Database Info

International Unlocked S8 & S8+ In the US

Where are all the people that will be using the exynos variant in the US? I have been using international unlocked (F models) sammy phones since the s6 and I plan on sticking to this model. Where you guys ordering from? I usually get it from ebay (usually never-msrp) but it seems I might have to hold on a little longer as $970 for an 8+ is a little high.

I ordered from SamsungUK.. lets see if they honor the order.

i am checking into this place.
https://www.clove.co.uk/samsung-galaxy-s8-plus

It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?

I'll wait for the Duos version a month later from start shipping, I'm using exynos galaxy/notes from the note 2 .

biship said:
It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure. i've never bought intl phone.

I have written to the samsung UK web page and they told me the sim free phone is "locked" to unnlocked you muts make a 5 minut call to a number but from the place the phone was intended to sell, the UK

When you do the checkout on Clove store, you can choose this option: "Samsung’s region lock stops use of this handset within your chosen country unless activated with a European SIM. I agree for Clove Technology to break the seal on the box, activate the phone and remove the region lock by completing a 5 minute call on the handset."

biship said:
It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clove is great and I ordered a S8+ from them too. I've ordered previous phones and accessories from them. They ship DHL overnight. Yes, EU phones are equipped with region lock to prevent them from being used outside their assigned selling region. You have to make a 5 minute phone call using a SIM from the phone's home region to unlock it. That's what Clove's doing for their international customers.
There are pros to buying from authorized resellers like Clove. EU phones have a two year warranty and Clove will act as a middleman on your behalf to get warranty work done if your phone ever needs it. You send it to them and they manage it through getting repaired and sent back to you. Having a "real" BTU phone is great for those that don't want to screw around with ODIN and multi-CSC to get updates. BTU is typically one of the first EU regions to get updates. We in the U.S. are lucky to get two for the life of the phone.
Only possible downside is getting Samsung Pay working since the framework isn't pre-installed as the UK doesn't currently support Samsung Pay. I've read the forums and some have gotten some of the features of Samsung Pay working on the S7-series but it's not a guarantee. I have a pre-order with AT&T and an order with Clove. I'm still debating which to go with primarily because I'm a heavy Samsung Pay user.

biship said:
It's that site correct that the F must first be activated in the E E A?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doubt it. Every year on release there is this region lock, but when I get my phones, they're never region locked.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

BarryH_GEG said:
Clove is great and I ordered a S8+ from them too. I've ordered previous phones and accessories from them. They ship DHL overnight. Yes, EU phones are equipped with region lock to prevent them from being used outside their assigned selling region. You have to make a 5 minute phone call using a SIM from the phone's home region to unlock it. That's what Clove's doing for their international customers.
There are pros to buying from authorized resellers like Clove. EU phones have a two year warranty and Clove will act as a middleman on your behalf to get warranty work done if your phone ever needs it. You send it to them and they manage it through getting repaired and sent back to you. Having a "real" BTU phone is great for those that don't want to screw around with ODIN and multi-CSC to get updates. BTU is typically one of the first EU regions to get updates. We in the U.S. are lucky to get two for the life of the phone.
Only possible downside is getting Samsung Pay working since the framework isn't pre-installed as the UK doesn't currently support Samsung Pay. I've read the forums and some have gotten some of the features of Samsung Pay working on the S7-series but it's not a guarantee. I have a pre-order with AT&T and an order with Clove. I'm still debating which to go with primarily because I'm a heavy Samsung Pay user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh this sounds more like it. I've never had to deal with region lock..
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

osmosizzz said:
Where are all the people that will be using the exynos variant in the US? I have been using international unlocked (F models) sammy phones since the s6 and I plan on sticking to this model. Where you guys ordering from? I usually get it from ebay (usually never-msrp) but it seems I might have to hold on a little longer as $970 for an 8+ is a little high.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question. Do you ever get samsung pay to work on those models ?. or samsung pay is something you never really use or cared for ?

