Database Info

Which Galaxy S7 to get for AT&T if bought outright and want to avoid bloat?

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Edit: Oh, wait. Android Pay = Yes, Samsung Pay = No.

lopri said:
No.
Edit: Oh, wait. Android Pay = Yes, Samsung Pay = No.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

T-mobile Wi-fi calling and Samsung Pay on Samsung Galaxy S7 Unlocked International?

I have a Samsung Galaxy s7 Edge international version g935f from Europe, I want to not root it and be able to get tmobile wifi calling and samsung pay, I saw there were forums on changing the csc code or adding a few files into the device but none were clear on how to do it, so how can do it without putting the tmobile firmware on and junk and having to go through a lot of hassle thanks

I've been trying too figure this out since I got my phone. If you have any luck please let me know
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I don't know about the Tmobile wifi calling, but I have a G930F, I use a fireware(CSC code: XSG) , installed the latest Samsung Pay and Samsung Pay Frame from Apkmirror.com. I have made a couple of purchase by Samsung Pay with my BOA debit card.

Has anyone found an answer since this thread was made?
Looking to upgrade from my S6 and I'd like to know if I can get WiFi calling on the international model.

Why not buy the unlocked SM-G930U where samsung pay, wifi calling and VoLTE all works instead of SM-G930F?
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

Apparently the only way to wifi call is flash the tmobile rom which allows samsung pay, however if u want samsung pay u just change the Csc but it's easier to just go ahead and flash it with the entire rom for another country, i used to use wifi calling on my old phone, however, I don't plan on doing anything with my new p now but I can say it's worth it to buy international version over the T-Mobile, if it's only wifi calling you are about then it's not worth it, samsung pay will be available to all international versions soon, you may be lucky and get a phone from a country that has it allowed (I know newegg sells the us unlocked international version for 699 and it allows samsung pay) so far it's in 5 countries. The international version is faster, almost no bloatware (samsung makes u choose to install most apps that used to make bloatware). U can use any app that has calling over wifi. Also samsung added a feature that substitutes for wifi calling called enhanced messaging that's basically I message for Android so u can text over wifi.

EncryptedCurse said:
Has anyone found an answer since this thread was made?
Looking to upgrade from my S6 and I'd like to know if I can get WiFi calling on the international model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check my latest reply get my answer, but in short the unlocked international (g935f and g 930f) is better

kirdroid said:
Why not buy the unlocked SM-G930U where samsung pay, wifi calling and VoLTE all works instead of SM-G930F?
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked international has a different processer (the Samsung built exynos chip which is basically made for it) and it outperforms the snapdragon counterpart in the us carrier versions. Also over a GB more of storage due to no carrier bloatware. No contract or ugly logos on the back, there are a few downsides to international unlocked but it overall is better and usually cheaper a bit

zakmza123 said:
The unlocked international has a different processer (the Samsung built exynos chip which is basically made for it) and it outperforms the snapdragon counterpart in the us carrier versions. Also over a GB more of storage due to no carrier bloatware. No contract or ugly logos on the back, there are a few downsides to international unlocked but it overall is better and usually cheaper a bit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't read my post .. did you? The unlocked US model is the G930U/G935U which is the non carrier version, it's not the useless carrier crap version with carrier logos and their bloat.
Only thing I agree was the exynos portion which is obviously better than the SD 820.
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

kirdroid said:
You didn't read my post .. did you? The unlocked US model is the G930U/G935U which is the non carrier version, it's not the useless carrier crap version with carrier logos and their bloat.
Only thing I agree was the exynos portion which is obviously better than the SD 820.
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops I read it but didn't know that the u was different I thought it was a carrier, got it confused with the x which is Verizon. I'm pretty sure it has everything but the volte and wifi calling I think that's different for each carrier, I agree with u then buy either the u or f, it's just sometimes u find the f cheaper a bit like on Amazon the edge f is 655 but the u is for 700 at newegg (cheapest) or 800 at bestbuy

The Unlocked Galaxy S8+ on T-Mobile

Hello,
I am planning on purchasing the Galaxy S8+, but I think I'm going to get the unlocked version when it is released. My question is whether T-Mobile wifi calling would work or not on this version, and if it doesn't, then would it be possible to flash a T-Mobile rom on my phone without any problem? Would all T-Mobile features then work as if it was an official phone from T-Mobile? Also would there be any downsides in doing this? I know no one knows right now for sure, but I'm just asking based on the past and whether it has been done before with the galaxy s7.
Thank you!

enlildev said:
My question is whether T-Mobile wifi calling would work or not on this version, and if it doesn't, then would it be possible to flash a T-Mobile rom on my phone without any problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe wifi calling will work on the US unlocked version, but if Samsung manufactured the phone's the same as the S7, I.E. same hardware, then you should be able to flash T-Mobile's firmware with minor to no problems (I just flashed AT&T firmware onto a Sprint S7 and the longest part was downloading the firmware. I didn't gave any issues while flashing. But there's no way to tell we have that capability with the S8 until the phone has been released.
enlildev said:
Would all T-Mobile features then work as if it was an official phone from T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you flash the T-Mobile firmware, yes. You should even receive updates from T-Mobile as well.
enlildev said:
Also would there be any downsides in doing this? I know no one knows right now for sure, but I'm just asking based on the past and whether it has been done before with the galaxy s7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been done to the S7 countless times. Check out the forums and you'll see. I'd say the biggest downside is carrier bloat and certain carriers block some features that Samsung included in the phones.

What is the difference between US version N986U and N986U1?

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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.

Question Difference between samsung s22 ultra SM-908U vs SM-908U1

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.....
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.