Buying the S9 - G960F vs SM-G960FD Duos Any Advantages/Disadvantages between the two? - Samsung Galaxy S9 Questions & Answers

Just got the G960U here in USA and its great.
But that fact that its my first bootloader locked Samsung is bugging me and im pretty sure i'll return it.
I use UltraMobile mvno -T-mobile sim with Wifi calling enabled.
Both the bootloaders on these models are unlocked correct? They are both Exynos? If there another model that has unlocked bootloader?
Is one more desirable than the other?
Any major drawbacks/differences with these models if i were to use in USA?
for example, do devs create more custom roms for one or the other?
Or would one model be more likely to be able to get wifi calling better like if i flashed the right CSC?
Thanks

Hey I'm thinking about buying a G960FD as well for use in the US. I have G930FD's and G950FD's currently. The F models don't have LTE bands 30 (AT&T) or 71 (T-Mobile) - frequencycheck.com is a great site to look up phone/carrier compatibility. The lack of these frequencies in the radio is not a deal breaker because these are just for extra capacity at this point, though band 71 with T-Mobile offers additional outdoor range being low frequency. You will need to root to in order to get VoLTE in the US, and this will be necessary for T-Mobile since T-Mobile only has 4G coverage and some crappy 2G coverage outside of large cities. So without 3G coverage calls WILL fail outside of large cities if you don't root to enable VoLTE since the phone will not be able to place a call on 4G LTE bands without VoLTE. AT&T doesn't typically allow non AT&T unlocked phone IMEI's to use VoLTE, and AT&T will be shutting down 3g in a few years. At that point, their IMEI whitelisting may go away and they'll start allowing an phone to use VoLTE, otherwise they'll start losing customers. If they don't change their attitude though, your phone will also not work on AT&T in a couple years (they don't have 2G enabled anywhere anymore). Verizon is also shutting down their 3G network in a couple of years.
I actually came searching XDA to see if anyone had a SM-G960F or SM-G965F working with VoLTE (and specifically dual VoLTE on the FD since it's supported) on any US carriers. I haven't come across anyone yet. On the Exynos S7 and S8, if you don't need WiFI calling, it's actually pretty easy to get VoLTE working without having to install an bunch of crap. There's just 4 files you need to edit or overwrite in /system/csc and one additional VoLTE settings file you have to place there as well. I'm thinking it would be the same with the Exynos S9. I just need someone with an S9 to confirm. Since you need WiFi calling, it's going to be a bit more work. You can look at the CSC selection tool easily found by searching here on XDA for the Exynos S7/S8 to see what you'll need to get WiFi calling to work (it's not that bad to go through the code and files in the zip installer). You may end up having to extract the US Qualcomm S9 T-Mobile firmware to get the required files out of it, or you might even be able to get away with simply flashing edited portions of the S8 CSC selection tool files to your G960F to get VoLTE and T-Mobile WiFi calling to work. (If you flash the CSC selection tool to directly to the stock ROM, it will break a lot of things due to the permissions XML file). I would plan on spending a few weekends to get VoLTE and WiFi calling working on it though.
If anyone has any additional experience, please chime in here!!
Also, one thing to pay attention to whenever you flash stock firmware using ODIN is Samsung's stupid e-fuses that prevent you from downgrading to a different bootloader level which will lock you out of downgrading stock firmware. It's the first number in the firmware descriptor. For example, if you blindly flash a U3 or S3 firmware, you can NEVER go back to a U2 or S2 firmware outside of a custom ROM. And even with a custom ROM, you may end up with compatibility issues with the new bootloader.
Another thing is when you root Samsung phones, it trips another permanent e-fuse that not only voids your warranty, but prevents apps like Knox and Samsung Pay from working ever again on the device.
To answer your questions:
The FD is just dual SIM - no other advantages. There's actually a hack for the Exynos S7's that will convert them to dual SIM since it's the same hardware. I'm not sure if it's like that with the Exynos S9.
Yes, the Exynos international versions have an unlocked bootloader (just have to go to enable developer options in the OS then go into developer options and enable OEM unlocking)
Yes, having an unlocked bootloader means there will be MUCH more custom ROMS and development out there.

