Hey all,
I'm looking at getting an Exynos or an HK version of the S22 series. I saw none of the other versions besides the U supports bands 29 and 30 that AT&T uses. Since they seem to be the more minor bands, how much does it matter and how much does the lack of those bands impact service? And does AT&T ban those S22 versions from their 5G networks?
I'm starting to get tired of OP, but I want something I can tinker without having to deal with AT&T's Sammy versions.
Thanks!
AT&T won't support the international models on their network or so various users have said in other posts. You end up locked out. T-Mobile doesn't do this but the long range 5G and LTE band 71 is missing from the international versions which would mean no coverage in any areas using band 71. Either way you are screwed on AT&T and T-Mobile. Don't have any info on Verizon. Best suggestion is. (Don't Do It)
Paul_Deemer said:
AT&T won't support the international models on their network or so various users have said in other posts. You end up locked out. T-Mobile doesn't do this but the long range 5G and LTE band 71 is missing from the international versions which would mean no coverage in any areas using band 71. Either way you are screwed on AT&T and T-Mobile. Don't have any info on Verizon. Best suggestion is. (Don't Do It)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap. Guess my only option would be getting an AT&T version and using a paid service to unlock the BL and SIM.
We already tried T-Mobile last year and had a really bad experience with service and network quality, so they're out.
Thanks for the info!
You might want to rethink the Exynos version and look at one of the SD versions that can be rooted.
I am afraid you will not be able to get the bootloader unlocked (I may be wrong there). Rooting is not possible on the US or Canadian S22. I just switched to TMO this year and so far have had no issues. I use their 5G home internet too.
dalepl said:
You might want to rethink the Exynos version and look at one of the SD versions that can be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is that the Hong Kong and Korea versions? Again brings up the question of if bands 29 and 30 missing impacts service and if so, how much.
If I get an AT&T BL unlocked with a paid service, can I root using the method listed in another thread?
Superguy said:
Crap. Guess my only option would be getting an AT&T version and using a paid service to unlock the BL and SIM.
We already tried T-Mobile last year and had a really bad experience with service and network quality, so they're out.
Thanks for the info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the S22 series in the list yet. So might wanna further research that.
PSA: Unlock Bootloader on Snapdragon Galaxy Devices with SamPWND (Paid Service)
SamPWND is a paid remote service that allows you to unlock the bootloader on Snapdragon Samsung Galaxy devices sold in the USA and Canada.
www.thecustomdroid.com
There are many posts on here attesting to the fact that the US models of the S22 cannot be rooted. The BL cannot be unlocked, so no root.
May I ask what you are trying to achieve with root? Do you have something in mind or do you just want a custom ROM. There are other issues with rooting the phone. Main one is loss of Knox. This will stop the Samsung apps from working. So there is a trade-off no matter what.
dalepl said:
May I ask what you are trying to achieve with root? Do you have something in mind or do you just want a custom ROM. There are other issues with rooting the phone. Main one is loss of Knox. This will stop the Samsung apps from working. So there is a trade-off no matter what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are magisk mods I run on my phone as well as some Xposed mods.
Not terribly concerned about Samsung apps. I haven't had a Samsung phone in years. Last one I had was an S8 and I only got that thru insurance when I lost my OP6.
Understand. Just wanted to let you know that things like Samsung Pay and Health Monitoring will no longer work and this can not be fixed if you change your mind. I did read that AT&T will ban any international phone from their network, so you do not want to go that way if you intend on staying with them. I think there was talk about the Korean model being SD and was missing band 71 (I think). There is no full solution out there unless a way comes along to unlock the BL.
dalepl said:
Understand. Just wanted to let you know that things like Samsung Pay and Health Monitoring will no longer work and this can not be fixed if you change your mind. I did read that AT&T will ban any international phone from their network, so you do not want to go that way if you intend on staying with them. I think there was talk about the Korean model being SD and was missing band 71 (I think). There is no full solution out there unless a way comes along to unlock the BL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T doesn't use 71, so not a big deal. T-Mo did.
We tried T-Mo in the summer and had a horrible experience. We went running back to AT&T after 3 months.
When you say banned, are you talking about just the 5G or the entire network? I'm already blocked from 5G with my OP phones. I can't say I miss it as I wasn't impressed with it on T-Mo, and LTE does what I need it to do. Outright banning seems like a stupid thing to do, especially as a lot of foreign travelers could very well end up using AT&T while they're here. But then again, it IS AT&T ...
