Database Info

Could This Be a Fake S8?

I bought an S8+ 955FD which seems to be genuine but when I contacted AT&T to get assistance with slow LTE speeds (I contacted them 2 months ago for the same reason when I was using an AT&T branded phone). Of course they ask for the IMEI to verify whether it's an LTE phone and is supported. When I gave them the IMEI they said it wasn't even coming up as a Samsung phone let alone LTE. It's listed as an unknown phone with 2G capabilities. I checked the IMEI on http://www.imei.info/ and it shows that it's a S8+ and everything checks out on that site as it does on my Samsung box.
My sister has an S8 too 955F and when AT&T checks hers, it comes up as a Samsung S8+.
I don't know if my having rooted the phone has anything to do with it (I'm guessing not because rooting doesn't change the IMEI) but could this be a fake? Should I return it?

icydius said:
I bought an S8+ 955FD which seems to be genuine but when I contacted AT&T to get assistance with slow LTE speeds (I contacted them 2 months ago for the same reason when I was using an AT&T branded phone). Of course they ask for the IMEI to verify whether it's an LTE phone and is supported. When I gave them the IMEI they said it wasn't even coming up as a Samsung phone let alone LTE. It's listed as an unknown phone with 2G capabilities. I checked the IMEI on http://www.imei.info/ and it shows that it's a S8+ and everything checks out on that site as it does on my Samsung box.
My sister has an S8 too 955F and when AT&T checks hers, it comes up as a Samsung S8+.
I don't know if my having rooted the phone has anything to do with it (I'm guessing not because rooting doesn't change the IMEI) but could this be a fake? Should I return it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very well could be. Where did you buy it? Take a look at this thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/help/s8-software-installation-problems-t3639259
If it has a mediatek processor and not a snapdragon or exynos it's definitely a fake.

AT&T does not have anything in their databases about international phones like the F model. When you call them and give them an IMEI of an S8 F model, they will not know anything about it, and their systems won't know what features it is capable of supporting. Ton get Volte working, you will have to flash the ATT CSC https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/samsung-galaxy-s8--s8-cross-device-development/utility-flashable-csc-selection-v1-1-0-t3636739 and keep calling them until you get a 2nd level tech support guy that is willing to go into the guts of their systems and place an IMEI of another ATT phone that has similar features. If you have another similar phone on your ATT account, they can use that IEMI to have their system figure out what features it supports. I believe they used a S7 that I used to have and that got Volte working - for a while anyway.

I have an unlocked S8+ phone Model G955U1 and was with AT&T. In the process of trying to get wifi calling (BTW, they don't provide this feature for unlocked phones, so I dumped them and went with T-Mobile), I asked them to verify the IMEI, they could not find it. Their IMEI data base lists only the phones they sell but not the factory unlocked ones or phones you buy somewhere else. I wouldn't count on AT&T and as ggrant3876 mentioned above, check your processor's make.

Flame Red said:
AT&T does not have anything in their databases about international phones like the F model. When you call them and give them an IMEI of an S8 F model, they will not know anything about it, and their systems won't know what features it is capable of supporting. Ton get Volte working, you will have to flash the ATT CSC https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/samsung-galaxy-s8--s8-cross-device-development/utility-flashable-csc-selection-v1-1-0-t3636739 and keep calling them until you get a 2nd level tech support guy that is willing to go into the guts of their systems and place an IMEI of another ATT phone that has similar features. If you have another similar phone on your ATT account, they can use that IEMI to have their system figure out what features it supports. I believe they used a S7 that I used to have and that got Volte working - for a while anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying. Funny, I never got notifications that anyone had replied.
Actually someone did add an IMEI for another similar AT&T phone.
Nothing about the phone seems fake, but when I gave them my sister's IMEI for a 955F they said it immediately came up in their system while my 955FD did not.
I'll review that thread to see if my phone would be negatively affected by the ATT CSC.
BTW, what happened to your voLTE that made it stop working?
Gratitudes!!

ggrant3876 said:
Very well could be. Where did you buy it? Take a look at this thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/help/s8-software-installation-problems-t3639259
If it has a mediatek processor and not a snapdragon or exynos it's definitely a fake.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of these are applicable *whew*
The seed of doubt was planted when an AT&T rep told me it may be a fake even though I had not previously considered it.
Thanks for the link!!

