Develop Bugs

Bootloader Locked?

Has anyone actually physically checked? I saw the Samsung chats, but nothing officially stating they are or are not locked.

Yes, FRP lock is on and no option to turn it off anywhere like on the Exynos model.

I don't see why samsung, and if not them the companies, have to be dicks about this and screw over their US clients.

Interceptor777 said:
Yes, FRP lock is on and no option to turn it off anywhere like on the Exynos model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is shame. One of the reasons that I switched to Tmobile was because their Samsung phones always had unlocked bootloaders.

I learned my lesson with the s7 edge and didn't buy the phone right away this time around. My Note 7 with root was amazing, but we all know what happen with it.

aggieranch said:
It is shame. One of the reasons that I switched to Tmobile was because their Samsung phones always had unlocked bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel your pain. I switched from at&t for that very same reason and now all us models have locked bootloaders, but with all the customization you could do to these phones rooting and flashing isn't really necessary for me anymore. I just like the phone all around. It's a great phone. [emoji4]
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Cancelled my T-Mobile pre-order awhile ago for this reason! Ordered the Exynos international model so that I can continue to enjoy unlocked on XDA!

galaxys said:
Cancelled my T-Mobile pre-order awhile ago for this reason! Ordered the Exynos international model so that I can continue to enjoy unlocked on XDA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you won't be getting early updates and you may suffer when the gigabit network comes although don't quote me on that.

bossei said:
But you won't be getting early updates and you may suffer when the gigabit network comes although don't quote me on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol... its a well known fact that the international devices get faster and more frequent updates than US or Canadian devices ever will.
I was laughing at all the guys on US/ Can s7s whining about no update to nougat..i had nougat on my international S7 edge mos before they did.
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6

I had both TMobile branded S7 edges and international models as well. I found that I actually preferred the TMobile version for volte, rcs messaging, native video calling and a few more small percs. Yeah the international models was bootloader unlockable and had faster updates but I had to do so many work arounds to get it close to how I wanted and yet it still never did. I could have rooted and got everything I wanted but I actually use Samsung Pay and that'd kill that. To each their own. I also recall the TMobile S7 edge and note 7's having a locked bootloader​ still eventually got root.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+

Rydah805 said:
I had both TMobile branded S7 edges and international models as well. I found that I actually preferred the TMobile version for volte, rcs messaging, native video calling and a few more small percs. Yeah the international models was bootloader unlockable and had faster updates but I had to do so many work arounds to get it close to how I wanted and yet it still never did. I could have rooted and got everything I wanted but I actually use Samsung Pay and that'd kill that. To each their own. I also recall the TMobile S7 edge and note 7's having a locked bootloader​ still eventually got root.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True the international versions lack some features but depending on your use they may or may not matter..for me I could care less about any of those so no biggie but others may need them.
Id rather have root,twrp and roms etc
The root on the s7 and note 7 snaps was via leaked engineering firmware and it wasnt ideal...buggy, slow and just a general pain to deal with.
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6

Rydah805 said:
I had both TMobile branded S7 edges and international models as well. I found that I actually preferred the TMobile version for volte, rcs messaging, native video calling and a few more small percs. Yeah the international models was bootloader unlockable and had faster updates but I had to do so many work arounds to get it close to how I wanted and yet it still never did. I could have rooted and got everything I wanted but I actually use Samsung Pay and that'd kill that. To each their own. I also recall the TMobile S7 edge and note 7's having a locked bootloader​ still eventually got root.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I had the s7 edge and rooted it but it wasn't the same as when I had the T-Mobile version of the phone. It was a pain. These phones are great and I rather use it to its fullest. I also use android pay and want to use samsung pay so for me I'm good without unlocked billiards for now. I have a bunch of phones I have rooted that I can get my flashaholic tendency out. Lol. My pixel gives me that pure android feel so having a vendor feel is ok with me. I will be going back and fourth. I also don't know how having an international version will affect the gigabit network update when it comes out.

