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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 a used one for cheaper but unfortunately it was a model sold by Best Buy. It was already updated to 7.1.1 too so I can't unlock the bootloader... I heard the chance was small, but I want to have a little hope I will be able to root my phone in the future
None of us know for sure, but I don't think it will. I don't think anyone is even working on it. The last one was pretty much an accidental discovery
StevenTNguyen said:
I bought a used one for cheaper but unfortunately it was a model sold by Best Buy. It was already updated to 7.1.1 too so I can't unlock the bootloader... I heard the chance was small, but I want to have a little hope I will be able to root my phone in the future
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never say never but pretty much no.
are java cards still a thing?
might be an option
byte
I wonder if a new/unopened Verizon variant would have the 7.1.1 update out of the box....
julesism said:
I wonder if a new/unopened Verizon variant would have the 7.1.1 update out of the box....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a replacement for a broken one two days ago and it had 7.1.1.
But that's a bit different from a brand new one unopened in box....
julesism said:
I wonder if a new/unopened Verizon variant would have the 7.1.1 update out of the box....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I received my new Verizon PixelXL on 1/31 and had 7.1 out of the box. Received 7.1.1 within a few hours of booting on, but had to reboot to receive the update.
julesism said:
I wonder if a new/unopened Verizon variant would have the 7.1.1 update out of the box....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine yesterday from a Verizon store and it only had 7.1 I was able to unlock it. Could have been old stock I suppose but the way the guy talked they sell them faster than they can get them and at first told me he didn't think they had any in stock.
mpappas87 said:
I got mine yesterday from a Verizon store and it only had 7.1 I was able to unlock it. Could have been old stock I suppose but the way the guy talked they sell them faster than they can get them and at first told me he didn't think they had any in stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Received my replacement device from EE in the UK with 7.1 also. Very lucky indeed.
I'm soon to receive my 128gb Pixel XL from Verizon. On the off-chance that it has not been updated to 7.1.1 , is there a way to go through the initial phone setup while being sure not to take the OTA update?
LzeroKI said:
I'm soon to receive my 128gb Pixel XL from Verizon. On the off-chance that it has not been updated to 7.1.1 , is there a way to go through the initial phone setup while being sure not to take the OTA update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You really should be fine on the version.
It needs to be in bootloader....So perhaps you can just hold power and volume down first time. Then ADB push and run depixel8.
If not, do not put a sim in it, and skip wifi setup.
LzeroKI said:
I'm soon to receive my 128gb Pixel XL from Verizon. On the off-chance that it has not been updated to 7.1.1 , is there a way to go through the initial phone setup while being sure not to take the OTA update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't have WiFi on. That's the key. Large download like that won't automatically download over network connection.
LzeroKI said:
I'm soon to receive my 128gb Pixel XL from Verizon. On the off-chance that it has not been updated to 7.1.1 , is there a way to go through the initial phone setup while being sure not to take the OTA update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done it on mine. Take the sim out before powering on. During setup do NOT connect to WiFi. Once you're through setup enable developer options and turn off auto updates. Then you can dePixel8!
Mine updated even though I selected not to so if you get one that has 7.1 do it quickly before you get hosed.
Any luck on 7.1.1 verizon
Why is it that tmobile and the global variants have different oxygen OS software numbers and receiving updates at different intervals. I've been seeing the news of 9.5.4 being released with tons of improvements specofocally to the camera module, then I realized I'm on 9.5.5, and am wondering did I get those updates already, what is the deal here?
Spewed said:
Why is it that tmobile and the global variants have different oxygen OS software numbers and receiving updates at different intervals. I've been seeing the news of 9.5.4 being released with tons of improvements specofocally to the camera module, then I realized I'm on 9.5.5, and am wondering did I get those updates already, what is the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also on 9.5.5, I got my phone on Thursday and when I woke up Friday morning I saw my phone had rebooted and it said the update was successfully installed.
