Hi guys. I am a huge fan of Android, especially when It's LG. I am currently using the LG G2 with CM12 and all.
I'm really interested in the G Flex 2 and have been waiting for more than a month now for AT&T to sell it. I use AT&T with straight talk, and have been for 3 years now. So I'm down to a major decision
1: Buy international unlocked G Flex 2, and continue to use it with straight talk
2: continue waiting for AT&T to sell the phone, and buy it off contract for Straight Talk.
What should I do? Do international phones support LTE in USA? From what I hear there is no LTE in other countries, so does that mean it will lack the radio?
Please help with with the Pros and Cons of getting the International version.
One pro is that, International models may include FM radio band, like the International G2.
_____
I plan on rooting and flashing the G Flex 2. Do you think the AT&T model will have better support from the Cyanogen and dev communities?
I have the H955 (European) model and live in the UK.
I'm not sure where this talk of no LTE outside the US is coming from, almost all phones and networks in the UK offer LTE these days and the flex 2 is no exception.
Since the US and European versions both have LTE I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that all versions do.
As for development, in my experience international models tend to get a bit more attention.
International models are available to a much wider community than the US variants, allowing people from all backgrounds to help out.
This also, sometimes, leads to mods and tweaks that you never thought you'd need.
I would recommend the international model, as long as it's compatible with your carrier of choice.
I wish I could be more help with your decision but this is the extent of my knowledge on these issues.
Thanks for the Insight, I went ahead and purchased the H959 (HK) Model.
@Traceguy does any model G flex 2 work here in the USA on AT&T LTE? I thought some models are missing certain bands / frequencey?
CCJ22 said:
@Traceguy does any model G flex 2 work here in the USA on AT&T LTE? I thought some models are missing certain bands / frequencey?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The model I used (H959) did work on LTE in the USA. I cannot say for certain about other international versions. It was a great phone throughout my usage.
I recently switched over the a Nexus 6P. Great phone. I had to cut my sim card down though. We now have nano card sizes. The Nexus 6P seems to be doing a good job. I have no interest in replacing it with a Pixel. I'll probably keep my N6P for another year.
Quick background story, I've been using an HTC phone since the M7, and owned all the M Flagships and currently using an AT&T Branded M9. My wife is currently using a AT&T branded Galaxy S5. I really liked how open my HTC phones are, and all 3 of them had been able to be Fully SIM Unlocked, S-OFF, and can run any compatible ROM. The AT&T Branded GS5 of course only can use AT&T Software and its been a pain waiting on AT&T for patches and updates.
We're planning to replace them both with new Galaxy S7s and since we're planning to buy them outright, my question is which one should we buy? From I read it looks like all units have the same hardware, but the TMO variants seems to at least have the bootloader unlocked and should be SIM Unlocked if I bought it outright.
Our basic requirements.
- Sim unlocked(able)
- Bootloader Unlocked(able)
- Able to use Android Pay/Samsung Pay in the USA
- Rooting is nice but not required, and as long as it don't break A.Pay/S.Pay
- Able to work on AT&T with little or no issue (not missing any LTE Bands, etc)
- Open to get the Exynos model if can still support A.Pay/S.Pay in USA and elsewhere.
- Able to flash debloated or custom ROMs if needed
Its been awhile since i did any work on any Samsung Phones, so I don't know if its just as easy to flash ROMs and Recoveries like my HTCs
Thanks for any feedback on the matter.
You want the tmo version.
peachpuff said:
You want the tmo version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It figures as much. How easy or difficult is it to flash non-carrier rom? I know people are just started getting their S7s, did the s6 have any issues with flashing a clean rom and keeping all A.Pay and S.Pay?
There's no development currently on these phones since the sources haven't dropped yet since the phone hasn't technically launched, after mar 11 samsung will release some sources.
If you're looking to remove bloat on non-rooted phones your only options is this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en with a rooted rom android/samsung pay wont work.
Last year with the S6 I know for sure the international versions worked just fine with AT&T's LTE network. But last year all models used the same modem (Shanon 333), but this year the international version and the U.S. version are different and both have integrated modem and that throws in an uncertainty. I see no reason why the International versions worked last year with Samsung's modem but not this year, but until someone reports with first-hand experience I would not pull the trigger on the international version (Exynos).
I used SM-G920I (S6) and SM-G928G (S6 Edge+) and both worked flawlessly on AT&T's network.
lopri said:
Last year with the S6 I know for sure the international versions worked just fine with AT&T's LTE network. But last year all models used the same modem (Shanon 333), but this year the international version and the U.S. version are different and both have integrated modem and that throws in an uncertainty. I see no reason why the International versions worked last year with Samsung's modem but not this year, but until someone reports with first-hand experience I would not pull the trigger on the international version (Exynos).
