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International Unlocked S8 & S8+ In the US

Where are all the people that will be using the exynos variant in the US? I have been using international unlocked (F models) sammy phones since the s6 and I plan on sticking to this model. Where you guys ordering from? I usually get it from ebay (usually never-msrp) but it seems I might have to hold on a little longer as $970 for an 8+ is a little high.

I ordered from SamsungUK.. lets see if they honor the order.

i am checking into this place.
https://www.clove.co.uk/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus

It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?

I'll wait for the Duos version a month later from start shipping, I'm using exynos galaxy/notes from the note 2 .

biship said:
It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure. i've never bought intl phone.

I have written to the samsung UK web page and they told me the sim free phone is "locked" to unnlocked you muts make a 5 minut call to a number but from the place the phone was intended to sell, the UK

When you do the checkout on Clove store, you can choose this option: "Samsung’s region lock stops use of this handset within your chosen country unless activated with a European SIM. I agree for Clove Technology to break the seal on the box, activate the phone and remove the region lock by completing a 5 minute call on the handset."

biship said:
It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clove is great and I ordered a S8+ from them too. I've ordered previous phones and accessories from them. They ship DHL overnight. Yes, EU phones are equipped with region lock to prevent them from being used outside their assigned selling region. You have to make a 5 minute phone call using a SIM from the phone's home region to unlock it. That's what Clove's doing for their international customers.
There are pros to buying from authorized resellers like Clove. EU phones have a two year warranty and Clove will act as a middleman on your behalf to get warranty work done if your phone ever needs it. You send it to them and they manage it through getting repaired and sent back to you. Having a "real" BTU phone is great for those that don't want to screw around with ODIN and multi-CSC to get updates. BTU is typically one of the first EU regions to get updates. We in the U.S. are lucky to get two for the life of the phone.
Only possible downside is getting Samsung Pay working since the framework isn't pre-installed as the UK doesn't currently support Samsung Pay. I've read the forums and some have gotten some of the features of Samsung Pay working on the S7-series but it's not a guarantee. I have a pre-order with AT&T and an order with Clove. I'm still debating which to go with primarily because I'm a heavy Samsung Pay user.

biship said:
It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doubt it. Every year on release there is this region lock, but when I get my phones, they're never region locked.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

BarryH_GEG said:
Clove is great and I ordered a S8+ from them too. I've ordered previous phones and accessories from them. They ship DHL overnight. Yes, EU phones are equipped with region lock to prevent them from being used outside their assigned selling region. You have to make a 5 minute phone call using a SIM from the phone's home region to unlock it. That's what Clove's doing for their international customers.
There are pros to buying from authorized resellers like Clove. EU phones have a two year warranty and Clove will act as a middleman on your behalf to get warranty work done if your phone ever needs it. You send it to them and they manage it through getting repaired and sent back to you. Having a "real" BTU phone is great for those that don't want to screw around with ODIN and multi-CSC to get updates. BTU is typically one of the first EU regions to get updates. We in the U.S. are lucky to get two for the life of the phone.
Only possible downside is getting Samsung Pay working since the framework isn't pre-installed as the UK doesn't currently support Samsung Pay. I've read the forums and some have gotten some of the features of Samsung Pay working on the S7-series but it's not a guarantee. I have a pre-order with AT&T and an order with Clove. I'm still debating which to go with primarily because I'm a heavy Samsung Pay user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh this sounds more like it. I've never had to deal with region lock..
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

osmosizzz said:
Where are all the people that will be using the exynos variant in the US? I have been using international unlocked (F models) sammy phones since the s6 and I plan on sticking to this model. Where you guys ordering from? I usually get it from ebay (usually never-msrp) but it seems I might have to hold on a little longer as $970 for an 8+ is a little high.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question. Do you ever get samsung pay to work on those models ?. or samsung pay is something you never really use or cared for ?

