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What's the best unclocked GS6 to buy?

I have the AT&T version which is locked but I want to get an unlocked version of the GS6. Which one is the best to get? International? T-Mobile? I want the one that has the most support on the development side.

I think the G920F (s6Flat) or G925F (s6Edge) would be the best, because I've seen some kernels just for the international variant and no other. Plus, it's compatible with all if not, most roms. made for the S6. It' s (I think) the cheapest too. Although, I'm not too sure about network bands and compatibility with AT&T.

I have a g-925f, the edge unlocked. Works great on AT&T. Just keep in mind that you aren't going to get samsung pay on an international unlocked model. Learned that the hard way.

Jonny_Whitey said:
I have a g-925f, the edge unlocked. Works great on AT&T. Just keep in mind that you aren't going to get samsung pay on an international unlocked model. Learned that the hard way.
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I don't care about Samsung pay. I will get the regular 920F since it's got the most support.

Capt said:
I don't care about Samsung pay. I will get the regular 920F since it's got the most support.
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Click to collapse
If I'm right, most G920F roms, kernels, and recovery's should work the the G925F. So both have equal support.

Or should I get the nexus 6p?

I bought the S6 from B and H Photo online store. The phone is carrier and region unlocked which means it will work anywhere in the world. It came with no bloat except ANT radio which I disabled. It's a G920i from Australia and came with Australian wall charger but I called the store and they sent me a US travel charger for free. B and H is good for customer satisfaction.

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.
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

P905 Version Question

I'm looking into the Note 12.2 Pro, but am having some difficulty sorting out the model numbers.
I see one site listing that the P905 has multiple variants.
I would like to have GPS, be able to root, and be able to install a custom 6.0.1 ROM.
On ebay, all I come up with in my searches are sellers listing their model as the P905, but then in the description it lists Verizon as the carrier. For some reason I don't see them being listed as the P905V. Is there something I'm missing? Did Verizon start selling a P905 (non-V) variant, that has no issues with root, or a locked bootloader? If so, how can I tell which vendor is selling something fully unlocked (not carrier unlocked)?
I really don't care about the data, as I have that on my Note 3. I just don't want to get locked down completely like I am on my Note 10.1 2014 Verizon edition, which I cannot root on 5.1.1, nor can I install custom ROM's.
I see there's also the P905A, but that sounds like it might be locked down by ATT and not have root or custom ROM capabilities, so that's out.
The P900 seems to be a slight drop in features, such as USB 3.0, and a less powerful processor, and it doesn't appear to have a Odin image that is as current as the P905 series, so I'm skeptical to go that route, and curious if the specs on sites that say it has GPS are accurate, as most wi-fi only devices do not, but sometimes get lumped in as a yes for that category anyways.
Am I missing something regarding the P905? Are verizon branded models out there common, but not the locked down P905V varient?
Thank you,
--bb

SM-P900 is Galaxy Note Pro wifi version.
SM-P905 is Galaxy Note Pro LTE/Wifi version. P905V is from Verizon, P907A is LTE/Wifi from AT&T, both 905V and 907A are exactly the same tablets but loaded different software customized to the provider. The case has logo and name of provider but they are exactly the same. I can swap mainboard of AT&T to a Verizon tablet or vise versa. LTE versions have locked bootloader. The SM-P905 international version has unlocked bootloader. These are all common LTE versions I know in US.
So if you want to root, buy the Wifi version which is SM-P900 and bootloader is not locked.

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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? 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?

Question SM-S9080 (China) bootloader inquiry

I see that this specific model (Released in China) I believe has support for custom ROM's one would assume the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked. If possible could someone with a device please confirm as these variants are actually 300$ cheaper than the US/CA models and other Global variants. I can't imagine there would be any significant differences otherwise aside from the firmware would be China based and I might need to flash my own CSC package.

You can check in Settings - Developer Options - OEM Unlocking to see if your bootloader can be unlocked.

I'm aware of how to check, when you are yet to own the device then someone else would need to provide the insight. It's not exactly fesible to check another country's device and I'm sure the return policy is a bit harder.

You seem to be confused. You stated "the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked". Just because the SoC is a Snapdragon doesn't mean the bootloader can't be unlocked, they've been making them for years. I own the Snapdragon device with an unlocked bootloader. So if you know how to check if you can unlock the bootloader why ask anyone else if it's possible? Don't be surprised if you can't flash different firmware, SM-R908N is an outlier but it can utilize Custom ROM's.
Guide to root Galaxy S22 Ultra (B/E/N/0), unlock bootloader and flash official firmware (noob friendly)
Your warranty is now void. If you root your device, Your KNOX status will be tripped. You can still pass the safety net after you root if you follow the instructions. Sorry for USA models, you can't root unless you can unlock your bootloader You...
forum.xda-developers.com
Not sure why you can't confirm price differences between the Korean and US devices, here's the appropriate links.
Korea
Samsung 대한민국 | 모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
www.samsung.com
USA
Galaxy S22 Ultra, 128GB (Unlocked) in Phantom Black | Price & Deals | Samsung US
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra,Unlocked 128GB in Phantom Black. Save with Trade-in, and discover exclusive offers with
www.samsung.com
Your welcome!

