Would this work? - Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Questions & Answers

Ok i'm sick of paying 1k for a Samsung exynos phone that's inferior to the SD855 and listening to the SD owners gloating they have a better phone on youtube etc.. I have even heard the Exynos S10 9820 is slower than the S9 SD 845 FFS!
I live in Ireland and we get the Exynos version. So if i went on Samsung USA website and preorder an UNLOCKED Note 10+ by Paypal ( they give that option). Have it sent to my cousins house in the USA ( I'll be visiting in the next couple of months). Put her sim card inside and get her to make that 10 minute call. Bring back to Ireland and good to go?

Micky 22 said:
Ok i'm sick of paying 1k for a Samsung exynos phone that's inferior to the SD855 and listening to the SD owners gloating they have a better phone on youtube etc.. I have even heard the Exynos S10 9820 is slower than the S9 SD 845 FFS!
I live in Ireland and we get the Exynos version. So if i went on Samsung USA website and preorder an UNLOCKED Note 10+ by Paypal ( they give that option). Have it sent to my cousins house in the USA ( I'll be visiting in the next couple of months). Put her sim card inside and get her to make that 10 minute call. Bring back to Ireland and good to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why not... It's an unlocked phone. Just make sure the bands match up with your carrier

Samzebian said:
I don't see why not... It's an unlocked phone. Just make sure the bands match up with your carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Yeah i have found ( with the S10 phones anyway) that the unlocked versions directly from Samsung USA have the most bands and the ones i need. The carrier branded ATAT and T MOBILE phones have less bands.

Micky 22 said:
Ok i'm sick of paying 1k for a Samsung exynos phone that's inferior to the SD855 and listening to the SD owners gloating they have a better phone on youtube etc.. I have even heard the Exynos S10 9820 is slower than the S9 SD 845 FFS!
I live in Ireland and we get the Exynos version. So if i went on Samsung USA website and preorder an UNLOCKED Note 10+ by Paypal ( they give that option). Have it sent to my cousins house in the USA ( I'll be visiting in the next couple of months). Put her sim card inside and get her to make that 10 minute call. Bring back to Ireland and good to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol the note doesnt even use the 9820 its running the new 9825 exynos anyway so your complaint makes no sense.
Also hope you realize the the US snapdragons are all BL locked and the exynos is not.

force70 said:
Lol the note doesnt even use the 9820 its running the new 9825 exynos anyway so your complaint makes no sense.
Also hope you realize the the US snapdragons are all BL locked and the exynos is not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it uses the 9825 but it's still not up to the 855 and it uses the crap Mali GPU so my " complaint " is a valid one. BL locked? You mean regarding rooting? I have no interest in rooting to be honest.

But do they notice the differences in a real world testing instead of how many it can perform floating point calculus which is totally irrelevant?
If social media subjective opinions matter to you, do the Exynos version also tend to be more battery friendly which is quite more important than the few seconds that it will take to unzip a archive.
(Yes I'm a bit sarcastic.)

Nastrahl said:
But do they notice the differences in a real world testing instead of how many it can perform floating point calculus which is totally irrelevant?
If social media subjective opinions matter to you, do the Exynos version also tend to be more battery friendly which is quite more important than the few seconds that it will take to unzip a archive.
(Yes I'm a bit sarcastic.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the S10+ SD the battery will still have 20% when the exynos version runs out, according to Supersaf on youtube. Anyway the phone will work out cheaper for me from the USA.

Sort of seems like you already know what you want to do. Yeah, long as the bands match up with your carrier, you're good.

Nastrahl said:
But do they notice the differences in a real world testing instead of how many it can perform floating point calculus which is totally irrelevant?
If social media subjective opinions matter to you, do the Exynos version also tend to be more battery friendly which is quite more important than the few seconds that it will take to unzip a archive.
(Yes I'm a bit sarcastic.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you have that a little bit backwards because the Snapdragon version has better battery life than the Exynos. I have the S10+ Snapdragon version just check the forms over there.

force70 said:
Lol the note doesnt even use the 9820 its running the new 9825 exynos anyway so your complaint makes no sense.
Also hope you realize the the US snapdragons are all BL locked and the exynos is not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People still root phones? Man it's like 2011 all over again. Android is pretty mature, I personally haven't had the need for root in like 4 years lol.

The answer to the thread start is quite simply, YES. Simple ask and answer.

Micky 22 said:
Ok i'm sick of paying 1k for a Samsung exynos phone that's inferior to the SD855 and listening to the SD owners gloating they have a better phone on youtube etc.. I have even heard the Exynos S10 9820 is slower than the S9 SD 845 FFS!
I live in Ireland and we get the Exynos version. So if i went on Samsung USA website and preorder an UNLOCKED Note 10+ by Paypal ( they give that option). Have it sent to my cousins house in the USA ( I'll be visiting in the next couple of months). Put her sim card inside and get her to make that 10 minute call. Bring back to Ireland and good to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Why would you need to make 10 min call in the USA?
2) The unlocked model has mostly USA CSC codes in the firmware. Which carrier do you use in Ireland?

Semantics said:
People still root phones? Man it's like 2011 all over again. Android is pretty mature, I personally haven't had the need for root in like 4 years lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this is still XDA and yes there is still lots of development ongoing.

Charkatak said:
1) Why would you need to make 10 min call in the USA?
2) The unlocked model has mostly USA CSC codes in the firmware. Which carrier do you use in Ireland?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Phones from different regions are usually region locked. By using a sim from the country a phone is bought and making a call for approx 10 mins usually unlocks it.
2. Vodafone Ireland.