BarryH_GEG said:
Clove is great and I ordered a S8+ from them too. I've ordered previous phones and accessories from them. They ship DHL overnight. Yes, EU phones are equipped with region lock to prevent them from being used outside their assigned selling region. You have to make a 5 minute phone call using a SIM from the phone's home region to unlock it. That's what Clove's doing for their international customers.
There are pros to buying from authorized resellers like Clove. EU phones have a two year warranty and Clove will act as a middleman on your behalf to get warranty work done if your phone ever needs it. You send it to them and they manage it through getting repaired and sent back to you. Having a "real" BTU phone is great for those that don't want to screw around with ODIN and multi-CSC to get updates. BTU is typically one of the first EU regions to get updates. We in the U.S. are lucky to get two for the life of the phone.
Only possible downside is getting Samsung Pay working since the framework isn't pre-installed as the UK doesn't currently support Samsung Pay. I've read the forums and some have gotten some of the features of Samsung Pay working on the S7-series but it's not a guarantee. I have a pre-order with AT&T and an order with Clove. I'm still debating which to go with primarily because I'm a heavy Samsung Pay user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got a samsung watch and use samsung pay through it with a Nexus 6P. Think I would be able to do the same with the S8? I use android pay also, so not being able to use samsung pay would not be a deal breaker.
The thing has has me confused about clove is that the device seems to be good bit less expensive than anywhere else. Cost for the S8+ with shipping is only 665 GBP ($829) as opposed to 779 GBP ($971) from Samsung UK site. Is that correct?

luch4galaxy said:
Question. Do you ever get samsung pay to work on those models ?. or samsung pay is something you never really use or cared for ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I never got Samsung pay to work on the international model. But recently I think they got it to work on the s7 edge somehow.
luch4galaxy said:
Question. Do you ever get samsung pay to work on those models ?. or samsung pay is something you never really use or cared for ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

PuffinNugz said:
I've got a samsung watch and use samsung pay through it with a Nexus 6P. Think I would be able to do the same with the S8? I use android pay also, so not being able to use samsung pay would not be a deal breaker.
The thing has has me confused about clove is that the device seems to be good bit less expensive than anywhere else. Cost for the S8+ with shipping is only 665 GBP ($829) as opposed to 779 GBP ($971) from Samsung UK site. Is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just checked clover and the price they showed me was 970 usd once I converted it (771 British pounds). That includes vat and shipping.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

osmosizzz said:
I just checked clover and the price they showed me was 970 usd once I converted it (771 British pounds). That includes vat and shipping.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I selected US for shipping, it automatically deleted the VAT option and lowered to 665 pounds. What exactly is VAT and why would I want it?
Nevermind, I see it's a tax, but it removed itself when I selected the US.

PuffinNugz said:
When I selected US for shipping, it automatically deleted the VAT option and lowered to 665 pounds. What exactly is VAT and why would I want it?
Nevermind, I see it's a tax, but it removed itself when I selected the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did it on my Computer and you're right..its cheaper than anywhere else. I may just pick it up now
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

Just a Newbee question here in regards to using the international models in the US. I am guessing that these international phone can only support GSM here in the US - no LTE on any US carrier.
I get that the international boot loader might be unlocked, and the international phones seem to come carrier unlocked. But if you don't travel international all the time and just live in the US - don't you guy miss the LTE speeds? Or is there any international models that support say ATT LTE bands?
The phone says it supports: LTE Bands 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(AWS), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 17(700), 20(800), 28(700)
And ATT Uses 2, 4, 5, 17 1900, 1700 abcde, 700 bc
So would the internation phone support ATT LTE?

Flame Red said:
Just a Newbee question here in regards to using the international models in the US. I am guessing that these international phone can only support GSM here in the US - no LTE on any US carrier.
I get that the international boot loader might be unlocked, and the international phones seem to come carrier unlocked. But if you don't travel international all the time and just live in the US - don't you guy miss the LTE speeds? Or is there any international models that support say ATT LTE bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE works.

PuffinNugz said:
LTE works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the education! I usually buy TMOB as in the past they have unlocked bootloaders and LTE works on ATT. But if I read the tea leaves correctly, TMOB might be changing that for the S8. I guess no one knows for sure yet for the S8, but generally speaking, have the boot loaders on past Sammy international models usually unlocked?

