T-Mobile User Losing Anything with Unlocked S9? - Samsung Galaxy S9 Questions & Answers

I've been reading about firmware and how users flashed the T-Mobile Firmware on their S8's to gain some services. Am I missing anything with my S9 and keeping it on the unlocked firmware? I've searched these forums and the web but there are no sound conclusions if I am hurting my service by not flashing the firmware.
Thanks for the help

chferg said:
I've been reading about firmware and how users flashed the T-Mobile Firmware on their S8's to gain some services. Am I missing anything with my S9 and keeping it on the unlocked firmware? I've searched these forums and the web but there are no sound conclusions if I am hurting my service by not flashing the firmware.
Thanks for the help
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Click to collapse
No. ALL TMobile features work with the US unlocked version. I'm using one myself on tmobile.

The only "feature" you'll be missing is the 600mhz/B71 band on T-Mobile, which is new an somewhat "upcoming" anyways. I think the S9 Tmo is one of the first phones (if not the only phone) to support this band.

Nightwind Hawk said:
The only "feature" you'll be missing is the 600mhz/B71 band on T-Mobile, which is new an somewhat "upcoming" anyways. I think the S9 Tmo is one of the first phones (if not the only phone) to support this band.
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No, sorry. The US unlocked version has TMobiles new band 71.

Nightwind Hawk said:
The only "feature" you'll be missing is the 600mhz/B71 band on T-Mobile, which is new an somewhat "upcoming" anyways. I think the S9 Tmo is one of the first phones (if not the only phone) to support this band.
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The first phone carried by a US carrier to support the 600MHz was actually the LG V30. Since then the Moto Z2 Force, S9, S9+, Note 8, and S8 active all support 600MHz. Last week LG launched the first budget phone to support 600MHz, and that's the LG K30 at $225.
Edit: All, if not almost all of the phones I listed have native support for 600MHz (assuming Snapdragon versions), so all carriers phones if unlocked will be able to take advantage of the 600MHz on T-mobiles network.

Multi line (digits) doesn't appear to work in the unlocked version. The app still functions though, however the experience is so much better when it's baked into the firmware.

I'm on a sm-g960w on Rogers and they have a 2600mhz band that's nice when nobody's on it lol.
I recently flashed over to ARC6 (tmb I think) and then sideloaded an update up to ARDA (may update). My device reads sm-g960u now and I'm wondering if I'll still be able to get on that band.
Thanks in advance if anyone knows, the way I usually measure isn't working and I don't have root.

thephunk said:
Multi line (digits) doesn't appear to work in the unlocked version. The app still functions though, however the experience is so much better when it's baked into the firmware.
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Digits works just fine on my unlocked S9. All u gotta do is download the tmobile digits app in the app store. Never had an issue

ChongoDroid said:
I'm on a sm-g960w on Rogers and they have a 2600mhz band that's nice when nobody's on it lol.
I recently flashed over to ARC6 (tmb I think) and then sideloaded an update up to ARDA (may update). My device reads sm-g960u now and I'm wondering if I'll still be able to get on that band.
Thanks in advance if anyone knows, the way I usually measure isn't working and I don't have root.
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If you dial *#2263# do you also see US bands enabled like band 28, 71, 14???
If so I'd be willing to take my chances and would flash the U1/U baseband/firmware