It looks like the SM-G9600 or SM-G9650 (Chinese/Latin American) are the versions to get. They have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, is bootloader unlocked, and apparently even working on Verizon and T-Mobile (see the thread below). They don't have bands 30 or 71, but that's not the end of the world since most older phones as of a few years ago don't have those bands. I'm still wondering if dual VoLTE is working on these.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/how-to/guide-sm-g9600-sm-g9650-verizon-t3890695

Related

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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

AT&T S9 Root unlock question

Hi,
If I take a AT&T S9, Unlock the bootloader (if possible), root it, and flash a custom rom on it will I then be able to use it on Verizon?
Thank you in Advance.
Kc0r8y said:
Hi,
If I take a AT&T S9, Unlock the bootloader (if possible), root it, and flash a custom rom on it will I then be able to use it on Verizon?
Thank you in Advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ATz&T is GSM Verizon is CDMA incompatible
Perhaps @sw1173 is a dinosaur or a forum troll?
Verizon 4G LTE is not CDMA. It's 4G LTE and fully compatible with 4G LTE used by other carriers around the globe. Verizon 2g and 3g is CDMA, and only still exists to support older cellular data and IoT devices and some dinosaurs using ancients relics for devices. Verizon announced they were planning on completely shutting down their CDMA network the end of 2019, but just recently decided to postpone the shutdown for up to another year. Verizon has been permitting activation of an ever expanding list of unlocked phones for some time now, including devices like the OnePlus 6T that has no CDMA support, just 4G LTE. If you already have a 4G LTE device activated, you can swap the SIM into another 4G LTE device and as long as it has radio band support for Verizon's spectrum (use frequencycheck.com) as well as software support for Verizon's VoLTE settings, you're good to go. They don't seem to have a VoLTE whitelist like AT&T.
Sadly, the bootloader on the US Snapdragon S9 can not be unlocked at this point (no hacks) like the foreign SM-G960F(D)/965F(D) (Exynos with unlocked bootloader) or the SM-G9600/9650 (Snapdragon with unlocked bootloader) in order to install custom ROMs. I suggest everyone avoid US Samsung phones, period, because of this, and be sure to share your discontent with Samsung. Personally, if I were you, I would get the SM-G9600 or SM-G9650 (China / Latin America Version), root it (easy), and flash the files here to get Verizon support:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/how-to/guide-sm-g9600-sm-g9650-verizon-t3890695
If you buy or have a carrier unlocked US S9, including from AT&T, you can use it with any US carrier, including Verizon. You'll probably want to flash the Verizon firmware on it to get Verizon features including WiFi calling though:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS9/comments/85ci7c/convert_atttmosprint_to_unlocked_s9_guide/
Presently you can't unlock the boot loader on the n960u therefore you can't flash Verizon's firmware. Call Verizon and you will be told they are CDMA and are not changing but are adding capability for 5G after 1/1/2020, which will allow the use of various GSM devices to use their CDMA network.. I just spoke with Verizon sales and their technical support.
sw1173 said:
ATz&T is GSM Verizon is CDMA incompatible
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incorrect, this has been incorrect since the S8 when Sammy decided to not make different models for the US market. All S9's built for the US market are physically identical
mobileanimal said:
Perhaps @sw1173 is a dinosaur or a forum troll?
Verizon 4G LTE is not CDMA. It's 4G LTE and fully compatible with 4G LTE used by other carriers around the globe. Verizon 2g and 3g is CDMA, and only still exists to support older cellular data and IoT devices and some dinosaurs using ancients relics for devices. Verizon announced they were planning on completely shutting down their CDMA network the end of 2019, but just recently decided to postpone the shutdown for up to another year. Verizon has been permitting activation of an ever expanding list of unlocked phones for some time now, including devices like the OnePlus 6T that has no CDMA support, just 4G LTE. If you already have a 4G LTE device activated, you can swap the SIM into another 4G LTE device and as long as it has radio band support for Verizon's spectrum (use frequencycheck.com) as well as software support for Verizon's VoLTE settings, you're good to go. They don't seem to have a VoLTE whitelist like AT&T.
Sadly, the bootloader on the US Snapdragon S9 can not be unlocked at this point (no hacks) like the foreign SM-G960F(D)/965F(D) (Exynos with unlocked bootloader) or the SM-G9600/9650 (Snapdragon with unlocked bootloader) in order to install custom ROMs. I suggest everyone avoid US Samsung phones, period, because of this, and be sure to share your discontent with Samsung. Personally, if I were you, I would get the SM-G9600 or SM-G9650 (China / Latin America Version), root it (easy), and flash the files here to get Verizon support:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/how-to/guide-sm-g9600-sm-g9650-verizon-t3890695
If you buy or have a carrier unlocked US S9, including from AT&T, you can use it with any US carrier, including Verizon. You'll probably want to flash the Verizon firmware on it to get Verizon features including WiFi calling though:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GalaxyS9/comments/85ci7c/convert_atttmosprint_to_unlocked_s9_guide/
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Click to collapse
in addition to this correct information, id like to add that phones can be debranded by flashing the U1 firmware, but will require a modded Odin in order to get around the write protections put in place meant to stop us from doing that
sw1173 said:
Presently you can't unlock the boot loader on the n960u therefore you can't flash Verizon's firmware. Call Verizon and you will be told they are CDMA and are not changing but are adding capability for 5G after 1/1/2020, which will allow the use of various GSM devices to use their CDMA network.. I just spoke with Verizon sales and their technical support.
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incorrect. Well, youre right in saying that it cant currently be unlocked or rooted, but you CAN flash verizons firmware. Verizon hasnt been a cdma carrier strictly speaking for a decade. LTE has always been GSM, and ever since vzw jumped on board, theyve been a hybrid at best. On top of that, with VoLTE becoming more and more popular, their cdma transceivers have been getting less and less usage every day. 5G isnt going to be the splash a lot of folks think it will either. New handsets to support a new communication method that just isnt needed in most places. And finally, most handsets produced in the last few years are hybrids, especially those sold in several countries. The biggest exception to that rule is the chinese phones that dont even have cdma radios in them.