Rydah805 said:
I had both TMobile branded S7 edges and international models as well. I found that I actually preferred the TMobile version for volte, rcs messaging, native video calling and a few more small percs. Yeah the international models was bootloader unlockable and had faster updates but I had to do so many work arounds to get it close to how I wanted and yet it still never did. I could have rooted and got everything I wanted but I actually use Samsung Pay and that'd kill that. To each their own. I also recall the TMobile S7 edge and note 7's having a locked bootloader​ still eventually got root.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the international s7 edge and volte, WiFi calling work great with csc utility 2.3.5 for it
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers Legacy app

king3opobn said:
I got the international s7 edge and volte, WiFi calling work great with csc utility 2.3.5 for it
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here
not sure what he's talking about
skipping the T mobile one again
waiting on swappa price to go down a bit
someone sold one for 700 new and i misssed that

force70 said:
Lol... its a well known fact that the international devices get faster and more frequent updates than US or Canadian devices ever will.
I was laughing at all the guys on US/ Can s7s whining about no update to nougat..i had nougat on my international S7 edge mos before they did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get what you choose. I chose a carrier model because it is superior in network quality. I can't root my primary phone anymore because my work policies flag rooted phones automatically and I stop syncing. For my playground, I have Pixel XL. Fastest updates, unlocked everything. For a reliable phone I have TMobile S8+. Like i said, you get what you pay for and pick up.

I mean hey sure the bootloader is locked, but once the right person gets one of these in their hands Im sure there will be an exploit. Just gotta wait patiently good things come to those who wait!

jakobkay said:
I mean hey sure the bootloader is locked, but once the right person gets one of these in their hands Im sure there will be an exploit. Just gotta wait patiently good things come to those who wait!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While it is software written by humans and anything is possible. S7 never got an unlocked bootloader. We got root with the eng_boot.imgs, but never an unlocked bl.
But I'm holding hope. The community is full of extremely clever people.

Really sucks, I recall the heyday of the Galaxy Note II and SIII, man back then there were like 200 ROM's out, Touchwiz, AOSP, CyanogenMod, etc... Root and Recovery available the first week the phones released.
And I'm talking the U.S. carrier phones too. Not just the international.
And then they all stopped after the Galaxy S4 came out. They released a firmware and locked the **** down like a Navy sub going deep. Note 3 too LOCKED. And forever the good days long gone.
Except the T-Mobile Note 5 was rooted and ROM. But that was a freak rarity.
Now root and recovery are things of dreams for Galaxy phones.
---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:16 PM ----------
Whole reason I moved to T-Mobile two years ago, was for the unlocked bootloaders that T-Mo was famous for, even when Verizon and ATT didn't allow that anymore. The Galaxy Note 5 was their last unlocked phone, since then, the S7, and Note7 were LOCKED, and looks like the S8 is too.
Glory days are gone.
Almost like the Jailbreak scene, which has faded bad, and there's only a stable JB released maybe once a year or every 18 months.

What is the best way to purchase a S9 / S9+ for Verizon, and should I switch plans?

I keep asking around and I keep getting different answers.
I have a grandfathered UDP. Some people say I should keep it because the new UDP has limitations. Some people say I should switch to the new UDP.
I wish I could still use PDANet/FoxFi (only a few times a year when travelling etc.). Some people say I can just pay $1/day for Verizon mobile hotspot. Some people say I should switch my plan.
I use Samsung Pay and GearVR, and I'd rather not root my phone. I use between 10-20GB/month.
Some people say that "unlocked" doesn't matter anymore - that the carrier SIM will make it a Verizon device no matter where I buy the phone. Is that true?
I'm ready to upgrade from my S6 to the S9 or S9+ (I want to keep my S6). Should I purchase through Samsung, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy? Does it matter, or should I just go with the cheapest deal I can find?

I plan on going straight through Samsung on a monthly payment plan. They should offer some type of a device trade in program so I can trade in my sons Moto Z and maybe get a couple hundred knocked off. My son can have my Pixel XL and I'll get the 9+.

ergalthema said:
I keep asking around and I keep getting different answers.
I have a grandfathered UDP. Some people say I should keep it because the new UDP has limitations. Some people say I should switch to the new UDP.
I wish I could still use PDANet/FoxFi (only a few times a year when travelling etc.). Some people say I can just pay $1/day for Verizon mobile hotspot. Some people say I should switch my plan.
I use Samsung Pay and GearVR, and I'd rather not root my phone. I use between 10-20GB/month.
Some people say that "unlocked" doesn't matter anymore - that the carrier SIM will make it a Verizon device no matter where I buy the phone. Is that true?
I'm ready to upgrade from my S6 to the S9 or S9+ (I want to keep my S6). Should I purchase through Samsung, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy? Does it matter, or should I just go with the cheapest deal I can find?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.

Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.

Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good point - glad you mentioned it. However, I am rarely out of the country, so I'm wondering if it's still in my best interest to have an unlocked phone.

Deathman20 said:
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this was the case with the S8+. I'm going to make sure that I confirm it with Samsung and Verizon. The unlocked version is cheaper than getting from Verizon.
You can also now reservthe unlocked version on Samsung's website
https://www.samsung.com/us/
It only lets you reserve the unlocked version right now.