Related

Buying from Samsung instead of carrier

Hey, I plan to buy my Galaxy so from Samsung rather than my carrier (ATT). I have a couple questions. Will I just be able to add the Sim currently in my Galaxy say or will I need a new one? Also, will I have to take it into the store?
Just put your existing soon card in and away you go. No need for anything else. It's what I did when I got my Note 8 from Samsung.
If you buy it from Samsung, the phone it's unlocked, so you can use any valid SIM (including the one you are currently using now).
Samsung has an unlocked model available on their website along with carrier specific models. I would think the carrier specific models are the same as the phones you would get at a AT&T or Verizon store. Correct me if I'm wrong.
dmb219 said:
Samsung has an unlocked model available on their website along with carrier specific models. I would think the carrier specific models are the same as the phones you would get at a AT&T or Verizon store. Correct me if I'm wrong.
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I'd like to know this as I would like an unlocked bootloader but.... I would like the Carrier version for some additional features like VoLTE/VoWifi.
Right now I'm torn between just going to Best Buy (since in the states) or just getting it directly from Samsung.
The carrier versions will have the standard carrier bloat pre-installed.
I can't find the exact band specifications of each of the models... Does anyone know if the hardware/antenna chips will be the same on T-Mobile vs. unlocked from Samsung? I am assuming there are certain bands missing from the unlocked version if you plan on using T-mobile's network, but I can't confirm this....
Best Buy's doing a $100 off if you preorder on Friday just heads up.
StykerB said:
Best Buy's doing a $100 off if you preorder on Friday just heads up.
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And if you have an s8 or other qualifying phone you can get a total of $450 off I believe on Friday from Best Buy.
Nightwind Hawk said:
I can't find the exact band specifications of each of the models... Does anyone know if the hardware/antenna chips will be the same on T-Mobile vs. unlocked from Samsung? I am assuming there are certain bands missing from the unlocked version if you plan on using T-mobile's network, but I can't confirm this....
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I too had the same questions and this is what I found. I don't know how accurate it is.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/Ar9mx/samsung-sm-g965u-galaxy-s9-td-lte-samsung-star-2
uzupan said:
I too had the same questions and this is what I found. I don't know how accurate it is.
https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/Ar9mx/samsung-sm-g965u-galaxy-s9-td-lte-samsung-star-2
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It looks like the answer to our question is on this page: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/
The T-Mobile version seems to be missing the following, in comparison to the unlocked US version:
4G FDD LTE B71 (600 mhz) - This is T-Mobile's new spectrum... this seems important to have (just google t-mobile 600mhz)
2G CDMA and 3G CDMA - I don't believe this matters to us
3G TD-SCDMA B34 and B39 (2010 and 1880mhz) - I assume these will be missed if outside LTE coverage?
But in general, the unlocked version seems to support more bands than the Tmo version
So, it seems if one is on the T-Mobile network and plans to stay there, they really should get the T-Mobile version of the phone.... someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Deathman20 said:
I'd like to know this as I would like an unlocked bootloader but.... I would like the Carrier version for some additional features like VoLTE/VoWifi.
Right now I'm torn between just going to Best Buy (since in the states) or just getting it directly from Samsung.
Click to expand...
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You do know that unlocked isn't meaning unlocked bootloader right? It's meaning unlocked bands
Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk
I'm with AT&T and I'm pretty sure there will be no wifi calling on any phone other than the AT&T version. That's a feature I want. If it doesn't matter to you an unlocked phone may be for you. I don't know for a fact that wifi calling won't work on an unlocked S9 but if it does, it will be the first. I don't want the extra carrier apps but they aren't going to cause me any grief on a beast like this phone. I'd rather have the services the carrier provides if I'm going to use them. If It turns out that wifi calling works on the unlocked S9, I may revise my plan but I doubt that will happen. I'm pretty much done with the rooting/modding stuff so that isn't an issue. Even the master hackers are going with stock phones d/t the features and security.