Advice on buying Galaxy S8+ SM-G9550 6GB version for european market

Hi All,
It's been a long while since I have posted something, but I have been using and reading up on XDA with much gratitude since I joined in 2010. The community represented here is just awesome in every way, and I would like you all to know that. I wanted to ask you guys for advice on the following matter:
I currently own a galaxy note 5 in the Netherlands, which I have purchased in Dubai. I decided on the dual sim model, since I find the dual sim capability for my work and private sim very important. The phone has done me well in the last 18 months (worked without any trouble in NL, and is rooted), but now I think it's time to replace it. My new phone of choice would be the Galaxy S8 plus, preferably the 6GB model. Of course this would also need to be the dual sim version, otherwise I could just buy the normal version here in the Netherlands. I have some friends living over in Hong Kong, which would allow me to buy the phone there.
Now for the hard part. Not only does the phone need to be dual sim, it also needs to support all dutch bands (including volte if possible) and it must be able to be rooted (adblock on its own is enough reason to justify that, let alone all other possibilities). I am used to flashing kernels and roms on my phones, as per the consice instructions found on this forum.
The phone that meets my criteria seems to be the SM-G9550 (6GB) that can be bought in Hong Kong. Would you guys please advise me on whether you think that would function here in the Netherlands and whether I can root it? And if not, what would you advise me to do given the above?
Thanks a ton in advance

@kimi4life
The G9550 is the Chinese/HK variant of the GS8+, and while it does support LTE Bands 3, 7 and 20 (those used by Vodafone NL), the combination of bands, known as Carrier Aggregation (or 4G+), may or may not work. Moreover, VoLTE and WiFi calling (if applicable) will NOT work with this variant.
The reason behind this, is the CSC. Since the G9550 is only sold in China and Hong Kong, it does not have a Netherlands CSC (Carrier Specific Customization), so you'll have all Chinese and possibly even carrier bloatware for China.
There is a way to get a G955FD CSC (EU variant) on your G9550 (CN/HK variant) phone by rooting it and flashing a custom ROM and CSC switcher, you can check Nicholaschum's thread in the Discussion section on how to do that. Do keep in mind that doing all that voids KNOX and there is no way to reset the KNOX counter.
However, the Chinese variant has no custom ROMs, and you'd be better off with the Exynos G955FD variant.
I wouldn't recommend going through all the trouble though, the 64GB/4GB S8+ is pretty good on its own. If you pick up a G955FD, and pop in a Netherlands SIM card, it'll automatically switch to the right CSC based on your country and what carrier you're on. This variant can be rooted, has a few decent stock based custom ROMs, and gets software updates more often than the Chinese variant. You will also have no issues about LTE band compatibility since the 955FD fully supports all networks in Netherlands.

murtaza02 said:
@kimi4life
The G9550 is the Chinese/HK variant of the GS8+, and while it does support LTE Bands 3, 7 and 20 (those used by Vodafone NL), the combination of bands, known as Carrier Aggregation (or 4G+), may or may not work. Moreover, VoLTE and WiFi calling (if applicable) will NOT work with this variant.
The reason behind this, is the CSC. Since the G9550 is only sold in China and Hong Kong, it does not have a Netherlands CSC (Carrier Specific Customization), so you'll have all Chinese and possibly even carrier bloatware for China.
There is a way to get a G955FD CSC (EU variant) on your G9550 (CN/HK variant) phone by rooting it and flashing a custom ROM and CSC switcher, you can check Nicholaschum's thread in the Discussion section on how to do that. Do keep in mind that doing all that voids KNOX and there is no way to reset the KNOX counter.
However, the Chinese variant has no custom ROMs, and you'd be better off with the Exynos G955FD variant.
I wouldn't recommend going through all the trouble though, the 64GB/4GB S8+ is pretty good on its own. If you pick up a G955FD, and pop in a Netherlands SIM card, it'll automatically switch to the right CSC based on your country and what carrier you're on. This variant can be rooted, has a few decent stock based custom ROMs, and gets software updates more often than the Chinese variant. You will also have no issues about LTE band compatibility since the 955FD fully supports all networks in Netherlands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a ton for the clear explanation! It would seem the G955FD would be the best choice then. I'm not sure if these are also sold in HK, i'll just check online if they are. Small bummer on the storage space, since I've heard it is not expendable when using the second sim. Then again, if I go abroad I might as well switch out one of the sims and place an SD card.

