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Flashing 930U on my T-Mobile S7?

I just heard when the August security patch released on the 930U today two very interesting things. I wanted to see if they were true:
1. All Galaxy S7s released in North America are actually the exact same hardware model, but because of different firmwares not every LTE band or software feature is activated. For example, a Verizon S7 that is listed to supposedly only have CDMA and Bands 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 13 (which is pathetically lame by the way) can be flashed to the 930A software and work perfectly on AT&T.
2. I can flash the 930U software on to my 930T phone and turn my T-Mobile phone into a 930U. I'm still making payments on it and I'm not sure if this would unlock it or not, I don't care, I plan on paying it off and unlocking it through T-Mobile anyway. I'll get White Pages back which T-Mobile took away for their stupid paid service, and I can download the August security patch and from now on get my updates directly from Samsung.
So is this possible for me to do? I'm new at this whole thing. Also, if I did flash my phone into a 930U, will that affect me unlocking it through T-Mobile later on when it's paid off? Thanks for the help.

Akira Takamedo said:
I just heard when the August security patch released on the 930U today two very interesting things. I wanted to see if they were true:
1. All Galaxy S7s released in North America are actually the exact same hardware model, but because of different firmwares not every LTE band or software feature is activated. For example, a Verizon S7 that is listed to supposedly only have CDMA and Bands 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 13 (which is pathetically lame by the way) can be flashed to the 930A software and work perfectly on AT&T.
2. I can flash the 930U software on to my 930T phone and turn my T-Mobile phone into a 930U. I'm still making payments on it and I'm not sure if this would unlock it or not, I don't care, I plan on paying it off and unlocking it through T-Mobile anyway. I'll get White Pages back which T-Mobile took away for their stupid paid service, and I can download the August security patch and from now on get my updates directly from Samsung.
So is this possible for me to do? I'm new at this whole thing. Also, if I did flash my phone into a 930U, will that affect me unlocking it through T-Mobile later on when it's paid off? Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the bootloader is higher than currently on the SM-G930T then it should allow to a flawless flash.

aromerblz said:
If the bootloader is higher than currently on the SM-G930T then it should allow to a flawless flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I just found out yesterday about how the T-Mobile S7 is currently the only version that has a different level bootloader than everyone else. The day had come when Verizon users can now do more with their phones than T-Mobile users, what a shame.
Could a pending upgrade be in store for the 930U firmware so it's possible to do again?

Akira Takamedo said:
Yes, I just found out yesterday about how the T-Mobile S7 is currently the only version that has a different level bootloader than everyone else. The day had come when Verizon users can now do more with their phones than T-Mobile users, what a shame.
Could a pending upgrade be in store for the 930U firmware so it's possible to do again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably maybe. I would say to hold on on updated the TMO S7 in hopes that the SM-G930U gets a bootloader higher that what currently TMO has and allow you to flash. Since it's unlocked then updates maybe 5% faster.

aromerblz said:
Probably maybe. I would say to hold on on updated the TMO S7 in hopes that the SM-G930U gets a bootloader higher that what currently TMO has and allow you to flash. Since it's unlocked then updates maybe 5% faster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I wish I hadn't found out that I could do this only yesterday. I'm still fairly new with the whole concept of flashing software, I know what it is but that's really about it. Hopefully I'll be able to flash the unlocked firmware on here and get those missing features back.

Akira Takamedo said:
Thank you, I wish I hadn't found out that I could do this only yesterday. I'm still fairly new with the whole concept of flashing software, I know what it is but that's really about it. Hopefully I'll be able to flash the unlocked firmware on here and get those missing features back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool.. hope they release one soon.

I bought the S8+ from Walmart the Straight Talk version, is it bad? it was $100 less

I pre-ordered the S8+ from walmart Straight talk version. It was $100 less compared to all other places. I am wondering if I made a bad choice. is straight talk GSM?

the phone probably locked to straight talk. what calling plan are you going to get?

netnerd said:
the phone probably locked to straight talk. what calling plan are you going to get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I paid full price, I planning to unlock it somehow, but I am not sure if I will get proper updates for the phone.

raaghul said:
I paid full price, I planning to unlock it somehow, but I am not sure if I will get proper updates for the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worried the updates will be like the S7 U version?