[Q] Best way to get a phone that will work with Verizon and all LTE bands overseas

I've really enjoyed my S7 and want to upgrade to the S9. Later in the year I'll be overseas for almost a year, so I want something that will work with all Verizon bands of LTE, but also not have a firmware lock that would cause it to not work on other bands of LTE overseas. (planning to just use prepaid dataplan sim cards overseas)
I think my two options are to either get a US 'unlocked' version or wait for the 'international' version. My understanding is the primary differences between the unlocked and international version is the 2G/3G coverage for CDMA and possibly slightly different hardware. I'd rather have a phone with CDMA backwards capability, but my prime concern lacking full access to all LTE bands available wherever I am.
I'm not really interested in going any route that would require me to root the phone if there is a way to do it without.
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
A listing of all the different model numbers available (per country and carrier) is available here: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-s9-sm-g960-g965-model-number-differences/
You will probably want to get the phone that works with your primary location the most. I am not sure which countries use which frequencies for LTE in Europe; you will need to research that to see what you may be missing out on.
With my T-Mobile S7, I haven't had any issues when traveling in Europe or Asia. It connects to LTE usually.
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
StykerB said:
Well the only way to get VZW compatibility is the VZW phone or a US unlocked model. So you're looking at the US Unlocked model at this point.
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Relcan said:
So I just did a deep dive of that list:
It looks like the Verizon and Unlocked versions are almost identical (the unlocked US version has B46(5200) 4G TDD LTE, but I'm not sure anyone who uses it)
Looking at 4G FDD LTE it looks like a Verizon or US unlocked phone will have almost complete coverage around the world, notable gaps are B30(2300) in China/Canada/US AT&T, B32(1500) in UK and B71(600) (US Tmobile). I thought that was a bit confusing as you'd expect a US Unlocked phone to service all LTE bands available in the US yet it lacks AT&T and Tmobile bands.
So based on all that information looks like I should just get an unlocked US phone to be totally safe, and I'd likely also be fine getting a Verizon version also.
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So I'm new to Android but i use Verizon prepaid. Will I lose anything by going with the unlocked version or should i stick with a Verizon S9?
I don't use video calling. All i do is text and talk but I've heard that people on Verizon prepaid have issues with unlocked Android phones.
Thanks
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
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Curious about that also
testinguser said:
Would Wifi Calling work with the US unlocked on verizon? I thought that required a Verizon FW to be flashed. I imagine all the other features such as voLTE / HD calling, etc to work on the US unlocked.
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Throwinrocks said:
Curious about that also
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I did a cursory review of the wifi-calling FAQ on their website. They don't mention anything about compatibility with Unlocked versions of phones (that I saw). I'd call tech support to ask, but I'd expect there to be a 50% chance of getting the wrong answer from the tech based on my interactions with their support.
There might be some good experience based anecdotes in the Galaxy S8 forum, if it works on an unlocked S8 its a safe bet it will work on an unlocked S9
I think I'll ask in the Verizon subreddit, it seems like they normally have really good information as well.
I'm mostly curious about the LTE TDD Band 46 (5200) - its the only band an unlocked US phone has that a Verizon phone doesn't. 5200 is in the U-NII frequency range, no cellphone service providers use it, but I wonder if it may be used for local LTE networks in the near future. The other advantage is avoiding all the verizon bloat wear, but that may be what allows the Wifi Calling to work!
All this has me thinking I might have to add the extra $80 and just buy the Verizon version. I don't get phones on contract and I've always just paid full price. (Page 2 404 error?)
Apparently the Nov/Dec Samsung s8 firmware update added an option for BYOD carrier provisioning for unlocked s8. Given the similarity, I'd imagine the same to be true for s9. Can someone who has an unlocked s8 confirm?
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
Throwinrocks said:
Well after a little more research I see that if you use Verizon prepaid you lose visual voicemail and WiFi calling even if you use a Verizon phone so there's no need in me paying extra for a Verizon S9. Unlocked it is.
Click to expand...
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You might wanna check this as Verizon is starting to implement network locks on some devices as to deter thefts more
Dont know when or what devices but it was a statement Verizon made
So, you're saying the prepaid SIM might not work in an unlocked S9?
I don't think Verizon is keeping Verizon prepaid SIMS from working in unlocked phones they are just locking their phones like Sprint and AT&T still do.
I had no problems with my unlocked Pixel 2 XL that I purchased from Google and my Verizon prepaid, just no visual voicemail.

