Import Note 10+ snapdragon to Europe - Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Questions & Answers

Hi guys,
I live in Europe(Croatia) where only the exynos version of Note 10+ is available. I am looking for a new phone and my wish number 1 is Note 10+, but the snapdragon variant.
If I decide to import it from somewhere, will it work here? I am even ready to risk and go without a warranty.
I was googling it, but find contradictory information. So I decided it is better if I open a new thread for it.
There are a lot of questions I want to ask
What version to import? Will I receive software updates? Will I have all network bands? What about regional unlock?
Thank you.

I think you won't have any problem provided you import the unlocked international version (if there is one where you want to import from).
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

Thx, but which one of these(SM-N975F (Europe); SM-N975F/DS (Global); SM-N975U (USA); SM-N975U1 (USA unlocked); SM-N975W (Canada); SM-N9750/DS (LATAM, Brazil, China); SM-N975N (South Korea)) is unlocked international version?
If you are referring to global SM-N975F/DS, it also has exynos: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note10+-9732.php#sm-n975f-ds

You'll find all Note 10+ available models here: https://www.phonemore.com/models/samsung/galaxy-note-10-plus/
Based on SAMMOBILE site, which has all firmwares for all Note 10+ models (https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note-10-plus/firmware/#SM-N975U1), I understand that, in fact, any of the models can be locked to a certain cellular network or unlocked. So the unlocked version should be international also. The only thing that will make a difference between same Note 10+ model sold in different countries is the ability to record phone calls, which is restricted in some countries. Regarding firmware updates, there should not be any problem, you will only get the updates when they are officially released for the country you bought the phone from.
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

Really don't care about phone calls recording...I just want a functional phone.
Do you have any suggestions on where to buy it? EDIT: preferably from Europe

third party sellers are the only way you will get a snapdragon phone in europe, the entire european market is on Exynos, so you would either have to find a site willing to export to your country or a local seller who imports the phones. either way it won't be from a first party phone shop.
then if you do import you have to watch the sim unlocking rules, as the european phones need to use a european sim for a short period before unlocking to work for other countries, so buying from a reseller who has already done the network unlock meaning you will always be getting an opened box devices with no guarantee it's new and likely no warranty.

I bought a Snapdragon version N9750 on Ebay, from a seller in Europe. It's working great for me, I live in Sweden. Updates are working, but for example the 2.1 update that have rolled out to Exynos devices still haven't come to my device. But I'm not to stressed over updates anymore

Kimbo82 said:
I bought a Snapdragon version N9750 on Ebay, from a seller in Europe. It's working great for me, I live in Sweden. Updates are working, but for example the 2.1 update that have rolled out to Exynos devices still haven't come to my device. But I'm not to stressed over updates anymore
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get rid of region lock? Or it came in the open box already unlocked?

I'm sorry, I do not have any suggestions. Belimawr said it all. I'm just not sure about what he said regarding the need to use a phone bought in Europe, for the first few days, with an european simcard, in order to have it unlocked. In the days of Note 4, I bought one in Germany (me living in Israel), during a trip, and use it without a simcard, for navigation only or at home on wifi. I never had a local simcard and I bought it (in a big shop) as international version. Never had problems with it, it was unlocked from the beginning. There are many risks you have to take when ordering online, from unknown sources. What's so bad with the Exynos? I have it and I'm very pleased with it.
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 10:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:43 AM ----------
Take a look at this thread:
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...1&share_fid=3793&share_type=t&link_source=app
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

tmatkovic said:
How did you get rid of region lock? Or it came in the open box already unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It came in the box already unlocked :good:

uhi711 said:
Belimawr said it all. I'm just not sure about what he said regarding the need to use a phone bought in Europe, for the first few days, with an european simcard, in order to have it unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/samsung-region-lock-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-get-rid-of-it.html
uhi711 said:
What's so bad with the Exynos? I have it and I'm very pleased with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, there are many resources on the internet that saying Exynos is inferior in lot of categories.
I don't care if it has slightly inferior CPU speed because it is enough for my needs. I also don't care it is much inferior in GPU speed because I don't play graphic intensive games. I can also live with a slightly inferior camera.
But what I do care is an inferior signal and battery life(bigger standby battery drain, bigger energy consumption for the same workload).