Bxrider117 said:
I know this was the case with the S8+. I'm going to make sure that I confirm it with Samsung and Verizon. The unlocked version is cheaper than getting from Verizon.
You can also now reservthe unlocked version on Samsung's website
https://www.samsung.com/us/
It only lets you reserve the unlocked version right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you pre-order it on Friday from Best Buy I think it matches or beats Samsung's price by $10 and includes unlocked version too!
Course its early so curious if anything will change.
Side note is there any additional pre-order perks that we can get?

Deathman20 said:
If you pre-order it on Friday from Best Buy I think it matches or beats Samsung's price by $10 and includes unlocked version too!
Course its early so curious if anything will change.
Side note is there any additional pre-order perks that we can get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I see at Samsung is the $840 (S9+), but Best Buy says it will be $100 off that, no?

ergalthema said:
All I see at Samsung is the $840 (S9+), but Best Buy says it will be $100 off that, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is reading right. Though from Verizon/AT&T they have the higher price at $930/915 respectfully. So that being said it would potentially bring it lower than Samsung.

Best Buy says to get their discount there needs to be a qualified activation. Not sure but that sounds like you need to start a new line of service with the carrier. I have a plan already, don't need another. I'm with AT&T and am going to go with the carrier's model of the phone. HD calling or volte might or might not work with an unlocked model depending on whether or not they decide to activate it for you but WiFi calling won't work unless you have the AT&T model. WiFi calling is nice for out of country use, my family also spends some time in an area without cell service but WiFi is available. When I realized my wife had wifi calling on her iphone I was jealous. My Pixel didn't work. I like the features, security of the new phones. I think I'm done worrying about carrier apps, bootloaders and root. It's been quite a while since I modded a phone and improved on the stock configuration. I know, this is XDA but it's getting pretty hard to improve on this year's phones. My P2XL is still stock & I'm very happy with it like that.

dmb219 said:
Best Buy says to get their discount there needs to be a qualified activation. Not sure but that sounds like you need to start a new line of service with the carrier. I have a plan already, don't need another. I'm with AT&T and am going to go with the carrier's model of the phone. HD calling or volte might or might not work with an unlocked model depending on whether or not they decide to activate it for you but WiFi calling won't work unless you have the AT&T model. WiFi calling is nice for out of country use, my family also spends some time in an area without cell service but WiFi is available. When I realized my wife had wifi calling on her iphone I was jealous. My Pixel didn't work. I like the features, security of the new phones. I think I'm done worrying about carrier apps, bootloaders and root. It's been quite a while since I modded a phone and improved on the stock configuration. I know, this is XDA but it's getting pretty hard to improve on this year's phones. My P2XL is still stock & I'm very happy with it like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Talking with BB reps so far, their qualified activation doesn't seem to be like anything. Can be a new line or current at least thats what I've been told so far and that is what they are expecting.
For the BB pricing though found this out and might only still refer to the Pre-Order period. S9+ will be $100 off still after the 2nd, and S9 will be $50 off after the 2nd. No clue how long it lasts after that though but its what I was able to get out of the rep today. Also talking around no luck at getting at least Verizon to honor the BB discount so... well really its not to much tough luck for them since they still get money.

I just spoke to a vz rep, and this was her answer to the question...
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.

droideris1 said:
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of all the confusing possibilities I've heard, I have not heard anyone say that an unlocked phone will have wifi calling on Verizon - basically everyone says wifi calling does not work on an unlocked phone...

ergalthema said:
Of all the confusing possibilities I've heard, I have not heard anyone say that an unlocked phone will have wifi calling on Verizon - basically everyone says wifi calling does not work on an unlocked phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true on AT&T phones. You won't get wifi calling unless you have an AT&T phone. Can't speak for Verizon. Can't speak for the S9 at all since we don't have any user feedback but I doubt the carrier bonus features will change.

The unlocked version will not get visual voice mail on Verizon. That is a no go for me. All one has to do is look at the status of the unlocked S8 on verizon for confirmation. Nothing is different here. In fact Verizon has recently stated it will temporarily stop selling it's own branded phones unlocked. The Verizon price of the phones are almost $100 over what the Samsung retail is and also the most of any carrier. lucky us. I don't need a new activation so I don't get the $100 off best Buy deal. So I pay the inflated rate at no discount and no offers. nada. Basically stuck. Oh well.. such is life.

xgman said:
I don't need a new activation so I don't get the $100 off best Buy deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't need to start a new line. I'm trading in my S8+ for the S9+ with Best Buy and I got the $100 off. I'm not starting a new line, just upgrading my current. They just make you activate it in the store.

