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is Z3C docomo japan version worth buying ?

i found it on ebay for a very good price
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNLOCKED-SO...008?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item339ce86cd8
is it any different then the international version software and hardware wise?
is it possible to flash international or custom roms on it?
what do ppl think is this version worth buying?

i'm using z3c docomo. since december, docomo z3cs were sold on taobao, and a lot of ppl in china are using it.
yes, you can flash international version roms using flash tools.
afaik, there is no official bootloader unlock of docomo z3cs,but giefroot with locked bootloader is possible.
but,since the nfc chip is different between docomo and international versions, using a non-docomo rom will break nfc, and you must adb block com.android.nfc or you will get battery drain.
block nfc will lose features like android beam, cause play memories mobile app to fc(i guess so),and turn on ultra stamina mode will be a bootloop.
also, i feel the touch is a bit too sensitive ,eg. in system setting, the list sometimes scroll a bit when you lifting up your finger.
someone has reported that touchscreen is normal when using a docomo rom, but i doubt it, because there are some reports in this forum about touch issues of international versions.
finally, the docomo logo on back panel is not as nice looking as sony's, but you can change the back panel by yourself.

bloodomen2 said:
i found it on ebay for a very good price
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNLOCKED-SO...008?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item339ce86cd8
is it any different then the international version software and hardware wise?
is it possible to flash international or custom roms on it?
what do ppl think is this version worth buying?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
defia said:
i'm using z3c docomo. since december, docomo z3cs were sold on taobao, and a lot of ppl in china are using it.
yes, you can flash international version roms using flash tools.
afaik, there is no official bootloader unlock of docomo z3cs,but giefroot with locked bootloader is possible.
but,since the nfc chip is different between docomo and international versions, using a non-docomo rom will break nfc, and you must adb block com.android.nfc or you will get battery drain.
block nfc will lose features like android beam, cause play memories mobile app to fc(i guess so),and turn on ultra stamina mode will be a bootloop.
also, i feel the touch is a bit too sensitive ,eg. in system setting, the list sometimes scroll a bit when you lifting up your finger.
someone has reported that touchscreen is normal when using a docomo rom, but i doubt it, because there are some reports in this forum about touch issues of international versions.
finally, the docomo logo on back panel is not as nice looking as sony's, but you can change the back panel by yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am using Z3c docomo version. i flashed my z3c using international version rom. after flashed it, NFC cannot be turn off. @defia there is 'R' symbol on status bar which means roaming on my network. even it was roaming, i don't get any extra charge. but it is litle bit annoying to see that symbol show up in status bar instead of 'H','H+','LTE',etc..
is it band related? because when i check it, it has JAPAN band, there is no options for another bands.

deviantenator said:
i am using Z3c docomo version. i flashed my z3c using international version rom. after flashed it, NFC cannot be turn off. @defia there is 'R' symbol on status bar which means roaming on my network. even it was roaming, i don't get any extra charge. but it is litle bit annoying to see that symbol show up in status bar instead of 'H','H+','LTE',etc..
is it band related? because when i check it, it has JAPAN band, there is no options for another bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't see the roaming symbol on my phone..
maybe you should check carrier settings?
you should manually block nfc, or you will have battery drain.

defia said:
i don't see the roaming symbol on my phone..
maybe you should check carrier settings?
you should manually block nfc, or you will have battery drain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, i already block it.
carrier settings? where can i find it?
everythings is normal, except that roaming status and NFC problem.

deviantenator said:
yes, i already block it.
carrier settings? where can i find it?
everythings is normal, except that roaming status and NFC problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in settings-more-mobile networks
check network operators

defia said:
in settings-more-mobile networks
check network operators
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check this, if you find something wrong with my settings.

deviantenator said:
check this, if you find something wrong with my settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's quite strange, is your phone correctly working?i mean 3g/4g
also which rom are you using? a d5833 or d5803 rom?mine's using d5833

defia said:
that's quite strange, is your phone correctly working?i mean 3g/4g
also which rom are you using? a d5833 or d5803 rom?mine's using d5833
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my phone working correctly. i use this rom D5803_23.0.A.2.93_Generic GLOBAL.ftf
4g connection not availabale on my city, but 3G working very well. That's roaming status keep bugging me.
mind to share your rom? maybe i can try to test it.

i'm using version 23.0.1.A.1.49, and it's a HongKong d5833 rom

defia said:
i'm using version 23.0.1.A.1.49, and it's a HongKong d5833 rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not working either. it seems band related. i have to unlock another bands to remove roaming status.

