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Which Galaxy S7 to get for AT&T if bought outright and want to avoid bloat?

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.
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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.
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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
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No.
Edit: Oh, wait. Android Pay = Yes, Samsung Pay = No.

lopri said:
No.
Edit: Oh, wait. Android Pay = Yes, Samsung Pay = No.
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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

T-mobile Wi-fi calling and Samsung Pay on Samsung Galaxy S7 Unlocked International?

I have a Samsung Galaxy s7 Edge international version g935f from Europe, I want to not root it and be able to get tmobile wifi calling and samsung pay, I saw there were forums on changing the csc code or adding a few files into the device but none were clear on how to do it, so how can do it without putting the tmobile firmware on and junk and having to go through a lot of hassle thanks

I've been trying too figure this out since I got my phone. If you have any luck please let me know
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I don't know about the Tmobile wifi calling, but I have a G930F, I use a fireware(CSC code: XSG) , installed the latest Samsung Pay and Samsung Pay Frame from Apkmirror.com. I have made a couple of purchase by Samsung Pay with my BOA debit card.

Has anyone found an answer since this thread was made?
Looking to upgrade from my S6 and I'd like to know if I can get WiFi calling on the international model.

Why not buy the unlocked SM-G930U where samsung pay, wifi calling and VoLTE all works instead of SM-G930F?
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

Apparently the only way to wifi call is flash the tmobile rom which allows samsung pay, however if u want samsung pay u just change the Csc but it's easier to just go ahead and flash it with the entire rom for another country, i used to use wifi calling on my old phone, however, I don't plan on doing anything with my new p now but I can say it's worth it to buy international version over the T-Mobile, if it's only wifi calling you are about then it's not worth it, samsung pay will be available to all international versions soon, you may be lucky and get a phone from a country that has it allowed (I know newegg sells the us unlocked international version for 699 and it allows samsung pay) so far it's in 5 countries. The international version is faster, almost no bloatware (samsung makes u choose to install most apps that used to make bloatware). U can use any app that has calling over wifi. Also samsung added a feature that substitutes for wifi calling called enhanced messaging that's basically I message for Android so u can text over wifi.

EncryptedCurse said:
Has anyone found an answer since this thread was made?
Looking to upgrade from my S6 and I'd like to know if I can get WiFi calling on the international model.
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Check my latest reply get my answer, but in short the unlocked international (g935f and g 930f) is better

kirdroid said:
Why not buy the unlocked SM-G930U where samsung pay, wifi calling and VoLTE all works instead of SM-G930F?
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk
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The unlocked international has a different processer (the Samsung built exynos chip which is basically made for it) and it outperforms the snapdragon counterpart in the us carrier versions. Also over a GB more of storage due to no carrier bloatware. No contract or ugly logos on the back, there are a few downsides to international unlocked but it overall is better and usually cheaper a bit

zakmza123 said:
The unlocked international has a different processer (the Samsung built exynos chip which is basically made for it) and it outperforms the snapdragon counterpart in the us carrier versions. Also over a GB more of storage due to no carrier bloatware. No contract or ugly logos on the back, there are a few downsides to international unlocked but it overall is better and usually cheaper a bit
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You didn't read my post .. did you? The unlocked US model is the G930U/G935U which is the non carrier version, it's not the useless carrier crap version with carrier logos and their bloat.
Only thing I agree was the exynos portion which is obviously better than the SD 820.
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

kirdroid said:
You didn't read my post .. did you? The unlocked US model is the G930U/G935U which is the non carrier version, it's not the useless carrier crap version with carrier logos and their bloat.
Only thing I agree was the exynos portion which is obviously better than the SD 820.
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk
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Oops I read it but didn't know that the u was different I thought it was a carrier, got it confused with the x which is Verizon. I'm pretty sure it has everything but the volte and wifi calling I think that's different for each carrier, I agree with u then buy either the u or f, it's just sometimes u find the f cheaper a bit like on Amazon the edge f is 655 but the u is for 700 at newegg (cheapest) or 800 at bestbuy

International Unlocked S8 & S8+ In the US

Where are all the people that will be using the exynos variant in the US? I have been using international unlocked (F models) sammy phones since the s6 and I plan on sticking to this model. Where you guys ordering from? I usually get it from ebay (usually never-msrp) but it seems I might have to hold on a little longer as $970 for an 8+ is a little high.

I ordered from SamsungUK.. lets see if they honor the order.

i am checking into this place.
https://www.clove.co.uk/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus

It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?