A505U verizon with stock sprint firmware

Does anybody know if I can use Odin to put stock Sprint A505U firmware into my Verizon A505U? There's no OEM unlock option on the A505U (US version) phone so the bootloader is locked. I prefer not to root so I can use google-pay without any masking shenanigans.
The sprint firmware has a different set of enabled FDD-LTE bands that makes it more useful. Thanks.
Edit:
I've just learned that some carrier unlocked galaxies s8, s9, s10, etc. running pie will auto rebrand and adjust available bands to adapt to whatever Sim is installed. Does the A505U do this? This would be far easier than flashing if it works for the A505U.
The Samsung BYOD rebranding feature for U models based on sim insertion is always released about 10 months after the phone's initial release.
This has been the case for S8, Note 8, S9, and Note 9. It is not even released yet for S10.
So it will probably be getting close to mid-2020 before it is released for A505U, if even then.
Thanks for the response. I am still trying to wrap my head around how Samsung does their "BYOD Experience" rebranding. It appears that Samsung has gone the route of common hardware for US phones while supporting all the major carrier CSC's (multi-CSC?) within a given branded firmware .
Since only the CDMA carriers Xfinity, Sprint, and Verizon have the A505U, I'll try to find somebody with an ATT or TMO sim to see how my supposedly unlocked Verizon A505U reacts. I haven't seen any reports of what happens posted yet as it relates to the A505U.
I have a Galaxy A505U through Sprint. As you've said it is bootloader locked by the carrier. The 7 day trick does not work to show/enable Oem Unlock. I forget the reason now but I have reflashed stock firmware in Odin before which would modify system partion despite a locked bootloader. So I believe that you could in theory flash the sprint firmware in odion but I don't know how this will affect coverage. I do know sprint has roaming agreement in place with vzw so it should work.... But you're coverage may be degraded as I believe it's not going to support all of vzw lte bands... On a slightly separate note I am curious if there's some way to get around the lock using Odin. I am rusty on my Samsung modding(not eisnce sgs4) and terminology but I'm wondering if we could flash just the bootloader itself from another variant.
cominteldb said:
The Samsung BYOD rebranding feature for U models based on sim insertion is always released about 10 months after the phone's initial release.
This has been the case for S8, Note 8, S9, and Note 9. It is not even released yet for S10.
So it will probably be getting close to mid-2020 before it is released for A505U, if even then.
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this is not accurate.. the devices contain multi csc in the omc partition so once the device is sim unlocked all the firmwares for usa variants have the csc for all the carriers.. you can use an app like phoneinfo and see the available csc's.. it has been this way as you stated since the S8 and up...
now if you are talking about U1 devices then thats a different story.. U1 devices typically have the same csc's but are just unbranded meaning little to no carrier bloat for example.
this is typically why all the firmwares are interchangeable because they are all containing the same csc. The only difference sometimes will be the userdata which might b labeled specific to a carrier but ultimately this doesnt matter either as they typically would contain only a few extra carrier bloat apps that shouldnt impact overall function at all..
heck, if you know what ur doing you can even change the csc code without even flashing any other firmware or putting another sim in.. i typically for example use sprint sales code with vzw network code bcuz i have verizon but sprint has more dialer codes..
as an example my g975u was purchased from verizon but i currently set the csc to GCF for research purposes and all my vzw services work great and to start I used a U firmware that had userdata labeled for SPR lol I also removed the last bit in the carrier code for research purposes.. when i toss a tmo sim in it automatically loads the apns and carrier mode for tmo and it just works without even rebooting
occams-razor said:
Thanks for the response. I am still trying to wrap my head around how Samsung does their "BYOD Experience" rebranding. It appears that Samsung has gone the route of common hardware for US phones while supporting all the major carrier CSC's (multi-CSC?) within a given branded firmware .
Since only the CDMA carriers Xfinity, Sprint, and Verizon have the A505U, I'll try to find somebody with an ATT or TMO sim to see how my supposedly unlocked Verizon A505U reacts. I haven't seen any reports of what happens posted yet as it relates to the A505U.
