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Assuming that TMOB does not lock the bootloader so that the S7 variants can be rooted and custom roms eventually installed, what is the best way for a non-TMOB customer to outright purchase a TMOB variant of the S7 so that it could be unlocked and used on another carrier, like T, that locks their bootloader?
I am going to assume here that TMOB will use the same TMOB Remote Device Unlock App that requires the IMEI to be in their DB and registered. Looking at the TMOB pre-paid site, the phones available seem not to be very modern so I would guess S7 will not appear there for many years.
Is it as simple as going to a TMOB store and doing an outright purchase without a plan?
Last time, I pre-ordered a Note 4 prior to release and had to setup service and cancel within 30 days which was a bit of pain.
I am looking for a simpler retail channel.
:fingers-crossed:
Right there with ya, would love to find out.
Carriers in the US are finding new ways to keep users from unlocking phones and moving to other carriers. These new monthly installments and required post paid plans are one of those ways. Best bet would be hoping for third-party unlocking services to work with t-mobile's version soon after launch.
Flame Red said:
Assuming that TMOB does not lock the bootloader so that the S7 variants can be rooted and custom roms eventually installed, what is the best way for a non-TMOB customer to outright purchase a TMOB variant of the S7 so that it could be unlocked and used on another carrier, like T, that locks their bootloader?
I am going to assume here that TMOB will use the same TMOB Remote Device Unlock App that requires the IMEI to be in their DB and registered. Looking at the TMOB pre-paid site, the phones available seem not to be very modern so I would guess S7 will not appear there for many years.
Is it as simple as going to a TMOB store and doing an outright purchase without a plan?
Last time, I pre-ordered a Note 4 prior to release and had to setup service and cancel within 30 days which was a bit of pain.
I am looking for a simpler retail channel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat, but I don't believe a simpler retail channel exists. Each release since the S6 has been locked down with the TMOB app and even direct customers have a hard time unlocking within the first 21 days. Threads on XDA discussing carrier unlock reach hundreds of posts - never seems to be an answer other than buy the device outright and request an unlock code after 30days. =/
Found this place that is supposed to be able to unlock TMOB's crapulance. I have not idea if they really can do it though.
http://www.androidsimunlock.com/phone-unlocking-service/tmobile-device-unlock-app-official-unlock/
unlockbase.com also advertises they can too, but when I emailed them specifically about the S7 they said they were not sure.
I'm wondering whether there will be an unlocked 64gb (or hopefully 128gb!) variant that could accept a TMo stock-based ROM & utilize WiFi calling & all TMo LTE bands.
I'm glad this thread was started, I'm looking to buy the tmobile s7 outright and was trying to figure out how I was gonna unlock it.
My tmobile s5 had an unlocked bootloader, I'm hoping for the same with the s7... Anyone know if the tmobile s6 came with unlocked bootloader?
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
mweinbach said:
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
SBERG117 said:
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
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Click to collapse
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Interceptor777 said:
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Phredeee said:
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Phredeee said:
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long you are flashing official firmware from Samsung nothing will break. Knox will not be tripped and Samsung Pay will work.
954wrecker said:
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Phredeee said:
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Phredeee said:
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing what I'm saying... There will be no unlocked bootloaders on any Samsung S8 phones for the USA. You cannot get one from carrier or factory.
I think you may be mixing up Bootloader unlock and Sim unlock....
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do remember that it was a story about FCC approval of the factory unlocked (SIM) phone. Keep that in mind that it may be the unbranded, factory unlocked phone only, but the article did say they were all the same. The locked carrier phones may not be so flexible.
Other things I've found.. Best Buy SIM unlocked does not get the incentives. Best Buy, and their cheaper price, does not seem to offer a T-Mo phone.
The VR incentive is attractive to me, but is not a must have. At this moment, until I can find out for sure if Samsung Pay will work on an international version, I am leaning towards a T-Mo pre-order. But that is me and my preferences YMMV. I have a major dislike for AT&T.
Looking for where I read it. In the mean time this may be interesting to you.
Model numbers http://techbeasts.com/list-of-samsung-galaxy-s8-galaxy-s8plus-model-numbers/
Frequencies https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/OyqBp/samsung-sm-g955a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
The link is for the AT&T model search for other models.
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that going by this information the factory unlocked and the AT&T are NOT the same https://www.frequencycheck.com/compare-devices/6MQWs05y/samsung-sm-g950a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream/samsung-sm-g950f-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
You're correct that it seems T-mo info is evasive.
Hello,
I would like to know, if it posible to buy the Galaxy S8 from the samsung web page (att version), then unlock it and after that flash the unlocked rom flashing it with odin.
Can someone help me?
thanks.
Just ordered the 955F from Clove...
I'm hoping that missing bands won't hurt my AT&T usage much. Or any prepaid sims I may throw in there.
