I've been thinking about going with an international version of the Galaxy S20 (or whatever the next release is called) over a US one because of the ability to unlock the bootloader and run custom ROMs extending the device's useful life.
But I'm curious how, as a person in the US, I would get the regular OTA updates from Samsung or what CSC code I would use? I'm only fluent in English. How do people usually handle this sort of thing?
Thanks!
I used international versions of S8+ & S10+ on T-Mobile with no issue. All international models are GSM only, so as long as you have a compatible carrier you should be fine. All carrier features were available for T-Mobile, but that's not true for AT&T which disables most carrier features for unlocked phones. After you modify the device you will not get OTA updates & have to flash any updates which are ready available. The CSC won't matter, you just have to chose one that is available for that specific model.
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Quick background story, I've been using an HTC phone since the M7, and owned all the M Flagships and currently using an AT&T Branded M9. My wife is currently using a AT&T branded Galaxy S5. I really liked how open my HTC phones are, and all 3 of them had been able to be Fully SIM Unlocked, S-OFF, and can run any compatible ROM. The AT&T Branded GS5 of course only can use AT&T Software and its been a pain waiting on AT&T for patches and updates.
We're planning to replace them both with new Galaxy S7s and since we're planning to buy them outright, my question is which one should we buy? From I read it looks like all units have the same hardware, but the TMO variants seems to at least have the bootloader unlocked and should be SIM Unlocked if I bought it outright.
Our basic requirements.
- Sim unlocked(able)
- Bootloader Unlocked(able)
- Able to use Android Pay/Samsung Pay in the USA
- Rooting is nice but not required, and as long as it don't break A.Pay/S.Pay
- Able to work on AT&T with little or no issue (not missing any LTE Bands, etc)
- Open to get the Exynos model if can still support A.Pay/S.Pay in USA and elsewhere.
- Able to flash debloated or custom ROMs if needed
Its been awhile since i did any work on any Samsung Phones, so I don't know if its just as easy to flash ROMs and Recoveries like my HTCs
Thanks for any feedback on the matter.
You want the tmo version.
peachpuff said:
You want the tmo version.
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It figures as much. How easy or difficult is it to flash non-carrier rom? I know people are just started getting their S7s, did the s6 have any issues with flashing a clean rom and keeping all A.Pay and S.Pay?
There's no development currently on these phones since the sources haven't dropped yet since the phone hasn't technically launched, after mar 11 samsung will release some sources.
If you're looking to remove bloat on non-rooted phones your only options is this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro&hl=en with a rooted rom android/samsung pay wont work.
Last year with the S6 I know for sure the international versions worked just fine with AT&T's LTE network. But last year all models used the same modem (Shanon 333), but this year the international version and the U.S. version are different and both have integrated modem and that throws in an uncertainty. I see no reason why the International versions worked last year with Samsung's modem but not this year, but until someone reports with first-hand experience I would not pull the trigger on the international version (Exynos).
I used SM-G920I (S6) and SM-G928G (S6 Edge+) and both worked flawlessly on AT&T's network.
lopri said:
Last year with the S6 I know for sure the international versions worked just fine with AT&T's LTE network. But last year all models used the same modem (Shanon 333), but this year the international version and the U.S. version are different and both have integrated modem and that throws in an uncertainty. I see no reason why the International versions worked last year with Samsung's modem but not this year, but until someone reports with first-hand experience I would not pull the trigger on the international version (Exynos).
I used SM-G920I (S6) and SM-G928G (S6 Edge+) and both worked flawlessly on AT&T's network.
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Are you able to use Android pay or Samsung pay on those International models? Thanks
Goofytek said:
Are you able to use Android pay or Samsung pay on those International models? Thanks
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No.
Edit: Oh, wait. Android Pay = Yes, Samsung Pay = No.
lopri said:
No.
Edit: Oh, wait. Android Pay = Yes, Samsung Pay = No.