I'll wait for the Duos version a month later from start shipping, I'm using exynos galaxy/notes from the note 2 .

biship said:
It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?
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I'm not sure. i've never bought intl phone.

I have written to the samsung UK web page and they told me the sim free phone is "locked" to unnlocked you muts make a 5 minut call to a number but from the place the phone was intended to sell, the UK

When you do the checkout on Clove store, you can choose this option: "Samsung’s region lock stops use of this handset within your chosen country unless activated with a European SIM. I agree for Clove Technology to break the seal on the box, activate the phone and remove the region lock by completing a 5 minute call on the handset."

biship said:
It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?
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Clove is great and I ordered a S8+ from them too. I've ordered previous phones and accessories from them. They ship DHL overnight. Yes, EU phones are equipped with region lock to prevent them from being used outside their assigned selling region. You have to make a 5 minute phone call using a SIM from the phone's home region to unlock it. That's what Clove's doing for their international customers.
There are pros to buying from authorized resellers like Clove. EU phones have a two year warranty and Clove will act as a middleman on your behalf to get warranty work done if your phone ever needs it. You send it to them and they manage it through getting repaired and sent back to you. Having a "real" BTU phone is great for those that don't want to screw around with ODIN and multi-CSC to get updates. BTU is typically one of the first EU regions to get updates. We in the U.S. are lucky to get two for the life of the phone.
Only possible downside is getting Samsung Pay working since the framework isn't pre-installed as the UK doesn't currently support Samsung Pay. I've read the forums and some have gotten some of the features of Samsung Pay working on the S7-series but it's not a guarantee. I have a pre-order with AT&T and an order with Clove. I'm still debating which to go with primarily because I'm a heavy Samsung Pay user.

biship said:
It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?
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Doubt it. Every year on release there is this region lock, but when I get my phones, they're never region locked.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

BarryH_GEG said:
Clove is great and I ordered a S8+ from them too. I've ordered previous phones and accessories from them. They ship DHL overnight. Yes, EU phones are equipped with region lock to prevent them from being used outside their assigned selling region. You have to make a 5 minute phone call using a SIM from the phone's home region to unlock it. That's what Clove's doing for their international customers.
There are pros to buying from authorized resellers like Clove. EU phones have a two year warranty and Clove will act as a middleman on your behalf to get warranty work done if your phone ever needs it. You send it to them and they manage it through getting repaired and sent back to you. Having a "real" BTU phone is great for those that don't want to screw around with ODIN and multi-CSC to get updates. BTU is typically one of the first EU regions to get updates. We in the U.S. are lucky to get two for the life of the phone.
Only possible downside is getting Samsung Pay working since the framework isn't pre-installed as the UK doesn't currently support Samsung Pay. I've read the forums and some have gotten some of the features of Samsung Pay working on the S7-series but it's not a guarantee. I have a pre-order with AT&T and an order with Clove. I'm still debating which to go with primarily because I'm a heavy Samsung Pay user.
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Click to collapse
Oh this sounds more like it. I've never had to deal with region lock..
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

osmosizzz said:
Where are all the people that will be using the exynos variant in the US? I have been using international unlocked (F models) sammy phones since the s6 and I plan on sticking to this model. Where you guys ordering from? I usually get it from ebay (usually never-msrp) but it seems I might have to hold on a little longer as $970 for an 8+ is a little high.
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Click to collapse
Question. Do you ever get samsung pay to work on those models ?. or samsung pay is something you never really use or cared for ?

BarryH_GEG said:
Clove is great and I ordered a S8+ from them too. I've ordered previous phones and accessories from them. They ship DHL overnight. Yes, EU phones are equipped with region lock to prevent them from being used outside their assigned selling region. You have to make a 5 minute phone call using a SIM from the phone's home region to unlock it. That's what Clove's doing for their international customers.
There are pros to buying from authorized resellers like Clove. EU phones have a two year warranty and Clove will act as a middleman on your behalf to get warranty work done if your phone ever needs it. You send it to them and they manage it through getting repaired and sent back to you. Having a "real" BTU phone is great for those that don't want to screw around with ODIN and multi-CSC to get updates. BTU is typically one of the first EU regions to get updates. We in the U.S. are lucky to get two for the life of the phone.
Only possible downside is getting Samsung Pay working since the framework isn't pre-installed as the UK doesn't currently support Samsung Pay. I've read the forums and some have gotten some of the features of Samsung Pay working on the S7-series but it's not a guarantee. I have a pre-order with AT&T and an order with Clove. I'm still debating which to go with primarily because I'm a heavy Samsung Pay user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got a samsung watch and use samsung pay through it with a Nexus 6P. Think I would be able to do the same with the S8? I use android pay also, so not being able to use samsung pay would not be a deal breaker.
The thing has has me confused about clove is that the device seems to be good bit less expensive than anywhere else. Cost for the S8+ with shipping is only 665 GBP ($829) as opposed to 779 GBP ($971) from Samsung UK site. Is that correct?