Exynos S9- can I use on Verizon in the U.S.?

Hey, I *almost* pressed 'buy it now' to pick up an exynos S9+ to use here in the US on Verizon. Then something caught my eye about another listing saying "GSM Only". SO.... I surfed around a bit and found out the obvious: Int'l versions are GSM only, and Verizon's current voice network is CDMA. HOWEVER....I think I've also learned that VZ is phasing out CDMA in favor of using LTE for voice. In fact, they are hoping to have CDMA totally gone by 2019. In another thread on the S8., someone speculates they would have no qualms using a Int'l S8 on verizon since '98%' of their voice network is now LTE.
To complicate matters, this is a work-paid phone plan, so I can't install any custom ROMs- has to be stock.
So- is this doable or should I give up hope? (The reason I'm hot on getting the Exynos model is to use the dual-band GPS when the feature is unlocked, presumably in a future firmware release).
Thanks!
I don't know the time frame but they are certainly moving to GSM. I suspect that a large part is now GSM since they initially started in Canada and Mexico some time ago.
[email protected] said:
HOWEVER....I think I've also learned that VZ is phasing out CDMA in favor of using LTE for voice. In fact, they are hoping to have CDMA totally gone by 2019. In another thread on the S8., someone speculates they would have no qualms using a Int'l S8 on verizon since '98%' of their voice network is now LTE.
To complicate matters, this is a work-paid phone plan, so I can't install any custom ROMs- has to be stock.
So- is this doable or should I give up hope? (The reason I'm hot on getting the Exynos model is to use the dual-band GPS when the feature is unlocked, presumably in a future firmware release).
Thanks!
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The exynos s9 may work on verizon LTE data, but not on calls. Currently Verizon has CDMA which doesn't work on the exynos s9. If Verizon switches to only LTE then the exynos s9 will most likely have to support Verizon's VoLTE, and VoLTE on the exynos s9 doesn't officially work on stock software with any US Carrier without hacks that would make the phone non-stock. So far the only working modded CSC is on T-Mobile and there is development on an ATT CSC. The snapdragon s9 has significantly better battery life and better performance than the exynos s9. The Dual-band GPS is something that Samsung might not enable. If you aren't going to use custom roms or unlock the bootloader because the snapdragon s9 doesn't have an unlockable bootloader, but the exynos s9 does then the snapdragon will probably work better in the US.
Thanks guys. Looks like I'll be stuck for now in my quest for <10cm GPS

