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Differences between Australian, International and Dual Sim versions?

I'm mulling over upgrading to a Samsung S8+. The problem is that I want the Maple Gold version, but it's only available in the following forms:
* United States - Nope! Because I want the Exonys version because I want to root it.
* Australia - It's even got its own model number, different from all others, SM-G955FZDAXSA. I fear this might mean that the software and/or hardware is somehow inherently different from other International versions of the phone and I'll run into problems rooting it.
* A dual sim version - This can be hit or miss. Some dual sim versions can be rooted and flashed with the same custom roms as the non-dual sim version. Some require specific custom firmware in order to work properly or at all.
So what I want to know is whether or not the Australian version is different from other International (read: Non-U.S.) versions of the S8+ and whether or not the Dual Sim version can be rooted using the same methods and flashed with the same custom firmware as the single-sim version (though it might be too early to know this as of yet).

FallenAngelII said:
I'm mulling over upgrading to a Samsung S8+. The problem is that I want the Maple Gold version, but it's only available in the following forms:
* United States - Nope! Because I want the Exonys version because I want to root it.
* Australia - It's even got its own model number, different from all others, SM-G955FZDAXSA. I fear this might mean that the software and/or hardware is somehow inherently different from other International versions of the phone and I'll run into problems rooting it.
* A dual sim version - This can be hit or miss. Some dual sim versions can be rooted and flashed with the same custom roms as the non-dual sim version. Some require specific custom firmware in order to work properly or at all.
So what I want to know is whether or not the Australian version is different from other International (read: Non-U.S.) versions of the S8+ and whether or not the Dual Sim version can be rooted using the same methods and flashed with the same custom firmware as the single-sim version (though it might be too early to know this as of yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.

murtaza02 said:
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! Thanks so much! I'll order a Maple Gold S8+ sometime later today then!

Thank you murtaza02 for the information. I found a good set of specifications for the GN-955FD here:
http://www.phonemore.com/phone/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus-duos-sm-g955fd/3256
I found the device at a couple of retailers in NZ. I believe there may be errors in the specifications listed on their sites? Neither vendor lists the device as supporting LTE band 30, but I think they have just listed NZ bands. One vendor lists the chipset as Snapdragon. Is this even possible? The specifications at "phonemore" show it as available in blue, but I can't find one of these anywhere.
I wasn't aware that sim 2 only supports up to 2G (no 3G, 4G, or LTE on sim 2). Is this normal for dual sim phones?
there is information out regarding gluing a SIM card on top of an SD card, and using both. Would you happen to know, are people successful with this?
thanks!

XATAGuy said:
Thank you murtaza02 for the information. I found a good set of specifications for the GN-955FD here:
http://www.phonemore.com/phone/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus-duos-sm-g955fd/3256
I found the device at a couple of retailers in NZ. I believe there may be errors in the specifications listed on their sites? Neither vendor lists the device as supporting LTE band 30, but I think they have just listed NZ bands. One vendor lists the chipset as Snapdragon. Is this even possible? The specifications at "phonemore" show it as available in blue, but I can't find one of these anywhere.
I wasn't aware that sim 2 only supports up to 2G (no 3G, 4G, or LTE on sim 2). Is this normal for dual sim phones?
there is information out regarding gluing a SIM card on top of an SD card, and using both. Would you happen to know, are people successful with this?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies for the late reply. Quote me next time so I get a notification for it!
The 955FD only comes in Exynos 8895 and the compatible bands are the same as on the single SIM 955F.
SIM 2 only supports 2G, unfortunately.
As for the gluing SIM on the SDCard, it is not only dangerous because your SIM tray could get jammed or stuck, it has also been patched by Samsung.
People did this on the dual SIM S7 edge, a software update was released that wouldn't allow 2 SIMs and a microSD card to be used at the same time.
So I doubt that it'll work on the S8/S8+.
Sent from my SM-G955F

Hi I have a galaxy S8 from the USA, but I live in the UK. It is a G950U with sprint firmware but unlocked.
I flashed the F950U1 firmware. Now WiFi hotspot is working.
But I can figure out how to setup Samsung pay since it defaults to US.
Is there anything I can do to get out work?