So from what I've read 9.5.5 is for the T-Mobile version and 9.5.4 is global but the release notes indicate we have the updates. What's weird is there is no update info on TMobile website and I thought all updates have to go through them.
Just got this today
chrisrj28 said:
I am also on 9.5.5, I got my phone on Thursday and when I woke up Friday morning I saw my phone had rebooted and it said the update was successfully installed.
So from what I've read 9.5.5 is for the T-Mobile version and 9.5.4 is global but the release notes indicate we have the updates. What's weird is there is no update info on TMobile website and I thought all updates have to go through them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So we allegedly are getting the updates first then?
Spewed said:
So we allegedly are getting the updates first then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the new T-Mobile 9.5.6 that just came out (like today) is basically 9.4.5 for the international version.
Spewed said:
So we allegedly are getting the updates first then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that way.
And I just updated to 9.5.6 but that was just the April security update
Spewed said:
Why is it that tmobile and the global variants have different oxygen OS software numbers and receiving updates at different intervals. I've been seeing the news of 9.5.4 being released with tons of improvements specofocally to the camera module, then I realized I'm on 9.5.5, and am wondering did I get those updates already, what is the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same update just for a different variant. It is a T-Mobile branded phone meaning the way it is, it only works on T-Mobile, the Global variant is unlocked and will work on almost any carrier except Sprint. This is common on any Android phone where there is a branded and global version.
Also the EU version has a separate release for GDPR updates. This makes for overlapping software version numbers that are NOT compatible or the same. If you flash anything make sure to match both the version number and phone model for your existing phone unless you are flashing the entire package and know what you are doing.
Unlocked phones get the updated first. Global/India are 9.5.4 and EU is 9.5.5 because of some new regulations. They are the exact same change logs but have to be labeled separately. T-Mobile is behind the unlocked phones as T-Mobile has to get the update and then customize it for their carrier crap. T-Mobile phones just got the April security patch but nothing the unlocked phones just got so you'll be waiting a week or 2 of longer even to get those improvements probably
That's why I'll never by another carrier phone... Unlocked forever more with me.
There's a major plus going with a carrier phone. Insurance. With TMO if this decides to break or start glitching out, i can walk into the store and walk out with a new one. If I have to wait 2-3 weeks for updates, big deal. As far as the "carrier crap" is concerned, I think they have said multiple times that they need to test Band 600 and make sure the software is flowing with the network. TMO doesn't really have any bloatware.
Unlocked for the win! Cheers
DOTC said:
There's a major plus going with a carrier phone. Insurance. With TMO if this decides to break or start glitching out, i can walk into the store and walk out with a new one. If I have to wait 2-3 weeks for updates, big deal. As far as the "carrier crap" is concerned, I think they have said multiple times that they need to test Band 600 and make sure the software is flowing with the network. TMO doesn't really have any bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't take weeks to just test a band frequency. And yes T-Mobile still has bloat just not as much. All the T-Mobile apps they put on the phones.
Eric214 said:
It doesn't take weeks to just test a band frequency. And yes T-Mobile still has bloat just not as much. All the T-Mobile apps they put on the phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tmobile still changes unnecessary things. For example unlocked model in status bar shows LTE for signal while T-Mobile shows 4Glte, thats just one example as I have both devices.
dkotoric said:
tmobile still changes unnecessary things. For example unlocked model in status bar shows LTE for signal while T-Mobile shows 4Glte, thats just one example as I have both devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It comes with two apps installed..and both can be removed. The signal bar has always been changed for some reason. Each carrier has their own signal terms.. no idea why. Its been that way for ages now.
dkotoric said:
tmobile still changes unnecessary things. For example unlocked model in status bar shows LTE for signal while T-Mobile shows 4Glte, thats just one example as I have both devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware. That's my point. T-Mobile changed more then just the invite in the status bar. All carriers do. That why it will be a couple weeks at least before the tap and camera improvements make it to the T-Mobile phones. It's just the way it is buying a carrier phone.
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.
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
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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..
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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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