Database Develop

Question about the bootloader for the S8 (T Mobile)

So I am looking forward to buy the S8 and I do want the unlocked bootloader. I heard that if you buy an S8 or S8+ from T Mobile then you get the U variant instead of T. Is it true? Because as far as I know the S8 and S8+ US variants got the U after the numbers which shows that the bootloader is unlocked.

T-mobile bootloader on the s8/s8+ is locked

KidKnowsTech said:
So I am looking forward to buy the S8 and I do want the unlocked bootloader. I heard that if you buy an S8 or S8+ from T Mobile then you get the U variant instead of T. Is it true? Because as far as I know the S8 and S8+ US variants got the U after the numbers which shows that the bootloader is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every North American model is the U model, simply with different firmware. Whether you buy a carrier version or the US unlocked model (U1) they are all quite literally the very same U model. This means you CAN do carrier switching, with some work (for instance, install firmware from T-Mobile on to an unlocked model, or Verizon, or whatever) - this DOES NOT however, SIM unlock the device. There was misinformation on the internet that the model numbers would be like they were in the past, but it's not true. If you buy a T-Mobile model, it's the G950U, just like it's the G950U on Verizon and all other carriers (no longer are there "T" models, "V" models, etc). The unlocked model is the G950U1, but it's still the very same model, so the firmwares are interchangeable.
Currently, there is no known way to unlock the bootloader. As of this week, root is available (with some caveats), but no way to unlock the bootloader. The only models you can do that with are the international Exynos models, and the more rare Hong Kong Snapdragon model. I sincerely doubt we'll ever be able to unlock the bootloader, but I'd love to see the XDA community make it happen.

Damn, I guess the International version is better.

The U = carrier unlocked. Not unlockable bootloader. Besides most glass Mashers and text-while-driving people don't even know what the heck a bootloader is lol

Bootloader ? oem
I have been thinking about get a S8+, now my wife's S7 phone and tab S2 tablet you just go to developer options and turn on oem unlock dose the S8 not have that?

brightjh01 said:
I have been thinking about get a S8+, now my wife's S7 phone and tab S2 tablet you just go to developer options and turn on oem unlock dose the S8 not have that?
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Click to collapse
No

stmims1124 said:
Every North American model is the U model, simply with different firmware. Whether you buy a carrier version or the US unlocked model (U1) they are all quite literally the very same U model. This means you CAN do carrier switching, with some work (for instance, install firmware from T-Mobile on to an unlocked model, or Verizon, or whatever) - this DOES NOT however, SIM unlock the device. There was misinformation on the internet that the model numbers would be like they were in the past, but it's not true. If you buy a T-Mobile model, it's the G950U, just like it's the G950U on Verizon and all other carriers (no longer are there "T" models, "V" models, etc). The unlocked model is the G950U1, but it's still the very same model, so the firmwares are interchangeable.
Currently, there is no known way to unlock the bootloader. As of this week, root is available (with some caveats), but no way to unlock the bootloader. The only models you can do that with are the international Exynos models, and the more rare Hong Kong Snapdragon model. I sincerely doubt we'll ever be able to unlock the bootloader, but I'd love to see the XDA community make it happen.
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So what you are basically saying is, 950U s8 models even though unlocked can only be used on other US carries and not internationally??

captainkbj said:
So what you are basically saying is, 950U s8 models even though unlocked can only be used on other US carries and not internationally??
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No, you should be able to use the U1 (North American implied variant) internationally, mostly without issue. I believe it supports most, if not all GSM/LTE bands (CDMA may be a different story). I was just saying you cannot unlock the bootloader on the North American models... Different than SIM/Carrier unlock

Note 8 Unlocked bootloader with Snapdragon

I've read that Snapdragon 835 performs better in the Note8 than the Exynos chip so I'm interested in getting Snapdragon... so long as it has an unlocked bootloader.
I know for the regular S8 phones you can get the Hong Kong edition that comes with the 835 and an unlocked bootloader... does anyone know if that's still the case with the Note8?

samlazaz said:
I've read that Snapdragon 835 performs better in the Note8 than the Exynos chip so I'm interested in getting Snapdragon... so long as it has an unlocked bootloader.
I know for the regular S8 phones you can get the Hong Kong edition that comes with the 835 and an unlocked bootloader... does anyone know if that's still the case with the Note8?
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Click to collapse
I'd check your sources mate
The Exynos chip outperforms the snapdragon is most situations

And hear we go...... 1st I like snapdragon it been good for me and it has cdma and gsm Abilities. Exynos don't but don't quote me on that. Yes exynos have unlock bootloader and snapdragon dont... It is not Samsung's fault is the Carrier's fault.. You see if the bootloader and was on unlock, you could take your note phone to any carrier you want to. So the carrier would lose money a lot... It just there to keep you in the loop .. but please let's Answer this man's question

Ry2mkk said:
I'd check your sources mate
The Exynos chip outperforms the snapdragon is most situations
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Generally true but in this case the Snapdragon slightly edges the Exynos in performance (benchmarks) but Exynos showing better efficiency.
They are very close though, not something anyone would be able to notice.
To answer the question I doubt we will see a Snapdragon unlock but I certainly hope so.