JR5968 said:
Hi I have a galaxy S8 from the USA, but I live in the UK. It is a G950U with sprint firmware but unlocked.
I flashed the F950U1 firmware. Now WiFi hotspot is working.
But I can figure out how to setup Samsung pay since it defaults to US.
Is there anything I can do to get out work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Pay on that model is only meant to work in the US.
Sent from my SM-N950F

Hi thanks for the reply, is it possible to flash a UK firmware to get it work, I know UK has the G950F version and exynos processor, so bit worried if if would be a risk to take. Or is there anything I can do to change the location

JR5968 said:
Hi thanks for the reply, is it possible to flash a UK firmware to get it work, I know UK has the G950F version and exynos processor, so bit worried if if would be a risk to take. Or is there anything I can do to change the location
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash any Exynos firmwares on a Snapdragon device. And there are no UK firmwares available for a 950U.
The best I can suggest is to (if possible) uninstall the Samsung Pay app and framework, and install the ones from APKMirror and see if that works then.
Sent from my SM-N950F

murtaza02 said:
You can't flash any Exynos firmwares on a Snapdragon device. And there are no UK firmwares available for a 950U.
The best I can suggest is to (if possible) uninstall the Samsung Pay app and framework, and install the ones from APKMirror and see if that works then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, i bought s8+ from dubai (Model SM-G955FD). Is it possible to flash indian firmware.

RAMBOMMIREDDY said:
Hi, i bought s8+ from dubai (Model SM-G955FD). Is it possible to flash indian firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're in India, just download any OXM firmware, and flash it on your device WHILE AN ACTIVE INDIAN SIM CARD IS INSERTED.
You'll be on the Indian CSC and stuff like VoLTE and all should work fine.
Sent from my SM-N950F

murtaza02 said:
If you're in India, just download any OXM firmware, and flash it on your device WHILE AN ACTIVE INDIAN SIM CARD IS INSERTED.
You'll be on the Indian CSC and stuff like VoLTE and all should work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply. Ill do it.

Do Samsung US versions work fine in Pakistan
murtaza02 said:
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Murtaza,
Just wanted to check which is better to buy in Pakistan if I am not looking to root the device or install custom ROMs. I have the option to buy two types of Dual SIM variants of Samsung Galaxy S8 +. The first is the international version G955FD and the second is an Xfinity version 955U.
Which would run better in Pakistan? I am getting the US version cheaper and just wondering if there is a reason? As far as the benchmarks go both Exynos and Qualcomm versions are almost at par as per YouTube videos. So is there some other issue? Or is it just because the US versions are priced lower in the international market.
Secondly kindly confirm your comment about the second SIM being only 2G. As per my understanding, if I switch the data network, the other SIM becomes 4G as well. Or in the case of SO, I will have to physically shift the SIMs.
Would really appreciate some support on the above two queries.
Thank you.

sikander5 said:
Hi Murtaza,
Just wanted to check which is better to buy in Pakistan if I am not looking to root the device or install custom ROMs. I have the option to buy two types of Dual SIM variants of Samsung Galaxy S8 +. The first is the international version G955FD and the second is an Xfinity version 955U.
Which would run better in Pakistan? I am getting the US version cheaper and just wondering if there is a reason? As far as the benchmarks go both Exynos and Qualcomm versions are almost at par as per YouTube videos. So is there some other issue? Or is it just because the US versions are priced lower in the international market.
Secondly kindly confirm your comment about the second SIM being only 2G. As per my understanding, if I switch the data network, the other SIM becomes 4G as well. Or in the case of SO, I will have to physically shift the SIMs.
Would really appreciate some support on the above two queries.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza

murtaza02 said:
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Murtaza
I don't actually buy phones from local vendors anymore. One doesn't really know if they sell New or Reburbished models.
I generally buy from Homeshopping.com, and I have ordered at times from Daraz.pk.
The phone options I was looking at are as under.
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-G955F-Price-in-Pakistan.html
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-Orchid-Gray-Price-in-Pakistan.html
The first one is the Xfinity version and second is the FDD version. Both are with non official warranty, but getting it with warranty is around 12 K more. But I haven't had any issues with their devices so far.
Any idea about the 955FX version. My Cousin got one about a week back, but I am not sure which variant is that, as it is not even posted on GSM arena. Supposedly it is Dual SiM and an International variant. Still have to do a Abit of research on it.
I switched over to Chinese version a few months back. Very impressed with the phone in all aspects, but the only issue is that the Navigation is useless. The GPS keeps bouncing on GMaps. Its elephone S7. The other issue was Wi-Fi reception which is not that great. I think it was a radio issue, but not sure whether it was hardware or software. There is not much ROM development for the phone. Otherwise it would have been a great phone, with almost a vanilla ROM and hardware specs close to a flagship.
Anyway, just decided to go for a branded phone this time.
Waiting for the Black Friday deals to come up. Might buy the note 8 or S8 plus. Let's see.
Thanks once again.