yeah that link posted above is what I Was talking about with unlocking, it isn't much to unlock the "unlocked" phones but it can be a problem if it comes to you brand new and still with the lock in place as you would then need to source a way of doing the time in calls with the sim from the intended region, it's why most imports come open box as they do the phone call before exporting it making the phone technically second hand and likely voiding any warranty directly from Samsung so you would be reliant on the person who sent you the phone. there is also stories about of firms like Samsung not doing repairs on devices outside of their intended regions so any fault would likely need a third party repairer as well.
I've been using the Exynos since it came out and honestly even under above average use I easy get a day out of the battery and as far as performance goes, it does everything I need it to. the big problem with the Exynos Vs SD argument is it goes by benchmarks on phones and chances are in the real world those difference will be that small people wont even notice them under general use. it's always been a problem with technology people look at benchmark numbers and in the real world they generally mean very little as they are done under lab conditions and not actual usage or with devices that have been used day in and day out, it is on clean devices fresh out of the box with little bulk, 12 month down the road the numbers could shift but in truth unless you sit the 2 side by side you are unlikely to actually notice the difference.
personally for me it's easier to just buy the local one as in day to day use you are gaining nothing by taking the extra steps to get one from a different region unless you are specifically going for something like dual sim that might not be in your region or if you are picking the device up cheaper.

Regarding the region lock, if this would be your case, looks like there is an other solution to unlock it, if using a local sim for 5 minutes isn't possible.
Take a look here: https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/Galaxy-Note9/Regional-lock/td-p/650891
Or here: https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5...5G/Regional-Lock-Samsung-10-Note/td-p/1504884
Or here:
https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5...10-5G/European-SIM-card-only-S10/td-p/1296078
So, my point is that if you intend to buy your phone from an european country, then you shouldn't have any region lock problem. In my opinion, the only thing that could make me import a phone from an other country by online ordering would be a big difference in price. But also in this case I would think twice because we should not forget the customs taxes and the shipping fees.
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

Check on Wonda Mobile. They have a really good reputation and have the snapdragon version available. It looks like all the 5G versions are sold out but they have the non 5G versions at very good prices too.

I live in Russia and use the Hong Kong version and I still haven’t received a firmware update to 2.1, do you have any update information? Thank you in advance

Scripitiscrip said:
I live in Russia and use the Hong Kong version and I still haven’t received a firmware update to 2.1, do you have any update information? Thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think Samsung has released it yet. I'm still waiting for mine as well, and don't see anything official yet:
https://doc.samsungmobile.com/SM-N9750/TGY/doc.html

Biggenz said:
Check on Wonda Mobile. They have a really good reputation and have the snapdragon version available. It looks like all the 5G versions are sold out but they have the non 5G versions at very good prices too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx, seems they have very good trustpilot score. I might go for it.
Don't need 5G here atm anyway.

Samsung is slower with updating the Snapdragon versions, always a few weeks after the Exynos versions

Belimawr said:
I've been using the Exynos since it came out and honestly even under above average use I easy get a day out of the battery and as far as performance goes, it does everything I need it to. the big problem with the Exynos Vs SD argument is it goes by benchmarks on phones and chances are in the real world those difference will be that small people wont even notice them under general use. it's always been a problem with technology people look at benchmark numbers and in the real world they generally mean very little as they are done under lab conditions and not actual usage or with devices that have been used day in and day out, it is on clean devices fresh out of the box with little bulk, 12 month down the road the numbers could shift but in truth unless you sit the 2 side by side you are unlikely to actually notice the difference.
personally for me it's easier to just buy the local one as in day to day use you are gaining nothing by taking the extra steps to get one from a different region unless you are specifically going for something like dual sim that might not be in your region or if you are picking the device up cheaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SD variant is better in terms of battery efficiency which makes another significant difference that affects the daily use of any owner if we ignore the better overall performance.

ghassan haddad said:
The SD variant is better in terms of battery efficiency which makes another significant difference that affects the daily use of any owner if we ignore the better overall performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I easy get a full day out of it and can sit several hours straight gaming on the phone, the size of the battery unless you are being kept alive by looking at the screen it will get you through a day and I honestly doubt the difference is anything substantial enough to make a difference (you aren't getting 2 days without really light use)

Related

Should I get the AT&T or the International SGS3?