From what I read, AT&T will ban your IEMI if it is an international phone so it will not work on their network. They are the only ones that do this as far as I know.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...lash-official-firmware-noob-friendly.4404283/
Check this out. Long read through all the posts, but may be able to answer your questions. There are other discussions on the US models and international models, so just look around.
You ain't gonna win with the U.S. Carriers. They absolutely don't want you rooting your phone on their networks. Why do you think all U.S. models have unlockable bootloader's when shipped from Samsung? Because they demand it. They also know you will try to get around it and when you do they will screw you by banning your device. If you gotta have a rooted phone move to another country lol.
Related
Simple right? I have a factory Verizon Samsung galaxy S5 now I have T-Mobile service, can't I just wipe the Verizon software and replace it with the T-mobile software? ..... but I just don't know how and of course T-mobile isn't going to help me they want me to buy a phone, but the super nice lady tech was smitten that another lady was talking "geek" to her so she sent me to the experts. YOU!! Point me in the right direction or something I can figure out the rest. I don't worry about make-up before I leave me house I spend time on making sure my brain can carry me through, so help me work out my greatest asset by handing over some more knowledge. If you have any questions about auto mechanics I could answer those in return.
AZConfusion said:
Simple right? I have a factory Verizon Samsung galaxy S5 now I have T-Mobile service, can't I just wipe the Verizon software and replace it with the T-mobile software? ..... but I just don't know how and of course T-mobile isn't going to help me they want me to buy a phone, but the super nice lady tech was smitten that another lady was talking "geek" to her so she sent me to the experts. YOU!! Point me in the right direction or something I can figure out the rest. I don't worry about make-up before I leave me house I spend time on making sure my brain can carry me through, so help me work out my greatest asset by handing over some more knowledge. If you have any questions about auto mechanics I could answer those in return.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon S5's bootloader is locked. If you don't know what that means, it means non-official software/firmware/OS/etc cannot be flashed to the device. Even if the bootloader wasn't locked, the phones (afaik) are physically different (modems/radios/etc) to work on different network technologies.
I know some Verizon phones will work on T-Mobile's (and AT&T's network) simply by popping in the proper SIM. From a quick google search, it seems that the Galaxy S5 is one of them. You just have to change the APN settings or you won't get texts. Follow the directions here (they're for the Note 3, but it's the same process). If there's an update from Verizon, you might have to pop in a Verizon SIM card (and download it off of wi-fi obviously). The SIM doesn't need to be active (use your old one), the phone just has to recognize a Verizon SIM. LTE will work (with the proper APN) because Verizon and T-Mobile both use band 4.
Apart from the T-Mobile account app, there's really nothing about the T-Mobile version that you'd really care about. Different company, different useless bloatware. And as long as there's a T-Mobile SIM, you can still download the account app. If you just don't want anything "Verizon" about it, just google up a guide on what bloatware to disable and how to do it.
FYI, if you're in/around Tucson or Phoenix, supposedly this year we're finally going to get band 12. It's a 700MHz band (like Verizon's band 13), which, being a lower frequency travels further and penetrates buildings better. The Galaxy S5 does not support band 12 - it's not new enough. So if you're boiling your butt off in saguaro country like me, it might behoove you to get a newer phone. The reason we're waiting on band 12 is that there's a UHF TV station in Phoenix that conflicts with that frequency (and the broadcast radius clips the northern Tucson suburbs), but I guess the TV station is going to switch (probably with financial motivation from T-Mo).
If you're not in Tucson or Phoenix (I can't speak for Flagstaff), but in a more rural area, or just where there's poor LTE coverage, it still might behoove you to get a different phone rather than use your Verizon one. The problem is that it doesn't support T-Mobiles better/faster GSM bands, so you would get slower data speeds if not on LTE, even in an area with good HSPA+ or EDGE coverage.
Of course, the other option is simply to buy a T-Mobile phone (like a used S5 off of Swappa) then sell the Verizon one. Or find someone to trade with. An AT&T one would work as well as long as it's carrier unlocked (but not Sprint).
I don't have a car.
Planterz said:
The Verizon S5's bootloader is locked. If you don't know what that means, it means non-official software/firmware/OS/etc cannot be flashed to the device. Even if the bootloader wasn't locked, the phones (afaik) are physically different (modems/radios/etc) to work on different network technologies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just saying, VZW s5 bootloader has been unlocked lately!
Won't make a difference for this user anyways....
Newyork! said:
Just saying, VZW s5 bootloader has been unlocked lately!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No kidding?
