Using USA Note 9 in Europe (to be specific in Romania) - Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers

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!

Related

Using an unlocked att device outside USA

I want to buy a galaxy note 5 from Amazon while I'm in America and use it in a different country where I live.
The device I am considering is the sm-n920a. I've checked the cellular bands and they Mach.
I'm have a few questions since it is not the international version or the sm-n920c that is sold in my country.
1. I heard people saying that it won't fully support my language since it is an att phone. It seemed odd to me because I thought that if the international version supports the language any module should.
2. Will there be a problem with OTA updates?
3. At the price point of 360$, is the note 5 really the best phone to buy?
Thanks
chaimgross said:
I want to buy a galaxy note 5 from Amazon while I'm in America and use it in a different country where I live.
The device I am considering is the sm-n920a. I've checked the cellular bands and they Mach.
I'm have a few questions since it is not the international version or the sm-n920c that is sold in my country.
1. I heard people saying that it won't fully support my language since it is an att phone. It seemed odd to me because I thought that if the international version supports the language any module should.
2. Will there be a problem with OTA updates?
3. At the price point of 360$, is the note 5 really the best phone to buy?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an unlocked AT&T Note 5 and an international one, both work perfectly even though I live outside America. And about updates I am not sure but you can always search for custom roms with the latest features for the device on the forum. And overall the n5 is a great phone in my opinion, has everything you need in a phone and more.

Is the P20 Pro the same in all countries?

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!

No Root For N960U and N960U1?