BarryH_GEG said:
Clove is great and I ordered a S8+ from them too. I've ordered previous phones and accessories from them. They ship DHL overnight. Yes, EU phones are equipped with region lock to prevent them from being used outside their assigned selling region. You have to make a 5 minute phone call using a SIM from the phone's home region to unlock it. That's what Clove's doing for their international customers.
There are pros to buying from authorized resellers like Clove. EU phones have a two year warranty and Clove will act as a middleman on your behalf to get warranty work done if your phone ever needs it. You send it to them and they manage it through getting repaired and sent back to you. Having a "real" BTU phone is great for those that don't want to screw around with ODIN and multi-CSC to get updates. BTU is typically one of the first EU regions to get updates. We in the U.S. are lucky to get two for the life of the phone.
Only possible downside is getting Samsung Pay working since the framework isn't pre-installed as the UK doesn't currently support Samsung Pay. I've read the forums and some have gotten some of the features of Samsung Pay working on the S7-series but it's not a guarantee. I have a pre-order with AT&T and an order with Clove. I'm still debating which to go with primarily because I'm a heavy Samsung Pay user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got a samsung watch and use samsung pay through it with a Nexus 6P. Think I would be able to do the same with the S8? I use android pay also, so not being able to use samsung pay would not be a deal breaker.
The thing has has me confused about clove is that the device seems to be good bit less expensive than anywhere else. Cost for the S8+ with shipping is only 665 GBP ($829) as opposed to 779 GBP ($971) from Samsung UK site. Is that correct?

luch4galaxy said:
Question. Do you ever get samsung pay to work on those models ?. or samsung pay is something you never really use or cared for ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I never got Samsung pay to work on the international model. But recently I think they got it to work on the s7 edge somehow.
luch4galaxy said:
Question. Do you ever get samsung pay to work on those models ?. or samsung pay is something you never really use or cared for ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

PuffinNugz said:
I've got a samsung watch and use samsung pay through it with a Nexus 6P. Think I would be able to do the same with the S8? I use android pay also, so not being able to use samsung pay would not be a deal breaker.
The thing has has me confused about clove is that the device seems to be good bit less expensive than anywhere else. Cost for the S8+ with shipping is only 665 GBP ($829) as opposed to 779 GBP ($971) from Samsung UK site. Is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just checked clover and the price they showed me was 970 usd once I converted it (771 British pounds). That includes vat and shipping.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

osmosizzz said:
I just checked clover and the price they showed me was 970 usd once I converted it (771 British pounds). That includes vat and shipping.
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I selected US for shipping, it automatically deleted the VAT option and lowered to 665 pounds. What exactly is VAT and why would I want it?
Nevermind, I see it's a tax, but it removed itself when I selected the US.

PuffinNugz said:
When I selected US for shipping, it automatically deleted the VAT option and lowered to 665 pounds. What exactly is VAT and why would I want it?
Nevermind, I see it's a tax, but it removed itself when I selected the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did it on my Computer and you're right..its cheaper than anywhere else. I may just pick it up now
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

Just a Newbee question here in regards to using the international models in the US. I am guessing that these international phone can only support GSM here in the US - no LTE on any US carrier.
I get that the international boot loader might be unlocked, and the international phones seem to come carrier unlocked. But if you don't travel international all the time and just live in the US - don't you guy miss the LTE speeds? Or is there any international models that support say ATT LTE bands?
The phone says it supports: LTE Bands 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(AWS), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 17(700), 20(800), 28(700)
And ATT Uses 2, 4, 5, 17 1900, 1700 abcde, 700 bc
So would the internation phone support ATT LTE?

Flame Red said:
Just a Newbee question here in regards to using the international models in the US. I am guessing that these international phone can only support GSM here in the US - no LTE on any US carrier.
I get that the international boot loader might be unlocked, and the international phones seem to come carrier unlocked. But if you don't travel international all the time and just live in the US - don't you guy miss the LTE speeds? Or is there any international models that support say ATT LTE bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE works.

PuffinNugz said:
LTE works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the education! I usually buy TMOB as in the past they have unlocked bootloaders and LTE works on ATT. But if I read the tea leaves correctly, TMOB might be changing that for the S8. I guess no one knows for sure yet for the S8, but generally speaking, have the boot loaders on past Sammy international models usually unlocked?

What is the best unlocked s8+ that I should buy for AT&T?

The axynos ones are cheap on ebay, but I can also buy an unlocked US version from Samsungs website.
Can you advice me on this?