Planterz said:
No kidding?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's already 201 pages on the unlocking thread!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...t/rd-unlocking-galaxys-s5-bootloader-t3337909
I've been with Verizon for eon's, and currently run the LG V10. Having compared all the other networks, Verizon has the best coverage for someone who travels around this country end to end and top to bottom, so they're going to be my only network.
I've been all through the Unlocked and Verizon versions of the Sammy's and Motorola's - other than a few versions bought in other countries (dual sim), I've never really seen a massive difference between the two. Sure the Verizon versions are forever updating their bloatware and their apps I'll never use (Newstand, Movies, etc, etc, etc.) and it's annoying, especially when I've put the apps to sleep and they just keep reanimating themselves, but they take up little space.
Can anyone tell me what the advantages are to spend an extra $130+/- more to LG to get the Unlocked Version over the Verizon version of this phone. I guess it should be noted that I'll probably never Root this phone. (Let's pretend I'm not trading in the V10 so I can get a user-comparison of what I'm getting for my money and not a comparison just based on money.)
What are the advantages of an unlocked phone?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
SaintlySins said:
I've been with Verizon for eon's, and currently run the LG V10. Having compared all the other networks, Verizon has the best coverage for someone who travels around this country end to end and top to bottom, so they're going to be my only network.
I've been all through the Unlocked and Verizon versions of the Sammy's and Motorola's - other than a few versions bought in other countries (dual sim), I've never really seen a massive difference between the two. Sure the Verizon versions are forever updating their bloatware and their apps I'll never use (Newstand, Movies, etc, etc, etc.) and it's annoying, especially when I've put the apps to sleep and they just keep reanimating themselves, but they take up little space.
Can anyone tell me what the advantages are to spend an extra $130+/- more to LG to get the Unlocked Version over the Verizon version of this phone. I guess it should be noted that I'll probably never Root this phone. (Let's pretend I'm not trading in the V10 so I can get a user-comparison of what I'm getting for my money and not a comparison just based on money.)
What are the advantages of an unlocked phone?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bloat free, unlocked, if you want you have option to unlock BL? id buy it just for bl unlock alone lol
If you don't plan on trying to root and don't really mind the bloat then it's not worth it. The vzw version will work out of the country.
my_handle said:
If you don't plan on trying to root and don't really mind the bloat then it's not worth it. The vzw version will work out of the country.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all countries.
I do a fair amount of overseas travel, Europe, U.A.E., Brazil, etc ... but I have an older Sammy phone I can swap out SIM Cards for those locations.
But you're right, North America, Central America and the Caribbean it works (most) of the time.
Thank you for the insight on the differences. This is what I thought and I like these confirmations!
SaintlySins said:
Not all countries.
I do a fair amount of overseas travel, Europe, U.A.E., Brazil, etc ... but I have an older Sammy phone I can swap out SIM Cards for those locations.
But you're right, North America, Central America and the Caribbean it works (most) of the time.
Thank you for the insight on the differences. This is what I thought and I like these confirmations!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the different bands for both versions. Reason why I bought the AT&T variant and not TMobile or the unlocked version was because there were 2 or more bands missing from those variants that the AT&T one supported.
I already get spotty coverage in my apartment occasionally and especially during our football gamedays with just how many people flood into the city. I didnt want the risk of having worse coverage especially with how much this phone cost.
Edit: if you want my opinion, I don't mind the bloat - just disable and be done with it. Downloaded the dns66 for adblocking. Honestly I feel like I'm not missing out on too much. It would be nice to have my phone rooted but I prefer knowing I will have reliable coverage versus not knowing and hoping for the best
twistedvip said:
Check the different bands for both versions. Reason why I bought the AT&T variant and not TMobile or the unlocked version was because there were 2 or more bands missing from those variants that the AT&T one supported.
I already get spotty coverage in my apartment occasionally and especially during our football gamedays with just how many people flood into the city. I didnt want the risk of having worse coverage especially with how much this phone cost.
Edit: if you want my opinion, I don't mind the bloat - just disable and be done with it. Downloaded the dns66 for adblocking. Honestly I feel like I'm not missing out on too much. It would be nice to have my phone rooted but I prefer knowing I will have reliable coverage versus not knowing and hoping for the best
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply - and you're right about the different frequencies on Unlocked phones. I dealt with that when I bought my Sammy in Dubai. It works great all over the world ... but it's horrible here in the States!
I'll look into that DNS66 for Ad-Blocking. As for disabling the Bloatware, I do that, but for some reason they seem to reanimate every couple months, maybe it's Verizon pushing them open when there's an update for them.
