Is the P20 Pro the same in all countries? - Huawei P20 Pro Questions & Answers

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!

Related

Question about U vs U1 variant before I sell

Hello,
I am planning to sell my Sprint Note8 online soon. I have the phone unlocked (and confirmed that it works on AT&T with a friends SIM). My question is that I'd like to advertise it as just the North America Unlocked version to reach a larger audience and hopefully get more money. I am pretty sure there are no hardware differences between the N950U and N950U1 variants. So my thinking is that if I Odin flash the XAA N950U1 unbranded firmware onto the device then it would be identical to a phone straight from Samsung. That said, I'm not 100% sure and of course I don't want to falsely advertise. Can anyone conform for me whether I am right or not? Obviously I will market as "Sprint - Unlocked" if there are any differences at all.
Thanks
I think it would be safer and better for the buyer if you flash whatever Network they want before you ship it.
don't update this app!!
MattC867 said:
Hello,
I am planning to sell my Sprint Note8 online soon. I have the phone unlocked (and confirmed that it works on AT&T with a friends SIM). My question is that I'd like to advertise it as just the North America Unlocked version to reach a larger audience and hopefully get more money. I am pretty sure there are no hardware differences between the N950U and N950U1 variants. So my thinking is that if I Odin flash the XAA N950U1 unbranded firmware onto the device then it would be identical to a phone straight from Samsung. That said, I'm not 100% sure and of course I don't want to falsely advertise. Can anyone conform for me whether I am right or not? Obviously I will market as "Sprint - Unlocked" if there are any differences at all.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to follow the switching carrier guide to change code to specified carrier to get rid of lingering Sprint stuff if you want them to have true stock experience...if you change carriers, that is...even if you do xaa
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74087340&postcount=1

Flashing Samsung Firmware

Firstly, I hope this is appropriate to post here - I'm new to this and I'm just getting to grips with it all!
Basically, I live in England, but I'll soon be moving to America. While I was on holiday in America this year, I bought an unlocked Note9 because it was cheaper with the exchange rate, and I thought that it would be the better decision, given that I'll be living in the U.S. soon enough.
However, the firmware is different in certain ways, and I much prefer the U.K. firmware versions. There are things missing from the firmware, that my Dad's U.K. Note9 has, and that my old GS8+ had.
My question is, if I flashed the U.K. firmware to my Note9 would that change my device status? I want it to still say 'Official'. Also, would it do anything to the KNOX counter - or would it even work?
Thanks in advance!
ClassilyContagious said:
Firstly, I hope this is appropriate to post here - I'm new to this and I'm just getting to grips with it all!
Basically, I live in England, but I'll soon be moving to America. While I was on holiday in America this year, I bought an unlocked Note9 because it was cheaper with the exchange rate, and I thought that it would be the better decision, given that I'll be living in the U.S. soon enough.
However, the firmware is different in certain ways, and I much prefer the U.K. firmware versions. There are things missing from the firmware, that my Dad's U.K. Note9 has, and that my old GS8+ had.
My question is, if I flashed the U.K. firmware to my Note9 would that change my device status? I want it to still say 'Official'. Also, would it do anything to the KNOX counter - or would it even work?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uk model is a N960F
us model is a N960U
you cant flash anything from one to the other.
you should have bought the uk version. a high % of Americans buy the international versions for various reasons. one being the locked bootloader on the us version stopping them from attaining root and modifying the system to their will. this year the international F model you guys have in the UK apparently is the lesser phone performance wise. i think it is negligible since rooting is a big advantage in some cases.
anyways please dont mix up unlocked phone meaning not bound to a carrier or region and unlocked bootloader.
cpu arch:
exynos = F model =unblockable bootloader
snapdragon = U model = locked bootloader
both models are avalablabe in region unlocked models.
there are other variants like the N9600 which is special in a way that being a snapdragon, it can have its BL unlocked.
there is also a N960N which is 99% identical to a N960F model.
A N960W In canada which is 99.999% like the us U model.
and finally the F, N and n9600 are all available in DS models too( 2 x sim cards /dual sim)
ClassilyContagious said:
However, the firmware is different in certain ways, and I much prefer the U.K. firmware versions. There are things missing from the firmware, that my Dad's U.K. Note9 has, and that my old GS8+ had.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious, what stock features does the UK version have over the US version?
It's got that sexy date speed indicator in the status bar
[emoji1787]
ramiss said:
I'm curious, what stock features does the UK version have over the US version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