Hi!
I want to ask. And forgive my question. Some possibility of root Note 9 N960U & N960U1?
I know that many here are bothered by these types of questions.
galdypr said:
Hi!
I want to ask. And forgive my question. Some possibility of root Note 9 N960U & N960U1?
I know that many here are bothered by these types of questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not available, and there is a high probability that it never will be available.
For example there is still no root for S9/S9+ in U version.
VadimTk said:
It is not available, and there is a high probability that it never will be available.
For example there is still no root for S9/S9+ in U version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for answer. If the USA version It is so complicated to root, then I will buy exynos version. Personally I like the devices that I can have control and rooted.
We are bothered by the questions because it seems like every person creating a new thread asking about it seems like they will get a different answer if they create their own thread about it.
@rbiter said:
We are bothered by the questions because it seems like every person creating a new thread asking about it seems like they will get a different answer if they create their own thread about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked because I have not seen a thread with that question. But, my apologies if they bother here to.
In my case, and where I work, it has never bothered me that they ask me the same thing, because I like to help people.
Thanks!
As far as I now, S9 and S9+ snapdragon versions are still not rooted.
There is at least 1 guy searching for root but so far, no progress.
So, maybe s845 Note 9 will get root someday but don't have high hopes about that and if root really matter to you, I will advise you to buy another phone.
I strongly advise buying the exynos version now, or buying another device if updates and such will be a big deal. I had the same concerns, this is my first unrooted Android device I am considering purchasing, and I have to make the decision based on what is most probable, root not being an option. Otherwise, you'll be pissed the entire time you have the device that you let yourself fall into the hope trap.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
I will wait few months, as it happened with note 8, that a root for the snapdragon came out, if the root does not come out with note 9 snapdragon, I follow your advice and buy the version with Exynos. Thanks! ?
I do not know, but with so much developer here in XDA and other forums; there must be some way to unlock the bootloader. Or is have to pay for it, or beg of carrier companies??
galdypr said:
I will wait few months, as it happened with note 8, that a root for the snapdragon came out, if the root does not come out with note 9 snapdragon, I follow your advice and buy the version with Exynos. Thanks! [emoji3]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked the OP of that thread a month ago and he confirmed that that root method can not be done on the S9, S9+ or NOTE9, which means that the device will most likely never be rooted, unless Samsung suddenly, randomly, allows for the bootloader to be unlocked.
I upgraded to the Snapdragon Note9 anyway though myself. I found that I didn't really miss root all that much on my Note8 and didn't want my battery on my new phone to only charge to 80% by using SamFAIL, so I just got the non-carrier branded one this time to cut down on some of the bloat. I could've went Exynos, but in the past I'd mainly only used root to put other roms on the device and maybe clear out some space, but the Note9 comes with 128gb internal minimum with the potential of an up to 512gb sd card, which is plenty of space for me to just disable a few apps. Most of the roms too most often didn't have the air command features for the spen(or most of the other functionality that Samsung devices are supposed to have) and the pen is why I buy the Notes in the first place. The ones that did try and incorporate those features(including the Touchwiz roms) always still had other problems too, so I most often found myself going back to stock anyway.
Frankly, it's just been nice having a device where Samsung Pay and everything else just works. I've had the unrootable Snapdragon Note9 for a month now and I love it. It has tons of features that the Note8 didn't have, like an spen that works as a wireless bluetooth remote for your camera, music and other apps, as well as more space, a better battery and more. That's just my take though.
galdypr said:
Hi!
I want to ask. And forgive my question. Some possibility of root Note 9 N960U & N960U1?
I know that many here are bothered by these types of questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so much bothered by questions (even if they have been asked 100 times over like this one lol) more so people refuse to use the search function.
If you had of done so you wouldn't have needed to even ask.
Dont be afraid to try and help yourself sometimes, its not that painful.
But yeah as the guys said....never going to happen
I took the advice of several users of the forum, I bought the note version exynos. And I did not break the my Head, Waiting for someone to get Root the Note 9 USA Version
The other note 9 I want to sell it by ebay or by Swppa.
galdypr said:
I took the advice of several users of the forum, I bought the note version exynos. And I did not break the my Head, Waiting for someone to get Root the Note 9 USA Version
The other note 9 I want to sell it by ebay or by Swppa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The USA version is never going to see root.
I didn't understand what you said about the exynos other than your selling it? Why?
galdypr said:
I do not know, but with so much developer here in XDA and other forums; there must be some way to unlock the bootloader. Or is have to pay for it, or beg of carrier companies??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier companies do not have control over bootloader locks. I have tried going through them in the past about this and they have no clue what you are talking about unless you get lucky and get a person that knows about root and even if that does happen they can't and won't help you with it. It has to be done by manufacturers.
galdypr said:
Thanks for answer. If the USA version It is so complicated to root, then I will buy exynos version. Personally I like the devices that I can have control and rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you considered the N9600, international version? It has the SD845 processor (like the U and U1) and root/TWRP are already available. Knox gets tripped, of course, but that only negates Samsung Pay and a couple others.
Just having a little trouble locating units for sale (at good prices) here on mainland US.
Forgetting N960U and N960U1! I bought N960N!! And my problem resolved! Finally I got root!! ?
q2n said:
Have you considered the N9600, international version? It has the SD845 processor (like the U and U1) and root/TWRP are already available. Knox gets tripped, of course, but that only negates Samsung Pay and a couple others.
Just having a little trouble locating units for sale (at good prices) here on mainland US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to figure out my info on versions is correct... I thought N9600 (with Snapdragon) is the Hong Kong version (i.e. not "international" or "global"), and N960F (with Exynos) is for "global"/europe (although it seems to have different band lists for UK). (I'm not considering rootability etc., just the target market / naming.)
6thtry said:
Just to figure out my info on versions is correct... I thought N9600 (with Snapdragon) is the Hong Kong version (i.e. not "international" or "global"), and N960F (with Exynos) is for "global"/europe (although it seems to have different band lists for UK). (I'm not considering rootability etc., just the target market / naming.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the 960F model has different radio / bands for UK market compared to the 960F sold in mainland Europe? I doubt it.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Limeybastard said:
So the 960F model has different radio / bands for UK market compared to the 960F sold in mainland Europe? I doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I have no idea. I read it on this page: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/
I found another list (much shorter one) that does not have separate entry for UK. Maybe the longer list simply lists bands that are active in the region (e.g. if there are bands in use in UK that aren't used elsewhere in europe even if the phone would support them).
Not relevant to this topic (rooting U/U1), though, I just noted it for the peculiarity of seeing that difference for the same model code.
6thtry said:
Personally, I have no idea. I read it on this page: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/
I found another list (much shorter one) that does not have separate entry for UK. Maybe the longer list simply lists bands that are active in the region (e.g. if there are bands in use in UK that aren't used elsewhere in europe even if the phone would support them).
Not relevant to this topic (rooting U/U1), though, I just noted it for the peculiarity of seeing that difference for the same model code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally how I verify bands used it to go to samsungs website for that country to check specs for a particular model number.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

Importing a Snapdragon Model from U.S.