sikander5 said:
Dear Murtaza
I don't actually buy phones from local vendors anymore. One doesn't really know if they sell New or Reburbished models.
I generally buy from Homeshopping.com, and I have ordered at times from Daraz.pk.
The phone options I was looking at are as under.
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-G955F-Price-in-Pakistan.html
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-Orchid-Gray-Price-in-Pakistan.html
The first one is the Xfinity version and second is the FDD version. Both are with non official warranty, but getting it with warranty is around 12 K more. But I haven't had any issues with their devices so far.
Any idea about the 955FX version. My Cousin got one about a week back, but I am not sure which variant is that, as it is not even posted on GSM arena. Supposedly it is Dual SiM and an International variant. Still have to do a Abit of research on it.
I switched over to Chinese version a few months back. Very impressed with the phone in all aspects, but the only issue is that the Navigation is useless. The GPS keeps bouncing on GMaps. Its elephone S7. The other issue was Wi-Fi reception which is not that great. I think it was a radio issue, but not sure whether it was hardware or software. There is not much ROM development for the phone. Otherwise it would have been a great phone, with almost a vanilla ROM and hardware specs close to a flagship.
Anyway, just decided to go for a branded phone this time.
Waiting for the Black Friday deals to come up. Might buy the note 8 or S8 plus. Let's see.
Thanks once again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
955FX isn't a model number, 955X might be one but that's the demo / display unit used in stores and that has no cellular radio or SIM slot.
Do confirm the model number with him and then see.
Be cautious with HomeShopping though.
Sent from my G8142

murtaza02 said:
955FX isn't a model number, 955X might be one but that's the demo / display unit used in stores and that has no cellular radio or SIM slot.
Do confirm the model number with him and then see.
Be cautious with HomeShopping though.
Sent from my G8142
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will confirm the model number. I am pretty sure it's not a display version as he is using it. Will confirm once again.
Ok. Thanks. Will do on both counts. I have been buying stuff from Homeshopping since 6 years when I bought my first And if HTC Desire Z. Not had any complaints, but some people in my family have.
Take care.

SM-G955FD Dual Sim - CSC United Arab Emirates
murtaza02 said:
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Purchases this phone in Kuwait. I travel around the world a lot and one function I've noticed not in this phones software is Wi-Fi calling. When I'm not traveling I'm on the USA on the T-Mobile network. Which software can I change the phone to to get Wi-Fi calling to work? Would Deutsch Telekom (T-mobile Germany) be the one to use for my dual SIM? Do they even make a dual sim for Germany? Please, any help and/ or direction would be awesome.

YukonJoe said:
I Purchases this phone in Kuwait. I travel around the world a lot and one function I've noticed not in this phones software is Wi-Fi calling. When I'm not traveling I'm on the USA on the T-Mobile network. Which software can I change the phone to to get Wi-Fi calling to work? Would Deutsch Telekom (T-mobile Germany) be the one to use for my dual SIM? Do they even make a dual sim for Germany? Please, any help and/ or direction would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi calling is carrier based. So it'll only work when you've got the SIM from your main carrier and the same carrier firmware to go with it.
Sent from my SM-G955F

I got a UK unlocked s8 at the moment and Wi-Fi calling works flawlessly with a o2 sim. So I think if you have a carrier unlocked phone, it's up to the carrier

Can I flash ee uk firmware on unlocked snapdragon s8 plus?

I've just bought a galaxy s8 plus on gumtree and just realised it's an American unlocked version. I wanted to flash EE firmware to enable Wi-Fi calling but I'm not sure if it's still possible using Odin as the uk phones have different chipsets.
Can anyone confirm either way?
Thanks in advance.

sjred_uk said:
I've just bought a galaxy s8 plus on gumtree and just realised it's an American unlocked version. I wanted to flash EE firmware to enable Wi-Fi calling but I'm not sure if it's still possible using Odin as the uk phones have different chipsets.
Can anyone confirm either way?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Snapdragon variant phones don't support the band's here in the UK so I don't think it will work. Vice versa an exynos variant won't work in the US

sofir786 said:
Snapdragon variant phones don't support the band's here in the UK so I don't think it will work. Vice versa an exynos variant won't work in the US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was afraid that would be the case.
Thanks for letting me know.

sofir786 said:
Snapdragon variant phones don't support the band's here in the UK so I don't think it will work. Vice versa an exynos variant won't work in the US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone does work ok here in the UK along with 4g. I don't expect to get. As good coverage though. Are you sure it wouldn't work?

sjred_uk said:
I've just bought a galaxy s8 plus on gumtree and just realised it's an American unlocked version. I wanted to flash EE firmware to enable Wi-Fi calling but I'm not sure if it's still possible using Odin as the uk phones have different chipsets.
Can anyone confirm either way?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flash exynos rom on snapdragon , great idea if you want a brick. No joke, it won't work for sure. and if you flash the Exynos firmware with odin , including bootloader , it would be an hard brick, won't turn on , no more recovery or download mode, just completely bricked. So just no. and wifi calling is nothing to do with the phone but with your carrier and or your current subscription. if your carrier doesn't support wifi calling you won't have that option, so other firmware or even force to show that option changes nothing as you would have the same carrier .
and of course a csc (firmware depend of the country) works only with the right SIM card , I mean samsung block the phone if you use an American SIM card on a European phone. European phone works only with European SIM card and European carrier