kimi4life said:
Thanks a ton for the clear explanation! It would seem the G955FD would be the best choice then. I'm not sure if these are also sold in HK, i'll just check online if they are. Small bummer on the storage space, since I've heard it is not expendable when using the second sim. Then again, if I go abroad I might as well switch out one of the sims and place an SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
955FDs aren't available in HK, but the dual SIM S8+ has been launched in the UK and is available in Dubai as well.
In fact, I bought my 955FD in Dubai as well.

murtaza02 said:
955FDs aren't available in HK, but the dual SIM S8+ has been launched in the UK and is available in Dubai as well.
In fact, I bought my 955FD in Dubai as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has just launched in the Netherlands I heard. Ordered it at the Samsung shop just now - looking forward to it!

kimi4life said:
It has just launched in the Netherlands I heard. Ordered it at the Samsung shop just now - looking forward to it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, congratulations!
You'll really enjoy it.

murtaza02 said:
Well, congratulations!
You'll really enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for the advice! I'll get back to you on the best way to root when I received it

my friend is brining me over a G9550 from HK over the weekend. o2 in the UK have not cleared the s8/s8+ for wifi calling and volte yet, but when they do, where is the link to root and install custom rom and csc on it so i can hopefully get it to work with these services?
im getting the phone for free, so i can't complain with free!

mikey_sk said:
my friend is brining me over a G9550 from HK over the weekend. o2 in the UK have not cleared the s8/s8+ for wifi calling and volte yet, but when they do, where is the link to root and install custom rom and csc on it so i can hopefully get it to work with these services?
im getting the phone for free, so i can't complain with free!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check Nicholaschum's thread in the S8+ Forums for the Korean variant.

murtaza02 said:
Check Nicholaschum's thread in the S8+ Forums for the Korean variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will the korean exynos firmware or custom rom built for that device even work for the snapdragon G9550?!

No need to root for adblocker, you can get adblocker through "Adhell" or "Disconnect for samsung browser" in play store. I don't think rooting is worth it on such a new device with many functions out of the box. Substratum also got samsung support without root.

mikey_sk said:
will the korean exynos firmware or custom rom built for that device even work for the snapdragon G9550?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it won't.

I have a G9550 (6GB/128GB) from Hong Kong and can confirm Vodafone 4G does not work on it, only 3G

nugget123 said:
I have a G9550 (6GB/128GB) from Hong Kong and can confirm Vodafone 4G does not work on it, only 3G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd considering it supports the necessary bands.
Have you set it to LTE mode?

murtaza02 said:
That's odd considering it supports the necessary bands.
Have you set it to LTE mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it would support it straight out the box too but it only connects to 3G:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fsz6fqvop0ke7z3/2017-07-03 08.50.30.png?dl=0

nugget123 said:
I thought it would support it straight out the box too but it only connects to 3G:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fsz6fqvop0ke7z3/2017-07-03 08.50.30.png?dl=0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sure you have the APNs right?
Dial *#2683662# and tell me if a Service Mode menu pops up.

Erm I did get some OTA configurations when I put my Vodafone sim card in but I didn't accept them settings as it was browser changes and I didn't think they affected my data connection, could they be it?
It said:
service mode
menu not exist
press back to continue
current command is 1000
Edited to add:
I just looked in my access point list in settings and it does come up with Vodafones access point settings
Edited again to add:
I spoke to Vodafone who checked my APN settings and assured me they were correct
Edited again again to add:
Added the APN settings manually, restarted my phone and now it works with 4G ?

nugget123 said:
I have a G9550 (6GB/128GB) from Hong Kong and can confirm Vodafone 4G does not work on it, only 3G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i put a vodafone uk sim in it and and it works perfectly on 4G
both slots gve me 4g, o2 in slot 1 and voda in slot 2
only thing i dont get anymore is 4G+ - any help on this?

mikey_sk said:
i put a vodafone uk sim in it and and it works perfectly on 4G
both slots gve me 4g, o2 in slot 1 and voda in slot 2
only thing i dont get anymore is 4G+ - any help on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because the Chinese variants don't support carrier aggregation on the same bands used by networks in the UK.

I have 4g+ in china and Hong Kong but not here on voda uk

it's official 5G does work On TMobile

Just watched TK Bay a former XDA member and blogger and he said 5G does work on T-Mobile watch on YouTube @16:45 mark
Mine will be here Monday. Can't wait

Here in the Netherlands (T-Mobile) also 5G

in Germany it works as well

Pop up message in UK, 5G available after software update, didn't say when.

