Just wondering if the regular unlocked version supports mmwave or if I have to buy through Verizon. This gets on my nerves now.
Unlocked should in theory work with all carriers unless a carrier does certain odd things that couldn't be included on the "catch all" unlocked devices.
From what I can see it should work with Verizon phone and data just fine. Only the Verizon model it looks like comes with UWB (Ultra Wideband) though since that's Verizon's way of doing things if that interests you.
If you want that, will mean that you will have to have carrier injected junk though and buy the carrier version, get updates from the carrier, and have to have it unlocked by the carrier or sell it if you switch carriers. It will probably need to be unlocked by the carrier to put a custom rom on there also if you wanted to go that way. Its win and lose.
Coming from someone who just got the Verizon variant, it is indeed loaded with bloatware. It is also completely locked down from flashing roms or unlocking, verizon removed the oem unlock option entirely from their variant. So you can't even Odin flash to the unlocked firmware. Also the unlocked in the US is $349.99 right now versus $499 from Verizon directly. Although if you really want that UWB 5G then your only option is the Verizon model. Though imo not worth it. Go for the $349 one and enjoy it.
tserv95 said:
Coming from someone who just got the Verizon variant, it is indeed loaded with bloatware. It is also completely locked down from flashing roms or unlocking, verizon removed the oem unlock option entirely from their variant. So you can't even Odin flash to the unlocked firmware. Also the unlocked in the US is $349.99 right now versus $499 from Verizon directly. Although if you really want that UWB 5G then your only option is the Verizon model. Though imo not worth it. Go for the $349 one and enjoy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I got the 349 one and it works with 5G was pleasantly surprised when I saw the 5G appear on my cell. All reps said phone compatible and the 5G Sim etc etc
Transferring device was painless.
I love the phone. I'm coming from using an Axon 7 never had a samsung phone before but like it. Got rid of a lot of samsung crop but customized it the way I like.
Thanks for your reply!
This is US market specific. For the A53 5G, any of the US carrier versions (with the exception of Tracfone) SIM unlocked will work on any of the big 3 carriers. Most of the versions (including Verizon owned Visible) are A536U, which is the version with Sub-6. A536V is the Verizon version with mmWave. I don't know what A536D from Tracfone is. Yes, you can get Sub-6 5G on Verizon.
But if you want to bootloader unlock, whether you are directly purchasing from Samsung or any SIM locked versions from carrier, it is not possible. See https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/psa-there-is-no-oem-unlock-on-us-galaxy-a53s.4443189/
I can confirm that the unlocked US version purchased from Samsung DOES work with Verizon. And like b1283822 said, does have/support Sub-6 5G, no UW.
Related
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:
If I get a factory unlocked US version, I can be sure it will have support for all major bands (and new network features) in major US carriers.
But if I get a factory unlocked International version (because I want dual sim), I know it will work on US carriers, but will it be missing support for some special bands that US carriers use? Will it have full compatibility with US carriers?
I also heard that international version didn't have CDMA support. Is that true?
P.S. Both factory unlocked editions should be bootloader unlocked, yes? I don't see why they wouldn't be.
P.P.S. Would it be possible to flash carrier specific firmware to a factory unlocked phone, that way you can keep your unlocked bootloader and also get carrier specific features (if it has one that is)?
BBRecon said:
If I get a factory unlocked US version, I can be sure it will have support for all major bands (and new network features) in major US carriers.
But if I get a factory unlocked International version (because I want dual sim), I know it will work on US carriers, but will it be missing support for some special bands that US carriers use? Will it have full compatibility with US carriers?
I also heard that international version didn't have CDMA support. Is that true?
P.S. Both factory unlocked editions should be bootloader unlocked, yes? I don't see why they wouldn't be.
P.P.S. Would it be possible to flash carrier specific firmware to a factory unlocked phone, that way you can keep your unlocked bootloader and also get carrier specific features (if it has one that is)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all the US models bootloaders are Locked... this is the question I'm looking for at this moment... I want to make sure that volte, wifi calling and US bands are all working, I have T-Mobile and refuse to buy a locked bootloader...
I'm looking for the g955f or fd... I see it for 719 + 10 for shipping... T-Mobile can kiss my a$$ for that buy 1 get 1... I have 6 lines and I am supposed to open a new line for each phone... I moved people from metropcs and sprint to tmobile and they treat the loyal customers like poooooop..... really bad business practices.. so I will never buy another phone from T-Mobile directly.
mdiaz33685 said:
all the US models bootloaders are Locked... this is the question I'm looking for at this moment... I want to make sure that volte, wifi calling and US bands are all working, I have T-Mobile and refuse to buy a locked bootloader...
I'm looking for the g955f or fd... I see it for 719 + 10 for shipping... T-Mobile can kiss my a$$ for that buy 1 get 1... I have 6 lines and I am supposed to open a new line for each phone... I moved people from metropcs and sprint to tmobile and they treat the loyal customers like poooooop..... really bad business practices.. so I will never buy another phone from T-Mobile directly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have tmobile and i got the FD version of the phone, without root and flashing tmobile CSC VOLTE and WIFIcalling will not work on the stock firmware.
keep in mind flashing and rooting will trip knox and you cannot use samsung pay and secure folder. and warranty is voided.
secondly, tmobile is not having bad business models. it doesn't matter how loyal you are, they are a business. everyone requires one new line for a BOGO, ATT wants one new line and you have to have directTV.
does anyone know for sure if the US unlocked version (SM-G955UZKAXAA) supports LTE band 29 for AT&T? according to this, it does not: http://www.droid-life.com/2017/03/08/unlocked-galaxy-s8-plus-s8-fcc-smg950-smg955/
ajsmsg78 answered this and it appears not.
