is why). On Freedom Mobile/Shaw Mobile with the U1 software, everything works (except 5G as that is not available for everyone yet).
Thanks
May I know which re-shipping company had you dealt with? Any recommendations?
peterg21 said:
Depending on your carrier in Canada, Wifi Calling and VoLTE may not/will not work. Here is a long thread about purchasing from the US etc. This will answer all your questions:
[Samsung USA] Samsung USA S21 Trade-In Deal Thread - RedFlagDeals.com Forums
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
May I know which re-shipping company had you dealt with? Any recommendations?
crazyut said:
i have the W version with the US U1 software on it (I love ODIN) and works it great on Telus for 5G (except the Wi-Fi calling; Telus asks for your number and then it never connects but I also have a partner account so maybe that is why). On Freedom Mobile/Shaw Mobile with the U1 software, everything works (except 5G as that is not available for everyone yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
May I know which re-shipping company had you dealt with? Any recommendations?
AMD-CA said:
Thanks
May I know which re-shipping company had you dealt with? Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is the Canadian version bought in Canada flashed with the US U1 software

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