Thanks !
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
mweinbach said:
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
SBERG117 said:
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Interceptor777 said:
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Phredeee said:
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Phredeee said:
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long you are flashing official firmware from Samsung nothing will break. Knox will not be tripped and Samsung Pay will work.
954wrecker said:
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Phredeee said:
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Phredeee said:
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing what I'm saying... There will be no unlocked bootloaders on any Samsung S8 phones for the USA. You cannot get one from carrier or factory.
I think you may be mixing up Bootloader unlock and Sim unlock....
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do remember that it was a story about FCC approval of the factory unlocked (SIM) phone. Keep that in mind that it may be the unbranded, factory unlocked phone only, but the article did say they were all the same. The locked carrier phones may not be so flexible.
Other things I've found.. Best Buy SIM unlocked does not get the incentives. Best Buy, and their cheaper price, does not seem to offer a T-Mo phone.
The VR incentive is attractive to me, but is not a must have. At this moment, until I can find out for sure if Samsung Pay will work on an international version, I am leaning towards a T-Mo pre-order. But that is me and my preferences YMMV. I have a major dislike for AT&T.
Looking for where I read it. In the mean time this may be interesting to you.
Model numbers http://techbeasts.com/list-of-samsung-galaxy-s8-galaxy-s8plus-model-numbers/
Frequencies https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/OyqBp/samsung-sm-g955a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
The link is for the AT&T model search for other models.
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that going by this information the factory unlocked and the AT&T are NOT the same https://www.frequencycheck.com/compare-devices/6MQWs05y/samsung-sm-g950a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream/samsung-sm-g950f-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
You're correct that it seems T-mo info is evasive.
Hello,
I would like to know, if it posible to buy the Galaxy S8 from the samsung web page (att version), then unlock it and after that flash the unlocked rom flashing it with odin.
Can someone help me?
thanks.
Just ordered the 955F from Clove...
I'm hoping that missing bands won't hurt my AT&T usage much. Or any prepaid sims I may throw in there.
Will see if the 955U info comes out before my phone, and will decide if I want to cancel.
:good::angel:
I was looking to buy the Galaxy Note 8, and is it worth buying the Unlocked version over the ATT version? I know I will save a little money, and also have less bloatware. I could not find much info on the basebands of these phones, there would not really be any basebands the unlocked version wouldnt have that the ATT version has? I assume that it would just be smarter to get the unlocked version?
Someone correct me if I am wrong
Sorry this is somewhat unrelated to the S8+
Thanks
Somebody mentioned the carrier specific ones may get updates more frequently. Regardless, the only unlock that really matters to me is bootloader unlock. US Snapdragon S8/S8+ are not bootloader unlocked--regardless whether the model is carrier unlocked or not. Only the Chinese and Hong Kong Snapdragon S8/S8+ bootloaders can be unlocked so far. My recommendation is to pre-order the Note 8 as you were interested in that phone, but that if you were planning on sticking with the same carrier and wanted updates more frequently, getting a carrier specific Note 8 might be best.
I'm in the same situation. I currently with att prepaid, they have LTE+ (LTE advanced). I did speed test twice, getting 127mb down, 30mb up, 115mb down, 28mb up. I'm not sure if unlocked version note8 has all the LTE bands. I thinking of just getting att version and if I want to switch carrier in the future, I just pay for those unlock service.
netnerd said:
I thinking of just getting att version and if I want to switch carrier in the future, I just pay for those unlock service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful about those assumptions, make sure the AT&T variant has all the bands needed for full rate.
Recently switched from ATT to Verizon, and ended up getting a new phone (not *really* complaining since it's the GS8+) because my 1 yr old GS7edge AT&T model didn't have support for the correct LTE bands to work properly with the Verizon network.
I'm planning on staying with the same carrier, I just figure I'd get update faster, have less bloat ware, and have more lte bands (with the unlocked version)
Isn't that all accurate?
ALL the US versions have the same exact hardware and support the same exact bands. The ONLY difference is the carrier specific firmware. And you can change that by flashing whichever firmware you want through ODIN.
brendan4t said:
I was looking to buy the Galaxy Note 8, and is it worth buying the Unlocked version over the ATT version? I know I will save a little money, and also have less bloatware. I could not find much info on the basebands of these phones, there would not really be any basebands the unlocked version wouldnt have that the ATT version has? I assume that it would just be smarter to get the unlocked version?