varcor said:
You seem to be confused. You stated "the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked". Just because the SoC is a Snapdragon doesn't mean the bootloader can't be unlocked, they've been making them for years. I own the Snapdragon device with an unlocked bootloader. So if you know how to check if you can unlock the bootloader why ask anyone else if it's possible? Don't be surprised if you can't flash different firmware, SM-R908N is an outlier but it can utilize Custom ROM's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure op knows how to check and knows the price difference since they mentioned it. They are asking someone that actually has the device to confirm

Solace50 said:
I see that this specific model (Released in Korea) I believe has support for custom ROM's one would assume the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked. If possible could someone with a device please confirm as these variants are actually 300$ cheaper than the US/CA models and other Global variants. I can't imagine there would be any significant differences otherwise aside from the firmware would be korean based and I might need to flash my own CSC package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will confirm that the Korean snapdragon note 20 ultra could be unlocked.
Rom support was slim though. Most did not explicitly mention the N model and since more people in the world are unlocked on exynos, most of the support was for that chipset.
Also the fact that snapdragons are locked in NA is because of the region not the chip it self. Other regions with them aren't bootloader locked.

pcriz said:
I'm pretty sure op knows how to check and knows the price difference since they mentioned it. They are asking someone that actually has the device to confirm
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OP would be better served if he/she included a Model Number. The specific properties are the same regardless. As everyone is aware price fluctuates depending on the seller.

varcor said:
OP would be better served if he/she included a Model Number. The specific properties are the same regardless. As everyone is aware price fluctuates depending on the seller
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Op isn't asking about the price though. Who knows where they are buying from.
Also the Korean models typically only have one model number. I think the same is true this year as well.
I figured the best person to answer their question is someone that probably knows they have a Korean model or someone with first hand experience with the Korean model.

Are you sure Korean model comes with SM-S9080?

donkeyman1234 said:
Are you sure Korean model comes with SM-S9080?
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Accuracy is not releveant but the firmware was on a few places listed as Korean model.

varcor said:
OP would be better served if he/she included a Model Number. The specific properties are the same regardless. As everyone is aware price fluctuates depending on the seller.
Click to expand...
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The SM-9080 is the model number... If I bought and received something other than the device listed it would be of no charge according to provincial law. The 909B is also an option which is the EU enyox model or 908W Canadian Snap dragon. The 908W cannot be unlocked however the root/bootloader unlock specifies 0 in the title which I'm assuming is the suffix to 908 and possible.
Snapdragon and bootloader unlock would be the best of both worlds as performance is better and does not suffer from idle drain issues. The cost is also about 20% cheaper on sale.

pcriz said:
I will confirm that the Korean snapdragon note 20 ultra could be unlocked.
Rom support was slim though. Most did not explicitly mention the N model and since more people in the world are unlocked on exynos, most of the support was for that chipset.
Also the fact that snapdragons are locked in NA is because of the region not the chip it self. Other regions with them aren't bootloader locked.
Click to expand...
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I'm, just going to yolo one one see what happens. Worse case is I might need to update the CSC, the modems firmware should support the same frequencies to be "international/global" The s8+ I have was the int version and worked just fine.
Some rated specs do differ ever so slightly between the EU and NA model such as the post processing used for images and throughput for the NIC used onboard but is negligible.

varcor said:
You seem to be confused. You stated "the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked". Just because the SoC is a Snapdragon doesn't mean the bootloader can't be unlocked, they've been making them for years. I own the Snapdragon device with an unlocked bootloader. So if you know how to check if you can unlock the bootloader why ask anyone else if it's possible? Don't be surprised if you can't flash different firmware, SM-R908N is an outlier but it can utilize Custom ROM's.
Guide to root Galaxy S22 Ultra (B/E/N/0), unlock bootloader and flash official firmware (noob friendly)
Your warranty is now void. If you root your device, Your KNOX status will be tripped. You can still pass the safety net after you root if you follow the instructions. Sorry for USA models, you can't root unless you can unlock your bootloader You...
forum.xda-developers.com
Not sure why you can't confirm price differences between the Korean and US devices, here's the appropriate links.
Korea
Samsung 대한민국 | 모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
www.samsung.com
USA
Galaxy S22 Ultra, 128GB (Unlocked) in Phantom Black | Price & Deals | Samsung US
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra,Unlocked 128GB in Phantom Black. Save with Trade-in, and discover exclusive offers with
www.samsung.com
Your welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, generally MFG do not deviate from designs much due to costs involved. If SN by design was bootloader locked one would expect variants to be the same. I think Korea had enyox models in the past too.
The site used was pda plaza (google it) which lists various models and if you are buying new is usually cheaper than vendors, amazon and other places. I saw a 512gb ultra as low as 1500 for the ugly green. Considering we get ****ty perks for buying a phone new it does not make sense to buy from samsung.com unless you want sky blue or something.
Also I'm unsure as to why you linked the store pages, retailers listing unlocked is carrier specific, not bootloader.

