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Unlocked Purchase for root access?

I am picking up the S8+ but I want the unlocked version. It's probably to early to talk about root right now but if I buy the unlocked version will I be able to root the phone before I connect it to Verizon? I'm sick of the bloatware and miss having root access. Once I connect a rooted phone to Verizon will I lose root?

sonicthrust said:
I am picking up the S8+ but I want the unlocked version. It's probably to early to talk about root right now but if I buy the unlocked version will I be able to root the phone before I connect it to Verizon? I'm sick of the bloatware and miss having root access. Once I connect a rooted phone to Verizon will I lose root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol...unlocked in this sense is sim unlocked and has nothing to do with root.
If things are the same as the s7 and note 7 for the US then the snapdragon S8swill have locked bootloaders which means no traditional root (not counting on leaked engineering firmware again) and def no custom recovery.
You need to buy a exynos model which hopefully are still unlocked.
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6

Thanks for the reply and great info.
I understand the unlocked part but I thought it was the carrier locking down the bootloader. My s6 with Verizon you could downgrade and then root as long as you didn't have their newest firmware which locked it down. I was hoping that if I picked up an unlocked version I could root it before the carrier gets their service on it.
I am looking at international version but didn't know it was the chip that handled the lock down. That's great info and thanks for that.
My end game is to get rid of the bloatware. One I put the phone on Verizon service won't it upload all the crap in an update?

sonicthrust said:
Thanks for the reply and great info.
I understand the unlocked part but I thought it was the carrier locking down the bootloader. My s6 with Verizon you could downgrade and then root as long as you didn't have their newest firmware which locked it down. I was hoping that if I picked up an unlocked version I could root it before the carrier gets their service on it.
I am looking at international version but didn't know it was the chip that handled the lock down. That's great info and thanks for that.
My end game is to get rid of the bloatware. One I put the phone on Verizon service won't it upload all the crap in an update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the past carriers have had a say or decision when it comes to unlocked boot loaders. It depends on what type of deal is made with Samsung and that particular carrier.

Gotcha. I didn't know that was an issue with the s7. I have the s6 and before Verizon locked the bootloader you could downgrade Android which would then allow you to root it. I was completely unaware it was on the cpu side of things.
So I need to wait a bit after release so the community can get their hands on one and see what's possible.
Thanks for the education guys. Very helpful indeed.

force70 said:
Lol...unlocked in this sense is sim unlocked and has nothing to do with root.
If things are the same as the s7 and note 7 for the US then the snapdragon S8swill have locked bootloaders which means no traditional root (not counting on leaked engineering firmware again) and def no custom recovery.
You need to buy a exynos model which hopefully are still unlocked.
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nevermind, thought there was only an exynos version this time around but not true.. sorry.

force70 said:
You need to buy a exynos model which hopefully are still unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But no CDMA radios/modems, correct?

LoliSmith said:
But no CDMA radios/modems, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you are correct...all GSM.
But having cdma means your on verizon more or less and why anyone bothers with them i dont get.
Cdma is outdated tech for one thing and limits what device you can use...such as in this case.
They also lock the Bootloaders which makes having a Verizon device pointless if your here on xda. And again you cant just nab another device with an unlocked BL since your stuck on cdma lol.
I would ditch that carrier in a heartbeat if it were me.

force70 said:
But having cdma means your on verizon more or less and why anyone bothers with them i dont get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are lots of reasons. I have grandfathered UDP, which is unthrottled and not deprioritized, and Verizon's network is the best in the US.
force70 said:
Cdma is outdated tech for one thing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am rarely on the CDMA network, all my calls are VoLTE. But without CDMA radios/modems, the firmware of a phone won't support VoLTE because the manufacturer doesn't intend for the device to be used on Verizon.
force70 said:
and limits what device you can use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it does, that is why I asked.
force70 said:
They also lock the Bootloaders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it comes to Samsung, all of the US models have locked bootloaders.
force70 said:
which makes having a Verizon device pointless if your here on xda.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you are wrong. My Verizon Pixel was unlocked with depixel8.
force70 said:
And again you cant just nab another device with an unlocked BL since your stuck on cdma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But no Samsung US devices have unlocked bootloaders. And the international model doesn't have HD/WiFi calling on the US GSM carriers and you can't use Samsung Pay.
force70 said:
I would ditch that carrier in a heartbeat if it were me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have grandfathered UDP on Verizon, I do.

