Database Develop

which variant to buy?

I'm considering buying the note 8 but in terms of community support which version (if any) is better supported or is it to early to tell?
My last phone was the S5 - SM G900i and while it was good most roms were generally made for the f variant. the f variant roms worked ok but always caused issues with nfc which i could work around generally by disabling nfc. I'd like to avoid that situation this time around and I plan on keeping this phone for a few years.

Gialandon said:
I'm considering buying the note 8 but in terms of community support which version (if any) is better supported or is it to early to tell?
My last phone was the S5 - SM G900i and while it was good most roms were generally made for the f variant. the f variant roms worked ok but always caused issues with nfc which i could work around generally by disabling nfc. I'd like to avoid that situation this time around and I plan on keeping this phone for a few years.
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Click to collapse
Exynos single sim in general gets the most... but can you disclose where do you live? As that would be major factor.... if Europe then UK unlocked model brings theglory in general...aka exynos single sim.

The 950F and 950N are identical hardware, but all the ROMs are being developed with the F firmware base, which seems to be set up as dual SIM at the software level (F contains the dual SIM RIL libraries while the N does not).
Right now the only real consideration between those two is internal storage since I think the 256gb model is only available as N variant.
The HK 256gb is Snapdragon.

Hunteres said:
Exynos single sim in general gets the most... but can you disclose where do you live? As that would be major factor.... if Europe then UK unlocked model brings theglory in general...aka exynos single sim.
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Click to collapse
I live in New Zealand. The most common variants ive seen are the sm-g9500, sm-g950f and the sm-g950fd. There are also some usa sm-g950u available through eBay.
Of these the fd variant is the cheapest and fairly easy to import. Local version seem to the f and 9500 but the local versions are generally about $400 more expensive.
I am not to worried about importing and the warranty issues. I've never had hardware issues with Samsung phones and even if I did I'd get it repaired locally and it would still be cheaper.

For the US versions, does the unlocked version and carrier versions all have the same amount of support for bands as I heard the hardware was all the same and it's just the software that is different on the carrier variants. Basically, if one uses Verizon Wireless, can one purchase the T-Mobile or the unlocked model or even the Verizon Wireless model of the Note8 and have the same bands enabled on the phone so it works well when traveling using a pre-paid SIM or is the unlocked model going to offer more band support as it seems Samsung doesn't list the actual band support on the models.

looking to buy note 8, what is best model to buy?

Hello, I'm looking to buy a new note 8. I live in Belgium.
But I'm not sure what is the best model to buy.
So my aim is to root the phone and install a kernel or/and ROM to improve the battery life of the phone and it's longevity (I had a galaxy s3 for more than 5 years, on which I did rooting, was pretty happy about the improved battery life and the fact that it's still working fine)
I also notice that you can get snapdragon or exynos depending on the model you buy? Is the difference between these 2 significant?
So there is different model i found on the market :
-n9500 which from what I understood is the Honk-Kong or Chinese model? Seems like I should avoid it because because it doesn't support kernel or ROM?
-n950F which is european version?
-n950FD international version?
-n950N Korean version it seems.
What is your opinion on the model I should buy?
Best regards,
vifzor

vifzor said:
Hello, I'm looking to buy a new note 8. I live in Belgium.
But I'm not sure what is the best model to buy.
So my aim is to root the phone and install a kernel or/and ROM to improve the battery life of the phone and it's longevity (I had a galaxy s3 for more than 5 years, on which I did rooting, was pretty happy about the improved battery life and the fact that it's still working fine)
I also notice that you can get snapdragon or exynos depending on the model you buy? Is the difference between these 2 significant?
So there is different model i found on the market :
-n9500 which from what I understood is the Honk-Kong or Chinese model? Seems like I should avoid it because because it doesn't support kernel or ROM?
-n950F which is european version?
-n950FD international version?
-n950N Korean version it seems.
What is your opinion on the model I should buy?
Best regards,
vifzor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go with exynos. Your other answers in xda search button.