sjred_uk said:
The phone does work ok here in the UK along with 4g. I don't expect to get. As good coverage though. Are you sure it wouldn't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trying to flash an EE UK firmware that's designed for exynos variant will fail, the 2 aren't compatible, so whatever you have with it you are u unfortunately stuck with

sofir786 said:
Trying to flash an EE UK firmware that's designed for exynos variant will fail, the 2 aren't compatible, so whatever you have with it you are u unfortunately stuck with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks very much for your help.
Regards
Simon

sjred_uk said:
OK thanks very much for your help.
Regards
Simon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, what sim is in there atm?

sofir786 said:
Out of curiosity, what sim is in there atm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an unlocked phone no sim card with it. It says unlocked on the box. The model number is smg955u1

sjred_uk said:
It's an unlocked phone no sim card with it. It says unlocked on the box. The model number is smg955u1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I just realised what you meant.
It's got my EE SIM in it.

sjred_uk said:
Sorry I just realised what you meant.
It's got my EE SIM in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah okay cool, Have you checked if it's ever been rooted at all at any point?

sofir786 said:
Snapdragon variant phones don't support the band's here in the UK so I don't think it will work. Vice versa an exynos variant won't work in the US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude what?
http://m.gsmarena.com/network-bands.php3?sCountry=United+Kingdom
https://www.frequencycheck.com/mode...-sm-g950u1-sm-g950w-samsung-dream#frequencies
Supports all 3 lte bands used by the UK, 800 1800 and 2600.
Supports all 3 GSM bands used by the UK.
Supports all 3 utsm bands used by the UK.
So in other words you were 100% incorrect
All of the high end phones have been quad band in the us for years.
I really hope this guy didn't just blindly listen to you and dump his phone for cheap.
---------- Post added at 04:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:51 AM ----------
sjred_uk said:
I've just bought a galaxy s8 plus on gumtree and just realised it's an American unlocked version. I wanted to flash EE firmware to enable Wi-Fi calling but I'm not sure if it's still possible using Odin as the uk phones have different chipsets.
Can anyone confirm either way?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other person could not be more incorrect your phone works fine in the UK, along with every other high end us phone for the last like 10 years
I hope you still have it and didn't dump it for cheap because someone decided to open their big mouth without actually checking that their gut reaction has any basis in reality.
I don't know if there is full CSC support for the UK carriers, but all u1 phones are direct from Samsung and sim unlocked at the factory so you will be able to pop any uk sim in there and be able to use data/sms/voice etc no problem. What provider do you use? I can check my /system/omc directory and see if it's preinstalled by the standard is CSC package.
It's also quite likely that if not you can install the local CSC package that comes with exynos phones on yours. Not only are the other posters 100% wrong about the SD/exynos phones habing incompatible operating systems*, but even if there was a shred of truth to it the CSC package is mostly config files and images and whatnot anyway, so there little execution going on
*It has nothing to do with exynos or snapdragon they are both arm64 lol. If anything it's because Samsung kneecapped them to make sure it wasn't possible for licensing/snapdragon bootloader security or some other stupid thing.

wildermjs8 said:
Dude what?
http://m.gsmarena.com/network-bands.php3?sCountry=United+Kingdom
https://www.frequencycheck.com/mode...-sm-g950u1-sm-g950w-samsung-dream#frequencies
Supports all 3 lte bands used by the UK, 800 1800 and 2600.
Supports all 3 GSM bands used by the UK.
Supports all 3 utsm bands used by the UK.
So in other words you were 100% incorrect
All of the high end phones have been quad band in the us for years.
I really hope this guy didn't just blindly listen to you and dump his phone for cheap.
---------- Post added at 04:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:51 AM ----------
The other person could not be more incorrect your phone works fine in the UK, along with every other high end us phone for the last like 10 years
I hope you still have it and didn't dump it for cheap because someone decided to open their big mouth without actually checking that their gut reaction has any basis in reality.
I don't know if there is full CSC support for the UK carriers, but all u1 phones are direct from Samsung and sim unlocked at the factory so you will be able to pop any uk sim in there and be able to use data/sms/voice etc no problem. What provider do you use? I can check my /system/omc directory and see if it's preinstalled by the standard is CSC package.
It's also quite likely that if not you can install the local CSC package that comes with exynos phones on yours. Not only are the other posters 100% wrong about the SD/exynos phones habing incompatible operating systems*, but even if there was a shred of truth to it the CSC package is mostly config files and images and whatnot anyway, so there little execution going on
*It has nothing to do with exynos or snapdragon they are both arm64 lol. If anything it's because Samsung kneecapped them to make sure it wasn't possible for licensing/snapdragon bootloader security or some other stupid thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a long and in depth reply.
I did reply to the guys post earlier stating that it the phone works absolutely fine on 4g LTE. I just thought he misunderstood me. Or vise versa. I've not dumped the phone because it works fine. Even if I can't get WiFi calling sorted I will still be keeping it. As long as I can still get updates ota I will be happy..
I bought a note 5 a few months ago not realising it was an AT and T model. That was a pain because it was stuck on lollipop and wouldn't accept any ota updates without an AT AND T sim card.
So I was just a bit wary of that happening again. But with this phone being unlocked I'm sure updates will be just the same as UK phones. (hopefully).
Just for the record my phone is running on E.E. carrier.
I've not checked if it's ever been rooted before.
How would I check?
Would a root checker app do this?
Thanks again
Simon.

