New here. - Samsung Galaxy S7 Questions and Answers

Hi,
I'm sorry if I overlooked a similar thread, but I'm looking in to buying a galaxy s7 and I wanted to buy one that has an unlocked bootloader and will work with USA metro pcs. is there such phone? lol I've heard usa s7's don't unlock. just wondering.

The Exynos models G930F/G930FD/G930W8, and the hong kong snapdragon model are the only ones can be bootloader unlocked
They will work in the USA, but the USA uses different network carrier standards than the rest of the world, so your connectivity won't be as good as using a USA specific device. You may also lack carrier features like VoLTE.

Thanks! Are the s8's like this as well? I'm trying to figure out if I want a 7 or 8. is there much difference between the phones?

Same for S8 through to S10. International gets unlockable Exynos, USA gets locked Snapdragon, HK gets unlockable Snapdragon.
Main difference would be the bump in specs and build. S7 also won't get official Android Pie, I believe the S8 will/has.
S8's were also a bit unique in that unlocking the Exynos bootloader is harder on them but still possible, S9 and S10 went back to easy as far as I'm aware.

Related

galaxy s7 sprint G930P G930PVPSACSI2

I have tried and tried to root it but it always fails using odin. Could use some help.
G930P (sprint)
G930PVPSACSI2
Android Version 8.0.0
Samsung Experience 9.0
Build number R16NW.G930PVPSACSI2
Android Security Patch September 1, 2019
If someone can shoot me to a guide or working files for odin it would be greatly appreciated.
I've tried around 30 guides and 30 different odin twrp files and each one has failed when trying to use on odin.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/help/help-rooting-snapdragon-galaxy-s7-g930a-t3977565
You can't. The G930P is locked down, with no known method to get around it.
All USA models are snapdragon SoC and locked down, some have work arounds that involves using a leaked engineering bootloader from the factory, but not the G930P.
TWRP also isn't possible, all the files you were likely flashing are for the G930F, which is Exynos SoC and able to be bootloader unlocked.
I figured as much, just my luck. If I was looking for a good device to root which phone would you suggest or should I go with like iPhone 7? main purpose im using this for is like pokemon spoofing lol is an iPhone 7 hard to jailbreak>?
How about galaxy s9 sm g960u that's my main phone which I could root if it was possible but the downside was id need to find something to hide root from snapchat and other apps.
You'd have to check the forums for that model specifically, but a general rule of thumb is a US model Samsung phones with snapdragons are bootloader locked. You'll have better luck with other phones, or importing the Exynos model (although that comes with less network band support in the US)
alliebart said:
How about galaxy s9 sm g960u that's my main phone which I could root if it was possible but the downside was id need to find something to hide root from snapchat and other apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope. no root love on the G960U models. The G960F model is rootable as well as the chinese snapdragon S9's, but none of the american S9s
Beanvee7 said:
You'd have to check the forums for that model specifically, but a general rule of thumb is a US model Samsung phones with snapdragons are bootloader locked. You'll have better luck with other phones, or importing the Exynos model (although that comes with less network band support in the US)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it also should be said that the F model variants of the galaxy phones do not support CDMA which is what sprint and verizon uses. if you want to use T-Mob or AT&T with a euro phone, all good, theyre GSM which is what the F models are capable of working with solely. Do NOT get a euro spec phone if you want to use vzw or sprint
youdoofus said:
it also should be said that the F model variants of the galaxy phones do not support CDMA which is what sprint and verizon uses. if you want to use T-Mob or AT&T with a euro phone, all good, theyre GSM which is what the F models are capable of working with solely. Do NOT get a euro spec phone if you want to use vzw or sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not connecting it to service. Just trying to use it for wifi etc. So if I got a Galaxy S7 AT&T phone off amazon it would work? I don't really know how to get a euro phone when I live in USA and I normally buy everything from amazon. Is a iPhone 7 at&t jailbreakable?
alliebart said:
I'm not connecting it to service. Just trying to use it for wifi etc. So if I got a Galaxy S7 AT&T phone off amazon it would work? I don't really know how to get a euro phone when I live in USA and I normally buy everything from amazon. Is a iPhone 7 at&t jailbreakable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i bought a UAE market A8 phone from amazon last summer, and im sure you can buy other euro spec phones on there too. They are just advertised as "no warranty". Iphail discussions and jailbreak arent usual conversation topics on xda

Canada/US Snapdragon or Global Exynos?

