The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
mweinbach said:
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
SBERG117 said:
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Interceptor777 said:
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Phredeee said:
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Phredeee said:
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long you are flashing official firmware from Samsung nothing will break. Knox will not be tripped and Samsung Pay will work.
954wrecker said:
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Phredeee said:
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Phredeee said:
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing what I'm saying... There will be no unlocked bootloaders on any Samsung S8 phones for the USA. You cannot get one from carrier or factory.
I think you may be mixing up Bootloader unlock and Sim unlock....
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do remember that it was a story about FCC approval of the factory unlocked (SIM) phone. Keep that in mind that it may be the unbranded, factory unlocked phone only, but the article did say they were all the same. The locked carrier phones may not be so flexible.
Other things I've found.. Best Buy SIM unlocked does not get the incentives. Best Buy, and their cheaper price, does not seem to offer a T-Mo phone.
The VR incentive is attractive to me, but is not a must have. At this moment, until I can find out for sure if Samsung Pay will work on an international version, I am leaning towards a T-Mo pre-order. But that is me and my preferences YMMV. I have a major dislike for AT&T.
Looking for where I read it. In the mean time this may be interesting to you.
Model numbers http://techbeasts.com/list-of-samsung-galaxy-s8-galaxy-s8plus-model-numbers/
Frequencies https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/OyqBp/samsung-sm-g955a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
The link is for the AT&T model search for other models.
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that going by this information the factory unlocked and the AT&T are NOT the same https://www.frequencycheck.com/compare-devices/6MQWs05y/samsung-sm-g950a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream/samsung-sm-g950f-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
You're correct that it seems T-mo info is evasive.
Hello,
I would like to know, if it posible to buy the Galaxy S8 from the samsung web page (att version), then unlock it and after that flash the unlocked rom flashing it with odin.
Can someone help me?
thanks.
Just ordered the 955F from Clove...
I'm hoping that missing bands won't hurt my AT&T usage much. Or any prepaid sims I may throw in there.
Will see if the 955U info comes out before my phone, and will decide if I want to cancel.
:good::angel:
Related
Assuming that TMOB does not lock the bootloader so that the S7 variants can be rooted and custom roms eventually installed, what is the best way for a non-TMOB customer to outright purchase a TMOB variant of the S7 so that it could be unlocked and used on another carrier, like T, that locks their bootloader?
I am going to assume here that TMOB will use the same TMOB Remote Device Unlock App that requires the IMEI to be in their DB and registered. Looking at the TMOB pre-paid site, the phones available seem not to be very modern so I would guess S7 will not appear there for many years.
Is it as simple as going to a TMOB store and doing an outright purchase without a plan?
Last time, I pre-ordered a Note 4 prior to release and had to setup service and cancel within 30 days which was a bit of pain.
I am looking for a simpler retail channel.
:fingers-crossed:
Right there with ya, would love to find out.
Carriers in the US are finding new ways to keep users from unlocking phones and moving to other carriers. These new monthly installments and required post paid plans are one of those ways. Best bet would be hoping for third-party unlocking services to work with t-mobile's version soon after launch.
Flame Red said:
Assuming that TMOB does not lock the bootloader so that the S7 variants can be rooted and custom roms eventually installed, what is the best way for a non-TMOB customer to outright purchase a TMOB variant of the S7 so that it could be unlocked and used on another carrier, like T, that locks their bootloader?
I am going to assume here that TMOB will use the same TMOB Remote Device Unlock App that requires the IMEI to be in their DB and registered. Looking at the TMOB pre-paid site, the phones available seem not to be very modern so I would guess S7 will not appear there for many years.
Is it as simple as going to a TMOB store and doing an outright purchase without a plan?
Last time, I pre-ordered a Note 4 prior to release and had to setup service and cancel within 30 days which was a bit of pain.