Unlocked vs Tmobile/Flashing Carrier

I'm curious as to what doesn't work when you purchase an unlocked version vs Tmobile branded? Im told you may have issues with wifi calling/rcs/video calling/and visual voice mail....
2. How easy would it be once you get the unlocked version to flash the carrier software to make everything work and then flash back to original if needed to be for resale or warranty
The reason im asking is that samsung is giving a bigger refund on the unlocked version...
antawnm26 said:
I'm curious as to what doesn't work when you purchase an unlocked version vs Tmobile branded? Im told you may have issues with wifi calling/rcs/video calling/and visual voice mail....
2. How easy would it be once you get the unlocked version to flash the carrier software to make everything work and then flash back to original if needed to be for resale or warranty
The reason im asking is that samsung is giving a bigger refund on the unlocked version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you live in the US I think the unlocked version is just a SIM unlock. I think it is still the snapdragon version. Which means it will not be bootloader unlocked. I think you have to get the exynos version from an online retailer.
antawnm26 said:
I'm curious as to what doesn't work when you purchase an unlocked version vs Tmobile branded? Im told you may have issues with wifi calling/rcs/video calling/and visual voice mail....
2. How easy would it be once you get the unlocked version to flash the carrier software to make everything work and then flash back to original if needed to be for resale or warranty
The reason im asking is that samsung is giving a bigger refund on the unlocked version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note 9 was able to do this and I did it. I don't see a reason why you shouldn't be able o do it in Note 10+ once carrier firmware become available to be downloaded.
I pre-ordered the unlocked version myself and I have AT&T so it should be as easy as waiting for the carrier firmwares to become available on SamMobile and flashing with Odin. My interest is now with DeX supported with microsoft if Odin is even neccessary to flash firmwares anymore?
from what i can see on sprint i think they are using the qualcomm chip, i could be wrong, its labeled as SDM 855 Octa-Core SDR8150 and when searching that in google qualcomm documentation on the 855 pops up
Very curious about this myself. I preordered the unlocked version because that gave me more value for my trade in. I'm curious if I get the unlocked version and flash TMobile carrier software. Will I then get tmobile updates ota?
It's been the same for years now, hardware wise phones are the same, you'll need princey odin to flash unlocked/carrier firmwares. I buy unlocked and flash the carrier unlocked firmware. No bloat but it has the carrier specific radio. I prefer the native caller Id, no bloat, and the RTT over the carrier bloat and video calling. Google duo is better anyway
black96ss said:
It's been the same for years now, hardware wise phones are the same, you'll need princey odin to flash unlocked/carrier firmwares. I buy unlocked and flash the carrier unlocked firmware. No bloat but it has the carrier specific radio. I prefer the native caller Id, no bloat, and the RTT over the carrier bloat and video calling. Google duo is better anyway
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Are you TMO or ATT? I have accounts with both.
I know WiFi Calling, which is what I really need as far as carrier goes, is usually more difficult with ATT.
If you are TMO can you get WFC to work without flashing carrier?
How long do you usually have to wait for the carrier firmware to come out?
jcrompton said:
Are you TMO or ATT? I have accounts with both.
I know WiFi Calling, which is what I really need as far as carrier goes, is usually more difficult with ATT.
If you are TMO can you get WFC to work without flashing carrier?
How long do you usually have to wait for the carrier firmware to come out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi calling has no issues on unlocked firmware with tmo. At&t I'm not sure but if you flash the att csc and and cp files, I do believe that's all it takes. I believe you need to flash the at&T AP file.
My Note 9 is unlocked. Using on T-MOBILE with no issues with WiFi calling. I am not able to use the stock visual voicemail though which I would prefer. With T-MOBILE I'm forced to use their visual voicemail which really sucks. Does anyone else know if they're is a way to use the stock visual voicemail on T-Mobile?
MrAwesome75 said:
My Note 9 is unlocked. Using on T-MOBILE with no issues with WiFi calling. I am not able to use the stock visual voicemail though which I would prefer. With T-MOBILE I'm forced to use their visual voicemail which really sucks. Does anyone else know if they're is a way to use the stock visual voicemail on T-Mobile?
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I saw posts that allow you to do that if you flash carrier firmware
I just use Google Voice and forward unanswered calls to there
jcrompton said:
I saw posts that allow you to do that if you flash carrier firmware
I just use Google Voice and forward unanswered calls to there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I inserted my SIM it appeared to automatically install the T-Mo firmware, but that's the problem.; it forces me to use the T-Mo VM (which absolutely sucks) and not able to use the Samsung VM which is pretty nice. I had previously used the Note 9 on Verizon with my work SIM and I was able to use the stock VM. When I switched to T-Mo it forced me to use the T-Mo VM. I can't see a way to get back to the stock VM unless I'm missing something...
MrAwesome75 said:
When I inserted my SIM it appeared to automatically install the T-Mo firmware, but that's the problem.; it forces me to use the T-Mo VM (which absolutely sucks) and not able to use the Samsung VM which is pretty nice. I had previously used the Note 9 on Verizon with my work SIM and I was able to use the stock VM. When I switched to T-Mo it forced me to use the T-Mo VM. I can't see a way to get back to the stock VM unless I'm missing something...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I go into the phone app call or SIM settings and find the call forwarding settings:
Then I do they conditional forwarding to my Google Voice number (I then, after setting up Google Voice, turn on Do Not Disturb for Google Voice, so I don't get there phone ringing twice)
Then GV serves as my VM
freebee269 said:
If you live in the US I think the unlocked version is just a SIM unlock. I think it is still the snapdragon version. Which means it will not be bootloader unlocked. I think you have to get the exynos version from an online retailer.
