Exynos Unlocked Version - Samsung Galaxy S7 Questions and Answers

I am considering purchasing the Unlocked Version at Best Buy, primarily because I have read that the performance and battery life are better (battery perhaps meaningfully better).
Question: I read this means updates would come from Samsung instead of AT&T. Im not sure what this means or if its a +/-.
I know that when its via AT&T they just show up on the phone as updates to be downloaded. With Samsung are they pushed? Would I need to be checking for them and actively downloading updates? Does anyone know how this works?
Would Samsung's likely be more frequent?
Thanks for any advice.

I just did the same thing but got mine from Amazon it was a good bit cheaper.
Updates will be pushed from Samsung mine had an ota out of the box.
With the unlocked you will be first to get updates. At&t and Verizon are the worst at pushing updates.
Sent from my SM-G930F using XDA-Developers mobile app

Thanks for the reply.
Does the Amazon one cine with the warranty? I had heard that may be an issue?
As an aside, is it true that both the unlocked (exynos) and carrier (snapdragon) versions are now sold with unlocked bootloader?

Related

Can Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 LTE version be rooted?

I pulled the trigger on a Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2. $849 unlocked. I wanted a option for LTE if I needed it. Thought the Snapdragon 800 might offer better performance/seems that is a unknown... Also heard faster charging. I saw a comment in another thread the Verizon locks boot loaders. Does anyone know if I will be able to root this device? How can i determine if the bootloader is locked?
ddyeakley said:
I pulled the trigger on a Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2. $849 unlocked. I wanted a option for LTE if I needed it. Thought the Snapdragon 800 might offer better performance/seems that is a unknown... Also heard faster charging. I saw a comment in another thread the Verizon locks boot loaders. Does anyone know if I will be able to root this device? How can i determine if the bootloader is locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking for this too, I tried using the Chainfire autoroot for the P905 but it seems it doesn't work for our model, the P905V.
No it will not work. I think this may be tough with a locked bootloader. Chainfire supports CF Autoroot but I believe he is away for the next few weeks. Not sure if he will be able to get it working on the Verizon LTE version but right now, there is no way to root that.
Also, as far as performance, there is really no difference from what I have read. If anything, the 905 *may* be slower due to LTE. What I can say is that the Snapdragon processor will charge faster than the Exynos in the P900.
If you REALLY need root, return the 905V and get a 900. I just tether mine to my HTC one when away from home or a hot spot. You'll also save more than 100 bucks. Verizon is making it very difficult to root with their locked bootloaders and I don't expect these will be in high demand so support from the Dev's may be slim.
Just my .02
I think we will be seeing TWRP support for the P900 in the next day or so. That should help open the door to custom rom's but I expect they are still a month or more away at this point.
I pulled the trigger on the 12.2 too, deciding on keeping it. Also ended up getting a 10.1 2014 for the SO....but mine is 12.2.But Verizon is just icky, lol, then the locked bootloaders, lack of support, then throw in lack of support from the devs due to very few devices etc...
I hope this can be rooted.
TTboy404 said:
I pulled the trigger on the 12.2 too, deciding on keeping it. Also ended up getting a 10.1 2014 for the SO....but mine is 12.2.But Verizon is just icky, lol, then the locked bootloaders, lack of support, then throw in lack of support from the devs due to very few devices etc...
I hope this can be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently testing the Verizon and the WIFI only models. The Verizon version is definitely smoother, especially when it comes to speed of opening web pages and browsing ( with both on WIFI). The Qualcomm processor in the Verizon version is definitely putting the Exynos processor in the WIFI only version to shame.
Unfortunately, if the Verizon version cannot be rooted I just may have to return it and get the more expensive unlocked international LTE version, just for the superior Qualcomm processor.
Is it 100% positive that verizon p905v cant be rooted? The recharging time and smoothness as well as battery life has made me an extremely happy camper for the LTE model. Somebody said chain fire was on holiday for month or so. I'm wondering what we can do to have information for him or anyone else to try and root.
Sent from my SM-P905V using xda app-developers app
Edit my mistake i didn't see the Verizon at the beginning
Mega
aburns7487 said:
Is it 100% positive that verizon p905v cant be rooted? The recharging time and smoothness as well as battery life has made me an extremely happy camper for the LTE model. Somebody said chain fire was on holiday for month or so. I'm wondering what we can do to have information for him or anyone else to try and root.
Sent from my SM-P905V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chainfire seems to have returned as shown by his recent posts in the central CF-Autoroot thread. Could you go post there again for us? I would but my post count is still low
Unlonking Bootloader - SM-P905V Verizon no contract
FilthyHippie said:
Chainfire seems to have returned as shown by his recent posts in the central CF-Autoroot thread. Could you go post there again for us? I would but my post count is still low
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to rooting this tablet version verizon?? >> SM-P905V. I need change firmware for other country (Brazil), but Odin have a problem with block mode verizon. I bought in amazon site, no contract verizon. LTE is ok in Brazil ... I want OEM firmware in my tablet, not verizon firmware! someone could help me where to get an unlock for SM-P905v?
30 Days
Don't they have to release the firmware within 30 days? Perhaps we need to take this up with Samsung?