Call up the cancelation department and threaten to cancel to ATT. When they ask if they can do anything for you let them know they can offer you the phone and keep your GUDP. Worked for me.

@ergalthema
What did you decide to do? It's cheaper through the Samsung website itself.
I'm in the same boat as you - I don't really need Wifi calling and don't use VVM.

wolfgrrl said:
@ergalthema
What did you decide to do? It's cheaper through the Samsung website itself.
I'm in the same boat as you - I don't really need Wifi calling and don't use VVM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went with the unlocked from Samsung. So far, any issues I have would probably exist on the Verizon version as well (mainly minor quirks that I have to find workarounds for).
For some reason, it has been more difficult to force the camera shutter to silent. I have a Tasker task that always worked with S6 - when camera is opened, silence all audio. But with the S9, sometimes the "System Volume" will be stuck at full. It's grayed-out and I cant' change it. Not sure what's causing that. If I reboot, I can adjust everything again. At first, I thought maybe the unlocked version couldn't silence the camera shutter, but that's not the case. I can silence it sometimes. Gotta figure out why it gets stuck at full volume sometimes, though.

Yeah, I think that's the route I'm going to do as well. Plus they'll give me $200 for my current phone
ergalthema said:
I went with the unlocked from Samsung. So far, any issues I have would probably exist on the Verizon version as well (mainly minor quirks that I have to find workarounds for).
For some reason, it has been more difficult to force the camera shutter to silent. I have a Tasker task that always worked with S6 - when camera is opened, silence all audio. But with the S9, sometimes the "System Volume" will be stuck at full. It's grayed-out and I cant' change it. Not sure what's causing that. If I reboot, I can adjust everything again. At first, I thought maybe the unlocked version couldn't silence the camera shutter, but that's not the case. I can silence it sometimes. Gotta figure out why it gets stuck at full volume sometimes, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

What version S4 to get (Carrier, Unlocked US, Korean)?

So I have the S3 and talked the other half into why I need to upgrade!
I'm on AT&T and am using a US Cell S3 w VzW Oreo so am not afraid of porting and making it work.
I do want AT&T NumberSync though, which is why I'm leaning towards getting it direct. But, I've seen a few forums mention getting the Korean version for the 6GB of RAM.
I'm looking to be educated, so please let me know your thoughts. I need it to be cell.
Sent from my SM-T827V using Tapatalk

IMO go with Korean. Unless you don't care about paying for additional tablet line and rooting.
I'm able to use my existing voice sim in the tablet and it has a phone app and messaging like a regular phone.
Originally I bought the Verizon version - no oem unlock, requires tablet sim and only 4gb ram
Basically only downside I can see to ordering Korean one through eBay is the time you have to wait for it to get here. Not that bad but not the instant gratification we all want! I never knew about ordering foreign tablets, was always scared off by lack of warranty. But due to how carriers restrict US tablets, I will be buying from Korea every time in the future.

machx1111 said:
IMO go with Korean. Unless you don't care about paying for additional tablet line and rooting.
I'm able to use my existing voice sim in the tablet and it has a phone app and messaging like a regular phone.
Originally I bought the Verizon version - no oem unlock, requires tablet sim and only 4gb ram
Basically only downside I can see to ordering Korean one through eBay is the time you have to wait for it to get here. Not that bad but not the instant gratification we all want! I never knew about ordering foreign tablets, was always scared off by lack of warranty. But due to how carriers restrict US tablets, I will be buying from Korea every time in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree... I ordered through eBay and received it in 4 days.

I think i saw in another thread you both bought from the same person. Do you by chance have their seller name you can post or message me?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

alfredtv said:
I think i saw in another thread you both bought from the same person. Do you by chance have their seller name you can post or message me?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was the item I bought. Communication was good, I didn't pay any extra taxes or anything. Good experience
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...-LTE-Unlocked-4K-Record-SM-T835-/253816928507

alfredtv said:
I think i saw in another thread you both bought from the same person. Do you by chance have their seller name you can post or message me?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the 64GB LTE version here - https://www.ebay.com/itm/SAMSUNG-Ga...-4G-LTE-RAM-6GB/263972876227?var=563485185229
Came in fast. No taxes and/or fees.

