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The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
mweinbach said:
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
SBERG117 said:
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Interceptor777 said:
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Phredeee said:
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Phredeee said:
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long you are flashing official firmware from Samsung nothing will break. Knox will not be tripped and Samsung Pay will work.
954wrecker said:
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Phredeee said:
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Phredeee said:
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing what I'm saying... There will be no unlocked bootloaders on any Samsung S8 phones for the USA. You cannot get one from carrier or factory.
I think you may be mixing up Bootloader unlock and Sim unlock....
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do remember that it was a story about FCC approval of the factory unlocked (SIM) phone. Keep that in mind that it may be the unbranded, factory unlocked phone only, but the article did say they were all the same. The locked carrier phones may not be so flexible.
Other things I've found.. Best Buy SIM unlocked does not get the incentives. Best Buy, and their cheaper price, does not seem to offer a T-Mo phone.
The VR incentive is attractive to me, but is not a must have. At this moment, until I can find out for sure if Samsung Pay will work on an international version, I am leaning towards a T-Mo pre-order. But that is me and my preferences YMMV. I have a major dislike for AT&T.
Looking for where I read it. In the mean time this may be interesting to you.
Model numbers http://techbeasts.com/list-of-samsung-galaxy-s8-galaxy-s8plus-model-numbers/
Frequencies https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/OyqBp/samsung-sm-g955a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
The link is for the AT&T model search for other models.
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that going by this information the factory unlocked and the AT&T are NOT the same https://www.frequencycheck.com/compare-devices/6MQWs05y/samsung-sm-g950a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream/samsung-sm-g950f-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
You're correct that it seems T-mo info is evasive.
Hello,
I would like to know, if it posible to buy the Galaxy S8 from the samsung web page (att version), then unlock it and after that flash the unlocked rom flashing it with odin.
Can someone help me?
thanks.
Just ordered the 955F from Clove...
I'm hoping that missing bands won't hurt my AT&T usage much. Or any prepaid sims I may throw in there.
Will see if the 955U info comes out before my phone, and will decide if I want to cancel.
:good::angel:
I want to buy a Note 8... I don't want to get locked into any Carrier, but I want Wifi calling and other options to work... I know that ATT needs a ATT Rom to get Wifi Calling... I may switch to T Mobile later this year...
Can I Buy a ATT Note 8 and flash TMobile Rom? Or Vice Versa?
If so, is there any reason to buy one Carrier's Note 8 over another?
THANKS!!!
Shanghai.Knight said:
I want to buy a Note 8... I don't want to get locked into any Carrier, but I want Wifi calling and other options to work... I know that ATT needs a ATT Rom to get Wifi Calling... I may switch to T Mobile later this year...
Can I Buy a ATT Note 8 and flash TMobile Rom? Or Vice Versa?
If so, is there any reason to buy one Carrier's Note 8 over another?
THANKS!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All usa models are the same now, since the S7. Buy the carrier you want to use it on or buy the unlocked.
ShrekOpher said:
All usa models are the same now, since the S7. Buy the carrier you want to use it on or buy the unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Att WiFi calling only works on ATT Rom... So although hardware is the same, not all software is the same. Att also turns off some LTE bands so you cannot use theirs on other networks...
Also, If I take a att phone to t mobile or Verizon, will WiFi calling work?
So, same question, can I simply Odin any rom onto any note 8?
Shanghai.Knight said:
Att WiFi calling only works on ATT Rom... So although hardware is the same, not all software is the same. Att also turns off some LTE bands so you cannot use theirs on other networks...
Also, If I take a att phone to t mobile or Verizon, will WiFi calling work?
So, same question, can I simply Odin any rom onto any note 8?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From past experience you can just Odin to whatever carrier software you want. At least you could on the S8 and the S7. I've seen a few people say they went from the best buy note 8 unlocked firmware to the AT&T firmware to enable LTE-A and wifi calling.
I still recommend just buying the model for the carrier you are going to use though. I've had the best experience doing that myself.