Nick216ohio said:
Go with exynos. Your other answers in xda search button.
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Click to collapse
Thx for your answer, so it seems like N950FD is the best?

vifzor said:
Thx for your answer, so it seems like N950FD is the best?
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Click to collapse
If you need dual SIM go for the N950FD if not go for the regular N950F which is the same as FD except dual sim

Darktitor said:
If you need dual SIM go for the N950FD if not go for the regular N950F which is the same as FD except dual sim
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Click to collapse
Does N950F support micro SD card?

Yes, it does

Take a look through the oem unlock thread too.

acctualy the korean n950n would be considered a sure bet. specially if you consider the 256gb version.
there are no issues with the oem unlock. other exynos F/FD's might have that problem.

What is eom unlock?
Sorry for the noob question

vifzor said:
What is eom unlock?
Sorry for the noob question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google

vifzor said:
Hello, I'm looking to buy a new note 8. I live in Belgium.
But I'm not sure what is the best model to buy.
So my aim is to root the phone and install a kernel or/and ROM to improve the battery life of the phone and it's longevity (I had a galaxy s3 for more than 5 years, on which I did rooting, was pretty happy about the improved battery life and the fact that it's still working fine)
I also notice that you can get snapdragon or exynos depending on the model you buy? Is the difference between these 2 significant?
So there is different model i found on the market :
-n9500 which from what I understood is the Honk-Kong or Chinese model? Seems like I should avoid it because because it doesn't support kernel or ROM?
-n950F which is european version?
-n950FD international version?
-n950N Korean version it seems.
What is your opinion on the model I should buy?
Best regards,
vifzor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only two main considerations IMO (since you already stated you are going to root, so Samsung Pay is out):
N950F/D has full dual-SIM functionality out of the box, so if you need dual SIM this would seem like a smart choice
N950N can be purchased in a 256gb internal capacity version which is great if you want large internal storage
Since you are going to run a custom ROM anyway, there is no functional difference between the two, save for dual-SIM on the F/D
As others mentioned, one potential issue with the N950F or F/D is that they need to be SIM-activated in their intended region before you can use them with a different country SIM card, and people have found that the OEM Unlock (to unlock the bootloader) option is either missing, doesn't show up for 7 days after first use, or disappears after flashing new firmware or ROMs. This is not an issue with the Korean N950N as Korean models are never region, SIM, or carrier locked and do not require the local SIM activation.

Kalm_Traveler said:
The only two main considerations IMO (since you already stated you are going to root, so Samsung Pay is out):
N950F/D has full dual-SIM functionality out of the box, so if you need dual SIM this would seem like a smart choice
N950N can be purchased in a 256gb internal capacity version which is great if you want large internal storage
Since you are going to run a custom ROM anyway, there is no functional difference between the two, save for dual-SIM on the F/D
As others mentioned, one potential issue with the N950F or F/D is that they need to be SIM-activated in their intended region before you can use them with a different country SIM card, and people have found that the OEM Unlock (to unlock the bootloader) option is either missing, doesn't show up for 7 days after first use, or disappears after flashing new firmware or ROMs. This is not an issue with the Korean N950N as Korean models are never region, SIM, or carrier locked and do not require the local SIM activation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mhh..
So seems like buying the N950F or F/D is like playing lottery?
I guess I'll go for the N950N then. But the price is much more expensive because of the custom fee unfortunately...

vifzor said:
mhh..
So seems like buying the N950F or F/D is like playing lottery?
I guess I'll go for the N950N then. But the price is much more expensive because of the custom fee unfortunately...
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Click to collapse
Then the LTE speeds in the USA will suffer.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Limeybastard said:
Then the LTE speeds in the USA will suffer.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
depends on the provider used, the N950N supports all 3 of T-Mobile's main bands 2, 4, and 12 and I'm regularly getting download speeds over 100 Mbps, uploads around 40 Mbps, which is faster than what my T-Mobile-branded Note 5 got in the same areas.