milan187 said:
Generally true but in this case the Snapdragon slightly edges the Exynos in performance (benchmarks) but Exynos showing better efficiency.
They are very close though, not something anyone would be able to notice.
To answer the question I doubt we will see a Snapdragon unlock but I certainly hope so.
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All the benchmarks i have seen this isnt the case ? Could you provide a link ?
https://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-note-8-benchmarks-hint-at-something-interesting-14494981/
Its the same as how it was with the Galaxy S8 and S8+...Exynos performed better.

smiley45 said:
And hear we go...... 1st I like snapdragon it been good for me and it has cdma and gsm Abilities. Exynos don't but don't quote me on that. Yes exynos have unlock bootloader and snapdragon dont... It is not Samsung's fault is the Carrier's fault.. You see if the bootloader and was on unlock, you could take your note phone to any carrier you want to. So the carrier would lose money a lot... It just there to keep you in the loop .. but please let's Answer this man's question
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Hi, sorry but you're wrong. In my country (Algeria) all band it's cdma and all Samsung (like s8 or note 8) have exynos and work like a charm. I speak about original Samsung house. And of course I have the note 8 exynos and for me it's better than snapdragon... So exynos it's compatible with gsm and cdma

Lykeul said:
Hi, sorry but you're wrong. In my country (Algeria) all band it's cdma and all Samsung (like s8 or note 8) have exynos and work like a charm. I speak about original Samsung house. And of course I have the note 8 exynos and for me it's better than snapdragon... So exynos it's compatible with gsm and cdma
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of the networks in Algeria (Djezzy, Mobilis or Ooredoo) use CDMA, they're all GSM based.

murtaza02 said:
None of the networks in Algeria (Djezzy, Mobilis or Ooredoo) use CDMA, they're all GSM based.
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Of course but all phone is CDMA compatible and exynos
He speaking about phone he say exynos don't support CDMA

smiley45 said:
And hear we go...... 1st I like snapdragon it been good for me and it has cdma and gsm Abilities. Exynos don't but don't quote me on that. Yes exynos have unlock bootloader and snapdragon dont... It is not Samsung's fault is the Carrier's fault.. You see if the bootloader and was on unlock, you could take your note phone to any carrier you want to. So the carrier would lose money a lot... It just there to keep you in the loop .. but please let's Answer this man's question
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Click to collapse
I had an unlocked Int'l exynos Note 5 and it worked on At&t gsm phone. I'm currently using the Note 8 snapdragon unlocked version on At&t. I can use this phone on any carrier in the US. Unlocked doesn't mean the bootloader is unlocked. The unlocked snapdragon Note 8 bootloader is locked and that maybe at the demand of the US major carriers..... not sure.

Performance Comparison
Here is the link comparting 835 to the 8895:
anandtech.com/show/11540/samsung-galaxy-s8-exynos-versus-snapdragon
It’s only when running system-level tests such as PCMark, which runs more realistic workloads that use standard Android API calls, where these effects become evident and where we see a noticeable difference in performance between the two S8 models. The S835 S8 performs almost 30% better than the E8895 model overall in PCMark, with a 49% advantage in the Writing test where thread migration between the little and big clusters plays a prominent role.
...If you’re upgrading from a previous Android or Galaxy phone, especially one that predates the S7, the Galaxy S8’s performance and battery life will not disappoint, no matter which SoC is used. Between these two, however, across all of the tests I've run, the S835 model is certainly the better of the two in terms of those metrics.
If anyone knows about the bootloaders of the Hong Kong model, please let me know!

Ry2mkk said:
I'd check your sources mate
The Exynos chip outperforms the snapdragon is most situations
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Click to collapse
See post #10 below for source (Anandtech). I know historically that was the case, but apparently with the 835 it's a different story.

samlazaz said:
See post #10 below for source (Anandtech). I know historically that was the case, but apparently with the 835 it's a different story.
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Click to collapse
Ah ok
Well. That sucks!
Suprising.

The F version is the snapdragon version, right? Or is the F version Exynos now?

smiley45 said:
And hear we go...... 1st I like snapdragon it been good for me and it has cdma and gsm Abilities. Exynos don't but don't quote me on that. Yes exynos have unlock bootloader and snapdragon dont... It is not Samsung's fault is the Carrier's fault.. You see if the bootloader and was on unlock, you could take your note phone to any carrier you want to. So the carrier would lose money a lot... It just there to keep you in the loop .. but please let's Answer this man's question
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Click to collapse
If the carriers were the principal then the unbranded variant of the Snapdragon note 8 wouldn't be locked.

It's not the carriers, it's Qualcomm.