Outbreak444 said:
Worried the updates will be like the S7 U version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know anything about s7 u version. I just thought about update and relaized that it depends on carrier. I contacted the Straight Talk through live chat. He said they dont update android os but after unlocking I can get updates. They didn't make much sense, so is it true after unlocking I will be able to do all updates?

raaghul said:
I dont know anything about s7 u version. I just thought about update and relaized that it depends on carrier. I contacted the Straight Talk through live chat. He said they dont update android os but after unlocking I can get updates. They didn't make much sense, so is it true after unlocking I will be able to do all updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the hardware is the same as the rest of the major carriers, like the S7 versions are, then flashing the firmware of other carriers will work if that's what you're going for. No idea if this will work as of yet but by the end of the week I'm sure we'll all know the answer to that. But by the sounds of it, you will need to get your phone carrier unlocked before doing that.

Outbreak444 said:
If the hardware is the same as the rest of the major carriers, like the S7 versions are, then flashing the firmware of other carriers will work if that's what you're going for. No idea if this will work as of yet but by the end of the week I'm sure we'll all know the answer to that. But by the sounds of it, you will need to get your phone carrier unlocked before doing that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the first time i am coming to galaxy series, I saw the Samsung kies used for updating, so that software updates phone depending on carrier or common for all devices?

raaghul said:
This is the first time i am coming to galaxy series, I saw the Samsung kies used for updating, so that software updates phone depending on carrier or common for all devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dependent on carrier unless you are able to flash the US unlocked version, then it comes directly from Samsung. But like stated above, we're not exactly sure if that's an option as of yet.

Outbreak444 said:
Dependent on carrier unless you are able to flash the US unlocked version, then it comes directly from Samsung. But like stated above, we're not exactly sure if that's an option as of yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cancelled my order. Gotta wait for the refund and pre-order again for AT&T model. hope I get the refund before the pre-order ends. Thanks for your help.

raaghul said:
I cancelled my order. Gotta wait for the refund and pre-order again for AT&T model. hope I get the refund before the pre-order ends. Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Smart move on your part, I'm seeing a lot of red tape in your future if you didn't

I have the s8+ and can confirm I can take my straight talk sim out and change it with a friends att sim card. Using it now to reply to this message.

Jtreaper said:
I have the s8+ and can confirm I can take my straight talk sim out and change it with a friends att sim card. Using it now to reply to this message.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you sure it works for phone calls as well?

Galaxy Note 10+ OTA Update

Hello,
I am hoping someone here has a good understanding on how updates work with Samsung Galaxy models.
On my Verizon Note 9, earlier this year, I was able to rush an update before Verizon released it. I did it by downloading the official one from ATT (or sprint, can't remember) and it worked. It updated my phone and I even remained on track for future updates. I did this because based on the research I did, carrier phones are all the same hardware, and the carrier software gets installed based on the SIM that gets inserted into the phone. So the updates are interchangeable pretty much.
I am looking at upgrading to the note 10+, Verizon is offering me $400 for my note 9. Samsung is offering me $600 but only if i buy the unlocked model. So my questions is in regards to the unlocked model. Would I be able to do the same with an unlocked phone? Can i install a carrier update on an unlocked phone. I am aware that unlocked phones do not receive updates as quickly as carrier phones (it was the opposite a few years ago).
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I ordered the unlocked model as well. As soon as you pop your SIM into the phone it will carrier lock (bootloader) to that carrier and you'll start getting updates pushed by that carrier.
Ill be waiting off any updates personally so that i can get root

Cosmo100292 said:
I ordered the unlocked model as well. As soon as you pop your SIM into the phone it will carrier lock (bootloader) to that carrier and you'll start getting updates pushed by that carrier.
Ill be waiting off any updates personally so that i can get root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you positive this is correct as the phone will lock when inserting sim into it? Also, aren't you losing wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling?