I used SM-G920I (S6) and SM-G928G (S6 Edge+) and both worked flawlessly on AT&T's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to use Android pay or Samsung pay on those International models? Thanks
Goofytek said:
Are you able to use Android pay or Samsung pay on those International models? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Edit: Oh, wait. Android Pay = Yes, Samsung Pay = No.
lopri said:
No.
Edit: Oh, wait. Android Pay = Yes, Samsung Pay = No.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm, still missing out on Samsung Pay eh, I wonder if there would be a non-carrier version of the phone we can get in the states with full support of all avaliable features and services. :fingers-crossed:
I'd like to bump this old thread for updates now that the S7 has been around for some time. I'm looking to get an S7, and it looks like the G930U variant might be the one to get now- is that right? I have the same requirements as the original poster, but I'll list them anyway:
-Able to work on AT&T with no issue (I read somewhere that some aspects of AT&T LTE are not supported? What impact does this have?)
-root is required (is it true that rooting prevents being able to encrypt the phone?)
-no bloat or bloat is removable (seems this is the main benefit of G930U?)
-SD card slot (seems like all US models have the SD card slot?)
Are there different versions of the G930U? Is this, for example, the right one: http://a.co/6QgYIxA ?
Thanks
I'm mulling over upgrading to a Samsung S8+. The problem is that I want the Maple Gold version, but it's only available in the following forms:
* United States - Nope! Because I want the Exonys version because I want to root it.
* Australia - It's even got its own model number, different from all others, SM-G955FZDAXSA. I fear this might mean that the software and/or hardware is somehow inherently different from other International versions of the phone and I'll run into problems rooting it.
* A dual sim version - This can be hit or miss. Some dual sim versions can be rooted and flashed with the same custom roms as the non-dual sim version. Some require specific custom firmware in order to work properly or at all.
So what I want to know is whether or not the Australian version is different from other International (read: Non-U.S.) versions of the S8+ and whether or not the Dual Sim version can be rooted using the same methods and flashed with the same custom firmware as the single-sim version (though it might be too early to know this as of yet).
FallenAngelII said:
I'm mulling over upgrading to a Samsung S8+. The problem is that I want the Maple Gold version, but it's only available in the following forms:
* United States - Nope! Because I want the Exonys version because I want to root it.
* Australia - It's even got its own model number, different from all others, SM-G955FZDAXSA. I fear this might mean that the software and/or hardware is somehow inherently different from other International versions of the phone and I'll run into problems rooting it.
* A dual sim version - This can be hit or miss. Some dual sim versions can be rooted and flashed with the same custom roms as the non-dual sim version. Some require specific custom firmware in order to work properly or at all.
So what I want to know is whether or not the Australian version is different from other International (read: Non-U.S.) versions of the S8+ and whether or not the Dual Sim version can be rooted using the same methods and flashed with the same custom firmware as the single-sim version (though it might be too early to know this as of yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.
murtaza02 said:
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! Thanks so much! I'll order a Maple Gold S8+ sometime later today then!
Thank you murtaza02 for the information. I found a good set of specifications for the GN-955FD here:
http://www.phonemore.com/phone/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus-duos-sm-g955fd/3256
I found the device at a couple of retailers in NZ. I believe there may be errors in the specifications listed on their sites? Neither vendor lists the device as supporting LTE band 30, but I think they have just listed NZ bands. One vendor lists the chipset as Snapdragon. Is this even possible? The specifications at "phonemore" show it as available in blue, but I can't find one of these anywhere.
I wasn't aware that sim 2 only supports up to 2G (no 3G, 4G, or LTE on sim 2). Is this normal for dual sim phones?
there is information out regarding gluing a SIM card on top of an SD card, and using both. Would you happen to know, are people successful with this?
thanks!
XATAGuy said:
Thank you murtaza02 for the information. I found a good set of specifications for the GN-955FD here:
http://www.phonemore.com/phone/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus-duos-sm-g955fd/3256
I found the device at a couple of retailers in NZ. I believe there may be errors in the specifications listed on their sites? Neither vendor lists the device as supporting LTE band 30, but I think they have just listed NZ bands. One vendor lists the chipset as Snapdragon. Is this even possible? The specifications at "phonemore" show it as available in blue, but I can't find one of these anywhere.
I wasn't aware that sim 2 only supports up to 2G (no 3G, 4G, or LTE on sim 2). Is this normal for dual sim phones?
there is information out regarding gluing a SIM card on top of an SD card, and using both. Would you happen to know, are people successful with this?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies for the late reply. Quote me next time so I get a notification for it!