LoliSmith said:
There are lots of reasons. I have grandfathered UDP, which is unthrottled and not deprioritized, and Verizon's network is the best in the US.
I am rarely on the CDMA network, all my calls are VoLTE. But without CDMA radios/modems, the firmware of a phone won't support VoLTE because the manufacturer doesn't intend for the device to be used on Verizon.
and limits what device you can useYes, it does, that is why I asked.
Yes, it does, that is why I asked.
They also lock the BootloadersWhen it comes to Samsung, all of the US models have locked bootloaders.
which makes having a Verizon device pointless if your here on xda. Well you are wrong. My Verizon Pixel was unlocked with depixel8.
Well you are wrong. My Verizon Pixel was unlocked with depixel8.
And again you cant just nab another device with an unlocked BL since your stuck on cdmaBut no Samsung US devices have unlocked bootloaders. And the international model doesn't have HD/WiFi calling on the US GSM carriers and you can't use Samsung Pay.
You don't have grandfathered UDP on Verizon, I do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True but for me it still wouldn't be worth it.
Id rather pay for data then be stuck having one device which is unlocked (pixel) and also have a choice to use almost any gsm device out there.
And yes the US Samsung devices are locked and also now here in canada which is why i buy the international exynos version as thet are unlocked....which of course you cannot do because your on cdma.
Its a personal choice of course and I prefer to be able to do what i want with my devices so a locked bootloader is unacceptable for me and I also refuse to be stuck tunning whatever device my carrier offers because nothing else works on their network.
You choose other wise and thats okay too...

LoliSmith said:
You don't have grandfathered UDP on Verizon, I do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the grandfathered unlimited plan. I just let Verizon take it away when I upgraded, though. It seemed like too much hassle to try and keep it, when I really only used 2-3 GB max per month.
I've been loyal to Verizon for all my life, although I'm not really sure why. I may jump ship for Google Project Fi sometime in the near future. I love Project Fi's freedom with all its devices. Plus, it operates 100% through internet, which is all you need nowadays. Project Fi is definitely a step towards the future. I feel like I'm paying Verizon so much for service that I don't use. I'm on wifi 90% of the time.

sonicthrust said:
I am picking up the S8+ but I want the unlocked version. It's probably to early to talk about root right now but if I buy the unlocked version will I be able to root the phone before I connect it to Verizon? I'm sick of the bloatware and miss having root access. Once I connect a rooted phone to Verizon will I lose root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier unlocked is what unlocked version is and has absolutely nothing to do with root.
---------- Post added at 09:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:11 PM ----------
sonicthrust said:
Thanks for the reply and great info.
I understand the unlocked part but I thought it was the carrier locking down the bootloader. My s6 with Verizon you could downgrade and then root as long as you didn't have their newest firmware which locked it down. I was hoping that if I picked up an unlocked version I could root it before the carrier gets their service on it.
I am looking at international version but didn't know it was the chip that handled the lock down. That's great info and thanks for that.
My end game is to get rid of the bloatware. One I put the phone on Verizon service won't it upload all the crap in an update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Package disabler pro on play store freezes bloat and without root.