ShrekOpher said:
From past experience you can just Odin to whatever carrier software you want. At least you could on the S8 and the S7. I've seen a few people say they went from the best buy note 8 unlocked firmware to the AT&T firmware to enable LTE-A and wifi calling.
I still recommend just buying the model for the carrier you are going to use though. I've had the best experience doing that myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an unlocked Note 8 currently that I flashed via odin to AT&T firmware and still couldn't get Wifi Calling to work... I got VoLTE to work but Wifi Calling wouldn't activate and didn't bother with Video Calling...
I think AT&T has to whitelist your IMEI for their carrier features to work unlike T-Mobile...
Best to just buy carrier version and then flash to unlocked later if you want. They are all the same phone.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Since att is the most difficult to work with, it sounds like I should buy att then if I switch, I can flash t mobile... That gives me the freedom to move back...
Do we have confirmation I can flash t mobile over att firmware?
Best to buy the one you can unlock easier an cheaper then flash which ever firmware you want, which is what I did. Works great?
How do I unlock my phone to switch carriers
I'm trying to switch carriers , please help
I almost started a thread of my own, buy my question fits here so here goes.
Witch modle would you buy?, I am leaning towards the Exynos, Note 8, but I dont know where to buy it, can anyone drop me a link?
Exynos vs Snapdragon
I think exynos, purely because it's already rooted, Your thoughts?
Lady red said:
I'm trying to switch carriers , please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier switching guide on its way...
I'm wondering the same. Thinking about switching from att to tmobile. Would wifi calling and other features work on the tmobile variant if I flashed the unlocked FW? Also, do you know if there are any specific features att or tmobile has removed from the stock phone?
In a dilemma and hoping to get the answer from like minded and knowledgeable folks.
So I am trading in my S10+ for the Note 10+. Samsung is offering $600 off when trading the S10+ for an unlocked Note 10+ or $450 for a T-Mobile locked Note 10+. This is on top off the $200 they are giving for accessories. Obviously the $600 discount is pretty attractive.
Since I've never purchased an unlocked phone and used it on T-Mobile, what I would like to know from you guys is if there is a difference between Samsung unlocked vs. T-Mobile locked phones. I'm asking because I know Samsung has unified the hardware and software on all of the flagship devices for a couple of years now on all carriers. so truly what will I be really missing if I bought an unlocked Note 10 and use a T-Mobile SIM card on it?
Appreciate the help everyone.
I have the unlocked note9 on T-Mobile. I haven't noticed anything missing. The only downside is that the unlocked variants get software updates last.
DesperateScorpion said:
In a dilemma and hoping to get the answer from like minded and knowledgeable folks.
So I am trading in my S10+ for the Note 10+. Samsung is offering $600 off when trading the S10+ for an unlocked Note 10+ or $450 for a T-Mobile locked Note 10+. This is on top off the $200 they are giving for accessories. Obviously the $600 discount is pretty attractive.
Since I've never purchased an unlocked phone and used it on T-Mobile, what I would like to know from you guys is if there is a difference between Samsung unlocked vs. T-Mobile locked phones. I'm asking because I know Samsung has unified the hardware and software on all of the flagship devices for a couple of years now on all carriers. so truly what will I be really missing if I bought an unlocked Note 10 and use a T-Mobile SIM card on it?
Appreciate the help everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only difference is the update speeds, unlocked is usually last. I have an unlocked Samsung on T-mobile with no problems at all. All the T-mobile apps are on the play store so you can just download the ones you want. Don't sweat it, get that bigger discount.
TMO:
- Carrier apps
- Video Calling
- RCS
UNL:
- Hiya
- All Bands from U version + VoLTE + Vowifi on TMO
- Facebook suite
- Regular boot screen
- Last for updates (usually)
- No SIM lock
I used a U1 N8 and S10+ on T-Mobile in the past. Nothing of note is lost when unlocked models are used on T-Mobile. On others carrier you may lose VoLTE or Vowifi.
Edit
I must've been drinking the night I posted this.
