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Differences between Australian, International and Dual Sim versions?

I'm mulling over upgrading to a Samsung S8+. The problem is that I want the Maple Gold version, but it's only available in the following forms:
* United States - Nope! Because I want the Exonys version because I want to root it.
* Australia - It's even got its own model number, different from all others, SM-G955FZDAXSA. I fear this might mean that the software and/or hardware is somehow inherently different from other International versions of the phone and I'll run into problems rooting it.
* A dual sim version - This can be hit or miss. Some dual sim versions can be rooted and flashed with the same custom roms as the non-dual sim version. Some require specific custom firmware in order to work properly or at all.
So what I want to know is whether or not the Australian version is different from other International (read: Non-U.S.) versions of the S8+ and whether or not the Dual Sim version can be rooted using the same methods and flashed with the same custom firmware as the single-sim version (though it might be too early to know this as of yet).

FallenAngelII said:
I'm mulling over upgrading to a Samsung S8+. The problem is that I want the Maple Gold version, but it's only available in the following forms:
* United States - Nope! Because I want the Exonys version because I want to root it.
* Australia - It's even got its own model number, different from all others, SM-G955FZDAXSA. I fear this might mean that the software and/or hardware is somehow inherently different from other International versions of the phone and I'll run into problems rooting it.
* A dual sim version - This can be hit or miss. Some dual sim versions can be rooted and flashed with the same custom roms as the non-dual sim version. Some require specific custom firmware in order to work properly or at all.
So what I want to know is whether or not the Australian version is different from other International (read: Non-U.S.) versions of the S8+ and whether or not the Dual Sim version can be rooted using the same methods and flashed with the same custom firmware as the single-sim version (though it might be too early to know this as of yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.

murtaza02 said:
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! Thanks so much! I'll order a Maple Gold S8+ sometime later today then!

Thank you murtaza02 for the information. I found a good set of specifications for the GN-955FD here:
http://www.phonemore.com/phone/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus-duos-sm-g955fd/3256
I found the device at a couple of retailers in NZ. I believe there may be errors in the specifications listed on their sites? Neither vendor lists the device as supporting LTE band 30, but I think they have just listed NZ bands. One vendor lists the chipset as Snapdragon. Is this even possible? The specifications at "phonemore" show it as available in blue, but I can't find one of these anywhere.
I wasn't aware that sim 2 only supports up to 2G (no 3G, 4G, or LTE on sim 2). Is this normal for dual sim phones?
there is information out regarding gluing a SIM card on top of an SD card, and using both. Would you happen to know, are people successful with this?
thanks!

XATAGuy said:
Thank you murtaza02 for the information. I found a good set of specifications for the GN-955FD here:
http://www.phonemore.com/phone/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus-duos-sm-g955fd/3256
I found the device at a couple of retailers in NZ. I believe there may be errors in the specifications listed on their sites? Neither vendor lists the device as supporting LTE band 30, but I think they have just listed NZ bands. One vendor lists the chipset as Snapdragon. Is this even possible? The specifications at "phonemore" show it as available in blue, but I can't find one of these anywhere.
I wasn't aware that sim 2 only supports up to 2G (no 3G, 4G, or LTE on sim 2). Is this normal for dual sim phones?
there is information out regarding gluing a SIM card on top of an SD card, and using both. Would you happen to know, are people successful with this?
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apologies for the late reply. Quote me next time so I get a notification for it!
The 955FD only comes in Exynos 8895 and the compatible bands are the same as on the single SIM 955F.
SIM 2 only supports 2G, unfortunately.
As for the gluing SIM on the SDCard, it is not only dangerous because your SIM tray could get jammed or stuck, it has also been patched by Samsung.
People did this on the dual SIM S7 edge, a software update was released that wouldn't allow 2 SIMs and a microSD card to be used at the same time.
So I doubt that it'll work on the S8/S8+.
Sent from my SM-G955F

Hi I have a galaxy S8 from the USA, but I live in the UK. It is a G950U with sprint firmware but unlocked.
I flashed the F950U1 firmware. Now WiFi hotspot is working.
But I can figure out how to setup Samsung pay since it defaults to US.
Is there anything I can do to get out work?