Let me clarify why I am asking this question. I have an S6 and before version 5.xxx you could downgrade the firmware to 4.xx and then do a root workaround. Verizon released a new firmware and once you had that you couldn't downgrade any more because they locked the bootloader with their firmware. That is why I was thinking I could get an unlocked phone, meaning no carrier firmware, root it, then turn off auto updates and then add my ein to the Verizon network. I would then get my updates from XDA for the raw update files and not Verizons cooked version.
I don't know anything about the s7 as I have not owned one so I didn't know that the US version from the s7 on had the bootloader locked. And when I say bootloader locked I mean no way of a work around to root the phone.
I also did not know that international version I'd be losing some features.
I'll just wait a bit after release and see what the community comes up with. Maybe there is an exploit for 7.0 that will be found for the S8.
Also, I have been on all of the carriers except for t-mobile and I have to say that Verizon is the best so far. With sprint you couldn't even talk and surf lol. I know service has a lot to do with your area so it is different for everyone. Sprint was the most godawful I have ever been on!

johnwayne27 said:
Carrier unlocked is what unlocked version is and has absolutely nothing to do with root.
---------- Post added at 09:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:11 PM ----------
Package disabler pro on play store freezes bloat and without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great. I didn't know about that one. With all the crap out there it's so difficult to find a safe program these days. I'll check it out.

force70 said:
Lol...unlocked in this sense is sim unlocked and has nothing to do with root.
If things are the same as the s7 and note 7 for the US then the snapdragon S8swill have locked bootloaders which means no traditional root (not counting on leaked engineering firmware again) and def no custom recovery.
You need to buy a exynos model which hopefully are still unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that's why I'm not moving from this Note 4 until one of us is dead!

Spike96 said:
I had the grandfathered unlimited plan. I just let Verizon take it away when I upgraded, though. It seemed like too much hassle to try and keep it, when I really only used 2-3 GB max per month.
I've been loyal to Verizon for all my life, although I'm not really sure why. I may jump ship for Google Project Fi sometime in the near future. I love Project Fi's freedom with all its devices. Plus, it operates 100% through internet, which is all you need nowadays. Project Fi is definitely a step towards the future. I feel like I'm paying Verizon so much for service that I don't use. I'm on wifi 90% of the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you had to do was pay full price for the phone to upgrade.

Verizon has the best coverage, but the most expensive plans, AT&T and Sprint and Tmobile all seem to have better plans and devices because they're not CDMA. I think it's a trade-off.

geoff5093 said:
All you had to do was pay full price for the phone to upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was a kid back then lol... My Dad had me convinced that by using an upgrade you only pay like $200. Whereas it was really a $200 upfront cost, then monthly payments after. I didn't know.
But, I saved a few bucks per month anyway. My monthly plan was cheaper than the unlimited $30 plan, and I rarely use over 2-3 GBs per month.
The only real upside to the unlimited plan, for me, was peace of mind knowing it was impossible to go over the limit.
---------- Post added at 10:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:04 PM ----------
sanjsrik said:
Verizon has the best coverage, but the most expensive plans, AT&T and Sprint and Tmobile all seem to have better plans and devices because they're not CDMA. I think it's a trade-off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any consensus how Verizon coverage compares to Project Fi coverage?
I know Project Fi is a combo of T-Mobile & Sprint. Does that make it closer to the reliability of Verizon?

Spike96 said:
I was a kid back then lol... My Dad had me convinced that by using an upgrade you only pay like $200. Whereas it was really a $200 upfront cost, then monthly payments after. I didn't know.
But, I saved a few bucks per month anyway. My monthly plan was cheaper than the unlimited $30 plan, and I rarely use over 2-3 GBs per month.
The only real upside to the unlimited plan, for me, was peace of mind knowing it was impossible to go over the limit.
---------- Post added at 10:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:04 PM ----------
Is there any consensus how Verizon coverage compares to Project Fi coverage?
I know Project Fi is a combo of T-Mobile & Sprint. Does that make it closer to the reliability of Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really think so, since TMobile and Sprint mostly cover the same areas, and us cellular only covers 20 something states.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Spike96 said:
I was a kid back then lol... My Dad had me convinced that by using an upgrade you only pay like $200. Whereas it was really a $200 upfront cost, then monthly payments after. I didn't know.
But, I saved a few bucks per month anyway. My monthly plan was cheaper than the unlimited $30 plan, and I rarely use over 2-3 GBs per month.
The only real upside to the unlimited plan, for me, was peace of mind knowing it was impossible to go over the limit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you as
K T-Mobile customer support, you'll find that they downgrade your service if you use too much data evening the "unlimited" plan.
I just don't understand to this day how they get away with calling ANY plan unlimited when there's obviously limitations.