luch4galaxy said:
Question. Do you ever get samsung pay to work on those models ?. or samsung pay is something you never really use or cared for ?
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No I never got Samsung pay to work on the international model. But recently I think they got it to work on the s7 edge somehow.
luch4galaxy said:
Question. Do you ever get samsung pay to work on those models ?. or samsung pay is something you never really use or cared for ?
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Click to collapse
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

PuffinNugz said:
I've got a samsung watch and use samsung pay through it with a Nexus 6P. Think I would be able to do the same with the S8? I use android pay also, so not being able to use samsung pay would not be a deal breaker.
The thing has has me confused about clove is that the device seems to be good bit less expensive than anywhere else. Cost for the S8+ with shipping is only 665 GBP ($829) as opposed to 779 GBP ($971) from Samsung UK site. Is that correct?
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I just checked clover and the price they showed me was 970 usd once I converted it (771 British pounds). That includes vat and shipping.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

osmosizzz said:
I just checked clover and the price they showed me was 970 usd once I converted it (771 British pounds). That includes vat and shipping.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
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When I selected US for shipping, it automatically deleted the VAT option and lowered to 665 pounds. What exactly is VAT and why would I want it?
Nevermind, I see it's a tax, but it removed itself when I selected the US.

PuffinNugz said:
When I selected US for shipping, it automatically deleted the VAT option and lowered to 665 pounds. What exactly is VAT and why would I want it?
Nevermind, I see it's a tax, but it removed itself when I selected the US.
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I just did it on my Computer and you're right..its cheaper than anywhere else. I may just pick it up now
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

Just a Newbee question here in regards to using the international models in the US. I am guessing that these international phone can only support GSM here in the US - no LTE on any US carrier.
I get that the international boot loader might be unlocked, and the international phones seem to come carrier unlocked. But if you don't travel international all the time and just live in the US - don't you guy miss the LTE speeds? Or is there any international models that support say ATT LTE bands?
The phone says it supports: LTE Bands 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(AWS), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 17(700), 20(800), 28(700)
And ATT Uses 2, 4, 5, 17 1900, 1700 abcde, 700 bc
So would the internation phone support ATT LTE?

Flame Red said:
Just a Newbee question here in regards to using the international models in the US. I am guessing that these international phone can only support GSM here in the US - no LTE on any US carrier.
I get that the international boot loader might be unlocked, and the international phones seem to come carrier unlocked. But if you don't travel international all the time and just live in the US - don't you guy miss the LTE speeds? Or is there any international models that support say ATT LTE bands?
Click to expand...
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LTE works.

PuffinNugz said:
LTE works.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the education! I usually buy TMOB as in the past they have unlocked bootloaders and LTE works on ATT. But if I read the tea leaves correctly, TMOB might be changing that for the S8. I guess no one knows for sure yet for the S8, but generally speaking, have the boot loaders on past Sammy international models usually unlocked?

What is the best unlocked s8+ that I should buy for AT&T?

The axynos ones are cheap on ebay, but I can also buy an unlocked US version from Samsungs website.
Can you advice me on this?

I'm coming from the LG V20 side with the unlocked US996 model, and just looked at the non-existent G6 forums so please keep it in mind as I say this: I will never ever ever buy a major branded Android phone unlocked, ever again.
Signed, a likely future S8+ owner

midwhiteflava said:
I'm coming from the LG V20 side with the unlocked US996 model, and just looked at the non-existent G6 forums so please keep it in mind as I say this: I will never ever ever buy a major branded Android phone unlocked, ever again.
Signed, a likely future S8+ owner
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Click to collapse
? Why ???

The exynos have an unlocked bootloader, the "unlocked" other version only has unlocked sim. The exynos will allow root, however root trips knox, and therefore breaks Samsung Pay.