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Click to collapse
^^ What he said. Do not make the mistakes I, and many others made in the past - do NOT buy a US version from T-Mo, or from Samsung USA website, unlocked or otherwise. All USA versions are snapdragon based, and will have permanently locked bootloader - no rom flashing of any kind, no custom recoveries or improved radios. What you need is SM-N975F/DS Exynos version (unless you use CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint). It will have the same bands supported as Snapdragon one, with the exception of band 71, which you dont really need. T-Mo's B12 serves the same function as B71 (extended range LTE), and T-Mo made the tech available only in limited number of cities anyway. In all likelihood, by the time they roll it out in your city - you're gonna be thinking about buying Note 12 or 13.
Don't worry about software features like voice calling or any other - with all the custom roms and development available for Exynos version you'll be able to find yourself a rom that has any features you like and then some.
Apo11on said:
^^ What he said. Do not make the mistakes I, and many others made in the past - do NOT buy a US version from T-Mo, or from Samsung USA website, unlocked or otherwise. All USA versions are snapdragon based, and will have permanently locked bootloader - no rom flashing of any kind, no custom recoveries or improved radios. What you need is SM-N975F/DS Exynos version (unless you use CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint). It will have the same bands supported as Snapdragon one, with the exception of band 71, which you dont really need. T-Mo's B12 serves the same function as B71 (extended range LTE), and T-Mo made the tech available only in limited number of cities anyway. In all likelihood, by the time they roll it out in your city - you're gonna be thinking about buying Note 12 or 13.
Don't worry about software features like voice calling or any other - with all the custom roms and development available for Exynos version you'll be able to find yourself a rom that has any features you like and then some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great advice ..... IF ..... you are looking to root and/ or do custom ROMs. But having done every release S9+/Note9/S10+ with Exynos it's NOT always that easy to get the CSC stuff right and working (and the development is often done by people who could care less about NA CSC because they don't live there).
Root / Unlocked bootloader = the Exynos device, like you said.
So what appears to be the answer (for the thread, assuming no root) after looking at all the answers in this and a couple of other threads is that the Unlocked US Samsung device is the same (or can, in worst case scenario, by Odin flashing carrier firmware, be made to do) device functionally as the carrier devices --- calling features, etc.
For me, the difference was going to be $300 bigger discount.
Apo11on said:
^^ What he said. Do not make the mistakes I, and many others made in the past - do NOT buy a US version from T-Mo, or from Samsung USA website, unlocked or otherwise. All USA versions are snapdragon based, and will have permanently locked bootloader - no rom flashing of any kind, no custom recoveries or improved radios. What you need is SM-N975F/DS Exynos version (unless you use CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint). It will have the same bands supported as Snapdragon one, with the exception of band 71, which you dont really need. T-Mo's B12 serves the same function as B71 (extended range LTE), and T-Mo made the tech available only in limited number of cities anyway. In all likelihood, by the time they roll it out in your city - you're gonna be thinking about buying Note 12 or 13.
Don't worry about software features like voice calling or any other - with all the custom roms and development available for Exynos version you'll be able to find yourself a rom that has any features you like and then some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's only true if you want to unlock the bootloader and root. The OP was merely asking about flashing carrier firmware on the US Unlocked version, which does not require root or an unlocked bootloader.
jcrompton said:
This is great advice ..... IF ..... you are looking to root and/ or do custom ROMs. But having done every release S9+/Note9/S10+ with Exynos it's NOT always that easy to get the CSC stuff right and working (and the development is often done by people who could care less about NA CSC because they don't live there).
Root / Unlocked bootloader = the Exynos device, like you said.
So what appears to be the answer (for the thread, assuming no root) after looking at all the answers in this and a couple of other threads is that the Unlocked US Samsung device is the same (or can, in worst case scenario, by Odin flashing carrier firmware, be made to do) device functionally as the carrier devices --- calling features, etc.
For me, the difference was going to be $300 bigger discount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the bigger trade in value was a deciding factor as well for me...Well we weill see how it goes on the 23rd
I want to be able to root and flash TWRP on my Note 10+, but when i did this on my Note 8 i bought the N950N which was the korean exynos version and CRC support for t-mobile sucked ass, i want to make sure
A) what model do i buy for
- Rooting and stuff
- and best t-mobile network compatibility without going through all the dumb stuff
antawnm26 said:
the bigger trade in value was a deciding factor as well for me...Well we weill see how it goes on the 23rd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. When Samsung stopped hobbling the OS, and added more features I didn't need root anymore. The extra $300 was my deciding factor. I have the unlocked Note 9. The only thing I have noticed aside from slower updates is that the camera sound can't be turned off independent of the global phone sound. Everything else works fine and I haven't noticed anything useful missing.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
That's only true if you want to unlock the bootloader and root. The OP was merely asking about flashing carrier firmware on the US Unlocked version, which does not require root or an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was actually giving advice to all folk, considering purchasing, not just the OP....Also, just curious - how do you Samsung's locked bootloader on the unlocked Note (I hope you know 'unlocked' means SIM unlocked only) will accept firmware, signed by T-Mobile? It's not a given Samsung original bootloader, untainted by carrier branded modifications, accepts carrier signed ROMs. You may need to be using T-Mobile version of the bootloader, for it to accept T-Mobile signed images.