Hello,
I plan on getting the S3 in a couple of months, after when I save up and was wondering which one should I get? The AT&T or the international version? I will he using it on Straight Talk with the Bring your own phone plan. I'm using the Nexus right now, just having trouble trying to figure out which one I should get. Thanks!
asheehanjr said:
Hello,
I plan on getting the S3 in a couple of months, after when I save up and was wondering which one should I get? The AT&T or the international version? I will he using it on Straight Talk with the Bring your own phone plan. I'm using the Nexus right now, just having trouble trying to figure out which one I should get. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're using it on Straight Talk and you want the more powerful one, international (it's what I use). The downside is that if something goes wrong with the phone, you're pretty much screwed unless you can send it to someone in the UK or Europe to send to Samsung for repair. The upside is you have a beast phone with faster updates (custom ROMs don't show up out of thin air; you need some sort of leak or OTA to work off of for non-CM ROMs). Another perk is you get FM radio, but I don't know how important that is to you.
If you want a cheaper S3 with all the features but a slightly slower processor (only for intense gaming; 99% of things will run great), get the T-Mobile or AT&T version. I think they're like $50-$100 cheaper. You'll also be able to send the phone to Samsung US if there's an issue. I ran into a fairly common (from Google searching) issue where my i9300 could no longer make calls, but everything else including the earpiece and speaker were fine. The modem rebooted everytime I made a call and I later found out it was a hardware issue. I had to send the phone back to the Amazon seller who was in Germany so they could send it to Samsung. Cost me $73 for 3-day shipping. HOWEVER, the seller told me in an email that I have a 2-year warranty, not 1-year. So that's a perk you may want to consider. I have the Vodafone UK version, but Samsung will repair it in any country that's part of the EU (e.g. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, etc).
Basically, unless you game a lot, go for the US version. I happen to game a lot, and I didn't wanna wait for the US versions (I bought my i9300 in July). If I had waited, I'd probably have gone for the US version. And for anyone who brings up RAM, it doesn't affect performance. It only allows more apps to be open in the background, and Android fills up unused RAM anyways, so it really is not a deciding factor.
I agree with Product F(RED). Unless you're going to do intense CPU processes the US variant will suit your needs wonderfully. You won't need to worry about lag or slow downs. And if you plan to root there are custom ROMS that are faster than the Stock rom.
Product F(RED) said:
And for anyone who brings up RAM, it doesn't affect performance. It only allows more apps to be open in the background, and Android fills up unused RAM anyways, so it really is not a deciding factor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't affect performance, true, but also owning an orignal Galaxy S (i9000), I can assure you RAM is a factor when it comes to upgrading the OS!
The 512Mo in the SGS1 is the main reason why Samsung didn't upgrade the device to ICS.
There are ICS and JB custom ROMs available for the SGS1, but the device is definitely suffering from the limited of amount RAM.
Because of this, RAM, for me, is definitely a factor that made me choose the North American variant over the international one.
idk to be honest i would get galaxy note 2 at this point the gs3 is already 6m old
I was also going to hold out for the note 2, but it just to big and I already have a nexus 7.
Had both multiple times, i went ahead and stayed with the US version. I dont game at all and i see NO difference in speed, plus LTE is AWESOME.
Nickel Dime Bay said:
Had both multiple times, i went ahead and stayed with the US version. I dont game at all and i see NO difference in speed, plus LTE is AWESOME.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No LTE on Straight Talk, so it's not like it matters.
Oh wow i totally missed that, i say get the international then.

Is it possible for me as an American to get an international note 7? Is it worth it?