Micky 22 said:
1. Phones from different regions are usually region locked. By using a sim from the country a phone is bought and making a call for approx 10 mins usually unlocks it.
2. Vodafone Ireland.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, could it be that the "region lock" is mainly for EU countries, as I have not seen this on US unlocked phone, then just were unlocked
The US unlocked models have the following CSC codes in the firmware: ATT, SPR, TMB, TMK, USC, VZW, XAA and a few others. I wounder if the phone's firmware doesn't have sim card's CSC in it, how will the phone properly configure the carrier's features/settings.
I couldn't post the website address, so I am including an image

Charkatak said:
Hmm, could it be that the "region lock" is mainly for EU countries, as I have not seen this on US unlocked phone, then just were unlocked
The US unlocked models have the following CSC codes in the firmware: ATT, SPR, TMB, TMK, USC, VZW, XAA and a few others. I wounder if the phone's firmware doesn't have sim card's CSC in it, how will the phone properly configure the carrier's features/settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the better if no region lock..
Vodafone Irelands CSC is VDI. However my S10+ is on BTU ( unlocked UK/IRL). The phone works perfectly on BTU ( even VoLTE/VoWiFi works). I had a Note 9 from Asia somewhere and it worked perfectly too (not sure about VoLTE because my network didn't support it at the time...)
I know i may have problems with wifi calling on the USA model but i can live without it. What would the USA unlocked CSC be anyone know?

Micky 22 said:
All the better if no region lock..
Vodafone Irelands CSC is VDI. However my S10+ is on BTU ( unlocked UK/IRL). The phone works perfectly on BTU ( even VoLTE/VoWiFi works). I had a Note 9 from Asia somewhere and it worked perfectly too (not sure about VoLTE because my network didn't support it at the time...)
I know i may have problems with wifi calling on the USA model but i can live without it. What would the USA unlocked CSC be anyone know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is XAA, but once you put in the sim card that is included in the firmware, then it will refresh sim data and activate CSC from the sim. So in my case, I use TMB(T-Mobile) and from XAA, the phone switches to TMB after I put in the sim

Interestingly my carriers network isn't listed in "available CSC codes" on the UK/IRL unlocked model on Phone Info. My girlfriend who is on the same network as me bought a phone through the carrier and it's on the unlocked BTU csc.

force70 said:
Well this is still XDA and yes there is still lots of development ongoing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally understand that. I also realize that the improvements are not nearly as necessary as they used to be when Android was a gross mess and needed Devs to really make it run. It's a mature phone OS and most of the development going on is really minor stuff. I do appreciate that people are still interested in flashing ROM's and things like that, the community stays alive, although not nearly as robust as it used to be.

Micky 22 said:
On the S10+ SD the battery will still have 20% when the exynos version runs out, according to Supersaf on youtube. Anyway the phone will work out cheaper for me from the USA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bp328i said:
I think you have that a little bit backwards because the Snapdragon version has better battery life than the Exynos. I have the S10+ Snapdragon version just check the forms over there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I'm certainly wrong indeed because I only compared with what it is said about the Note 9.
I'm still unsure about if it's really relevant to compare the S with the Notes series. ?

Related

Differences between Australian, International and Dual Sim versions?