I'm coming from the LG V20 side with the unlocked US996 model, and just looked at the non-existent G6 forums so please keep it in mind as I say this: I will never ever ever buy a major branded Android phone unlocked, ever again.
Signed, a likely future S8+ owner

midwhiteflava said:
I'm coming from the LG V20 side with the unlocked US996 model, and just looked at the non-existent G6 forums so please keep it in mind as I say this: I will never ever ever buy a major branded Android phone unlocked, ever again.
Signed, a likely future S8+ owner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? Why ???

The exynos have an unlocked bootloader, the "unlocked" other version only has unlocked sim. The exynos will allow root, however root trips knox, and therefore breaks Samsung Pay.

I'm using a UK version and it's pretty flawless. Samsung Pay works out of the box. I bought it from a UK authorized reseller so its got a two year warranty (in the UK - I pay to ship it there) and BTU is typically in front of the line for updates. It has no bloatware but none of the unlocked versions do. I had a AT&T version first and the Exynos version seems a tad more fluid and responsive.
It has all AT&T's LTE bands except for 30 and gets better LTE speeds than the AT&T version. Do a search, there's a thread on it.
I'm going to sell it when the Note8 comes out and it was cheaper to buy outright and will fetch more when I resell it. I liked it so much I bought a EU LTE Tab S3 to keep it company. It doesn't do VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling but that too is common to unlocked phones.

BarryH_GEG said:
I'm using a UK version and it's pretty flawless. Samsung Pay works out of the box. I bought it from a UK authorized reseller so its got a two year warranty (in the UK - I pay to ship it there) and BTU is typically in front of the line for updates. It has no bloatware but none of the unlocked versions do. I had a AT&T version first and the Exynos version seems a tad more fluid and responsive.
It has all AT&T's LTE bands except for 30 and gets better LTE speeds than the AT&T version. Do a search, there's a thread on it.
I'm going to sell it when the Note8 comes out and it was cheaper to buy outright and will fetch more when I resell it. I liked it so much I bought a EU LTE Tab S3 to keep it company. It doesn't do VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling but that too is common to unlocked phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to get a phone with a care plan . Is there something like that in the states?

The Obligatory Root Question

Has anyone tried the A71 root method for the 5g variant?

Dtox88 said:
Has anyone tried the A71 root method for the 5g variant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting to hear this myself.
A71 4G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730
A71 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765
Possible the same method works, but with different CPUs, not a guarantee.
I think a few other phones may be using that chipset, so there is some hope!
Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

@Dtox88
The T-Mobile US version just got an update as of 07/13/20:
Just an FYI in case you have this version & are wanting to stay on the original firmware/bootloader.

KOLIOSIS said:
@Dtox88
The T-Mobile US version just got an update as of 07/13/20:
Just an FYI in case you have this version & are wanting to stay on the original firmware/bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. Getting it now.

Dtox88 said:
Thanks for the heads up. Getting it now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was looking at this phone for the half-price promo. Enjoyed my LG G7, but it's time for a bigger screen (argh, age eats your eyes).
The G7 from TMO never got cracked, the over variants did. I'm not optimistic for a bootloader unlock on this one for that reason. Still, it looks like a great phone for $300 and tax, unlocked or not.

That would be disappointing. I haven't been on a locked device since the S2. Hoping the promo builds enough interest. So far I'm enjoying the phone.

steven.rn said:
Was looking at this phone for the half-price promo. Enjoyed my LG G7, but it's time for a bigger screen (argh, age eats your eyes).
The G7 from TMO never got cracked, the over variants did. I'm not optimistic for a bootloader unlock on this one for that reason. Still, it looks like a great phone for $300 and tax, unlocked or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW, Package Disabler Pro works on this phone.
I know this was likely a given, but, just wanted to put it out there.
The package disabler & Good Lock options make for a great phone, whether you get it for half-price or not.
I had the S10e for a brief period & I'd take this phone over it all day long. Performance is equal to or better & the addition of 5G & a lot smaller hole-punch & this one wins hands-down.
If nothing else, order it via telesales & if you're not impressed, return it within the buyer's remorse period to avoid a restocking fee that you'd be charged if you did the same buying in-store.