I'm on AT&T, but no contract so, correct me if I'm wrong, there isn't any reason to buy the note from AT&T. How, as an American, do I buy the international version? The only place I see it is on amazon, where they're charging an extra 100$ for.
Additionally is there any reason not to go with the international version?
Just wait for the N930U. Or shell out the extra $100 for the exynos variant.
I'm personally getting the N930V with Verizon and I'll flash the U firmware later like I did with my S7 edge. You could do the same, unless you're more interested in a potential bootloader unlock.
The 930U is the unlocked American version? When does that even come out? I don't care about the bootloader, I just would prefer the exynos version because it's usually a slight bit better, but I'm not dropping 980$ on it.
The U version of the S7 was still a snapdragon. If you want the exynos, you'll need to get the international version. It's not out so that's probably why it's still pricey. If you want to save some cash just wait for it to be cheaper on Swappa or eBay.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Galax...ack-Silver-Gold-Blue-/201637586849?nav=SEARCH
Only $30 more than carrier pricing on eBay.
cadcamaro said:
Just wait for the N930U. Or shell out the extra $100 for the exynos variant.
I'm personally getting the N930V with Verizon and I'll flash the U firmware later like I did with my S7 edge. You could do the same, unless you're more interested in a potential bootloader unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you flash the U version I thought Verizon has locked bootloaders and you couldn't make modifications ?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
It flashes through Odin. Since it's a stock firmware it flashed over just fine.
---------- Post added at 01:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:34 PM ----------
Bump
Here's another store selling for even less. I'm not sure if they charge tax though, but either way with any carrier upgrade you're looking at the phone price and tax anyways.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1269581-REG/samsung_n930_black_galaxy_note_7_64gb.html
would it be worth it to spend 100$ more to buy the Exynos version? That's what I am wondering too...
are there any downside?
Isn't there more support for Exynos version and more battery saving?
If you're a Flashaholic like me it is definitely worth getting an unlocked Exynos version with its unlocked bootloader.
But the down side is lack of warranty and some of the frequencies that you're carrier uses may not be available on the International version
Sent from my SM-N920I on XDA-DEVELOPERS Mobile app.
LouK said:
If you're a Flashaholic like me it is definitely worth getting an unlocked Exynos version with its unlocked bootloader.
But the down side is lack of warranty and some of the frequencies that you're carrier uses may not be available on the International version
Sent from my SM-N920I on XDA-DEVELOPERS Mobile app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! that's what I was thinking! and Exynos version seems to have better battery as well!
As for frequencies - it looks like they are good for most Canadian wireless companies.
Do we know for sure if Exynos N930F will come with an unlocked bootloader? (still waiting to order mine)
And what about warranty? Isn't Samsung supposed to honor warranty no matter where you buy it from on brand new phones just launched for a year since their launch date (it only makes sense and they used to back in Galaxy S2 days - from experience) *sigh*
galaxyluv said:
Thanks! that's what I was thinking! and Exynos version seems to have better battery as well!
As for frequencies - it looks like they are good for most Canadian wireless companies.
Do we know for sure if Exynos N930F will come with an unlocked bootloader? (still waiting to order mine)
And what about warranty? Isn't Samsung supposed to honor warranty no matter where you buy it from on brand new phones just launched for a year since their launch date (it only makes sense and they used to back in Galaxy S2 days - from experience) *sigh*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, from what im seeing they wont honor warranty in the US if you buy an international phone. Thats my major hurdle right now. I would really like to get some type of warranty. Even contacted Squaretrade and they said no. So will try upsie.
it's been a few years since I bought international, last phone was s3, what's the current state of international Samsung phones on att? do we still only get 2 compatible bands? I know theres a thing where you have to use the phone for 5 mins in that country with the country Sim card, anything else I should know about? speed and coverage still good? i been out of the game a bit so I'm playing catch up here.
LouK said:
If you're a Flashaholic like me it is definitely worth getting an unlocked Exynos version with its unlocked bootloader.
But the down side is lack of warranty and some of the frequencies that you're carrier uses may not be available on the International version
Sent from my SM-N920I on XDA-DEVELOPERS Mobile app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the same boat as you. Being able to flash my phone and play around with it, is my version of a work day stress reliever. Being an owner of a S7E and my old reliable N4, I cant wait for the N7 to be released. I will be replacing my N4 with it so I need to make sure that the Intl version will be unlocked. Will be following the early reports that will soon start trickling in as units arrive to their new owners.