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

The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.

Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.

mweinbach said:
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
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:

Galaxy Note 10+ OTA Update

Hello,
I am hoping someone here has a good understanding on how updates work with Samsung Galaxy models.
On my Verizon Note 9, earlier this year, I was able to rush an update before Verizon released it. I did it by downloading the official one from ATT (or sprint, can't remember) and it worked. It updated my phone and I even remained on track for future updates. I did this because based on the research I did, carrier phones are all the same hardware, and the carrier software gets installed based on the SIM that gets inserted into the phone. So the updates are interchangeable pretty much.
I am looking at upgrading to the note 10+, Verizon is offering me $400 for my note 9. Samsung is offering me $600 but only if i buy the unlocked model. So my questions is in regards to the unlocked model. Would I be able to do the same with an unlocked phone? Can i install a carrier update on an unlocked phone. I am aware that unlocked phones do not receive updates as quickly as carrier phones (it was the opposite a few years ago).
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I ordered the unlocked model as well. As soon as you pop your SIM into the phone it will carrier lock (bootloader) to that carrier and you'll start getting updates pushed by that carrier.
Ill be waiting off any updates personally so that i can get root

Cosmo100292 said:
I ordered the unlocked model as well. As soon as you pop your SIM into the phone it will carrier lock (bootloader) to that carrier and you'll start getting updates pushed by that carrier.
Ill be waiting off any updates personally so that i can get root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you positive this is correct as the phone will lock when inserting sim into it? Also, aren't you losing wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling?

Cosmo100292 said:
I ordered the unlocked model as well. As soon as you pop your SIM into the phone it will carrier lock (bootloader) to that carrier and you'll start getting updates pushed by that carrier.
Ill be waiting off any updates personally so that i can get root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A little bit of clarification, the bootloader will always remain locked on any device with Snapdragon, this includes The carrier and Unlocked devices sold in the US and Canada

antawnm26 said:
you positive this is correct as the phone will lock when inserting sim into it? Also, aren't you losing wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm, i might be wrong. RCS is going to be carrier dependent only for a little while longer since Google is taking that over. Video calling will also depend on which app you're using
kangi26 said:
A little bit of clarification, the bootloader will always remain locked on any device with Snapdragon, this includes The carrier and Unlocked devices sold in the US and Canada
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats correct. I knew it was either the old way that i mentioned or this way. I just hope that getting the bootloader unlocked and achieving root is easy. Last time i attempted this on a Samsung was back with my Note3 and it was a huge PITA

Cosmo100292 said:
I ordered the unlocked model as well. As soon as you pop your SIM into the phone it will carrier lock (bootloader) to that carrier and you'll start getting updates pushed by that carrier.
Ill be waiting off any updates personally so that i can get root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned Sim locked is most definitely NOT the same as BL lock dude. Two totally different things.
All the US versions will be BL locked like always.
---------- Post added at 12:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 AM ----------
Cosmo100292 said:
Mmm, i might be wrong. RCS is going to be carrier dependent only for a little while longer since Google is taking that over. Video calling will also depend on which app you're using
Thats correct. I knew it was either the old way that i mentioned or this way. I just hope that getting the bootloader unlocked and achieving root is easy. Last time i attempted this on a Samsung was back with my Note3 and it was a huge PITA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never going to happen, there will be no root or anything for the US models.
Your way behind the times....compared to the days of the Note 3 things are way worse and complicated now in regards to locked down BLs.
If you want an unlockable BL go with a latin anerican or HK snapdragon or an exynos device.
Other than that you are SOL

once the tools for this model get released, in theory you should be able to. However it might not happen right away.
Also, being unlocked still allows all features like visual voicemail, HD voice, hotspot and wi-fi calling. However you will be significantly delayed on security and fw updates, as unlocked requires all carriers to test and release these updates first, then the unlocked devices get the updates. This is why after a year of owning my first unlocked phones (note9 and s10+ 1tb unlocked) I decided to go with a carrier phone again.