I'm mulling over upgrading to a Samsung S8+. The problem is that I want the Maple Gold version, but it's only available in the following forms:
* United States - Nope! Because I want the Exonys version because I want to root it.
* Australia - It's even got its own model number, different from all others, SM-G955FZDAXSA. I fear this might mean that the software and/or hardware is somehow inherently different from other International versions of the phone and I'll run into problems rooting it.
* A dual sim version - This can be hit or miss. Some dual sim versions can be rooted and flashed with the same custom roms as the non-dual sim version. Some require specific custom firmware in order to work properly or at all.
So what I want to know is whether or not the Australian version is different from other International (read: Non-U.S.) versions of the S8+ and whether or not the Dual Sim version can be rooted using the same methods and flashed with the same custom firmware as the single-sim version (though it might be too early to know this as of yet).
FallenAngelII said:
I'm mulling over upgrading to a Samsung S8+. The problem is that I want the Maple Gold version, but it's only available in the following forms:
* United States - Nope! Because I want the Exonys version because I want to root it.
* Australia - It's even got its own model number, different from all others, SM-G955FZDAXSA. I fear this might mean that the software and/or hardware is somehow inherently different from other International versions of the phone and I'll run into problems rooting it.
* A dual sim version - This can be hit or miss. Some dual sim versions can be rooted and flashed with the same custom roms as the non-dual sim version. Some require specific custom firmware in order to work properly or at all.
So what I want to know is whether or not the Australian version is different from other International (read: Non-U.S.) versions of the S8+ and whether or not the Dual Sim version can be rooted using the same methods and flashed with the same custom firmware as the single-sim version (though it might be too early to know this as of yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.
murtaza02 said:
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! Thanks so much! I'll order a Maple Gold S8+ sometime later today then!
Thank you murtaza02 for the information. I found a good set of specifications for the GN-955FD here:
http://www.phonemore.com/phone/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus-duos-sm-g955fd/3256
I found the device at a couple of retailers in NZ. I believe there may be errors in the specifications listed on their sites? Neither vendor lists the device as supporting LTE band 30, but I think they have just listed NZ bands. One vendor lists the chipset as Snapdragon. Is this even possible? The specifications at "phonemore" show it as available in blue, but I can't find one of these anywhere.
I wasn't aware that sim 2 only supports up to 2G (no 3G, 4G, or LTE on sim 2). Is this normal for dual sim phones?
there is information out regarding gluing a SIM card on top of an SD card, and using both. Would you happen to know, are people successful with this?
thanks!
XATAGuy said:
Thank you murtaza02 for the information. I found a good set of specifications for the GN-955FD here:
http://www.phonemore.com/phone/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus-duos-sm-g955fd/3256
I found the device at a couple of retailers in NZ. I believe there may be errors in the specifications listed on their sites? Neither vendor lists the device as supporting LTE band 30, but I think they have just listed NZ bands. One vendor lists the chipset as Snapdragon. Is this even possible? The specifications at "phonemore" show it as available in blue, but I can't find one of these anywhere.
I wasn't aware that sim 2 only supports up to 2G (no 3G, 4G, or LTE on sim 2). Is this normal for dual sim phones?
there is information out regarding gluing a SIM card on top of an SD card, and using both. Would you happen to know, are people successful with this?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies for the late reply. Quote me next time so I get a notification for it!
The 955FD only comes in Exynos 8895 and the compatible bands are the same as on the single SIM 955F.
SIM 2 only supports 2G, unfortunately.
As for the gluing SIM on the SDCard, it is not only dangerous because your SIM tray could get jammed or stuck, it has also been patched by Samsung.
People did this on the dual SIM S7 edge, a software update was released that wouldn't allow 2 SIMs and a microSD card to be used at the same time.
So I doubt that it'll work on the S8/S8+.
Sent from my SM-G955F
Hi I have a galaxy S8 from the USA, but I live in the UK. It is a G950U with sprint firmware but unlocked.
I flashed the F950U1 firmware. Now WiFi hotspot is working.
But I can figure out how to setup Samsung pay since it defaults to US.
Is there anything I can do to get out work?
JR5968 said:
Hi I have a galaxy S8 from the USA, but I live in the UK. It is a G950U with sprint firmware but unlocked.
I flashed the F950U1 firmware. Now WiFi hotspot is working.
But I can figure out how to setup Samsung pay since it defaults to US.
Is there anything I can do to get out work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Pay on that model is only meant to work in the US.
Sent from my SM-N950F
Hi thanks for the reply, is it possible to flash a UK firmware to get it work, I know UK has the G950F version and exynos processor, so bit worried if if would be a risk to take. Or is there anything I can do to change the location
JR5968 said:
Hi thanks for the reply, is it possible to flash a UK firmware to get it work, I know UK has the G950F version and exynos processor, so bit worried if if would be a risk to take. Or is there anything I can do to change the location
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash any Exynos firmwares on a Snapdragon device. And there are no UK firmwares available for a 950U.
The best I can suggest is to (if possible) uninstall the Samsung Pay app and framework, and install the ones from APKMirror and see if that works then.
Sent from my SM-N950F
murtaza02 said:
You can't flash any Exynos firmwares on a Snapdragon device. And there are no UK firmwares available for a 950U.
The best I can suggest is to (if possible) uninstall the Samsung Pay app and framework, and install the ones from APKMirror and see if that works then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, i bought s8+ from dubai (Model SM-G955FD). Is it possible to flash indian firmware.
RAMBOMMIREDDY said:
Hi, i bought s8+ from dubai (Model SM-G955FD). Is it possible to flash indian firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're in India, just download any OXM firmware, and flash it on your device WHILE AN ACTIVE INDIAN SIM CARD IS INSERTED.
You'll be on the Indian CSC and stuff like VoLTE and all should work fine.
Sent from my SM-N950F
murtaza02 said:
If you're in India, just download any OXM firmware, and flash it on your device WHILE AN ACTIVE INDIAN SIM CARD IS INSERTED.
You'll be on the Indian CSC and stuff like VoLTE and all should work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply. Ill do it.
Do Samsung US versions work fine in Pakistan
murtaza02 said:
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Murtaza,