Likelihood of root and an unlocked bootloader for S7 Edge

I currently have an HTC M8 and I am considering the Verizon S7 Edge but don't want to make the jump unless I will be able to root and maybe flash custom ROMs. I know it's probably too early to tell but what do you guys think the likelihood of root and an unlocked bootloader are? I like Best Buy's deal and would take a chance if it's probable for at least root access.
Thanks
root will probably have pretty soon but it will trip the knox as usual so....
Does tripping the knox disable anything other than Samsung Pay? I wont be using that anyway..
As above, root will probably be available prior to the 11th of March, but by tripping Knox. Personally, I can't live without Viper4Android so I'll be doing this regardless of the knox flag. Besides, I tripped the knox flag on my S4 a few years back and it didn't stop Samsung replacing the system board when it went faulty.
However, if I hear that there is a possibility of rooting without tripping knox (this was the case to begin with on the S6) then I will hold off and take that route. I have read however the chances of this on Marshmallow is non-existent.
As for custom roms like AOSP and CM, this will really only be possible on Snapdragon variants. But as you're discussing Verizon I would assume that isn't a problem as the American S7 comes with the Snapdragon 820. The one I'll get is the Exynos model so I'll be pretty much stuck with Touchwiz, which is far less of an issue nowadays than it would have been 3-4 years ago. It's far better now.
Don't get the Verizon one if you love to have root, at least as they tend to lock the boot-loaders so get the T-Mobile one if you like Snapdragon
Blart said:
I am considering the Verizon S7 Edge but don't want to make the jump unless I will be able to root and maybe flash custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't get a Samsung device from Verizon if you want an unlocked bootloader or a rooted phone. Ever. Period.
CafeKampuchia said:
Don't get a Samsung device from Verizon if you want an unlocked bootloader or a rooted phone. Ever. Period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So true.
It would be nice if they released an unlocked version that worked on Verizon.
Until that happens, Samsung will never get my money.
I have a Nexus 6P and until Samsung does something different, I'll buy Nexus devices.
I miss the number of accessories and cases that are available for Samsung, but the locked down bootloader on Samsung is something I can't live with.
tech_head said:
So true.
It would be nice if they released an unlocked version that worked on Verizon.
Until that happens, Samsung will never get my money.
I have a Nexus 6P and until Samsung does something different, I'll buy Nexus devices.
I miss the number of accessories and cases that are available for Samsung, but the locked down bootloader on Samsung is something I can't live with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much why I won't grab the S7, will most likely grab a 6P (upgrade from my S5). If only AT&T would stop locking down the bootloaders.... They used to be friendly with it.
Beefheart said:
As above, root will probably be available prior to the 11th of March, but by tripping Knox. Personally, I can't live without Viper4Android so I'll be doing this regardless of the knox flag. Besides, I tripped the knox flag on my S4 a few years back and it didn't stop Samsung replacing the system board when it went faulty.
However, if I hear that there is a possibility of rooting without tripping knox (this was the case to begin with on the S6) then I will hold off and take that route. I have read however the chances of this on Marshmallow is non-existent.
As for custom roms like AOSP and CM, this will really only be possible on Snapdragon variants. But as you're discussing Verizon I would assume that isn't a problem as the American S7 comes with the Snapdragon 820. The one I'll get is the Exynos model so I'll be pretty much stuck with Touchwiz, which is far less of an issue nowadays than it would have been 3-4 years ago. It's far better now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This x100
Sent from my SM-G900F using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks for the responses from everyone.
Since I am stuck with Verizon for work reasons I will probably go with another device. I might be able to live with a locked bootloader but I am too attached to apps like Tasker, AdAway and such to not have root. Who knows, maybe somebody will come up with a way to make another carrier's S7 work on VZW or even unlock VZW's model. I will watch the forums.