KOLIOSIS said:
FWIW, Package Disabler Pro works on this phone.
I know this was likely a given, but, just wanted to put it out there.
The package disabler & Good Lock options make for a great phone, whether you get it for half-price or not.
I had the S10e for a brief period & I'd take this phone over it all day long. Performance is equal to or better & the addition of 5G & a lot smaller hole-punch & this one wins hands-down.
If nothing else, order it via telesales & if you're not impressed, return it within the buyer's remorse period to avoid a restocking fee that you'd be charged if you did the same buying in-store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Picked it up at a local Tmobile brick store.
Love it.
Excellent photos, the camera updates came thru today with the ROM version update. Very configurable, also loving popping the thing into 64mp mode for detail- there's a lot to play with. 5g works well.
This was a steal at 300 bucks (I just happened to have to add a line.)
The Mrs. just got the OnePlus 7T, and I liked it so much I thought about the OnePlus 8 5G from Tmo, but I think I'd have to get the OnePlus 8 Pro to get a camera this good.
Mostly, I've always gone for top of the line phones, mostly for the gee whiz factor. But the top of the line at 1399 absolutely just isn't worth the extra oomph to me anymore.
Yah, the speaker could be better, but who listens to music without headphones or a decent Bluetooth speaker, really... this comes great through my UE Boom.
Couldn't be happier. The fast charging is so good I don't care about wireless charging, I can't exhaust the battery in a day anyway.
Thanks for the good steer!

I've tried to flash Magisk onto the US version, but it just wouldn't work. Could be because I can't find the OEM unlock switch. Any ideas?

SuperKidoftheStars said:
I've tried to flash Magisk onto the US version, but it just wouldn't work. Could be because I can't find the OEM unlock switch. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whether you use the direct method (which sounds like what you tried) or use a custom recovery to flash Magisk...I think either way you need an unlocked bootloader, which we don't have yet.

I would gladly pay a reasonable sum for a solution
to unlock the bootloader/root/unlock this device.
It's a fine device for my own use, and seems to be among the higher-end devices.

SkedAddled said:
I would gladly pay a reasonable sum for a solution
to unlock the bootloader/root/unlock this device.
It's a fine device for my own use, and seems to be among the higher-end devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm annoyed I'm having to do without root. I rooted the first Android phone (G1) back in 2008 and have had rooted phones ever since.
My last phone was a Note4 that I rooted straight out of the box and kept it for 6 years.
So I'm keeping my fingers crossed and (im)patiently waiting.

It looks like Samsung phones are dead locked.
The last Samsung phone was Note 3 and no more.
The first 5G phone will be Moto Edge.
I was offered A71 but I refused it

mingkee said:
It looks like Samsung phones are dead locked.
The last Samsung phone was Note 3 and no more.
The first 5G phone will be Moto Edge.
I was offered A71 but I refused it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's me address some of those statements there:
My previous phone was a Note 4 that I rooted the second it came out if the box in 2014....and had it for 6 years. I can personally assure you the Note 3 was not the last Samsung phone to be rooted.
The exploit required to root the Note 9 & S9 was found in Jan 2020.
And lastly, the A71 (previous non 5G version) has been rooted and instructions are available in the forum for that phone.
This one will get root, its just likely to take 4-6 months for someone to figure it out like nearly every other phone out there.
The A71 5G is a new phone only on the market a few weeks. It will get there.

f4phantomii said:
Let's me address some of those statements there:
My previous phone was a Note 4 that I rooted the second it came out if the box in 2014....and had it for 6 years. I can personally assure you the Note 3 was not the last Samsung phone to be rooted.
The exploit required to root the Note 9 & S9 was found in Jan 2020.
And lastly, the A71 (previous non 5G version) has been rooted and instructions are available in the forum for that phone.
This one will get root, its just likely to take 4-6 months for someone to figure it out like nearly every other phone out there.
The A71 5G is a new phone only on the market a few weeks. It will get there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And the A71 was a US model?

SuperKidoftheStars said:
And the A71 was a US model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was not. Europe & Asia only, but plenty of people in the US bought unlocked ones. I almost did myself since it was less than half the price and has already been rooted. But I didn't want to wait the 2 weeks to receive it and the 5G had just gone on sale.
The reason the A71 5G was introduced in the US market was because if I had walked into a carrier store in May, my choice of Samsung phones was either:
1) a flagship product with a 4-digit price tag
or
2) a sub $200 budget phone.
The A series filled in the midrange gap in Samsung products rather than forcing me to an LG, HTC, or Moto product.

