Can’t decide which one help be choose. - Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Questions and Answers

Hello good day all.
It’s been while between reading and watching reviews, and I’m trying to find out which note 8 model will fulfill my needs before I purchase.
My main aim on:
1-Snapdragon.
2- Unlocked.
3- Single SIM.
4- 128GB “I can change to 64 if there is no option”.
5- In long term of use will have developer support such as custom ROM …etc.
What I found out so far SM-N9500 & SM-N950U1.
*SM-N9500 : is snapdragon and unlocked but dual SIM which I’m not fan of.
*SM-N950U1 : is snapdragon , and from what I read and understand it's unlocked but “not sure if it will work outside US”.
If there is any opinion or other models please inform me, I want to decide because I’m using the device for long period of time and I have to make sure.

Get the version intended for your home country and from an OFFICIAL AUTHORIZED DEALER, if you plan to use it for a very long time, that is my sincere advice for you

winol said:
Get the version intended for your home country and from an OFFICIAL AUTHORIZED DEALER, if you plan to use it for a very long time, that is my sincere advice for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually my home country with exynos processors and I wanna stay away form it , yes it is "good" processors but i have good experience with snapdragon with my current note 3.

Up
Need answer please

Sm-n950u has been good to me. But I have no out of network experience with it. Mine is carrier locked, which is better for carrier specific needs such as LTE calling.

Since you mentioned Unlocked & Custom ROMs, keep in mind that Unlocked means SIM unlocked, not bootloader unlocked. USA N950U unlocked variants are only SIM unlocked, the BL is locked.
The only Snapdragon that would most likely have an unlockable BL is the Chinese & HK N9500.

No need to worry about the phone being dual SIM. I actually was a bit disappointed when my Note 8 shipped as a dual SIM, but am way over it now. If you do not insert a second SIM and simply use it as a single SIM phone you don't have any issues nor any icons in the notification bar. The only difference is that in the call log you will see all calls were made/received on SIM 1 and that you will have the SIM Manager option in Settings. Other than that no signal issues (like I experienced on the dual SIM note 7 last year) ar of any other kind, I am quite happy with my SM-N950F.

Where are you going to be using the phone? What network are you with?

Related

Australian Telco note 9 dual SIM functionality

Hi all,
I've signed up for a note 9 plan since my new job allows allowance for work mobile. However the sim tray is not hybrid at all(the second sim slot can only for micro sd card) . I've managed to cut the SIM so that it fits into the second slot, however unable to get this to work.
The SIM works fine if it's plugged into sim 1 slot. Has anyone got any solutions to this? Any input would be appreciated
uggies said:
Hi all,
I've signed up for a note 9 plan since my new job allows allowance for work mobile. However the sim tray is not hybrid at all(the second sim slot can only for micro sd card) . I've managed to cut the SIM so that it fits into the second slot, however unable to get this to work.
The SIM works fine if it's plugged into sim 1 slot. Has anyone got any solutions to this? Any input would be appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you device is of the single-SIM variety.
Even if you bought a dual-SIM Tray to use,it will be of no benefit,you have a single-SIM phone.
Flashing firmware that works on known dual SIM phones will not do it either,many have tried various things,the functionality simply isn't there (presumably a hardware issue,it's simply not there).
FWIW,I tried a dual-SIM Tray on my US (T-Mobile Note 9),& nada. I knew what to expect going in,but,had to quash the slight bit of false hope.
The Exynos single SIM Note 9's are the same.
KOLIOSIS said:
Sounds like you device is of the single-SIM variety.
Even if you bought a dual-SIM Tray to use,it will be of no benefit,you have a single-SIM phone.
Flashing firmware that works on known dual SIM phones will not do it either,many have tried various things,the functionality simply isn't there (presumably a hardware issue,it's simply not there).
FWIW,I tried a dual-SIM Tray on my US (T-Mobile Note 9),& nada. I knew what to expect going in,but,had to quash the slight bit of false hope.
The Exynos single SIM Note 9's are the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's quite disappointing, it was one of the reasons why I got Samsung phone after all..
All of Samsung's Webpage indicates that all note 9s are capable of dual SIM functionality. I guess I should have double checked with Telco to see if they have locked the Dual SIM functionality..
Appreciate your input tho man. Cheers
uggies said:
That's quite disappointing, it was one of the reasons why I got Samsung phone after all..
All of Samsung's Webpage indicates that all note 9s are capable of dual SIM functionality....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never seen anything stating all Note 9's are capable of Dual-SIM functionality, but, I'm in the US, where Dual-SIM phones are the exception vs the single SIM variety.
The only phone that I'm aware of that has Dual-SIM capabilities, but, ships with both Single-Sim and Dual-SIM firmwares is the OnePlus 6T.
You could try a Dual-SIM tray & flashing a SIM-Free firmware that's known to work on Dual-SIM phones to find out with certainty.
The trays are cheap enough, I got mine from eBay for less than $10 USD.
I hope I'm proven wrong, but honesty, I'd keep my expectations low.
Please keep us posted on your outcome.