I guess I got lucky with my VZW HTC M8. It was very easy to root and unlock the bootloader thanks to the hard work of several developers.
-Blart
This will be my first samsung phone (prrviously had xperia z3 compact, og moto x, razr maxx hd, etc). What does tripping knox actually do? I know there's a counter, butbis knox still the same or is it weakened or what?
Crewville96 said:
This will be my first samsung phone (prrviously had xperia z3 compact, og moto x, razr maxx hd, etc). What does tripping knox actually do? I know there's a counter, butbis knox still the same or is it weakened or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nothing really happens...
Crewville96 said:
This will be my first samsung phone (prrviously had xperia z3 compact, og moto x, razr maxx hd, etc). What does tripping knox actually do? I know there's a counter, butbis knox still the same or is it weakened or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You lose the ability to pay with your phone using Samsung Pay.. but who's using that anyway when there's credit cards?
Subscribing. I really like (almost) everything about the S7 Edge. First Samsung phone I have cared for in years. If I can get a variant that allows me an unlocked BL, then it will be replacing my trusty and loved Nexus 6. On AT&T here, maybe I can snag a T-Mobile variant and use it on ATT. Will be keeping up with this thread for more info. No custom roms is definitely a deal breaker.
Yea I'm in New Zealand and just found out we get the exynos version... usually we get the international versions. This is nearly a deal breaker as I love custom roms, xposed etc which I'm pretty sure only works on snapdragon. Don't know what to do atm
You know, its funny you should say that, because I too am now at a dilemma lol. I really want the 64GB version (I will be using a 128GB SD card too), but that one isn't coming to the US where I am, and it has me wondering something. Are ALL the Snapdragon variants 32GB and the exynos 64GB? I really hope they make a Snapdragon variant with a 64GB option that will work in the US, I don't mind importing if need be. I guess we have to wait until more info is known. I plan to wait until probably april to buy anyway.
The exynos version we get here is 32gb
Ah, that puts holes into my theory then (thank God lol). Good to know.
MRDOCA said:
Yea I'm in New Zealand and just found out we get the exynos version... usually we get the international versions. This is nearly a deal breaker as I love custom roms, xposed etc which I'm pretty sure only works on snapdragon. Don't know what to do atm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xposed works on touchwiz http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-xposed-samsung-lollipop-t3180960
http://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-galaxy-s6-boots-up-its-first-aosp-rom/ aosp booting on exynos, all hope is not lost.
Thanks. Support is limited though. I still don't know what to do. Not sure if I order a 820 from the states if it will even work on our networks.

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.
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

Questions regarding Android OS & Security Updates

So a couple years back on Black Friday I bought a Samsung Galaxy S4 from Cricket Wireless at a price of $200 and at first I felt like I got a great deal. I thought I was going to get the AT&T branded S4 (i337), but instead I got an obscure Cricket branded S4 (i337z). I was frustrated when the AT&T version received the update to lollipop but mine didn't. I'm looking to buy a new phone and have been doing a little research into it, but I still have a few questions.
1. Are unlocked cell phones more likely to get an android OS update than a carrier branded phone? Do they get them faster?
2. If I bought an unlocked Samsung or a Google Nexus, would I be able to update the OS without a Carrier OTA?
3. I've heard that Samsung & Google are now offering monthly security updates, do they rely on the carrier to push these updates or does it update directly from Samsung/Google? Will I still receive these security updates on a prepaid carrier like Cricket?
4. Are carrier branded phones even worth considering in your opinion?
Thank you for your time, and sorry for the newb questions.
Anyone have anything at all to add to this thread?

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
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to get a phone with a care plan . Is there something like that in the states?

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