Using USA Note 9 in Europe (to be specific in Romania)

Hello!
I've been interested in buying a Galaxy Note 9 for some time, but I'd like a Snapdragon version (from what I can tell by reviews and tests it's better than the Exynos in performance, heat and battery and I don't really want to install custom ROMs, so no problem about the locked bootloader). Today I happened to stumble across an offer on a retail website where a seller just 20 km away from me is offering a Galaxy Note 9 which he says is new and bought from Samsung store in the USA (so I'm assuming it's the N960U carrier unlocked USA version), but he's also stating that it needs to be region unlocked. I've been searching online and I don't really understand what that's all about. I know the first step in purchasing a phone from retail is asking for the IMEI, but what can I exactly do with it? Does it provide the phone's exact model? And what does region unlocking imply?
I'd be glad if anyone could help me with this situation, as it's quite a rare chance and I'd be extremely happy to buy it, but I firstly want to be sure I can use it.
Provided it's not CDMA, the GSM bands should be comaptible with my carrier (Orange), or so I think. Any information is much appreciated.
Thanks and have a great day!

Galaxy S10 5G SM-G977N

Hi,
I bought this off Gumtree and unbeknown to me it was not the UK version. Is there anyway to flash this onto the UK firmware and get rid of the korean apps etc? If I click a number even thought the dialer is set to system it pops up a Korean one which it then states is not supported.
Thanks
Why did you choose this model ?
I think there is a different model released for Europe? G977B if I am not wrong!, the issues you mentioned could be resolved by away or another but you will not be able to activate the 5G capability of the device!. furthermore, as far as I know, no one has proved successful flashing of other models firmware to this Korean model!.
If 5G network is not important for you, then you may be able to customize the phone to meet some of your required customisation.
nawaf2816 said:
Why did you choose this model ?
I think there is a different model released for Europe? G977B if I am not wrong!, the issues you mentioned could be resolved by away or another but you will not be able to activate the 5G capability of the device!. furthermore, as far as I know, no one has proved successful flashing of other models firmware to this Korean model!.
If 5G network is not important for you, then you may be able to customize the phone to meet some of your required customisation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I bought it I didn't know it was not the UK model. It's only when you use it more that the differences come up.
My situation might be similar to yours!. however, I was somehow aware of the model and it's possibly shortcomings!, but I was able to modify a lot of features until it becomes almost whats I want except the ability to use 5G feature!.
BTW: Although the phone is KT oriented still you can use it and do some changes that meet your local settings. nevertheless, ultimate changes/customization could be achieved if you can root the device and install custom ROM.
Same Problem of G977N in Qatar
nawaf2816 said:
My situation might be similar to yours!. however, I was somehow aware of the model and it's possibly shortcomings!, but I was able to modify a lot of features until it becomes almost whats I want except the ability to use 5G feature!.
BTW: Although the phone is KT oriented still you can use it and do some changes that meet your local settings. nevertheless, ultimate changes/customization could be achieved if you can root the device and install custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear, I have the same phone and my Vodafone Qatar 5G is not working. I am using LTE only. I know how to root and install custom firmware. Can you tell me how you attain 5G working on your korean S10 5G?
Your help will be highly appreciated.
Thanks

Question CSC question- Currently SIN and need to use with Tmobile or Verizon in USA