Kalm_Traveler said:
depends on the provider used, the N950N supports all 3 of T-Mobile's main bands 2, 4, and 12 and I'm regularly getting download speeds over 100 Mbps, uploads around 40 Mbps, which is faster than what my T-Mobile-branded Note 5 got in the same areas.
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Click to collapse
Mr Kalm_Traveler, is the Korean N8 the best N8 worldwide.?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Limeybastard said:
Mr Kalm_Traveler, is the Korean N8 the best N8 worldwide.?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha 'best' is arbitrary depending on what you want out of a Note 8. It's my preferred because I wanted Exynos, 256gb internal storage, and supported LTE bands for my carrier. For anyone who needs dual-sim functionality I would direct them to the N950F/D or I believe there is an N9500 dual-SIM model in Hong Kong. If someone just wants a Note 8 and won't need dual SIM, lots of internal space, and won't want to root it, the 'best' Note 8 is likely the one that their carrier offers.

I plan to buy N950N 256 go in South Korea because I'm scared about custom fee(only possible to buy phone from outside Europe) and I want to go to SK anyway.
But If I buy N950N in South Korea can I start using it there or should I wait to use it for the first time in Belgium? I guess it should be fine but I'm not sure.

vifzor said:
I plan to buy N950N 256 go in South Korea because I'm scared about custom fee(only possible to buy phone from outside Europe) and I want to go to SK anyway.
But If I buy N950N in South Korea can I start using it there or should I wait to use it for the first time in Belgium? I guess it should be fine but I'm not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean if it is region locked?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Limeybastard said:
You mean if it is region locked?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Yes, I'm planning to buy this phone : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075Y29JGF/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A613J2Y1GRBOO&psc=1
But I'm concerned also by the fact there is CDMA, is it a big deal?
Best regards,
vifzor

vifzor said:
Yes, I'm planning to buy this phone : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075Y29JGF/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A613J2Y1GRBOO&psc=1
But I'm concerned also by the fact there is CDMA, is it a big deal?
Best regards,
vifzor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Amazon link you mentioned says it's not CDMA. So it seems to be an Exynos Korean version. If it was CDMA then it would be a Snapdragon Note 8 which would still work in Belgium if there is no region lock or SP lock.
EDIT, I searched google and came up with this thread about the SM-N950N all the information is on the first post. thank you
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/help/sm-n950n-t3700818
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Will the korean Note 9 (N960N) work in Germany?

Hi guys,
i want to order in a few days the blue note 9 from wondamobile and was asking myself, if there may be any issues using a south korean note 9 in germany.
I'll post other questions related to the note 9 when i have time but first of all i want to swap from a crappy SM-T555 to the N960N because of the high storage and the higher amount of RAM. the tablet is a substitute to my broken Note 4.
Like i asked in the title, will the korean note 9 work in germany?
another few informations for you:
- i'm a power user, so i do a lot with the note 9, almost replacing a computer with it
- it will be rooted, stock rom with kernel patch(es) like on the note 4
- i want to use it with dex [i used the note 4 with a docking station and SEAndroid with permissive mode + a 8 TB HDD (1 TB ext4 and ~6,3 TB NTFS)]
- connect other peripherals like bluetooth speaker, cable mouse and keyboard
- using LAN connection (if possible with stock firmware)
feel free to ask me about other information you think are relevant!
Alex

I have Note 7 Fan Edition used strictly for Korean market, bought directly from South Korea, and I was successfully using it on AT&T in USA, and now I am using it on Vodafone network in Czech republic without any problems. I would say that you will have no problems using Note 9 in Europe.

You will have no problems using the N960N in Germany. As it is a GSM device, however you may have issues using it in the US as the majority of US Cell Providers operate on the CDMA band.

iceepyon said:
You will have no problems using the N960N in Germany. As it is a GSM device, however you may have issues using it in the US as the majority of US Cell Providers operate on the CDMA band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you give the CDMA in the US B.S. a rest,YOU ARE WRONG on that point.
Yes, CDMA exists in the US,but,the overwhelming majority of traffic is via GSM/LTE,.....................CDMA is well on its way out.
The biggest US CMDA provider is VZW & 92% of their traffic/usage is LTE NOT CDMA.....................
If you lived &/or worked in the US ,you'd realize that.

@Purah
Why don't you buy a SM-N960F model (International Version)?

as far i know the F variants are either 128 gb single sim or 512 gb dual sim. i want a 512 gb single sim and thats why i want the N960N.