TheBoozer said:
I have an unlocked S8+ phone Model G955U1 and was with AT&T. In the process of trying to get wifi calling (BTW, they don't provide this feature for unlocked phones, so I dumped them and went with T-Mobile), I asked them to verify the IMEI, they could not find it. Their IMEI data base lists only the phones they sell but not the factory unlocked ones or phones you buy somewhere else. I wouldn't count on AT&T and as ggrant3876 mentioned above, check your processor's make.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel better now, thanks! It shows Exynos 8895 and everything else seemed legit as well. I don't know why I listen to AT&T reps....
I never really liked the Wi-fi calling on my AT&T V20 and even without it, the voice clarity is wonderful.

one way to check is root , real us versions cant be rooted as its a snapdragon , so far our friends in china cant fake an s8 , just by looking at the screen will give it away , but before the years out iam sure they will have a better clone that could fool anyone.international models are always better also faster than the us versions as nd no crap ware from the carriers .

That lack of band 30 could be the issue regarding the slow LTE speeds

icydius said:
I bought an S8+ 955FD which seems to be genuine but when I contacted AT&T to get assistance with slow LTE speeds (I contacted them 2 months ago for the same reason when I was using an AT&T branded phone). Of course they ask for the IMEI to verify whether it's an LTE phone and is supported. When I gave them the IMEI they said it wasn't even coming up as a Samsung phone let alone LTE. It's listed as an unknown phone with 2G capabilities. I checked the IMEI on http://www.imei.info/ and it shows that it's a S8+ and everything checks out on that site as it does on my Samsung box.
My sister has an S8 too 955F and when AT&T checks hers, it comes up as a Samsung S8+.
I don't know if my having rooted the phone has anything to do with it (I'm guessing not because rooting doesn't change the IMEI) but could this be a fake? Should I return it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not a fake dont worry and no rooting will have nothing to do with it, also you would easily be able to tell if you compared it to your sisters s8! the current s8+ fakes are the same size as the S8 theres nothing + about them haha, they may fool someone who has never handled an s8 or seen one irl but you would 100 percent be able to tell its a fake having handled a real one regardless if its the plus or not

Very easier to know is real or not, if Odin can't detect then it is fake. Fake one impossible can install Samsung own firmware.

I know my s8+ is a fake. I just need to know how to change imei number so I can use my phone. It came from China. He said it's supported by TMobile and at&t. I want to go with TMobile if possible. He sent me the pattern to call and change it,but I don't know what numbers to replace it with.

Cecejohns said:
I know my s8+ is a fake. I just need to know how to change imei number so I can use my phone. It came from China. He said it's supported by TMobile and at&t. I want to go with TMobile if possible. He sent me the pattern to call and change it,but I don't know what numbers to replace it with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changing imei numbers is illeagal in most contries. and You will find no help on XDA for such tasks
either way orig user solved his problem thread closed

Change motherboard (Snapdragon -> Exynos)

Hi everyone!
During a year that I spent in the US, I bought a galaxy S7 Sprint (SM-G930P).
I live in France now, so back in Europe, I tried to use this phone on the European network, and as you probably know, it's not compatible. I have to use a SM-G930F firmware, which is made for different chip (F is for exynos chip, P is for snapdragon qualcomm).
(I successfully flashed my phone with SM-G930U firmware and it works pretty well, but still not compatible witch European SIM cards...)
So I wondering, do you thinks it's possible to change the motherboard from a Snapdragon to a Exynos?
I'm used to the disassembly part, that's not the point. Same for the fact that I can find some cheap S7 one eBay now, it will still be more expansive than just a motherboard and I'd like to reuse this phone...
The question is, do you think the motherboard will be compatible with all other components inside ?
Thanks for your help

Different chipset, might not work / expensive gamble
Be better off selling that one and buying the G930F
Is your phone SIM unlocked though?

I was under impression if the phone's sim is unlocked it will work abroad ?

Did you buy it second hand or new? Since it's a carrier model (930P) when the unlocked model is 930U, it would be carrier locked unless you got the carrier to unlock it.
If second hand, might be the person lied about it being unlocked. There's a few sites that'll give you unlock codes, I think samsung can do it directly too.

No, it's a first hand.
It was locked with Sprint (930P), after several try and a long week, I finally succesfully install the 930U firmware. Don't remeber exactly how, it was month ago, but I think I have to downgrade the phone before.
But I just did that to try, still the 930U firmware don't work in Europe, I have to flash the 930F. And apparently, can't do that with a snapdragon chip...