I am looking for a simpler retail channel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat, but I don't believe a simpler retail channel exists. Each release since the S6 has been locked down with the TMOB app and even direct customers have a hard time unlocking within the first 21 days. Threads on XDA discussing carrier unlock reach hundreds of posts - never seems to be an answer other than buy the device outright and request an unlock code after 30days. =/
Found this place that is supposed to be able to unlock TMOB's crapulance. I have not idea if they really can do it though.
http://www.androidsimunlock.com/phone-unlocking-service/tmobile-device-unlock-app-official-unlock/
unlockbase.com also advertises they can too, but when I emailed them specifically about the S7 they said they were not sure.
I'm wondering whether there will be an unlocked 64gb (or hopefully 128gb!) variant that could accept a TMo stock-based ROM & utilize WiFi calling & all TMo LTE bands.
I'm glad this thread was started, I'm looking to buy the tmobile s7 outright and was trying to figure out how I was gonna unlock it.
My tmobile s5 had an unlocked bootloader, I'm hoping for the same with the s7... Anyone know if the tmobile s6 came with unlocked bootloader?
Hey guys im going to be pre-ordering tomorrow and want to know your thoughts on which carrier variant to go with. I have AT&T where I live but I have heard that tmobiles phone are usually easier to get bootloader unlocked, or they come pre unlock. Which one do you think is a better choice?
I'm sure the tmobile one will have all. The band's requires for att.. Or at least the main ones. If you're looking at modding, go the tmobile route. But Idk how easy it will be to get the tmobile one and have them unlock it for you. I went through hell with my s6 edge and getting them to unlock it
Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
I am debating the same thing. Last time I got a TMOB, and paid for a 3rd party unlock which took a week. Then canceled the TMOB service before the 30 days were up.
TMOB won't unlock phones until they are on plan after two payment cycles and the phone is fully paid off.
Now TMOB unlocks via app and I understand there is a 3rd party vendor that might be able to get them unlocked, but might be troublesome. I asked my sister who is a TMOB customer if she could just outright buy the phone for me but she said under her plan they require her to surrender her old phone so I have to put it on their stupid plan.
Not sure if you can get the phone via MetroPCS as a pre-paid plan and avoid this nonsense but it seems their phone choices are severely limited.
Definitely looking for a better way to get an unlocked bootloader.
I'm in the same boat. Have an AT&T S4 and finally looking to upgrade but after the hell AT&T gave with the S4 locked bootloader I think T-mobile is the way to go. Just hope unlocking it for AT&T will be a straight forward process.
The guy that unlocked an S6 for me emailed me back that he was not sure yet if he could unlock a TMOB S7.
I believe AT&T has more bands than T-Mobile.
Will get the AT&T model as will use with prepaid carriers and AT&T supports most T-Mobile bands. T-Mobile does not support all AT&T bands.
Nextstep said:
I believe AT&T has more bands than T-Mobile.
Will get the AT&T model as will use with prepaid carriers and AT&T supports most T-Mobile bands. T-Mobile does not support all AT&T bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only bands that are missing from the 930T (t-mobile version) versus the 930A (AT&T) are bands 29 and 30 which don't appear to be used in the US at all. I found the bands on the product pages on both sites. You are better off getting the t-mobile one and hope for an unlocked bootloader. AT&T will be locked down for sure.
zcubed said:
The only bands that are missing from the 930T (t-mobile version) versus the 930A (AT&T) are bands 29 and 30 which don't appear to be used in the US at all. I found the bands on the product pages on both sites. You are better off getting the t-mobile one and hope for an unlocked bootloader. AT&T will be locked down for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news, thanks for checking.
What I'm currently debating is preordering the AT&T S7 from Best Buy to get in on the VR and MicroSD, then just selling once an unlocked T-Mobile variant becomes available No other way to preorder a 930T without an account right?
The TMOB preorder is up. You need to subscribe to a plan to order it. It does not let you pre-order it on a post paid or prepaid plan.
I am really hesitant to preorder it since TMOB sucks and won't unlock until after 2 billing cycles. And you have to unlock it using their app verses typing in a code provided by a 3rd party unlocker after you turn the phone on when a non-TMOB sim is inserted.
Guess I'll have to wait until some unlocked ones appear on Swappa or Fleabay. Hate doing that as I was just burned with a phone that that eventually popped up with a blacklisted IMEI.