Will see if the 955U info comes out before my phone, and will decide if I want to cancel.
:good::angel:
If I get a factory unlocked US version, I can be sure it will have support for all major bands (and new network features) in major US carriers.
But if I get a factory unlocked International version (because I want dual sim), I know it will work on US carriers, but will it be missing support for some special bands that US carriers use? Will it have full compatibility with US carriers?
I also heard that international version didn't have CDMA support. Is that true?
P.S. Both factory unlocked editions should be bootloader unlocked, yes? I don't see why they wouldn't be.
P.P.S. Would it be possible to flash carrier specific firmware to a factory unlocked phone, that way you can keep your unlocked bootloader and also get carrier specific features (if it has one that is)?
BBRecon said:
If I get a factory unlocked US version, I can be sure it will have support for all major bands (and new network features) in major US carriers.
But if I get a factory unlocked International version (because I want dual sim), I know it will work on US carriers, but will it be missing support for some special bands that US carriers use? Will it have full compatibility with US carriers?
I also heard that international version didn't have CDMA support. Is that true?
P.S. Both factory unlocked editions should be bootloader unlocked, yes? I don't see why they wouldn't be.
P.P.S. Would it be possible to flash carrier specific firmware to a factory unlocked phone, that way you can keep your unlocked bootloader and also get carrier specific features (if it has one that is)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all the US models bootloaders are Locked... this is the question I'm looking for at this moment... I want to make sure that volte, wifi calling and US bands are all working, I have T-Mobile and refuse to buy a locked bootloader...
I'm looking for the g955f or fd... I see it for 719 + 10 for shipping... T-Mobile can kiss my a$$ for that buy 1 get 1... I have 6 lines and I am supposed to open a new line for each phone... I moved people from metropcs and sprint to tmobile and they treat the loyal customers like poooooop..... really bad business practices.. so I will never buy another phone from T-Mobile directly.
mdiaz33685 said:
all the US models bootloaders are Locked... this is the question I'm looking for at this moment... I want to make sure that volte, wifi calling and US bands are all working, I have T-Mobile and refuse to buy a locked bootloader...
I'm looking for the g955f or fd... I see it for 719 + 10 for shipping... T-Mobile can kiss my a$$ for that buy 1 get 1... I have 6 lines and I am supposed to open a new line for each phone... I moved people from metropcs and sprint to tmobile and they treat the loyal customers like poooooop..... really bad business practices.. so I will never buy another phone from T-Mobile directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have tmobile and i got the FD version of the phone, without root and flashing tmobile CSC VOLTE and WIFIcalling will not work on the stock firmware.
keep in mind flashing and rooting will trip knox and you cannot use samsung pay and secure folder. and warranty is voided.
secondly, tmobile is not having bad business models. it doesn't matter how loyal you are, they are a business. everyone requires one new line for a BOGO, ATT wants one new line and you have to have directTV.
does anyone know for sure if the US unlocked version (SM-G955UZKAXAA) supports LTE band 29 for AT&T? according to this, it does not: http://www.droid-life.com/2017/03/08/unlocked-galaxy-s8-plus-s8-fcc-smg950-smg955/
ajsmsg78 answered this and it appears not.
From what I've read, T-Mobile has worked specifically with Samsung to make a phone that supports all their network features properly. Furthermore, you need their firmware to support their features (they may make updates and such in the future). Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to buy their model branded phone.
So as far as band support and such, I'm not sure how much band support there is in the factory unlocked editions. Likely the phone will work fine with the carriers, but don't expect certain special network features to be supported, or 100% compatibility (I don't know if flashing their firmware to your phone can fix this part)
BBRecon said:
From what I've read, T-Mobile has worked specifically with Samsung to make a phone that supports all their network features properly. Furthermore, you need their firmware to support their features (they may make updates and such in the future). Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to buy their model branded phone.
So as far as band support and such, I'm not sure how much band support there is in the factory unlocked editions. Likely the phone will work fine with the carriers, but don't expect certain special network features to be supported, or 100% compatibility (I don't know if flashing their firmware to your phone can fix this part)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I have the Galaxy S7 Edge Olimpic edition which is basically the US unlocked version. When I first inserted the Tmobile SIM card it automatically pulled the firmware from T-mobile, and surprise surprise special features that before were imposible on an unlocked phone like wi-fi calling work!!
spaniolo said:
Hey I have the Galaxy S7 Edge Olimpic edition which is basically the US unlocked version. When I first inserted the Tmobile SIM card it automatically pulled the firmware from T-mobile, and surprise surprise special features that before were imposible on an unlocked phone like wi-fi calling work!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really!! That's amazing!! Wonder if that'll work with the US unlocked version of S8 as well (sadly not bootloader unlocked though)
BBRecon said:
Really!! That's amazing!! Wonder if that'll work with the US unlocked version of S8 as well (sadly not bootloader unlocked though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that the US unlocked does support all US carriers features, while the International unlocked does not. And the bonus it is still no carrier's bloatware.
