Database Develop

US Carrier unlock VS T-Moble model phone

I'm looking to upgrade to the S9 and looking for advice on whether or not to get the US carrier unlock version or the T-Mobile version. So those of you who went with the US carrier unlocked S8, What are the Pros and Cons of it please?

supercharged5 said:
I'm looking to upgrade to the S9 and looking for advice on whether or not to get the US carrier unlock version or the T-Mobile version. So those of you who went with the US carrier unlocked S8, What are the Pros and Cons of it please?
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Click to collapse
They do not support the same set of bands/frequencies. If you plan to use it in US on T-Mobile network it is better to get it from them.

vzaliva said:
They do not support the same set of bands/frequencies. If you plan to use it in US on T-Mobile network it is better to get it from them.
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Click to collapse
So buy directly from from T-mobile or buy from Samsung for the T-mobile carrier?

supercharged5 said:
So buy directly from from T-mobile or buy from Samsung for the T-mobile carrier?
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Click to collapse
It does not matter as long as you buy the right model. It looks like T-mobile model numbers are:
SM-G960UZKATMB (Midnight Black)
SM-G960UZBATMB (Coral Blue)
SM-G960UZPATMB (Lilac Purple)
But please do not trust me on this and double-check before purchasing
Also, see this thread for additional discussion:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/help/t-mobile-vs-unlocked-version-t3756999

Thanks

[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/
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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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Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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.
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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??
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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.
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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

Note 9 Unlocked - Verizon - Non US Phone?

Hello,
What model should / would we be able to get to work on Verizon that can have an unlocked boot loader, TWRP and install custom roms.
My understanding from reading here is that no US model will work. What foreign model is best for getting the above done on Verizon.
Its about time to say goodbye to my note 4.
Thanks

i am going to rock an unlocked USA model on verizon, not sure there is one that will work on verizon with unlocked bootloader

vIgGeN7 said:
Hello,
What model should / would we be able to get to work on Verizon that can have an unlocked boot loader, TWRP and install custom roms.
My understanding from reading here is that no US model will work. What foreign model is best for getting the above done on Verizon.
Its about time to say goodbye to my note 4.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your only possible option is the 9600 since its a snap and im not 100% sure it will work
So Id suggedt researchung heavily before buying
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

Ya I spent a few hours trying to find anything.
Only thing I was able to see that might work is a portorican phone but saw somthing that we needed some kinda firmware flashed first?
So made this post in hopes someone had an idea on how we could do this and make sure it works good.
Thanks!!

vIgGeN7 said:
Ya I spent a few hours trying to find anything.
Only thing I was able to see that might work is a portorican phone but saw somthing that we needed some kinda firmware flashed first?
So made this post in hopes someone had an idea on how we could do this and make sure it works good.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a friend with the Latin American S9+ Snapdragon that's bootloader unlocked on Verizon. He told me he just flashed the Puerto Rico firmware to get signal. I'll be trying the same thing as soon as the Odin files are up on Updato for the Note 9 Latin version. I'll update when I have some real results.

vIgGeN7 said:
Hello,
What model should / would we be able to get to work on Verizon that can have an unlocked boot loader, TWRP and install custom roms.
My understanding from reading here is that no US model will work. What foreign model is best for getting the above done on Verizon.
Its about time to say goodbye to my note 4.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Snapdragon Variant - Hong Kong has an unlocked bootloader and works on Verizon Bands 1700, 1900 and 2100.
https://www.teamandroid.com/2018/08/14/samsung-galaxy-note-9-model-numbers/

varcor said:
The Snapdragon Variant - Hong Kong has an unlocked bootloader and works on Verizon Bands 1700, 1900 and 2100.
https://www.teamandroid.com/2018/08/14/samsung-galaxy-note-9-model-numbers/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Latin America also
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

jal3223 said:
I have a friend with the Latin American S9+ Snapdragon that's bootloader unlocked on Verizon. He told me he just flashed the Puerto Rico firmware to get signal. I'll be trying the same thing as soon as the Odin files are up on Updato for the Note 9 Latin version. I'll update when I have some real results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the model of the phone which you're talking about.
Will this work on the Verizon LTE bands?