Just wanted to check which is better to buy in Pakistan if I am not looking to root the device or install custom ROMs. I have the option to buy two types of Dual SIM variants of Samsung Galaxy S8 +. The first is the international version G955FD and the second is an Xfinity version 955U.
Which would run better in Pakistan? I am getting the US version cheaper and just wondering if there is a reason? As far as the benchmarks go both Exynos and Qualcomm versions are almost at par as per YouTube videos. So is there some other issue? Or is it just because the US versions are priced lower in the international market.
Secondly kindly confirm your comment about the second SIM being only 2G. As per my understanding, if I switch the data network, the other SIM becomes 4G as well. Or in the case of SO, I will have to physically shift the SIMs.
Would really appreciate some support on the above two queries.
Thank you.
sikander5 said:
Hi Murtaza,
Just wanted to check which is better to buy in Pakistan if I am not looking to root the device or install custom ROMs. I have the option to buy two types of Dual SIM variants of Samsung Galaxy S8 +. The first is the international version G955FD and the second is an Xfinity version 955U.
Which would run better in Pakistan? I am getting the US version cheaper and just wondering if there is a reason? As far as the benchmarks go both Exynos and Qualcomm versions are almost at par as per YouTube videos. So is there some other issue? Or is it just because the US versions are priced lower in the international market.
Secondly kindly confirm your comment about the second SIM being only 2G. As per my understanding, if I switch the data network, the other SIM becomes 4G as well. Or in the case of SO, I will have to physically shift the SIMs.
Would really appreciate some support on the above two queries.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza
murtaza02 said:
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Murtaza
I don't actually buy phones from local vendors anymore. One doesn't really know if they sell New or Reburbished models.
I generally buy from Homeshopping.com, and I have ordered at times from Daraz.pk.
The phone options I was looking at are as under.
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-G955F-Price-in-Pakistan.html
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-Orchid-Gray-Price-in-Pakistan.html
The first one is the Xfinity version and second is the FDD version. Both are with non official warranty, but getting it with warranty is around 12 K more. But I haven't had any issues with their devices so far.
Any idea about the 955FX version. My Cousin got one about a week back, but I am not sure which variant is that, as it is not even posted on GSM arena. Supposedly it is Dual SiM and an International variant. Still have to do a Abit of research on it.
I switched over to Chinese version a few months back. Very impressed with the phone in all aspects, but the only issue is that the Navigation is useless. The GPS keeps bouncing on GMaps. Its elephone S7. The other issue was Wi-Fi reception which is not that great. I think it was a radio issue, but not sure whether it was hardware or software. There is not much ROM development for the phone. Otherwise it would have been a great phone, with almost a vanilla ROM and hardware specs close to a flagship.
Anyway, just decided to go for a branded phone this time.
Waiting for the Black Friday deals to come up. Might buy the note 8 or S8 plus. Let's see.
Thanks once again.
sikander5 said:
Dear Murtaza
I don't actually buy phones from local vendors anymore. One doesn't really know if they sell New or Reburbished models.
I generally buy from Homeshopping.com, and I have ordered at times from Daraz.pk.
The phone options I was looking at are as under.
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-G955F-Price-in-Pakistan.html
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-Orchid-Gray-Price-in-Pakistan.html
The first one is the Xfinity version and second is the FDD version. Both are with non official warranty, but getting it with warranty is around 12 K more. But I haven't had any issues with their devices so far.
Any idea about the 955FX version. My Cousin got one about a week back, but I am not sure which variant is that, as it is not even posted on GSM arena. Supposedly it is Dual SiM and an International variant. Still have to do a Abit of research on it.
I switched over to Chinese version a few months back. Very impressed with the phone in all aspects, but the only issue is that the Navigation is useless. The GPS keeps bouncing on GMaps. Its elephone S7. The other issue was Wi-Fi reception which is not that great. I think it was a radio issue, but not sure whether it was hardware or software. There is not much ROM development for the phone. Otherwise it would have been a great phone, with almost a vanilla ROM and hardware specs close to a flagship.
Anyway, just decided to go for a branded phone this time.
Waiting for the Black Friday deals to come up. Might buy the note 8 or S8 plus. Let's see.
Thanks once again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
955FX isn't a model number, 955X might be one but that's the demo / display unit used in stores and that has no cellular radio or SIM slot.
Do confirm the model number with him and then see.
Be cautious with HomeShopping though.
Sent from my G8142
murtaza02 said:
955FX isn't a model number, 955X might be one but that's the demo / display unit used in stores and that has no cellular radio or SIM slot.
Do confirm the model number with him and then see.
Be cautious with HomeShopping though.
Sent from my G8142
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will confirm the model number. I am pretty sure it's not a display version as he is using it. Will confirm once again.
Ok. Thanks. Will do on both counts. I have been buying stuff from Homeshopping since 6 years when I bought my first And if HTC Desire Z. Not had any complaints, but some people in my family have.
Take care.
SM-G955FD Dual Sim - CSC United Arab Emirates
murtaza02 said:
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Purchases this phone in Kuwait. I travel around the world a lot and one function I've noticed not in this phones software is Wi-Fi calling. When I'm not traveling I'm on the USA on the T-Mobile network. Which software can I change the phone to to get Wi-Fi calling to work? Would Deutsch Telekom (T-mobile Germany) be the one to use for my dual SIM? Do they even make a dual sim for Germany? Please, any help and/ or direction would be awesome.
YukonJoe said:
I Purchases this phone in Kuwait. I travel around the world a lot and one function I've noticed not in this phones software is Wi-Fi calling. When I'm not traveling I'm on the USA on the T-Mobile network. Which software can I change the phone to to get Wi-Fi calling to work? Would Deutsch Telekom (T-mobile Germany) be the one to use for my dual SIM? Do they even make a dual sim for Germany? Please, any help and/ or direction would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi calling is carrier based. So it'll only work when you've got the SIM from your main carrier and the same carrier firmware to go with it.
Sent from my SM-G955F
I got a UK unlocked s8 at the moment and Wi-Fi calling works flawlessly with a o2 sim. So I think if you have a carrier unlocked phone, it's up to the carrier