Not to detract from our current root, but is there anything that we can do as far as development towards unlocking our bootloader or are we basically just waiting (hoping) for a devleak? Sorry for my ignorance I haven't been following xda as much these days

jlear3 said:
Not to detract from our current root, but is there anything that we can do as far as development towards unlocking our bootloader or are we basically just waiting (hoping) for a devleak? Sorry for my ignorance I haven't been following xda as much these days
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Click to collapse
It seems technically possible but rather unlikely. I found this article on the S7 that's an interesting read: https://www.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7-bootloader-lock-explained-you-might-not-get-aosp-after-all/

What, Seriously?
sefrcoko said:
It's not the carriers, it's Qualcomm.
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Click to collapse
Never heard of this dating back to GingerBread. Perhaps the SoC or Modem, but never relating to the BootLoader. I would appreciate a reference link on this. Very interested...
Apparently this can be done... Did not know...

Hong Kong versions are all snapdragon for the note8. Not sure what's going on with unlock and stuff for hk versions, seems to be nothing on the hk and Chinese sites on 835 unlock/root yet

smiley45 said:
And hear we go...... 1st I like snapdragon it been good for me and it has cdma and gsm Abilities. Exynos don't but don't quote me on that. Yes exynos have unlock bootloader and snapdragon dont... It is not Samsung's fault is the Carrier's fault.. You see if the bootloader and was on unlock, you could take your note phone to any carrier you want to. So the carrier would lose money a lot... It just there to keep you in the loop .. but please let's Answer this man's question
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Click to collapse
Umm bootloader has nothing to do with simlock. My Note has a locked bootloader but I am sim unlocked so I can go to whatever carrier I want, I just cant boot any rom I want.

[Q] Which version should I get?

After a few years with my Samsung Galaxy Note Edge (AT&T) [SM-N915A], which wasn't bad until the last 6 months and then the inability to root it made it worse, I want to make my next upgrade worth it. I'm waiting for the 500 Gb version, and I want to be able to root it.
Of course, my eyes are on the Note 9, but which version should I buy?
International (SM-N960F)
International (SM-N960F/DS)
Unlocked
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
U. S. Celular
Verizon
https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/reserve/

jorgepr13 said:
After a few years with my Samsung Galaxy Note Edge (AT&T) [SM-N915A], which wasn't bad until the last 6 months and then the inability to root it made it worse, I want to make my next upgrade worth it. I'm waiting for the 500 Gb version, and I want to be able to root it.
Of course, my eyes are on the Note 9, but which version should I buy?
International (SM-N960F)
International (SM-N960F/DS)
Unlocked
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
U. S. Celular
Verizon
https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/reserve/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
International because it gets updates faster
And it has more development support (custom roms, kernels, etc)
Also ive been in this situation with the at&t note 4 ?
Looks like at&t doesnt want us to root our devices
So dont get at&t

jorgepr13 said:
After a few years with my Samsung Galaxy Note Edge (AT&T) [SM-N915A], which wasn't bad until the last 6 months and then the inability to root it made it worse, I want to make my next upgrade worth it. I'm waiting for the 500 Gb version, and I want to be able to root it.
Of course, my eyes are on the Note 9, but which version should I buy?
International (SM-N960F)
International (SM-N960F/DS)
Unlocked
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
U. S. Celular
Verizon
https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/reserve/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply put, If root is what you seek on Samsung devices these days, Don't get any of the U.S. carrier editions of the phone.
All of the U.S. Samsung devices ship with Snapdragons and Samsung has ultimately decided to lock all bootloaders on them as well, That's not to say that a Dev won't attempt to work on atleast a root method for Snapdragon devices but with a locked bootloader you won't be able to do much.
Samsung's also implemented a rather interesting tactic to deter rooting on Snapdragon devices, When they're rooted, The device will no longer be able to charge to 100% and instead will default to 80% only.
This can be demonstrated on the S8 and the Note 8.
The S9 Snapdragon U.S. variants still don't have root to this day, When and if it ever does, that same method may be usable to figure out the Note 9 as well, But don't get your Hope's up.
Now for the international and Unlocked devices they ship with an Exynos and subsequently unlocked bootloaders which allows for the creation of Mods, Roms, And the various other things most people root for nowadays.
All in all, You want an Exynos equipped Note 9, Hope this is useful for you.

Thanks,
Almost right after the the post I came upon this article
https://highonandroid.com/android-deals/best-deals-on-galaxy-note-9-new-galaxy-phones/
it goes a bit more in depth, covering GSM vs CDMA, when and where to buy it.

It seems that the Latin America Galaxy S9 and S9+ (SM-G9650) both had Snapdragon processors with an unlockable bootloader. You could then Odin firmware on them to be able to use them on Verizon, At&t, and T-mobile. I hope they will release a Snapdragon model of the Note 9 as well in Latin America! I need an unlocked bootloader on Verizon for sure.