sofir786 said:
Ah okay cool, Have you checked if it's ever been rooted at all at any point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
The phone is not rooted now but I'm not sure how to check if the phone has been rooted before in the past.
Thanks

sjred_uk said:
Hi
The phone is not rooted now but I'm not sure how to check if the phone has been rooted before in the past.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to tell if the phone has been system rooted which is all that you can do to the us s8

sjred_uk said:
I've just bought a galaxy s8 plus on gumtree and just realised it's an American unlocked version. I wanted to flash EE firmware to enable Wi-Fi calling but I'm not sure if it's still possible using Odin as the uk phones have different chipsets.
Can anyone confirm either way?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my Galaxy S8 from New York, after a while I realized that my phone is US unlocked version, now I live in UK and I don't get any updates for my phone at all since last year, I tried to flash it but it didn't work.

Global rom on Snapdragon N20U version ?

Hello guys,
in my country (france) if i import a N20U with the snapdragon processor, i know for example samsung pay and volte doesn't work and updates software maybe not in same time (and different?), my question is, can i flash a qualcomm version with a global rom intended for the model with exynos processor? and if it's possible samsung pay volte etc work like the europe version after that?
Maybe it's a stupid question but the last time i used odin for flash a phone it's in 2012 so .. ?

alex47310 said:
Hello guys,
in my country (france) if i import a N20U with the snapdragon processor, i know for example samsung pay and volte doesn't work and updates software maybe not in same time (and different?), my question is, can i flash a qualcomm version with a global rom intended for the model with exynos processor? and if it's possible samsung pay volte etc work like the europe version after that?
Maybe it's a stupid question but the last time i used odin for flash a phone it's in 2012 so ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I wouldn't assume that Samsung pay and VoLTE wouldn't work - it's actually likely they would, as Samsung Pay appears to work if the phone's CSC is for a country/region with Samsung Pay, and VoLTE appears to work if the phone has your carrier's frequencies and your carrier supports it;
2) Short answer is no, you can't flash an Exynos ROM on a Snapdragon model;
3) if your goal is to get a Note 20 with the Snapdragon processor, I would suggest you also check out the thread on the HK SM-N9860.

jtOttawa said:
1) I wouldn't assume that Samsung pay and VoLTE wouldn't work - it's actually likely they would, as Samsung Pay appears to work if the phone's CSC is for a country/region with Samsung Pay, and VoLTE appears to work if the phone has your carrier's frequencies and your carrier supports it;
2) Short answer is no, you can't flash an Exynos ROM on a Snapdragon model;
3) if your goal is to get a Note 20 with the Snapdragon processor, I would suggest you also check out the thread on the HK SM-N9860.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer

alex47310 said:
Thanks for your answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope it is helpful. I would add that while Samsung Pay likely would work in France using a U.S. N20U, it would be the U.S. version of Samsung Pay, and therefore not all cards from France would necessarily work with it, as again, Samsung Pay appears to be inextricably linked to the phone's CSC (country-specific code).
That said, as you will see in the thread on the HK SM-N9860, users are reporting good success with Samsung Pay outside of HK, for example.
Would welcome others weighing in on the compatibility and pros/cons of different ROMs with the various models of Note, as my knowledge is very limited in that regard.

alex47310 said:
Hello guys,
in my country (france) if i import a N20U with the snapdragon processor, i know for example samsung pay and volte doesn't work and updates software maybe not in same time (and different?), my question is, can i flash a qualcomm version with a global rom intended for the model with exynos processor? and if it's possible samsung pay volte etc work like the europe version after that?
Maybe it's a stupid question but the last time i used odin for flash a phone it's in 2012 so ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in the UK and volte works perfectly. I tried with 2 different mobile operators. The same with wifi calling. Samsung Pay also works perfectly, it just displays Chinese promos.