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

I've just bought a galaxy s8 plus on gumtree and just realised it's an American unlocked version. I wanted to flash EE firmware to enable Wi-Fi calling but I'm not sure if it's still possible using Odin as the uk phones have different chipsets.
Can anyone confirm either way?
Thanks in advance.
sjred_uk said:
I've just bought a galaxy s8 plus on gumtree and just realised it's an American unlocked version. I wanted to flash EE firmware to enable Wi-Fi calling but I'm not sure if it's still possible using Odin as the uk phones have different chipsets.
Can anyone confirm either way?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Snapdragon variant phones don't support the band's here in the UK so I don't think it will work. Vice versa an exynos variant won't work in the US
sofir786 said:
Snapdragon variant phones don't support the band's here in the UK so I don't think it will work. Vice versa an exynos variant won't work in the US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was afraid that would be the case.
Thanks for letting me know.
sofir786 said:
Snapdragon variant phones don't support the band's here in the UK so I don't think it will work. Vice versa an exynos variant won't work in the US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone does work ok here in the UK along with 4g. I don't expect to get. As good coverage though. Are you sure it wouldn't work?
sjred_uk said:
I've just bought a galaxy s8 plus on gumtree and just realised it's an American unlocked version. I wanted to flash EE firmware to enable Wi-Fi calling but I'm not sure if it's still possible using Odin as the uk phones have different chipsets.
Can anyone confirm either way?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flash exynos rom on snapdragon , great idea if you want a brick. No joke, it won't work for sure. and if you flash the Exynos firmware with odin , including bootloader , it would be an hard brick, won't turn on , no more recovery or download mode, just completely bricked. So just no. and wifi calling is nothing to do with the phone but with your carrier and or your current subscription. if your carrier doesn't support wifi calling you won't have that option, so other firmware or even force to show that option changes nothing as you would have the same carrier .
and of course a csc (firmware depend of the country) works only with the right SIM card , I mean samsung block the phone if you use an American SIM card on a European phone. European phone works only with European SIM card and European carrier
sjred_uk said:
The phone does work ok here in the UK along with 4g. I don't expect to get. As good coverage though. Are you sure it wouldn't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trying to flash an EE UK firmware that's designed for exynos variant will fail, the 2 aren't compatible, so whatever you have with it you are u unfortunately stuck with
sofir786 said:
Trying to flash an EE UK firmware that's designed for exynos variant will fail, the 2 aren't compatible, so whatever you have with it you are u unfortunately stuck with
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks very much for your help.
Regards
Simon
sjred_uk said:
OK thanks very much for your help.
Regards
Simon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, what sim is in there atm?
sofir786 said:
Out of curiosity, what sim is in there atm?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an unlocked phone no sim card with it. It says unlocked on the box. The model number is smg955u1
sjred_uk said:
It's an unlocked phone no sim card with it. It says unlocked on the box. The model number is smg955u1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I just realised what you meant.
It's got my EE SIM in it.
sjred_uk said:
Sorry I just realised what you meant.
It's got my EE SIM in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah okay cool, Have you checked if it's ever been rooted at all at any point?
sofir786 said:
Snapdragon variant phones don't support the band's here in the UK so I don't think it will work. Vice versa an exynos variant won't work in the US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude what?
http://m.gsmarena.com/network-bands.php3?sCountry=United+Kingdom
https://www.frequencycheck.com/mode...-sm-g950u1-sm-g950w-samsung-dream#frequencies
Supports all 3 lte bands used by the UK, 800 1800 and 2600.
Supports all 3 GSM bands used by the UK.
Supports all 3 utsm bands used by the UK.
So in other words you were 100% incorrect
All of the high end phones have been quad band in the us for years.
I really hope this guy didn't just blindly listen to you and dump his phone for cheap.
---------- Post added at 04:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:51 AM ----------
sjred_uk said:
I've just bought a galaxy s8 plus on gumtree and just realised it's an American unlocked version. I wanted to flash EE firmware to enable Wi-Fi calling but I'm not sure if it's still possible using Odin as the uk phones have different chipsets.
Can anyone confirm either way?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The other person could not be more incorrect your phone works fine in the UK, along with every other high end us phone for the last like 10 years
I hope you still have it and didn't dump it for cheap because someone decided to open their big mouth without actually checking that their gut reaction has any basis in reality.
I don't know if there is full CSC support for the UK carriers, but all u1 phones are direct from Samsung and sim unlocked at the factory so you will be able to pop any uk sim in there and be able to use data/sms/voice etc no problem. What provider do you use? I can check my /system/omc directory and see if it's preinstalled by the standard is CSC package.
It's also quite likely that if not you can install the local CSC package that comes with exynos phones on yours. Not only are the other posters 100% wrong about the SD/exynos phones habing incompatible operating systems*, but even if there was a shred of truth to it the CSC package is mostly config files and images and whatnot anyway, so there little execution going on
*It has nothing to do with exynos or snapdragon they are both arm64 lol. If anything it's because Samsung kneecapped them to make sure it wasn't possible for licensing/snapdragon bootloader security or some other stupid thing.
wildermjs8 said:
Dude what?
http://m.gsmarena.com/network-bands.php3?sCountry=United+Kingdom
https://www.frequencycheck.com/mode...-sm-g950u1-sm-g950w-samsung-dream#frequencies
Supports all 3 lte bands used by the UK, 800 1800 and 2600.
Supports all 3 GSM bands used by the UK.
Supports all 3 utsm bands used by the UK.
So in other words you were 100% incorrect
All of the high end phones have been quad band in the us for years.
I really hope this guy didn't just blindly listen to you and dump his phone for cheap.
---------- Post added at 04:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:51 AM ----------
The other person could not be more incorrect your phone works fine in the UK, along with every other high end us phone for the last like 10 years
I hope you still have it and didn't dump it for cheap because someone decided to open their big mouth without actually checking that their gut reaction has any basis in reality.
I don't know if there is full CSC support for the UK carriers, but all u1 phones are direct from Samsung and sim unlocked at the factory so you will be able to pop any uk sim in there and be able to use data/sms/voice etc no problem. What provider do you use? I can check my /system/omc directory and see if it's preinstalled by the standard is CSC package.
It's also quite likely that if not you can install the local CSC package that comes with exynos phones on yours. Not only are the other posters 100% wrong about the SD/exynos phones habing incompatible operating systems*, but even if there was a shred of truth to it the CSC package is mostly config files and images and whatnot anyway, so there little execution going on
*It has nothing to do with exynos or snapdragon they are both arm64 lol. If anything it's because Samsung kneecapped them to make sure it wasn't possible for licensing/snapdragon bootloader security or some other stupid thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a long and in depth reply.
I did reply to the guys post earlier stating that it the phone works absolutely fine on 4g LTE. I just thought he misunderstood me. Or vise versa. I've not dumped the phone because it works fine. Even if I can't get WiFi calling sorted I will still be keeping it. As long as I can still get updates ota I will be happy..
I bought a note 5 a few months ago not realising it was an AT and T model. That was a pain because it was stuck on lollipop and wouldn't accept any ota updates without an AT AND T sim card.
So I was just a bit wary of that happening again. But with this phone being unlocked I'm sure updates will be just the same as UK phones. (hopefully).
Just for the record my phone is running on E.E. carrier.
I've not checked if it's ever been rooted before.
How would I check?
Would a root checker app do this?
Thanks again
Simon.
sofir786 said:
Ah okay cool, Have you checked if it's ever been rooted at all at any point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
The phone is not rooted now but I'm not sure how to check if the phone has been rooted before in the past.
Thanks
sjred_uk said:
Hi
The phone is not rooted now but I'm not sure how to check if the phone has been rooted before in the past.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to tell if the phone has been system rooted which is all that you can do to the us s8
sjred_uk said:
I've just bought a galaxy s8 plus on gumtree and just realised it's an American unlocked version. I wanted to flash EE firmware to enable Wi-Fi calling but I'm not sure if it's still possible using Odin as the uk phones have different chipsets.
Can anyone confirm either way?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought my Galaxy S8 from New York, after a while I realized that my phone is US unlocked version, now I live in UK and I don't get any updates for my phone at all since last year, I tried to flash it but it didn't work.

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

who else is getting the bootloader unlocked Snapdragon Note 20 Ultra?