KOLIOSIS said:
FWIW, Package Disabler Pro works on this phone.
I know this was likely a given, but, just wanted to put it out there.
The package disabler & Good Lock options make for a great phone, whether you get it for half-price or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Holy smokes, thank you! I was skeptical on it working without root, but you're right, it's night and day. I think I have 3x more apps disabled than I have installed. The fact that you can get rid of idiotic stuff like Bixby is worth the 3 bucks right there!

I am currently looking into bootloader unlock and root method for all US Models.
I have combination firmware and stock firmware and am digging through them currently to see if an exploit is available

allenjthomsen said:
I am currently looking into bootloader unlock and root method for all US Models.
I have combination firmware and stock firmware and am digging through them currently to see if an exploit is available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So have you found anything which may be a way in?
Yours is the first feedback which seems to show promise, at least on the surface.

so far all the old methods have been patched in both bootloader and boot.img so i am trying to see if i can escalate privlages on the combination firmware to be able to bypass a few CVE patchs and hopefully gain root to system or get the bootloader to unlock.
small update i would need engineering firmware for me to be able to crack the firmware and a engineering token so unless you happen to work at samsung and are willing to lose your job then unless someone more able than me is willing to take a crack at it im at an impass.

Question on Proper Model

Hey Guys,
What would you recommend as the best model of the Note 20 Ultra to get? I have access to purchase the US unlocked, the International unlocked or the Korean Unlocked variant. I was concerned about using SamsungPay, yet I think I will let that ship sail. I am more concerned about overall performance and value. I will not be rooting. I use to for years on here, yet have not done so for the last 4 Note models. Just can't decided which would be the best one to purchase. Yet I need to get my pre-order in soon. I currently live in Japan. What are you thoughts?

cezeff said:
Hey Guys,
What would you recommend as the best model of the Note 20 Ultra to get? I have access to purchase the US unlocked, the International unlocked or the Korean Unlocked variant. I was concerned about using SamsungPay, yet I think I will let that ship sail. I am more concerned about overall performance and value. I will not be rooting. I use to for years on here, yet have not done so for the last 4 Note models. Just can't decided which would be the best one to purchase. Yet I need to get my pre-order in soon. I currently live in Japan. What are you thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my recommendation would be to get the version which has all the required bands to work well in Japan.
That said i would not get the international one though because it has the crappy exynos 990 in it.
both US and Korean variants have the snapdragon 865+. i known rooting doesnt matter but just for information the US and Canadian models cannot be rooted due to the locked bootloader

force70 said:
my recommendation would be to get the version which has all the required bands to work well in Japan.
That said i would not get the international one though because it has the crappy exynos 990 in it.
both US and Korean variants have the snapdragon 865+. i known rooting doesnt matter but just for information the US and Canadian models cannot be rooted due to the locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. Both the Korean and the US variant would work the same for LTE here... I'm going with the Korean version as it has twice the storage for the same price.... If for some crazy reason I do root it later, it looks like it would be doable with the Korean model in flashing a generic worldwide wide rom(?).. It seems there was pretty healthy development on the snapdragon Korean version of the note 10 plus...I don't think that I will ever push it has enough to fully use the chipset, yet it's a good piece of mind to have when spending so much money, that you got the best performance you can buy.... because any variant isn't 100% completely compatible with all the LTE bands in Japan, I would feel better getting the chipset that has the best energy efficiency as well... I'll be going with mystic white as it give me the greatest flexibility in swapping skins and cases, plus the grey framed camera bump looks better in my opinion

force70 said:
my recommendation would be to get the version which has all the required bands to work well in Japan.
That said i would not get the international one though because it has the crappy exynos 990 in it.
both US and Korean variants have the snapdragon 865+. i known rooting doesnt matter but just for information the US and Canadian models cannot be rooted due to the locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am stuck in this too, live in Canada
I need Dual SIM ( not avail for North American version )
I need rooting
I checked but the HK bands dont work for my carriers 5G
So - should I buy a Note 20 Ultra with Exynos? where I am not getting its worth OR go for a Note 10 + instead International but with Exynos for $1200 CAD

inningsdefeat500 said:
I am stuck in this too, live in Canada
I need Dual SIM ( not avail for North American version )
I need rooting
I checked but the HK bands dont work for my carriers 5G
So - should I buy a Note 20 Ultra with Exynos? where I am not getting its worth OR go for a Note 10 + instead International but with Exynos for $1200 CAD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I definitely wouldnt buy exynos this year..the 990 is total crap.
last year the snapdragon was still better but I don't think the performance margin was a big.
what carrier you with?

