Carrier unlocked when ordered from Samsung? - Samsung Galaxy S8+ Questions & Answers

Will the s8 plus be carrier unlocked if I order it from Samsung? I don't really want to be trapped to one carrier.

bagged00 said:
Will the s8 plus be carrier unlocked if I order it from Samsung? I don't really want to be trapped to one carrier.
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They make you select a carrier before checkout. The carrier unlocked version will be released in a month.

Just pick Verizon and it will be unlocked for sure day one

Ok cool that's what I was wondering. I know it's that way with my iPhone 7 I didn't know if it'd be the same for android

The simple way is to order from B&H... It's the unlocked international model SM-955F.... $840 + local tax

While that would be nice I'll be using the Samsung financing

I have ordered form very.co.uk (catalogue company) fully unlocked no carrier selection needed

mattcall said:
I have ordered form very.co.uk (catalogue company) fully unlocked no carrier selection needed
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That sounds awesome! Plus you escape the snapdragon curse

johnwayne27 said:
That sounds awesome! Plus you escape the snapdragon curse
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Click to collapse
Never had a snapdragon variant being in the uk but heard a few bad reviews

TechBSwift said:
Just pick Verizon and it will be unlocked for sure day one
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But are we sure that the hardware is the same for all US models and it is as simple as flashing the appropriate firmware to get them working on other carriers?
Also, if you buy the Verizon model, it will never work on Sprint since Sprint won't whitelist it.
bagged00 said:
Will the s8 plus be carrier unlocked if I order it from Samsung? I don't really want to be trapped to one carrier.
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Click to collapse
If you are on Sprint and you buy any other model but Sprint's model, it will not work on Sprint because Sprint won't whitelist it.
If you buy Verizon's model, it will be unlocked out of the box and if it is like the S7/7E, you can flash the GSM carrier's firmware to it and use it on the GSM carriers. But it will never work on Sprint for the reasons I stated.
bagged00 said:
Ok cool that's what I was wondering. I know it's that way with my iPhone 7 I didn't know if it'd be the same for android
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Click to collapse
It's not the same at all. With the iPhone 7, it has the firmware to run on all 4 networks. That has never been true of the Samsung androids. They only have the firmware to run on the particular carrier they are branded for.
Although the Verizon S7/7E is SIM unlocked, it won't work properly on the GSM carriers without flashing the firmware for the GSM carriers. We won't know whether you can do that for the S8/8+ until they are released. However, the Verizon model will never work on Sprint because Sprint will not whitelist the Verizon model. In contrast, Sprint will whitelist the Verizon iPhones since they have the firmware to run on all 4 carriers.
It's totally different with iPhones than with Androids.

Thanks for.clearing.everything up. I have verizon so I will be getting a verizon phone. Just wasnt sure if I would be able to switch carriers in the future

dilgit said:
The simple way is to order from B&H... It's the unlocked international model SM-955F.... $840 + local tax
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when is it going to available though??

can i buy an unlock phone in the USA and bring it back to canada and run it on a telus netwrk?