Wondering how many out there plan to get the bootloader unlocked Snapdragon edition? It seems the Snapdragon will be 2 generations ahead this year, as the Snapdragon is a model above the S20's while the Exynos processor (which was already inferior) will be the same.
Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea, (and South America?) are the regions so far that seem will offer Snapdragon bootloader unlocked Note 20 Ultra's.
still doing my own research on where to buy, anyone else doing this as well?
I'm going to pass and just get the US SD version from Samsung. Honestly, I haven't flashed a ROM on an Android Phone since the LG G3 days. Android is just too mature and feature full for me to worry about it at this point. I spent waaaaay too much time flashing ROM's lol. Was fun when Android was still very green, though.
Semantics said:
I'm going to pass and just get the US SD version from Samsung. Honestly, I haven't flashed a ROM on an Android Phone since the LG G3 days. Android is just too mature and feature full for me to worry about it at this point. I spent waaaaay too much time flashing ROM's lol. Was fun when Android was still very green, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely feel you. while I'm stubborn to give up root because I like to feel in control of my device, my list of root uses gets slimmer and slimmer each year.
it's basically ad blocker, screenshot Netflix so I can picture message with friends about shows we're all watching, and then 5 other root apps to hide the fact that I have root lol
soraxd said:
Wondering how many out there plan to get the bootloader unlocked Snapdragon edition? It seems the Snapdragon will be 2 generations ahead this year, as the Snapdragon is a model above the S20's while the Exynos processor (which was already inferior) will be the same.
Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea, and South America are the regions so far that seem will offer Snapdragon bootloader unlocked Note 20 Ultra's.
still doing my own research on where to buy, anyone else doing this as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI the HK and Korean snapdragon versions 5g bands are not compatible with the 5g here in Canada, likely the same applies to the US (don't quote me on that).
this may not matter to some, to others it certainly will.
force70 said:
FYI the HK and Korean snapdragon versions 5g bands are not compatible with the 5g here in Canada, likely the same applies to the US (don't quote me on that).
this may not matter to some, to others it certainly will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone know of any Snapdragon versions that DO offer compatible 5G bands in the US with Tmo and also have an unlockable bootloader?
Sent from my SM-N976U 5G using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Purchased the HK version from WondaMobile after being recommended by another user. I cancelled the Korean version due to concerns with bloatware and the single sim. Not interesting rooting, yet it is nice to have the option. I would think the the HK version is the most well round one the available versions if you are looking for an unlocked device.
Eudeferrer said:
Does anyone know of any Snapdragon versions that DO offer compatible 5G bands in the US with Tmo and also have an unlockable bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if there is such a thing Im buying one, havent seen one so far though.
dont have any info on the latin america version, dont even know yet if it is still snapdragon this year.
Semantics said:
I'm going to pass and just get the US SD version from Samsung. Honestly, I haven't flashed a ROM on an Android Phone since the LG G3 days. Android is just too mature and feature full for me to worry about it at this point. I spent waaaaay too much time flashing ROM's lol. Was fun when Android was still very green, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with you on that one. Last phone I actively installed and played with ROM's was the Note 4. Note 7 we know how that went and Note 8 onward in Canada had locked bootloader so I stopped since Android as you said is more mature now. I miss the ROM's too sometimes but I'm happy with the OS now for the most part that I'm not worried if I can ROM or not either anymore.
I'm just getting the Canadian Note 20 Ultra 512GB and will be happy with that.
Definitely rooting. I've rooted every single note I've owned. It's become easier and less stressful. Magisk makes it simple.
Viper4android, ad-blocking, changing system emojis, removing volume warnings, disabling or uninstalling apps, backing up and restoring apps, etc.....
I completely forgot volume warning was a thing.... gosh it's been almost a decade since I had to be subjected to one. there's also enabling call recorder, removing camera shutter sound (for non US), and some other ones I take for granted and can't think of right now
having order the us unlocked version im hoping to a way to unlock the bootloader will become available. i loved roms on my note 3, nexus and nexus 6p. was super disappointed there weren't many ROM options when i had the pixel 3xl
metalb00 said:
having order the us unlocked version im hoping to a way to unlock the bootloader will become available. i loved roms on my note 3, nexus and nexus 6p. was super disappointed there weren't many ROM options when i had the pixel 3xl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't hold your breath. Hasn't happened for the last few Notes I've had.
soraxd said:
I definitely feel you. while I'm stubborn to give up root because I like to feel in control of my device, my list of root uses gets slimmer and slimmer each year.
it's basically ad blocker, screenshot Netflix so I can picture message with friends about shows we're all watching, and then 5 other root apps to hide the fact that I have root lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel you on adblocker. Do any other versions have full USA bands though??
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
oneandroidnut said:
I feel you on adblocker. Do any other versions have full USA bands though??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
our only hope is latin america and I have zero information on it thus far
The bootloader has been locked down on Samsung Snapdragon devices for quite a few years now and it's very likely that unlocking them in the future will not happen. You would need to purchase a Exynos powered device for that (for now )
kangi26 said:
The bootloader has been locked down on Samsung Snapdragon devices for quite a few years now and it's very likely that unlocking them in the future will not happen. You would need to purchase a Exynos powered device for that (for now )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For USA since the S7 I think, for us in Canada it started on the S8 (our s7 was exynos).
So yeah for an unlocked its either the sub par exynos 990 or a HK, Korean or Brazilian snapdragon.
5g likely not going to be compatible with NA bands..for sure not with Canadian bands on rogers anyway .
This whole 5g thing has thrown a new variable on many of us who generally import our devices, it has definitely screwed up my plans for the Note 20 ultra at any rate
there's a bit to dig thru here, but we should be able to find answers
https://www.frequencycheck.com/search?s=galaxy+note+20+ultra
soraxd said:
Wondering how many out there plan to get the bootloader unlocked Snapdragon edition? It seems the Snapdragon will be 2 generations ahead this year, as the Snapdragon is a model above the S20's while the Exynos processor (which was already inferior) will be the same.
Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea, (and South America?) are the regions so far that seem will offer Snapdragon bootloader unlocked Note 20 Ultra's.
still doing my own research on where to buy, anyone else doing this as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me - want it for canada
Is HK version best?
---------- Post added at 02:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 AM ----------
Brava27 said:
Definitely rooting. I've rooted every single note I've owned. It's become easier and less stressful. Magisk makes it simple.
Viper4android, ad-blocking, changing system emojis, removing volume warnings, disabling or uninstalling apps, backing up and restoring apps, etc.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me above + Dual SIM
Looking for the HK version currently have the note 10 plus HK one.
Rooted.
Rooting is a must for me.
Don't want the exynos because it's really bad with battery and doesn't seem like sammy cares for it.
But the ultra is going for 1599 now.
Too much
[
force70 said:
5g likely not going to be compatible with NA bands..for sure not with Canadian bands on rogers anyway .
This whole 5g thing has thrown a new variable on many of us who generally import our devices, it has definitely screwed up my plans for the Note 20 ultra at any rate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't be too concerned about 5G, it's mostly marketing hype.
There's 2 types of 5G, the first (millimeter) is ludicrously fast, but if a leaf falls in front of your phone the connection breaks. and you can count on 1 hand the telephone poles (not towers) that have it.
The second more realistic 5G (low band) is near the same speed as LTE.
According to Ookla Speedtest Intelligence, AT&T 5G tests on Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G phones averaged 78.21Mbps down, while LTE tests on the same model of phone averaged 70.47Mbps down.

