Buying Note 5 N9208 - Galaxy Note5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi I'm considering buying Note 5 N9208 version and was wondering if that's good for UK networks particular EE.
4g is essential so needs to be compatible.
Is ther much rom support for this variant too?
I'm also considering whether I should wait for note 7 or it isn't really much f an upgrade. I'm not to fussed about sd card nor water proof features.
What does interest me is the smoothness and speed. Camera is important but I've heard here's not much init.
Any good impartial advise would be useful to help me make up my mind.

Related

Help! Exynos vs Snapdragon?

Hey all. I am currently using a Galaxy S4 in the US and want to upgrade to the S10+ base storage and RAM. I will soon be going off to college so I plan to keep this phone for at least 4-5 years so I don't spend too much on a new one. I am torn between 3 different models, the Snapdragon, the Exynos Dual-Sim that will be available on Amazon, and the regular Exynos that I can get shipped from my relatives in India. I have a few questions though:
1. If I buy the Exynos models, will I still be able to get One UI 2.0 beta in the US? Since India always gets the beta, will I get it at the same time India does, or do I have to wait till the US beta opens? Will any other US features (except VoLTE and Wifi-Calling) be impacted?
2. I use T-Mobile. I read somewhere that the Exynos 9810 does not support the new 600mhz band for T-Mobile, so will the new one have support or no? This one really isn't that big of a deal just so long as I get LTE.
3. If I buy it from India, will my relatives have to put their SIM in it to activate it (does it have a regional lock)? If so, when I factory reset it, will it revert back to the regional locked state?
4. When will I get software updates? When the rest of the Exynos models get them?
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Exynos over Snapdragon besides OEM Unlock?
6. If I buy the Dual Sim model, is there good ROM support for it or only for the Single SIM Exynos?
For me OEM Unlock is a major option because of how long I will keep the phone. Thank you so much for your thoughts!
tneot01 said:
Hey all. I am currently using a Galaxy S4 in the US and want to upgrade to the S10+ base storage and RAM. I will soon be going off to college so I plan to keep this phone for at least 4-5 years so I don't spend too much on a new one. I am torn between 3 different models, the Snapdragon, the Exynos Dual-Sim that will be available on Amazon, and the regular Exynos that I can get shipped from my relatives in India. I have a few questions though:
1. If I buy the Exynos models, will I still be able to get One UI 2.0 beta in the US? Since India always gets the beta, will I get it at the same time India does, or do I have to wait till the US beta opens? Will any other US features (except VoLTE and Wifi-Calling) be impacted?
2. I use T-Mobile. I read somewhere that the Exynos 9810 does not support the new 600mhz band for T-Mobile, so will the new one have support or no? This one really isn't that big of a deal just so long as I get LTE.
3. If I buy it from India, will my relatives have to put their SIM in it to activate it (does it have a regional lock)? If so, when I factory reset it, will it revert back to the regional locked state?
4. When will I get software updates? When the rest of the Exynos models get them?
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Exynos over Snapdragon besides OEM Unlock?
6. If I buy the Dual Sim model, is there good ROM support for it or only for the Single SIM Exynos?
For me OEM Unlock is a major option because of how long I will keep the phone. Thank you so much for your thoughts!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To the best of my knowledge:
1. Yes. As for US features that depends on whether your carrier supports them on the international model.
2. You need to confirm with T-Mobile. The international model may not support all bands in the US, and vice versa
3. Nope, that shouldn't be a problem.
4. Software updates in the US are pushed through the carrier, whereas international models get them direct from Samsung. So the timeline for both may not be the same
5. Lot more development on XDA for the Exynos models, simply because they have an unlocked bootloader
6. They are basically the same with the exception of the second SIM slot. Almost all ROMs for the single sim variant should work for the dual-sim version too.
I have the EXynos Note 9 on T-Mobile usa and very happy with development, network, etc...
galaxys said:
I have the EXynos Note 9 on T-Mobile usa and very happy with development, network, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get one ui since it is already available for exynos models?
mrao said:
To the best of my knowledge:
1. Yes. As for US features that depends on whether your carrier supports them on the international model.
2. You need to confirm with T-Mobile. The international model may not support all bands in the US, and vice versa
3. Nope, that shouldn't be a problem.
4. Software updates in the US are pushed through the carrier, whereas international models get them direct from Samsung. So the timeline for both may not be the same
5. Lot more development on XDA for the Exynos models, simply because they have an unlocked bootloader
6. They are basically the same with the exception of the second SIM slot. Almost all ROMs for the single sim variant should work for the dual-sim version too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thank you! I guess ill go for the dual sim on amazon just in case the indian one is regional locked.
tneot01 said:
Did you get one ui since it is already available for exynos models?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm running one ui with Pie which made my Note 9 even better!
Still remember when my Galaxy S9 was preordered to later realise that the exynos variant suffered from severe battery loss due to soc design architecture.
Returned it within the 30 day window
S9 flopped
---------- Post added at 11:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
Finally got Android P installed and the first thing I did was a erase cache within recovery mode.
Running super fast
Exynos will probably get root and unlocked bootloader. The Snapdragon will be locked down like a puppy. So if you care about root, or development, get the Exynos. If you don't, then the Snapdragon will do.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Eudeferrer said:
Exynos will probably get root and unlocked bootloader. The Snapdragon will be locked down like a puppy. So if you care about root, or development, get the Exynos. If you don't, then the Snapdragon will do.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on previous releases you should be able to get an unlocked bootloader on the Snapdragon variant from Hong Kong. Likely less custom ROM's but no issues with battery drain or overheating, plus early benchmarks reflect the Snapdragon out performing the Exynos Chipset.
varcor said:
plus early benchmarks reflect the Snapdragon out performing the Exynos Chipset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where that at? All the ones I have seen show the opposite.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Kaliaila said:
Where that at? All the ones I have seen show the opposite.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A number of websites are reporting this, including Android Authority.
https://www-androidauthority-com.cd...apdragon-855-performance-benchmarking-942690/
varcor said:
A number of websites are reporting this, including Android Authority.
https://www-androidauthority-com.cd...apdragon-855-performance-benchmarking-942690/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't see any part of that post that dealt with Exynos 9820 that is in the S10.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Kaliaila said:
Where that at? All the ones I have seen show the opposite.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Snapdragon 855 is also outperforming the newest Exynos 9820 in benchmark testing, including the CPU's. Likely most users won't be able to notice a difference with the exception of gaming. The Snapdragon looks to be vastly better optimized in this regard. Also, we'll have a better understanding for performance metrics once the chipsets are tweaked for final release.
https://wccftech-com.cdn.ampproject...w.google.com%26amp_tf%3DFrom%2520%25251%2524s
varcor said:
The Snapdragon 855 is also outperforming the newest Exynos 9820 in benchmark testing, including the CPU's. Likely most users won't be able to notice a difference with the exception of gaming. The Snapdragon looks to be vastly better optimized in this regard. Also, we'll have a better understanding for performance metrics once the chipsets are tweaked for final release.
https://wccftech-com.cdn.ampproject...w.google.com%26amp_tf%3DFrom%2520%25251%2524s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except there are many sites getting the opposite results.
https://************/exynos-9820-be...ench-scores-almost-matches-apples-a12-bionic/
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Kaliaila said:
Except there are many sites getting the opposite results.
https://************/exynos-9820-be...ench-scores-almost-matches-apples-a12-bionic/
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For myself, unless S10/S10+ prices come in much lower than rumors suggest, these chipset comparisons won't mean much. Rumors suggest the S10+ with 512gb memory and 8gb RAM exceeds $1,400.00 USD. Not a player at that price but if I was, even if the Snapdragon 855 is anywhere close to the Exynos 9820, it would be my choice, particularly after seeing the battery drain and overheating issues associated with the Exynos devices. Sure, they'll always be the Exynos users stating they never experienced any problems however many users are/were affected as noted from postings here on XDA and elsewhere.
varcor said:
For myself, unless S10/S10+ prices come in much lower than rumors suggest, these chipset comparisons won't mean much. Rumors suggest the S10+ with 512gb memory and 8gb RAM exceeds $1,400.00 USD. Not a player at that price but if I was, even if the Snapdragon 855 is anywhere close to the Exynos 9820, it would be my choice, particularly after seeing the battery drain and overheating issues associated with the Exynos devices. Sure, they'll always be the Exynos users stating they never experienced any problems however many users are/were affected as noted from postings here on XDA and elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the claims of $1300+ prices are based off of exchange rates for pounds not off of actual US prices. It will be under $1000.
Also, the UK has a 20% VAT which is built into their prices.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
:fingers-crossed:
Kaliaila said:
All of the claims of $1300+ prices are based off of exchange rates for pounds not off of actual US prices. It will be under $1000.
Also, the UK has a 20% VAT which is built into their prices.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not according to sources from Techradar and Forbes, $1,340.00 and $1,390.00 USD respectively. It looks as though Samsung is going to reap additional profits via memory upgrades. A difference in price close to $300.00 USD between 128Gb and 512Gb. Surely a big markup considering Samsung is the largest producer of memory chips. Guessing their actual cost difference between the two is less than $50.00. And these prices are for the 4G device. Projected increase for the 5G devices is around $200.00. We'll know for certain in a couple of weeks.
varcor said:
:fingers-crossed:
Not according to sources from Techradar and Forbes, $1,340.00 and $1,390.00 USD respectively. It looks as though Samsung is going to reap additional profits via memory upgrades. A difference in price close to $300.00 USD between 128Gb and 512Gb. Surely a big markup considering Samsung is the largest producer of memory chips. Guessing their actual cost difference between the two is less than $50.00. And these prices are for the 4G device. Projected increase for the 5G devices is around $200.00. We'll know for certain in a couple of weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The sources for both of those articles are the UK prices I previously mentioned. And again the VAT was not removed. If there is any version of the S10 which will start above $1,000 it will be the Special Edition version as that will be the only one which comes with 5G in addition to it being larger in all areas (6.7 inches, 1TB storage, and 10-12GB of RAM).
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Kaliaila said:
The sources for both of those articles are the UK prices I previously mentioned. And again the VAT was not removed. If there is any version of the S10 which will start above $1,000 it will be the Special Edition version as that will be the only one which comes with 5G in addition to it being larger in all areas (6.7 inches, 1TB storage, and 10-12GB of RAM).
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish you're right but not a chance!
Don’t get the exynos variant if you want a samsung flagship phone. Never.
In my opinion, flagship phones deserve a flagship soc, and that is not exynos.
Search google for:
Samsung Galaxy Note9 Performance & Battery Showdown: Snapdragon vs Exynos
And read through the AnandTech review.