I am reading that people are really disappointed the Global version is Exynos based and not snapdragon but my requiremetns are these
I need it rooted, after I found out that S8 Snapdragon had no root for longest time - and even now the solution is not good, I was totally put off by Samsung
I understand Exonys versions have root come out fairly quick
I need to use Samsung Pay or Google pay( which If i am not mistaken can be done via Magisk? ) as its currency not possible in S8 or S9 Snapdragon due to its rooting method
Dual SIM - MAIN Reason - I beleive US version wont have Dual and Exonys wil?
Bring out the inner artist in doing some sketching
So considering he above, is the Exynos chip t hat and compared to my requirements above?
Any other recommendation? seek Note 10+?
Hello, on all that i still suggest you using Snapdragon version. As far as i can see you need root for custom rom. I have rooted Note 10+ (Exynos) and going for also Note 20 Ultra Snapdragon, since the Exynos is still prone to overheat and underperform. I dont know which is having dual sim and which not, but as far as updates go Samsung change their game... official updates are really fast they even announce 3 year support with updates. Rooted phone i think it means so much less now since google is closing everything good about it. Thats my opinion. And from my Exynos 9825 there is 33% performance increase on Snapdragon where Exynos is only about 15%. And i am from Europe and i feel offended by Exynos...
It is my understanding that the South American and Hong Kong varians twill be Snapdragons with an unlocked bootloader. Although they can be rooted, traditionally development might be slow on these variants.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Eudeferrer said:
It is my understanding that the South American and Hong Kong varians twill be Snapdragons with an unlocked bootloader. Although they can be rooted, traditionally development might be slow on these variants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the Korean versions are snapdragon this year also which is new since they have always been exynos.
i may go this route since the idiots at samsung only have the 512gb version in black in Canada and the US.
they are so stupid...did the sme thing last year with the 10 plus..only 512gb in black.
Here is a question, is the model/variant: SM-N9860, will it come in 512GB / 12GB RAM / Dual Sim (is it dual physical sim or hydrid dual sim - 1 slot for SD/Nano SIM & and 2nd slot for Nano SIM), and it will be the snap dragon variant with unlocked bootloader.
Also, will these models support Canadian Telcom's 5G network?

Question on Proper Model

Hey Guys,
What would you recommend as the best model of the Note 20 Ultra to get? I have access to purchase the US unlocked, the International unlocked or the Korean Unlocked variant. I was concerned about using SamsungPay, yet I think I will let that ship sail. I am more concerned about overall performance and value. I will not be rooting. I use to for years on here, yet have not done so for the last 4 Note models. Just can't decided which would be the best one to purchase. Yet I need to get my pre-order in soon. I currently live in Japan. What are you thoughts?
cezeff said:
Hey Guys,
What would you recommend as the best model of the Note 20 Ultra to get? I have access to purchase the US unlocked, the International unlocked or the Korean Unlocked variant. I was concerned about using SamsungPay, yet I think I will let that ship sail. I am more concerned about overall performance and value. I will not be rooting. I use to for years on here, yet have not done so for the last 4 Note models. Just can't decided which would be the best one to purchase. Yet I need to get my pre-order in soon. I currently live in Japan. What are you thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my recommendation would be to get the version which has all the required bands to work well in Japan.
That said i would not get the international one though because it has the crappy exynos 990 in it.
both US and Korean variants have the snapdragon 865+. i known rooting doesnt matter but just for information the US and Canadian models cannot be rooted due to the locked bootloader
force70 said:
my recommendation would be to get the version which has all the required bands to work well in Japan.
That said i would not get the international one though because it has the crappy exynos 990 in it.
both US and Korean variants have the snapdragon 865+. i known rooting doesnt matter but just for information the US and Canadian models cannot be rooted due to the locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. Both the Korean and the US variant would work the same for LTE here... I'm going with the Korean version as it has twice the storage for the same price.... If for some crazy reason I do root it later, it looks like it would be doable with the Korean model in flashing a generic worldwide wide rom(?).. It seems there was pretty healthy development on the snapdragon Korean version of the note 10 plus...I don't think that I will ever push it has enough to fully use the chipset, yet it's a good piece of mind to have when spending so much money, that you got the best performance you can buy.... because any variant isn't 100% completely compatible with all the LTE bands in Japan, I would feel better getting the chipset that has the best energy efficiency as well... I'll be going with mystic white as it give me the greatest flexibility in swapping skins and cases, plus the grey framed camera bump looks better in my opinion
force70 said:
my recommendation would be to get the version which has all the required bands to work well in Japan.
That said i would not get the international one though because it has the crappy exynos 990 in it.
both US and Korean variants have the snapdragon 865+. i known rooting doesnt matter but just for information the US and Canadian models cannot be rooted due to the locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am stuck in this too, live in Canada
I need Dual SIM ( not avail for North American version )
I need rooting
I checked but the HK bands dont work for my carriers 5G
So - should I buy a Note 20 Ultra with Exynos? where I am not getting its worth OR go for a Note 10 + instead International but with Exynos for $1200 CAD
inningsdefeat500 said:
I am stuck in this too, live in Canada
I need Dual SIM ( not avail for North American version )
I need rooting
I checked but the HK bands dont work for my carriers 5G
So - should I buy a Note 20 Ultra with Exynos? where I am not getting its worth OR go for a Note 10 + instead International but with Exynos for $1200 CAD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely wouldnt buy exynos this year..the 990 is total crap.
last year the snapdragon was still better but I don't think the performance margin was a big.
what carrier you with?
inningsdefeat500 said:
I am stuck in this too, live in Canada
I need Dual SIM ( not avail for North American version )
I need rooting
I checked but the HK bands dont work for my carriers 5G
So - should I buy a Note 20 Ultra with Exynos? where I am not getting its worth OR go for a Note 10 + instead International but with Exynos for $1200 CAD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me 5G is nice, yet not super important due to the fact Japan just turned on 5G for commercial use 2 months ago and still have yet to flesh it out properly. NTT Docomo, the largest of the 3 carriers, expects only 2.5 million subscribers by March 2021... In short I'm saying how much access will you have to 5G in your area?... Is it top priority if you are getting great speeds on LTE already?
I went with the HK version over the Korean version for the dual sim capability....
As far as rooting I think both the HK and Korean versions were enjoying some success on the Note 10+ forums... You might want to check how things went with rooting development on those models , with expectations for probably the same level of support