Question : Is the Note 8 (SM-N950F/FD) the same as Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS..?

Hello, I've been flashing these Note's since back when Darthstalker was RULING the Note Series, ( One of the BEST to do it ), however, ever since T-Mobile decided to lock their bootloaders I've switched to the OnePlus. I am thinking about purchasing the International Note 8 (SM-N950F) because from the research I've done I've learned that this is the variant to get, I've also read that the Note 8 (SM-N950F/FD) can also be Rooted and Flashed via TWRP, However, when I search online to purchase that version (SM-N950F/FD) all I find is the Note 8 (SM-N950F/DS), are those 2 model numbers the same, or can it be flashed the same as the (SM-N950F and (SM-N950F/FD)? I ask cause i don't want to purchase the Note 8 SM-N950F/DS and not be able to flash it, or worse BRICK the Device.. If anyone can shed light to these questions i would gladly appreciate it, community and its yearssss of serving us enthusiast...!!! God Blessssss...!!!! In short, is the SM-N950F/FD the same as the SM-N950F/DS..????
They use the same firmware.
And T-Mobile didn't decide to start looking the bootloaders. ALL the US Galaxy phones have locked bootloaders. Even the factory unlocked, unbranded version you buy from Samsung.
T mobile and sprint were the last ones to lock up there boot loader, the ONLY 2 carriers that had locked boot loaders back then was AT&T + Verizon. So it was T mobile + Sprint that were that LAST Phone Carriers to Lock there Boot loader, this is a Fact, from the S7 and up is when they Started, ask anyone,,, thanks for your response Either way, Blessss....
N950F/DS is dual sim model where N950F is a single sim model. Aside from that everything else is identical

[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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

Using USA Note 9 in Europe (to be specific in Romania)

Hello!
I've been interested in buying a Galaxy Note 9 for some time, but I'd like a Snapdragon version (from what I can tell by reviews and tests it's better than the Exynos in performance, heat and battery and I don't really want to install custom ROMs, so no problem about the locked bootloader). Today I happened to stumble across an offer on a retail website where a seller just 20 km away from me is offering a Galaxy Note 9 which he says is new and bought from Samsung store in the USA (so I'm assuming it's the N960U carrier unlocked USA version), but he's also stating that it needs to be region unlocked. I've been searching online and I don't really understand what that's all about. I know the first step in purchasing a phone from retail is asking for the IMEI, but what can I exactly do with it? Does it provide the phone's exact model? And what does region unlocking imply?
I'd be glad if anyone could help me with this situation, as it's quite a rare chance and I'd be extremely happy to buy it, but I firstly want to be sure I can use it.
Provided it's not CDMA, the GSM bands should be comaptible with my carrier (Orange), or so I think. Any information is much appreciated.
Thanks and have a great day!

Question Dual Sim HELP

Needing a dual SIM phone for one of my clients. He is coming from an 8T. He bought an Unlocked 10 Pro from the US OnePlus website only to realize it is single sim. A quick search shows the international version has dual sim support Checking on Amazon I see both an international version and a Chinese version? The Chinese version also sells for about $200 less. I searched and could find very little about each phone working in the US. Are both these phones International and Chinese the same phone? Both dual SIM? Both have the same bands? If I purchase the Chinese version will I need to flash with a global or US rom?
Any drawbacks to having either phone in the US?
Thanks
BB
Bad Bimr said:
Needing a dual SIM phone for one of my clients. He is coming from an 8T. He bought an Unlocked 10 Pro from the US OnePlus website only to realize it is single sim. A quick search shows the international version has dual sim support Checking on Amazon I see both an international version and a Chinese version? The Chinese version also sells for about $200 less. I searched and could find very little about each phone working in the US. Are both these phones International and Chinese the same phone? Both dual SIM? Both have the same bands? If I purchase the Chinese version will I need to flash with a global or US rom?
Any drawbacks to having either phone in the US?
Thanks
BB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the UK and have the NE2213 which is essentially the global version.
Personal I'd avoid the Chinese version but that's me
You can change region but I'd rather pay the money and get the real deal.
Warranty is going to he an issue, unless you're buying it from Amazon.
As far I've read the EU / NE2213 should work as expected for what you want.
Have a google for what signal bands are required for the sins you're going to be using , it should still work but best to verify
me too bought USA version and later found that its single sim 2215. I converted to 2211 and enable dual sim support, added second imei, inserted dual sim tray as well but no matter what second imei is always null and second sim never detected.

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