vIgGeN7 said:
Do you have the model of the phone which you're talking about.
Will this work on the Verizon LTE bands?
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Click to collapse
Ive been asked and have answered both of those questions already numerous times.....today alone lol
You guys really need to start using the search button, this is getting ridiculous seriously.
N9600
And in theory it should yes but as I am not on Verizon and dont know anyone who is i cannot say for sure 100%.
Again....you will need to do some more in depth research on your own but someone posted a chart with the models and LTE bands here somewhere today so start looking for that post...very useful. Id i come across ill link it here
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

Found some info here for the sm-n9600 ::
http://www.pakfirmware.com/2018/08/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n9600-eng-boot-file/
Still trying to find info on if it works fully with Verizon bands.

Would the SM-N960UZBFXAA Unlocked from samsung's site work for verizon?
Also when they say unlocked is that the boot loader? or just to carrier?
They have preorder there.

vIgGeN7 said:
Would the SM-N960UZBFXAA Unlocked from samsung's site work for verizon?
Also when they say unlocked is that the boot loader? or just to carrier?
They have preorder there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol... carrier. We all wish it was bootloader
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

vIgGeN7 said:
Would the SM-N960UZBFXAA Unlocked from samsung's site work for verizon?
Also when they say unlocked is that the boot loader? or just to carrier?
They have preorder there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung UNLOCKED = "Unbranded" i.e. generic software. It doesn't mean that its bootloader unlocked.
When using the USA unlocked/unbraded GS8/Note8/GS9 there were a few limits on the USA carriers... While calling/data/sms works, Carrier specific features like Wifi Calling, VoLTE, Visual Voicemail, etc. varied. I expected that would apply to the unlocked/unbranded Note 9 too. For unlocked on ATT, there is a VVM app in the Google Play Store that works, but if I recall correctly, Wifi Calling and VoLTE didn't work. For Verizon, at first there wasn't a VVM app, but there is one in the GALAXY app store now that works (and now will auto install when Verizon sim is in the phone if you open the Galaxy App Store). VoLTE (aka HD Voice) works. Wifi Calling and Verizon's Video Calling features do not work. T-Mobile seems most compatible with the Unlocked/Unbranded device as all of its features work out of the box. with a T-Mobile SIM, except you have to download the VVM app from Google Play Store.
Now that my Unlocked (aka Unbranded) Note 9 from Samsung USA arrived, I can confirm that just like my past unlocked/unbranded Galaxy devices on Verizon.... Bootloader is locked, SIM is unlocked. Wifi Calling and Verizon's Video Calling don't work. For Visual Voice Mail there is an app in the GALAXY App Store (that will install after you insert Verizon SIM and open the Galaxy App Store). And the rest works just like my Verizon branded GS8/Note8/GS9 devices.

Tethering check on unlocked version?
KidJoe said:
The Samsung UNLOCKED = "Unbranded" i.e. generic software. It doesn't mean that its bootloader unlocked.
Now that my Unlocked (aka Unbranded) Note 9 from Samsung USA arrived, I can confirm that just like my past unlocked/unbranded Galaxy devices on Verizon.... Bootloader is locked, SIM is unlocked. Wifi Calling and Verizon's Video Calling don't work. For Visual Voice Mail there is an app in the GALAXY App Store (that will install after you insert Verizon SIM and open the Galaxy App Store). And the rest works just like my Verizon branded GS8/Note8/GS9 devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does your version check for hotspot eligibility? In the past the unlocked versions have not checked (Note 8, etc.) but want to be absolutely sure with the Note 9 before ordering. Thanks.