Question SM-S9080 (China) bootloader inquiry

I see that this specific model (Released in China) I believe has support for custom ROM's one would assume the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked. If possible could someone with a device please confirm as these variants are actually 300$ cheaper than the US/CA models and other Global variants. I can't imagine there would be any significant differences otherwise aside from the firmware would be China based and I might need to flash my own CSC package.
You can check in Settings - Developer Options - OEM Unlocking to see if your bootloader can be unlocked.
I'm aware of how to check, when you are yet to own the device then someone else would need to provide the insight. It's not exactly fesible to check another country's device and I'm sure the return policy is a bit harder.
You seem to be confused. You stated "the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked". Just because the SoC is a Snapdragon doesn't mean the bootloader can't be unlocked, they've been making them for years. I own the Snapdragon device with an unlocked bootloader. So if you know how to check if you can unlock the bootloader why ask anyone else if it's possible? Don't be surprised if you can't flash different firmware, SM-R908N is an outlier but it can utilize Custom ROM's.
Guide to root Galaxy S22 Ultra (B/E/N/0), unlock bootloader and flash official firmware (noob friendly)
Your warranty is now void. If you root your device, Your KNOX status will be tripped. You can still pass the safety net after you root if you follow the instructions. Sorry for USA models, you can't root unless you can unlock your bootloader You...
forum.xda-developers.com
Not sure why you can't confirm price differences between the Korean and US devices, here's the appropriate links.
Korea
Samsung 대한민국 | 모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
www.samsung.com
USA
Galaxy S22 Ultra, 128GB (Unlocked) in Phantom Black | Price & Deals | Samsung US
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra,Unlocked 128GB in Phantom Black. Save with Trade-in, and discover exclusive offers with
www.samsung.com
Your welcome!
varcor said:
You seem to be confused. You stated "the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked". Just because the SoC is a Snapdragon doesn't mean the bootloader can't be unlocked, they've been making them for years. I own the Snapdragon device with an unlocked bootloader. So if you know how to check if you can unlock the bootloader why ask anyone else if it's possible? Don't be surprised if you can't flash different firmware, SM-R908N is an outlier but it can utilize Custom ROM's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure op knows how to check and knows the price difference since they mentioned it. They are asking someone that actually has the device to confirm
Solace50 said:
I see that this specific model (Released in Korea) I believe has support for custom ROM's one would assume the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked. If possible could someone with a device please confirm as these variants are actually 300$ cheaper than the US/CA models and other Global variants. I can't imagine there would be any significant differences otherwise aside from the firmware would be korean based and I might need to flash my own CSC package.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will confirm that the Korean snapdragon note 20 ultra could be unlocked.
Rom support was slim though. Most did not explicitly mention the N model and since more people in the world are unlocked on exynos, most of the support was for that chipset.
Also the fact that snapdragons are locked in NA is because of the region not the chip it self. Other regions with them aren't bootloader locked.
pcriz said:
I'm pretty sure op knows how to check and knows the price difference since they mentioned it. They are asking someone that actually has the device to confirm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP would be better served if he/she included a Model Number. The specific properties are the same regardless. As everyone is aware price fluctuates depending on the seller.
varcor said:
OP would be better served if he/she included a Model Number. The specific properties are the same regardless. As everyone is aware price fluctuates depending on the seller
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Op isn't asking about the price though. Who knows where they are buying from.
Also the Korean models typically only have one model number. I think the same is true this year as well.
I figured the best person to answer their question is someone that probably knows they have a Korean model or someone with first hand experience with the Korean model.
Are you sure Korean model comes with SM-S9080?
donkeyman1234 said:
Are you sure Korean model comes with SM-S9080?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Accuracy is not releveant but the firmware was on a few places listed as Korean model.
varcor said:
OP would be better served if he/she included a Model Number. The specific properties are the same regardless. As everyone is aware price fluctuates depending on the seller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SM-9080 is the model number... If I bought and received something other than the device listed it would be of no charge according to provincial law. The 909B is also an option which is the EU enyox model or 908W Canadian Snap dragon. The 908W cannot be unlocked however the root/bootloader unlock specifies 0 in the title which I'm assuming is the suffix to 908 and possible.
Snapdragon and bootloader unlock would be the best of both worlds as performance is better and does not suffer from idle drain issues. The cost is also about 20% cheaper on sale.
pcriz said:
I will confirm that the Korean snapdragon note 20 ultra could be unlocked.
Rom support was slim though. Most did not explicitly mention the N model and since more people in the world are unlocked on exynos, most of the support was for that chipset.
Also the fact that snapdragons are locked in NA is because of the region not the chip it self. Other regions with them aren't bootloader locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm, just going to yolo one one see what happens. Worse case is I might need to update the CSC, the modems firmware should support the same frequencies to be "international/global" The s8+ I have was the int version and worked just fine.
Some rated specs do differ ever so slightly between the EU and NA model such as the post processing used for images and throughput for the NIC used onboard but is negligible.
varcor said:
You seem to be confused. You stated "the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked". Just because the SoC is a Snapdragon doesn't mean the bootloader can't be unlocked, they've been making them for years. I own the Snapdragon device with an unlocked bootloader. So if you know how to check if you can unlock the bootloader why ask anyone else if it's possible? Don't be surprised if you can't flash different firmware, SM-R908N is an outlier but it can utilize Custom ROM's.
Guide to root Galaxy S22 Ultra (B/E/N/0), unlock bootloader and flash official firmware (noob friendly)
Your warranty is now void. If you root your device, Your KNOX status will be tripped. You can still pass the safety net after you root if you follow the instructions. Sorry for USA models, you can't root unless you can unlock your bootloader You...
forum.xda-developers.com
Not sure why you can't confirm price differences between the Korean and US devices, here's the appropriate links.
Korea
Samsung 대한민국 | 모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
www.samsung.com
USA
Galaxy S22 Ultra, 128GB (Unlocked) in Phantom Black | Price & Deals | Samsung US
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra,Unlocked 128GB in Phantom Black. Save with Trade-in, and discover exclusive offers with
www.samsung.com
Your welcome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, generally MFG do not deviate from designs much due to costs involved. If SN by design was bootloader locked one would expect variants to be the same. I think Korea had enyox models in the past too.
The site used was pda plaza (google it) which lists various models and if you are buying new is usually cheaper than vendors, amazon and other places. I saw a 512gb ultra as low as 1500 for the ugly green. Considering we get ****ty perks for buying a phone new it does not make sense to buy from samsung.com unless you want sky blue or something.
Also I'm unsure as to why you linked the store pages, retailers listing unlocked is carrier specific, not bootloader.
Oop, sorry all the 9080 is China, 908N is Korea, editing main post.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G - Full phone specifications
www.gsmarena.com
Same as in HongKong, I would just flash their firmware, likely better overall.
I am in Taiwan, for your reference.
Solace50 said:
Thanks, generally MFG do not deviate from designs much due to costs involved. If SN by design was bootloader locked one would expect variants to be the same. I think Korea had enyox models in the past too.
The site used was pda plaza (google it) which lists various models and if you are buying new is usually cheaper than vendors, amazon and other places. I saw a 512gb ultra as low as 1500 for the ugly green. Considering we get ****ty perks for buying a phone new it does not make sense to buy from samsung.com unless you want sky blue or something.