machx1111 said:
This was the item I bought. Communication was good, I didn't pay any extra taxes or anything. Good experience
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...-LTE-Unlocked-4K-Record-SM-T835-/253816928507
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sandibhatt said:
I bought the 64GB LTE version here - https://www.ebay.com/itm/SAMSUNG-Ga...-4G-LTE-RAM-6GB/263972876227?var=563485185229
Came in fast. No taxes and/or fees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
may i ask you guys, if i buy one at ebay, what can i do if the screen say, with a green line which is a quite common amoled problem, leaks found on edges, dead pixel, yellowish or blue tints etc? can i return it and get a new one? i can hardly accept these problems. I'm in hong kong and have never buy anything at ebay but the one with 6gb ram looks good really!
can anyone share your experience pls?
thanks in advance

ykkfive said:
may i ask you guys, if i buy one at ebay, what can i do if the screen say, with a green line which is a quite common amoled problem, leaks found on edges, dead pixel, yellowish or blue tints etc? can i return it and get a new one? i can hardly accept these problems. I'm in hong kong and have never buy anything at ebay but the one with 6gb ram looks good really!
can anyone share your experience pls?
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the international version lacks a warranty, at least for USA consumers, I purchased a Squareteade warranty.
Being in HK, I'm not sure if a warranty might apply to you or not, or if there is another similar 3rd party warranty available.

machx1111 said:
Because the international version lacks a warranty, at least for USA consumers, I purchased a Squareteade warranty.
Being in HK, I'm not sure if a warranty might apply to you or not, or if there is another similar 3rd party warranty available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if i don purchase an extra warranty i can get it replaced only if it's damaged or not working properly?
also, does the extra warranty cover all imperfect problems observed including but not limited to those i mentioned above?
and how about rooted device? covered or not? for example, rooted but green lines found later?

machx1111 said:
IMO go with Korean. Unless you don't care about paying for additional tablet line and rooting.
I'm able to use my existing voice sim in the tablet and it has a phone app and messaging like a regular phone.
Originally I bought the Verizon version - no oem unlock, requires tablet sim and only 4gb ram
Basically only downside I can see to ordering Korean one through eBay is the time you have to wait for it to get here. Not that bad but not the instant gratification we all want! I never knew about ordering foreign tablets, was always scared off by lack of warranty. But due to how carriers restrict US tablets, I will be buying from Korea every time in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, you're able to use the tab s4 as a phone? Can you access the Play store too?
I'm asking because I plan on buying a Korean one to use as a phone.

FarmAndrex said:
So, you're able to use the tab s4 as a phone? Can you access the Play store too?
I'm asking because I plan on buying a Korean one to use as a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I'm on TMobile can use play store, Samsung dialer as if it were a phone, texting everything. Works great no issues.
TMobile sees it as an unknown phone I notice no throttling whatsoever besides the same video throttling that applies to all phones. (A VPN handles that anways. )

machx1111 said:
Yes. I'm on TMobile can use play store, Samsung dialer as if it were a phone, texting everything. Works great no issues.
TMobile sees it as an unknown phone I notice no throttling whatsoever besides the same video throttling that applies to all phones. (A VPN handles that anways. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm on AT&T so it will definitely work.
I've tried finding a definitive answer but I couldn't find it. I've watched numerous videos that showed the phone icon but nothing showing it being used. Thanks again. This will definitely be my next phone.

Is there root for the Korean model?

911jason said:
Is there root for the Korean model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Korean t835 is rooted.
Afaik the only one that can't be rooted is Verizon bootloader locked one.

I have the AT&T model.... I just assumed that it couldn't be rooted, like my note pro 12.2...

Definitive list of differences between carrier locked and unlocked variants

Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know

buffalosolja42 said:
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are the same phones and can run the same firmware.
I would go with whatever the best deal you can get.

I thought things like video calling and wifi phone calls don't work. Hmm well that's good news then.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

buffalosolja42 said:
I thought things like video calling and wifi phone calls don't work. Hmm well that's good news then.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who is your carrier?
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
buffalosolja42 said:
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
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You can actually just go research any of this in the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or Galaxy S10 forums. They all work the same way.
Same hardware across each of the variants, but the software and the carrier will determine which features work. If you're on ATT and you want WiFi calling and VoLTE, you'll need to buy an ATT device. They check your IMEI and if it isn't on their whitelist, those features won't work, even if you flash the ATT firmware.
All the other carriers you can just flash their carrier firmware.
T-Mobile is the easiest. The only thing that won't work on TMO with unlocked firmware is video calling and RCS texting. WiFi calling and VoLTE work right out of the box.