I may be able to help I'm in Thailand.
Sent from my SM-N910C using XDA-Developers mobile app
naruto.ninjakid said:
Nope, from what im seeing they wont honor warranty in the US if you buy an international phone. Thats my major hurdle right now. I would really like to get some type of warranty. Even contacted Squaretrade and they said no. So will try upsie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the N7 from BHP (link you posted earlier) they have it available for pre-order and in the checkout they offered Square Trade for Warrenty - I also used Square Trade when I purchased the S7Edge (international Version) So I don't think it is giong to be a problem for you if you want to use Square Trade or any other major warrenty program like Upsie. Good Luck
Thanks Alot !
mocsab said:
I bought the N7 from BHP (link you posted earlier) they have it available for pre-order and in the checkout they offered Square Trade for Warranty - I also used Square Trade when I purchased the S7Edge (international Version) So I don't think it is going to be a problem for you if you want to use Square Trade or any other major warranty program like Upsie. Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I like this community. Thanks for coming back and updating. This was my biggest issue and you have now solved it. knowing I can get a warranty alleviates the what if's for me. I'm paranoid and always insure my devices even though i have never broken one. So I will be ordering from B&H as well. They seem very knowledgeable on unlocked phone issues from the FAQ and they don't charge tax in some states. All Im waiting for now is to see if Root is coming and development support. I'm on T-Mobile by the way so I will not get VoLTE and WiFi-calling but TEKHD said he will work on that in his ROM so I have some hope. Thanks again.
naruto.ninjakid said:
This is why I like this community. Thanks for coming back and updating. This was my biggest issue and you have now solved it. knowing I can get a warranty alleviates the what if's for me. I'm paranoid and always insure my devices even though i have never broken one. So I will be ordering from B&H as well. They seem very knowledgeable on unlocked phone issues from the FAQ and they don't charge tax in some states. All Im waiting for now is to see if Root is coming and development support. I'm on T-Mobile by the way so I will not get VoLTE and WiFi-calling but TEKHD said he will work on that in his ROM so I have some hope. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on ATT and use the G935F right now on ATT and it works great - I don't knwo for sure if the N930 (note 7) will be unlocked but it seems like it probably will be - I htink the chances are high that the bootloader is unlocked and if that turns out to be true, root is not too far away - just need to get it in the hands of a few devs who do that sort of thing - and all should be good. Fingers Crossed...
mocsab said:
I bought the N7 from BHP (link you posted earlier) they have it available for pre-order and in the checkout they offered Square Trade for Warrenty - I also used Square Trade when I purchased the S7Edge (international Version) So I don't think it is giong to be a problem for you if you want to use Square Trade or any other major warrenty program like Upsie. Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would you know if the square trade warranty would apply to people living in Canada as well?
cadcamaro said:
Just wait for the N930U. Or shell out the extra $100 for the exynos variant.
I'm personally getting the N930V with Verizon and I'll flash the U firmware later like I did with my S7 edge. You could do the same, unless you're more interested in a potential bootloader unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. What advantages does the U firmware have over the stock Verizon firmware, or are you just getting rid of all the Verizon bloat? Do you lose wifi calling and Samsung pay?
spinedoc said:
Interesting. What advantages does the U firmware have over the stock Verizon firmware, or are you just getting rid of all the Verizon bloat? Do you lose wifi calling and Samsung pay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You lose all bloatware and Verizon apps. It essentially turns the phone into a stock Samsung expensive.
You will lose any carrier extras like wifi calling VOLTE and Verizon's own vvm service. For some reason they only allow you to install their voicemail apps on their phones. Samsung pay still works though, and to get around the voicemail issue I just use Google voice as a forwarding number if I don't answer. It's honestly better than any carrier voicemail service I've used as there's no extra charges and you get notifications anywhere.
cadcamaro said:
You lose all bloatware and Verizon apps. It essentially turns the phone into a stock Samsung expensive.
You will lose any carrier extras like wifi calling VOLTE and Verizon's own vvm service. For some reason they only allow you to install their voicemail apps on their phones. Samsung pay still works though, and to get around the voicemail issue I just use Google voice as a forwarding number if I don't answer. It's honestly better than any carrier voicemail service I've used as there's no extra charges and you get notifications anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I use Google voice as well. Great info thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