s0nic69 said:
Hello,
I am hoping someone here has a good understanding on how updates work with Samsung Galaxy models.
On my Verizon Note 9, earlier this year, I was able to rush an update before Verizon released it. I did it by downloading the official one from ATT (or sprint, can't remember) and it worked. It updated my phone and I even remained on track for future updates. I did this because based on the research I did, carrier phones are all the same hardware, and the carrier software gets installed based on the SIM that gets inserted into the phone. So the updates are interchangeable pretty much.
I am looking at upgrading to the note 10+, Verizon is offering me $400 for my note 9. Samsung is offering me $600 but only if i buy the unlocked model. So my questions is in regards to the unlocked model. Would I be able to do the same with an unlocked phone? Can i install a carrier update on an unlocked phone. I am aware that unlocked phones do not receive updates as quickly as carrier phones (it was the opposite a few years ago).
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just left T-Mobile with my unlocked from Samsung Note 9. When I powered off the phone and turned it back on with the Verizon SIM it gave me all of the Verizon stuff and I recently got the Verizon security patch, so yes it will work. Verizon is giving 450 dollars not 400 dollars for all of the phones they list. Even the S7. Just so other people don't think they will only get 400.

force70 said:
As mentioned Sim locked is most definitely NOT the same as BL lock dude. Two totally different things.
All the US versions will be BL locked like always.
---------- Post added at 12:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 AM ----------
Never going to happen, there will be no root or anything for the US models.
Your way behind the times....compared to the days of the Note 3 things are way worse and complicated now in regards to locked down BLs.
If you want an unlockable BL go with a latin anerican or HK snapdragon or an exynos device.
Other than that you are SOL
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Click to collapse
Yeah I'm screwed lol. We'll see if I can go without root, if not I'll see what kind of deals the p4xl gets during the holidays

Pre-ordered AT&T Note 10 Plus 256gb , 12gb ram Black Color. So really don't need root so all good here on my AT&T Note9 512GB

Cosmo100292 said:
Mmm, i might be wrong. RCS is going to be carrier dependent only for a little while longer since Google is taking that over. Video calling will also depend on which app you're using
Thats correct. I knew it was either the old way that i mentioned or this way. I just hope that getting the bootloader unlocked and achieving root is easy. Last time i attempted this on a Samsung was back with my Note3 and it was a huge PITA
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Click to collapse
You will not ever get root on a Snapdragon Samsung Device. Won't happen. There are no unlocked bootloaders. An Unlocked Snapdraggon means it is not locked to a Carrier - it does not mean the Bootloader is unlocked. Sorry if this bursts your bubble - but if you want to get Root - you will need to buy an International Exynos Variant - N975F - it s the only way you will get root. It has been this way for MANY Years for new Samsnung Snapdragon Devices.

Venom0642 said:
Pre-ordered AT&T Note 10 Plus 256gb , 12gb ram Black Color. So really don't need root so all good here on my AT&T Note9 512GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs

Cosmo100292 said:
Mmm, i might be wrong. RCS is going to be carrier dependent only for a little while longer since Google is taking that over. Video calling will also depend on which app you're using
Thats correct. I knew it was either the old way that i mentioned or this way. I just hope that getting the bootloader unlocked and achieving root is easy. Last time i attempted this on a Samsung was back with my Note3 and it was a huge PITA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will not ever get root on a Snapdragon Samsung Device. Won't happen. There are no unlocked bootloaders. An Unlocked Snapdraggon means it is not locked to a Carrier - it does not mean the Bootloader is unlocked. Sorry if this bursts your bubble - but if you want to get Root - you will need to buy an International Exynos Variant - N975F - it s the only way you will get root. It has been this way for MANY Years for new Samsnung Snapdragon Devices in the US. There are a few snapdragons from other countries that are not bootloader locked but you will have an easier time finding an Exynos version on EBAY. Good Luck.....