In the end i found a better deal for a international z3 compact on this site
Paid 370$ with shipping
http://www.mariedigitalz.com/sony-xperia-z3-compact-d5833-16-gb-2-gb-ram-factory-unlocked-352-p.asp

bloodomen2 said:
In the end i found a better deal for a international z3 compact on this site
Paid 370$ with shipping
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if this version of the phone will work on Docomo's network in Japan? I'm looking to use it with an MVNO that uses Docomo's network while I'm in Japan.

it worth if you could handle all the bugs

Any solution for "always roaming"?
deviantenator said:
my phone working correctly. i use this rom D5803_23.0.A.2.93_Generic GLOBAL.ftf
4g connection not availabale on my city, but 3G working very well. That's roaming status keep bugging me.
mind to share your rom? maybe i can try to test it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello!
Did you managed to get rid of the roaming (R) icon above the signal bars?
I know there is also the NFC problem, but that one doesn't bother me, I don't use the NFC functionality so I disabled it and there are no problems.
Roaming problem on the other hand, whenever I disable the Wi-Fi or I go out of the Wi-Fi coverage area, I keep seeing the notification:
"Data Roaming"
"No connection. Data roamning is off."
I have tried all suggested solutions from different sources and none of them worked:
1. Installed various firmwares (D5803, D5833, Global, Central Europe, USA, etc) - I live in Romania, Europe and I use "orange" oprator. (no luck)
Extra info: I also tried the branded firmware from Orange Romania but didn't work, still roaming...
URL: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/list-stock-firmwares-d5803-d5833-t2906706
2. Rooted (with 4.4.4 and also with 5.0.2). (no luck)
Extra info: I just rooted the firmwares from D5803, didn't try the original firmware SO-02G.
URL: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/how-to-root-backup-drm-keys-t3013343
3. Updated radio bands (Before I was seeing only JAPAN band, now after update I see them all EURO Band, JAPAN Band, US Band, etc) but unfortunately... (no luck)
Extra info: *#*#4636#*#* -> See screenshot
URL: http://forum.xda-developers.com/cro...ad-progress-please-leave-im-updating-t2871269
I ran out of options, if anybody can suggest other things I could try to get rid of the Roaming I would be really grateful
Thank you!

I have the same problem, my z3 compact is from Japan, Docomo SO-02G, I cannot seem to remove the annoying Data Roaming notification. I also checked the GSM/UMTS Setting, only Japan Setting was available. Anyone with a fix for this?

Possible solution
codoyfree said:
I have the same problem, my z3 compact is from Japan, Docomo SO-02G, I cannot seem to remove the annoying Data Roaming notification. I also checked the GSM/UMTS Setting, only Japan Setting was available. Anyone with a fix for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone answered me in another thread but I didn't have time to try the solution: http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-...5803-d5833-t2906706/post59968746#post59968746
Are u now using Z3c docomo version ? If yes, it means that your current carrier's network is not registered in the phone (or something like that). All you have to do is root, install xposed then run the module name "National roaming" then you can get rid of the Roaming icon, actually it's not affect to the phone's battery or anything, just the display icon problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please let me know if it works for you.

I'm kinda a new user and I'm still trying to learn my way around rooting and all that stuff. My phone is not rooted yet, so I guess I'm still so far away from getting to the solution. But it's comforting to hear that there is a solution, although not yet tested but I am optimistic about it.
BTW, you said you are already rooted, I would love it if you would update this thread after you try to suggested fix.
I'm still learning how to do the rooting, and I'm not the fast learner type.. hehe..
by the way is your phone a NTT Docomo SO-02G also?