That is what i figured searched the forums a bit but needed something concise appreciate the info!!
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Who is your carrier?
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
You can actually just go research any of this in the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or Galaxy S10 forums. They all work the same way.
Same hardware across each of the variants, but the software and the carrier will determine which features work. If you're on ATT and you want WiFi calling and VoLTE, you'll need to buy an ATT device. They check your IMEI and if it isn't on their whitelist, those features won't work, even if you flash the ATT firmware.
All the other carriers you can just flash their carrier firmware.
T-Mobile is the easiest. The only thing that won't work on TMO with unlocked firmware is video calling and RCS texting. WiFi calling and VoLTE work right out of the box.
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Click to collapse
I am using ATT prepaid and I bought the S10 plus last year. I flashed it with the ATT firmware and I got wifi calling working. I plan to do the same for my Note 10 plus.

beethoven1854 said:
I am using ATT prepaid and I bought the S10 plus last year. I flashed it with the ATT firmware and I got wifi calling working. I plan to do the same for my Note 10 plus.
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Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
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I have been using it just fine. I will do it on my Note 10 plus and report back my result.

Well there you go, OP. I guess flashing ATT firmware to your unlocked device still works to activate carrier features. Everything else I said is still accurate.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
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So right now ATT wifi calling doesn't work with Note 10 Plus but it does work for S10 Plus (and previous models). I am pretty sure this is because the Note 10 is still very new and their system needs some update. I will wait a couple weeks and see what happens.
I called ATT. They told me Note 10 is not on their list yet.

Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

buffalosolja42 said:
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
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thats the first time I heard of anyone actually using it!

ekerbuddyeker said:
thats the first time I heard of anyone actually using it!
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Work in IT daily and easier for wife as it pops up in call.

I would use it, but I use a Google Voice number as my primary number. We used to do Hangouts video calls all the time, but not so much anymore. I guess the romance is dead.

If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?

Corruption Inc said:
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
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I have a pre-order deal from Samsung that is between 6-700 can't remember at the moment.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I always use unlocked devices whether it be Samsung unlocked or Google pixels unlocked but all work like a charm on verizon and get basically free unchecked hotspot

beethoven1854 said:
So right now ATT wifi calling doesn't work with Note 10 Plus but it does work for S10 Plus (and previous models). I am pretty sure this is because the Note 10 is still very new and their system needs some update. I will wait a couple weeks and see what happens.
I called ATT. They told me Note 10 is not on their list yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buffalosolja42 said:
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So interestingly, there's another thread and people who are flashing ATT firmware to the unlocked version can no longer get WFC to work. They said it works for a few minutes if they give ATT an old IMEI number, but the system will automatically update to the new IMEI and WFC will no longer work. Read page four of the thread to see what I'm talking about.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-10+/how-to/unlocked-samsung-att-tmo-t3956698
Corruption Inc said:
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
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Click to collapse
There's a few reasons:
1. This year the Note 9 is worth $600 towards an unlocked model, but only $300 towards carrier models.
2. The U1 models generally maintain their value a little better than the carrier branded models. Even though it's the same exact device, that little "1" makes a difference for some reason.
3. It's factory unlocked. T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, and now Verizon all come carrier locked. Verizon stays locked for 60 days then automatically unlocks. T-Mo you have to pay it off, or pay cash up front, then wait 40 days with it active on your account before it can be unlocked. ATT again has to be paid off or paid in full up front and then you have to request an unkock and wait for the code. I believe Sprint automatically unlocks it once it's paid off.
4. I've heard conflicting stories, but at least in the past, Sprint was weird about their BYOD program. You could only bring devices with whitelisted IMEIs. That was Sprint devices and factory unlocked devices. If you just got your ATT Galaxy S8+ unlocked and brought it to Sprint, it wouldn't activate, even though it was the same exact device hardwarewise. The IMEI wasn't in their database. So the Unlocked version is more flexible.
5. That ugly ATT box. For some reason ATT will often take the phone out of the nice Samsung box and throw it in a cheap ATT box. See the USA Pre-order thread on here. There's already people complaining about that box. And I'm a packaging guy.
So you might as well get the device that's cheaper up front and holds it's value the best and is the most flexible carrier wise. If you want carrier features and firmware, you can still have them, and no worries ever about a SIM lock. Well except with ATT apparently. If you need ATT WiFi calling and VoLTE, you may be stuck getting the ATT model, from what I'm reading.
Now that said, if you don't have a trade in device, and your carrier is offering a better deal on their model...then by all means get that one.