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Hmmm, still missing out on Samsung Pay eh, I wonder if there would be a non-carrier version of the phone we can get in the states with full support of all avaliable features and services. :fingers-crossed:
I'd like to bump this old thread for updates now that the S7 has been around for some time. I'm looking to get an S7, and it looks like the G930U variant might be the one to get now- is that right? I have the same requirements as the original poster, but I'll list them anyway:
-Able to work on AT&T with no issue (I read somewhere that some aspects of AT&T LTE are not supported? What impact does this have?)
-root is required (is it true that rooting prevents being able to encrypt the phone?)
-no bloat or bloat is removable (seems this is the main benefit of G930U?)
-SD card slot (seems like all US models have the SD card slot?)
Are there different versions of the G930U? Is this, for example, the right one: http://a.co/6QgYIxA ?
Thanks
I did some hunting on the web yesterday and I couldn't find anywhere to buy a SM-P905 tablet - the international version, not the Verizon version. I found one on eBay, but I was outbid. I even tried eBay.UK and eBay.ca, but no luck. It seems like you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Verizon tablet, but the international versions are like hen's teeth.
I prefer manufacturer refurbished or used, due to price. Anyone know where I can find one?
Tom2112 said:
I did some hunting on the web yesterday and I couldn't find anywhere to buy a SM-P905 tablet - the international version, not the Verizon version. I found one on eBay, but I was outbid. I even tried eBay.UK and eBay.ca, but no luck. It seems like you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Verizon tablet, but the international versions are like hen's teeth.
I prefer manufacturer refurbished or used, due to price. Anyone know where I can find one?
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the Note Pro LTE version are the same, the only difference is software, their hardware is the same. I open the P907A from AT&T and P905V from Verizon, they look exactly the same inside. Other Note Pro P900 also is the same, the only difference is software customized for certain region, like UK version has more languages than US version, they are the same tablet. If I flashed firmware of UK to an US tablet, it will become an UK tablet. I used to flash Korean firmware to an US tablet when its firmware had some issue with bluetooth keyboard.
If you want your tablet has your native language, then just flash the firmware which has that language.
If you want to use different carriers, buy an unlocked one, I have unlocked Verizon which I can use with other carriers such as TMobile, AT&T, or Cricket.
Interesting Beut . . but are the carrier branded versions of the 905 sporting an unlocked bootloader such that custom recovery and custom ROMs can be flashed?
I would venture to guess that this is what the OP is looking for and why they specifically want the international version rather than a US carrier branded one.
Honest question - I have no idea if the bootloaders are still locked, I do recall discussion about the 905V having a locked bootloader at one time though.
Muzzy, you are correct. The fundamental difference between the Verizon P905 and the International carrier versions is the locked bootloader. Verizon has Samsung lock the bootloader. International carriers do not.
I understand what Beut is saying, and yes, the hardware is the same. But that doesn't matter when the software is locked down.
I am also looking for an international P905, I would be very thankful for any tips where to find it in Europe!
I am sure we may need to wait for Friday or what not, but does anyone know if T-Mobile will be selling a custom OP7Pro with a custom modem so you cannot grab updates directly from OP as they did with the OP6T? Just trying to figure out if I can get from T-Mobile and be good or have to go direct with OP.
Thanks in advance.
Ps. I did see the other thread on the modem channels, but didn't know if that was related to my question. As I just want to ensure the phone I get can be fully supported by OP and not just my carrier for future software updates.
OnePlus told me there is only one variant of the OP7Pro globally. via chat and email
Like previous OnePlus devices that have been on T-Mobile. The firmware is the only difference outside of the second SIM holding being filled. Cutting it out or using a tray with dual-SIM's and the non-T-Mobile firmware will enable dual-SIM. The modem only differs by firmware. Band 71 is available to devices with the T-Mobile modem firmware installed. This firmware can be installed on the Global version as well. Once the devices fully launch, expect ROM's to start popping up with enabled dual-SIM for the T-Mobile version and Global versions with the T-Mobile modem firmware.