I'm using a UK version and it's pretty flawless. Samsung Pay works out of the box. I bought it from a UK authorized reseller so its got a two year warranty (in the UK - I pay to ship it there) and BTU is typically in front of the line for updates. It has no bloatware but none of the unlocked versions do. I had a AT&T version first and the Exynos version seems a tad more fluid and responsive.
It has all AT&T's LTE bands except for 30 and gets better LTE speeds than the AT&T version. Do a search, there's a thread on it.
I'm going to sell it when the Note8 comes out and it was cheaper to buy outright and will fetch more when I resell it. I liked it so much I bought a EU LTE Tab S3 to keep it company. It doesn't do VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling but that too is common to unlocked phones.

BarryH_GEG said:
I'm using a UK version and it's pretty flawless. Samsung Pay works out of the box. I bought it from a UK authorized reseller so its got a two year warranty (in the UK - I pay to ship it there) and BTU is typically in front of the line for updates. It has no bloatware but none of the unlocked versions do. I had a AT&T version first and the Exynos version seems a tad more fluid and responsive.
It has all AT&T's LTE bands except for 30 and gets better LTE speeds than the AT&T version. Do a search, there's a thread on it.
I'm going to sell it when the Note8 comes out and it was cheaper to buy outright and will fetch more when I resell it. I liked it so much I bought a EU LTE Tab S3 to keep it company. It doesn't do VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling but that too is common to unlocked phones.
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I want to get a phone with a care plan . Is there something like that in the states?

galaxy s7 sprint G930P G930PVPSACSI2

I have tried and tried to root it but it always fails using odin. Could use some help.
G930P (sprint)
G930PVPSACSI2
Android Version 8.0.0
Samsung Experience 9.0
Build number R16NW.G930PVPSACSI2
Android Security Patch September 1, 2019
If someone can shoot me to a guide or working files for odin it would be greatly appreciated.
I've tried around 30 guides and 30 different odin twrp files and each one has failed when trying to use on odin.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/help/help-rooting-snapdragon-galaxy-s7-g930a-t3977565
You can't. The G930P is locked down, with no known method to get around it.
All USA models are snapdragon SoC and locked down, some have work arounds that involves using a leaked engineering bootloader from the factory, but not the G930P.
TWRP also isn't possible, all the files you were likely flashing are for the G930F, which is Exynos SoC and able to be bootloader unlocked.

I figured as much, just my luck. If I was looking for a good device to root which phone would you suggest or should I go with like iPhone 7? main purpose im using this for is like pokemon spoofing lol is an iPhone 7 hard to jailbreak>?

How about galaxy s9 sm g960u that's my main phone which I could root if it was possible but the downside was id need to find something to hide root from snapchat and other apps.

You'd have to check the forums for that model specifically, but a general rule of thumb is a US model Samsung phones with snapdragons are bootloader locked. You'll have better luck with other phones, or importing the Exynos model (although that comes with less network band support in the US)

alliebart said:
How about galaxy s9 sm g960u that's my main phone which I could root if it was possible but the downside was id need to find something to hide root from snapchat and other apps.
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Click to collapse
nope. no root love on the G960U models. The G960F model is rootable as well as the chinese snapdragon S9's, but none of the american S9s

Beanvee7 said:
You'd have to check the forums for that model specifically, but a general rule of thumb is a US model Samsung phones with snapdragons are bootloader locked. You'll have better luck with other phones, or importing the Exynos model (although that comes with less network band support in the US)
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Click to collapse
it also should be said that the F model variants of the galaxy phones do not support CDMA which is what sprint and verizon uses. if you want to use T-Mob or AT&T with a euro phone, all good, theyre GSM which is what the F models are capable of working with solely. Do NOT get a euro spec phone if you want to use vzw or sprint

youdoofus said:
it also should be said that the F model variants of the galaxy phones do not support CDMA which is what sprint and verizon uses. if you want to use T-Mob or AT&T with a euro phone, all good, theyre GSM which is what the F models are capable of working with solely. Do NOT get a euro spec phone if you want to use vzw or sprint
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Click to collapse
I'm not connecting it to service. Just trying to use it for wifi etc. So if I got a Galaxy S7 AT&T phone off amazon it would work? I don't really know how to get a euro phone when I live in USA and I normally buy everything from amazon. Is a iPhone 7 at&t jailbreakable?

alliebart said:
I'm not connecting it to service. Just trying to use it for wifi etc. So if I got a Galaxy S7 AT&T phone off amazon it would work? I don't really know how to get a euro phone when I live in USA and I normally buy everything from amazon. Is a iPhone 7 at&t jailbreakable?
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Click to collapse
i bought a UAE market A8 phone from amazon last summer, and im sure you can buy other euro spec phones on there too. They are just advertised as "no warranty". Iphail discussions and jailbreak arent usual conversation topics on xda