Hi all. I have the a few sm-g998b phones, rooted with magisk, and I am a bit confused about which CSC I should flash to the device (SAMKEY). I ordered the phones from Singapore and need them be more compatible with USA verizon and USA tmobile. Only using one sim per phone. Which CSC should I replace the current SIN csc with for each, and is there anything else I can do to make these phones play a bit nicer in the USA? I am currently having issues with no 5g, poor wifi calling, no updates, etc.
1. Avoid SamKEY. Do your own work.
2. Flash the HOME_CSC, or the CSC of the firmware of the carrier. HOME is usually a safer bet though.
You're going to have issues in the US until you flash the proper CSC. AFAIK, every S21U has all radios, but the CSC activates the correct one.
For the absolute safest, download the TMOB stock firm, and flash the HOME_CSC (as well as the BL, AP, etc), then put the Tmob SIM in after boot.
SapphireEX said:
1. Avoid SamKEY. Do your own work.
2. Flash the HOME_CSC, or the CSC of the firmware of the carrier. HOME is usually a safer bet though.
You're going to have issues in the US until you flash the proper CSC. AFAIK, every S21U has all radios, but the CSC activates the correct one.
For the absolute safest, download the TMOB stock firm, and flash the HOME_CSC (as well as the BL, AP, etc), then put the Tmob SIM in after boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile or any US firmware can't be flashed on any Exynos Global device.
falawefulwaffle said:
Hi all. I have the a few sm-g998b phones, rooted with magisk, and I am a bit confused about which CSC I should flash to the device (SAMKEY). I ordered the phones from Singapore and need them be more compatible with USA verizon and USA tmobile. Only using one sim per phone. Which CSC should I replace the current SIN csc with for each, and is there anything else I can do to make these phones play a bit nicer in the USA? I am currently having issues with no 5g, poor wifi calling, no updates, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you aquire the Exynos Global variant knowing your service provider isn't optimized for your firmware? Did you save money? If so I hope saved a lot otherwise it was a poor choice. Your best option is keeping the stock SIN Firmware, at least you'll get timely updates. You MIGHT get Wifi Calling and VoLTE enabled but forget about 5G and Carrier Aggregation.
Missed that you mentioned an Exynos variant. Yeah, you're ****ed. Exynos is not compatible with US bands, or at least aggregate banding.
varcor said:
Why would you aquire the Exynos Global variant knowing your service provider isn't optimized for your firmware? Did you save money? If so I hope saved a lot otherwise it was a poor choice. Your best option is keeping the stock SIN Firmware, at least you'll get timely updates. You MIGHT get Wifi Calling and VoLTE enabled but forget about 5G and Carrier Aggregation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, these phones are company. we needed root for some applications.
*don't use SAMKEY
This is a bit tricky because US is Snapdragon-based.
My best bet would be to factory reset (don't forget to backup) and flash a multi-csc Exynos ROM (OXM). This would detect the most compatible one for your US sims.
I would suggest getting the XSP for Singapore because that's the unbranded one.
Other than n71 5G band for US Cellular, I don't think you'll have much issues.
mpore14 said:
*don't use SAMKEY
This is a bit tricky because US is Snapdragon-based.
My best bet would be to factory reset (don't forget to backup) and flash a multi-csc Exynos ROM (OXM). This would detect the most compatible one for your US sims.
I would suggest getting the XSP for Singapore because that's the unbranded one.
Other than n71 5G band for US Cellular, I don't think you'll have much issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"This would detect the most compatible one for your US sims" Nope, that's incorrect, Exynos Global variants aren't able to detect the most compatible US Networks. It's apples and oranges, there is zero integration for US devices.
varcor said:
"This would detect the most compatible one for your US sims" Nope, that's incorrect, Exynos Global variants aren't able to detect the most compatible US Networks. It's apples and oranges, there is zero integration for US devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for correcting me. Least that's how it was for me using NZ sim on a G9980 SD variant.
mpore14 said:
Thanks for correcting me. Least that's how it was for me using NZ sim on a G9980 SD variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Exynos variants are Multi-CSC Devices, mainly for Europe, not for the US. The SM-G9980 isn't a Multi-CSC Device unlike some US Models, it's Dual-Sim. In Settings under Network Operators you can have the device select the "Best Network" but it isn't analyzing call features, it's only matching the network with the Active CSC (SIM Card).
Bro,
On the stock phone dialer key in
*#2263#
You will see the bands the 998b supports.
Now u need to check on the networks u plan to use in the US what bands are used. Not sure what u plan to do but these exynos phones should be able to roam into the US with voice n data services. Not blazing gigabits but one should be able to roam globally with these phones.

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