Related

[Q] Unlock Nexus 5 Sprint

Hi all, I would like to know if it is possible to unlock the phone that is locked to Sprint. Would flashing the stock firmware do the trick?
Thanks.
It won't be locked on Sprint. It's the exact same phone that's being sold in the Play Store.
Jocelyn said:
It won't be locked on Sprint. It's the exact same phone that's being sold in the Play Store.
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Click to collapse
BestBuy is selling the Sprint Nexus 5 off contract, but Sprint is CDMA right? I am an international user and here we only have GSM, so that phone would not be an option for me?
edumetz16 said:
BestBuy is selling the Sprint Nexus 5 off contract, but Sprint is CDMA right? I am an international user and here we only have GSM, so that phone would not be an option for me?
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Click to collapse
You are correct about the international part, but the flavor Sprint is selling is CDMA & GSM and works on AT&T, T-Mobile (both GSM carriers) as well as Sprint and other mnvos.
Jocelyn said:
You are correct about the international part, but the flavor Sprint is selling is CDMA & GSM and works on AT&T, T-Mobile (both GSM carriers) as well as Sprint and other mnvos.
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Hi, thank you verry much for your reply. So this phone should work with any GSM carrier or only US GSM carriers? And it should not need unlocking? I'm tinking about buying one but I'd like to be 100% sure that it will work here.
Thanks.
edumetz16 said:
Hi, thank you verry much for your reply. So this phone should work with any GSM carrier or only US GSM carriers? And it should not need unlocking? I'm tinking about buying one but I'd like to be 100% sure that it will work here.
Thanks.
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No unlocking, but only us GSM carriers as far as I'm aware. Maybe Canada, but not sure.
Jocelyn said:
No unlocking, but only us GSM carriers as far as I'm aware. Maybe Canada, but not sure.
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Click to collapse
If I understand correctly, according to this table it should work correctly, I am from Argentina, and both carriers listed seem to have Voice, Text and 3G.
w w w.sprint.com/popups/pop-gprsCarriers.html
I use spaces because links are not allowed for me
edumetz16 said:
If I understand correctly, according to this table it should work correctly, I am from Argentina, and both carriers listed seem to have Voice, Text and 3G.
w w w.sprint.com/popups/pop-gprsCarriers.html
I use spaces because links are not allowed for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea. North America gets D820, while the rest of the world gets D821. Go compare their bands somewhere like gsmarena.
The Nexus 5 will work on any GSM carrier for voice and 3G, no issues there. Only issue will be LTE (4G). U.S version (D820) has different LTE radio versus Euro (rest of the world version (D821). If you don't care about LTE, then you're fine and good to go with any GSM carrier in your native Argentina.
I have been told that the Nexus 5 sold in BestBuy is CDMA only. What is it, I'm not sure if the guy from BestBuy I talked to was correct about this information. Thanks
edumetz16 said:
I have been told that the Nexus 5 sold in BestBuy is CDMA only. What is it, I'm not sure if the guy from BestBuy I talked to was correct about this information. Thanks
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Click to collapse
They were incorrect.
Here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=46287885
edumetz16 said:
I have been told that the Nexus 5 sold in BestBuy is CDMA only. What is it, I'm not sure if the guy from BestBuy I talked to was correct about this information. Thanks
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Pretty sure this was answered above.
Beware - Sprint has never sold a phone which was totally SIM-unlocked. Until there is confirmation that someone bought the Sprint sold/marketed phone and put in a US SIM card that worked, I would not take the chance that the phone is unlocked.
ronwi2 said:
Beware - Sprint has never sold a phone which was totally SIM-unlocked. Until there is confirmation that someone bought the Sprint sold/marketed phone and put in a US SIM card that worked, I would not take the chance that the phone is unlocked.
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I called 3 local best buys, checking on getting a Nex5 in hand as opposed to waiting on one from google. I asked each wireless-dept worker if I can buy the Nexus 5 for the full off-contract price and then go use it at t-mobile, I further then let them know I want to buy the Nexus 5 "unlocked" so I could use it on whatever carrier I choose.
All 3 people say no-go, must use on sprint.
Sooo - uneducated sales people? or is sprint locking the Nex5 before they send it to best buy? I took no chance and bought from play store.
Tomeygun said:
I called 3 local best buys, checking on getting a Nex5 in hand as opposed to waiting on one from google. I asked each wireless-dept worker if I can buy the Nexus 5 for the full off-contract price and then go use it at t-mobile, I further then let them know I want to buy the Nexus 5 "unlocked" so I could use it on whatever carrier I choose.
All 3 people say no-go, must use on sprint.
Sooo - uneducated sales people? or is sprint locking the Nex5 before they send it to best buy? I took no chance and bought from play store.
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You cannot believe anything the Droids at BestBuy tell you. They want you to activate the phone on Sprint so BB can collect the commission. Why would you buy the N5 at BB anyway? You like paying an extra $150 vs the Play Store?
illek46 said:
You cannot believe anything the Droids at BestBuy tell you. They want you to activate the phone on Sprint so BB can collect the commission. Why would you buy the N5 at BB anyway? You like paying an extra $150 vs the Play Store?
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its actually only $100... and deduct off $15 for shipping from google... and that I had $50 in best buy rewards from buying a dishwasher... I figured $35 to have it in my hand on the 8th would be cool. But in the end just ordered from play store and will have to wait 2-3 weeks.
edumetz16 said:
If I understand correctly, according to this table it should work correctly, I am from Argentina, and both carriers listed seem to have Voice, Text and 3G.
w w w.sprint.com/popups/pop-gprsCarriers.html
I use spaces because links are not allowed for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok heres the kicker the Spectrum is the real issue here. LTE bands are split on the 2 versions of Nexus 5's (NA (north America) and RoW (rest of World))
http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/nexus/Q4A1X1oAOSs
compare those lte bands to this link to see what lte bands your service uses.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
Thank If I helped