JR5968 said:
Hi I have a galaxy S8 from the USA, but I live in the UK. It is a G950U with sprint firmware but unlocked.
I flashed the F950U1 firmware. Now WiFi hotspot is working.
But I can figure out how to setup Samsung pay since it defaults to US.
Is there anything I can do to get out work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Pay on that model is only meant to work in the US.
Sent from my SM-N950F

Hi thanks for the reply, is it possible to flash a UK firmware to get it work, I know UK has the G950F version and exynos processor, so bit worried if if would be a risk to take. Or is there anything I can do to change the location

JR5968 said:
Hi thanks for the reply, is it possible to flash a UK firmware to get it work, I know UK has the G950F version and exynos processor, so bit worried if if would be a risk to take. Or is there anything I can do to change the location
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash any Exynos firmwares on a Snapdragon device. And there are no UK firmwares available for a 950U.
The best I can suggest is to (if possible) uninstall the Samsung Pay app and framework, and install the ones from APKMirror and see if that works then.
Sent from my SM-N950F

murtaza02 said:
You can't flash any Exynos firmwares on a Snapdragon device. And there are no UK firmwares available for a 950U.
The best I can suggest is to (if possible) uninstall the Samsung Pay app and framework, and install the ones from APKMirror and see if that works then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, i bought s8+ from dubai (Model SM-G955FD). Is it possible to flash indian firmware.

RAMBOMMIREDDY said:
Hi, i bought s8+ from dubai (Model SM-G955FD). Is it possible to flash indian firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're in India, just download any OXM firmware, and flash it on your device WHILE AN ACTIVE INDIAN SIM CARD IS INSERTED.
You'll be on the Indian CSC and stuff like VoLTE and all should work fine.
Sent from my SM-N950F

murtaza02 said:
If you're in India, just download any OXM firmware, and flash it on your device WHILE AN ACTIVE INDIAN SIM CARD IS INSERTED.
You'll be on the Indian CSC and stuff like VoLTE and all should work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply. Ill do it.

Do Samsung US versions work fine in Pakistan
murtaza02 said:
SM-G955FZDAXSA is just the product code that retailers use in Australia to maintain stocks etc, it's the SKU for the device.
SM-G955F is the actual model number, which is the international variant, which CAN be rooted. The 'XSA' part at the end is the CSC for Australia, all countries have a different one.
Here in Pakistan my S8 Plus is SM-G955FZKDPAK, the PAK at the end is obvious.
Dual SIM is called SM-G955FD, but the ROMs for 955F and 955FD are the same.
All the 955F models, whether Dual SIM or not have the Exynos 8895, unlocked bootloaders, can be rooted and you can use the custom ROMs available in the development section.
In short, all 955F models are the same (hardware wise). Nothing to worry about. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Murtaza,
Just wanted to check which is better to buy in Pakistan if I am not looking to root the device or install custom ROMs. I have the option to buy two types of Dual SIM variants of Samsung Galaxy S8 +. The first is the international version G955FD and the second is an Xfinity version 955U.
Which would run better in Pakistan? I am getting the US version cheaper and just wondering if there is a reason? As far as the benchmarks go both Exynos and Qualcomm versions are almost at par as per YouTube videos. So is there some other issue? Or is it just because the US versions are priced lower in the international market.
Secondly kindly confirm your comment about the second SIM being only 2G. As per my understanding, if I switch the data network, the other SIM becomes 4G as well. Or in the case of SO, I will have to physically shift the SIMs.
Would really appreciate some support on the above two queries.
Thank you.