Like Flame Red said, there's no way to get the T-Mobile one without signing up for a plan but you also get a year of Netflix with the t-mobile one that's worth WAY more than the microSD from Best Buy. You can cancel the plan immediately though and hope for a third party unlocking service to unlock the phone for a fee.
---------- Post added at 10:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 AM ----------
Bands detail links:
https://support.t-mobile.com/community/phones-tablets-devices/android/samsung_galaxy_s_7#id_1299991
https://www.att.com/cellphones/samsung/galaxy-s7.html#sku=sku7840239 (Click Details)
Is there a place to order the 930F Global version? Will that have all the bands required for ATT & TMO?
Are there any Galaxy S7 that will support CDMA and GSM.
I looking to go prepaid route and Sprint prepaid MVNO and T-Mobile prepaid MVNO with maybe some AT&T prepaid.
Any assistance greatly appreciated.
According to this thread, the underlying hardware is the same for all S7 variants and the bands are turned on/off via the radio files. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/finally-single-hardware-variant-carriers-t3308040
Should be interesting if I decide to get a t-mobile S7 and possibly being able to "turn on" the extra bands at a later date.
Looks like it doesn't matter which one you get anymore: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cert...the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809
The S7 should "lock" to the first carrier's sim you insert. Would love confirmation of this if someone gets the T-Mobile one and puts in an AT&T sim.
Will see, hoping some users will get the phone soon, and confirm before I purchase.
clove.co.uk is now showing pre-orders for the unlocked international s7 (and edge). Interestingly enough, they're showing it having the SD820 whereas I thought EU was getting the Exynos!?
zcubed said:
Looks like it doesn't matter which one you get anymore: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cert...the-carrier-of-the-first-SIM-inserted_id78809
The S7 should "lock" to the first carrier's sim you insert. Would love confirmation of this if someone gets the T-Mobile one and puts in an AT&T sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So technically speaking, no matter what version ill get it will be locked to att after I put in that sim card?
I wonder if that means the bootloaders will be the same on all the models, since they are all the same except for the radio differences?
Neither for me. International versions only
As far as unlocking goes, I've been in that scene for about 6 months. If it's an app unlock, no biggie, it'll just cost about $30 more than without the app unlock. You should expect to pay about $20-50 for the unlock once the phone comes out. No sweat!
The big difference between att and tmobile is not the sim lock, but the fact that att phones come with locked bootloaders thereby severely limiting their attractiveness to the mod community.
In a dilemma and hoping to get the answer from like minded and knowledgeable folks.
So I am trading in my S10+ for the Note 10+. Samsung is offering $600 off when trading the S10+ for an unlocked Note 10+ or $450 for a T-Mobile locked Note 10+. This is on top off the $200 they are giving for accessories. Obviously the $600 discount is pretty attractive.
Since I've never purchased an unlocked phone and used it on T-Mobile, what I would like to know from you guys is if there is a difference between Samsung unlocked vs. T-Mobile locked phones. I'm asking because I know Samsung has unified the hardware and software on all of the flagship devices for a couple of years now on all carriers. so truly what will I be really missing if I bought an unlocked Note 10 and use a T-Mobile SIM card on it?
Appreciate the help everyone.
I have the unlocked note9 on T-Mobile. I haven't noticed anything missing. The only downside is that the unlocked variants get software updates last.
DesperateScorpion said:
In a dilemma and hoping to get the answer from like minded and knowledgeable folks.
So I am trading in my S10+ for the Note 10+. Samsung is offering $600 off when trading the S10+ for an unlocked Note 10+ or $450 for a T-Mobile locked Note 10+. This is on top off the $200 they are giving for accessories. Obviously the $600 discount is pretty attractive.
Since I've never purchased an unlocked phone and used it on T-Mobile, what I would like to know from you guys is if there is a difference between Samsung unlocked vs. T-Mobile locked phones. I'm asking because I know Samsung has unified the hardware and software on all of the flagship devices for a couple of years now on all carriers. so truly what will I be really missing if I bought an unlocked Note 10 and use a T-Mobile SIM card on it?