Someone correct me if I am wrong
Sorry this is somewhat unrelated to the S8+
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both S8 T-mobile and S8 unlocked. They have identical LTE bands. Moreover, when inserting SIM cards from different providers the CSC is changed to that provider and some specific options are enabled. I put in T-mobile SIM card and used it without any issues. Put in Vodaphone Europe SIM card and CSC changed from TMB to XAA (unlocked) and phone still had all LTE bands available and worked. I'm sure it's the same for ATT. Also, from previous experience if you get ATT version and change providers you'll not get updates anymore unless you go to Samsung to have your phone updated, as all OTA's go through ATT servers.
Go for unlocked.
I have an S20U now that is unlocked. What I love is that I get the updates faster it seems (although, the S20 has had way more updates than normal). I am thinking of getting the branded Tmobile one, I have never had any issues using their software and it seems to work better on the network. I do not honestly care about "bloatware" as I will at least be getting a 256GB model.
Anyone have any experiences either way?
I don't have any experience with TMO specifically, but what I do know is that typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked ones. I'm in the same boat, I don't really care much one way or another about the bloat. If I don't like it I uninstall it if I can or at the very least disable it
kangi26 said:
I don't have any experience with TMO specifically, but what I do know is that typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked ones. I'm in the same boat, I don't really care much one way or another about the bloat. If I don't like it I uninstall it if I can or at the very least disable it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that the unlocked one can be used in any country and any network. Just switch sim card and you are done. The TMobile one, may be locked until you pay off the device. You also don't get the bloatware with unlocked (one less thing to Uninstall if you don't care for it).
Sent from my SM-N976U 5G using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Eudeferrer said:
It is my understanding that the unlocked one can be used in any country and any network. Just switch sim card and you are done. The TMobile one, may be locked until you pay off the device. You also don't get the bloatware with unlocked (one less thing to Uninstall if you don't care for it).
Sent from my SM-N976U 5G using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 "Kinds" of Unlocked, you're referring to SIM unlocked, the other is the U1 devices sold by Samsung. Which I suspect what the OP is referring to
kangi26 said:
typically the carrier branded devices get their updates WAY fast and more often than the Unlocked onest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That used to be true, but not for the last couple of years. The unlocked US Note10+ (N975U1), for example, has gone through 18 software releases in the 12 months it's been out. Many of its updates came out within the first few days of the month, and included that month's Android security patch.
T-Mobile has been lagging for the past few months in its updates for both the N975U and the N975U1, but you can manually download and flash the latest unlocked software immediately.
Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks it's cellular radio's to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on it's network.
From my experience, AT&T, the branded phones have the extras like wifi calling and VoLTE enabled and the unlocked ones don't. Some of the video call features are missing. I wouldn't have a problem with the bloatware but AT&T seems to force it back on and there is no way to remove it without root (which i don't do anymore). This has been my experience from Note 5 , 2 of the 7's ,note 8 and the note 9 I currently use, all have been unlocked.
Sent from my Samsung SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs
Unlock has free caller ID builtin, Tmobile you have to pay for it. Unlock has no Tmobile branding or bloatware. Unlock version is easier to bypass tmobile hotspot apn, and usage limits
T-Mobile version has video calling on the phone app, unlock use to, but not anymore. There might be a few more things but I can't remember right now.
Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk
I'm on sprint/tmo but I got the unlocked for the first time because I paid outright for the phone this time
*Omnipresent* said:
Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks [its] cellular [radios] to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on [its] network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to the APN settings, or to something else?
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/not-sold-by-t-mobile/byod-t-mobile-data-and-apn-settings
*Omnipresent* said:
Also, it is my understanding that Tmobile tweaks it's cellular radio's to perform slightly better than the unlocked version of any phone used on it's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This simply isn't true with the Samsung phones. I have had both and there definitely is no difference in connectivity in either data or calls between unlocked and carrier version.
Sent from my SM-G986U1 using Tapatalk
agree - that was a bunch of talk on this forum last year when the note 10+ was shipping . lots of cats on here were trying to say this and it was just not true. i had 3 unlocked phones on tmo and service was consistent.
Gary02468 said:
Are you referring to the APN settings, or to something else?
https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/not-sold-by-t-mobile/byod-t-mobile-data-and-apn-settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he's referring to carrier aggregation. I don't know if it's a thing licked phones have that unlocked don't. I always go unlocked (so the phone feels like it's mine, lol) and can't say I've noticed a difference.
d_ganggreen said:
I have an S20U now that is unlocked. What I love is that I get the updates faster it seems (although, the S20 has had way more updates than normal). I am thinking of getting the branded Tmobile one, I have never had any issues using their software and it seems to work better on the network. I do not honestly care about "bloatware" as I will at least be getting a 256GB model.