Venom0642 said:
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went the Best Buy route

Venom0642 said:
Pre-ordered AT&T Note 10 Plus 256gb , 12gb ram Black Color. So really don't need root so all good here on my AT&T Note9 512GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here it is One of my Note 10 Plus cases came in today and my Dome Glass screen protector, the UAG Monarch will be here tomorrow , Now waiting on the Note 10 Plus .
View attachment 4805643

Venom0642 said:
Here it is One of my Note 10 Plus cases came in today and my Dome Glass screen protector, the UAG Monarch will be here tomorrow , Now waiting on the Note 10 Plus .
View attachment 4805643
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Click to collapse
Hmmmm...ordered my Whitestone 5 days ago, still hasn't shipped yet. I got my ArmadilloTek and my Ringke Fusion cases in already. Also waiting on the Note 10+!
Curious question: did you order the one pack or two pack of Whitestone Dome?

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Hmmmm...ordered my Whitestone 5 days ago, still hasn't shipped yet. I got my ArmadilloTek and my Ringke Fusion cases in already. Also waiting on the Note 10+!
Curious question: did you order the one pack or two pack of Whitestone Dome?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just ordered the one pack.
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs

antawnm26 said:
you positive this is correct as the phone will lock when inserting sim into it? Also, aren't you losing wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling?
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Click to collapse
With unlocked Samsung galaxy models you will not have RCS and Video call. WiFi Calling and VoLTE will work at least on T-Mobile(I don't have another carrier)
---------- Post added at 11:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:14 PM ----------
s0nic69 said:
Hello,
I am hoping someone here has a good understanding on how updates work with Samsung Galaxy models.
On my Verizon Note 9, earlier this year, I was able to rush an update before Verizon released it. I did it by downloading the official one from ATT (or sprint, can't remember) and it worked. It updated my phone and I even remained on track for future updates. I did this because based on the research I did, carrier phones are all the same hardware, and the carrier software gets installed based on the SIM that gets inserted into the phone. So the updates are interchangeable pretty much.
I am looking at upgrading to the note 10+, Verizon is offering me $400 for my note 9. Samsung is offering me $600 but only if i buy the unlocked model. So my questions is in regards to the unlocked model. Would I be able to do the same with an unlocked phone? Can i install a carrier update on an unlocked phone. I am aware that unlocked phones do not receive updates as quickly as carrier phones (it was the opposite a few years ago).
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I myself ordered unlocked version as I would get $600 trade in value for my S10e. Unlocked will work perfectly fine and usually get updates(monthly updates) about a week later than T-Mobile for example does. You could download firmware based on your carrier and flash it on the unlocked model and it will convert it to that carrier and updates will come from that carrier.

Seriously what is the advantage of T-mobile vs Unlocked?

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.
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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.
Skickat från min SM-N986B via Tapatalk

Question Exynos/HK versions: AT&T LTE band question

Hey all,
I'm looking at getting an Exynos or an HK version of the S22 series. I saw none of the other versions besides the U supports bands 29 and 30 that AT&T uses. Since they seem to be the more minor bands, how much does it matter and how much does the lack of those bands impact service? And does AT&T ban those S22 versions from their 5G networks?
I'm starting to get tired of OP, but I want something I can tinker without having to deal with AT&T's Sammy versions.
Thanks!

AT&T won't support the international models on their network or so various users have said in other posts. You end up locked out. T-Mobile doesn't do this but the long range 5G and LTE band 71 is missing from the international versions which would mean no coverage in any areas using band 71. Either way you are screwed on AT&T and T-Mobile. Don't have any info on Verizon. Best suggestion is. (Don't Do It)

Paul_Deemer said:
AT&T won't support the international models on their network or so various users have said in other posts. You end up locked out. T-Mobile doesn't do this but the long range 5G and LTE band 71 is missing from the international versions which would mean no coverage in any areas using band 71. Either way you are screwed on AT&T and T-Mobile. Don't have any info on Verizon. Best suggestion is. (Don't Do It)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap. Guess my only option would be getting an AT&T version and using a paid service to unlock the BL and SIM.
We already tried T-Mobile last year and had a really bad experience with service and network quality, so they're out.
Thanks for the info!