Looking to upgrade from Note 4 to Note 9, but have some questions.

So, after 4 long, fun years, my T-Mobile Note 4 finally gave up the ghost the day before yesterday. It wouldn't even turn on into any mode past the Samsung logo, and bootlooped/crashed often in the final year. I also was getting more and more EMMC errors in TWRP, I knew the Reaper was coming, just a matter of time. I'm the type of person that buys a phone and keeps it as long as possible until it dies. I'm currently using my old Note 3 that I dug out of the closet, but only until I can get the N9 next month.
This is where the questions start. I strolled into a T-Mo store today, was told I qualified for the N9 for $300 down. But just when I was about to sign the contract, a Google result indicated that US N9 variants can't be bootloader unlocked. So I'm like screw this and left. I just have to have my TWRP, custom ROM, and root.
I recently saw on Reddit that there are international N9 variants that are bootloader unlocked, sim unlocked, and have Snapdragon CPU. I know that the Exynos variants likely won't perform as well as the SD.
T-Mo has been my carrier for years, so if I get an intl SD N9 then preferably it will need to support most or all of T-Mo 4G LTE bands. I've been doing other reading on XDA as well, it's been said that Exynos N9s may have more than one of the supported bands I need, but can't seamlessly switch between the bands like the SD can. It's called carrier aggregation, I think.
One last thing, I like to run ROMs that are based on AOSP or LOS, not Sammy stock. I have discovered that the N9 is mostly Treble compatible, because it released with Oreo and Google mandated that all Android phones released with O must support Treble. However, the N9 is an ARM64 device with an A-only partition slot for system, rather than A/B. So I would have to run A-only GSIs. No big deal to me as long as I'm not using the stock firmware. I already run Treble Phh AOSP O on my Axon 7 and it does quite well.
I also discovered that Zerolemon has made a 10000mah battery case for the N9, that really piqued my interest and would seal the deal. Had been using 2 ZL batteries in my N4 and was impressed.
So, now I just need help choosing the right model. This is a phone I will use for the long haul, I want to get it right. I'm not entirely opposed to Exynos, but the SD is supposed to be faster for CPU and graphics, and should have the most compatible bands with my carrier. Buying a N9 from any carrier store in the States will get me a locked BL and that is absolutely unacceptable to me.
If someone can clue me in on which international N9 variants are SD ,BL/SIM unlockable and support the bands I need, then I would appreciate it.
Thanks alot!
Buy Note9 snapdragon because it does not compare to exynos in any chapter, it is much better. Do not worry about custom rom support, it will be much better with the passing of time but with PIE the phone is impeccable with snapdragon. On exynos they returned to Oreo because the processor is not as gourmet as Pie.
@michelino159: Thanks for the reply but.....I was already planning to buy N9 Snapdragon instead of Exynos. But custom ROMs/root/TWRP are a must for me. I'm just confused in regards to which international variant is the right one for me. Clearly, the US versions won't do.
Things are not as heavy as they seem. You only have to decide. Good luck!