Purah said:
as far i know the F variants are either 128 gb single sim or 512 gb dual sim. i want a 512 gb single sim and thats why i want the N960N.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotta ask:
Why not just get the F version in Dual SIM & 512GB?
It's not as if you have to use the 2nd slot.
At 1st glance on eBay (US), there's not many of what you're looking for & they (Single SIM) are actually more expensive than the Dual SIM models.
Just in case you weren't aware, the 2nd SIM Slot is hybrid, it can be used as an SD Card slot. That's either/or, the 2nd slot only holds one or the other at a time.
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs

thank you, i didn't realize that the 2nd slot can be used as a hybrid!
i forgot to mention that i will use a sd card. at the moment i have a 128 gb sd card.
so the N960N costs £ 699 at wonda mobile. i'll look through prices and then lets see which model i'll take.
again thank you for the information about the second slot!
edit: does the N960N have a sd card slot?

Purah said:
thank you, i didn't realize that the 2nd slot can be used as a hybrid!
i forgot to mention that i will use a sd card. at the moment i have a 128 gb sd card.
so the N960N costs £ 699 at wonda mobile. i'll look through prices and then lets see which model i'll take.
again thank you for the information about the second slot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other than what's already been discussed (single/dual SIM), is there a particular reason for getting the Korean version?
(BTW, single SIM models have an SD Card slot, it's just not hybrid).
The F, FD (F D/S), & N models all have the Exynos processor. LTE Band support for you should be equal.
My apologies if I'm coming across as nit-picking, but, I'm sure you can find a good price on an F or FD (F D/S, same as FD, just stated differently on some listings) that has firmware specific to your area.
Reason I suggest that is Samsung Pay. In a good number of instances, some region specific models don't play nice in that regard, or, requires a bank card from the region to be registered to Samsung Pay.
IE:Korean Note 9 needs a Korean bank card attached to it to work outside of Korea, etc......
If you plan on root/ROMs, disregard the Samsung Pay statements, it & KNOX are permanently broke once rooted, even if you return to a stock/unrooted state...
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs

i went for the korean note 9 because of the price and because at that point i didn't knew that there are f variants with 512 gb out there. at the beginning i had to decide between the note 8 and 9 and i haven't found any 256 gb variants for the note 8 except the korean one. but i saw that the note 9 went out and then i decided for this, assuming that there is only a korean note 9 with 512 gb out. apparently i was wrong at that time but i didn't knew better.
in the end i will stick to the korean note 9 because of the price because i can save up to 400 € - 600 €. i checked them and compared between samsung price (~ 1250 €, 512 gb N960F duos variant), reseller price (~ 980 €, 512 gb N960F duos variant too) and the korean price (699 GBP, ~ 715 € + 15 € shipping). it doesn't matter if it's duos or not.
i think that i will root the smartphone. i've never used samsung pay and in germany it's not out yet so losing s pay and knox due to a burned e-fuse is not a problem for me. i prefer to pay with cash.
what i heard about s pay is that your bank has to be a partner with samsung to let it work. so even if you have a foreign bank, you still can use their credit card but you get the ad's from the specific region (in this case korean ads).
besides these two reasons secure folder won't work but i'm not using it too.
what about carrier aggregation? will it work properly if i use a korean note in germany? as far as i know no one has a fix for it atm.

KOLIOSIS said:
Other than what's already been discussed (single/dual SIM), is there a particular reason for getting the Korean version?
(BTW, single SIM models have an SD Card slot, it's just not hybrid).
The F, FD (F D/S), & N models all have the Exynos processor. LTE Band support for you should be equal.
My apologies if I'm coming across as nit-picking, but, I'm sure you can find a good price on an F or FD (F D/S, same as FD, just stated differently on some listings) that has firmware specific to your area.
Reason I suggest that is Samsung Pay. In a good number of instances, some region specific models don't play nice in that regard, or, requires a bank card from the region to be registered to Samsung Pay.
IE:Korean Note 9 needs a Korean bank card attached to it to work outside of Korea, etc......
If you plan on root/ROMs, disregard the Samsung Pay statements, it & KNOX are permanently broke once rooted, even if you return to a stock/unrooted state...
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox triggers only if custom recovery/rom is flashed. It will not trigger if you took other region firmware/ROM and flash it via ODIN as long as it's the samsung original one downloaded from their servers. Tested on my S7e that was MTL (Bulgaria) and I changed it to BTU, before didn't even had samsung pay and it showed on the BTU.