Anyone have any experiences either way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your post. Does the Wifi Calling on Tmobile work on the Unlocked phone? I am looking at buying the unlocked 512gb model but have to have wifi calling when I am traveling internationally.
Does anyone know if the stock firmware can be flashed on any device if it's factory unlocked? I think the answer is yes, but just want to make sure before I purchase one used. I know your can flash the carrier firmware so I assume you can do the reverse.
ccommcomm said:
Thank you for your post. Does the Wifi Calling on Tmobile work on the Unlocked phone? I am looking at buying the unlocked 512gb model but have to have wifi calling when I am traveling internationally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. and if you follow a few of the guides here you can "unlock" video calling and RCS in Samsung messages as well. And if you are really creative, there is another guide to expanding bands and tweaking receiving antennas
And the last question, if you buy the U1 unlocked, you can flash carrier firmware or unlocked firmware either way all you want, but keep in mind going from u to u1 firmware requires a wipe.
The old "unlocked" was slower to get updates is only true if you wait for Tmobile to release it. If you use Frija and Odin, you can pretty much get it the same day Samsung releases it. I'm too impatient to wait for Tmobile to "get around to" reviewing it and re-releasing what Samsung released weeks before.
Most of the "negatives" of having unlocked are long gone at this point and it tilts more into the positives.
Compusmurf said:
Yes. and if you follow a few of the guides here you can "unlock" video calling and RCS in Samsung messages as well. And if you are really creative, there is another guide to expanding bands and tweaking receiving antennas
And the last question, if you buy the U1 unlocked, you can flash carrier firmware or unlocked firmware either way all you want, but keep in mind going from u to u1 firmware requires a wipe.
The old "unlocked" was slower to get updates is only true if you wait for Tmobile to release it. If you use Frija and Odin, you can pretty much get it the same day Samsung releases it. I'm too impatient to wait for Tmobile to "get around to" reviewing it and re-releasing what Samsung released weeks before.
Most of the "negatives" of having unlocked are long gone at this point and it tilts more into the positives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U and U1 have the same radios in them, they are made specifically for the USA market. Depending on what carrier sim card you insert those bands for said USA carrier will be made available for the user. No need to expand bands. The technical specifications of the U1 and U models are listed on samsung USA website for cross referencing.
Anyone successfully using call recording feature on either version? Still looking for my U.S t-mobile variant..
T-Mo non-unlocked Samsung phones (maybe just the Note 20 Ultra though since I haven't been with Samsung since the Note 3 lol) have a bunch of issues. They're about one month behind on updates when compared to all of the other companies. Additionally, I saw someone mention that they have better mobile data quality. That is also true... I found that out once I manually switched to the Android 11 beta as my 5G speeds went from a constant 130mb/s down to 0.5 - 2mb/s without the firmware being specifically from T-Mo. In my settings, all of the mobile connection stuff is exactly the same as it was before...
Also, I don't have voicemail support. Yet another T-Mo problem (but you can easily add Samsung as a possible cause of that problem too)... Had to switch back to the Google Phone app just so that I could get old-school style voicemail (where you have to call your own phone number to get in).
---------- Post added at 11:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------
dj24 said:
Anyone successfully using call recording feature on either version? Still looking for my U.S t-mobile variant..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This hasn't worked for me either. It's starting to seem like Samsung pushed some of their development onto the phone carriers now lol.
Hey Samsung, why not just leave Android alone when you get it from Google so you don't have to cause so many problems with your own, customized (ad filled, feature removing) version moving forward? Heck, I've already had some problems with a bunch of your apps and have gotten zero help or answers from you guys. That's the reason I've switched back to a bunch of Google apps, however, half of those didn't even work on this phone!!! But I messaged Google about these problems as well, and you know what? They fixed ALL OF THEM within two weeks.
I'll definitely be buying from a different manufacturer moving forward. Even more so since there's rumours spreading around online right now that the Note 20 was the last Note phone to be released since the upcoming S21 is going to have stylus support...
The difference between unlocked and t-mobile is that unlocked gets its updates directly from Samsung and is not branded.
While t-mobile version is branded and you receive the updates from t-mobile and not from Samsung. So delay or longer waiting time on updates would happen and maybe even won't get few of the updates.
Since t-mobile has to release them, which take longer time.
Skickat från min SM-N986B via Tapatalk