So when you order the unlocked version from the us do you still get the snapdragon version or exynos?
blaksmyth said:
The only difference is the update speeds, unlocked is usually last. I have an unlocked Samsung on T-mobile with no problems at all. All the T-mobile apps are on the play store so you can just download the ones you want. Don't sweat it, get that bigger discount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you get RCS and video calling?Different people say different things when it comes to unlocked phones on Tmobile as to what they get to work vs Tmobile variant
datnikajay said:
So when you order the unlocked version from the us do you still get the snapdragon version or exynos?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The us sold unlocked versions are snap dragons and you can flash any firmware you please from a carrier if you're so inclined.
jackdforme said:
The us sold unlocked versions are snap dragons and you can flash any firmware you please from a carrier if you're so inclined.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Jack I guess I'll have to wait want to order the note 10+ but I need the exynos version ?
So what is the definitive answer as to what works and doesn't work with the unlocked version?
antawnm26 said:
So what is the definitive answer as to what works and doesn't work with the unlocked version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much nothing to worry about nowadays. In the past you'd have to make sure you got the correct Bands for whichever carrier you were using but now theyre all the same. Just know that with an Unlocked version youll get slower updates but there are ways around that as well.
blaksmyth said:
The only difference is the update speeds, unlocked is usually last. I have an unlocked Samsung on T-mobile with no problems at all. All the T-mobile apps are on the play store so you can just download the ones you want. Don't sweat it, get that bigger discount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cosmo100292 said:
Pretty much nothing to worry about nowadays. In the past you'd have to make sure you got the correct Bands for whichever carrier you were using but now theyre all the same. Just know that with an Unlocked version youll get slower updates but there are ways around that as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying that wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling/visual voice mail works with unlocked version?
---------- Post added at 04:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------
djbutter said:
I have the unlocked note9 on T-Mobile. I haven't noticed anything missing. The only downside is that the unlocked variants get software updates last.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your wifi calling video calling RCS and visual voice mail is working?
antawnm26 said:
So your saying that wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling/visual voice mail works with unlocked version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi calling works fine, video calling works fine, i use Google duo and messenger, visual voicemail works. Rcs is the only thing that I am unsure of.
antawnm26 said:
So your saying that wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling/visual voice mail works with unlocked version?
---------- Post added at 04:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------
So your wifi calling video calling RCS and visual voice mail is working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google is taking over RCS shortly so you should be set!
DesperateScorpion said:
In a dilemma and hoping to get the answer from like minded and knowledgeable folks.
So I am trading in my S10+ for the Note 10+. Samsung is offering $600 off when trading the S10+ for an unlocked Note 10+ or $450 for a T-Mobile locked Note 10+. This is on top off the $200 they are giving for accessories. Obviously the $600 discount is pretty attractive.
Since I've never purchased an unlocked phone and used it on T-Mobile, what I would like to know from you guys is if there is a difference between Samsung unlocked vs. T-Mobile locked phones. I'm asking because I know Samsung has unified the hardware and software on all of the flagship devices for a couple of years now on all carriers. so truly what will I be really missing if I bought an unlocked Note 10 and use a T-Mobile SIM card on it?
Appreciate the help everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Initially I wanted to order T-Mobile variant of Note10(thought I won't have to flash the firmware), but I saw that the trade in offer is lower than for unlocked model. So I pre-ordered an Unlocked Note10 because of $600 for my S10e. I guess flashing firmware is unavoidable, same as was with S10e and others before it.
Regular person won't see any issues using unlocked model on T-Mobile. If you need T-Mobile's feature, then flashing T-Mobile firmware will give you: Video Calling, Advanced Messaging, will show 4G LTE(instead of just LTE/LTE+), T-Mobile boot logo and some T-Mo apps. You can always go back to XAA firmware
djbutter said:
I have the unlocked note9 on T-Mobile. I haven't noticed anything missing. The only downside is that the unlocked variants get software updates last.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Charkatak said:
Initially I wanted to order T-Mobile variant of Note10(thought I won't have to flash the firmware), but I saw that the trade in offer is lower than for unlocked model. So I pre-ordered an Unlocked Note10 because of $600 for my S10e. I guess flashing firmware is unavoidable, same as was with S10e and others before it.