codoyfree said:
I'm kinda a new user and I'm still trying to learn my way around rooting and all that stuff. My phone is not rooted yet, so I guess I'm still so far away from getting to the solution. But it's comforting to hear that there is a solution, although not yet tested but I am optimistic about it.
BTW, you said you are already rooted, I would love it if you would update this thread after you try to suggested fix.
I'm still learning how to do the rooting, and I'm not the fast learner type.. hehe..
by the way is your phone a NTT Docomo SO-02G also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, my phone is also NTT Docomo SO-02G and I hate it already! Just because of the two problems (NFC + Roaming) but at least I am grateful that due to this problems I was forced to learn so many things and managed to install various firmwares, root, upgrade basebands...
Believe me, I was a an iOS (iPhone 4, 4S, 5) user for the past 3 years so this means a lot to me (managing to do stuff on Android) )
I will give it a try tonight and then I will let you know if it works
The problem is I have installed and rooted Lolipop and unfortunately there is no stable version of xPosed for Lolipop, only an alpha version which requires some extra package to be installed and I didn't managed yet, but I will downgrade to 4.4.4 and then install the stable version of xPosed and try the "National roaming" module.
Keep in touch.

Alas!
WOW! This is such a blessing, I was actually hoping for someone else using SO-02G because I'm in tons of dilemma, whether to use this or that or what to do or not, because majority of the english help and guides as we know are from the international version. You are heaven sent, I would surely stay connected, given that I am in the process of learning to do all those stuffs in my SO-02G..
Found this All-In-1 guide here,. May I ask, Did you use this guide in all the processes you did?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/z3-compact/general/how-to-root-backup-drm-keys-t3013343
Cheers!

Force 8.0.0.145 and possibly other updates.

I usually use FF to force firmware downloads on day one of being approved as i never got timely updates. However FF doesn't work like it used to due to changes made by Huawei.
Feeling annoyed thinking I'm never going to get the latest firmware to play with, i started to think what i could do. Having my phone since release and rebranding to c432 after inserting a 3 UK sim into my phone, i have followed/read many of the threads over the months and noticed that Vodafone UK users always seem to get the latest firmwares first. Based on this i decided to pop in an old Vodafone p+g sim with no credit on into the phone and it immediately downloaded the 8.0.0.145 firmware.
Based on this Huawei don't just base firmware rollouts on imei numbers but carriers aswell.
As a side note, i noticed when inserting the Vodafone sim in, the phone also setup Huawei's RCS messaging. Are those that are on 3 like me notice your battery drains quickly? I'm assuming that the network is poorer than I thought and not optimised very well.
This should work for other countries. To help other users from other countries please can you reply with what network/carrier you are with, when you get the updates.

Cityhunteruk said:
I usually use FF to force firmware downloads on day one of being approved as i never got timely updates. However FF doesn't work like it used to due to changes made by Huawei.
Feeling annoyed thinking I'm never going to get the latest firmware to play with, i started to think what i could do. Having my phone since release and rebranding to c432 after inserting a 3 UK sim into my phone, i have followed/read many of the threads over the months and noticed that Vodafone UK users always seem to get the latest firmwares first. Based on this i decided to pop in an old Vodafone p+g sim with no credit on into the phone and it immediately downloaded the 8.0.0.145 firmware.
Based on this Huawei don't just base firmware rollouts on imei numbers but carriers aswell.
As a side note, i noticed when inserting the Vodafone sim in, the phone also setup Huawei's RCS messaging. Are those that are on 3 like me notice your battery drains quickly? I'm assuming that the network is poorer than I thought and not optimised very well.
This should work for other countries. To help other users from other countries please can you reply with what network/carrier you are with, when you get the updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In an other topic somebody wrote, that according to Huawei, the update is coming based on IMEI of the phone...

Imei is how manufacturers do it and would also assume that's how huawei do but this worked. I will try it again on our next update.

N950U1 FW Update N950U1UEU5CRG6 - Own Number unknown

Monday I updated the FW of my US unlocked Note 8 (N950U1 / SD-version) with N950U1UEU5CRG6.
After the update I noticed that in Settings - About Phone, My Phone Number is listed as UNKNOWN. I am using the phone in The Netherlands with provider Hollandsnieuwe (=Vodafone). I am certain that the actual phone number was correctly displayed prior to the FW update.
Not sure if related, but Find My Phone/Device does no longer work via Samsung or Google. Is does work through Bitdefender Anti Theft...
Anyone has this or other issue after the update? Thoughts?