From what I've read, T-Mobile has worked specifically with Samsung to make a phone that supports all their network features properly. Furthermore, you need their firmware to support their features (they may make updates and such in the future). Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to buy their model branded phone.
So as far as band support and such, I'm not sure how much band support there is in the factory unlocked editions. Likely the phone will work fine with the carriers, but don't expect certain special network features to be supported, or 100% compatibility (I don't know if flashing their firmware to your phone can fix this part)
BBRecon said:
From what I've read, T-Mobile has worked specifically with Samsung to make a phone that supports all their network features properly. Furthermore, you need their firmware to support their features (they may make updates and such in the future). Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to buy their model branded phone.
So as far as band support and such, I'm not sure how much band support there is in the factory unlocked editions. Likely the phone will work fine with the carriers, but don't expect certain special network features to be supported, or 100% compatibility (I don't know if flashing their firmware to your phone can fix this part)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I have the Galaxy S7 Edge Olimpic edition which is basically the US unlocked version. When I first inserted the Tmobile SIM card it automatically pulled the firmware from T-mobile, and surprise surprise special features that before were imposible on an unlocked phone like wi-fi calling work!!
spaniolo said:
Hey I have the Galaxy S7 Edge Olimpic edition which is basically the US unlocked version. When I first inserted the Tmobile SIM card it automatically pulled the firmware from T-mobile, and surprise surprise special features that before were imposible on an unlocked phone like wi-fi calling work!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really!! That's amazing!! Wonder if that'll work with the US unlocked version of S8 as well (sadly not bootloader unlocked though)
BBRecon said:
Really!! That's amazing!! Wonder if that'll work with the US unlocked version of S8 as well (sadly not bootloader unlocked though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that the US unlocked does support all US carriers features, while the International unlocked does not. And the bonus it is still no carrier's bloatware.
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.
Are there any missing bands in the unlocked version vs att variant?
Thinking which one to buy...
I know note 10 had some differences and I havent been following since.
Good question...I just purchased the unlocked 1TB version. Guess I'll know for sure when it gets here..
I have AT&T and have always bought AT&T phones from Samsung to be sure all the features work such as wifi calling which I need. I did some research and apparently unlocked Samsung phones now are fully functional on AT&T. I ordered an unlocked S22U today. It will be nice to lose all that AT&T bloat. They really load it up. I'm sure all the bands for AT&T are on the unlocked US device.
dmb219 said:
I have AT&T and have always bought AT&T phones from Samsung to be sure all the features work such as wifi calling which I need. I did some research and apparently unlocked Samsung phones now are fully functional on AT&T. I ordered an unlocked S22U today. It will be nice to lose all that AT&T bloat. They really load it up. I'm sure all the bands for AT&T are on the unlocked US device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can we unlock bootloader of this unlocked US S22U ? Does it have oem unlocking option?
donkeyman1234 said:
Can we unlock bootloader of this unlocked US S22U ? Does it have oem unlocking option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it wont. even if you buy the u.s. model from samsung it wont. they are bootloader locked. if you bought the at&t version from at&t you can still load the u1 software version on it to get rid of the at&t bloat. the only difference the u and u1 have is the u1 is sim unlocked. if you get from at&t you have to pay the phone off to get it sim unlocked. but as far as bootloader goes they are both locked.
We might see an option in the future where a paid service comes along that might enable bootloader unlock. I never understood why Samsung treats the U.S market in such a strict way while the rest of the world less so.
freebee269 said:
it wont. even if you buy the u.s. model from samsung it wont. they are bootloader locked. if you bought the at&t version from at&t you can still load the u1 software version on it to get rid of the at&t bloat. the only difference the u and u1 have is the u1 is sim unlocked. if you get from at&t you have to pay the phone off to get it sim unlocked. but as far as bootloader goes they are both locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, then I will not buy US version even it costs less.
Hello all,
I read online that Verizon and AT&T would be carrying the 5G mmwave version of the Pixel 6a only. Anyone know if it is possible to purchase this phone outright from a carrier with bootloader unlocked? I have no interest in getting one of these phones without OEM unlocking enabled, but I don't want to miss out on features either. Thank you.
From a carrier no, you can't get an unlocked phone. You most likely will have to buy it from the google store. Saying that, if you load the Android 13 load for the pixel 6a, c-band 5G and mmWave 5g should be available for it I believe. Unless they switched the samsung modem chip to a different one from the 6/6 pro to the 6a.
BalooRJ said:
Hello all,
I read online that Verizon and AT&T would be carrying the 5G mmwave version of the Pixel 6a only. Anyone know if it is possible to purchase this phone outright from a carrier with bootloader unlocked? I have no interest in getting one of these phones without OEM unlocking enabled, but I don't want to miss out on features either. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't buy any phone with a bootloader unlocked. I presume you mean bootloader unlockable, i.e. OEM switch active and not grayed out. Forget Verizon completely but I'm not sure about ATT. Verizon charges $100 more for a technology that is dubious at best at this point and ATT is about $20 more. If you consider it a feature that you will use you'll have to buy the device from one or the other. Personally I don't care about mmWave and I have Verizon as a carrier. There is no way I'd give up being able to unlock the bootloader even though I don't unlock it any longer. But I want the option and I've been know to flip the switch before I install an update or some other beta just so I can roll back albeit with a full device wipe.
You can buy an unlocked version from Google without 5G mmWave or from BB for about the same price. Check with ATT see if the device is carrier unlocked and bootloader unlockable or wait for someone to buy one from ATT and come here to see if there is a bypass for the OEM switch. As I said take Verizon off your radar there is no way.
edit: Verizon is $499 only $50 more and it seems like the ATT version is the same $449 price. I'm still not sure is the ATT version is unlockable though and if it for certain has the mmWave tech in it. Perhaps someone with more knowledge of ATT could chime in.