Cosmo100292 said:
I ordered the unlocked model as well. As soon as you pop your SIM into the phone it will carrier lock (bootloader) to that carrier and you'll start getting updates pushed by that carrier.
Ill be waiting off any updates personally so that i can get root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A little bit of clarification, the bootloader will always remain locked on any device with Snapdragon, this includes The carrier and Unlocked devices sold in the US and Canada

antawnm26 said:
you positive this is correct as the phone will lock when inserting sim into it? Also, aren't you losing wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm, i might be wrong. RCS is going to be carrier dependent only for a little while longer since Google is taking that over. Video calling will also depend on which app you're using
kangi26 said:
A little bit of clarification, the bootloader will always remain locked on any device with Snapdragon, this includes The carrier and Unlocked devices sold in the US and Canada
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats correct. I knew it was either the old way that i mentioned or this way. I just hope that getting the bootloader unlocked and achieving root is easy. Last time i attempted this on a Samsung was back with my Note3 and it was a huge PITA

Cosmo100292 said:
I ordered the unlocked model as well. As soon as you pop your SIM into the phone it will carrier lock (bootloader) to that carrier and you'll start getting updates pushed by that carrier.
Ill be waiting off any updates personally so that i can get root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned Sim locked is most definitely NOT the same as BL lock dude. Two totally different things.
All the US versions will be BL locked like always.
---------- Post added at 12:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 AM ----------
Cosmo100292 said:
Mmm, i might be wrong. RCS is going to be carrier dependent only for a little while longer since Google is taking that over. Video calling will also depend on which app you're using
Thats correct. I knew it was either the old way that i mentioned or this way. I just hope that getting the bootloader unlocked and achieving root is easy. Last time i attempted this on a Samsung was back with my Note3 and it was a huge PITA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never going to happen, there will be no root or anything for the US models.
Your way behind the times....compared to the days of the Note 3 things are way worse and complicated now in regards to locked down BLs.
If you want an unlockable BL go with a latin anerican or HK snapdragon or an exynos device.
Other than that you are SOL

once the tools for this model get released, in theory you should be able to. However it might not happen right away.
Also, being unlocked still allows all features like visual voicemail, HD voice, hotspot and wi-fi calling. However you will be significantly delayed on security and fw updates, as unlocked requires all carriers to test and release these updates first, then the unlocked devices get the updates. This is why after a year of owning my first unlocked phones (note9 and s10+ 1tb unlocked) I decided to go with a carrier phone again.

s0nic69 said:
Hello,
I am hoping someone here has a good understanding on how updates work with Samsung Galaxy models.
On my Verizon Note 9, earlier this year, I was able to rush an update before Verizon released it. I did it by downloading the official one from ATT (or sprint, can't remember) and it worked. It updated my phone and I even remained on track for future updates. I did this because based on the research I did, carrier phones are all the same hardware, and the carrier software gets installed based on the SIM that gets inserted into the phone. So the updates are interchangeable pretty much.
I am looking at upgrading to the note 10+, Verizon is offering me $400 for my note 9. Samsung is offering me $600 but only if i buy the unlocked model. So my questions is in regards to the unlocked model. Would I be able to do the same with an unlocked phone? Can i install a carrier update on an unlocked phone. I am aware that unlocked phones do not receive updates as quickly as carrier phones (it was the opposite a few years ago).
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just left T-Mobile with my unlocked from Samsung Note 9. When I powered off the phone and turned it back on with the Verizon SIM it gave me all of the Verizon stuff and I recently got the Verizon security patch, so yes it will work. Verizon is giving 450 dollars not 400 dollars for all of the phones they list. Even the S7. Just so other people don't think they will only get 400.

force70 said:
As mentioned Sim locked is most definitely NOT the same as BL lock dude. Two totally different things.
All the US versions will be BL locked like always.
---------- Post added at 12:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 AM ----------
Never going to happen, there will be no root or anything for the US models.
Your way behind the times....compared to the days of the Note 3 things are way worse and complicated now in regards to locked down BLs.
If you want an unlockable BL go with a latin anerican or HK snapdragon or an exynos device.
Other than that you are SOL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm screwed lol. We'll see if I can go without root, if not I'll see what kind of deals the p4xl gets during the holidays

Pre-ordered AT&T Note 10 Plus 256gb , 12gb ram Black Color. So really don't need root so all good here on my AT&T Note9 512GB