You might want to rethink the Exynos version and look at one of the SD versions that can be rooted.

I am afraid you will not be able to get the bootloader unlocked (I may be wrong there). Rooting is not possible on the US or Canadian S22. I just switched to TMO this year and so far have had no issues. I use their 5G home internet too.

dalepl said:
You might want to rethink the Exynos version and look at one of the SD versions that can be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is that the Hong Kong and Korea versions? Again brings up the question of if bands 29 and 30 missing impacts service and if so, how much.
If I get an AT&T BL unlocked with a paid service, can I root using the method listed in another thread?

Superguy said:
Crap. Guess my only option would be getting an AT&T version and using a paid service to unlock the BL and SIM.
We already tried T-Mobile last year and had a really bad experience with service and network quality, so they're out.
Thanks for the info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the S22 series in the list yet. So might wanna further research that.
PSA: Unlock Bootloader on Snapdragon Galaxy Devices with SamPWND (Paid Service)
SamPWND is a paid remote service that allows you to unlock the bootloader on Snapdragon Samsung Galaxy devices sold in the USA and Canada.
www.thecustomdroid.com

There are many posts on here attesting to the fact that the US models of the S22 cannot be rooted. The BL cannot be unlocked, so no root.

May I ask what you are trying to achieve with root? Do you have something in mind or do you just want a custom ROM. There are other issues with rooting the phone. Main one is loss of Knox. This will stop the Samsung apps from working. So there is a trade-off no matter what.

dalepl said:
May I ask what you are trying to achieve with root? Do you have something in mind or do you just want a custom ROM. There are other issues with rooting the phone. Main one is loss of Knox. This will stop the Samsung apps from working. So there is a trade-off no matter what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are magisk mods I run on my phone as well as some Xposed mods.
Not terribly concerned about Samsung apps. I haven't had a Samsung phone in years. Last one I had was an S8 and I only got that thru insurance when I lost my OP6.

Understand. Just wanted to let you know that things like Samsung Pay and Health Monitoring will no longer work and this can not be fixed if you change your mind. I did read that AT&T will ban any international phone from their network, so you do not want to go that way if you intend on staying with them. I think there was talk about the Korean model being SD and was missing band 71 (I think). There is no full solution out there unless a way comes along to unlock the BL.

dalepl said:
Understand. Just wanted to let you know that things like Samsung Pay and Health Monitoring will no longer work and this can not be fixed if you change your mind. I did read that AT&T will ban any international phone from their network, so you do not want to go that way if you intend on staying with them. I think there was talk about the Korean model being SD and was missing band 71 (I think). There is no full solution out there unless a way comes along to unlock the BL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T doesn't use 71, so not a big deal. T-Mo did.
We tried T-Mo in the summer and had a horrible experience. We went running back to AT&T after 3 months.
When you say banned, are you talking about just the 5G or the entire network? I'm already blocked from 5G with my OP phones. I can't say I miss it as I wasn't impressed with it on T-Mo, and LTE does what I need it to do. Outright banning seems like a stupid thing to do, especially as a lot of foreign travelers could very well end up using AT&T while they're here. But then again, it IS AT&T ...

From what I read, AT&T will ban your IEMI if it is an international phone so it will not work on their network. They are the only ones that do this as far as I know.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...lash-official-firmware-noob-friendly.4404283/
Check this out. Long read through all the posts, but may be able to answer your questions. There are other discussions on the US models and international models, so just look around.

You ain't gonna win with the U.S. Carriers. They absolutely don't want you rooting your phone on their networks. Why do you think all U.S. models have unlockable bootloader's when shipped from Samsung? Because they demand it. They also know you will try to get around it and when you do they will screw you by banning your device. If you gotta have a rooted phone move to another country lol.