LissieFan said:
Pop up message in UK, 5G available after software update, didn't say when.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's only the case if you use two sim cards. In single sim mode 5G works from the beginning.

That's right. Wish I'd made a screenshot of the pop up. Wonder when the update will happen?
Tried 5G today on Three UK network, 240Mbps dl / 55Mbps u/l.

Pixel 5 - 5G Certification

Hey guys
i live in switzerland and now i got my hands on a pixel 5. Now I had to find out that Google is doing something stupid and certifies mobile operators for 5G.
Swisscom apparently has no certification, but 5G runs and works flawlessly with the Mi 10 Pro.
Is there any way to turn off this junk so that 5G simply works with every provider?
Thanks for your help

Are you using DualSim? I've read somewhere that in this case 5G is off
Gesendet von meinem CMR-AL09 mit Tapatalk

No im not using dualsim. Even on Network search no 5g network is found ?

It's Google's fault, indeed, I can't use 5G in Romania either. I'm waiting for a while, maybe they'll just allow us, from the countries where they don't sell official their phone, to use the full capabilities.
If they don't I'll just root and I'll do it myself, but I think Google will eventually unlock the 5G connectivity, it's hurting their "official" customers by not being able to roam on 5G or use their phone with a local sim when needed.

balenax said:
It's Google's fault, indeed, I can't use 5G in Romania either. I'm waiting for a while, maybe they'll just allow us, from the countries where they don't sell official their phone, to use the full capabilities.
If they don't I'll just root and I'll do it myself, but I think Google will eventually unlock the 5G connectivity, it's hurting their "official" customers by not being able to roam on 5G or use their phone with a local sim when needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the same problem in HK. Won't use 5G. If the Pixel 5 is rooted, doe it mean it will be able to use 5G?

lks125 said:
I am having the same problem in HK. Won't use 5G. If the Pixel 5 is rooted, doe it mean it will be able to use 5G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a similar problem on OnePlus 8, I think. We need to edit a file, carrier policy, and the phone will then allow 5G connections. The problem here is that on OnePlus you can retrieve the file from the phone without root, with a Qualcomm software, and then put it back, edited, with the same software. On Pixel that program isn't working so I assume the only way to access and edit that file is by rooting.
I don't want to root yet, I'm waiting a while. First of all to find out an official answer about the software shipped with the phones in Europe, a presumably KDDI Japan version and second, to see if Google doesn't fix the problem, since there are way too many people affected.

I'm from mainland China. I've ordered a Pixel 5 and just realized that it doesn't support 5g in my country! What a shame Google permit 5g for only specific carriers and block out others, while the hardware of P5 is 100% capable for supporting almost every carriers around the world!
Wondering if Google can see this post and fix that problem via ota.

emmm
letherpants said:
I'm from mainland China. I've ordered a Pixel 5 and just realized that it doesn't support 5g in my country! What a shame Google permit 5g for only specific carriers and block out others, while the hardware of P5 is 100% capable for supporting almost every carriers around the world!
Wondering if Google can see this post and fix that problem via ota.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest you go to the official forum with the post feedback, Google has seen a lot more than XDA.

joeyzhou521 said:
I suggest you go to the official forum with the post feedback, Google has seen a lot more than XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx. Maybe I'll post there.

Same problem here in the MENA region. Same with oneplus 8 series and Nord. I have a 5G sim and carrier but with these phones including Pixel 5 it's blocked. I don't want to root. It's really stupid even VoLTE is blocked here. (Kuwait)
---------- Post added at 01:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:43 AM ----------
balenax said:
It's a similar problem on OnePlus 8, I think. We need to edit a file, carrier policy, and the phone will then allow 5G connections. The problem here is that on OnePlus you can retrieve the file from the phone without root, with a Qualcomm software, and then put it back, edited, with the same software. On Pixel that program isn't working so I assume the only way to access and edit that file is by rooting.
I don't want to root yet, I'm waiting a while. First of all to find out an official answer about the software shipped with the phones in Europe, a presumably KDDI Japan version and second, to see if Google doesn't fix the problem, since there are way too many people affected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're %100 correct on this.

Any news after the update? I returned my Pixel for the gap issue but I am interested to see if there are any changes regarding the 5G locked issue...