Resurrecting and old thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm on T-Mobile and looking at either an unlocked Note 10+ which is $200 off right now from Samsung and Amazon or the Note 10+ 5G from T-Mobile. I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges thing, but what I'm wondering about is data roaming. I've heard, but have not been able to confirm is that an unlocked model will not data roam on partner networks, while a T-Mobile version will data roam. I do know that my current phone, an unlocked Essential PH-1 does not data roam, but is this true for all factory unlocked vs. carrier phones? Or at least T-Mobile phones?

akrein62 said:
Resurrecting and old thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm on T-Mobile and looking at either an unlocked Note 10+ which is $200 off right now from Samsung and Amazon or the Note 10+ 5G from T-Mobile. I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges thing, but what I'm wondering about is data roaming. I've heard, but have not been able to confirm is that an unlocked model will not data roam on partner networks, while a T-Mobile version will data roam. I do know that my current phone, an unlocked Essential PH-1 does not data roam, but is this true for all factory unlocked vs. carrier phones? Or at least T-Mobile phones?
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T-Mobile customer here. I had an unlocked S7 Edge that would roam just fine on partner networks, in the US and internationally. Haven't had the opportunity to test roaming yet with my brand new unlocked Note 10+ but I suspect my results would be the same as with my S7 Edge.

Unlocked S20 Ultra

Debating to get the AT&T or Unlocked version.
Previously if you get the unlocked versions of the S series you don't get VVM or VoLTE access unless you do some workaround but that only worked for about a month for me on a S9+.
Currently have the AT&T S10+ and I don't remember having to pay the any additional fees last year.
If I get the AT&T version, the $600 credit is only applied if I do the AT&T payment plan AND a $30 upgrade fee is added. This would be the safe bet to ensure all carrier services are included, but also don't like that I'd be forced to pay an additional $30 when I can just pay the full asking price*.
*If i choose to pay the full price without the payment plan I lose about $300 in credit for my S10+
If I get the unlocked version, I might not have access to VVM or VoLTE. I can deal without the VVM, since I did that for a year when I had the unlocked S9+, and want to know if VoLTE/Vo5G would work out-of-the-box or if only Vo5G will work(because there is going to be more standardized access/bands) but not VoLTE since I believe access to LTE was more limited from unlocked phones?

Emperor_Jesse said:
Debating to get the AT&T or Unlocked version.
Previously if you get the unlocked versions of the S series you don't get VVM or VoLTE access unless you do some workaround but that only worked for about a month for me on a S9+.
Currently have the AT&T S10+ and I don't remember having to pay the any additional fees last year.
If I get the AT&T version, the $600 credit is only applied if I do the AT&T payment plan AND a $30 upgrade fee is added. This would be the safe bet to ensure all carrier services are included, but also don't like that I'd be forced to pay an additional $30 when I can just pay the full asking price*.
*If i choose to pay the full price without the payment plan I lose about $300 in credit for my S10+
If I get the unlocked version, I might not have access to VVM or VoLTE. I can deal without the VVM, since I did that for a year when I had the unlocked S9+, and want to know if VoLTE/Vo5G would work out-of-the-box or if only Vo5G will work(because there is going to be more standardized access/bands) but not VoLTE since I believe access to LTE was more limited from unlocked phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the unlocked if it gives you more $ back. You could just flash the carrier FW, which will activate the extra features.

VZTech said:
Get the unlocked if it gives you more $ back. You could just flash the carrier FW, which will activate the extra features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing the carrier FW on the S9+ only worked for about a month then I had to register an IMEI from a AT&T branded phone (used a G4) to use VoLTE but that only worked for another month.
The VVM app never got to work either. There's an voicemail app from AT&T on the Play Store but it's for something else(which doesn't make sense since TMobile's VVM works [from what I've read online for the S9s & worked on an unlocked PIxel 2 I had] from the Play Store).
There were a few forums of other folks going through the same issue in 2018(?) but I want to believe this was fixed by Samsung/AT&T.

Emperor_Jesse said:
Flashing the carrier FW on the S9+ only worked for about a month then I had to register a IMEI from a AT&T branded phone (used a G4) to use VoLTE but that only worked for another month.
The VVM app didn't work either.
There were a few forums of other folks going through the same issue in 2018(?) but I want to believe this was fixed by Samsung/AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, damn. ATT is a PITA.