The 955FD only comes in Exynos 8895 and the compatible bands are the same as on the single SIM 955F.
SIM 2 only supports 2G, unfortunately.
As for the gluing SIM on the SDCard, it is not only dangerous because your SIM tray could get jammed or stuck, it has also been patched by Samsung.
People did this on the dual SIM S7 edge, a software update was released that wouldn't allow 2 SIMs and a microSD card to be used at the same time.
So I doubt that it'll work on the S8/S8+.
Sent from my SM-G955F
Hi I have a galaxy S8 from the USA, but I live in the UK. It is a G950U with sprint firmware but unlocked.
I flashed the F950U1 firmware. Now WiFi hotspot is working.
But I can figure out how to setup Samsung pay since it defaults to US.
Is there anything I can do to get out work?
JR5968 said:
Hi I have a galaxy S8 from the USA, but I live in the UK. It is a G950U with sprint firmware but unlocked.
I flashed the F950U1 firmware. Now WiFi hotspot is working.
But I can figure out how to setup Samsung pay since it defaults to US.
Is there anything I can do to get out work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Pay on that model is only meant to work in the US.
Sent from my SM-N950F
Hi thanks for the reply, is it possible to flash a UK firmware to get it work, I know UK has the G950F version and exynos processor, so bit worried if if would be a risk to take. Or is there anything I can do to change the location
JR5968 said:
Hi thanks for the reply, is it possible to flash a UK firmware to get it work, I know UK has the G950F version and exynos processor, so bit worried if if would be a risk to take. Or is there anything I can do to change the location
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash any Exynos firmwares on a Snapdragon device. And there are no UK firmwares available for a 950U.
The best I can suggest is to (if possible) uninstall the Samsung Pay app and framework, and install the ones from APKMirror and see if that works then.
Sent from my SM-N950F
murtaza02 said:
You can't flash any Exynos firmwares on a Snapdragon device. And there are no UK firmwares available for a 950U.
The best I can suggest is to (if possible) uninstall the Samsung Pay app and framework, and install the ones from APKMirror and see if that works then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, i bought s8+ from dubai (Model SM-G955FD). Is it possible to flash indian firmware.
RAMBOMMIREDDY said:
Hi, i bought s8+ from dubai (Model SM-G955FD). Is it possible to flash indian firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're in India, just download any OXM firmware, and flash it on your device WHILE AN ACTIVE INDIAN SIM CARD IS INSERTED.
You'll be on the Indian CSC and stuff like VoLTE and all should work fine.
Sent from my SM-N950F
murtaza02 said:
If you're in India, just download any OXM firmware, and flash it on your device WHILE AN ACTIVE INDIAN SIM CARD IS INSERTED.
You'll be on the Indian CSC and stuff like VoLTE and all should work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply. Ill do it.
Do Samsung US versions work fine in Pakistan
murtaza02 said:
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Murtaza,
Just wanted to check which is better to buy in Pakistan if I am not looking to root the device or install custom ROMs. I have the option to buy two types of Dual SIM variants of Samsung Galaxy S8 +. The first is the international version G955FD and the second is an Xfinity version 955U.
Which would run better in Pakistan? I am getting the US version cheaper and just wondering if there is a reason? As far as the benchmarks go both Exynos and Qualcomm versions are almost at par as per YouTube videos. So is there some other issue? Or is it just because the US versions are priced lower in the international market.
Secondly kindly confirm your comment about the second SIM being only 2G. As per my understanding, if I switch the data network, the other SIM becomes 4G as well. Or in the case of SO, I will have to physically shift the SIMs.
Would really appreciate some support on the above two queries.
Thank you.
sikander5 said:
Hi Murtaza,
Just wanted to check which is better to buy in Pakistan if I am not looking to root the device or install custom ROMs. I have the option to buy two types of Dual SIM variants of Samsung Galaxy S8 +. The first is the international version G955FD and the second is an Xfinity version 955U.
Which would run better in Pakistan? I am getting the US version cheaper and just wondering if there is a reason? As far as the benchmarks go both Exynos and Qualcomm versions are almost at par as per YouTube videos. So is there some other issue? Or is it just because the US versions are priced lower in the international market.
Secondly kindly confirm your comment about the second SIM being only 2G. As per my understanding, if I switch the data network, the other SIM becomes 4G as well. Or in the case of SO, I will have to physically shift the SIMs.