Got the November update and no 5G yet

I just switched over to esim today with tmobile unrooted, stock, and November patch. It shows 5g in the status bar.
BUT, under wifi and network in settings , there is no 5g where *lte 3g 2g* are.
I guess the above poster is right
Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk
Edit. I live on the east coast of PA usa and earlier this was the case.. I just checked again, I have 5g as an option. FYI anyway.

Here Italy, i ordered it from Gemran store hoping to have compatibility with vodafone since vodafone DE has already certification to work with 5G network but still nothing, i tried to flash the RD1A.201105.003.C1, Nov 2020 that is global but no working 5g connection.
I hope in a future update because my sim in OnePlus nord work well in 5g and i get about 400Mb speed that is amazing in italy, with 4g i get 130Mb.
Contacted vodafone support and they said it's a phone problem so I think maybe with december update Google wil resolve (ps in software i have the option to select 5g preferred network but never get attached to 5G where the OnePlus Nord get 5G)

I added root to my device, how can I enable 5g now.. I actually added root just to test 5g

December update still no 5g.

Google recently updated its support page about 5G network compatibility to explicitly state that 5G will work only on carriers that Google enabled it.
At this time, unlisted countries have no selected 5G carrier networks that work with Pixel phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

At least Switzerland's providers Sunrise and Swisscom are listed as coming soon...

General Tencent version bad service in US with T-Mobile

So I ordered the ROG Phone 5 Tencent version by mistake and I couldn't cancel it in time before they shipped it. I tried out the phone upon receiving it even though I had already read about the issues with 5G connectivity in the US. Testing out the bands with LTE Connectivity it obviously will not connect to any of T-Mobile's 5G bands in the US and on top it will only connect band 4 of tmobiles 4GLTE which is quite slower than band 66. I tested it side by side with my old Galaxy Note 8 and the note 8 was consistently getting better speeds of about 60/5 on band 66 while the tencent ROG phone 5 was only getting about 25-30 download at most on band 4. I promptly created a return order and bought the international version from NGP.
So in summary for those wondering, the tencent ROG phone 5 does not have the bands needed for a phone at this price point.
Check out this link for an accurate list of bands for the China version and then the international version.
Will Asus Rog Phone 5 work in USA?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Asus Rog Phone 5 with the mobile networks of USA and with the telephony operators that provide service in USA.
www.kimovil.com
I will be receiving my international version in 2 days and will be testing the mobile bands in the Los Angeles area. Hoping for 5G!!

Please let us know of your findings as im getting ready to buy the international version from the same place! and am also using T-Mobile
Also, does anyone have an info on an official USA launch? (not carrier held but like ASUS selling the phone on the USA e store website)

A how to guide for getting bad service?

Rotary88 said:
So I ordered the ROG Phone 5 Tencent version by mistake and I couldn't cancel it in time before they shipped it. I tried out the phone upon receiving it even though I had already read about the issues with 5G connectivity in the US. Testing out the bands with LTE Connectivity it obviously will not connect to any of T-Mobile's 5G bands in the US and on top it will only connect band 4 of tmobiles 4GLTE which is quite slower than band 66. I tested it side by side with my old Galaxy Note 8 and the note 8 was consistently getting better speeds of about 60/5 on band 66 while the tencent ROG phone 5 was only getting about 25-30 download at most on band 4. I promptly created a return order and bought the international version from NGP.
So in summary for those wondering, the tencent ROG phone 5 does not have the bands needed for a phone at this price point.
Check out this link for an accurate list of bands for the China version and then the international version.
Will Asus Rog Phone 5 work in USA?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Asus Rog Phone 5 with the mobile networks of USA and with the telephony operators that provide service in USA.
www.kimovil.com
I will be receiving my international version in 2 days and will be testing the mobile bands in the Los Angeles area. Hoping for 5G!!
Click to expand...
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Doesn't the tencent version support SA 71? T-Mobile recently added that frequency I believe unless I misunderstood

chairman011 said:
Doesn't the tencent version support SA 71? T-Mobile recently added that frequency I believe unless I misunderstood
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It's going to be hit or miss, depending on location.