OnnoJ said:
Monday I updated the FW of my US unlocked Note 8 (N950U1 / SD-version) with N950U1UEU5CRG6.
After the update I noticed that in Settings - About Phone, My Phone Number is listed as UNKNOWN. I am using the phone in The Netherlands with provider Hollandsnieuwe (=Vodafone). I am certain that the actual phone number was correctly displayed prior to the FW update.
Not sure if related, but Find My Phone/Device does no longer work via Samsung or Google. Is does work through Bitdefender Anti Theft...
Anyone has this or other issue after the update? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, on my 2 Note8 dual sim, it is said : phone number⇒ unknown. And this from the beginning (on every firmwares). I'm in france using two french sim cards in the phone and i bought my phones on samsung shop. Until now, no problem, everything works great.

My branded, but unlocked 950F, as I paid for it the full price to use it as a prepaid phone displays the same, unknown number, since day one, I bought it directly from the major carrier in Mexico which is Telcel, everything works fine, all services and VoLTE

You mean like this seeing on my screenshot? This number is only visible if it's saved into your SIM card. Since a while, the carriers/operators don't write longer the numbers into the SIM card
So if you don't see it now, you never saw it before!
But there was an xposed module (if I remember right on android 4.4.2) where you can change this (showing) number.
(It don't changed your registered phone number!)
At that time I had found that thread
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...share_tid=2106490&share_fid=3793&share_type=t
That should be the correct GitHub link:
https://github.com/OXINARF/SIMNumberChanger
But it looks like there is a newer xposed module called SIMEditor - maybe that still works (when your device is rooted and xpised installed)
http://repo.xposed.info/module/com.gnufabio.simeditor
Greetings
Spoiler
Sorry for German language. The first line: Eigene Telefonnummer means "own phone number"
Don't be afraid to hit the "Thanks" button if someone helped you. It don't hurts

I've never had my phone number displayed in the information menu. As far back as the Note 3, no matter what firmware, official or custom, or even other phones. I live in South Africa. After reading @Logel's explanation, it now makes sense to me why it never showed to me, because of the way South African carriers assign numbers to customers.

OnnoJ said:
Anyone has this or other issue after the update? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's not the exact same model, but my N950F/DS shows my phone number there like normal. Not sure why it's not showing in your case though.

How does the region setting affect my phone on Android? + Europe GDPR question

Greetings everyone!
Yesterday I have finally purchased this awesome device (Mi 8) and one of my most desired feature was the face unlock. After I unboxed the package, I have sadly seen that there is no such option in the settings. After a few-minute research I have found out that face unlock is only available in a few countries (China, Russia, Indonesia, India AFAIK), which is a really dumb thing imho. (I mean, the expensive hardware is literally inside the device for nothing). So I have changed my region to Indonesia and voilá, the face unlock setting appeared in my settings (with a few extra apps as well. well at least I can download themes too). Long story short, I have browsed everything, including Play Store, websites through Chrome, etc but couldn't find any aspect where the region setting would change anything at all. No Indonesian content at all (except for 1-2 Mi apps, which I literally never use). Could anyone tell me how region setting affect my phone? I couldn't find a single answer anywhere.
Also, as far as I know some Mi services are unavailable in the EU since the GDPR regulation (Themes store, etc.). Did the company disable the face unlock for the same reason? Are there any information whether these apps + face unlock will ever be available here, in Europe?
Thanks for reading through my little tale and thanks for answering as well. Have a nice day! Mi Community rulez! :highfive:

I Think app like netflix and anything like netflix will be affected based on region... Using Indonesia region you will get content on netflix but specially for Indonesia viewer....

Hey, I just bought Xiaomi Pocophone and I'm facing the same issue, so I set my region to India and I'm looking for the same answer. Do you have any new info regarding the region settings affecting something on your device, coda00?