Critical Detox said:
Simply put, If root is what you seek on Samsung devices these days, Don't get any of the U.S. carrier editions of the phone.
All of the U.S. Samsung devices ship with Snapdragons and Samsung has ultimately decided to lock all bootloaders on them as well, That's not to say that a Dev won't attempt to work on atleast a root method for Snapdragon devices but with a locked bootloader you won't be able to do much.
Samsung's also implemented a rather interesting tactic to deter rooting on Snapdragon devices, When they're rooted, The device will no longer be able to charge to 100% and instead will default to 80% only.
This can be demonstrated on the S8 and the Note 8.
The S9 Snapdragon U.S. variants still don't have root to this day, When and if it ever does, that same method may be usable to figure out the Note 9 as well, But don't get your Hope's up.
Now for the international and Unlocked devices they ship with an Exynos and subsequently unlocked bootloaders which allows for the creation of Mods, Roms, And the various other things most people root for nowadays.
All in all, You want an Exynos equipped Note 9, Hope this is useful for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesnt matter anymore which type of note 9 you get, because there is gonna be root protection where imei and network flies if you root, like the a8 on oreo
And also i agree with you, US carriers (especially at&t) prevent root all the way up to the fact that you cant root at all (the at&t note4 has no root but all the other note 4's have root)

will an international work on USA carriers?

oneandroidnut said:
will an international work on USA carriers?
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Click to collapse
Yep, if its unlocked, if you lived in canada, it wont matter if its unlocked or not because you can unlock for free in canada

SaboorTheCool said:
Yep, if its unlocked, if you lived in canada, it wont matter if its unlocked or not because you can unlock for free in canada
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Click to collapse
hmm wonder if it will work on verizon

oneandroidnut said:
hmm wonder if it will work on verizon
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And i wonder which infinity wallpaper will be featured on the note 9

I'm interested in the unlocked version instead of the T-Mobile, but I've read that the bands are not the same and wifi calling doesn't work. I'm over flashing ROM's, so that isn't an option for me. I'll probably get the carrier branded one to make sure I get the 600 band and wifi calling.

Semantics said:
I'm interested in the unlocked version instead of the T-Mobile, but I've read that the bands are not the same and wifi calling doesn't work. I'm over flashing ROM's, so that isn't an option for me. I'll probably get the carrier branded one to make sure I get the 600 band and wifi calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can though unlock the phone by visiting canada ? because you can unlock phones here in canada for free

SaboorTheCool said:
You can though unlock the phone by visiting canada because you can unlock phones here in canada for free
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Click to collapse
I can unlock the phone here for free. Why go to Canada? I buy my phones for cash. I'm not stuck with a locked phone. The only reason I would go with the non-branded unlocked phone is the lack of bloatware.

Semantics said:
I can unlock the phone here for free. Why go to Canada? I buy my phones for cash. I'm not stuck with a locked phone. The only reason I would go with the non-branded unlocked phone is the lack of bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash CSC from the non-carrier version

oneandroidnut said:
hmm wonder if it will work on verizon
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Absolutely not
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

force70 said:
Absolutely not
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
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Click to collapse
I have the old gUDP plan so I need a phone that does NOT check for hotspot eligibility. I understand the unlocked Note 8 did NOT check, so it's likely the unlocked Note 9 would be okay as well. So I'm definitely stuck with the US unlocked version, right?
Geez, I kind of hate both Verizon and Samsung, but I want to stay on gUDP and want a good phone that will work for me out of the box.

geoclooney said:
I have the old gUDP plan so I need a phone that does NOT check for hotspot eligibility. I understand the unlocked Note 8 did NOT check, so it's likely the unlocked Note 9 would be okay as well. So I'm definitely stuck with the US unlocked version, right?
Geez, I kind of hate both Verizon and Samsung, but I want to stay on gUDP and want a good phone that will work for me out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have gUDP plan on verizon and wondering same thing, do i get verizon note or unlocked??

oneandroidnut said:
I also have gUDP plan on verizon and wondering same thing, do i get verizon note or unlocked??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding:
Verizon model WILL check for hotspot eligibility and thus won't work for us.
International unlocked models will not work on Verizon's network.
Therefore, we're stuck with the US Unlocked model. It has a locked bootloader, and thus may never be rootable, but will work with Verizon and NOT check hotspot eligibility.
To be clear, at this point I just think it's very likely the US Unlocked model will NOT check hotspot eligibility. I will probably wait to confirm that before I pull the trigger.

geoclooney said:
My understanding:
Verizon model WILL check for hotspot eligibility and thus won't work for us.
International unlocked models will not work on Verizon's network.
Therefore, we're stuck with the US Unlocked model. It has a locked bootloader, and thus may never be rootable, but will work with Verizon and NOT check hotspot eligibility.
To be clear, at this point I just think it's very likely the US Unlocked model will NOT check hotspot eligibility. I will probably wait to confirm that before I pull the trigger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So unlocked model it is? And also does the 512 gb version come with 8 gb of ram in USA?

oneandroidnut said:
So unlocked model it is? And also does the 512 gb version come with 8 gb of ram in USA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

[Q] Unlocked from Samsung or Branded S10?

I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John

Same thoughts here - do I get up at 12am ET and preorder with AT&T or go with Samsung (who haven't confirmed on their site the timing of preorders at all)

Branded Snapdragon WILL be locked down and no root. If you care about root, get unlocked.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL

so by the responses, its best to buy it straight from the Samsung website?