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Click to collapse
you are correct.. the usa variants are multi csc so they should work anywhere.. international devices also contain multi csc for w.e region it is purchased in. once sim unlocked if u say try to take ur phone to china or something ur device wont contain that csc but you should be able to get it to work with apn edits for example and might not have all the bells and whistles since couldnt flash their specific csc if that makes sense..
These phones nowadays are all world capable for the most part and contain the hardware to work on the differet networks (cdma gsm etc)
Samsungs "byod" experience just means its carrier unbranded so its sim unlocked out the box and can b used on any usa network without all the carrier bloat.. this is sort of pointless in my opinion since usually these firmwares can also b flashed to carrier branded variants..
on a side note, i have a tmo sim but mainly i use verizon and am getting an A50 from big red tomorrow so I will test this out for u and let u kno how tmo is in a vzw a50.
i have a tmo purchased a10e and my vzw sim works great in it.. in fact, vzw works better in the tmo phone than tmo haha but thats bcuz tmo isnt as good service wise in my area
elliwigy said:
you are correct.. the usa variants are multi csc so they should work anywhere.. international devices also contain multi csc for w.e region it is purchased in. once sim unlocked if u say try to take ur phone to china or something ur device wont contain that csc but you should be able to get it to work with apn edits for example and might not have all the bells and whistles since couldnt flash their specific csc if that makes sense..
These phones nowadays are all world capable for the most part and contain the hardware to work on the differet networks (cdma gsm etc)
Samsungs "byod" experience just means its carrier unbranded so its sim unlocked out the box and can b used on any usa network without all the carrier bloat.. this is sort of pointless in my opinion since usually these firmwares can also b flashed to carrier branded variants..
on a side note, i have a tmo sim but mainly i use verizon and am getting an A50 from big red tomorrow so I will test this out for u and let u kno how tmo is in a vzw a50.
i have a tmo purchased a10e and my vzw sim works great in it.. in fact, vzw works better in the tmo phone than tmo haha but thats bcuz tmo isnt as good service wise in my area
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Thanks for the great info! Please let us know how the TMO sim works out. I'm most curious about whether TMO features like their VoLTE and VoWIFI are enabled.
An Interested Observer...
elliwigy said:
the usa variants are multi csc so they should work anywhere...
These phones nowadays are all world capable for the most part and contain the hardware to work on the differet networks (cdma gsm etc)
i use verizon and am getting an A50 from big red tomorrow so I will test this out for u and let u kno how tmo is in a vzw a50.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello..
Your comment sparked my interest.. as I'm a new owner of the Xfinity variant of the Galaxy A50.
Although I have no plans to leave Xfinity for the remainder of 2019.. as I'm waiting for my $250.00 Promo Rebate which comes around the 4th Month of service to cover just under 65% of my investment in the A50... leaving me with a $135.00 balance.. But, if what you state is indeed the case.. and these devices have the guts to run on traditional GSM Carrier's.. this add much more intrigue into the equation..:angel:
I'm not one to pry.. but, did you follow through with your purchase? and if so... what were your findings?
elliwigy said:
These phones nowadays are all world capable for the most part and contain the hardware to work on the differet networks (cdma gsm etc)
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Click to collapse
That is correct but as someone who works in the industry and works with 3 out of 4 nationwide carriers I can say Att typically has there iphones manufacturered without a cdma attena making it gsm only.
I just checked my sprint A505U and it does have csc codes for many carriers including att, spt, vzw and t-mob among others. So generally another firmware should work fine then?
I had purchased a used SM a505u from dubai market. 1 YEAR IT WORKS FINE and after that I understand phone is not getting updates and there was issue with fingerprint sensor. And I decided to flah march2020 update from samfrew . But after that I am not getting network .it says networ error. Sim card crash.contact carrier etc...