sikander5 said:
Hi Murtaza,
Just wanted to check which is better to buy in Pakistan if I am not looking to root the device or install custom ROMs. I have the option to buy two types of Dual SIM variants of Samsung Galaxy S8 +. The first is the international version G955FD and the second is an Xfinity version 955U.
Which would run better in Pakistan? I am getting the US version cheaper and just wondering if there is a reason? As far as the benchmarks go both Exynos and Qualcomm versions are almost at par as per YouTube videos. So is there some other issue? Or is it just because the US versions are priced lower in the international market.
Secondly kindly confirm your comment about the second SIM being only 2G. As per my understanding, if I switch the data network, the other SIM becomes 4G as well. Or in the case of SO, I will have to physically shift the SIMs.
Would really appreciate some support on the above two queries.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza

murtaza02 said:
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Murtaza
I don't actually buy phones from local vendors anymore. One doesn't really know if they sell New or Reburbished models.
I generally buy from Homeshopping.com, and I have ordered at times from Daraz.pk.
The phone options I was looking at are as under.
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-G955F-Price-in-Pakistan.html
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-Orchid-Gray-Price-in-Pakistan.html
The first one is the Xfinity version and second is the FDD version. Both are with non official warranty, but getting it with warranty is around 12 K more. But I haven't had any issues with their devices so far.
Any idea about the 955FX version. My Cousin got one about a week back, but I am not sure which variant is that, as it is not even posted on GSM arena. Supposedly it is Dual SiM and an International variant. Still have to do a Abit of research on it.
I switched over to Chinese version a few months back. Very impressed with the phone in all aspects, but the only issue is that the Navigation is useless. The GPS keeps bouncing on GMaps. Its elephone S7. The other issue was Wi-Fi reception which is not that great. I think it was a radio issue, but not sure whether it was hardware or software. There is not much ROM development for the phone. Otherwise it would have been a great phone, with almost a vanilla ROM and hardware specs close to a flagship.
Anyway, just decided to go for a branded phone this time.
Waiting for the Black Friday deals to come up. Might buy the note 8 or S8 plus. Let's see.
Thanks once again.

sikander5 said:
Dear Murtaza
I don't actually buy phones from local vendors anymore. One doesn't really know if they sell New or Reburbished models.
I generally buy from Homeshopping.com, and I have ordered at times from Daraz.pk.
The phone options I was looking at are as under.
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-G955F-Price-in-Pakistan.html
https://homeshopping.pk/products/Samsung-Galaxy-S8-Plus-Orchid-Gray-Price-in-Pakistan.html
The first one is the Xfinity version and second is the FDD version. Both are with non official warranty, but getting it with warranty is around 12 K more. But I haven't had any issues with their devices so far.
Any idea about the 955FX version. My Cousin got one about a week back, but I am not sure which variant is that, as it is not even posted on GSM arena. Supposedly it is Dual SiM and an International variant. Still have to do a Abit of research on it.
I switched over to Chinese version a few months back. Very impressed with the phone in all aspects, but the only issue is that the Navigation is useless. The GPS keeps bouncing on GMaps. Its elephone S7. The other issue was Wi-Fi reception which is not that great. I think it was a radio issue, but not sure whether it was hardware or software. There is not much ROM development for the phone. Otherwise it would have been a great phone, with almost a vanilla ROM and hardware specs close to a flagship.
Anyway, just decided to go for a branded phone this time.
Waiting for the Black Friday deals to come up. Might buy the note 8 or S8 plus. Let's see.
Thanks once again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
955FX isn't a model number, 955X might be one but that's the demo / display unit used in stores and that has no cellular radio or SIM slot.
Do confirm the model number with him and then see.
Be cautious with HomeShopping though.
Sent from my G8142

murtaza02 said:
955FX isn't a model number, 955X might be one but that's the demo / display unit used in stores and that has no cellular radio or SIM slot.
Do confirm the model number with him and then see.
Be cautious with HomeShopping though.
Sent from my G8142
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will confirm the model number. I am pretty sure it's not a display version as he is using it. Will confirm once again.
Ok. Thanks. Will do on both counts. I have been buying stuff from Homeshopping since 6 years when I bought my first And if HTC Desire Z. Not had any complaints, but some people in my family have.
Take care.