Cosmo100292 said:
Mmm, i might be wrong. RCS is going to be carrier dependent only for a little while longer since Google is taking that over. Video calling will also depend on which app you're using
Thats correct. I knew it was either the old way that i mentioned or this way. I just hope that getting the bootloader unlocked and achieving root is easy. Last time i attempted this on a Samsung was back with my Note3 and it was a huge PITA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will not ever get root on a Snapdragon Samsung Device. Won't happen. There are no unlocked bootloaders. An Unlocked Snapdraggon means it is not locked to a Carrier - it does not mean the Bootloader is unlocked. Sorry if this bursts your bubble - but if you want to get Root - you will need to buy an International Exynos Variant - N975F - it s the only way you will get root. It has been this way for MANY Years for new Samsnung Snapdragon Devices.

Venom0642 said:
Pre-ordered AT&T Note 10 Plus 256gb , 12gb ram Black Color. So really don't need root so all good here on my AT&T Note9 512GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs

Cosmo100292 said:
Mmm, i might be wrong. RCS is going to be carrier dependent only for a little while longer since Google is taking that over. Video calling will also depend on which app you're using
Thats correct. I knew it was either the old way that i mentioned or this way. I just hope that getting the bootloader unlocked and achieving root is easy. Last time i attempted this on a Samsung was back with my Note3 and it was a huge PITA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will not ever get root on a Snapdragon Samsung Device. Won't happen. There are no unlocked bootloaders. An Unlocked Snapdraggon means it is not locked to a Carrier - it does not mean the Bootloader is unlocked. Sorry if this bursts your bubble - but if you want to get Root - you will need to buy an International Exynos Variant - N975F - it s the only way you will get root. It has been this way for MANY Years for new Samsnung Snapdragon Devices in the US. There are a few snapdragons from other countries that are not bootloader locked but you will have an easier time finding an Exynos version on EBAY. Good Luck.....

Venom0642 said:
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went the Best Buy route

Venom0642 said:
Pre-ordered AT&T Note 10 Plus 256gb , 12gb ram Black Color. So really don't need root so all good here on my AT&T Note9 512GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here it is One of my Note 10 Plus cases came in today and my Dome Glass screen protector, the UAG Monarch will be here tomorrow , Now waiting on the Note 10 Plus .
View attachment 4805643

Venom0642 said:
Here it is One of my Note 10 Plus cases came in today and my Dome Glass screen protector, the UAG Monarch will be here tomorrow , Now waiting on the Note 10 Plus .
View attachment 4805643
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm...ordered my Whitestone 5 days ago, still hasn't shipped yet. I got my ArmadilloTek and my Ringke Fusion cases in already. Also waiting on the Note 10+!
Curious question: did you order the one pack or two pack of Whitestone Dome?

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Hmmmm...ordered my Whitestone 5 days ago, still hasn't shipped yet. I got my ArmadilloTek and my Ringke Fusion cases in already. Also waiting on the Note 10+!
Curious question: did you order the one pack or two pack of Whitestone Dome?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ordered the one pack.
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs

antawnm26 said:
you positive this is correct as the phone will lock when inserting sim into it? Also, aren't you losing wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With unlocked Samsung galaxy models you will not have RCS and Video call. WiFi Calling and VoLTE will work at least on T-Mobile(I don't have another carrier)
---------- Post added at 11:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:14 PM ----------
s0nic69 said:
Hello,
I am hoping someone here has a good understanding on how updates work with Samsung Galaxy models.
On my Verizon Note 9, earlier this year, I was able to rush an update before Verizon released it. I did it by downloading the official one from ATT (or sprint, can't remember) and it worked. It updated my phone and I even remained on track for future updates. I did this because based on the research I did, carrier phones are all the same hardware, and the carrier software gets installed based on the SIM that gets inserted into the phone. So the updates are interchangeable pretty much.
I am looking at upgrading to the note 10+, Verizon is offering me $400 for my note 9. Samsung is offering me $600 but only if i buy the unlocked model. So my questions is in regards to the unlocked model. Would I be able to do the same with an unlocked phone? Can i install a carrier update on an unlocked phone. I am aware that unlocked phones do not receive updates as quickly as carrier phones (it was the opposite a few years ago).
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I myself ordered unlocked version as I would get $600 trade in value for my S10e. Unlocked will work perfectly fine and usually get updates(monthly updates) about a week later than T-Mobile for example does. You could download firmware based on your carrier and flash it on the unlocked model and it will convert it to that carrier and updates will come from that carrier.