How to unlock a carrier locked phone

I would like to buy a carrier locked phone in the USA.
I do not live in the USA so my question is, can I take this phone home and then flash a new ROM on it?
Would that take care of the lock?
Thanks!
ronr34 said:
I would like to buy a carrier locked phone in the USA.
I do not live in the USA so my question is, can I take this phone home and then flash a new ROM on it?
Would that take care of the lock?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also,
When buying a no-contract phone, is it still locked?
Can I do the same to unlock this phone?
It depends on the phone and the carrier.
Planterz said:
It depends on the phone and the carrier.
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I'm looking for a good new phone.
QuadCore and 5.0" and bigger.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
A specific model that this would work for?
ronr34 said:
I would like to buy a carrier locked phone in the USA.
I do not live in the USA so my question is, can I take this phone home and then flash a new ROM on it?
Would that take care of the lock?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi There,
Well Unlocking the Bootloader of your device Unlocks it to any Carrier.
If you want to know how to do that tell me which device you are using.
If Helped In Any Way Click THANKS.
DevRakeeß said:
Hi There,
Well Unlocking the Bootloader of your device Unlocks it to any Carrier.
If you want to know how to do that tell me which device you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier unlocking and bootloader unlocking are completely unrelated things.
ronr34 said:
I'm looking for a good new phone.
QuadCore and 5.0" and bigger.
Does anyone have any experience with this?
A specific model that this would work for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, it depends on the phone and the carrier. Verizon phones are internationally unlocked out of the box. Which means if you buy it and try to use it in the US without unlocking it, it won't let you, but if you take it outside the USA, it's GSM unlocked. AT&T and T-Mobile phones can be unlocked and used globally too, but both require that they've been used with their service for a time. 40 days with T-Mobile, and with AT&T it has to be coming from an active or a prior account.
With AT&T and T-Mobile, you can purchase (through eBay or websites) unlock codes, which run like $30-40 for a flagship phone. Alternatively, you can buy new unlocked phones off eBay that once locked to a network, but the reseller bought the phone new, opened the box, unlocked the phone, then sells it. Or you can buy a used phone that has already been unlocked.
Don't buy a Sprint phone, it won't work.
IMO your best bet is to buy a Verizon "world phone", or buy a factory unlocked "international" version.
LTE bands are another matter. If you want LTE where you'll be taking it (assuming it's available), you might be best off with a Nexus 4 or 5, or a recent Sony Xperia Z - class model, as these have numerous LTE band compatibility.
Planterz said:
Carrier unlocking and bootloader unlocking are completely unrelated things.
Again, it depends on the phone and the carrier. Verizon phones are internationally unlocked out of the box. Which means if you buy it and try to use it in the US without unlocking it, it won't let you, but if you take it outside the USA, it's GSM unlocked. AT&T and T-Mobile phones can be unlocked and used globally too, but both require that they've been used with their service for a time. 40 days with T-Mobile, and with AT&T it has to be coming from an active or a prior account.
With AT&T and T-Mobile, you can purchase (through eBay or websites) unlock codes, which run like $30-40 for a flagship phone. Alternatively, you can buy new unlocked phones off eBay that once locked to a network, but the reseller bought the phone new, opened the box, unlocked the phone, then sells it. Or you can buy a used phone that has already been unlocked.
Don't buy a Sprint phone, it won't work.
IMO your best bet is to buy a Verizon "world phone", or buy a factory unlocked "international" version.
LTE bands are another matter. If you want LTE where you'll be taking it (assuming it's available), you might be best off with a Nexus 4 or 5, or a recent Sony Xperia Z - class model, as these have numerous LTE band compatibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, but my question was how to bypass the locks on the phone.
I know I can buy it unlocked but it's way more expensive.
I thought that the lock was software related and not hardware so that burning a new ROM would fix this.
Is that the case?
ronr34 said:
I thought that the lock was software related and not hardware so that burning a new ROM would fix this.
Is that the case?
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Click to collapse
It is not the case. Carrier lock/unlock is in a different part of the device's firmware.
Planterz said:
It is not the case. Carrier lock/unlock is in a different part of the device's firmware.
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Click to collapse
So does that mean that a new ROM flash will not solve this?
ronr34 said:
So does that mean that a new ROM flash will not solve this?
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Click to collapse
How many times do I have to say the same thing?
Flashing a different ROM, be it from another carrier, or a custom ROM, does not give you the ability to carrier unlock a device.

AT&T or T-Mobile for unlocked S8+ ?

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.
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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....
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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:

955U at Tmobile store.