SM-G955FD Dual Sim - CSC United Arab Emirates
murtaza02 said:
Hi Sikander,
Choice is entirely yours, if you are not planning to root, then it doesn't really matter whether you get the G955FD or the G955U.
However, do not get fooled by the shady shopkeepers in Pakistan. The Xfinity G955U (or any G955U for that matter) is NOT Dual-SIM, it is only available in Single SIM, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The only Dual-SIM Exynos version of the S8+ is SM-G955FD.
As for which would run better in Pakistan, doesn't make a difference again. 2G/3G/4G will work on both of them. And yes, the 955U is cheaper because US variants are generally priced cheaper here due to lack of warranty and whatnot.
The second SIM is 2G only when SIM 1 is in 4G mode. Without physically changing SIMs, you can change SIM 2 to 4G, but then SIM 1 will be changed to 2G.
Also, I have to update. It's not 2G only, it's actually 3G/2G.
So if SIM 1 is in 2G/3G/4G mode, SIM 2 can be in 3G/2G or just 2G mode, depending on what you choose. Network modes can be changed around on the slots without physically removing the SIM slot and swapping them around so you don't have to worry about that.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Murtaza
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Purchases this phone in Kuwait. I travel around the world a lot and one function I've noticed not in this phones software is Wi-Fi calling. When I'm not traveling I'm on the USA on the T-Mobile network. Which software can I change the phone to to get Wi-Fi calling to work? Would Deutsch Telekom (T-mobile Germany) be the one to use for my dual SIM? Do they even make a dual sim for Germany? Please, any help and/ or direction would be awesome.

YukonJoe said:
I Purchases this phone in Kuwait. I travel around the world a lot and one function I've noticed not in this phones software is Wi-Fi calling. When I'm not traveling I'm on the USA on the T-Mobile network. Which software can I change the phone to to get Wi-Fi calling to work? Would Deutsch Telekom (T-mobile Germany) be the one to use for my dual SIM? Do they even make a dual sim for Germany? Please, any help and/ or direction would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi calling is carrier based. So it'll only work when you've got the SIM from your main carrier and the same carrier firmware to go with it.
Sent from my SM-G955F

I got a UK unlocked s8 at the moment and Wi-Fi calling works flawlessly with a o2 sim. So I think if you have a carrier unlocked phone, it's up to the carrier

Overall Compatibility in the US

Hey guys, so I was exploring purchasing a Mi Mix 3 on Aliexpress for use in the United States. However, I had some concerns about usage in the United States, especially with the international version. Could someone please tell me about their experience with this phone in the United States, including carrier signal (preferably T Mobile), any issues you've come across using this phone in the United States, and other similar dilemmas. Thanks!

Its name Global Version for a reason, so i think it will work fine all around the world, IF its a true Global Edition.
Check carefully, many seller flash the global/eu rom on CN variant and sell them as "Global Edition".

It will work internationally whether it's a global edition or not, there's no difference in the bands between the Chinese and Global variants. The software is different, however. The Chinese software works fine in the US, but you have a bit of work to do to get the Google apps on it. The other issue is if the seller is buying the Chinese variant then loading the Global software and relocking the bootloader, because if you subsequently install an official update, you will hard-brick your device. Having said that, I can't think of any reason why sellers would be bothering with that now that the Global version is readily available, at least the more reputable ones. Gearbest always clearly mark their devices on the website as either Chinese or Global. I suppose if you wanted to be absolutely sure, you could buy from a European retailer, assuming you don't want the 8/256 model. The other option, of course, is to unlock the bootloader and (optionally) install an unofficial rom, that way you also get regular Android security updates.

I would recommend spending the extra to get the 8/256 if there is any chance you are going to get a "chinese" version. The "global" version is *supposed* to have all the bands enabled on all storage/ram configurations. However, the chinese version only has full band support on the 8/256 device. It is possible that we may be able to find a way to use QXDM and stuff to enable additional bands regardless, but I wouldn't count on that. I spent the extra to get an 8/256 which now has the leaked global rom on it. The global software works great and I have atleast equivalent coverage to my work Pixel 2 XL, usually with slightly better signal levels.
I have no complaints about this device, the only thing I have noticed is it seems that the glass is not as hard on some units. I bought my wife an 8/256 device and she is not exactly gentle on her device. Her screen has no scratches, but mine has many already after about 2 months, and I'm pretty careful with my devices. And to be clear, these are light surface scratches that are only visible when tilting the device with the screen off, not something you can see with the screen on.