Okay thank you both for your comments. Glad they are not doing the hardware differences this time around. I just know from forums that the T-Mobile variant of the OP6T is slow to get updates when compared with the international version due to the custom modem. I am not too worried about the second sim, don't travel much. But unlocking the additional modem channel would be nice on the international version of OP7Pro. I think I have the details I need for my decision. I will do the international version from OnePlus direct to limit the delays on software updates. Then just watch for mods to upgrade the modem firmware to work better with T-Mobile.
jcsww said:
Like previous OnePlus devices that have been on T-Mobile. The firmware is the only difference outside of the second SIM holding being filled. Cutting it out or using a tray with dual-SIM's and the non-T-Mobile firmware will enable dual-SIM. The modem only differs by firmware. Band 71 is available to devices with the T-Mobile modem firmware installed. This firmware can be installed on the Global version as well. Once the devices fully launch, expect ROM's to start popping up with enabled dual-SIM for the T-Mobile version and Global versions with the T-Mobile modem firmware.
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Will we even need the T-mobile firmware for band 71? The review that GSMArena put out said that they were able to use band 71 fine with their review device. I would think that the devices that Oneplus sends out to journalists would be the unlocked version.
kurbstar said:
Will we even need the T-mobile firmware for band 71? The review that GSMArena put out said that they were able to use band 71 fine with their review device. I would think that the devices that Oneplus sends out to journalists would be the unlocked version.
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More than likely, no. Swapping out the modem firmware for the slightly tuned version though, is something some on T-Mobile will want to do. Most journalists received the 12GB/256GB unlocked global version. T-Mobile likes to tune their radio firmware for devices sold by them. If you look at the Galaxy or Note lines from Samsung. The S9's and Note 9 support band 71 on the U1 non-carrier specific firmware, but also do on the TMB U T-Mobile specific firmware. The difference is, carrier aggregation in the modem firmware. Ultimately, it isn't a big difference, as a former S9 Plus and Note 9 owner that has tried multiple firmware on each.
We tried swapping modem.imgs it doesn't work. Causes mismatch and won't boot. And once u convert a tmo OnePlus u get ota's. No one will want the tmo software cuz it usually is missing every cool extra.. and they push it with an Android 6 about phone menu..blah.
Anyone know what the difference between the two? Or if there is a differenc e at all. I am on ATT network in US.
Carrier unlocked U and factory unlocked U1
U is for the carrier variants in the US. U1 is for the factory unlocked version which you buy directly through Samsung. Even though unlocked, the U model will have a carrier logo when booting up. If you want true unlock, go for U1.
Can I flash N986u1 firmware to my galaxy n986u ? Will i loose esim feature? I want to do because I am not getting 5G and also ota updates
If you flash a note 20 (or other Samsung phones with Knox for that matter), you'll permanently blow an efuse which removes some phone features like Android Pay. I didn't think that the esim feature was one of those features but I'm not totally sure on that.
Guys, i need a fully support arabic language
For
SM-N986U
should i change to U1?
its already unlocked phone with Verizon
so any sim is working
but the 5G is not working
AND a full arabic is not there.
if i changed to U1 will i get a full arabic lanaguage? ?
quantumtrap said:
If you flash a note 20 (or other Samsung phones with Knox for that matter), you'll permanently blow an efuse which removes some phone features like Android Pay. I didn't think that the esim feature was one of those features but I'm not totally sure on that.