jtOttawa said:
Hope it is helpful. I would add that while Samsung Pay likely would work in France using a U.S. N20U, it would be the U.S. version of Samsung Pay, and therefore not all cards from France would necessarily work with it, as again, Samsung Pay appears to be inextricably linked to the phone's CSC (country-specific code).
That said, as you will see in the thread on the HK SM-N9860, users are reporting good success with Samsung Pay outside of HK, for example.
Would welcome others weighing in on the compatibility and pros/cons of different ROMs with the various models of Note, as my knowledge is very limited in that regard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for all precisions, i will check the threads about this model

VirtualWaver said:
I live in the UK and volte works perfectly. I tried with 2 different mobile operators. The same with wifi calling. Samsung Pay also works perfectly, it just displays Chinese promos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chinese promos ? on samsung pay you mean ? you have the SM-9860 ?

alex47310 said:
chinese promos ? on samsung pay you mean ? you have the SM-9860 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just until VirtualWaver replies, that's right - because it is the HK version of Samsung Pay on that model. His point was that he was using it successfully outside of HK, in the UK.
The key differences between the HK model and the N20U you are considering (apart from US vs HK Samsung Pay) is the HK model is dual-SIM, and comes with 256 GB of storage (versus the US base model's 128 GB).
Note as well the discussions in the threads about getting 5G on the HK model, which may be problematic.

alex47310 said:
chinese promos ? on samsung pay you mean ? you have the SM-9860 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, promos related to country of CSC (Hong Kong in my case) - see the attached screenshot.
I have SM-9860 imported from Hong Kong (via Wondamobile).
All works great, only Hong Kong related ads in the app instead of your local ads and it doesn't allow to use UK transport card, only Smart Octopus (HK travel card) but this is only to touch in in transport without turning on the phone - you can still touch in and pay in public transport by swapping to Samsung Pay in lock screen and authorising the payment via biometrics.
I added my UK bank card and a few store cards and they all work flawlessly.

Confirmed Samsung Pay worked in Canada too ( SM-N9860 ), however not anymore since I rooted

inningsdefeat500 said:
Confirmed Samsung Pay worked in Canada too ( SM-N9860 ), however not anymore since I rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is 5G working for you?

jtOttawa said:
Is 5G working for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't tested but cannot right? but due to bands

jtOttawa said:
Hope it is helpful. I would add that while Samsung Pay likely would work in France using a U.S. N20U, it would be the U.S. version of Samsung Pay, and therefore not all cards from France would necessarily work with it, as again, Samsung Pay appears to be inextricably linked to the phone's CSC (country-specific code).
That said, as you will see in the thread on the HK SM-N9860, users are reporting good success with Samsung Pay outside of HK, for example.
Would welcome others weighing in on the compatibility and pros/cons of different ROMs with the various models of Note, as my knowledge is very limited in that regard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's helpful
This csc is annoying because the phone will have updates at the same time as China and I read that the updates are really later than in France

VirtualWaver said:
Yes, promos related to country of CSC (Hong Kong in my case) - see the attached screenshot.
I have SM-9860 imported from Hong Kong (via Wondamobile).
All works great, only Hong Kong related ads in the app instead of your local ads and it doesn't allow to use UK transport card, only Smart Octopus (HK travel card) but this is only to touch in in transport without turning on the phone - you can still touch in and pay in public transport by swapping to Samsung Pay in lock screen and authorising the payment via biometrics.
I added my UK bank card and a few store cards and they all work flawlessly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok i see it's not a big problem for adds if it's just in samsung pay , i saw a lot that website ( wondamobile ) on forums, it's seems more serious than sellers on rakuten, i'm just a little bit scare about warranty

SM-N9860(HK) or SM-N986N(KR)?

SM-N986N(KR) is being 80$ cheaper than the hong kong version. Should I go for the korean one or hong kong one? Is there any significant difference between the two? Which one usually gets the updates first? Do both of them not support eSim?

HK version as it is dual sim...KR is single sim... No e-sim on HK version., Can't say for the KR, yet it probably won't have e-sim...HK is carrier free, while depending on the version of KR you buy it will have some carrier specific apps installed...Also Samsung Pay has been verified to work in different countries on the HK, while the KR version normally requires a Korean sim for Samsung Pay....Updates just depends, probably KR first but updates from Samsung has been good these days.... As you are be here, there are other threads explaining things extensively, please check those before creating any new threads. I have the HK version and using it in Japan with no problems.
---------- Post added at 06:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:17 PM ----------
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...o-hk-cn-sm-n9860-sd-ultra-5g-dualsim-t4144567
This is a very in-depth thread covering the in and out of the HK version.... If you can swing the extra $80, then it's highly advise to go with the HK version... You also need to verify the frequency bands supported by the HK/KR to ensure they provide the proper coverage for you please cellular service.... frequencycheck.com is a good reference site