Question HK import in the UK

Hi guys,
I want to get the HK version of this phone (because general consensus seems to be the Snapdragon is better than Samsung's processor that comes in all the EU models) and I want to have a solid idea of what potential ramifications there are from doing this.
From what I gather, the HK model is SM-S9080.
I'm pretty clear on the ramifications from the actual importing of the device, such as loss of Samsung's warranty and things like that. What I'm struggling with is the technical aspects of it.
I've done some Google-fu to the best of my ability, but I must admit I'm a little overwhelmed by all the technical jargon, numbers, codes, etc that seem to be involved. Hopefully you can help me understand better...
I know that both Samsung Pay and Samsung Member Benefits will not work in the UK, however this does not bother me as I have no intentions of using those anyway.
The network provider I use in the UK is EE and, from what I can tell, the HK model supports all the necessary bands including 5G (source here: https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/GB/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra ). However, I have heard that 5G could be arbitrarily deactivated in the UK by the software or hardware in the phone or something like that due to the model differences. Is this true?
Will there be any weird branding issues that can't be easily removed? By this I mean is it going to have weird chinese branding that can't be removed without flashing/rooting/etc (I'd personally prefer not to do any of that stuff). Could I just change the language to English and have it be visually indistinguishable from a 'native' UK model?
Will Google Play be affected? I don't know if there are any china-related politics that would impact my ability to use Google's services. Sorry if that is a stupid question.
What is a CsC and will it matter regarding the function of the phone? I've seen this term being used a lot while googling but I have no idea what it means or how exactly it affects the use of the phone.
How would updates work? Would there be any issues on that front?
Is there anything else I need to consider from a technical point of view that I have missed?
Hopefully these aren't stupid questions. Thank you in advance.
arstulex said:
Hi guys,
I want to get the HK version of this phone (because general consensus seems to be the Snapdragon is better than Samsung's processor that comes in all the EU models) and I want to have a solid idea of what potential ramifications there are from doing this.
From what I gather, the HK model is SM-S9080.
I'm pretty clear on the ramifications from the actual importing of the device, such as loss of Samsung's warranty and things like that. What I'm struggling with is the technical aspects of it.
I've done some Google-fu to the best of my ability, but I must admit I'm a little overwhelmed by all the technical jargon, numbers, codes, etc that seem to be involved. Hopefully you can help me understand better...
I know that both Samsung Pay and Samsung Member Benefits will not work in the UK, however this does not bother me as I have no intentions of using those anyway.
The network provider I use in the UK is EE and, from what I can tell, the HK model supports all the necessary bands including 5G (source here: https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/GB/samsung-galaxy-s22-ultra ). However, I have heard that 5G could be arbitrarily deactivated in the UK by the software or hardware in the phone or something like that due to the model differences. Is this true?
Will there be any weird branding issues that can't be easily removed? By this I mean is it going to have weird chinese branding that can't be removed without flashing/rooting/etc (I'd personally prefer not to do any of that stuff). Could I just change the language to English and have it be visually indistinguishable from a 'native' UK model?
Will Google Play be affected? I don't know if there are any china-related politics that would impact my ability to use Google's services. Sorry if that is a stupid question.
What is a CsC and will it matter regarding the function of the phone? I've seen this term being used a lot while googling but I have no idea what it means or how exactly it affects the use of the phone.
How would updates work? Would there be any issues on that front?
Is there anything else I need to consider from a technical point of view that I have missed?
Hopefully these aren't stupid questions. Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the csc is the carrier aspect of the phone , ie what bands of each type of network connections are used,and country specific bloatware , the csc is also what carrires the software restrictions based on the laws of the country it is coded for. you would get hongkong specific updates with a csc from that region as far as i can sumise, you may even need to use a hongkong routed vpn to receive them, but again thats a guess
Hi, I've got a 12GB/512GB S9080 on the TGY CSC here in the UK. I'm on O2UK but my 5G works fine. I have no weird carrier branding and I don't get any Chinese characters anywhere. I use Google Pay just fine (never used Samsung Pay on any of my devices)
No issues on updates, in fact I got the latest May update on the 28th of April.
I got this phone through techinthebasket and paid over £300 less than the equivalent Exynos version direct from Samsung.
If you have any questions regarding the device just ask
p.dixon0 said:
Hi, I've got a 12GB/512GB S9080 on the TGY CSC here in the UK. I'm on O2UK but my 5G works fine. I have no weird carrier branding and I don't get any Chinese characters anywhere. I use Google Pay just fine (never used Samsung Pay on any of my devices)
No issues on updates, in fact I got the latest May update on the 28th of April.
I got this phone through techinthebasket and paid over £300 less than the equivalent Exynos version direct from Samsung.
If you have any questions regarding the device just ask
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks mate.
Funnily enough that's the website I was looking at getting mine from too. I did email them to ask where they source their models from because I've read elsewhere that TGY is ideal for UK use but they haven't got back to me yet (weekend of course). Glad to hear they are selling TGY.
Only question I have would be about techinthebasket themselves. Roughly how long did it take to arrive and did it arrive sealed?
Hi mate, yeah I've used techinthebasket a few times now (I've bought a Note8 and a Surface Pro 4 from them previously) and it does take a little while for the items to arrive, even paying for expedited it still took 5 working days. All items were factory sealed too.