Matt.Murdock said:
Hey, I just bought Xiaomi Pocophone and I'm facing the same issue, so I set my region to India and I'm looking for the same answer. Do you have any new info regarding the region settings affecting something on your device, coda00?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello!
As far as I konw face unlock will be available in an uncertain time (at least that's the rumour, which I don't really believe), but I have found the perfect solution. The custom ROM called Xiaomi.eu offers the same MIUI system as the stock one, it has the same update schedule and there are no ads, or hindi/chinese content. You can also use face unlock with whatever region you want to use, since the base ROM is chinese and the ROM is hardcoded to a given region (probably Poland, but it won't affect the usage). Hope this helps. First I really didn't want to unlock my device, but boy it really does worth it for Xiaomi.eu.
EDIT: Sorry, I just realized I did not really answer your question @ShafiX94 was right, region affects some applications content, but most applications use GPS location instead of region setting, so it does not really affects usage. Instead of Xiaomi services of course, so on stock MIUI you'll see Indian content in Music player, Mi Video, Browser, etc. So every Xiaomi app ad will be hindi.

Wow, thanks . But that would mean losing my warranty, wouldn't it?

Matt.Murdock said:
Wow, thanks . But that would mean losing my warranty, wouldn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, theoretically yes. Technically, not really. You can relock the phone anytime after unlocking. It takes about 10 minutes. It is easily manageable to reverse the phone to its factory state in no time and even the service can't tell if you have ever unlocked or not. Also, they really don't care about software when it comes to hardware faults. And if it comes to software fault: well, as one of my phone repair worker friend would say: there is no software issue that couldn't be fixed at home.

coda00 said:
Well, theoretically yes. Technically, not really. You can relock the phone anytime after unlocking. It takes about 10 minutes. It is easily manageable to reverse the phone to its factory state in no time and even the service can't tell if you have ever unlocked or not. Also, they really don't care about software when it comes to hardware faults. And if it comes to software fault: well, as one of my phone repair worker friend would say: there is no software issue that couldn't be fixed at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, okay, I'll try! I was scared because last time when I unlocked my HTC I was not able to relock it! Köszönöm.

I've been messing with the Region settings and found they affect all kinds of stuff.
WIFI - if you set region to Indonesia you no longer get 5G WIFI networks
Sound/Volume - as already mentioned gets set to lower max volume in EU countries
Face Unlock - Option is not available if you set your region to USA
Application - Different applications get hidden or displayed based on region
Themes - Get the message that themes aren't available when region is set to EU
What else did I miss?

pringlet said:
I've been messing with the Region settings and found they affect all kinds of stuff.
WIFI - if you set region to Indonesia you no longer get 5G WIFI networks
Sound/Volume - as already mentioned gets set to lower max volume in EU countries
Face Unlock - Option is not available if you set your region to USA
Application - Different applications get hidden or displayed based on region
What else did I miss?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. Nice little research. I wonder why these infos can't be found anywhere. Thanks for the update. The face unlock and application part was clear but I didn't know about WiFi. Nevertheless, Xiaomi.eu is a way to go

Regional Lock

Hi There
Hopefully some insight can be shed on this topic, it would be greatly appreciated.
I've read that all you need to do is use the device in the region of purchase for 5-10 mins of local calls & then the region lock is unlocked to any world wide sim.
- is this still the case with Samsung devices?
- lets say once the device is unlocked (in country of origin) but reset a few months later in another country other than it was bought in, will the region lock be back?
Thanks

antares* said:
Hi There
Hopefully some insight can be shed on this topic, it would be greatly appreciated.
I've read that all you need to do is use the device in the region of purchase for 5-10 mins of local calls & then the region lock is unlocked to any world wide sim.
- is this still the case with Samsung devices?
- lets say once the device is unlocked (in country of origin) but reset a few months later in another country other than it was bought in, will the region lock be back?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so, the question youre asking can be answered in several ways. Firstly, the locks placed on the phones are placed by the carrier, so if your phone is truly unlocked, itll never lock on to a service provider permanently. The process you describe about using it for local calls for a few min to have it grab your carrier is CSC related and more applies to whether you can use SPay and SHealth or not. There are also subsidy locks that make carrier switching impossible without an unlock. These subsidy locks can be in the firmware or even an app that was granted root permissions making it impossible to remove on snapdragon devices outside of Odin.
I guess, what issues are you trying to avoid?