inningsdefeat500 said:
I am stuck in this too, live in Canada
I need Dual SIM ( not avail for North American version )
I need rooting
I checked but the HK bands dont work for my carriers 5G
So - should I buy a Note 20 Ultra with Exynos? where I am not getting its worth OR go for a Note 10 + instead International but with Exynos for $1200 CAD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me 5G is nice, yet not super important due to the fact Japan just turned on 5G for commercial use 2 months ago and still have yet to flesh it out properly. NTT Docomo, the largest of the 3 carriers, expects only 2.5 million subscribers by March 2021... In short I'm saying how much access will you have to 5G in your area?... Is it top priority if you are getting great speeds on LTE already?
I went with the HK version over the Korean version for the dual sim capability....
As far as rooting I think both the HK and Korean versions were enjoying some success on the Note 10+ forums... You might want to check how things went with rooting development on those models , with expectations for probably the same level of support

Question SM-S9080 (China) bootloader inquiry

I see that this specific model (Released in China) I believe has support for custom ROM's one would assume the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked. If possible could someone with a device please confirm as these variants are actually 300$ cheaper than the US/CA models and other Global variants. I can't imagine there would be any significant differences otherwise aside from the firmware would be China based and I might need to flash my own CSC package.

You can check in Settings - Developer Options - OEM Unlocking to see if your bootloader can be unlocked.

I'm aware of how to check, when you are yet to own the device then someone else would need to provide the insight. It's not exactly fesible to check another country's device and I'm sure the return policy is a bit harder.

You seem to be confused. You stated "the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked". Just because the SoC is a Snapdragon doesn't mean the bootloader can't be unlocked, they've been making them for years. I own the Snapdragon device with an unlocked bootloader. So if you know how to check if you can unlock the bootloader why ask anyone else if it's possible? Don't be surprised if you can't flash different firmware, SM-R908N is an outlier but it can utilize Custom ROM's.
Guide to root Galaxy S22 Ultra (B/E/N/0), unlock bootloader and flash official firmware (noob friendly)
Your warranty is now void. If you root your device, Your KNOX status will be tripped. You can still pass the safety net after you root if you follow the instructions. Sorry for USA models, you can't root unless you can unlock your bootloader You...
forum.xda-developers.com
Not sure why you can't confirm price differences between the Korean and US devices, here's the appropriate links.
Korea
Samsung 대한민국 | 모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
www.samsung.com
USA
Galaxy S22 Ultra, 128GB (Unlocked) in Phantom Black | Price & Deals | Samsung US
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra,Unlocked 128GB in Phantom Black. Save with Trade-in, and discover exclusive offers with
www.samsung.com
Your welcome!

varcor said:
You seem to be confused. You stated "the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked". Just because the SoC is a Snapdragon doesn't mean the bootloader can't be unlocked, they've been making them for years. I own the Snapdragon device with an unlocked bootloader. So if you know how to check if you can unlock the bootloader why ask anyone else if it's possible? Don't be surprised if you can't flash different firmware, SM-R908N is an outlier but it can utilize Custom ROM's.
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I'm pretty sure op knows how to check and knows the price difference since they mentioned it. They are asking someone that actually has the device to confirm

Solace50 said:
I see that this specific model (Released in Korea) I believe has support for custom ROM's one would assume the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked. If possible could someone with a device please confirm as these variants are actually 300$ cheaper than the US/CA models and other Global variants. I can't imagine there would be any significant differences otherwise aside from the firmware would be korean based and I might need to flash my own CSC package.
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I will confirm that the Korean snapdragon note 20 ultra could be unlocked.
Rom support was slim though. Most did not explicitly mention the N model and since more people in the world are unlocked on exynos, most of the support was for that chipset.
Also the fact that snapdragons are locked in NA is because of the region not the chip it self. Other regions with them aren't bootloader locked.