Appreciate the help everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only difference is the update speeds, unlocked is usually last. I have an unlocked Samsung on T-mobile with no problems at all. All the T-mobile apps are on the play store so you can just download the ones you want. Don't sweat it, get that bigger discount.
TMO:
- Carrier apps
- Video Calling
- RCS
UNL:
- Hiya
- All Bands from U version + VoLTE + Vowifi on TMO
- Facebook suite
- Regular boot screen
- Last for updates (usually)
- No SIM lock
I used a U1 N8 and S10+ on T-Mobile in the past. Nothing of note is lost when unlocked models are used on T-Mobile. On others carrier you may lose VoLTE or Vowifi.
Edit
I must've been drinking the night I posted this.
So when you order the unlocked version from the us do you still get the snapdragon version or exynos?
blaksmyth said:
The only difference is the update speeds, unlocked is usually last. I have an unlocked Samsung on T-mobile with no problems at all. All the T-mobile apps are on the play store so you can just download the ones you want. Don't sweat it, get that bigger discount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you get RCS and video calling?Different people say different things when it comes to unlocked phones on Tmobile as to what they get to work vs Tmobile variant
datnikajay said:
So when you order the unlocked version from the us do you still get the snapdragon version or exynos?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The us sold unlocked versions are snap dragons and you can flash any firmware you please from a carrier if you're so inclined.
jackdforme said:
The us sold unlocked versions are snap dragons and you can flash any firmware you please from a carrier if you're so inclined.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Jack I guess I'll have to wait want to order the note 10+ but I need the exynos version ?
So what is the definitive answer as to what works and doesn't work with the unlocked version?
antawnm26 said:
So what is the definitive answer as to what works and doesn't work with the unlocked version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much nothing to worry about nowadays. In the past you'd have to make sure you got the correct Bands for whichever carrier you were using but now theyre all the same. Just know that with an Unlocked version youll get slower updates but there are ways around that as well.
blaksmyth said:
The only difference is the update speeds, unlocked is usually last. I have an unlocked Samsung on T-mobile with no problems at all. All the T-mobile apps are on the play store so you can just download the ones you want. Don't sweat it, get that bigger discount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cosmo100292 said:
Pretty much nothing to worry about nowadays. In the past you'd have to make sure you got the correct Bands for whichever carrier you were using but now theyre all the same. Just know that with an Unlocked version youll get slower updates but there are ways around that as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying that wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling/visual voice mail works with unlocked version?
---------- Post added at 04:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------
djbutter said:
I have the unlocked note9 on T-Mobile. I haven't noticed anything missing. The only downside is that the unlocked variants get software updates last.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your wifi calling video calling RCS and visual voice mail is working?
antawnm26 said:
So your saying that wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling/visual voice mail works with unlocked version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi calling works fine, video calling works fine, i use Google duo and messenger, visual voicemail works. Rcs is the only thing that I am unsure of.
antawnm26 said:
So your saying that wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling/visual voice mail works with unlocked version?
---------- Post added at 04:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------
So your wifi calling video calling RCS and visual voice mail is working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is taking over RCS shortly so you should be set!
DesperateScorpion said:
In a dilemma and hoping to get the answer from like minded and knowledgeable folks.
So I am trading in my S10+ for the Note 10+. Samsung is offering $600 off when trading the S10+ for an unlocked Note 10+ or $450 for a T-Mobile locked Note 10+. This is on top off the $200 they are giving for accessories. Obviously the $600 discount is pretty attractive.
Since I've never purchased an unlocked phone and used it on T-Mobile, what I would like to know from you guys is if there is a difference between Samsung unlocked vs. T-Mobile locked phones. I'm asking because I know Samsung has unified the hardware and software on all of the flagship devices for a couple of years now on all carriers. so truly what will I be really missing if I bought an unlocked Note 10 and use a T-Mobile SIM card on it?
Appreciate the help everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Initially I wanted to order T-Mobile variant of Note10(thought I won't have to flash the firmware), but I saw that the trade in offer is lower than for unlocked model. So I pre-ordered an Unlocked Note10 because of $600 for my S10e. I guess flashing firmware is unavoidable, same as was with S10e and others before it.