Regular person won't see any issues using unlocked model on T-Mobile. If you need T-Mobile's feature, then flashing T-Mobile firmware will give you: Video Calling, Advanced Messaging, will show 4G LTE(instead of just LTE/LTE+), T-Mobile boot logo and some T-Mo apps. You can always go back to XAA firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
something i was thinking the $600 for the unlocked version.. Im still uncertain though because different people say different things as to what they can get to work with Tmobile with the unlocked version, but I think i will get the unlocked one hopefully Google get their stuff together with RCS and just take control...
antawnm26 said:
something i was thinking the $600 for the unlocked version.. Im still uncertain though because different people say different things as to what they can get to work with Tmobile with the unlocked version, but I think i will get the unlocked one hopefully Google get stuff together with RCS and just take control...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I listed what functions on unlocked variants. Nothing changed with the N10 in terms of TMobile compatibility. Like the S10s and most unlocked phones, carrier features aren't present.
Firmware conversion can bring them back as others mentioned.
Ace42 said:
I listed what functions on unlocked variants. Nothing changed with the N10 in terms of TMobile compatibility. Like the S10s and most unlocked phones, carrier features aren't present.
Firmware conversion can bring them back as others mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
must of missed it i will go back and check thread
antawnm26 said:
must of missed it i will go back and check thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the phone, TMobile is fine on the unlocked model.
antawnm26 said:
something i was thinking the $600 for the unlocked version.. Im still uncertain though because different people say different things as to what they can get to work with Tmobile with the unlocked version, but I think i will get the unlocked one hopefully Google get their stuff together with RCS and just take control...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I have wrote in my previous message is 100% correct and I have noticed that some other people wrote similar stuff. Basically even if you won't flash your unlocked Note 10 phone, you won't have any issues or any incompatibility using the phone on T-Mobile. I am with T-Mobile since 2003 and have seen more than enough phones to know for sure. If not buying T-Mobile branded phone would pose any issues or problems, believe me I would certainly get T-Mobile version
I most likely will flash Note 10 if I would have the urge to have some of aforementioned T-Mo features(I do usually flash though)
I have an S20U now that is unlocked. What I love is that I get the updates faster it seems (although, the S20 has had way more updates than normal). I am thinking of getting the branded Tmobile one, I have never had any issues using their software and it seems to work better on the network. I do not honestly care about "bloatware" as I will at least be getting a 256GB model.
Anyone have any experiences either way?
I don't have any experience with TMO specifically, but what I do know is that typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked ones. I'm in the same boat, I don't really care much one way or another about the bloat. If I don't like it I uninstall it if I can or at the very least disable it
kangi26 said:
I don't have any experience with TMO specifically, but what I do know is that typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked ones. I'm in the same boat, I don't really care much one way or another about the bloat. If I don't like it I uninstall it if I can or at the very least disable it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that the unlocked one can be used in any country and any network. Just switch sim card and you are done. The TMobile one, may be locked until you pay off the device. You also don't get the bloatware with unlocked (one less thing to Uninstall if you don't care for it).
Sent from my SM-N976U 5G using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Eudeferrer said:
It is my understanding that the unlocked one can be used in any country and any network. Just switch sim card and you are done. The TMobile one, may be locked until you pay off the device. You also don't get the bloatware with unlocked (one less thing to Uninstall if you don't care for it).
Sent from my SM-N976U 5G using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 "Kinds" of Unlocked, you're referring to SIM unlocked, the other is the U1 devices sold by Samsung. Which I suspect what the OP is referring to
kangi26 said:
typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked onest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That used to be true, but not for the last couple of years. The unlocked US Note10+ (N975U1), for example, has gone through 18 software releases in the 12 months it's been out. Many of its updates came out within the first few days of the month, and included that month's Android security patch.
T-Mobile has been lagging for the past few months in its updates for both the N975U and the N975U1, but you can manually download and flash the latest unlocked software immediately.
Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks it's cellular radio's to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on it's network.