pcriz said:
I'm pretty sure op knows how to check and knows the price difference since they mentioned it. They are asking someone that actually has the device to confirm
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OP would be better served if he/she included a Model Number. The specific properties are the same regardless. As everyone is aware price fluctuates depending on the seller.

varcor said:
OP would be better served if he/she included a Model Number. The specific properties are the same regardless. As everyone is aware price fluctuates depending on the seller
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Op isn't asking about the price though. Who knows where they are buying from.
Also the Korean models typically only have one model number. I think the same is true this year as well.
I figured the best person to answer their question is someone that probably knows they have a Korean model or someone with first hand experience with the Korean model.

Are you sure Korean model comes with SM-S9080?

donkeyman1234 said:
Are you sure Korean model comes with SM-S9080?
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Accuracy is not releveant but the firmware was on a few places listed as Korean model.

varcor said:
OP would be better served if he/she included a Model Number. The specific properties are the same regardless. As everyone is aware price fluctuates depending on the seller.
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The SM-9080 is the model number... If I bought and received something other than the device listed it would be of no charge according to provincial law. The 909B is also an option which is the EU enyox model or 908W Canadian Snap dragon. The 908W cannot be unlocked however the root/bootloader unlock specifies 0 in the title which I'm assuming is the suffix to 908 and possible.
Snapdragon and bootloader unlock would be the best of both worlds as performance is better and does not suffer from idle drain issues. The cost is also about 20% cheaper on sale.

pcriz said:
I will confirm that the Korean snapdragon note 20 ultra could be unlocked.
Rom support was slim though. Most did not explicitly mention the N model and since more people in the world are unlocked on exynos, most of the support was for that chipset.
Also the fact that snapdragons are locked in NA is because of the region not the chip it self. Other regions with them aren't bootloader locked.
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I'm, just going to yolo one one see what happens. Worse case is I might need to update the CSC, the modems firmware should support the same frequencies to be "international/global" The s8+ I have was the int version and worked just fine.
Some rated specs do differ ever so slightly between the EU and NA model such as the post processing used for images and throughput for the NIC used onboard but is negligible.

varcor said:
You seem to be confused. You stated "the bootloader can be unlocked which would be quite surprising since this device carry's the snapdragon chipset which is used in US/CA models and is not able to have the bootloader unlocked". Just because the SoC is a Snapdragon doesn't mean the bootloader can't be unlocked, they've been making them for years. I own the Snapdragon device with an unlocked bootloader. So if you know how to check if you can unlock the bootloader why ask anyone else if it's possible? Don't be surprised if you can't flash different firmware, SM-R908N is an outlier but it can utilize Custom ROM's.
Guide to root Galaxy S22 Ultra (B/E/N/0), unlock bootloader and flash official firmware (noob friendly)
Your warranty is now void. If you root your device, Your KNOX status will be tripped. You can still pass the safety net after you root if you follow the instructions. Sorry for USA models, you can't root unless you can unlock your bootloader You...
forum.xda-developers.com
Not sure why you can't confirm price differences between the Korean and US devices, here's the appropriate links.
Korea
Samsung 대한민국 | 모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
모바일 | TV | 가전 | IT
www.samsung.com
USA
Galaxy S22 Ultra, 128GB (Unlocked) in Phantom Black | Price & Deals | Samsung US
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra,Unlocked 128GB in Phantom Black. Save with Trade-in, and discover exclusive offers with
www.samsung.com
Your welcome!
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Thanks, generally MFG do not deviate from designs much due to costs involved. If SN by design was bootloader locked one would expect variants to be the same. I think Korea had enyox models in the past too.
The site used was pda plaza (google it) which lists various models and if you are buying new is usually cheaper than vendors, amazon and other places. I saw a 512gb ultra as low as 1500 for the ugly green. Considering we get ****ty perks for buying a phone new it does not make sense to buy from samsung.com unless you want sky blue or something.
Also I'm unsure as to why you linked the store pages, retailers listing unlocked is carrier specific, not bootloader.

Oop, sorry all the 9080 is China, 908N is Korea, editing main post.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G - Full phone specifications
www.gsmarena.com
Same as in HongKong, I would just flash their firmware, likely better overall.