Regular person won't see any issues using unlocked model on T-Mobile. If you need T-Mobile's feature, then flashing T-Mobile firmware will give you: Video Calling, Advanced Messaging, will show 4G LTE(instead of just LTE/LTE+), T-Mobile boot logo and some T-Mo apps. You can always go back to XAA firmware
djbutter said:
I have the unlocked note9 on T-Mobile. I haven't noticed anything missing. The only downside is that the unlocked variants get software updates last.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Charkatak said:
Initially I wanted to order T-Mobile variant of Note10(thought I won't have to flash the firmware), but I saw that the trade in offer is lower than for unlocked model. So I pre-ordered an Unlocked Note10 because of $600 for my S10e. I guess flashing firmware is unavoidable, same as was with S10e and others before it.
Regular person won't see any issues using unlocked model on T-Mobile. If you need T-Mobile's feature, then flashing T-Mobile firmware will give you: Video Calling, Advanced Messaging, will show 4G LTE(instead of just LTE/LTE+), T-Mobile boot logo and some T-Mo apps. You can always go back to XAA firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
something i was thinking the $600 for the unlocked version.. Im still uncertain though because different people say different things as to what they can get to work with Tmobile with the unlocked version, but I think i will get the unlocked one hopefully Google get their stuff together with RCS and just take control...
antawnm26 said:
something i was thinking the $600 for the unlocked version.. Im still uncertain though because different people say different things as to what they can get to work with Tmobile with the unlocked version, but I think i will get the unlocked one hopefully Google get stuff together with RCS and just take control...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I listed what functions on unlocked variants. Nothing changed with the N10 in terms of TMobile compatibility. Like the S10s and most unlocked phones, carrier features aren't present.
Firmware conversion can bring them back as others mentioned.
Ace42 said:
I listed what functions on unlocked variants. Nothing changed with the N10 in terms of TMobile compatibility. Like the S10s and most unlocked phones, carrier features aren't present.
Firmware conversion can bring them back as others mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
must of missed it i will go back and check thread
antawnm26 said:
must of missed it i will go back and check thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the phone, TMobile is fine on the unlocked model.
antawnm26 said:
something i was thinking the $600 for the unlocked version.. Im still uncertain though because different people say different things as to what they can get to work with Tmobile with the unlocked version, but I think i will get the unlocked one hopefully Google get their stuff together with RCS and just take control...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I have wrote in my previous message is 100% correct and I have noticed that some other people wrote similar stuff. Basically even if you won't flash your unlocked Note 10 phone, you won't have any issues or any incompatibility using the phone on T-Mobile. I am with T-Mobile since 2003 and have seen more than enough phones to know for sure. If not buying T-Mobile branded phone would pose any issues or problems, believe me I would certainly get T-Mobile version
I most likely will flash Note 10 if I would have the urge to have some of aforementioned T-Mo features(I do usually flash though)
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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
Skickat från min SM-N986B via Tapatalk
Hey all,
I'm looking at getting an Exynos or an HK version of the S22 series. I saw none of the other versions besides the U supports bands 29 and 30 that AT&T uses. Since they seem to be the more minor bands, how much does it matter and how much does the lack of those bands impact service? And does AT&T ban those S22 versions from their 5G networks?
I'm starting to get tired of OP, but I want something I can tinker without having to deal with AT&T's Sammy versions.
Thanks!
AT&T won't support the international models on their network or so various users have said in other posts. You end up locked out. T-Mobile doesn't do this but the long range 5G and LTE band 71 is missing from the international versions which would mean no coverage in any areas using band 71. Either way you are screwed on AT&T and T-Mobile. Don't have any info on Verizon. Best suggestion is. (Don't Do It)
Paul_Deemer said:
AT&T won't support the international models on their network or so various users have said in other posts. You end up locked out. T-Mobile doesn't do this but the long range 5G and LTE band 71 is missing from the international versions which would mean no coverage in any areas using band 71. Either way you are screwed on AT&T and T-Mobile. Don't have any info on Verizon. Best suggestion is. (Don't Do It)
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Crap. Guess my only option would be getting an AT&T version and using a paid service to unlock the BL and SIM.