Seriously what is the advantage of T-mobile vs Unlocked?

I have an S20U now that is unlocked. What I love is that I get the updates faster it seems (although, the S20 has had way more updates than normal). I am thinking of getting the branded Tmobile one, I have never had any issues using their software and it seems to work better on the network. I do not honestly care about "bloatware" as I will at least be getting a 256GB model.
Anyone have any experiences either way?

I don't have any experience with TMO specifically, but what I do know is that typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked ones. I'm in the same boat, I don't really care much one way or another about the bloat. If I don't like it I uninstall it if I can or at the very least disable it

kangi26 said:
I don't have any experience with TMO specifically, but what I do know is that typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked ones. I'm in the same boat, I don't really care much one way or another about the bloat. If I don't like it I uninstall it if I can or at the very least disable it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that the unlocked one can be used in any country and any network. Just switch sim card and you are done. The TMobile one, may be locked until you pay off the device. You also don't get the bloatware with unlocked (one less thing to Uninstall if you don't care for it).
Sent from my SM-N976U 5G using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Eudeferrer said:
It is my understanding that the unlocked one can be used in any country and any network. Just switch sim card and you are done. The TMobile one, may be locked until you pay off the device. You also don't get the bloatware with unlocked (one less thing to Uninstall if you don't care for it).
Sent from my SM-N976U 5G using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 "Kinds" of Unlocked, you're referring to SIM unlocked, the other is the U1 devices sold by Samsung. Which I suspect what the OP is referring to

kangi26 said:
typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked onest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That used to be true, but not for the last couple of years. The unlocked US Note10+ (N975U1), for example, has gone through 18 software releases in the 12 months it's been out. Many of its updates came out within the first few days of the month, and included that month's Android security patch.
T-Mobile has been lagging for the past few months in its updates for both the N975U and the N975U1, but you can manually download and flash the latest unlocked software immediately.

Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks it's cellular radio's to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on it's network.

From my experience, AT&T, the branded phones have the extras like wifi calling and VoLTE enabled and the unlocked ones don't. Some of the video call features are missing. I wouldn't have a problem with the bloatware but AT&T seems to force it back on and there is no way to remove it without root (which i don't do anymore). This has been my experience from Note 5 , 2 of the 7's ,note 8 and the note 9 I currently use, all have been unlocked.
Sent from my Samsung SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs

Unlock has free caller ID builtin, Tmobile you have to pay for it. Unlock has no Tmobile branding or bloatware. Unlock version is easier to bypass tmobile hotspot apn, and usage limits
T-Mobile version has video calling on the phone app, unlock use to, but not anymore. There might be a few more things but I can't remember right now.
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk

I'm on sprint/tmo but I got the unlocked for the first time because I paid outright for the phone this time

*Omnipresent* said:
Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks [its] cellular [radios] to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on [its] network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the APN settings, or to something else?
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/not-sold-by-t-mobile/byod-t-mobile-data-and-apn-settings

*Omnipresent* said:
Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks it's cellular radio's to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on it's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This simply isn't true with the Samsung phones. I have had both and there definitely is no difference in connectivity in either data or calls between unlocked and carrier version.
Sent from my SM-G986U1 using Tapatalk

agree - that was a bunch of talk on this forum last year when the note 10+ was shipping . lots of cats on here were trying to say this and it was just not true. i had 3 unlocked phones on tmo and service was consistent.

Gary02468 said:
Are you referring to the APN settings, or to something else?
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/not-sold-by-t-mobile/byod-t-mobile-data-and-apn-settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he's referring to carrier aggregation. I don't know if it's a thing licked phones have that unlocked don't. I always go unlocked (so the phone feels like it's mine, lol) and can't say I've noticed a difference.

d_ganggreen said:
I have an S20U now that is unlocked. What I love is that I get the updates faster it seems (although, the S20 has had way more updates than normal). I am thinking of getting the branded Tmobile one, I have never had any issues using their software and it seems to work better on the network. I do not honestly care about "bloatware" as I will at least be getting a 256GB model.
Anyone have any experiences either way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your post. Does the Wifi Calling on Tmobile work on the Unlocked phone? I am looking at buying the unlocked 512gb model but have to have wifi calling when I am traveling internationally.