So I ordered the international version literally 2 days before the USA version came out to just find out that it's the exact same **** as the Tencent version. NO 5G on T-Mobile and it uses the slowest bands for 4GLTE. My LTE speed in the LA area is an abysmal 27mb download and a 9mb upload. What an absolute nightmare this has been. The one time I try to go something besides Samsung or Apple.
Does anyone know what the restocking fee's are on these returns?

Rotary88 said:
So I ordered the international version literally 2 days before the USA version came out to just find out that it's the exact same **** as the Tencent version. NO 5G on T-Mobile and it uses the slowest bands for 4GLTE. My LTE speed in the LA area is an abysmal 27mb download and a 9mb upload. What an absolute nightmare this has been. The one time I try to go something besides Samsung or Apple.
Does anyone know what the restocking fee's are on these returns?
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i thought it says its nothing if the return is because youre having connection/network issues, i just ordered the USA version, ill let you know how that one behaves when it arrives on saturday
i have a new sim card waiting for the phone when it arrives (supposedly you need a new sim to use 5g on tmobile)

twistedumbrella said:
It's going to be hit or miss, depending on location.
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True that. I have the Tencent on Metro I get LTE but no 5g, I love this phone I have no issues with it but 5G would be awesome. They say they use the same service but really they don't they're both different frequencies I'm eager to try that new T-Mobile SIM card though since my phone is dual SIM I think I might go ahead and get the T-Mobile service with the SIM card I'll report back that you guys know how it goes thinking about doing it this coming week.

Trickster29 said:
i thought it says its nothing if the return is because youre having connection/network issues, i just ordered the USA version, ill let you know how that one behaves when it arrives on saturday
i have a new sim card waiting for the phone when it arrives (supposedly you need a new sim to use 5g on tmobile)
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· Failure of network compatibility in the area – customers are responsible to contact their service provider for the availability of compatible network in the area prior to purchasing the phone. If unfortunately you have no network due to this reason, you can return the phone with 15% restocking fee of the item price if it is in its original condition.
Shipping and Returns
ngpstoreusa.com
Amazon.com Seller Profile: NGP STORE USA
NGP_STORE_USA Store - Newegg.com
Checkout NGP_STORE_USA’s Seller Profile.! Get the latest deals from Seller Profile. all with faster shipping and excellent customer services
www.newegg.com
Rotary88 said:
So I ordered the international version literally 2 days before the USA version came out to just find out that it's the exact same **** as the Tencent version. NO 5G on T-Mobile and it uses the slowest bands for 4GLTE. My LTE speed in the LA area is an abysmal 27mb download and a 9mb upload. What an absolute nightmare this has been. The one time I try to go something besides Samsung or Apple.
Does anyone know what the restocking fee's are on these returns?
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Click to collapse
Actually, the international version is basically the same as the US version without warranty coverage.

If they are the same, it doesn't make sense to eat the restocking fee then. Rotary88, are you using a current SIM like the other user mentioned? Hopefully when they get their phone and test on saturday they get better results.
I purchased mine from the US store this morning (I don't need 512gb storage or 18gb ram, and the other extras will never get used lol). The price point of the tencent versions are attractive for sure but I have heard nothing but issues around the WW converted models.
If it turns out that all versions (US, international, CN) have the same issues maybe I will return the US and save some dollars.
I'm just rambling here, good luck Rotary88

twistedumbrella said:
· Failure of network compatibility in the area – customers are responsible to contact their service provider for the availability of compatible network in the area prior to purchasing the phone. If unfortunately you have no network due to this reason, you can return the phone with 15% restocking fee of the item price if it is in its original condition.
Shipping and Returns
ngpstoreusa.com
Amazon.com Seller Profile: NGP STORE USA
NGP_STORE_USA Store - Newegg.com
Checkout NGP_STORE_USA’s Seller Profile.! Get the latest deals from Seller Profile. all with faster shipping and excellent customer services
www.newegg.com
Actually, the international version is basically the same as the US version without warranty coverage.
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ah must have remembered wrong. i don't think they're the same bandwise, for instance from what i understand the international is the C variant and doesn't support band 71 or 66 but this is listed as supported on the USA e-store for the USA phone. in fact every band except the mmWave that both ATT and T-Mobile use is listed on the USA versions purchase page
i did simply my check tho and ignored the fact that the shop page doesn't list 2g/3g/5g bands explicitly and just checked for a matching number, but i imagine thats what they meant, considering the page was just created and for example maybe they found theres no need to list n41 and 41 essentially listing 41 twice.
i have no phone atm, which maybe you can tell since my posts lack any auto correct, so really hoping for the best
either way i have a USA version coming on saturday and ill let everyone know of the results