We already tried T-Mobile last year and had a really bad experience with service and network quality, so they're out.
Thanks for the info!
You might want to rethink the Exynos version and look at one of the SD versions that can be rooted.
I am afraid you will not be able to get the bootloader unlocked (I may be wrong there). Rooting is not possible on the US or Canadian S22. I just switched to TMO this year and so far have had no issues. I use their 5G home internet too.
dalepl said:
You might want to rethink the Exynos version and look at one of the SD versions that can be rooted.
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So is that the Hong Kong and Korea versions? Again brings up the question of if bands 29 and 30 missing impacts service and if so, how much.
If I get an AT&T BL unlocked with a paid service, can I root using the method listed in another thread?
Superguy said:
Crap. Guess my only option would be getting an AT&T version and using a paid service to unlock the BL and SIM.
We already tried T-Mobile last year and had a really bad experience with service and network quality, so they're out.
Thanks for the info!
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I don't see the S22 series in the list yet. So might wanna further research that.
PSA: Unlock Bootloader on Snapdragon Galaxy Devices with SamPWND (Paid Service)
SamPWND is a paid remote service that allows you to unlock the bootloader on Snapdragon Samsung Galaxy devices sold in the USA and Canada.
www.thecustomdroid.com
There are many posts on here attesting to the fact that the US models of the S22 cannot be rooted. The BL cannot be unlocked, so no root.
May I ask what you are trying to achieve with root? Do you have something in mind or do you just want a custom ROM. There are other issues with rooting the phone. Main one is loss of Knox. This will stop the Samsung apps from working. So there is a trade-off no matter what.
dalepl said:
May I ask what you are trying to achieve with root? Do you have something in mind or do you just want a custom ROM. There are other issues with rooting the phone. Main one is loss of Knox. This will stop the Samsung apps from working. So there is a trade-off no matter what.
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There are magisk mods I run on my phone as well as some Xposed mods.
Not terribly concerned about Samsung apps. I haven't had a Samsung phone in years. Last one I had was an S8 and I only got that thru insurance when I lost my OP6.
Understand. Just wanted to let you know that things like Samsung Pay and Health Monitoring will no longer work and this can not be fixed if you change your mind. I did read that AT&T will ban any international phone from their network, so you do not want to go that way if you intend on staying with them. I think there was talk about the Korean model being SD and was missing band 71 (I think). There is no full solution out there unless a way comes along to unlock the BL.
dalepl said:
Understand. Just wanted to let you know that things like Samsung Pay and Health Monitoring will no longer work and this can not be fixed if you change your mind. I did read that AT&T will ban any international phone from their network, so you do not want to go that way if you intend on staying with them. I think there was talk about the Korean model being SD and was missing band 71 (I think). There is no full solution out there unless a way comes along to unlock the BL.
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AT&T doesn't use 71, so not a big deal. T-Mo did.
We tried T-Mo in the summer and had a horrible experience. We went running back to AT&T after 3 months.
When you say banned, are you talking about just the 5G or the entire network? I'm already blocked from 5G with my OP phones. I can't say I miss it as I wasn't impressed with it on T-Mo, and LTE does what I need it to do. Outright banning seems like a stupid thing to do, especially as a lot of foreign travelers could very well end up using AT&T while they're here. But then again, it IS AT&T ...
From what I read, AT&T will ban your IEMI if it is an international phone so it will not work on their network. They are the only ones that do this as far as I know.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...lash-official-firmware-noob-friendly.4404283/
Check this out. Long read through all the posts, but may be able to answer your questions. There are other discussions on the US models and international models, so just look around.
You ain't gonna win with the U.S. Carriers. They absolutely don't want you rooting your phone on their networks. Why do you think all U.S. models have unlockable bootloader's when shipped from Samsung? Because they demand it. They also know you will try to get around it and when you do they will screw you by banning your device. If you gotta have a rooted phone move to another country lol.