5G variant question

I currently have a Galaxy S5. Due to cost of phones, I only buy them when I NEED a new one. Anyways… Now is time for a new phone. I’ve been looking at the S10 and figured I would wait for the 5g variant as it will be better down the road than buying a 4G version.
I read that the 5G variant does not have a SD card slot. How do I move files between phones? PC to phone without one? I’m used to having my files on the card and simply moving the SD card from phone to phone…
Does anyone know if this is a direction that Samsung will be going with other phones as well? I like Samsung and want to stay with the brand, but want an SD card Slot. What do folks recommend I get if not the S10 5G. Maybe the 4G since it will be some time before 5G makes it to the east coast? When 5G goes nationwide, get a 5G phone?
beavermjr said:
I currently have a Galaxy S5. Due to cost of phones, I only buy them when I NEED a new one. Anyways… Now is time for a new phone. I’ve been looking at the S10 and figured I would wait for the 5g variant as it will be better down the road than buying a 4G version.
I read that the 5G variant does not have a SD card slot. How do I move files between phones? PC to phone without one? I’m used to having my files on the card and simply moving the SD card from phone to phone…
Does anyone know if this is a direction that Samsung will be going with other phones as well? I like Samsung and want to stay with the brand, but want an SD card Slot. What do folks recommend I get if not the S10 5G. Maybe the 4G since it will be some time before 5G makes it to the east coast? When 5G goes nationwide, get a 5G phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's always Dropbox or Google Drive.i use Dropbox quite often for moving files.
That's not exactly what I was looking for. I will not buy a phone without the SD card Slot.
My first thought was to upgrade the S5 I have to android 6 with root so apps work again. Some need Android 6 at a minimum. This would give me time to keep searching an hopefully elevate the lag and bugs that have found their way into my phone. This way I keep my phone until more 5G phones hit the market. Best of all, It costs me nothing.
I then thought of getting a 4G S10 but when 5G hits, I'm then gonna have to buy a new phone in order to take advantages of faster speeds. That might not be such a bad thing as it will be a while before 5G hits and in that time hopefully some phones with better specs than the S10 5G are released. Part of me thinks its a bit early to jump on 5G since the network is not yet available and even when it is, there may not be many apps or services that NEED 5G.
I guess I'm kind of talking my self into a 4G S10 and holding off on 5G until it been out for a while and there is a need to make the switch. What do you folks think?
beavermjr said:
That's not exactly what I was looking for. I will not buy a phone without the SD card Slot.
My first thought was to upgrade the S5 I have to android 6 with root so apps work again. Some need Android 6 at a minimum. This would give me time to keep searching an hopefully elevate the lag and bugs that have found their way into my phone. This way I keep my phone until more 5G phones hit the market. Best of all, It costs me nothing.
I then thought of getting a 4G S10 but when 5G hits, I'm then gonna have to buy a new phone in order to take advantages of faster speeds. That might not be such a bad thing as it will be a while before 5G hits and in that time hopefully some phones with better specs than the S10 5G are released. Part of me thinks its a bit early to jump on 5G since the network is not yet available and even when it is, there may not be many apps or services that NEED 5G.
I guess I'm kind of talking my self into a 4G S10 and holding off on 5G until it been out for a while and there is a need to make the switch. What do you folks think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the real question you have to ask yourself is will 5G make any really inroads in the next 3 years where you live just because the technologies are ratified and carriers are making some noises I would not expect to see significant roll outs in anywhere outside of major cities for a good couple of years at least,
Thanks. I didn't know that 5G is that far away. I'm in Albany, NY and not a major city. Knowing that, I will go with a 4G variant. Now to decide which size and processor I want.
I am in a similar boat, but I am now considering waiting to see whether the note 10 pro's 5g variant has an sd card or not.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
You can easily transfer files from your phone by plugging it in with the cable provided to your PC, or use AirDroid. I was concerned about 5G at the very beginning and realized it's not going to be fully developed for another few years and from what I've been reading it's only going to be in densely populated areas.