cezeff said:
HK version as it is dual sim...KR is single sim... No e-sim on HK version., Can't say for the KR, yet it probably won't have e-sim...HK is carrier free, while depending on the version of KR you buy it will have some carrier specific apps installed...Also Samsung Pay has been verified to work in different countries on the HK, while the KR version normally requires a Korean sim for Samsung Pay....Updates just depends, probably KR first but updates from Samsung has been good these days.... As you are be here, there are other threads explaining things extensively, please check those before creating any new threads. I have the HK version and using it in Japan with no problems.
---------- Post added at 06:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:17 PM ----------
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...o-hk-cn-sm-n9860-sd-ultra-5g-dualsim-t4144567
This is a very in-depth thread covering the in and out of the HK version.... If you can swing the extra $80, then it's highly advise to go with the HK version... You also need to verify the frequency bands supported by the HK/KR to ensure they provide the proper coverage for you please cellular service.... frequencycheck.com is a good reference site
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm also gonna use it in japan too. How is the battery and overall experience so far?

erbold said:
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm also gonna use it in japan too. How is the battery and overall experience so far?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely love the phone and the battery life for me had been great.... Depending on your mobile provider you get in Japan, will affect battery somewhat, yet I think carrier aggregation really helps out..I have NTT Docomo and no issues at all when though the phone over covers 3 out of 5 bands... You have to let the battery optimization work for about a week... As time goes along the phone will learn your patterns and you will see more and more improvements to the battery life... People expect stellar out of the box without realizing the smart tech and learning curve the battery has to go through... I'm able to use Samsung Pay with the HK model in Japan using US cards, so that's a very big win... Any other Japan specific questions just let me know and be sure to use that "thanks" button in these forums, it goes a long way

Samsung pay works flawlessly with my N986O (HK version) BUT. I can't add my UK loyalty cards as it is expecting HK retailers and shops, but both credit and debit cards added and worked 100% fine, you'll be registered with Samsung Pay HK
Edit 1: Far as loyalty cards go, adding a card not on the list, i.e manually seems to work fine

Has anyone had the chance to test out the Korean N986N in the UK? What's the experience so far?
I upgraded from the Exynos UK to the HK N9860, but I'm getting disappointed in how slow the firmware updates are. It's still on ATH1, while other devices have gone through ATH3/5/9 and now on ATI2/3/5/6.
The Korean N986N looks like it's been getting updates regularly. I was thinking of returning the N9860 and purchasing the N986N, and flash it with KOO unbranded CSC.
Anyone done a similar thing and can give their experience? 5G working OK (UK)? Does the phone still have bloatware on KOO CSC? Does KOO have Smart Call (Hiya)?
Thanks!

roryh86 said:
The Korean N986N looks like it's been getting updates regularly. I was thinking of returning the N9860 and purchasing the N986N, and flash it with KOO unbranded CSC.
Anyone done a similar thing and can give their experience? 5G working OK (UK)? Does the phone still have bloatware on KOO CSC? Does KOO have Smart Call (Hiya)?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same question here. Would the N986N ever be able to flash another region firmware & CSC in the future? Or it would forever be locked to KR? Thanks!
I'm a totally new Samsung user and regretted not being aware and search about this before getting the KR version, just because it seems to be the cheapest of all Snapdragon variants

peterng1618 said:
Same question here. Would the N986N ever be able to flash another region firmware & CSC in the future? Or it would forever be locked to KR? Thanks!
I'm a totally new Samsung user and regretted not being aware and search about this before getting the KR version, just because it seems to be the cheapest of all Snapdragon variants
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you take a screenshot of your Software Information page (settings>about phone>software information) so we can see which CSC came with your phone? Did it have any logo when you boot up the phone and any bloatware you can't uninstall? Why are you regretting?

roryh86 said:
Can you take a screenshot of your Software Information page (settings>about phone>software information) so we can see which CSC came with your phone? Did it have any logo when you boot up the phone and any bloatware you can't uninstall? Why are you regretting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go,also no logos. The phone here all present as unlocked. Well I mean they are all unlocked. They don't come tied to a carrier, any software you have to download load on your own as far as carrier specific

roryh86 said:
Can you take a screenshot of your Software Information page (settings>about phone>software information) so we can see which CSC came with your phone? Did it have any logo when you boot up the phone and any bloatware you can't uninstall? Why are you regretting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's KTC, KT Telecom. I have Package Disabler Pro and have disabled most of the KT bloatware. But some stuff are deeply integrated into the OS like Korea localization content in apps & menus, Samsung Daily cards, carrier services in Settings and all. I'm hoping to get rid of them.
Also the inability to use Samsung Pay. At first i thought as long as i buy a variant that's not one of the official models for my country. I won't be able to use Samsung Pay. And that is a trade off I'm willing to make when it comes to performance (my country is Exynos). What I didn't know was there areother Snapdragon variants that can be flashed with an unrestricted CSC from my country and work with Samsung Pay.

