Why are International Samsungs basically the only Samsungs to be unlocked/rooted? - General Questions and Answers

Since the S6 (or S5), bootloader unlocking was only available to people in other countries like Europe. However they changed it in the S23 where every model had the Snapdragon, yet the bootloader on US models still remains locked.

You should ask Samsung this question.

Related

Does anyone know where I can get a SM-P905 (international version, NOT Verizon)?

I did some hunting on the web yesterday and I couldn't find anywhere to buy a SM-P905 tablet - the international version, not the Verizon version. I found one on eBay, but I was outbid. I even tried eBay.UK and eBay.ca, but no luck. It seems like you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Verizon tablet, but the international versions are like hen's teeth.
I prefer manufacturer refurbished or used, due to price. Anyone know where I can find one?
Tom2112 said:
I did some hunting on the web yesterday and I couldn't find anywhere to buy a SM-P905 tablet - the international version, not the Verizon version. I found one on eBay, but I was outbid. I even tried eBay.UK and eBay.ca, but no luck. It seems like you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Verizon tablet, but the international versions are like hen's teeth.
I prefer manufacturer refurbished or used, due to price. Anyone know where I can find one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the Note Pro LTE version are the same, the only difference is software, their hardware is the same. I open the P907A from AT&T and P905V from Verizon, they look exactly the same inside. Other Note Pro P900 also is the same, the only difference is software customized for certain region, like UK version has more languages than US version, they are the same tablet. If I flashed firmware of UK to an US tablet, it will become an UK tablet. I used to flash Korean firmware to an US tablet when its firmware had some issue with bluetooth keyboard.
If you want your tablet has your native language, then just flash the firmware which has that language.
If you want to use different carriers, buy an unlocked one, I have unlocked Verizon which I can use with other carriers such as TMobile, AT&T, or Cricket.
Interesting Beut . . but are the carrier branded versions of the 905 sporting an unlocked bootloader such that custom recovery and custom ROMs can be flashed?
I would venture to guess that this is what the OP is looking for and why they specifically want the international version rather than a US carrier branded one.
Honest question - I have no idea if the bootloaders are still locked, I do recall discussion about the 905V having a locked bootloader at one time though.
Muzzy, you are correct. The fundamental difference between the Verizon P905 and the International carrier versions is the locked bootloader. Verizon has Samsung lock the bootloader. International carriers do not.
I understand what Beut is saying, and yes, the hardware is the same. But that doesn't matter when the software is locked down.
I am also looking for an international P905, I would be very thankful for any tips where to find it in Europe!

P905 Version Question

I'm looking into the Note 12.2 Pro, but am having some difficulty sorting out the model numbers.
I see one site listing that the P905 has multiple variants.
I would like to have GPS, be able to root, and be able to install a custom 6.0.1 ROM.
On ebay, all I come up with in my searches are sellers listing their model as the P905, but then in the description it lists Verizon as the carrier. For some reason I don't see them being listed as the P905V. Is there something I'm missing? Did Verizon start selling a P905 (non-V) variant, that has no issues with root, or a locked bootloader? If so, how can I tell which vendor is selling something fully unlocked (not carrier unlocked)?
I really don't care about the data, as I have that on my Note 3. I just don't want to get locked down completely like I am on my Note 10.1 2014 Verizon edition, which I cannot root on 5.1.1, nor can I install custom ROM's.
I see there's also the P905A, but that sounds like it might be locked down by ATT and not have root or custom ROM capabilities, so that's out.
The P900 seems to be a slight drop in features, such as USB 3.0, and a less powerful processor, and it doesn't appear to have a Odin image that is as current as the P905 series, so I'm skeptical to go that route, and curious if the specs on sites that say it has GPS are accurate, as most wi-fi only devices do not, but sometimes get lumped in as a yes for that category anyways.
Am I missing something regarding the P905? Are verizon branded models out there common, but not the locked down P905V varient?
Thank you,
--bb
SM-P900 is Galaxy Note Pro wifi version.
SM-P905 is Galaxy Note Pro LTE/Wifi version. P905V is from Verizon, P907A is LTE/Wifi from AT&T, both 905V and 907A are exactly the same tablets but loaded different software customized to the provider. The case has logo and name of provider but they are exactly the same. I can swap mainboard of AT&T to a Verizon tablet or vise versa. LTE versions have locked bootloader. The SM-P905 international version has unlocked bootloader. These are all common LTE versions I know in US.
So if you want to root, buy the Wifi version which is SM-P900 and bootloader is not locked.