Question Is it worth getting snapdragon?

Hello guys,
I am planning to buy S21 Ultra, after reading some older reviews and watching some videos I was wondering if I should get snapdragon (according to some reviews a better one) version or exynos? I am based in Europe.
Is there still big difference (or any) in performance, camera and battery?
Also, will there be any problems using snapdragon version in EU?
Airys said:
Hello guys,
I am planning to buy S21 Ultra, after reading some older reviews and watching some videos I was wondering if I should get snapdragon (according to some reviews a better one) version or exynos? I am based in Europe.
Is there still big difference (or any) in performance, camera and battery?
Also, will there be any problems using snapdragon version in EU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
There are not such a big difference in performance ( that you can really notice in your daily use) to say one is better than the other
You can root both but exynos is "easier", if you live in europe the exynos may be a better option , there is no european firmware for the SD , even though both firmware should work fine , the snapdragon firmware may be a little more limited as 4G and 5G bands are not all the same and maybe an specific carrier service may not be available due to the CSC
Depending on how you source it (a different country, across oceans, etc), warranty might be hard to take advantage of (you might have to get it repaired in the country of origin).
Airys said:
Hello guys,
I am planning to buy S21 Ultra, after reading some older reviews and watching some videos I was wondering if I should get snapdragon (according to some reviews a better one) version or exynos? I am based in Europe.
Is there still big difference (or any) in performance, camera and battery?
Also, will there be any problems using snapdragon version in EU?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on what you want your device to manage. If Call Features and 5G are priorities then aquire your Service Provider's device.
If you're going to run a stock Android go with the Snapdragon.
Exynos vs Snapdragon Processors - Which one is the better choice you? Find out
Exynos vs Snapdragon. Which one to choose? This question is in the minds of all Android smartphone users. Read on find out which one is suitable for you.
www.google.com

General OnePlus 10 Pro global launch officially scheduled, US pre-orders live right now

FYI....note pre order looks kinda strange?
OnePlus 10 Pro global launch officially scheduled, US pre-orders live right now
The highly anticipated global launch of the OnePlus 10 Pro is finally right around the corner, and the company is teasing some kind of a surprise.
www.phonearena.com
Considering the US versions had the physical second SIM slot removed in the 9's. I wonder if OnePlus is going to continue that with the 10's. JerryRig's video of the Chinese version breaking easily during his bend test really doesn't inspire me to want to pre-order it, even with only a dollar down.
jcsww said:
Considering the US versions had the physical second SIM slot removed in the 9's. I wonder if OnePlus is going to continue that with the 10's. JerryRig's video of the Chinese version breaking easily during his bend test really doesn't inspire me to want to pre-order it, even with only a dollar down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question about dual SIM. I bought a dual SIM tray for my 9 Pro but never managed to get it fully working. It'd be nice if the 10 Pro at least has a way to enable it.
No 12G/256G variant in the US for now. I'll pass!
Reading reviews it seems worse than the 9 Pro in alot of ways and better in a couple. I don't think it's worth getting it especially with Oxygen being basically Color OS now.
All of the cameras are the same as the 9 Pro with the exception of the ultra-wide. For the US market, it's a downgrade in terms of RAM with only the 8GB/256GB version being released currently. I doubt we will see any bend tests on it until close to the Easter launch date in the US. OnePlus is definitely pulling a Samsung here, in my opinion. New model, same old hardware from the previous device for the most part. US models will more than likely not be possible to convert to dual-SIM just like with the 9/9 Pro's. The b/s marketing speak about not being able to deliver 80W fast charging in US models is purely a crock!
Personally, to get me to buy a new device from OnePlus. I want 16GB/512GB variant T-Mobile US model that is possible to convert to dual-SIM. Why? I need to domestically roam on to the US Cellular network as a T-Mobile customer and only devices purchased directly from T-Mobile are permitted to roam on US Cellular (US Cellular roaming requirement). I also carry a Canadian SIM that roams in the US and I don't like carrying two phones. All of the cameras need to be significantly improved and no more stupid holes in the screen. A larger 6.8" screen or maybe even a 6.9" would be something I would hope to eventually see. They have pretty much been using the same screens since the 7 Pro's for the Pro devices. The SnapDragon Gen 1 throttles due to excessive heat on almost all devices using it.

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