With the S9, updates came quicker on the branded versions. Development is usually lacking on the Snapdragon models as well, no matter the version.

jcbofkc said:
I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Snapdragon will not get root, the unlocked US version will be Snapdragon so if you want root you would want to buy Exynos version. The software updates are a bit slower with unlocked Snapdragon version due to Samsung testing updates to work on all carriers not just one. Hope that help.

Eudeferrer said:
Branded Snapdragon WILL be locked down and no root. If you care about root, get unlocked.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use secure folder and root yet? I can't give up secure folder. I tried using a V30 during the note fiasco and there is nothing like secure folder.

s10+ with unlocked bootloader and than it does not matter which chip it has.

x111 said:
s10+ with unlocked bootloader and than it does not matter which chip it has,
will finally replace this trash oneplus6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, no. Assuming both SD and Exynos versions have unlocked bootloaders, you cannot flash a ROM meant for the Exynos version on the SD version. They are different models.
The SD version of the Galaxy S line does not get the same ROM support as the Exynos version. A quick glimpse at the support for the S8+/S9 will confirm this The Exynos version will be easily unlocked and will have plenty of development. The SD version will be lucky to have root.
OP: if you care about unlocked bootloaders, you should get the international variant. There's been much debate about the two versions and their performance in the past, but the selling point is bootloader unlocking. Exynos version means easy unlock, SD means no unlock.
For me, I'm excited as hell about the S10 and the Galaxy buds. However, I am very happy with my 6T and Mi Mix 3. I'll wait until the international model is released.

Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!

Birdsfan said:
The Snapdragon will not get root, the unlocked US version will be Snapdragon so if you want root you would want to buy Exynos version. The software updates are a bit slower with unlocked Snapdragon version due to Samsung testing updates to work on all carriers not just one. Hope that help.
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Not true, Snapdragon has had and likely will continue to have unlocked bootloader on international variants.
---------- Post added at 10:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:06 AM ----------
jcbofkc said:
I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy the unlocked device it will have less bloatware however it's doubtful you'll have Wifi Calling and voLTE on T-mobile's network. Carrier devices usually get updates sooner but not that much sooner than the rest. Unlocked is not Bootloader Unlocked, there's a difference. Based on previous releases, most International variant's with the exception of South Korean devices, be it Exynos or Snapdragon SoC's will have an unlocked bootloader. Exynos variants will have more custom ROM's. Hope this helps!
---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 AM ----------
AhsanU said:
Uh, no. Assuming both SD and Exynos versions have unlocked bootloaders, you cannot flash a ROM meant for the Exynos version on the SD version. They are different models.
The SD version of the Galaxy S line does not get the same ROM support as the Exynos version. A quick glimpse at the support for the S8+/S9 will confirm this The Exynos version will be easily unlocked and will have plenty of development. The SD version will be lucky to have root.
OP: if you care about unlocked bootloaders, you should get the international variant. There's been much debate about the two versions and their performance in the past, but the selling point is bootloader unlocking. Exynos version means easy unlock, SD means no unlock.
For me, I'm excited as hell about the S10 and the Galaxy buds. However, I am very happy with my 6T and Mi Mix 3. I'll wait until the international model is released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, International variants (China/Hong Kong/Latin America) with Snapdragon chipsets have an unlocked bootloader.
---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------
AhsanU said:
Uh, no. Assuming both SD and Exynos versions have unlocked bootloaders, you cannot flash a ROM meant for the Exynos version on the SD version. They are different models.
The SD version of the Galaxy S line does not get the same ROM support as the Exynos version. A quick glimpse at the support for the S8+/S9 will confirm this The Exynos version will be easily unlocked and will have plenty of development. The SD version will be lucky to have root.
OP: if you care about unlocked bootloaders, you should get the international variant. There's been much debate about the two versions and their performance in the past, but the selling point is bootloader unlocking. Exynos version means easy unlock, SD means no unlock.
For me, I'm excited as hell about the S10 and the Galaxy buds. However, I am very happy with my 6T and Mi Mix 3. I'll wait until the international model is released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, International variants (China/Hong Kong/Latin America) with Snapdragon chipsets have an unlocked bootloader.
---------- Post added at 10:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------
djinn415 said:
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the country, Exynos isn't available on the US Samsung site. Recent benchmarks have Exynos winning Single Core and Snapdragon winning Multi Core and Antutu as well. For AI, 5G and other applications the Snapdragon is the superior chipset. In the S9, the Exynos had battery drain and overheating issues for some users due to Samsung's focus on Single Core performance.