Youdoofus said:
so, the question youre asking can be answered in several ways. Firstly, the locks placed on the phones are placed by the carrier, so if your phone is truly unlocked, itll never lock on to a service provider permanently. The process you describe about using it for local calls for a few min to have it grab your carrier is CSC related and more applies to whether you can use SPay and SHealth or not. There are also subsidy locks that make carrier switching impossible without an unlock. These subsidy locks can be in the firmware or even an app that was granted root permissions making it impossible to remove on snapdragon devices outside of Odin.
I guess, what issues are you trying to avoid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly thanks for taking the time to respond. ?
So I'm not technical at these things but here's a quick background on my query.
A friend purchased a Samsung from an Asian country now while there & the box said specifically that it is made for use in that region and their sim. He's using it but won't know if it will work here till he returns. He is able to get one for me as it's much cheaper there, hence the research on the topic.
Through my search I've seen on Samsung forums people buying phones from difference regions with some able to successfully use it in their country & others not (comments vary on reasoning as to why but the use of that country local SIM seems common)
When he queried the sticker they said to just follow that calling process (I'm presuming now this is the carrier lock) However I'm not sure if there are carrier locks on the device as through my search, that country normally doesn't practice carrier locks (Service Provider) as the US or Europe does as devices are sold at any shop in Asia. So it's a bit confusing..
From your knowledge, let's say he activates & uses it for a few minutes. When he returns & I reset the device, will the lock revert back for that region or will be opened for any sim? And something that just came to mind, as the Samsung devices are regional, will this affect how updates come through or will it be based on that regional timetable for updates?
Thanks again

antares* said:
Firstly thanks for taking the time to respond.
So I'm not technical at these things but here's a quick background on my query.
A friend purchased a Samsung from an Asian country now while there & the box said specifically that it is made for use in that region and their sim. He's using it but won't know if it will work here till he returns. He is able to get one for me as it's much cheaper there, hence the research on the topic.
Through my search I've seen on Samsung forums people buying phones from difference regions with some able to successfully use it in their country & others not (comments vary on reasoning as to why but the use of that country local SIM seems common)
When he queried the sticker they said to just follow that calling process (I'm presuming now this is the carrier lock) However I'm not sure if there are carrier locks on the device as through my search, that country normally doesn't practice carrier locks (Service Provider) as the US or Europe does as devices are sold at any shop in Asia. So it's a bit confusing..
From your knowledge, let's say he activates & uses it for a few minutes. When he returns & I reset the device, will the lock revert back for that region or will be opened for any sim? And something that just came to mind, as the Samsung devices are regional, will this affect how updates come through or will it be based on that regional timetable for updates?
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
terrible questions.. i tell ya what..... TOTALLY KIDDING!!
actually very solid questions and its also great to hear people doing this kind of research prior to pulling the trigger. I commend you
Anywho, lets see.
1: What Asian country? Yes, it matters. Or if you can get the model number from the download mode screen, that would be helpful too. If you dont know how to get to the DL mode, power the phone off, hold down the volume down button along with power and itll boot to a warning screen that will say volume up to continue to download mode or volume down to reboot normally. If you cant get that kind of access to the phone (or your friend rather) then its a crap shoot as many phones being offered up like this have been found to be non-us versions or even worse, utter fakes. Buyer beware if you cant get to download mode to at least check that too. Download mode is the hardest part to fake, fwiw
2: Galaxy S devices come in 2 flavors, Snapdragon and Exynos. Well, 3 i guess, the 3rd being fake. Snapdragons are the only ones that can work on CDMA carriers such as Sprint and VZW, Exynos phones work on GSM only. SD phones can also use GSM services, but the Exynos equipped phones are GSM only. SD are not rootable, Exynos are.
3: The part about your friend using it with their SIM and having problems strictly due to that. No. So long as its a legit USA model with no financial locks on it etc etc, you will be just fine. You might have to flash a CSC file in download mode or perhaps even the entire firmware (doubt youd need to do that last part), but if its an unlocked SnapDragon model built for the US market, then youre good to go.
4: make sure it doesnt have a FRP lock enabled. As long as your friend can boot it up and get past the login screen, you should be fine.
5: The last bit about the SIM again, as long as its a legit G973U with no locks and FRP inst on, you should be good to use it on any USA carrier no matter where it was initially used.
6: updates are issues out in order of IMEI batches. Being physically in a country outside of the one that the firmware is for can and often does impede updates, but thats not a worry as updates can be easily flashed manually and once the phone is on the correct CSC and physically in the right country, then updates will go on as normal.
7: youre welcome