If it helps, I traded the Note8 for the Note9 directly to Samsung when the Note9 came out and I got the full £400 at the time. The SP4 developed the prolific screen shake fault after about a year and Microsoft replaced it free of charge.
p.dixon0 said:
All items were factory sealed too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this possible? I thought Samsung region-locks their phones until a call is made with a SIM from the 'home' region.
Don't these importers have to open up the box to do this so that you can actually use a UK SIM in it when it gets to you?
p.dixon0 said:
Hi, I've got a 12GB/512GB S9080 on the TGY CSC here in the UK. I'm on O2UK but my 5G works fine. I have no weird carrier branding and I don't get any Chinese characters anywhere. I use Google Pay just fine (never used Samsung Pay on any of my devices)
No issues on updates, in fact I got the latest May update on the 28th of April.
I got this phone through techinthebasket and paid over £300 less than the equivalent Exynos version direct from Samsung.
If you have any questions regarding the device just ask
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're my savior. Thank you a lot!
Buying it today
arstulex said:
Is this possible? I thought Samsung region-locks their phones until a call is made with a SIM from the 'home' region.
Don't these importers have to open up the box to do this so that you can actually use a UK SIM in it when it gets to you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure to be totally honest. Both my Note8 and S22U came sealed with what looked like the same seals my Note9 came with directly from Samsung. Maybe techinthebasket open and reseal? Whatever they do or don't do the phone works as expected and didn't show any signs of being opened.
When I first started both phones (without a SIM) they were both in Chinese. When I put my UK SIM in they behave as expected.
The good thing with techinthebasket is that you can only pay with PayPal - as such, if you have any issues you're covered.
p.dixon0 said:
I'm not sure to be totally honest. Both my Note8 and S22U came sealed with what looked like the same seals my Note9 came with directly from Samsung. Maybe techinthebasket open and reseal? Whatever they do or don't do the phone works as expected and didn't show any signs of being opened.
When I first started both phones (without a SIM) they were both in Chinese. When I put my UK SIM in they behave as expected.
The good thing with techinthebasket is that you can only pay with PayPal - as such, if you have any issues you're covered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They gotta do what they gotta do, and if that means I get a Snapdragon phone for significantly less than a local Exynos then who am I to complain? Lol.
I just didn't know if they had found some way to circumvent region-locking without opening the box.
Exactly, as I say it's over £300 less for what is technically a better device
p.dixon0 said:
Exactly, as I say it's over £300 less for what is technically a better device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too bad that they deliver only in France,UK, Germany and not the rest of Europe...I would instantly sell my S22 Ultra if I have the occasion to buy a Snap S22 Ultra. Also, a big minus: you can't use eSIM which it's a really nice feature.
robi101012981 said:
Too bad that they deliver only in France,UK, Germany and not the rest of Europe...I would instantly sell my S22 Ultra if I have the occasion to buy a Snap S22 Ultra. Also, a big minus: you can't use eSIM which it's a really nice feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are plenty of websites out there that deal in grey imports. Unless I'm missing something there are probably sites that do deliver to your country.
I don't know if I'd call lack of eSIM a big minus though. Once I put my SIM card in a phone I pretty much just forget it exists until I buy a new phone. Do people really swap out their SIMs that often that an eSIM really matters?
arstulex said:
There are plenty of websites out there that deal in grey imports. Unless I'm missing something there are probably sites that do deliver to your country.
I don't know if I'd call lack of eSIM a big minus though. Once I put my SIM card in a phone I pretty much just forget it exists until I buy a new phone. Do people really swap out their SIMs that often that an eSIM really matters?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're travelling in a country that doesn't support Roaming, then yeah, it's a good feature
The S9080 is dual SIM so you can still use a local SIM as well if you're traveling...
p.dixon0 said:
The S9080 is dual SIM so you can still use a local SIM as well if you're traveling...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's easy to say this, but I do prefer esims since I can purchase them online and I don't need to lose time in stores to purchase it.
I'm sure a saving of over £300 would offset the minor inconvenience. Personally, I have a tariff that gives me free roaming in Europe and the USA amongst others so it's a non-issue for me
p.dixon0 said:
Hi, I've got a 12GB/512GB S9080 on the TGY CSC here in the UK. I'm on O2UK but my 5G works fine. I have no weird carrier branding and I don't get any Chinese characters anywhere. I use Google Pay just fine (never used Samsung Pay on any of my devices)
No issues on updates, in fact I got the latest May update on the 28th of April.
I got this phone through techinthebasket and paid over £300 less than the equivalent Exynos version direct from Samsung.
If you have any questions regarding the device just ask
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First time reading 5G working on the SM-9080 outside of Hong Kong. What speeds are you registering?
p.dixon0 said:
I'm sure a saving of over £300 would offset the minor inconvenience. Personally, I have a tariff that gives me free roaming in Europe and the USA amongst others so it's a non-issue for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I would save, but I would also throw money since no warranty it's provided to me
Also Widevine L3, so yeah, a big trade-in for some of us...I'll wait for the Honor Magic 4 Pro and get that device since it's superior.
About the same download speed as 4G+ for me, the upload speed is double though.
As a side note. This it's on O2UK in the North East of England in my house, where O2UK say there is poor 5G coverage.
robi101012981 said:
Yeah, I would save, but I would also throw money since no warranty it's provided to me
Also Widevine L3, so yeah, a big trade-in for some of us...I'll wait for the Honor Magic 4 Pro and get that device since it's superior.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a year warranty provided by techinthebasket.
All my streaming services work as expected so not bothered about Widevine.
I'll continue to enjoy my phone while you think of another put down and wait for your superior device.

Categories

Resources