Are there any missing bands in the unlocked version vs att variant?
Thinking which one to buy...
I know note 10 had some differences and I havent been following since.
Good question...I just purchased the unlocked 1TB version. Guess I'll know for sure when it gets here..
I have AT&T and have always bought AT&T phones from Samsung to be sure all the features work such as wifi calling which I need. I did some research and apparently unlocked Samsung phones now are fully functional on AT&T. I ordered an unlocked S22U today. It will be nice to lose all that AT&T bloat. They really load it up. I'm sure all the bands for AT&T are on the unlocked US device.
dmb219 said:
I have AT&T and have always bought AT&T phones from Samsung to be sure all the features work such as wifi calling which I need. I did some research and apparently unlocked Samsung phones now are fully functional on AT&T. I ordered an unlocked S22U today. It will be nice to lose all that AT&T bloat. They really load it up. I'm sure all the bands for AT&T are on the unlocked US device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can we unlock bootloader of this unlocked US S22U ? Does it have oem unlocking option?
donkeyman1234 said:
Can we unlock bootloader of this unlocked US S22U ? Does it have oem unlocking option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it wont. even if you buy the u.s. model from samsung it wont. they are bootloader locked. if you bought the at&t version from at&t you can still load the u1 software version on it to get rid of the at&t bloat. the only difference the u and u1 have is the u1 is sim unlocked. if you get from at&t you have to pay the phone off to get it sim unlocked. but as far as bootloader goes they are both locked.
We might see an option in the future where a paid service comes along that might enable bootloader unlock. I never understood why Samsung treats the U.S market in such a strict way while the rest of the world less so.
freebee269 said:
it wont. even if you buy the u.s. model from samsung it wont. they are bootloader locked. if you bought the at&t version from at&t you can still load the u1 software version on it to get rid of the at&t bloat. the only difference the u and u1 have is the u1 is sim unlocked. if you get from at&t you have to pay the phone off to get it sim unlocked. but as far as bootloader goes they are both locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, then I will not buy US version even it costs less.
Just wondering if the regular unlocked version supports mmwave or if I have to buy through Verizon. This gets on my nerves now.
Unlocked should in theory work with all carriers unless a carrier does certain odd things that couldn't be included on the "catch all" unlocked devices.
From what I can see it should work with Verizon phone and data just fine. Only the Verizon model it looks like comes with UWB (Ultra Wideband) though since that's Verizon's way of doing things if that interests you.
If you want that, will mean that you will have to have carrier injected junk though and buy the carrier version, get updates from the carrier, and have to have it unlocked by the carrier or sell it if you switch carriers. It will probably need to be unlocked by the carrier to put a custom rom on there also if you wanted to go that way. Its win and lose.
Coming from someone who just got the Verizon variant, it is indeed loaded with bloatware. It is also completely locked down from flashing roms or unlocking, verizon removed the oem unlock option entirely from their variant. So you can't even Odin flash to the unlocked firmware. Also the unlocked in the US is $349.99 right now versus $499 from Verizon directly. Although if you really want that UWB 5G then your only option is the Verizon model. Though imo not worth it. Go for the $349 one and enjoy it.
tserv95 said:
Coming from someone who just got the Verizon variant, it is indeed loaded with bloatware. It is also completely locked down from flashing roms or unlocking, verizon removed the oem unlock option entirely from their variant. So you can't even Odin flash to the unlocked firmware. Also the unlocked in the US is $349.99 right now versus $499 from Verizon directly. Although if you really want that UWB 5G then your only option is the Verizon model. Though imo not worth it. Go for the $349 one and enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I got the 349 one and it works with 5G was pleasantly surprised when I saw the 5G appear on my cell. All reps said phone compatible and the 5G Sim etc etc
Transferring device was painless.
I love the phone. I'm coming from using an Axon 7 never had a samsung phone before but like it. Got rid of a lot of samsung crop but customized it the way I like.
Thanks for your reply!
This is US market specific. For the A53 5G, any of the US carrier versions (with the exception of Tracfone) SIM unlocked will work on any of the big 3 carriers. Most of the versions (including Verizon owned Visible) are A536U, which is the version with Sub-6. A536V is the Verizon version with mmWave. I don't know what A536D from Tracfone is. Yes, you can get Sub-6 5G on Verizon.
But if you want to bootloader unlock, whether you are directly purchasing from Samsung or any SIM locked versions from carrier, it is not possible. See https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/psa-there-is-no-oem-unlock-on-us-galaxy-a53s.4443189/
I can confirm that the unlocked US version purchased from Samsung DOES work with Verizon. And like b1283822 said, does have/support Sub-6 5G, no UW.