No US device will have an unlocked bootloader. because all US devices have the Snapdragon SoC. Qualcomm has Samsung over the barrel thanks to Verizon/Sprint. Unfortunately, Snapdragon based phone = locked bootloader. The "unlocked" version simply has no SIM locks and runs a non-carrier branded software image, but is electrically identical to the carrier versions. Which is good, because...
If the trend holds, you will be able to load the unlocked firmware onto a carrier branded device and get the best of both worlds - mostly. You obviously lose the carrier specific features, and it will still be SIM locked, but it will behave just like an unlocked device otherwise. This lets you get the carrier deals, pay it out over time on your regular bill, etc. while getting an "unlocked" device with zero carrier bloat, monitoring, etc.
As for root, it's hardly worth it. Yes, someone will leak an engineering bootloader and it will probably allow root - but it will have so many debugger cores in it that it will make the phone instantly feel two generations older than it really is, the battery life will be horrible, and you won't get to use a lot of the cool new features.

jshamlet said:
No US device will have an unlocked bootloader. because all US devices have the Snapdragon SoC. Qualcomm has Samsung over the barrel thanks to Verizon/Sprint. Unfortunately, Snapdragon based phone = locked bootloader. The "unlocked" version simply has no SIM locks and runs a non-carrier branded software image, but is electrically identical to the carrier versions. Which is good, because...
If the trend holds, you will be able to load the unlocked firmware onto a carrier branded device and get the best of both worlds - mostly. You obviously lose the carrier specific features, and it will still be SIM locked, but it will behave just like an unlocked device otherwise. This lets you get the carrier deals, pay it out over time on your regular bill, etc. while getting an "unlocked" device with zero carrier bloat, monitoring, etc.
As for root, it's hardly worth it. Yes, someone will leak an engineering bootloader and it will probably allow root - but it will have so many debugger cores in it that it will make the phone instantly feel two generations older than it really is, the battery life will be horrible, and you won't get to use a lot of the cool new features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, with the current state of Android, there usually is no need to root things. Even system wide ad blocking can be done reliably with apps such as Blokada. I haven't rooted an Android device in over 3 years. Also, an unlocked bootloader can make your device more vulnerable to exploits. To me at least, these days security is more important than the ability to highly customize my device. I also feel like smartphones are more of a commodity nowadays, and I just want something that works reliably without annoying bugs that you always encounter with Custom ROMs where more often than not it's a half-assed job and you're flashing updates 6 times a week. Just not worth it IMO, but that's just me.

Thank you for all the thoughtful responses and feedback. Much appreciated. Since my company is literally located in a cave 100 to 300ft below ground, I need wifi calling. Thank you.

djinn415 said:
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on where you're located when you order. Samsung.com in the US will only get you the Snapdragon. I imagine you can order the International version off Amazon with no warranty like you could with the S9.

jcbofkc said:
I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also on T-Mobile, and I plan on getting the S10+, but debating whether to get the unlocked version vs T-Mobile version.
While I haven't seen any confirmed and detailed information anywhere on the exact differences between the US S10 variants (unlocked and carrier-specific firmware), I have been following the threads on the Note 9. IF (and this is a strong IF, so it would be helpful if someone can confirm) the same applies to S10, here's what I've gathered so far (on the note9):
- All US unlocked/carrier variants of the same S10/S10e/S10+ are the same in hardware, only different in firmware.
- While this is an unofficial process, you can change between unlocked and carrier firmwares using Odin without needing to root. Apparently, this doesn't trip Knox, and other posters have mentioned that it *shouldn't* (but I can't confirm) void your warranty.
-All US variants, including unlocked variant, historically had locked bootloaders.
-With TMobile version, you typically have the TMobile power-up splash screen, some pre-installed TMobile apps (although not many compared to other carriers), you have integrated TMobile digits and visual voicemail, you have RCS texting, you have video calling to other TMobile users, you get updates slightly sooner, and you have carrier aggregation with mobile connectivity (so reception can be stronger and faster in some cases). Also, the phone would be SIM-locked to T-Mobile, but if you buy it at full price, they allow unlocking after some period of time (it might be 2 months?).
-With the unlocked version, you are entirely decoupled from any carrier. Also, a few stock features like Samsung caller ID may not be available on carrier variants. When using the unlocked version with TMobile in particular, you STILL get WiFi calling and VoLTE, but you get no built-in TMobile video calling, no carrier RCS texting (only traditional SMS/MMS), will need to download additional apps for TMobile VVM and Digits (if they are important to you), and you would be the last to get updates. Also, you may not get the benefit of carrier aggregation for increased signal quality and data rate.
If anyone has any confirmed/additional information on the S10 US variants, anything you can provide here would be very useful.
At the moment, I am still trying to decide between the TMobile and the unlocked variant.

djinn415 said:
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All north american versions regardless of carrier or unlocked have snapdragon its this way since the s7 (CAN S7 was exynos though).
Last year the snapdragon was better on battery than the exynos but just last yeat. Previous years it was all exynos.

force70 said:
All north american versions regardless of carrier or unlocked have snapdragon its this way since the s7 (CAN S7 was exynos though).
Last year the snapdragon was better on batteey than the exynos but just last yeat. Previous years it was all exynos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SD855 is 7nm and Exynos is 8nm. Can't wait to see how Notebookcheck and Andrei from anandtech review each variant. I suspect the SD will win to some degree (in terms of efficiency).