New here.

Hi,
I'm sorry if I overlooked a similar thread, but I'm looking in to buying a galaxy s7 and I wanted to buy one that has an unlocked bootloader and will work with USA metro pcs. is there such phone? lol I've heard usa s7's don't unlock. just wondering.
The Exynos models G930F/G930FD/G930W8, and the hong kong snapdragon model are the only ones can be bootloader unlocked
They will work in the USA, but the USA uses different network carrier standards than the rest of the world, so your connectivity won't be as good as using a USA specific device. You may also lack carrier features like VoLTE.
Thanks! Are the s8's like this as well? I'm trying to figure out if I want a 7 or 8. is there much difference between the phones?
Same for S8 through to S10. International gets unlockable Exynos, USA gets locked Snapdragon, HK gets unlockable Snapdragon.
Main difference would be the bump in specs and build. S7 also won't get official Android Pie, I believe the S8 will/has.
S8's were also a bit unique in that unlocking the Exynos bootloader is harder on them but still possible, S9 and S10 went back to easy as far as I'm aware.

Question [CLOSED] S22 ultra SM-S908U ATT unlock/root?

I'm wondering if I can flash a unlocked firmware to my
Samsung s22 ultra SM-S908U ATT US snapdragon 8 gen 1
it's carrier locked I got it under contract if I can will it mess anything thing up with ATT and also will I be able to root it after flashing unlocked firmware
Not easily. Warranty is voided and knox features will not work if rooted. These changes are permanent... no going back.
blackhawk said:
Not easily. Warranty is voided and knox features will not work if rooted. These changes are permanent... no going back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't care about the warranty or knox as long as I can still use the phone on ATT I can live with that
Traw5151 said:
I don't care about the warranty or knox as long as I can still use the phone on ATT I can live with that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well there's no guarantee what issues you will or won't encounter. Right now you have a functional new flagship phone.
I run stock for several reasons. I won't root my N10+'s. Being Snapdragon's they are notoriously hard to root.
There is no root for At&t S22 anyway. No bootloader unlock. Unlocked firmware doesn't mean boot unlocked.
Unlocked Bootloader and Root has nothing to do with official firmware. You cannot flash an unlocked firmware and expect for the bootloader to unlock. Models end with U and U1 in US/Canada are permanently locked. T-Mobile might make an exception. Please refer to this list:
SM-S908B (Europe) - Exynos (unlockable)
SM-S908E and /DS (Asia/Africa) - Snapdragon (unlockable)
SM-S908U (US carriers) - Snapdragon (locked, except T-mobile unlock by request)
SM-S908U1 (US openline) - Snapdragon (locked)
SM-S908W (Canada) - Snapdragon (locked)
SM-S9080 (China) - Snapdragon (unlockable)
SM-S908N (Korea) - Snapdragon (unlockable)
The only thing that you can do to your under contract AT&T locked device is Debloating the crapwares. That is all.
No us Samsung devices can be unlocked bootloader wise. Unless an exploit is found. International models can. That is it. Doesn't matter the carrier or anything. No root unless exploit is found.
bobimbap said:
Unlocked Bootloader and Root has nothing to do with official firmware. You cannot flash an unlocked firmware and expect for the bootloader to unlock. Models end with U and U1 in US/Canada are permanently locked. T-Mobile might make an exception. Please refer to this list:
SM-S908B (Europe) - Exynos (unlockable)
SM-S908E and /DS (Asia/Africa) - Snapdragon (unlockable)
SM-S908U (US carriers) - Snapdragon (locked, except T-mobile unlock by request)
SM-S908U1 (US openline) - Snapdragon (locked)
SM-S908W (Canada) - Snapdragon (locked)
SM-S9080 (China) - Snapdragon (unlockable)
SM-S908N (Korea) - Snapdragon (unlockable)
The only thing that you can do to your under contract AT&T locked device is Debloating the crapwares. That is all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly why I pay full retail price for international phones because root is essential.
bobimbap said:
Unlocked Bootloader and Root has nothing to do with official firmware. You cannot flash an unlocked firmware and expect for the bootloader to unlock. Models end with U and U1 in US/Canada are permanently locked. T-Mobile might make an exception. Please refer to this list:
SM-S908B (Europe) - Exynos (unlockable)
SM-S908E and /DS (Asia/Africa) - Snapdragon (unlockable)
SM-S908U (US carriers) - Snapdragon (locked, except T-mobile unlock by request)
SM-S908U1 (US openline) - Snapdragon (locked)
SM-S908W (Canada) - Snapdragon (locked)
SM-S9080 (China) - Snapdragon (unlockable)
SM-S908N (Korea) - Snapdragon (unlockable)
The only thing that you can do to your under contract AT&T locked device is Debloating the crapwares. That is all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait... are you saying even if the Canadian version is bought directly from samsung and not through a carrier they're still locked?
Luxferrea said:
Wait... are you saying even if the Canadian version is bought directly from samsung and not through a carrier they're still locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly!
this.guy.lol said:
Exactly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to buy a Exynos or european or Asian Snapdragon version to root. Really sucks and that's always been my drawback from buying American phones or American branded phones like AT&t and T-Mobile and so on. Might pay a little bit more but you get what you want. Wish I would have waited an extra month to buy the phone now versus buying the OnePlus 9 pro even though I do like it.
this.guy.lol said:
You'll have to buy a Exynos or european or Asian Snapdragon version to root. Really sucks and that's always been my drawback from buying American phones or American branded phones like AT&t and T-Mobile and so on. Might pay a little bit more but you get what you want. Wish I would have waited an extra month to buy the phone now versus buying the OnePlus 9 pro even though I do like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah... this is really lame...
I'm trying to figure out how to get my hands on a s22u that I can record calls with... it seems like the one I ordered needs to either be refunded or sold off...
The hard part is getting my hands on a Snapdragon variant that I can record calls with...
Thank you all for answering my question quickly
I miss-read the forums and thought SM-S908U1 was rootable. My bad. Question can I use any of the (B/E/N/0) in the USA? I rather not go with the Exynos if I can help it.
Thanks in advance.
blackhawk said:
Not easily. Warranty is voided and knox features will not work if rooted. These changes are permanent... no going back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must have missed the part where he asked the question about knox and warranty...
Wired4Fun said:
I must have missed the part where he asked the question about knox and warranty...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you don't mind potentially losing $1G. The Snapdragon's are notoriously hard to root.
S22U needs a good case without one even a small drop can break the display. Which brings me to insurance. You probably don't want to put in a claim to AT&T with a rooted phone. They tend to be intolerant of that... ask them first.
Newsflash... 99% of the people who are participating in XDA are well aware of that risk and just want their actual QUESTION answered.
Wired4Fun said:
Newsflash... 99% of the people who are participating in XDA are well aware of that risk and just want their actual QUESTION answered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then answer the Q. I don't think it will go well for a number of reasons.
Perhaps your assistance would be better served over in general inquiries - not related to root. As previously mentioned, everyone else is already aware of the potential downside.
Wired4Fun said:
Perhaps your assistance would be better served over in general inquiries - not related to root. As previously mentioned, everyone else is already aware of the potential downside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny, no solution ^here^.... I don't need your advice, the OP does. Pointing out potential pitfalls with AT&T is pertinent. Rooting a carrier phone under contact especially if insured needs careful consideration.
This phone's track record so far hasn't been good; not voiding warranty (or insurance if it has it) keep the OP's six covered.

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the most useful post in the thread.

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