So I just swapped out my old sim for a new T-Mobile SIM and its the same result with the international and also tencent variant ASUS_I005DA. Even though version A supposedly supports all the right bands, No T-Mobile 5G and also crippled LTE. This seems like something to do with their network simply not recognizing the device or allowing it to use other bands. After doing some research it seems the device also has to be carrier supported in order to connect to their extended LTE and 5G bands.
From what I've read here on the forums, calling them is a waste of time. I guess all I can do is wait to see if even the US "variants" get 5G/LTE but I somehow am doubting it since they seem identical to the international variant. I'm stuck with a $1000 gimped phone until T-Mobile decides to support it on their network.

Rotary88 said:
So I just swapped out my old sim for a new T-Mobile SIM and its the same result with the international and also tencent variant ASUS_I005DA. Even though version A supposedly supports all the right bands, No T-Mobile 5G and also crippled LTE. This seems like something to do with their network simply not recognizing the device or allowing it to use other bands. After doing some research it seems the device also has to be carrier supported in order to connect to their extended LTE and 5G bands.
From what I've read here on the forums, calling them is a waste of time. I guess all I can do is wait to see if even the US "variants" get 5G/LTE but I somehow am doubting it since they seem identical to the international variant. I'm stuck with a $1000 gimped phone until T-Mobile decides to support it on their network.
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strange because according to asus the I005DA is not the A version but the G version. The version i believe is on the box not the model.

PhoneBots said:
strange because according to asus the I005DA is not the A version but the G version. The version i believe is on the box not the model.
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Did you contact ASUS ? do you have and official documentation / site where they say which version is tencent / Global / US ?

I had bought the tencent version - i005DA was mentioned prominently in the packaging.. and 'tencent games' was printed on the back of the phone.
Neither T-mobile nor AT&T worked reliably - actually I was barely ever getting a signal.
I returned that.one . .and got myself a global variant - asus_i005DC is mentioned in the packaging.
Now everything works fine - I have seen the 5G symbol, but not really great speeds, but that could be because of my area.

arun_suresh said:
Did you contact ASUS ? do you have and official documentation / site where they say which version is tencent / Global / US ?
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https://zentalk.asus.com/en/discussion/47006/which-version-does-asus-rog-5-model-i005da-map-to i think this is where he found it, see last post (you can press the back button if it asks you to create acct or sign in and it wont ask again and will allow you to read)
this would imply the last letter in the model number is not necessarily the version the phone corresponds to, for every model even your asus_i005DC

Trickster29 said:
https://zentalk.asus.com/en/discussion/47006/which-version-does-asus-rog-5-model-i005da-map-to i think this is where he found it, see last post (you can press the back button if it asks you to create acct or sign in and it wont ask again and will allow you to read)
this would imply the last letter in the model number is not necessarily the version the phone corresponds to, for every model even your asus_i005DC
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That's exactly it.
At this point I'm waiting to see if the one they sell on Asus dot com is any better than the global version sold on aliexpress or if I should go all in on -300$ less

PhoneBots said:
That's exactly it.
At this point I'm waiting to see if the one they sell on Asus dot com is any better than the global version sold on aliexpress or if I should go all in on -300$ less
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$300 less means a Tencent flashed to WW, or at least it did for mine. The idiot seller didn't realize the bands aren't controlled by the software, but PayPal called it "materially similar" and denied the refund. Oh well.

PhoneBots said:
That's exactly it.
At this point I'm waiting to see if the one they sell on Asus dot com is any better than the global version sold on aliexpress or if I should go all in on -300$ less
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well ill find out if the USA version on asus.com is better literally tomorrow and ill post the update here. i imagine it is now that i understand the versions don't follow model number.

twistedumbrella said:
$300 less means a Tencent flashed to WW, or at least it did for mine. The idiot didn't realize the bands aren't controlled by the software, but PayPal called it "materially similar" and denied the refund. Oh well.
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I was looking more at the global version rather than the ROM