After comprehending the HUGE differences between the performance of the Exynos and Snapdragon model (thanks to Anandtech and Gary Explains YouTube), I am thinking of buying the Snapdragon model from U.S. and importing it to India. Wanted to know wether or not is it worth it, the hassles of doing so, and is there a better option than Amazon for it ?
The_Quantum_Guy said:
After comprehending the HUGE differences between the performance of the Exynos and Snapdragon model (thanks to Anandtech and Gary Explains YouTube), I am thinking of buying the Snapdragon model from U.S. and importing it to India. Wanted to know wether or not is it worth it, the hassles of doing so, and is there a better option than Amazon for it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would strongly advise not going down this route. I did the exact same thing with my previous S8. What Samsung don't tell you is that they include a region lock on their devices. In order to remove the lock, you need to use 5 minutes of call time in that particular country to unlock it. I purchased my phone in the US and initially and used the phone to get the unlock, without any knowledge. The issues arose when I brought it back to the UK and flashed my own firmware. In this case, a beta firmware update. By doing my own flash, it then reset the lock removing access to the galaxy app store, samsung pay and a number of other apps.
You can find an example of this by simply googling samsung region lock.
If it's simply a performance issue, I would stick with the Exynos processor. My note 9 has had no issues in performance whatsoever and would strongly recommend the phone.
AFewLads said:
I would strongly advise not going down this route. I did the exact same thing with my previous S8. What Samsung don't tell you is that they include a region lock on their devices. In order to remove the lock, you need to use 5 minutes of call time in that particular country to unlock it. I purchased my phone in the US and initially and used the phone to get the unlock, without any knowledge. The issues arose when I brought it back to the UK and flashed my own firmware. In this case, a beta firmware update. By doing my own flash, it then reset the lock removing access to the galaxy app store, samsung pay and a number of other apps.
You can find an example of this by simply googling samsung region lock.
If it's simply a performance issue, I would stick with the Exynos processor. My note 9 has had no issues in performance whatsoever and would strongly recommend the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank You AFewLads for bringing this issue to the fore and potentially saving me a lot of money !!! Btw, just for my curiosity (and probably a few others), what did you do with your S8 then ?

Question Question on unlocked S21 Ultra 5g bought from Samsung

So here's my question. I was waiting for the T-Mobile version of the s21 ultra to be in stock in the 256gig version, but it seems like that is taking too long so I had purchased the unlocked version. Yesterday when I went into the T-Mobile store, I was told that it wouldn't be able to pick up 5g and a lot of the phone itself wouldn't be compatible. Does anyone know if this is true? Sorry I know I sound like a Noob because I am, but I'm just a bit worried. If that's the case I see about people flashing stuff. Would it be possible to flash say the T-Mobile stuff to the unlocked phone so it would work? Sorry for writing a book, just wanted to be thorough. Appreciate any feed back or answers.
Filmore
They either lied to try and sell you a T-mobile version or they don't know what they are talking about. The US unlocked model works well with all the US carriers and has no issues picking up 5G and even supports WiFi calling.
beserker15 said:
They either lied to try and sell you a T-mobile version or they don't know what they are talking about. The US unlocked model works well with all the US carriers and has no issues picking up 5G and even supports WiFi calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for responding with that info. I appreciate it.
I have TMobile and an unlocked s21 ultra. They work perfectly together. No issues whatsoever with 5g.
chetly968 said:
I have TMobile and an unlocked s21 ultra. They work perfectly together. No issues whatsoever with 5g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude that's awesome, I'm feeling way better about my purchase. Thank you for replying and letting me know. I appreciate it.
I have a S21 Ultra unlocked and carrier is TMobile, no problem so far.
T-Mobile has the least number of issues if you bring-your-own-device. It's Verizon that's a real PITA.
I'm grateful for everyone posting and sharing their experiences and uses. Thank you to everyone. Appreciate it.
Go to a different store. They lied to you. I bought mine from Amazon, it's the unlocked 128gb version, (the 256gb wasn't in stock during the sale. They both priced the same) and it works without a problem. T Mobile 5G works really good on it.
I'm getting 5G via T-Mobile on my unlocked S21 Ultra direct from Samsung. That shady store or salesperson straight up lied to you, they are ignorant about unlocked devices, or both.
I want to change IMEI of Samsung galaxy s21 ultra 5g
Changing of imei is illegal in most countries (if not all). You will not get any help with that on XDA...
As others have said, this isnt true.
One thing that is (ior certainly was a couple of years ago) was that Three didnt allow non three branded handsets to connect to their 800MHz supervoice service, which IME made a huge difference in the LTE days

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