Ace42 said:
SD855 is 7nm and Exynos is 8nm. Can't wait to see how Notebookcheck and Andrei from anandtech review each variant. I suspect the SD will win to some degree (in terms of efficiency).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already done, well initial comparison anyway
https://www.anandtech.com/show/14031/samsung-galaxy-s10-first-exynos-9820-vs-snapdragon-855-scores

Kjn246 said:
I'm also on T-Mobile, and I plan on getting the S10+, but debating whether to get the unlocked version vs T-Mobile version.
While I haven't seen any confirmed and detailed information anywhere on the exact differences between the US S10 variants (unlocked and carrier-specific firmware), I have been following the threads on the Note 9. IF (and this is a strong IF, so it would be helpful if someone can confirm) the same applies to S10, here's what I've gathered so far (on the note9):
- All US unlocked/carrier variants of the same S10/S10e/S10+ are the same in hardware, only different in firmware.
- While this is an unofficial process, you can change between unlocked and carrier firmwares using Odin without needing to root. Apparently, this doesn't trip Knox, and other posters have mentioned that it *shouldn't* (but I can't confirm) void your warranty.
-All US variants, including unlocked variant, historically had locked bootloaders.
-With TMobile version, you typically have the TMobile power-up splash screen, some pre-installed TMobile apps (although not many compared to other carriers), you have integrated TMobile digits and visual voicemail, you have RCS texting, you have video calling to other TMobile users, you get updates slightly sooner, and you have carrier aggregation with mobile connectivity (so reception can be stronger and faster in some cases). Also, the phone would be SIM-locked to T-Mobile, but if you buy it at full price, they allow unlocking after some period of time (it might be 2 months?).
-With the unlocked version, you are entirely decoupled from any carrier. Also, a few stock features like Samsung caller ID may not be available on carrier variants. When using the unlocked version with TMobile in particular, you STILL get WiFi calling and VoLTE, but you get no built-in TMobile video calling, no carrier RCS texting (only traditional SMS/MMS), will need to download additional apps for TMobile VVM and Digits (if they are important to you), and you would be the last to get updates. Also, you may not get the benefit of carrier aggregation for increased signal quality and data rate.
If anyone has any confirmed/additional information on the S10 US variants, anything you can provide here would be very useful.
At the moment, I am still trying to decide between the TMobile and the unlocked variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also on T-Mobile and have been unlocked on the Note 9 and ordered the unlocked straight from Samsung with the free ear buds promotion,you can always find an official T-mobile firmware and flash via Odin and have all the T-mobile goodness on an unlocked S10.

Rooting Samsung S10 5G (T-Mobile), SM-G977T

Hi All,
I was wondering if anyone had any luck in rooting the Samsung S10 5G TMobile phone (SM-G977T) ? If yes, could you kindly share some pointers that can help in this regards ?
I am asking because, this phone is a coming with a Qualcomm 855 processor, and I have come across articles stating that Qualcomm made it hard to unlock the bootloader. Rooting this phone is not as easy as rooting the Exynos Samsung phones. I was wondering how long it might take before a developer comes up with a cool solution to root the phone.
Does anyone know if any past Qualcomm powered phones could be rooted, and how long did it take for a developer to come up with a solution for such a phone?
Thanks much !

I'm asking cause I dont know if he flashes to Sprint with the bootloader unlocked. Would that make him possible to root then flash back to Tmobile, and keep it?

Same question about Rooting Samsung S10 5 , Sprint version
Hi All,
I also have the same question about rooting Samsung S10 5G *Sprint* phones. Could anyone root a Samsung S10 5G Sprint phone ?
From what I know the Sprint phone can be booter unlocked easily, but has anyone come up with a rooted firmware for Sprint Samsung S10 5G phone ? If yes, it will be very helpful if you could kindly provide some pointers in this regards.
Thanks much !
MobiEnthusiast said:
Hi All,
I was wondering if anyone had any luck in rooting the Samsung S10 5G TMobile phone (SM-G977T) ? If yes, could you kindly share some pointers that can help in this regards ?
I am asking because, this phone is a coming with a Qualcomm 855 processor, and I have come across articles stating that Qualcomm made it hard to unlock the bootloader. Rooting this phone is not as easy as rooting the Exynos Samsung phones. I was wondering how long it might take before a developer comes up with a cool solution to root the phone.
Does anyone know if any past Qualcomm powered phones could be rooted, and how long did it take for a developer to come up with a solution for such a phone?
Thanks much !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

The answer to all these questions is No, No, and No.
When looking for new phone to be rooted, make sure to do some research before buying one, so you don't end up waiting (possible forever).
As far as ETA for when root might be available is a similar question as asking "when are you going to die?", maybe tomorrow maybe in 50 years. lol
Just to give you some idea about ETA's, no Qualcomm bootloader has ever been unlocked so far, and the only rooting solution is by using an engineering bootloader with a script to push SuperSU to system. The last Qualcomm (Snapdragon) phones which were rootable were up to and including model S8 (S7 really which is actually decent). Course all the international Exynos based ones are all rootable.