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?
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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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Click to collapse
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...
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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.

N9750/DS (dual Sim) exynos chip, flash tmo csc?

I'm in a market for dual Sim note 10 plus from overseas. Possible to flash that phone to use tmobile csc (enable volte, wifi calling, etc) without unlocking bootloader or trigger Knox?
As far as I know, the 9750 is snapdragon variant, not exynos
Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
Abu-khulzat said:
As far as I know, the 9750 is snapdragon variant, not exynos
Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could I buy n975f/ds (this one should be exynos) and flash tmobile csc?
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
Not without root.
If your goal is VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling on T-Mobile, then there is no need to flash the CSC because T-Mobile has opened up their network for unlocked device. I am getting those functionalities on my dual sim S8+ and also Note 10+ without flashing anything.
meowone said:
Not without root.
If your goal is VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling on T-Mobile, then there is no need to flash the CSC because T-Mobile has opened up their network for unlocked device. I am getting those functionalities on my dual sim S8+ and also Note 10+ without flashing anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically call tmobile and ask them to add the imei number into their system? What about Samsung Pay? Will it work without csc?
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
Actually, both of my phone works without calling in. I think they opened it up sometime last month. Samsung Pay is going to be dependent on your firmware. I am using Australian firmware on S8+ and Taiwan firmware on my Note 10+ which allows me to use Samaung Pay in US (without the rewards program). If you root and flash CSC, Samaung Pay is gone forever due to tripping Knox.
meowone said:
Actually, both of my phone works without calling in. I think they opened it up sometime last month. Samsung Pay is going to be dependent on your firmware. I am using Australian firmware on S8+ and Taiwan firmware on my Note 10+ which allows me to use Samaung Pay in US (without the rewards program). If you root and flash CSC, Samaung Pay is gone forever due to tripping Knox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm looking into the same, want dual SIM on T-Mobile service but with Samsung pay and like the us shop Samsung app.
From your last response seems like pay will work but no other Samsung apps like for cashback and award
joogle said:
So I'm looking into the same, want dual SIM on T-Mobile service but with Samsung pay and like the us shop Samsung app.
From your last response seems like pay will work but no other Samsung apps like for cashback and award
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct, Samsung Pay registers all my US cards but no US rewards program.
meowone said:
Not without root.
If your goal is VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling on T-Mobile, then there is no need to flash the CSC because T-Mobile has opened up their network for unlocked device. I am getting those functionalities on my dual sim S8+ and also Note 10+ without flashing anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi,
how is your experience in term of data connection with Note 10+ exynos on T-Mobile network ? when i check details specification of Note 10+ exynos (N975f) on sammobile, it is missing a lot some of T-Mobile's LTE radio frequencies, https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note-10-plus/specs/SM-N975F/ . even way less than Note 8 exynos LTE bands .
is information on sammobile site incorrect or am i looking at wrong place ?
thank you !
mailistman said:
hi,
how is your experience in term of data connection with Note 10+ exynos on T-Mobile network ? when i check details specification of Note 10+ exynos (N975f) on sammobile, it is missing a lot of T-Mobile's LTE radio frequencies, https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note-10-plus/specs/SM-N975F/ . even way less than Note 8 exynos LTE bands .
is information on sammobile site incorrect or am i looking at wrong place ?
thank you !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if the F variant has fewer bands than the N variant but my N is only missing I think band 66 for Tmobile.
Also I'm not sure about wifi calling since that is not something locked down in their end anyway. The device needs to have software and CSC settings to enable it, both of which are absent on at least the N variant and historically F variant as well since neither device was meant for the USA market.
VoLTE works for me, but no wifi calling since both pieces are missing.
mailistman said:
hi,