I have T Mobile. I get better reception on Mi Mix 3 than I got on both my Note 8 and my iPhone 7. I know this because there's a spot I park every day and the MiMix works there when the others didn't.
I got 96mbps on 4G LTE when I tested it.
Of note: I did have an original MiMix 1 and it was not good for reception. At all. But the 3 has something like 42 bands in, and it has the best reception of any phone I've had.

PWn3R said:
I would recommend spending the extra to get the 8/256 if there is any chance you are going to get a "chinese" version. The "global" version is *supposed* to have all the bands enabled on all storage/ram configurations. However, the chinese version only has full band support on the 8/256 device. It is possible that we may be able to find a way to use QXDM and stuff to enable additional bands regardless, but I wouldn't count on that. I spent the extra to get an 8/256 which now has the leaked global rom on it. The global software works great and I have atleast equivalent coverage to my work Pixel 2 XL, usually with slightly better signal levels.
I have no complaints about this device, the only thing I have noticed is it seems that the glass is not as hard on some units. I bought my wife an 8/256 device and she is not exactly gentle on her device. Her screen has no scratches, but mine has many already after about 2 months, and I'm pretty careful with my devices. And to be clear, these are light surface scratches that are only visible when tilting the device with the screen off, not something you can see with the screen on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I just want to confirm. If I buy a mix 3 in China and then flash itd to a global ROM (e.g. EU) then I should have no issues using it in the US (I'll be on T-Mobile).

There is a serious problem to me not sure if it's because of Mi MIX or TMobile combination (Los Angeles area)
Same problem on my wife's MIX 2S and my MIX 3, both official global version and latest firmware.
When the phone is on wifi, even though the mobile connection looks connected, it might have been disconnected actually.
No call and message will come through. People's calls will go to voice mail.
You will not know that until someone tell you they can't call you on the phone, or when turning off wifi suddently all missing text/MMS messages will arrive.
I'm still searching on more information on this and if some others have the same issue.
One of you friends used to have similar issues using a Samsung Galaxy on TMobile before he switched to iPhone.

Working great here in MN on T-Mobile no issues at all. I have the global edition.

It works for the most part on Verizon (a carrier which doesn't technically support it), the only issues I have are with MMS messaging (which is fixed in another thread) and my mobile hotspot which Verizon seems to be unable to turn on properly. Other than that I haven't had any issues. I would imagine on a GSM carrier like T-Mobile you would see even fewer problems, if any.

Rockmadeofrock said:
It works for the most part on Verizon (a carrier which doesn't technically support it), the only issues I have are with MMS messaging (which is fixed in another thread) and my mobile hotspot which Verizon seems to be unable to turn on properly. Other than that I haven't had any issues. I would imagine on a GSM carrier like T-Mobile you would see even fewer problems, if any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get it to work with Verizon? I entered my IMEI and it isn't compatible.

Matt0817 said:
How did you get it to work with Verizon? I entered my IMEI and it isn't compatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you need to do is pop in a Verizon SIM card and change the APN settings and it'll work. Sometimes the SIM card won't let you change them (because Verizon locks them down), but that didn't happen to me. If that's the case, grab someone else's SIM card that has like T-Mobile, put it in your phone, add a new APN, then put the Verizon one back in and select the APN you made. I detailed the settings you need to set in these posts: _1_, _2_. If you need any additional help let me know.
Also, if you want to enable VoLTE check out this thread.

EU model on Verizon?