billa said:
The answer to all these questions is No, No, and No.
When looking for new phone to be rooted, make sure to do some research before buying one, so you don't end up waiting (possible forever).
As far as ETA for when root might be available is a similar question as asking "when are you going to die?", maybe tomorrow maybe in 50 years. lol
Just to give you some idea about ETA's, no Qualcomm bootloader has ever been unlocked so far, and the only rooting solution is by using an engineering bootloader with a script to push SuperSU to system. The last Qualcomm (Snapdragon) phones which were rootable were up to and including model S8 (S7 really which is actually decent). Course all the international Exynos based ones are all rootable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your comment about any snapdragons ever being unlocked is false..
a more accurate statement would be USA snaps but also the sprint s10 5g (g977p) is a usa sd variant and is unlockable..
also eng firmware/root isnt really possible anymore either.. i have full eng firm for g975u rev1 and it was useless.. only way to use it for root is by obtaining an eng token

damulta said:
I'm asking cause I dont know if he flashes to Sprint with the bootloader unlocked. Would that make him possible to root then flash back to Tmobile, and keep it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no.. sprint and tmo are two different devices and firmware is not interchangeableone is a G977T and the other a G977P

MobiEnthusiast said:
Hi All,
I also have the same question about rooting Samsung S10 5G *Sprint* phones. Could anyone root a Samsung S10 5G Sprint phone ?
From what I know the Sprint phone can be booter unlocked easily, but has anyone come up with a rooted firmware for Sprint Samsung S10 5G phone ? If yes, it will be very helpful if you could kindly provide some pointers in this regards.
Thanks much !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you dont see anything for it bcuz hardly no one has it.. they are unpopular and sprint doesnt sell many of them.. around me u cant even get them in stores lol

elliwigy said:
your comment about any snapdragons ever being unlocked is false..
a more accurate statement would be USA snaps but also the sprint s10 5g (g977p) is a usa sd variant and is unlockable..
also eng firmware/root isnt really possible anymore either.. i have full eng firm for g975u rev1 and it was useless.. only way to use it for root is by obtaining an eng token
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Elliwigy,
Do you know where we can get eng tokens from ? Thanks much !

elliwigy said:
your comment about any snapdragons ever being unlocked is false..
a more accurate statement would be USA snaps but also the sprint s10 5g (g977p) is a usa sd variant and is unlockable..
also eng firmware/root isnt really possible anymore either.. i have full eng firm for g975u rev1 and it was useless.. only way to use it for root is by obtaining an eng token
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, my statement wasn't far off, since starting with the S7 though the S10 series none of the US Snapdragon bootloaders were unlockable, till the recent discovery of the one and only Sprint S10 G977P, which might just be a fluke and can easily be locked up by Sprint via a firmware upgrade... Just sayin' lol
So, looks like the G977P can be rooted via this method (the Exynos method may be used as a guide) https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s10-5g/how-to/root-recovery-roms-guide-info-t3957211 But time will tell if this root is stable enough as a daily driver without any issues.
In case anyone wants one at the cheap price of about 800 bucks, here WAS one available lol > https://swappa.com/listing/view/LRVI96993
I was just wondering, is it possible to cross flash the G977P with G977U (VZW) or G977T (TMO) like it was possible with pretty much all the other models in recent years? Does it give a bootloader error when trying to do so? Any tricks to push it through? What's stopping the S9/S10 series from being rooted via the eng-boot/script method, what has changed since the S7/S8 series? Perhaps the merging of the BL (boot.img) into AP (system.img)?
I can already imagine the answers ringing out loud... No! No! and No! Not possible! lol
Strangely they don't even have an unbranded "U1" firmware available for this model so far.

billa said:
Well, my statement wasn't far off, since starting with the S7 though the S10 series none of the US Snapdragon bootloaders were unlockable, till the recent discovery of the one and only Sprint S10 G977P, which might just be a fluke and can easily be locked up by Sprint via a firmware upgrade... Just sayin' lol
So, looks like the G977P can be rooted via this method (the Exynos method may be used as a guide) https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s10-5g/how-to/root-recovery-roms-guide-info-t3957211 But time will tell if this root is stable enough as a daily driver without any issues.
In case anyone wants one at the cheap price of about 800 bucks, here WAS one available lol > https://swappa.com/listing/view/LRVI96993
I was just wondering, is it possible to cross flash the G977P with G977U (VZW) or G977T (TMO) like it was possible with pretty much all the other models in recent years? Does it give a bootloader error when trying to do so? Any tricks to push it through? What's stopping the S9/S10 series from being rooted via the eng-boot/script method, what has changed since the S7/S8 series? Perhaps the merging of the BL (boot.img) into AP (system.img)?
I can already imagine the answers ringing out loud... No! No! and No! Not possible! lol
Strangely they don't even have an unbranded "U1" firmware available for this model so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pretty sure u cant cross flash carrier specific models.. at least i cant on my n976v

elliwigy said:
pretty sure u cant cross flash carrier specific models.. at least i cant on my n976v
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that kind of sucks, it was nice to be able to flash the U/U1 on the S7 though the S10 (excluding the G977x), and having a nice unbloated system.
Wonder if this restriction has been imposed on the G977x QC models only?
Have your tried to root your Sprint G977P yet?