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Click to collapse
For
SM-N986U
should i change to U1?
its already unlocked phone with Verizon
so any sim is working
but the 5G is not working
AND a full arabic is not there.
if i changed to U1 will i get a full arabic lanaguage? ?
i don't need e-sim but i need 5G and full arabic
SoJustMe said:
For
SM-N986U
should i change to U1?
its already unlocked phone with Verizon
so any sim is working
but the 5G is not working
AND a full arabic is not there.
if i changed to U1 will i get a full arabic lanaguage? ?
i don't need e-sim but i need 5G and full arabic
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Click to collapse
As for 5G with Verizon, check the coverage map in great detail! Unfortunately, you may find that it just doesn't currently exist where you're testing. I've had Verizon Reps (at multiple stores) argue with me that 5G coverage did exist in areas and eventually find/admit they were wrong.
After doing my own research on Verizon coverage, I've found that their 4G LTE coverage is very good, but their 5G coverage is pretty much only in (5G mmWave) and around (5G UW) big cities and even spotty in those locations. When Verizon claims they have "Nation Wide 5G", think of coverage which looks kinda like a chain link fence. Verizon is spending much money to fix this lately, so hopefully it will improve quickly.
For the time being, I've abandoned Verizon for T-Mobile because of its indisputably superior 5G coverage in the US.
N986U vs N986U1: As for switching to a U1, I'd say don't. I have an N986U and my wife has an N986U1 and I get Android updates much more quickly on my U and she does with her U1. It's weird but true.
Hello i am currently using a samsung a22 ultra SM-908U model which i guess is a carrier specific model so i am curious if i can change my software from current SM-908U to SM-908U1.....
I also wanted to know the major differences between these two models and will it be safe to move from U version to U1 using odin.....
OTA and Non-OTA Firmware for S22 Ultra SM-S908U and S22 Ultra SM-S908U1 Versions
See Post #2 and #3 for the Links to the Firmware All of the firmware posted here can be flashed on any U or U1 Device. Each of the firmware's are NOT carrier dependent and only has carrier labels listed in order to have an idea if you might get...
forum.xda-developers.com
pushkar0501 said:
Hello i am currently using a samsung a22 ultra SM-908U model which i guess is a carrier specific model so i am curious if i can change my software from current SM-908U to SM-908U1.....
I also wanted to know the major differences between these two models and will it be safe to move from U version to U1 using odin.....
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Click to collapse
They are essentially the same device. I Odin back and forth between the U and U1 roms. Whichever comes in with the latest update. I prefer the U1 as theres no carrier crapware. I have never been able to ascertain if there's any advantage being on the U, or if it gives any data or signal priorities with my carrier.
I am
ekerbuddyeker said:
They are essentially the same device. I Odin back and forth between the U and U1 roms. Whichever comes in with the latest update. I prefer the U1 as theres no carrier crapware. I have never been able to ascertain if there's any advantage being on the U, or if it gives any data or signal priorities with my carrier.
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thinking of shifting to U1 because my device is verizon based but i am using it in india after changing its csc code to USC....
So i wanted to know is there any significant software difference between U and U1.....are there any software update delays in U1
pushkar0501 said:
I am
thinking of shifting to U1 because my device is verizon based but i am using it in india after changing its csc code to USC....
So i wanted to know is there any significant software difference between U and U1.....are there any software update delays in U1
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The US 908U1 models generally get updates after the U models. At least on Verizon they do. I have the S908U and my daughter has the U1 version of the S22 (we're both on Verizon). I normally get updates about a week or two before she does.
But U series are carrier specific models and U1 are unlocked versions....ur daughter might be getting updates earlier as she got an unlocked variant which gets updates first as compared to U models as service providers alter the software update before rolling them out i guess
Can anyone help me out why my network selction option in greyed out on automatic....
Can't change it and my network keeps fluctuating between 4G and 5G and its killing my phone's battery way faster now
pushkar0501 said:
But U series are carrier specific models and U1 are unlocked versions....ur daughter might be getting updates earlier as she got an unlocked variant which gets updates first as compared to U models as service providers alter the software update before rolling them out i guess
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Nope. She's gets hers about a week or two after me. For the past few years, Verizon has been pushing updates quicker.
As for locked. My phone is unlocked too. Verizon unlocks its branded devices after 60 days.