Oop, sorry all the 9080 is China, 908N is Korea, editing main post.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G - Full phone specifications
www.gsmarena.com
Same as in HongKong, I would just flash their firmware, likely better overall.

I am in Taiwan, for your reference.

Solace50 said:
Thanks, generally MFG do not deviate from designs much due to costs involved. If SN by design was bootloader locked one would expect variants to be the same. I think Korea had enyox models in the past too.
The site used was pda plaza (google it) which lists various models and if you are buying new is usually cheaper than vendors, amazon and other places. I saw a 512gb ultra as low as 1500 for the ugly green. Considering we get ****ty perks for buying a phone new it does not make sense to buy from samsung.com unless you want sky blue or something.
Also I'm unsure as to why you linked the store pages, retailers listing unlocked is carrier specific, not bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I linked the Samsung websites so you could compare official Samsung pricing. As stated there are many different retailers with various offers. I also asked for the model number knowing the SM-9080 isn't available in Korea which you've since updated. The S21 Ultra in Korea is the Exynos variant which only lasted 1 year, they've now reverted back to Snapdragon. Of the 3 SM-9080's available I would recommend the Hong Kong (CSC - TGY) but if call features are a priority the Taiwan variant (CSC - BRI) is the best option. Stay away from the China variant, it's a mess. Plus one should always ask a retailer which CSC they are offering, they don't always sell the same variant for the region they are based. You could purchase a China variant from a Taiwan retailer but you won't know it until it's in your hands. Yes, they will mislead and lie just to make a sale. Firmware for the 3 variants are interchangeable however it's usually not a good idea to swap, firmware is Home CSC specific and the Home CSC can't be altered plus that will affect updates as well. All 3 are bootloader unlocked however there aren't many Custom ROM's for Snapdragon devices. Goods luck!

varcor said:
I linked the Samsung websites so you could compare official Samsung pricing. As stated there are many different retailers with various offers. I also asked for the model number knowing the SM-9080 isn't available in Korea which you've since updated. The S21 Ultra in Korea is the Exynos variant which only lasted 1 year, they've now reverted back to Snapdragon. Of the 3 SM-9080's available I would recommend the Hong Kong (CSC - TGY) but if call features are a priority the Taiwan variant (CSC - BRI) is the best option. Stay away from the China variant, it's a mess. Plus one should always ask a retailer which CSC they are offering, they don't always sell the same variant for the region they are based. You could purchase a China variant from a Taiwan retailer but you won't know it until it's in your hands. Yes, they will mislead and lie just to make a sale. Firmware for the 3 variants are interchangeable however it's usually not a good idea to swap, firmware is Home CSC specific and the Home CSC can't be altered plus that will affect updates as well. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hardware is the same as HK, only the firmware differs and can be flashed. The recommendation makes zero sense. Call features are CSC based and I doubt much differs across the globe these days especially for major regions. That would be false that you cannot change the CSC, the whole aspect of root/unlocked bootloader is to modify system/firmware partitions or flashing with odin.

Solace50 said:
The hardware is the same as HK, only the firmware differs and can be flashed. The recommendation makes zero sense. Call features are CSC based and I doubt much differs across the globe these days especially for major regions. That would be false that you cannot change the CSC, the whole aspect of root/unlocked bootloader is to modify system/firmware partitions or flashing with odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean it makes no sense? I've stated if you want call features buy your regions (CSC) device. I never said your CSC couldn't be changed, I've stated your Home CSC can't be changed. Have fun trying to figure everything out, we're done.

For those who also may care, I took the time to actually research things before speculating nonsense.
So the primary difference between the models is 5G support as apparently the 5Ghz bands are not supported in the firmware for the 9080. Given the 9080 can be bootloader unlocked it is a similar situation to the Galaxy S4 release across US/CA where you could buy the US model and flash a Canadian modem in order to gain support for carriers in CA. Likely the same can be provided for 5G support with a few hex edits to the existing modem or flashing one from another region considering the same hardware is used, however this would still need to be tested.
Will Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra work in Canada?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with the mobile networks of Canada and with the telephony operators that provide service in Canada.
www.kimovil.com
This would ultimately save people hundreds of $ along with providing the SN variant bootloader unlocked to various individuals and not end up being a slave to bloatware and poorly designed roms.

CyberEvo said:
I am in Taiwan, for your reference.
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Thank you for the most useful post in the thread.