high_voltage said:
Knox triggers only if custom recovery/rom is flashed. It will not trigger if you took other region firmware/ROM and flash it via ODIN as long as it's the samsung original one downloaded from their servers. Tested on my S7e that was MTL (Bulgaria) and I changed it to BTU, before didn't even had samsung pay and it showed on the BTU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware of what triggers Knox,I stated as much.
I just wasn't sure if you can flash F firmware onto an N (Korea) model,hence my recommendation to getting an F model,especially if you live & work in an area where F models are typically sold.
Why bother if you don't have to,that's what I'm getting at. ($$$ savings seems to be the primary factor)
Seems the OP is either set on getting an N model,or,already has......................best of luck to @Purah . :good:

i'm not buying the n960n because i agree with koliosis' concern regarding flashing a F rom on a N device. i think it will be a big hassle or even impossible to do so.
i prefer a device that is usable over saving money and then get stuck with it not being usable at all.
so now i'm looking forward to the 512 gb sd card offer from samsung (here). the device needs to match the model code as well as the EAN code (source) but i'm not sure if i have to buy it at a specific (online) dealer or if i can obtain it at any dealer in germany and only need to ensure that the device has the proper codes on it.
though it's annyoing that the offer goes from 6. november till 20. november because time is really short.
these are the phones that i'd consider to take:
Code:
Product Name | Model Code | Color | Storage | EAN Code
Galaxy Note9 SM-N960FZBHDBT Ocean Blue 512GB 8801643486242
Galaxy Note9 F-SMN960FBHAMZ Ocean Blue 512 GB 8801643601416
[B]Galaxy Note9 SM-N960FZKHDBT Midnight Black 512GB 8801643486013
Galaxy Note9 F-SMN960FKHAMZ Midnight Black 512 GB 8801643601423[/B]
Galaxy Note9 SM-N960FZNHDBT Copper Gold 512GB 8801643486426
Galaxy Note9 SM-N960FZNHDBT Copper Gold 512GB 4043972244016
Galaxy Note9 F-SMN960FNHAMZ Copper Gold 512 GB 8801643629526
do you have anything i should consider before i buy one of these?
i'll wait till thursday/friday and then i'm going to order the phone.
Edit:
after a call at samsung they told me that i can go for every (online) dealer as long as the model code and EAN matches. so now im going for one of the bold ones in the code block . i wrote the dealer i want to purchase the note9 from and sent an email, hoping that they can help me with these numbers.
thank you all so far for helping me, especially koliosis!

so i bought the "Galaxy Note9 SM-N960FZKHDBT Midnight Black 512GB 8801643486013", model and ean codes are matching.
i'd like to know if a transparent case with silicone is better than a transparent one with rubber on the phones' edges and glass on its back.
i would like to take the case with silicone because it apparently should be more slim than the other one.

Question. Where can I find the bands for the N960n?
I'd like to compare bands of the N960N vs the N960U1

CCJ22 said:
Question. Where can I find the bands for the N960n?
I'd like to compare bands of the N960N vs the N960U1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Korea website.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 04:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:31 PM ----------
CCJ22 said:
Question. Where can I find the bands for the N960n?
I'd like to compare bands of the N960N vs the N960U1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here I did the search for you.. scroll down for radios.
https://www.samsung.com/sec/smartphones/galaxy-note9/specs/
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

Flashing Samsung Firmware

Firstly, I hope this is appropriate to post here - I'm new to this and I'm just getting to grips with it all!
Basically, I live in England, but I'll soon be moving to America. While I was on holiday in America this year, I bought an unlocked Note9 because it was cheaper with the exchange rate, and I thought that it would be the better decision, given that I'll be living in the U.S. soon enough.
However, the firmware is different in certain ways, and I much prefer the U.K. firmware versions. There are things missing from the firmware, that my Dad's U.K. Note9 has, and that my old GS8+ had.
My question is, if I flashed the U.K. firmware to my Note9 would that change my device status? I want it to still say 'Official'. Also, would it do anything to the KNOX counter - or would it even work?
Thanks in advance!