Flashing the 930U firmware doesn't carrier unlock the phone. Carrier unlock has to be done by the carrier, or someone with carrier access.
If you bought it from Sprint, you will have to call sprint to get them to unlock it, otherwise the phone will remain locked down to Sprint. Either that or you have to use a third party unlock like http://updato.com/unlock
Once unlocked it should work in Europe, but mileage may vary as the snapdragon models use different network modems than the 930F model.

I had the sm-g930a and i selled it then i buy sm-g930f,
It's the only thing you can do

Could use some guidance picking the right model.

Hello!
So I've been going through a saga of getting the right phone and even through googling its hard to decipher exactly what i need given my experience.
I'll provide some details and where I'm at or at the bottom i'll give a TLDR.
I live in the US have AT&T and I want a rooted S7.
Got a S7 for xmas, after doing some research found out that model isn't rootable (SM-G930).
Returned it got one I found was rootable SM-G930W8, said unlocked, and I saw on a few resources it was compatible with AT&T.
Rooted the w8 beautifully, got my new sim card and no signal.
Put in #7465625*638*# and said "Carrier Locked"
Worked with an unlock service, they looked up my phone to tell me exactly what it was, have the code on deck.
Enter code, crickets but possible my sim card doesn't work or i need to try on the stock rom.
Got a new new sim card, no signal. Erased my root and went stock data wipe, no signal.
Tried my best to find stock firmware that lined up with the info the unlock company gave, no signal.
Now, given all that information, can anyone recommend me a model? Just want it to be rootable and work with AT&T.
I'd appreciate any comments on my experience too because clearly i messed up somewhere or the phones sim card reader was busted etc.
TL;DR : I'm USA & AT&T. I want an s7 that is rootable. Had an episode with my previous attempts and would love a guru's advice.

The sm-g930w8 is the same model sold by all carriers in Canada.
Does the phone have a clean imei? Sim card works in another phone?

audit13 said:
The sm-g930w8 is the same model sold by all carriers in Canada.
Does the phone have a clean imei? Sim card works in another phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The old s7 has been sent back so I can't really answer that question.
Nor can I answer the sim card works, because i dont have an extra phone that uses that type.
I did go to the AT&T store to ask if they could check my sim card with an extra phone they have.
Apparently they don't have extra phones ready for that type of nature??? (wtf???)
So I got a new sim card activated from them to see if the s7 would take it, it didn't.

Still just sounds carrier unlocked to me, what service were you using to try unlock it?
Otherwise the G930F is the international model and easiest to mod.
Only concern you'd have is the US uses a different network standard to the rest of the world, so your 3G/4G won't work as well on a non-US device.
EDIT: There also seems to be some root methods for the US models:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...-to-notes-root-install-xposed-unroot-t3411039
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s7/how-to

Beanvee7 said:
Still just sounds carrier unlocked to me, what service were you using to try unlock it?
Otherwise the G930F is the international model and easiest to mod.
Only concern you'd have is the US uses a different network standard to the rest of the world, so your 3G/4G won't work as well on a non-US device.
EDIT: There also seems to be some root methods for the US models:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...-to-notes-root-install-xposed-unroot-t3411039
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s7/how-to
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So to give more details.
I installed the Superman Rom, put the # in to input the carrier code. At the top, in all caps, above the input for the code "CARRIER LOCKED".
Would the superman rom mess with that? or show bad info? not sure
What i do know is that i factory reset the phone, tried the # to get the prompt didn't work.
Tried a few alternatives, same one with the actual network code in it, the 1101, both didn't work.
The company is "Unlock Scope"

Is the imei of the w8 clean?
The w8 should work with at&t when unlocked.

audit13 said:
Is the imei of the w8 clean?
The w8 should work with at&t when unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm not 100% sure but..
When I was originally using the unlock service they needed the original carrier information, which I didn't know, so they asked for the IMEI so they could look it up.
They emailed a full list of details on it and I'd think that it would of been flagged in that process, assuming though.

So the w8 is now unlocked through the unlocking service?
Here's a link to the swappa imei checker: https://swappa.com/esn

audit13 said:
So the w8 is now unlocked through the unlocking service?
Here's a link to the swappa imei checker: https://swappa.com/esn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no the w8 never unlocked. code never worked.
Thanks for the link
Edit:
Checked and it came clear.