Recommended Rootable Verizon Phones?

Hello, I have been with Verizon the last few years and I'm in the market for a new phone. I see on SlickDeals that there is a deal for the Verizon Samsung S10/S10+, but after reading through some of the posts, it seems you can't root the Verizon S10/S10+.
Since I don't need the latest and greatest phone from Verizon, are there any 'older', new in-store models that can be rooted so that I can install a custom ROM, etc?
Thanks in advance!
Your best bet is to get another phone that's not Verizon branded and just activate it on Verizon. You'd be going back a few years to get a Verizon phone that's rootable.
Thank you for this information... a couple of things getting another phone that is not Verizon branded:
- Previously, one would need to make sure they get a 'CDMA' (vs GSM) phone, but is there any technology, etc I need to look for when trying to find a non-Verizon phone?
- I assume if I get a 'non' branded Verizon phone, that some of the Verizon specific features may not work, e.g. WiFi calling, etc?
gil_happy said:
Thank you for this information... a couple of things getting another phone that is not Verizon branded:
- Previously, one would need to make sure they get a 'CDMA' (vs GSM) phone, but is there any technology, etc I need to look for when trying to find a non-Verizon phone?
- I assume if I get a 'non' branded Verizon phone, that some of the Verizon specific features may not work, e.g. WiFi calling, etc?
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I can only answer the 2nd part of your question. Once you activate it on a Vzw sim you can flash Vzw firmware and get all the same features
Cyclone Emperor said:
I can only answer the 2nd part of your question. Once you activate it on a Vzw sim you can flash Vzw firmware and get all the same features
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Thanks for this... that makes sense. The only other things is regarding the Verizon frequency bands - I'm guessing some phones may not have or support all of the Verizon frequency bands.
gil_happy said:
Thanks for this... that makes sense. The only other things is regarding the Verizon frequency bands - I'm guessing some phones may not have or support all of the Verizon frequency bands.
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I have the international unlocked model of the s10+ U1 version on Verizon and yes maybe one or two LTE bands aren't supported but i get 82Mbps down and 12Mbps up depending on location

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