ClassilyContagious said:
Firstly, I hope this is appropriate to post here - I'm new to this and I'm just getting to grips with it all!
Basically, I live in England, but I'll soon be moving to America. While I was on holiday in America this year, I bought an unlocked Note9 because it was cheaper with the exchange rate, and I thought that it would be the better decision, given that I'll be living in the U.S. soon enough.
However, the firmware is different in certain ways, and I much prefer the U.K. firmware versions. There are things missing from the firmware, that my Dad's U.K. Note9 has, and that my old GS8+ had.
My question is, if I flashed the U.K. firmware to my Note9 would that change my device status? I want it to still say 'Official'. Also, would it do anything to the KNOX counter - or would it even work?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uk model is a N960F
us model is a N960U
you cant flash anything from one to the other.
you should have bought the uk version. a high % of Americans buy the international versions for various reasons. one being the locked bootloader on the us version stopping them from attaining root and modifying the system to their will. this year the international F model you guys have in the UK apparently is the lesser phone performance wise. i think it is negligible since rooting is a big advantage in some cases.
anyways please dont mix up unlocked phone meaning not bound to a carrier or region and unlocked bootloader.
cpu arch:
exynos = F model =unblockable bootloader
snapdragon = U model = locked bootloader
both models are avalablabe in region unlocked models.
there are other variants like the N9600 which is special in a way that being a snapdragon, it can have its BL unlocked.
there is also a N960N which is 99% identical to a N960F model.
A N960W In canada which is 99.999% like the us U model.
and finally the F, N and n9600 are all available in DS models too( 2 x sim cards /dual sim)

ClassilyContagious said:
However, the firmware is different in certain ways, and I much prefer the U.K. firmware versions. There are things missing from the firmware, that my Dad's U.K. Note9 has, and that my old GS8+ had.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious, what stock features does the UK version have over the US version?

It's got that sexy date speed indicator in the status bar
[emoji1787]
ramiss said:
I'm curious, what stock features does the UK version have over the US version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

Question Regarding CSC change on S21 Ultra [G9980] in India

Hi everyone!
I recently found that Amazon India is now selling the Snapdragon 888 variant of the S21 Ultra, planning to buy the same but I wanted to inqure here first if anyone has the snapdragon variant and has tried to change their CSC to INS? Also if all the services like VoLTE, WiFi calling work with the same or not?

Dev Jaskirat said:
Hi everyone!
I recently found that Amazon India is now selling the Snapdragon 888 variant of the S21 Ultra, planning to buy the same but I wanted to inqure here first if anyone has the snapdragon variant and has tried to change their CSC to INS? Also if all the services like VoLTE, WiFi calling work with the same or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are only 3 CSC's which can be enabled on the SM-G9980. CHC China, BRI Taiwan and TGY Hong Kong. If the device you referenced has it's Primary CSC as CHC China some content and certain apps are restricted. The TGY Hong Kong Primary CSC is best suited for international users. It isn't a Multi-CSC Device so any changes require flashing different firmware. The post you highlighted is misleading, it states Tmobile is the carrier but Tmobile doesn't sell a Branded SM-G9980. I have the same device in the US and have VoLTE, Wi-Fi Calling and timely Updates. In India YMMV. If Call Features and 5G are a priority your Service Provider's device is the best option.

Thanks for your reply!
You mentioned that you have the same model, which CSC are you on?
Yes, the Amazon Page says tmobile but it is an unlocked device that the seller is selling. In India we only get the exynos variant and this is the only Snapdragon variant that is available to us. The reviews say that Indian carriers are working fine my main concern is CSC related features like in-built call recording, does your device have that? I have it on my Note 20 (CSC = INS).
Also I'm curious when you say that it only supports those 3 CSC, does that mean it won't even change to INS if I tried? OR does it change but bricks the device or some other limitation happens (like Knox tripping)?

