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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
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...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Related
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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...
Click to collapse
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.
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
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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)
Click to expand...
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...
Will the unlocked S20 Ultra work with Tmobile Wifi calling?
Hi,
Not sure but here's my history:
Bought an unlocked S9Plus from Samsung, had issues with WiFi calling on tmobile, never got it working.
So when S10 Plus came out I bought the Tmobile version from Samsung, everything works great.
So I just ordered the s20Plus from Samsung but the Tmobile version to make sure all is well with WiFi
and Tmobile's 5G systems. After a month or so I call Tmobile and get it unlocked, so no problem there.
Just safer to get all the Tmobile crap on there to be safe, also no issues with voicemail to text app either.
Ken
steelersmb said:
Will the unlocked S20 Ultra work with Tmobile Wifi calling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WIFI calling may not work I've been told. I just ordered a S20 + unlocked that I plan to use on Verizon. I would have gotten the carrier specific except I am buying it out right and would only get $300 trade in on my S10+ unless I used Verizon financing.
I refuse to do that so I went with the unlocked and got my $600 trade in. If I have bad problems I can always send it back and get the branded one.
My concern wasn't WIFI calling or VoLTE I had to make sure Mobile hotspot and MMS will work and I have been told they will.
I don't use the other features, so they don't matter to me.
So I have the unlocked S10 I use on TMobile work's beautiful and the s20 should as well I can even use wifi calling like you questioned which I hope carries over as well but I'm assuming it should I'll know in about 4-5 days
yeah every unlocked phone I have used on Tmobile wifi Volte has always worked, that`s why I stick with Tmobile, ATT sucked for unlocked phones....... except for the pixels, anything else wifi calling and VOLTE would`nt work.
As soon as I put my t-mobile sim in my U1 it re-starts and installs wifi calling feature. Just confirming it does work
steelersmb said:
Will the unlocked S20 Ultra work with Tmobile Wifi calling?
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Click to collapse
Working fine on my S20+
Wi-Fi calling usually works on the unlocked Samsung phones, it's the in-dialer video calling that doesn't. Also, T-Mobile's implementation of RCS in the messages app doesn't work with the unlocked phones. It's usually very easy to flash the T-Mobile firmware using Odin on the unlocked model. That way you get all the carrier specific features. Make sure to boot your phone on the unlocked firmware (with the TMO SIM inserted) before you flash over to the carrier specific firmware. It's known to cause issues if you don't.
effortless said:
Wi-Fi calling usually works on the unlocked Samsung phones, it's the in-dialer video calling that doesn't. Also, T-Mobile's implementation of RCS in the messages app doesn't work with the unlocked phones. It's usually very easy to flash the T-Mobile firmware using Odin on the unlocked model. That way you get all the carrier specific features. Make sure to boot your phone on the unlocked firmware (with the TMO SIM inserted) before you flash over to the carrier specific firmware. It's known to cause issues if you don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if the same thing works for Verizon? In other words, can an unlocked Galaxy S20 be flashed with Verizon firmware in order to enjoy any Verizon specific features, but still enjoy being bootloader unlocked and rooted?
cognitivedissonance said:
Do you know if the same thing works for Verizon? In other words, can an unlocked Galaxy S20 be flashed with Verizon firmware in order to enjoy any Verizon specific features, but still enjoy being bootloader unlocked and rooted?
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Click to collapse
You can't be bootloader unlocked and rooted since Samsung does not allow you to unlock the bootloader in the US for any carrier. If you're referring to Exynos phones, you can't flash those with the US (unlocked or carrier) firmware. For US phones, you can only flash the US unlocked to any of the US carrier firmware or the carrier phones to the US unlocked firmware.
You can find the firmware here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...g986u-g986u1-firmware-links-flashing-t4054629
effortless said:
Wi-Fi calling usually works on the unlocked Samsung phones, it's the in-dialer video calling that doesn't. Also, T-Mobile's implementation of RCS in the messages app doesn't work with the unlocked phones. It's usually very easy to flash the T-Mobile firmware using Odin on the unlocked model. That way you get all the carrier specific features. Make sure to boot your phone on the unlocked firmware (with the TMO SIM inserted) before you flash over to the carrier specific firmware. It's known to cause issues if you don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard about this was thinking if I could flash T-Mobile on the unlocked version will it remain unlocked? Or should I just use Google messages RCS
Franzferdinan51 said:
I heard about this was thinking if I could flash T-Mobile on the unlocked version will it remain unlocked? Or should I just use Google messages RCS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a very easy process and it will not "lock" your phone. You can flash back and forth with no issues.
T-Mobile RCS shows users who are on with a blue dot next to the contact name. It is also different than the Google RCS. If you want to use Google RCS, then everyone you message also needs to use Google Messages in order to take advantage of it. It's up to you if you choose to do it, but if you use T-Mobile and your friends and family do too, it might be worth it.
EDIT: Also if your phone is carrier SIM locked, flashing an unlocked firmware will not unlock it for use on other carriers.
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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Click to collapse
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