Youdoofus said:
terrible questions.. i tell ya what..... TOTALLY KIDDING!!
actually very solid questions and its also great to hear people doing this kind of research prior to pulling the trigger. I commend you
Anywho, lets see.
1: What Asian country? Yes, it matters. Or if you can get the model number from the download mode screen, that would be helpful too. If you dont know how to get to the DL mode, power the phone off, hold down the volume down button along with power and itll boot to a warning screen that will say volume up to continue to download mode or volume down to reboot normally. If you cant get that kind of access to the phone (or your friend rather) then its a crap shoot as many phones being offered up like this have been found to be non-us versions or even worse, utter fakes. Buyer beware if you cant get to download mode to at least check that too. Download mode is the hardest part to fake, fwiw
2: Galaxy S devices come in 2 flavors, Snapdragon and Exynos. Well, 3 i guess, the 3rd being fake. Snapdragons are the only ones that can work on CDMA carriers such as Sprint and VZW, Exynos phones work on GSM only. SD phones can also use GSM services, but the Exynos equipped phones are GSM only. SD are not rootable, Exynos are.
3: The part about your friend using it with their SIM and having problems strictly due to that. No. So long as its a legit USA model with no financial locks on it etc etc, you will be just fine. You might have to flash a CSC file in download mode or perhaps even the entire firmware (doubt youd need to do that last part), but if its an unlocked SnapDragon model built for the US market, then youre good to go.
4: make sure it doesnt have a FRP lock enabled. As long as your friend can boot it up and get past the login screen, you should be fine.
5: The last bit about the SIM again, as long as its a legit G973U with no locks and FRP inst on, you should be good to use it on any USA carrier no matter where it was initially used.
6: updates are issues out in order of IMEI batches. Being physically in a country outside of the one that the firmware is for can and often does impede updates, but thats not a worry as updates can be easily flashed manually and once the phone is on the correct CSC and physically in the right country, then updates will go on as normal.
7: youre welcome
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Firstly apologies for the long delay in response, just been crazily busy and was doing research on what you said soon I am up to scratch to what you said.
1. It is from India, and yes I am aware of fakes so any purchases will be from reputable seller's. I'll have to do some research on that because I'm sure the different Samsung models will have their own codes.
2. I believe for that region they get Exynos variants.
3. From looking at some of the Samsung models online I see the product code ends with "INS" which I'm pretty sure relates to India and that country only so probably I will have to follow the DL mode you explained for my region in changing the CSC
4. I never knew about this.. How does one make sure its not enabled? Is this in the process that relates to no.3 during the CSC change?
5. Not from the US but good to know lol
6. Perfect lol
7. Thanks again, appreciate it :good::good:

antares* said:
Firstly apologies for the long delay in response, just been crazily busy and was doing research on what you said soon I am up to scratch to what you said.no worries mate, life happens. I just hope all is well in your part of the universe
1. It is from India, and yes I am aware of fakes so any purchases will be from reputable seller's. I'll have to do some research on that because I'm sure the different Samsung models will have their own codes. booting to recovery will generally tell you if its fake or not. you cant fake knox
2. I believe for that region they get Exynos variants. i believe so too. Id just get pretty much any F variant of the phone model you want and youll likely be able to get it working from there
3. From looking at some of the Samsung models online I see the product code ends with "INS" which I'm pretty sure relates to India and that country only so probably I will have to follow the DL mode you explained for my region in changing the CSC. just stick with the F models, you can flash whatever carrier stuff you need after you have it in hand
4. I never knew about this.. How does one make sure its not enabled? Is this in the process that relates to no.3 during the CSC change? Itll show you this in the download mode screen. Itll say FRP: on or FRP: OFF
5. Not from the US but good to know lol
6. Perfect lol
7. Thanks again, appreciate it :good::good:
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always glad to help bro!