From my experience, AT&T, the branded phones have the extras like wifi calling and VoLTE enabled and the unlocked ones don't. Some of the video call features are missing. I wouldn't have a problem with the bloatware but AT&T seems to force it back on and there is no way to remove it without root (which i don't do anymore). This has been my experience from Note 5 , 2 of the 7's ,note 8 and the note 9 I currently use, all have been unlocked.
Sent from my Samsung SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs
Unlock has free caller ID builtin, Tmobile you have to pay for it. Unlock has no Tmobile branding or bloatware. Unlock version is easier to bypass tmobile hotspot apn, and usage limits
T-Mobile version has video calling on the phone app, unlock use to, but not anymore. There might be a few more things but I can't remember right now.
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
I'm on sprint/tmo but I got the unlocked for the first time because I paid outright for the phone this time
*Omnipresent* said:
Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks [its] cellular [radios] to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on [its] network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the APN settings, or to something else?
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/not-sold-by-t-mobile/byod-t-mobile-data-and-apn-settings
*Omnipresent* said:
Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks it's cellular radio's to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on it's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This simply isn't true with the Samsung phones. I have had both and there definitely is no difference in connectivity in either data or calls between unlocked and carrier version.
Sent from my SM-G986U1 using Tapatalk
agree - that was a bunch of talk on this forum last year when the note 10+ was shipping . lots of cats on here were trying to say this and it was just not true. i had 3 unlocked phones on tmo and service was consistent.
Gary02468 said:
Are you referring to the APN settings, or to something else?
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/not-sold-by-t-mobile/byod-t-mobile-data-and-apn-settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he's referring to carrier aggregation. I don't know if it's a thing licked phones have that unlocked don't. I always go unlocked (so the phone feels like it's mine, lol) and can't say I've noticed a difference.
d_ganggreen said:
I have an S20U now that is unlocked. What I love is that I get the updates faster it seems (although, the S20 has had way more updates than normal). I am thinking of getting the branded Tmobile one, I have never had any issues using their software and it seems to work better on the network. I do not honestly care about "bloatware" as I will at least be getting a 256GB model.
Anyone have any experiences either way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your post. Does the Wifi Calling on Tmobile work on the Unlocked phone? I am looking at buying the unlocked 512gb model but have to have wifi calling when I am traveling internationally.
Does anyone know if the stock firmware can be flashed on any device if it's factory unlocked? I think the answer is yes, but just want to make sure before I purchase one used. I know your can flash the carrier firmware so I assume you can do the reverse.
ccommcomm said:
Thank you for your post. Does the Wifi Calling on Tmobile work on the Unlocked phone? I am looking at buying the unlocked 512gb model but have to have wifi calling when I am traveling internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. and if you follow a few of the guides here you can "unlock" video calling and RCS in Samsung messages as well. And if you are really creative, there is another guide to expanding bands and tweaking receiving antennas
And the last question, if you buy the U1 unlocked, you can flash carrier firmware or unlocked firmware either way all you want, but keep in mind going from u to u1 firmware requires a wipe.
The old "unlocked" was slower to get updates is only true if you wait for Tmobile to release it. If you use Frija and Odin, you can pretty much get it the same day Samsung releases it. I'm too impatient to wait for Tmobile to "get around to" reviewing it and re-releasing what Samsung released weeks before.
Most of the "negatives" of having unlocked are long gone at this point and it tilts more into the positives.
Compusmurf said:
Yes. and if you follow a few of the guides here you can "unlock" video calling and RCS in Samsung messages as well. And if you are really creative, there is another guide to expanding bands and tweaking receiving antennas
And the last question, if you buy the U1 unlocked, you can flash carrier firmware or unlocked firmware either way all you want, but keep in mind going from u to u1 firmware requires a wipe.
The old "unlocked" was slower to get updates is only true if you wait for Tmobile to release it. If you use Frija and Odin, you can pretty much get it the same day Samsung releases it. I'm too impatient to wait for Tmobile to "get around to" reviewing it and re-releasing what Samsung released weeks before.