All the research I've done points towards the 9600 (Latin America or wherever else the model is sold) being the best choice for verizon. The only fly in the ointment is it does not as far as I can find support band 13. I have seen threads in some other forums about enabling bands but don't know if it would be possible. Hope that helps.

geoclooney said:
Does your version check for hotspot eligibility? In the past the unlocked versions have not checked (Note 8, etc.) but want to be absolutely sure with the Note 9 before ordering. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know, and can't check because my personal Verizon line is a current unlimited plan that includes tethering.
I'll have to see what happens if I put my work sim in (I have Vzw, At&t and Tmo lines)

elevatorguy said:
All the research I've done points towards the 9600 (Latin America or wherever else the model is sold) being the best choice for verizon. The only fly in the ointment is it does not as far as I can find support band 13. I have seen threads in some other forums about enabling bands but don't know if it would be possible. Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's probably just the firmware that it ships with. On the Latin s9 and S9+ you just had to flash the Puerto Rico firmware to have all bands and Volte working. I'm thinking it will be the same way for the Note 9. I'm just waiting on the Odin files to be released and I'm purchasing one immediately to try.

jal3223 said:
It's probably just the firmware that it ships with. On the Latin s9 and S9+ you just had to flash the Puerto Rico firmware to have all bands and Volte working. I'm thinking it will be the same way for the Note 9. I'm just waiting on the Odin files to be released and I'm purchasing one immediately to try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thank you for being the guinea pig. I'm new to the whole samsung world. Keep us updated on if everything works.

jal3223 said:
It's probably just the firmware that it ships with. On the Latin s9 and S9+ you just had to flash the Puerto Rico firmware to have all bands and Volte working. I'm thinking it will be the same way for the Note 9. I'm just waiting on the Odin files to be released and I'm purchasing one immediately to try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya looks like we will have to wait till I order this untill someone confirms we can get all the bands working on the phone here in the US.
*patiently waiting as my note 4 is failing. *

Guys see here.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=77406260
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE

Tmobile variant on ATT

Hi all,
Going to be purchasing a Tmobile Galaxy s10 for my girlfriend and wondering what, if any, drawbacks there are to buying a TMO variant but activating it on ATT? I'm pretty sure wifi calling won't work, but what about updates? The splash screen will still be TMO I would assume and then would it still be on the TMO update schedule? Has anyone done this? Thanks.

First of all, I never buy from the carriers anymore. Bloated software, ads, etc. & LOCKED BOOTLOADERS, drive me nuts.
I would buy the International Unlocked Model. If you are looking for the S10, the SM-G973F is the international version. AND the local USA carriers will not sell you this model because they want you LOCKED on to their carrier!
But you can buy from SWAPPA or Ebay or AMAZON. I have the international S10E with the fingerprint unlock in the Power button (no problems with installing a glass screen saver).

xgerryx said:
Hi all,
Going to be purchasing a Tmobile Galaxy s10 for my girlfriend and wondering what, if any, drawbacks there are to buying a TMO variant but activating it on ATT? I'm pretty sure wifi calling won't work, but what about updates? The splash screen will still be TMO I would assume and then would it still be on the TMO update schedule? Has anyone done this? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious as to why you're not just buying an unlocked model if wifi calling doesn't matter. In reference to another rant posted, I doubt she will need to unlock the bootloader so I see no need for the international version off Ebay depending on what country she'll be using it in. On what you're asking, yes someone has done it I believe.

Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G - T-mobile US version

Hello guys.
I had recently bought Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G in Serbia.But , i didn't know that it was locked on T-mobile network.
In our country , we don't have T-mobile provider.
I have called T-Mobile USA but they said that the account exists for that IMEI and that they couldn't unlock the phone because i didn't know any info about account.
Is it possible to unlock phone ? The option for unlocking bootloader is not showing in developers mode.
Is it maybe hidden ?
Thank you very much !

mristic2719s said:
Hello guys.
I had recently bought Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G in Serbia.But , i didn't know that it was locked on T-mobile network.
In our country , we don't have T-mobile provider.
I have called T-Mobile USA but they said that the account exists for that IMEI and that they couldn't unlock the phone because i didn't know any info about account.
Is it possible to unlock phone ? The option for unlocking bootloader is not showing in developers mode.
Is it maybe hidden ?
Thank you very much !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need to go back to the person that sold it to you and have them go through T-Mobile to get it unlocked. If they can't do that for you, than its a stolen phone.