I'm on the TGY Hong Kong CSC, I wouldn't consider the CHC or BRI variants. Some users have reported the TGY and BRI have identical software but I'm not sure that's correct. The SM-G9980 TGY CSC is available on ebay or online from a number of retailers in Hong Kong, I purchased mine online from Hong Kong since most on ebay don't offer the 512GB option. The device doesn't offer native call recording however a number of apps can enable this function. At this time it's impossible to flash any Exynos Global Firmware on any Snapdragon variants and that's not likely to change going forward. You can't make a general rule that this or that feature will work in India, all service providers aren't using identical metrics. If your concern is maximizing call features acquiring your service provider's device is the best bet.

varcor said:
I'm on the TGY Hong Kong CSC, I wouldn't consider the CHC or BRI variants. Some users have reported the TGY and BRI have identical software but I'm not sure that's correct. The SM-G9980 TGY CSC is available on ebay or online from a number of retailers in Hong Kong, I purchased mine online from Hong Kong since most on ebay don't offer the 512GB option. The device doesn't offer native call recording however a number of apps can enable this function. At this time it's impossible to flash any Exynos Global Firmware on any Snapdragon variants and that's not likely to change going forward. If your concern is call features acquiring your service provider's device is the best bet.
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Thanks again for your help! Just one last thing, does your device support VoLTE and WiFi calling?

Dev Jaskirat said:
Thanks again for your help! Just one last thing, does your device support VoLTE and WiFi calling?
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Yes, as I mentioned previously.

Dev Jaskirat said:
Hi everyone!
I recently found that Amazon India is now selling the Snapdragon 888 variant of the S21 Ultra, planning to buy the same but I wanted to inqure here first if anyone has the snapdragon variant and has tried to change their CSC to INS? Also if all the services like VoLTE, WiFi calling work with the same or not?
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oh man ive broken my head on this, bottom line, now warranty ! and no repair in india as far as i know! they wont have the parts and if anything happens, expect delays of 1+month for repair!
also, do you really think its a good idea to purchase this off of amazon? its freaking one lakh rupees man ! i said eff it and bought the exynos from local samsung store ! sure its exynos, still amazing for what it offers!
id suggest asking a friend whos in the USA to buy it for you and get it while coming down to india! thats the only safe way my friend

shriom_manerker said:
oh man ive broken my head on this, bottom line, now warranty ! and no repair in india as far as i know! they wont have the parts and if anything happens, expect delays of 1+month for repair!
also, do you really think its a good idea to purchase this off of amazon? its freaking one lakh rupees man ! i said eff it and bought the exynos from local samsung store ! sure its exynos, still amazing for what it offers!
id suggest asking a friend whos in the USA to buy it for you and get it while coming down to india! thats the only safe way my friend
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No friends coming anytime soon! Also that doesn't really solve the lack of warranty and delays in repair issues ...

Dev Jaskirat said:
No friends coming anytime soon! Also that doesn't really solve the lack of warranty and delays in repair issues ...
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yes but at least you are getting a bill and a sale receipt to ship it back and get it repaired under warranty. sure its a long shot, but i bet itll still be cheaper than buying a new s21 ultra

Did you ever get it to move to a different country firmware?
I have the same device, and the lack of timely updates and the control of carriers of what get released and what not is scare to say the least.. especially when u are holding a hongkong/china variant..
Let us know if u figured any way out or experimented with it..

shriom_manerker said:
yes but at least you are getting a bill and a sale receipt to ship it back and get it repaired under warranty. sure its a long shot, but i bet itll still be cheaper than buying a new s21 ultra
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My advice. Get your local version. Exynos this year wasn't bad. I got this 9980 for 16/512gb SD and am desperate to get other regions updates but so far haven't found a satisfactory way to do that. Either you figure that out or get the local version. That way your local carriers will be in charge not other country's.

kamirza said:
My advice. Get your local version. Exynos this year wasn't bad. I got this 9980 for 16/512gb SD and am desperate to get other regions updates but so far haven't found a satisfactory way to do that. Either you figure that out or get the local version. That way your local carriers will be in charge not other country's.
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Samsung has paused Android 12 Updates on the SM-G9980 at least until sometime this month. So far they’ve released 3 updates of Android 12 for the S21 and it still isn't stable. I'm not in any rush to receive A12, will wait a few weeks after it's available and see if they've finally fixed all the bugs. It's not so much Samsung's fault, blame Google, it causing problems on many different brands.