Most of the "negatives" of having unlocked are long gone at this point and it tilts more into the positives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U and U1 have the same radios in them, they are made specifically for the USA market. Depending on what carrier sim card you insert those bands for said USA carrier will be made available for the user. No need to expand bands. The technical specifications of the U1 and U models are listed on samsung USA website for cross referencing.
Anyone successfully using call recording feature on either version? Still looking for my U.S t-mobile variant..
T-Mo non-unlocked Samsung phones (maybe just the Note 20 Ultra though since I haven't been with Samsung since the Note 3 lol) have a bunch of issues. They're about one month behind on updates when compared to all of the other companies. Additionally, I saw someone mention that they have better mobile data quality. That is also true... I found that out once I manually switched to the Android 11 beta as my 5G speeds went from a constant 130mb/s down to 0.5 - 2mb/s without the firmware being specifically from T-Mo. In my settings, all of the mobile connection stuff is exactly the same as it was before...
Also, I don't have voicemail support. Yet another T-Mo problem (but you can easily add Samsung as a possible cause of that problem too)... Had to switch back to the Google Phone app just so that I could get old-school style voicemail (where you have to call your own phone number to get in).
---------- Post added at 11:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------
dj24 said:
Anyone successfully using call recording feature on either version? Still looking for my U.S t-mobile variant..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This hasn't worked for me either. It's starting to seem like Samsung pushed some of their development onto the phone carriers now lol.
Hey Samsung, why not just leave Android alone when you get it from Google so you don't have to cause so many problems with your own, customized (ad filled, feature removing) version moving forward? Heck, I've already had some problems with a bunch of your apps and have gotten zero help or answers from you guys. That's the reason I've switched back to a bunch of Google apps, however, half of those didn't even work on this phone!!! But I messaged Google about these problems as well, and you know what? They fixed ALL OF THEM within two weeks.
I'll definitely be buying from a different manufacturer moving forward. Even more so since there's rumours spreading around online right now that the Note 20 was the last Note phone to be released since the upcoming S21 is going to have stylus support...
The difference between unlocked and t-mobile is that unlocked gets its updates directly from Samsung and is not branded.
While t-mobile version is branded and you receive the updates from t-mobile and not from Samsung. So delay or longer waiting time on updates would happen and maybe even won't get few of the updates.
Since t-mobile has to release them, which take longer time.
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Hi. Just ordered and got the unlocked version of this phone directly from Samsung. They don't have a 512gb version with tmobile software, so I went for the unlocked one.
Would be ok to use it as it is on that network?
What do I lose and what do I get?
Main reason i ask is because im not sure if different firmwares activate or deactivate bands and frequencies. Obviously, I want to have on the ones used by tmo.
Thanks a bunch!
ag2727 said:
Hi. Just ordered and got the unlocked version of this phone directly from Samsung. They don't have a 512gb version with tmobile software, so I went for the unlocked one.
Would be ok to use it as it is on that network?
What do I lose and what do I get?
Main reason i ask is because im not sure if different firmwares activate or deactivate bands and frequencies. Obviously, I want to have on the ones used by tmo.
Thanks a bunch!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll be fine as-is. I've got a T-Mobile version that I flashed the US Unlocked firmware on (XAA) & AFAICT I'm getting use of all of the 5G bands available in my area.
I've yet to use mm Wave 5G as it's not available in my area, but, if you have it, I'm certain you'll have no issues with it.
thanks much.
how about wifi calling?
ag2727 said:
Hi. Just ordered and got the unlocked version of this phone directly from Samsung. They don't have a 512gb version with tmobile software, so I went for the unlocked one.
Would be ok to use it as it is on that network?
What do I lose and what do I get?
Main reason i ask is because im not sure if different firmwares activate or deactivate bands and frequencies. Obviously, I want to have on the ones used by tmo.
Thanks a bunch!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the unlocked version from Samsung. You won't miss the T-Mobile bloatware...
ag2727 said:
thanks much.
how about wifi calling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry so late getting back to you.....
WI-FI Calling works fine on the XAA firmware.