how is your experience in term of data connection with Note 10+ exynos on T-Mobile network ? when i check details specification of Note 10+ exynos (N975f) on sammobile, it is missing a lot of T-Mobile's LTE radio frequencies, https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note-10-plus/specs/SM-N975F/ . even way less than Note 8 exynos LTE bands .
is information on sammobile site incorrect or am i looking at wrong place ?
thank you !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have the Exynos Note 10+, I have the Snapdragon Note 10+ but it is also missing similar T-Mobile bands (66,71). You can check the LTE bands on the Samsung UK website and see that the phone covers majority of the T-Mobile bands. Due to the missing bands and lack of proper carrier aggregation support, you might experience slower speed and/or poor reception in rural area. But general usage is not reallg affected unless you are downloading a large file or constantly streaming in 4K.
meowone said:
I do not have the Exynos Note 10+, I have the Snapdragon Note 10+ but it is also missing similar T-Mobile bands (66,71). You can check the LTE bands on the Samsung UK website and see that the phone covers majority of the T-Mobile bands. Due to the missing bands and lack of proper carrier aggregation support, you might experience slower speed and/or poor reception in rural area. But general usage is not reallg affected unless you are downloading a large file or constantly streaming in 4K.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your confirmation. i feel upgrading to N975f on t-mobile network will like be in a situation you pay more for less capable device. but it will depends on where you are going to use it most.
OOT, i am wondering why samsuck doesn't make one device with unlockable BL using exynos/SD to rule most (if not all) LTE frequencies, i.e like newer iphone A2104, to capture more customers if there is no technical boundaries
Kalm_Traveler said:
Also I'm not sure about wifi calling since that is not something locked down in their end anyway. The device needs to have software and CSC settings to enable it, both of which are absent on at least the N variant and historically F variant as well since neither device was meant for the USA market.
VoLTE works for me, but no wifi calling since both pieces are missing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on my Note8 n950fd/s, wifi calling & HD calling (VoLTE) work fine after CSC mod using tekhd CSC DETONATOR INT, tested on t-mobile and their relevant MVNOs (Metro, Simple). so it is just a matter of CSC configuration, isn't it ?
mailistman said:
thank you for your confirmation. i feel upgrading to N975f on t-mobile network will like be in a situation you pay more for less capable device. but it will depends on where you are going to use it most.
OOT, i am wondering why samsuck doesn't make one device with unlockable BL using exynos/SD to rule most (if not all) LTE frequencies, i.e like newer iphone A2104, to capture more customers if there is no technical boundaries
on my Note8 n950fd/s, wifi calling & HD calling (VoLTE) work fine after CSC mod using tekhd CSC DETONATOR INT, tested on t-mobile and their relevant MVNOs (Metro, Simple). so it is just a matter of CSC configuration, isn't it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am guessing if Samsung can have their way, they would push their Exynos chipset everywhere but due to carrier restrictions they end up having Qualcomm in the US and China. I just wish they did all Qualcomm phones like Sony and have carrier aggregation tables from all of the regions available. I believe this is also a problem with iPhone as well but its less relevant for US users - iPhone that can do band 71 does not cover band 28, and only the HK version of the iPhone have physical dual sim.
The good news is that T-Mobile just recently open up their VoLTE, VoWifi to unlocked international so there is no need to jump through hoops (root and flashing CSC) to get those services. Just hoping AT&T would follow before they shutdown their 3G network.
mailistman said:
:
on my Note8 n950fd/s, wifi calling & HD calling (VoLTE) work fine after CSC mod using tekhd CSC DETONATOR INT, tested on t-mobile and their relevant MVNOs (Metro, Simple). so it is just a matter of CSC configuration, isn't it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not just CSC config. If you look at his pack (his is what got me started on the N variant patch I made for the Note 8) there are a few Tmobile system apps that are taken from a US Tmobile rom. The only difference between the F and N in that sense (and the reason his zip wouldn't work on N devices) was that the F had a couple general vowifi files that were absent on the N, and for some reason the N's included digital TV system interfered with the VPN connection that Tmobile wifi calling creates. My N patch basically took the CSC files, the same Tmobile files as TeKHD's patch and those additional framework binaries which were already present in F firmware and deleted the Korean TV thing to stop it from blocking the wifi calling connection.
meowone said:
I am guessing if Samsung can have their way, they would push their Exynos chipset everywhere but due to carrier restrictions they end up having Qualcomm in the US and China. I just wish they did all Qualcomm phones like Sony and have carrier aggregation tables from all of the regions available. I believe this is also a problem with iPhone as well but its less relevant for US users - iPhone that can do band 71 does not cover band 28, and only the HK version of the iPhone have physical dual sim.
The good news is that T-Mobile just recently open up their VoLTE, VoWifi to unlocked international so there is no need to jump through hoops (root and flashing CSC) to get those services. Just hoping AT&T would follow before they shutdown their 3G network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason they don't bring it here is that their exynos modem doesn't support CDMA (Verizon and sprint), whereas Qualcomm's do. Most of the world runs on GSM but since we've moved on to LTE and 5G hopefully this will no longer be an issue in the future.
Also, Tmobile didn't ever have those locked. My Note 8 got VoLTE stock, just no wifi calling for the above mentioned reason. Also for that reason you still need the Tmobile CSC patches to add those missing software pieces even on Pie.
Kalm_Traveler said:
Not just CSC config. If you look at his pack (his is what got me started on the N variant patch I made for the Note 8) there are a few Tmobile system apps that are taken from a US Tmobile rom. The only difference between the F and N in that sense (and the reason his zip wouldn't work on N devices) was that the F had a couple general vowifi files that were absent on the N, and for some reason the N's included digital TV system interfered with the VPN connection that Tmobile wifi calling creates. My N patch basically took the CSC files, the same Tmobile files as TeKHD's patch and those additional framework binaries which were already present in F firmware and deleted the Korean TV thing to stop it from blocking the wifi calling connection.
The reason they don't bring it here is that their exynos modem doesn't support CDMA (Verizon and sprint), whereas Qualcomm's do. Most of the world runs on GSM but since we've moved on to LTE and 5G hopefully this will no longer be an issue in the future.
Also, Tmobile didn't ever have those locked. My Note 8 got VoLTE stock, just no wifi calling for the above mentioned reason. Also for that reason you still need the Tmobile CSC patches to add those missing software pieces even on Pie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow... thank you for the education.
I noticed that the CSC mod is for the note 9, Can anyone please direct me to a tutorial on how to set the scs for t-mobile on my note 10+, sm-n975f/ds?
This is the first I was able to find anything about the CSC mod using tekhd CSC DETONATOR INT. Thanks for mentioning it here!
On the Note 10 + (SM-N9750/DS) VOLTE and WiFi Calling work on the stock CSC (BRI or TGY).
Ok thanks for letting me know bro!
Sorry But I just looked through the CSC list and did not see anything listed that contains the phrase (BRI OR TGY)
Sorry I am such and noob and probably do not know what your referring to, ok
I noticed that a few the oem csc have (t-mobile) none are English would anyone of these still work? I am assuming yes, especially because before I put the Brazilian csc I remember glancing at the current firmware that was on the phone and it was not t-mobile, I don't remember exactly I think it was UK Vodafone and it still worked until I got to Brazil I suppose it started to malfunction because I did not have a Brazilian Sim card to use lol
ajsmsg78 said:
On the Note 10 + (SM-N9750/DS) VOLTE and WiFi Calling work on the stock CSC (BRI or TGY).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
revized said:
Ok thanks for letting me know bro!
Sorry But I just looked through the CSC list and did not see anything listed that contains the phrase (BRI OR TGY)
Sorry I am such and noob and probably do not know what your referring to, ok
I noticed that a few the oem csc have (t-mobile) none are English would anyone of these still work? I am assuming yes, especially because before I put the Brazilian csc I remember glancing at the current firmware that was on the phone and it was not t-mobile, I don't remember exactly I think it was UK Vodafone and it still worked until I got to Brazil I suppose it started to malfunction because I did not have a Brazilian Sim card to use lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In About Phone under Software Information. Here's mine. It was originally a BRI device but I flashed the TGY CSC on it hence is says TGY, TGY, TGY, BRI. Wifi calling and VOLTE work on either CSC.
Thanks for the reply.
Hmmmmmm. But on sammobile I still do not see TGY OR BRI
May I please ask one last question, where did you get this csc file from?
ajsmsg78 said:
On the Note 10 + (SM-N9750/DS) VOLTE and WiFi Calling work on the stock CSC (BRI or TGY).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ajsmsg78 said:
In About Phone under Software Information. Here's mine. It was originally a BRI device but I flashed the TGY CSC on it hence is says TGY, TGY, TGY, BRI. Wifi calling and VOLTE work on either CSC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

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