Hey guys I just bought a OnePlus 8 off Amazon to replace my Pixel 2 XL. However today I noticed it's the EU model IN2013, NA is IN2015, I already knew not to buy IN2010 the Chinese version however I didn't know the US unlocked was a different model because nowhere I looked online mentioned it. I looked at the LTE bands before purchasing it and saw it supports all of Verizons bands (especially the critical band 13) so in theory it should still work right? My fear is when I give them the IMEI to enable CDMA Less on my line they will notice its an EU model that's "not approved on their network" and thus that will prevent it from working even though it supports all their bands.
Now to answer some questions:
Why did I buy this from Amazon instead of OnePlus?
Because it was $100 cheaper and the only way to get the Onyx Black color
Why didn't I buy the Verizon version?
Because it's $100 more expensive than the unlocked and it has a locked bootloader like all of Verizons phones

3mutts said:
Hey guys I just bought a OnePlus 8 off Amazon to replace my Pixel 2 XL. However today I noticed it's the EU model IN2013, NA is IN2015, I already knew not to buy IN2010 the Chinese version
...
Because it's $100 more expensive than the unlocked and it has a locked bootloader like all of Verizons phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I don't think they won't approve your device. I'm living in France so I don't know much about the Verizon Politics about that. But if they have common sense, they won't refuse just because it's not one of their devices, they may lose a lot of customers if they did so. There's a Verizon model to support their 5G, but for LTE it's all good.
In France, no carrier would dare doing that, because everybody buys their phones on internet, already unlocked and stuff...
There's a huge competition between carrier so they won't dare to be so restrictive on who can use their network or not. It'd be like "if you want to give me money, you have to pay me at least 600$+60$/month, who do you think I am, I'm not accepting just 60$ every single month", that makes no sense, only Karens thinks like that.
So LTE is cool, but I can't say that for the Verizon 5G
Hope this helped

I already knew 5g wasnt going to work but I don't care because Verizon uses mmwave 5g and that's not coming to my area any time soon. I just want to make 100% sure LTE works, right now I'm 90% sure but that IMEI thing has me worried, Verizon only allows approved devices on their network (absolute BS imo, if it supports all your bands it should just work). I don't know if they support only the American OnePlus 8 (IN2015) if so that would suck because hardware wise the IN2015 and IN2013 are virtually identical from what I could find with only a few bands missing from the IN2013 but they don't matter for Verizon

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!!
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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
· 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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking more at the global version rather than the ROM

Question Using an Indian bought S22 Ultra in the UK

Hi all! Hope you're well and safe.
I'm moving to the UK soon and bought a S22 Ultra a couple of days ago. Did not find out about Samsung's inexplicable and baffling region locks on the phones and certain features (Samsung Pay, etc.) before I bought the phone. Consequently, I've been researching on all issues I think I could face once I move to the UK later this month. Had a few questions about the same, so thought I'd reach out for help here.
a) I understand that Samsung Pay will not be available in the UK on my Indian S22, due to the region lock. Is this correct? To clarify, I don't intend to change the CSC if I'll only be losing Samsung Pay, as I'm sure Google Pay will be sufficient.
b) I understand that UK S22s are Exynos-based and not Snapdragon-based. Therefore, am I correct in assuming that I will be unable to flash UK firmware on my device, due to the SoCs being different?
c) I'm using a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. I tried installing Google Pay on my watch, but was unable to find the app on the Play Store. Further reading led me to Google Pay's website, which states that Google Pay for Wear OS is only available in select countries, including the UK, with India not being included. Would I be correct in assuming that once I change the country on my Google account, I will have access to the app on my watch? Also, would the watch automatically have access to apps in the UK once my Google account's country is changed?
d) I understand that the international version of the S22 Ultra (which I believe is the model I'm using) will have no problems connecting to 5G networks in the UK, since most networks in the UK use band 78. Can anyone who's travelled to the UK confirm if they've been able to successfully access 5G networks in the UK on their Indian S22s?
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Grateful for any help I can get!
Cheers!

If your device is SM-S980E which I belive is the Indian & International model , then it will support 5G in UK for sure. Both the European devices & the International ddevices support the same 5G bands , they used to be the same version before.
Samsung pay should work But you won't get Uk exclusive offers
Google pay will work once you travel to UK

Hi OP. I am moving to UK too in a fortnight. Were you able to change the country code?

a b c yes
d likely because Indian (E model) and UK (B model) have same 4G/5G bands.