Also I'm unsure as to why you linked the store pages, retailers listing unlocked is carrier specific, not bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I linked the Samsung websites so you could compare official Samsung pricing. As stated there are many different retailers with various offers. I also asked for the model number knowing the SM-9080 isn't available in Korea which you've since updated. The S21 Ultra in Korea is the Exynos variant which only lasted 1 year, they've now reverted back to Snapdragon. Of the 3 SM-9080's available I would recommend the Hong Kong (CSC - TGY) but if call features are a priority the Taiwan variant (CSC - BRI) is the best option. Stay away from the China variant, it's a mess. Plus one should always ask a retailer which CSC they are offering, they don't always sell the same variant for the region they are based. You could purchase a China variant from a Taiwan retailer but you won't know it until it's in your hands. Yes, they will mislead and lie just to make a sale. Firmware for the 3 variants are interchangeable however it's usually not a good idea to swap, firmware is Home CSC specific and the Home CSC can't be altered plus that will affect updates as well. All 3 are bootloader unlocked however there aren't many Custom ROM's for Snapdragon devices. Goods luck!
varcor said:
I linked the Samsung websites so you could compare official Samsung pricing. As stated there are many different retailers with various offers. I also asked for the model number knowing the SM-9080 isn't available in Korea which you've since updated. The S21 Ultra in Korea is the Exynos variant which only lasted 1 year, they've now reverted back to Snapdragon. Of the 3 SM-9080's available I would recommend the Hong Kong (CSC - TGY) but if call features are a priority the Taiwan variant (CSC - BRI) is the best option. Stay away from the China variant, it's a mess. Plus one should always ask a retailer which CSC they are offering, they don't always sell the same variant for the region they are based. You could purchase a China variant from a Taiwan retailer but you won't know it until it's in your hands. Yes, they will mislead and lie just to make a sale. Firmware for the 3 variants are interchangeable however it's usually not a good idea to swap, firmware is Home CSC specific and the Home CSC can't be altered plus that will affect updates as well. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hardware is the same as HK, only the firmware differs and can be flashed. The recommendation makes zero sense. Call features are CSC based and I doubt much differs across the globe these days especially for major regions. That would be false that you cannot change the CSC, the whole aspect of root/unlocked bootloader is to modify system/firmware partitions or flashing with odin.
Solace50 said:
The hardware is the same as HK, only the firmware differs and can be flashed. The recommendation makes zero sense. Call features are CSC based and I doubt much differs across the globe these days especially for major regions. That would be false that you cannot change the CSC, the whole aspect of root/unlocked bootloader is to modify system/firmware partitions or flashing with odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean it makes no sense? I've stated if you want call features buy your regions (CSC) device. I never said your CSC couldn't be changed, I've stated your Home CSC can't be changed. Have fun trying to figure everything out, we're done.
For those who also may care, I took the time to actually research things before speculating nonsense.
So the primary difference between the models is 5G support as apparently the 5Ghz bands are not supported in the firmware for the 9080. Given the 9080 can be bootloader unlocked it is a similar situation to the Galaxy S4 release across US/CA where you could buy the US model and flash a Canadian modem in order to gain support for carriers in CA. Likely the same can be provided for 5G support with a few hex edits to the existing modem or flashing one from another region considering the same hardware is used, however this would still need to be tested.
Will Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra work in Canada?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with the mobile networks of Canada and with the telephony operators that provide service in Canada.
www.kimovil.com
This would ultimately save people hundreds of $ along with providing the SN variant bootloader unlocked to various individuals and not end up being a slave to bloatware and poorly designed roms.
CyberEvo said:
I am in Taiwan, for your reference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the most useful post in the thread.

Why are International Samsungs basically the only Samsungs to be unlocked/rooted?

Since the S6 (or S5), bootloader unlocking was only available to people in other countries like Europe. However they changed it in the S23 where every model had the Snapdragon, yet the bootloader on US models still remains locked.
You should ask Samsung this question.

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