Does anyone know if the stock firmware can be flashed on any device if it's factory unlocked? I think the answer is yes, but just want to make sure before I purchase one used. I know your can flash the carrier firmware so I assume you can do the reverse.

ccommcomm said:
Thank you for your post. Does the Wifi Calling on Tmobile work on the Unlocked phone? I am looking at buying the unlocked 512gb model but have to have wifi calling when I am traveling internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. and if you follow a few of the guides here you can "unlock" video calling and RCS in Samsung messages as well. And if you are really creative, there is another guide to expanding bands and tweaking receiving antennas
And the last question, if you buy the U1 unlocked, you can flash carrier firmware or unlocked firmware either way all you want, but keep in mind going from u to u1 firmware requires a wipe.
The old "unlocked" was slower to get updates is only true if you wait for Tmobile to release it. If you use Frija and Odin, you can pretty much get it the same day Samsung releases it. I'm too impatient to wait for Tmobile to "get around to" reviewing it and re-releasing what Samsung released weeks before.
Most of the "negatives" of having unlocked are long gone at this point and it tilts more into the positives.

Compusmurf said:
Yes. and if you follow a few of the guides here you can "unlock" video calling and RCS in Samsung messages as well. And if you are really creative, there is another guide to expanding bands and tweaking receiving antennas
And the last question, if you buy the U1 unlocked, you can flash carrier firmware or unlocked firmware either way all you want, but keep in mind going from u to u1 firmware requires a wipe.
The old "unlocked" was slower to get updates is only true if you wait for Tmobile to release it. If you use Frija and Odin, you can pretty much get it the same day Samsung releases it. I'm too impatient to wait for Tmobile to "get around to" reviewing it and re-releasing what Samsung released weeks before.
Most of the "negatives" of having unlocked are long gone at this point and it tilts more into the positives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U and U1 have the same radios in them, they are made specifically for the USA market. Depending on what carrier sim card you insert those bands for said USA carrier will be made available for the user. No need to expand bands. The technical specifications of the U1 and U models are listed on samsung USA website for cross referencing.

Anyone successfully using call recording feature on either version? Still looking for my U.S t-mobile variant..

T-Mo non-unlocked Samsung phones (maybe just the Note 20 Ultra though since I haven't been with Samsung since the Note 3 lol) have a bunch of issues. They're about one month behind on updates when compared to all of the other companies. Additionally, I saw someone mention that they have better mobile data quality. That is also true... I found that out once I manually switched to the Android 11 beta as my 5G speeds went from a constant 130mb/s down to 0.5 - 2mb/s without the firmware being specifically from T-Mo. In my settings, all of the mobile connection stuff is exactly the same as it was before...
Also, I don't have voicemail support. Yet another T-Mo problem (but you can easily add Samsung as a possible cause of that problem too)... Had to switch back to the Google Phone app just so that I could get old-school style voicemail (where you have to call your own phone number to get in).
---------- Post added at 11:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------
dj24 said:
Anyone successfully using call recording feature on either version? Still looking for my U.S t-mobile variant..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This hasn't worked for me either. It's starting to seem like Samsung pushed some of their development onto the phone carriers now lol.
Hey Samsung, why not just leave Android alone when you get it from Google so you don't have to cause so many problems with your own, customized (ad filled, feature removing) version moving forward? Heck, I've already had some problems with a bunch of your apps and have gotten zero help or answers from you guys. That's the reason I've switched back to a bunch of Google apps, however, half of those didn't even work on this phone!!! But I messaged Google about these problems as well, and you know what? They fixed ALL OF THEM within two weeks.
I'll definitely be buying from a different manufacturer moving forward. Even more so since there's rumours spreading around online right now that the Note 20 was the last Note phone to be released since the upcoming S21 is going to have stylus support...

The difference between unlocked and t-mobile is that unlocked gets its updates directly from Samsung and is not branded.
While t-mobile version is branded and you receive the updates from t-mobile and not from Samsung. So delay or longer waiting time on updates would happen and maybe even won't get few of the updates.
Since t-mobile has to release them, which take longer time.
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Question Flashing unlocked firmware over carrier firmware?