Question about UK to US move

Hi there,
Sorry if this is an obvious question - I'm a big mobile enthusiast, but probably not as technically minded as some of you folks
I'm in the UK right now but am moving to the US permanently in a few weeks. I'm getting the Note 7 and am torn between what to do - buy it here or there.
Here's my thinking: If I buy here, it will be free of all that yucky bloatware you get over there since I gather that even if I purchase from BestBuy, there's nothing quite like a sim-free unlocked phone of the type we would get here. And that carrier bloatware scares me. I don't want to have to be rooting my phone and messing about with it to make it run at an acceptable speed when it inevitably starts to slow down, down the line. Plus, I just hate the thought of having all of that rubbish on my phone. If I'm spending $900 or so, I want it to be pure as the driven snow!
I'm not sure which network I'm going to be going for in the US (as an 'Alien' new to the US with no credit history, it's not easy to get a contract) but what I'm looking at is either T-Mobile or AT&T (possibly Cricket, if not main AT&T.) Although I hear T-Mobile signal can be patchy. I'll be in Los Angeles, so I imagine signal should be good.
So what I'm wondering is - will it all work OK there? I'm assuming the GSM version we get in the UK will be compatible with those two networks, though not Verizon. Although I doubt I'll go with Verizon because their packages don't really look good for what I need and also I hear their bloatware in particular is immense!
I know we have a different processor in the Exynos edition (or is that the one you guys have and we have Snapdragon? Anyway, you know what I mean..) But would that processor make any actual difference in day to day use? Does the processor just run the software or does it have an influence on how the phone actually works with the network as a phone and data device? Am I likely to run into problems?
Also, you probably can't answer this - but worth a try.. I assume that Samsung's warranties are not international? Right now, I am on an iPhone and I know that if it breaks in the US, I can just take it to an Apple store in the US. My gut tells me if I buy in the UK and it starts playing up, I'll be on my own, unless you know different? But hey - it's a trade off. Bloatware vs warranty.
Anyway, any thoughts or advice would be gratefully received.
Thanks all.
Phil :good:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
thedicemaster said:
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a very good point! I remember reading about this with my old Galaxy when it said that it locked it to the country where the first phone call was made.
But would this possibly present problems? If I made a few calls with my Vodafone sim, would that then mean that it locks it to UK networks and makes a T-Mobile USA or AT&T sim incompatible?
And bands-wise, they're all good to go, right? There's no reason a local US sim wouldn't work 100% in that model? And the processor doesn't make a difference? Just wondering why they bother to put two different processor types in the phone otherwise?
DuffmasterFresh said:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - this is really helpful. Good to know TM are good there as had heard a few stories about bad coverage.
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
its box will be sealed with a sticker reading "European SIM card only."
The tab below this sticker explains how and why, albeit in tiny and rather verbose script. Essentially, in order for your unlocked European GS7 to be fully unlocked, you first need to make a total of five minutes worth of phone calls using a European SIM. If you don't do this, and try to use it with a SIM from outside of Europe, it won't connect to the network.
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Click to collapse
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
thedicemaster said:
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it - just been reading up on it. Thanks for this.
Well, that all looks simple enough. Shouldn't be an issue.
In fact, my only fear is warranty now. If I smash or crack it (which I will try not to obvs, but heaven forbid, it happens), I may be spannered.
I doubt my insurance will cover it if it is an international model and Samsung look like they don't do international warranties.
That's the only thing stopping me sitting here pressing 'order' when I'm on the verge of it.
Also, I wonder if Samsung Pay will be affected, If maybe, somehow, that's region specific.
It's a big risk.. Eeek!
Screw it, I've ordered.
So just to clarify - the bands on the international (UK) unlocked version will be compatible with ATT/Cricket and T-Mobile?