So I went to a Tmobile store and looked at the Galaxy s8+ and noticed the model was 955U not 955T
It was of course their demo unit which was strapped (tethered) to the desk which makes it impossible to feel properly in the hand... But whatever.
Curious if only the demo model was a U variant or what? I never payed attention to other models before now?
The U variant of other Samsung models, do they have Locked bootloaders? Is it only the F variant that is unlocked (bootloader)
Sent from my Rooted Galaxy S7 EDGE on Android 7.0 Nougat, here's the instructions how to do it!
The SM-G955U is suppose to be the Unlock variant of the S8+, which make it super interesting, Hope this comes with unlock bootloader
Araltd said:
So I went to a Tmobile store and looked at the Galaxy s8+ and noticed the model was 955U not 955T
It was of course their demo unit which was strapped (tethered) to the desk which makes it impossible to feel properly in the hand... But whatever.
Curious if only the demo model was a U variant or what? I never payed attention to other models before now?
The U variant of other Samsung models, do they have Locked bootloaders? Is it only the F variant that is unlocked (bootloader)
Sent from my Rooted Galaxy S7 EDGE on Android 7.0 Nougat, here's the instructions how to do it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All snapdragon s7 edge have locked bootloader including the g935u so I'm assuming the same thing with the s8 hope this helps (unless someone finds a way to root s8)
[email protected] said:
All snapdragon s7 edge have locked bootloader including the g935u so I'm assuming the same thing with the s8 hope this helps (unless someone finds a way to root s8)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With the S8 and S8+ they are using single SKU..Verizon, At&t and T-Mobile will be the same model number. Screenshot of my S8 recovery screen.
According to Samsung.com and the phones full specs they are each different
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=71771523
You guys think flashing another carriers firmware unlocks the missing bands?
None of the U's are bootloader unlocked. They are just network unlocked. At least starting with the S7 in my experience. Its a hopeful thought though. I hope I am wrong
johnwayne27 said:
None of the U's are bootloader unlocked. They are just network unlocked. At least starting with the S7 in my experience. Its a hopeful thought though. I hope I am wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly, if purchased through the carrier, they will be sim locked
bossg4 said:
Sadly, if purchased through the carrier, they will be sim locked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is absolutely right. Only exception being TMO will work with a prepaid MetroPCS sim and ATT with work with a Cricket sim.
That's really interesting. So I purchased a T-mobile model directly from Samsung.com (paid in full), will I possibly be able to use it on At&t?
J4B3 said:
That's really interesting. So I purchased a T-mobile model directly from Samsung.com (paid in full), will I possibly be able to use it on At&t?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I read I'm not sure how long it will take to have T-Mobile officially unlock it. They have an app for that but they have several different criteria as far as being a current customer or a prepaid versus postpaid customer. Ive never unlocked a T-mobile phone with the app or a third party unlocking service so maybe someone with examples could chime in. It does seem AT&T has an easier online unlocking method for current and non customers to simply fill out a form.
And the U models are slow with updates
Sent from my SM-G935T using XDA-Developers Legacy app
954wrecker said:
According to Samsung.com and the phones full specs they are each different
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=71771523
You guys think flashing another carriers firmware unlocks the missing bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bossg4 said:
Sadly, if purchased through the carrier, they will be sim locked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vz is unlocked. All Vz phones are.
suzook said:
Vz is unlocked. All Vz phones are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doh! That is true. May be best to buy verizon if you want it unlocked from day one
bossg4 said:
Doh! That is true. May be best to buy verizon if you want it unlocked from day one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But it's missing a few T-Mobile and AT&T bands
954wrecker said:
But it's missing a few T-Mobile and AT&T bands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh God! Would you stop with this nonsense? It has all bands.
suzook said:
Oh God! Would you stop with this nonsense? It has all bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be mad at me that both Verizon and Samsung and each carrier list different bands. I hate them all F these companies trying to screw us all with misinformation.
954wrecker said:
Don't be mad at me that both Verizon and Samsung and each carrier list different bands. I hate them all F these companies trying to screw us all with misinformation.
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Click to collapse
It's SW related, I keep telling you this.
suzook said:
It's SW related, I keep telling you this.
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Click to collapse
I asked for some proof and you provided zero. I have to trust the carriers and the company that makes the phones. I didn't make the carriers all list a ton of random bands nobody needs and leave off the few we need in this country. I hate the carriers amd samsung trust me I want you to be right.
954wrecker said:
I asked for some proof and you provided zero. I have to trust the carriers and the company that makes the phones. I didn't make the carriers all list a ton of random bands nobody needs and leave off the few we need in this country. I hate the carriers amd samsung trust me I want you to be right.
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Click to collapse
Stop with the drama. Note 7, and galaxy S7 are the same.
suzook said:
Stop with the drama. Note 7, and galaxy S7 are the same.
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Click to collapse
I like how the facts I researched are drama and the speculation you spread are facts? Yet still not one link for proof of anything you keep claiming?

Unlocked vs. TMobile for pre-order

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.
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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?
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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)

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