Like the title says, is this possible and can it be done without wiping user data? Thanks.

Probably not worth the trouble. Always assume you will lose the data and back it up redundantly.
I thought there be a night and day difference when I got the unlocked N10+ N975U1 vs the AT&T variant N975U. There wasn't. The unlocked version actually had some bloatware not on the AT&T variant
Easiest and safest thing to do is package blocked the carrier bloatware. Verizon does some screwy modes to their devices so getting rid of that be nice. AT&T does not, that surprised me. Some users might like some of the AT&T apps.

It was successful, thank goodness. See my follow up here https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/f721u1-firmware-now-available.4484639/

Notice much difference?

Yeah the main stuff are:
1. Rcs with jibe server works now. Before it used att server so it wouldn't connect properly with other users
2. System updates come directly from Samsung instead of att

NguyenHuu said:
Yeah the main stuff are:
1. Rcs with jibe server works now. Before it used att server so it wouldn't connect properly with other users
2. System updates come directly from Samsung instead of att
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use either.
Updates is one of the first things I disabled on my N10+'s. One's on Pie, the other 10, I prefer Pie though. Once Google started rolling out scoped storage I bailed.
&
AT&T/Samsung have a nasty habit of screwing up older devices with firmware upgrades. Just had a pair of Buds+ screwed up like that a few months back, now they need the firmware rolled back*. S4+, same deal a few years back, but bootloader was updated too, no rollback.
If an OS is running fast, stable and fulfilling its mission... I let it be.
*I have 2 new pairs of Buds+, they sound identical and like my original pair use to, grrrrr.
Went with them because Samsung's newest release lack the features I want. Rather annoying.
The Buds+ have a 11 hr run time, light, don't fall out and sound good.

Sorry I should've posted my question here, instead of creating a new thread.
I recently purchased a flip 3 and am on a payment plan, tmobile won't unlock my phone unless I pay it off in full. Is it possible to flash the default software of the unlocked model so I can get updates from Samsung and still have my sim work? I'm not switching carriers, do I need the tmobile version of firmware for data/phone to work if the phone isn't unlocked?

boxface said:
Sorry I should've posted my question here, instead of creating a new thread.
I recently purchased a flip 3 and am on a payment plan, tmobile won't unlock my phone unless I pay it off in full. Is it possible to flash the default software of the unlocked model so I can get updates from Samsung and still have my sim work? I'm not switching carriers, do I need the tmobile version of firmware for data/phone to work if the phone isn't unlocked?
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Click to collapse
Phone service will still work perfectly fine on U1 firmware, but you may lose lose some carrier-specific features like wifi calling etc. But.... the U1 models don't always necessarily get faster updates than the carrier models. For example, with the most recent update, the carrier model got it 2 weeks before the unlocked model. So if that's your only reason for wanting to change firmware, I'd advise against it.
Notify Update
- U model update history
Notify Update
- U1 model update history

iBowToAndroid said:
Phone service will still work perfectly fine on U1 firmware, but you may lose lose some carrier-specific features like wifi calling etc. But.... the U1 models don't always necessarily get faster updates than the carrier models. For example, with the most recent update, the carrier model got it 2 weeks before the unlocked model. So if that's your only reason for wanting to change firmware, I'd advise against it.
Notify Update
- U model update history
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I'm concerned about is tmobile eventually stopping the updates way sooner than Samsung. The carriers don't usually update a phone as long as the vendor so to avoid that I would rather not use T-Mobiles version. Thanks for the reply, it was very helpful.
iBowToAndroid said:
Notify Update
- U1 model update history
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

boxface said:
What I'm concerned about is tmobile eventually stopping the updates way sooner than Samsung. The carriers don't usually update a phone as long as the vendor so to avoid that I would rather not use T-Mobiles version. Thanks for the reply, it was very helpful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. Every single model's lifespan for updates has always been the exact same, whether U or U1

I downloaded the unlocked firmware via Frija for SM-F711U1 / XAA and flashed it onto my At&t unit using patched Odin. Lost my data since the install didn't work without flashing CSC but booted up and working just fine now. No At&t bootscreen or bloat