Was the phone sold as being unlocked? Is the seller able to give you any carrier information about he phone?
Are you able to change the csc by entering this into the dialler: *#272*Phone’s IMEI Here# ?

audit13 said:
Was the phone sold as being unlocked? Is the seller able to give you any carrier information about he phone?
Are you able to change the csc by entering this into the dialler: *#272*Phone’s IMEI Here# ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't physically have the phone anymore. Returned to seller

Okay. You looking to get another s7?

audit13 said:
Okay. You looking to get another s7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yessir! I liked what I saw. My price range is 300-350$ and I'm seeing those types of deals on Ebay so i'm gonna keep going until I get what i want.
I'm open to other suggestions too.

You'll have to decide first if you want a Qualcomm or exynos phone.

audit13 said:
You'll have to decide first if you want a Qualcomm or exynos phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I was looked this up before and I remember thinking exynos.
Did some light research rn and i came to the same conclusion.
Your opinion?

audit13 said:
You'll have to decide first if you want a Qualcomm or exynos phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I remember, when I researched before Exynos was the choice.
After some light research I came with the same conclusion.
You thoughts? I want to be able to root it and use it on AT&T network if those factor in.

I know the 930w8 is an exynos and should support att frequencies.

audit13 said:
I know the 930w8 is an exynos and should support att frequencies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the exact model I just had problems with

That is weird because I got one for a friend, got a network unlock code,and it works perfectly on T-Mobile and all carriers in Canada.
Maybe there was something wrong with the phone you received? Where did your phone come from?

audit13 said:
That is weird because I got one for a friend, got a network unlock code,and it works perfectly on T-Mobile and all carriers in Canada.
Maybe there was something wrong with the phone you received? Where did your phone come from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it from ebay.

Help with Ebay buy: G930V flashed to G930U vs a true G930U

Hello
I recently bought an S7 off Ebay. The seller had already sold over 900 units and had good feedback, so I went ahead and bought one. I'm very suspicious of something though. The IMEI on the back cover matches what Android is reporting, however the back cover shows model SM-G930V, not SM-G930U(which is what the listing stated). This leads me to believe it's actually a G930V that has been flashed to G930U.
Here's the thing. I have Cricket, which uses the AT&T network. However, when I'm sitting in the break room at work, I have one coworker with AT&T, one with Cricket(AT&T), and they both get 2 bars on their phone(one has an Iphone 7 and the other a Huawei Honor 6X). I however get no signal at all, and they're sitting right next to me.
So if the seller flashed the G930V to G930U, would it behave like a true G930U with regard to its AT&T network signal strength, or will there be some limitations? The seller offers free return shipping and I'm kind of tempted to return it if it doesn't behave like a true G930U, but I don't want to if it's not necessary. I appreciate all the feedback.

AndroidTerry said:
Hello
I recently bought an S7 off Ebay. The seller had already sold over 900 units and had good feedback, so I went ahead and bought one. I'm very suspicious of something though. The IMEI on the back cover matches what Android is reporting, however the back cover shows model SM-G930V, not SM-G930U(which is what the listing stated). This leads me to believe it's actually a G930V that has been flashed to G930U.
Here's the thing. I have Cricket, which uses the AT&T network. However, when I'm sitting in the break room at work, I have one coworker with AT&T, one with Cricket(AT&T), and they both get 2 bars on their phone(one has an Iphone 7 and the other a Huawei Honor 6X). I however get no signal at all, and they're sitting right next to me.
So if the seller flashed the G930V to G930U, would it behave like a true G930U with regard to its AT&T network signal strength, or will there be some limitations? The seller offers free return shipping and I'm kind of tempted to return it if it doesn't behave like a true G930U, but I don't want to if it's not necessary. I appreciate all the feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone was originally for the Verizon network and been flashed to be Unbranded to take any SIM BUT Verizon and AT&T use different network connection standards, different radio hardware. I'm surprised it working at all on Cricket.
This happens alot on Ebay in the US, you have to understand the difference in connection stands before you buy. Your mobile will never work correctly on Cricket (AT&T). ...AT&T= GSM. Verizon = CDMA. The phone has the hardware to work on CDMA.
Send it back and get a G930W

cooltt said:
The phone was originally for the Verizon network and been flashed to be Unbranded to take any SIM BUT Verizon and AT&T use different network connection standards, different radio hardware. I'm surprised it working at all on Cricket.
This happens alot on Ebay in the US, you have to understand the difference in connection stands before you buy. Your mobile will never work correctly on Cricket (AT&T). ...AT&T= GSM. Verizon = CDMA. The phone has the hardware to work on CDMA.
Send it back and get a G930W
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man. I won't lie, this kind of makes me angry. I don't think this Ebay seller should be selling a factory G930V phone that have been flashed to G930U, as a G930U. It doesn't say this anywhere in the listing. I feel like this item was misrepresented.