I am in Taiwan, for your reference.

Solace50 said:
Thanks, generally MFG do not deviate from designs much due to costs involved. If SN by design was bootloader locked one would expect variants to be the same. I think Korea had enyox models in the past too.
The site used was pda plaza (google it) which lists various models and if you are buying new is usually cheaper than vendors, amazon and other places. I saw a 512gb ultra as low as 1500 for the ugly green. Considering we get ****ty perks for buying a phone new it does not make sense to buy from samsung.com unless you want sky blue or something.
Also I'm unsure as to why you linked the store pages, retailers listing unlocked is carrier specific, not bootloader.
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I linked the Samsung websites so you could compare official Samsung pricing. As stated there are many different retailers with various offers. I also asked for the model number knowing the SM-9080 isn't available in Korea which you've since updated. The S21 Ultra in Korea is the Exynos variant which only lasted 1 year, they've now reverted back to Snapdragon. Of the 3 SM-9080's available I would recommend the Hong Kong (CSC - TGY) but if call features are a priority the Taiwan variant (CSC - BRI) is the best option. Stay away from the China variant, it's a mess. Plus one should always ask a retailer which CSC they are offering, they don't always sell the same variant for the region they are based. You could purchase a China variant from a Taiwan retailer but you won't know it until it's in your hands. Yes, they will mislead and lie just to make a sale. Firmware for the 3 variants are interchangeable however it's usually not a good idea to swap, firmware is Home CSC specific and the Home CSC can't be altered plus that will affect updates as well. All 3 are bootloader unlocked however there aren't many Custom ROM's for Snapdragon devices. Goods luck!

varcor said:
I linked the Samsung websites so you could compare official Samsung pricing. As stated there are many different retailers with various offers. I also asked for the model number knowing the SM-9080 isn't available in Korea which you've since updated. The S21 Ultra in Korea is the Exynos variant which only lasted 1 year, they've now reverted back to Snapdragon. Of the 3 SM-9080's available I would recommend the Hong Kong (CSC - TGY) but if call features are a priority the Taiwan variant (CSC - BRI) is the best option. Stay away from the China variant, it's a mess. Plus one should always ask a retailer which CSC they are offering, they don't always sell the same variant for the region they are based. You could purchase a China variant from a Taiwan retailer but you won't know it until it's in your hands. Yes, they will mislead and lie just to make a sale. Firmware for the 3 variants are interchangeable however it's usually not a good idea to swap, firmware is Home CSC specific and the Home CSC can't be altered plus that will affect updates as well. Good luck!
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The hardware is the same as HK, only the firmware differs and can be flashed. The recommendation makes zero sense. Call features are CSC based and I doubt much differs across the globe these days especially for major regions. That would be false that you cannot change the CSC, the whole aspect of root/unlocked bootloader is to modify system/firmware partitions or flashing with odin.

Solace50 said:
The hardware is the same as HK, only the firmware differs and can be flashed. The recommendation makes zero sense. Call features are CSC based and I doubt much differs across the globe these days especially for major regions. That would be false that you cannot change the CSC, the whole aspect of root/unlocked bootloader is to modify system/firmware partitions or flashing with odin.
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What do you mean it makes no sense? I've stated if you want call features buy your regions (CSC) device. I never said your CSC couldn't be changed, I've stated your Home CSC can't be changed. Have fun trying to figure everything out, we're done.

For those who also may care, I took the time to actually research things before speculating nonsense.
So the primary difference between the models is 5G support as apparently the 5Ghz bands are not supported in the firmware for the 9080. Given the 9080 can be bootloader unlocked it is a similar situation to the Galaxy S4 release across US/CA where you could buy the US model and flash a Canadian modem in order to gain support for carriers in CA. Likely the same can be provided for 5G support with a few hex edits to the existing modem or flashing one from another region considering the same hardware is used, however this would still need to be tested.
Will Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra work in Canada?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra with the mobile networks of Canada and with the telephony operators that provide service in Canada.
www.kimovil.com
This would ultimately save people hundreds of $ along with providing the SN variant bootloader unlocked to various individuals and not end up being a slave to bloatware and poorly designed roms.

CyberEvo said:
I am in Taiwan, for your reference.
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Thank you for the most useful post in the thread.