Hm. I hope this isn’t the case with Ultra. From reading about it, it seemed the best bet was to get the Unlocked as it has access to all bands? But maybe that’s not right?
In the same situation as you OP. Went for Unlocked instead of the ATT version. I did it for resale value down the road. If it ends up not being able to use certain LTE that’d be highly disappointing

I only use Verizon. Should I get the unlocked or Verizon version of the ultra?

felloffthetruck said:
I only use Verizon. Should I get the unlocked or Verizon version of the ultra?
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I went through Verizon because in the end I usually keep the phone after paying it off. Also after 2 years they usually only are worth a couple hundred trade in value.
I still have a Note 4, Note 8, S7, 2 S5's. I'm trading in an S8 Plus for $200

I have AT&T. I like the service, I like the plan I have (not available any more), and I make good use of wifi calling. I get it on my unlocked Pixel but the unlocked Samsung phones don't. That's been the case for a few years - I've been paying close attention. I ordered the S20 Ultra AT&T brand and gave up the $600 Pixel trade in , took the $350 option instead. I didn't want a new line or a new plan and it wasn't clear that I could finance through AT&T and keep my plan. It is just as well for me, I will keep my P4XL. That will solve my dilemma of which phone to have. I'll have both. I want the new S20 but I'll miss my Pixel as soon as it is gone.

I got the unlocked versions of the Note 9 and now pre-ordered unlocked S20 Ultras. TMO VVM, Wifi Calling, and VoLTE has worked on my unlocked devices, not sure about AT&T.

steely123 said:
I got the unlocked versions of the Note 9 and now pre-ordered unlocked S20 Ultras. TMO VVM, Wifi Calling, and VoLTE has worked on my unlocked devices, not sure about AT&T.
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Thanks for this. I've been wondering about that. I wasn't sure if the T-Mobile features would work with the unlocked version. I went with the T-Mobile version, but I'll probably change my order and get the unlocked version now.

teamfresno said:
Thanks for this. I've been wondering about that. I wasn't sure if the T-Mobile features would work with the unlocked version. I went with the T-Mobile version, but I'll probably change my order and get the unlocked version now.
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Click to collapse
That`s what I did, I have used oneplus 6 and the pixels on Tmobile and wifi calling and everything worked fine, I cancelled my tmobile s20 ultra 512gb and ordered the unlocked s20 ultra 512gb this morning, took me like 50 tries since they were low on stock and then i was able to place a order, but the delivery the ship date moved from feb 5th to feb 13th, so i`ll have to wait another week for it to ship.

2003vstrom said:
That`s what I did, I have used oneplus 6 and the pixels on Tmobile and wifi calling and everything worked fine, I cancelled my tmobile s20 ultra 512gb and ordered the unlocked s20 ultra 512gb this morning, took me like 50 tries since they were low on stock and then i was able to place a order, but the delivery the ship date moved from feb 5th to feb 13th, so i`ll have to wait another week for it to ship.
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Click to collapse
I'm going to give them a call. If I have to cancel my order, then I'll probably get stuck with the T-Mobile version. Since it was my first purchase on Samsung, I got the additional 5% off. I won't be able to use the referral code again. I wish I would of known before I ordered.

Waiting
VZTech said:
Oh, damn. ATT is a PITA.
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I'll probably wait til the last possible day to order if I DO end up getting it.
Going to miss the headphone jack.
I'll also waiting to see what LG releases but I don't have high hopes. :fingers-crossed:

teamfresno said:
I'm going to give them a call. If I have to cancel my order, then I'll probably get stuck with the T-Mobile version. Since it was my first purchase on Samsung, I got the additional 5% off. I won't be able to use the referral code again. I wish I would of known before I ordered.
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yeah they will probably tell you that the order will need to be cancelled, and reordered......unfortunately.

2003vstrom said:
yeah they will probably tell you that the order will need to be cancelled, and reordered......unfortunately.
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That's exactly what happened. The good news is, they told me that the referral code should activate again within 3 to 5 business days if I want to use it again for the 5% off. Now, I just gotta decide if I want to cancel and wait or not.

teamfresno said:
That's exactly what happened. The good news is, they told me that the referral code should activate again within 3 to 5 business days if I want to use it again for the 5% off. Now, I just gotta decide if I want to cancel and wait or not.
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Usually you can flash the unlocked software (U1) to the carrier version (U) since it's the same hardware.

Just get unlocked and flash att firmware. I do it every year.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

johnwayne27 said:
Just get unlocked and flash att firmware. I do it every year.
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Unless the IMEI is in AT&T's database it usually doesn't get WiFi calling and such

_Dennis_ said:
Usually you can flash the unlocked software (U1) to the carrier version (U) since it's the same hardware.
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Learned something new today. I didn't know you were able to do that. I thought you could only flash on the unlock version to a carrier one and not vice versa. Thanks! I just ended up cancelling and re-ordering it.

teamfresno said:
Learned something new today. I didn't know you were able to do that. I thought you could only flash on the unlock version to a carrier one and not vice versa. Thanks! I just ended up cancelling and re-ordering it.
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No problem, the hardware is all the same so you can flash between the two. At least you could on the S10.