pcriz said:
Here you go,also no logos. The phone here all present as unlocked. Well I mean they are all unlocked. They don't come tied to a carrier, any software you have to download load on your own as far as carrier specific
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, that's good news. So the KOO CSC is branding free, no Korean settings integration etc. Have you noticed any features missing? Like Smart Call (Spam identification/Hiya)? VoLTE working outside Korea? 5G working OK?
peterng1618 said:
It's KTC, KT Telecom. I have Package Disabler Pro and have disabled most of the KT bloatware. But some stuff are deeply integrated into the OS like Korea localization content in apps & menus, Samsung Daily cards, carrier services in Settings and all. I'm hoping to get rid of them.
Also the inability to use Samsung Pay. At first i thought as long as i buy a variant that's not one of the official models for my country. I won't be able to use Samsung Pay. And that is a trade off I'm willing to make when it comes to performance (my country is Exynos). What I didn't know was there areother Snapdragon variants that can be flashed with an unrestricted CSC from my country and work with Samsung Pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instead of trying to disable the Korean apps, have you tried changing the CSC to the unbranded KOO variant like the user above? I changed my HK N9860 from TGY to BRI, I'm sure you should be able to do the same and change it from KTC to KOO and it will remove all those apps and Korean settings.

roryh86 said:
Ah, that's good news. So the KOO CSC is branding free, no Korean settings integration etc. Have you noticed any features missing? Like Smart Call (Spam identification/Hiya)? VoLTE working outside Korea? 5G working OK?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To clarify I am in Korea with a Korean simcard in my phone. I made no csc modifications.
There is a hiya service but no settings for that or spam calls.
I don't use 5G service but it should be running fine out of the box on any of the carriers here.
As far as volte outside of korea, given the state of the world it might be a bit before I test that.

pcriz said:
To clarify I am in Korea with a Korean simcard in my phone. I made no csc modifications.
There is a hiya service but no settings for that or spam calls.
I don't use 5G service but it should be running fine out of the box on any of the carriers here.
As far as volte outside of korea, given the state of the world it might be a bit before I test that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh okay.
So when you go to your Phone app, and go to settings, you don't see an option called "Caller ID and spam protection"?
You should also see at the bottom of the Phone app, next to contacts on the right there should be "Places"

roryh86 said:
Oh okay.
So when you go to your Phone app, and go to settings, you don't see an option called "Caller ID and spam protection"?
You should also see at the bottom of the Phone app, next to contacts on the right there should be "Places"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I just have a call recording option there.

pcriz said:
No I just have a call recording option there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn...

Steps to get the SM-N9860 optimal for UK use

Hello all,
I have recently purchased a shiny new Hong Kong version of the Note 20 Ultra 5G (SM-N9860). I am based in the UK, and want to get the most functionality out of the phone, namely:
- 5g capability on the Three network
- Samsung Pay working
- inbuilt call recorder
- VoLte working
I have had a read through various posts on these forums, and it seems I would need to do one or both of the below:
- Change the CSC using the Google Dialler trick
- Change the firmware using the patched ODIN tool, and a firmware from Sammobile
Now my question is threefold:
- What combination of the above two steps do I take?
- Which region do I change the CSC and/or firmware to (UK or otherwise)?
- If I have to change either the CSC and/or firmware to a region with the exynos variant, will that cause problems, as the SM-N9860 is the snapdragon version?
Thank you for bearing with me

I have the same phone. There's a menu hack code to get 5g working (whitelist) and it's fine for me (Vodafone UK), although I disable it as it rips through the battery. I think that works for Vodafone and EE, but not sure about Three as they might use a different band. Wouldn't touch them with a bargepole anyway.
Samsung Pay let me register my Nationwide UK card with the HK portal. Took a few goes but it works fine now.
I'm very happy with the phone (no idea what VOLTE is) and I don't need call recording. All works without changing the firmware.

Voice over LTE = Volte

kradcliffe said:
I have the same phone. There's a menu hack code to get 5g working (whitelist) and it's fine for me (Vodafone UK), although I disable it as it rips through the battery. I think that works for Vodafone and EE, but not sure about Three as they might use a different band. Wouldn't touch them with a bargepole anyway.
Samsung Pay let me register my Nationwide UK card with the HK portal. Took a few goes but it works fine now.
I'm very happy with the phone (no idea what VOLTE is) and I don't need call recording. All works without changing the firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you register your uk cards with samsung pay hk?

Just put the details in and it accepted them. I really can't remember the process as it was so long ago.

kradcliffe said:
Just put the details in and it accepted them. I really can't remember the process as it was so long ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, also where did you find the menu hack code for 5g

It's on Google. Just search for Note 20 Ultra Hong Kong 5g whitelist or somethig like that.