AndroidTerry said:
Thanks man. I won't lie, this kind of makes me angry. I don't think this Ebay seller should be selling a factory G930V phone that have been flashed to G930U, as a G930U. It doesn't say this anywhere in the listing. I feel like this item was misrepresented.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was since you guys in the US are nailed to a network. In Europe all phones work on all networks.

Relearning... software version questions?

Some of you might recognize me, used to be pretty active in the root/mod/ROM game back from the days of the OG Droid on, but have been away for a while. Now I've got a new Samsung S10E, and I don't quite get the relationships with the versions and trigraphs, etc.
My phone is a G970U1 - which I understand is a non-carrier specific unlocked model? But the Service Provider SW ver. reads SAOMC_SM-g970U1_OYM_TMB_PP0022 with TMB/TMB/SPR tags? What's the OYM? And what's up with the two T-Mobile tags followed by the Sprint tag? I did some digging around but couldn't see where there might have been a guide/explanation in this forum... pointers would be fine if it's too much of a pain to explain the whole thing here.
Also, OTAs? Would those come from TMO because of the tags, or from Samsung because of the U1 instead of the U?
Thanks....

For others' benefit: OYM is multi - covers multiple options depending on what SIM you toss into it. And the OTA question was answered a few minutes ago when I picked up the US Unlocked update from Samsung.

redoregon said:
Some of you might recognize me, used to be pretty active in the root/mod/ROM game back from the days of the OG Droid on, but have been away for a while. Now I've got a new Samsung S10E, and I don't quite get the relationships with the versions and trigraphs, etc.
My phone is a G970U1 - which I understand is a non-carrier specific unlocked model? But the Service Provider SW ver. reads SAOMC_SM-g970U1_OYM_TMB_PP0022 with TMB/TMB/SPR tags? What's the OYM? And what's up with the two T-Mobile tags followed by the Sprint tag? I did some digging around but couldn't see where there might have been a guide/explanation in this forum... pointers would be fine if it's too much of a pain to explain the whole thing here.
Also, OTAs? Would those come from TMO because of the tags, or from Samsung because of the U1 instead of the U?
Thanks....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an unlocked S10e model, then you shouldn't have SPR at the end. It should be XAA. For example if you put T-Mobile sim in your unlocked phone, it should read: TMB/TMB/XAA, meaning that you have an unlocked US model(U1). If you put another US carrier sim in the phone, then first 2 TMB/TMB will change to that sim, such as ATT, VZW, USC...but the third XAA will stay the same. If your phones shows SPR, then it should be Sprint branded model that was flashed with U1 unlocked firmware. Basically US carrier firmware has OYN in the Service Provider SW ver. and unlocked is OYM.

Charkatak said:
If you have an unlocked S10e model, then you shouldn't have SPR at the end. It should be XAA. For example if you put T-Mobile sim in your unlocked phone, it should read: TMB/TMB/XAA, meaning that you have an unlocked US model(U1). If you put another US carrier sim in the phone, then first 2 TMB/TMB will change to that sim, such as ATT, VZW, USC...but the third XAA will stay the same. If your phones shows SPR, then it should be Sprint branded model that was flashed with U1 unlocked firmware. Basically US carrier firmware has OYN in the Service Provider SW ver. and unlocked is OYM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! That's exactly the kind of knowledge I was looking for.
So... my phone was somehow hijacked from Sprint and reflashed as unlocked somehow? It arrived in factory shape, including all the little plastic protective bits that you have to spend fifteen minutes peeling off, tearing open, etc., etc., etc...

redoregon said:
Thanks! That's exactly the kind of knowledge I was looking for.
So... my phone was somehow hijacked from Sprint and reflashed as unlocked somehow? It arrived in factory shape, including all the little plastic protective bits that you have to spend fifteen minutes peeling off, tearing open, etc., etc., etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't an issue if the phone was flashed. So if you were planning to buy a factory unlocked model, then it isn't the case but nothing to worry about.
Back when S8 was a Samsung flagship, there was a news that Samsung is planning to make the firmware more universal(at least in US) and if you have a carrier branded phone and you put another carrier's sim, then it would automatically apply that carrier's settings + download any bloatware.