Would really appreciate some support on the above two queries.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza
murtaza02 said:
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Murtaza
I don't actually buy phones from local vendors anymore. One doesn't really know if they sell New or Reburbished models.
I generally buy from Homeshopping.com, and I have ordered at times from Daraz.pk.
The phone options I was looking at are as under.
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-G955F-Price-in-Pakistan.html
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-Orchid-Gray-Price-in-Pakistan.html
The first one is the Xfinity version and second is the FDD version. Both are with non official warranty, but getting it with warranty is around 12 K more. But I haven't had any issues with their devices so far.
Any idea about the 955FX version. My Cousin got one about a week back, but I am not sure which variant is that, as it is not even posted on GSM arena. Supposedly it is Dual SiM and an International variant. Still have to do a Abit of research on it.
I switched over to Chinese version a few months back. Very impressed with the phone in all aspects, but the only issue is that the Navigation is useless. The GPS keeps bouncing on GMaps. Its elephone S7. The other issue was Wi-Fi reception which is not that great. I think it was a radio issue, but not sure whether it was hardware or software. There is not much ROM development for the phone. Otherwise it would have been a great phone, with almost a vanilla ROM and hardware specs close to a flagship.
Anyway, just decided to go for a branded phone this time.
Waiting for the Black Friday deals to come up. Might buy the note 8 or S8 plus. Let's see.
Thanks once again.
sikander5 said:
Dear Murtaza
I don't actually buy phones from local vendors anymore. One doesn't really know if they sell New or Reburbished models.
I generally buy from Homeshopping.com, and I have ordered at times from Daraz.pk.
The phone options I was looking at are as under.
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-G955F-Price-in-Pakistan.html
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-Orchid-Gray-Price-in-Pakistan.html
The first one is the Xfinity version and second is the FDD version. Both are with non official warranty, but getting it with warranty is around 12 K more. But I haven't had any issues with their devices so far.
Any idea about the 955FX version. My Cousin got one about a week back, but I am not sure which variant is that, as it is not even posted on GSM arena. Supposedly it is Dual SiM and an International variant. Still have to do a Abit of research on it.
I switched over to Chinese version a few months back. Very impressed with the phone in all aspects, but the only issue is that the Navigation is useless. The GPS keeps bouncing on GMaps. Its elephone S7. The other issue was Wi-Fi reception which is not that great. I think it was a radio issue, but not sure whether it was hardware or software. There is not much ROM development for the phone. Otherwise it would have been a great phone, with almost a vanilla ROM and hardware specs close to a flagship.
Anyway, just decided to go for a branded phone this time.
Waiting for the Black Friday deals to come up. Might buy the note 8 or S8 plus. Let's see.
Thanks once again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
955FX isn't a model number, 955X might be one but that's the demo / display unit used in stores and that has no cellular radio or SIM slot.
Do confirm the model number with him and then see.
Be cautious with HomeShopping though.
Sent from my G8142
murtaza02 said:
955FX isn't a model number, 955X might be one but that's the demo / display unit used in stores and that has no cellular radio or SIM slot.
Do confirm the model number with him and then see.
Be cautious with HomeShopping though.
Sent from my G8142
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will confirm the model number. I am pretty sure it's not a display version as he is using it. Will confirm once again.
Ok. Thanks. Will do on both counts. I have been buying stuff from Homeshopping since 6 years when I bought my first And if HTC Desire Z. Not had any complaints, but some people in my family have.
Take care.
SM-G955FD Dual Sim - CSC United Arab Emirates
murtaza02 said:
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Purchases this phone in Kuwait. I travel around the world a lot and one function I've noticed not in this phones software is Wi-Fi calling. When I'm not traveling I'm on the USA on the T-Mobile network. Which software can I change the phone to to get Wi-Fi calling to work? Would Deutsch Telekom (T-mobile Germany) be the one to use for my dual SIM? Do they even make a dual sim for Germany? Please, any help and/ or direction would be awesome.
YukonJoe said:
I Purchases this phone in Kuwait. I travel around the world a lot and one function I've noticed not in this phones software is Wi-Fi calling. When I'm not traveling I'm on the USA on the T-Mobile network. Which software can I change the phone to to get Wi-Fi calling to work? Would Deutsch Telekom (T-mobile Germany) be the one to use for my dual SIM? Do they even make a dual sim for Germany? Please, any help and/ or direction would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi calling is carrier based. So it'll only work when you've got the SIM from your main carrier and the same carrier firmware to go with it.
Sent from my SM-G955F
I got a UK unlocked s8 at the moment and Wi-Fi calling works flawlessly with a o2 sim. So I think if you have a carrier unlocked phone, it's up to the carrier