import note 7

anyone importing a note7 for exynos and/or root?
any input isappreciated ,
as of now, there are roots for snaps too, where are you from?
winol said:
as of now, there are roots for snaps too, where are you from?
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Click to collapse
'snaps'?
from ca, usa
snapdragon soc, the ones in usa and canada
I had a snap dragon version, got rid of it and got dual Sim card. Root, battery, dual sim, no bloat. Never looked back
yes, but I think jd342423 from california usa, wants an opinion about getting an international note7, well,
an exynos model is said to be more batt efficient, it was rooted earlier than snapdragons, but, it would present a potentially risk of no warranty support, I would get one of my region, I have taken several devices to my carrier, who only accepts the ones officially sold in my country
winol said:
as of now, there are roots for snaps too, where are you from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but with major drawbacks and limitations.
Hardly your "standard" root method.
I have an FD unit but got it from a store locally seemed a better option than ebay etc.if i have any issues with it i can deal with them face to face instead of trying to get someone over the internet to help with the issue.
Its kind of hard to ignore or screw a customer when hes standing 2 ft from you lol
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Buying a US version of the S9 and using in the UK

Hi All,
I have my unlocked pre-order S9 sitting on my table here in London but have ended up needing to travel for work to Chicago this weekend.
The obvious thought that came to mind is - "can I buy one in the states, save the best part of £150 and use it back in the UK?". I thought that as they're quad-band or whatever they are that a US variant would still work fine - could anyone confirm if that is the case?
I spoke to a samsung helpdesk person and they said no but genuinely didn't sound like they knew what they were talking about...
Are there any other considerations that I should be taking in to account, e.g. Exynos vs Snapdragon? I've done a bunch of Googling but not come across anything definitive.
Thanks in advance folks.
Pete
Think you may not be able to as samsung region lock their phones
So you would have to put an America SIM in the phone whether you can change that after first activation I don't know
Also aren't the American bands different to the UK??
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mancuk29 said:
Think you may not be able to as samsung region lock their phones
So you would have to put an America SIM in the phone whether you can change that after first activation I don't know
Also aren't the American bands different to the UK??
Sent from my SM-G965F using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for getting back to me, looking at the S8 it appears that you could sort the region lock by placing a 5 minute phone call using a US carrier so that's something that I can do whilst I'm away.
The bands are different in the states vs here but that being said my UK phone works when I take it abroad. I thought that the fact that these are multi-band phones that they work elsewhere.
Pete
i had bought a S5 back in the day from the states and used it in india and it worked great(it was unlocked), you do however need to make a 5 min phone call after which you can use it elsewhere in the world.
Thanks! So I guess the remaining questions considerations are then:
Can I get the hybrid SIM version in the states?
Is having the Snapdragon vs Exynos going to impact anything?
Are there any other material differences that you guys would be thinking about?
I've done plenty of googling on this but there isn't too much useful stuff that I've come across.
1. yes, get the G960U or G965U (unless you mean dual sim in this case i dont know)
2. snapdragon has a faster gpu, slightly slower cpu, and locked bootloader so you can't flash custom roms...
3. Yep see 2 ;P
As someone in the US I'm ordering one from the UK just because of the bootloader.
Thanks pal! I'll open up my preorder that I have then!!
I don't believe dual sim is available in the US
CuBz90 said:
I don't believe dual sim is available in the US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you are right. I spent a good chunk of time yesterday on the internet researching and could not seem to find anywhere that sold it.
I cracked my UK one open yesterday, very smart piece of kit although moving from an S8 there were no real surprises.
I popped my work SIM in alongside my personal one to see how it all works, the dual SIM functionality is really really good. Very impressed with the way that it works, gives 2 whatsapps, etc. Would definitely recommend.
Thanks to everyone that responded and helped.

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