Database Develop

Should I cancel my back-ordered UNLOCKED Note 8 and get the T-MOBILE Note 8 instead?

Before going into detail, I'd like to mention what I read on here so far:
It IS possible to use ODIN to flash the unlocked firmware to the t-mobile Note 8
I found a step by step guide on here that describes how to flash the aforementioned firmware
The hardware in the unlocked Note 8 and t-mobile Note 8 is identical
Now considering the above facts, am I missing out on anything if I cancel my currently back-ordered unlocked Note 8 from Samsung's website and instead order the t-mobile version, which costs exactly the same and will ship this week?
Also, I am on Cricket Wireless (AT&T MVNO). Is unlocking the t-mobile Note 8 for use on other carriers a straightforward process? How long does this usually take?
Thanks in advance!

Yes, get the TMO one.

Unlocking can be difficult
Gnex1 said:
Before going into detail, I'd like to mention what I read on here so far:
It IS possible to use ODIN to flash the unlocked firmware to the t-mobile Note 8
I found a step by step guide on here that describes how to flash the aforementioned firmware
The hardware in the unlocked Note 8 and t-mobile Note 8 is identical
Now considering the above facts, am I missing out on anything if I cancel my currently back-ordered unlocked Note 8 from Samsung's website and instead order the t-mobile version, which costs exactly the same and will ship this week?
Also, I am on Cricket Wireless (AT&T MVNO). Is unlocking the t-mobile Note 8 for use on other carriers a straightforward process? How long does this usually take?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The firmware for unlocked should work fine on tmobile version. Infact i am using the unlocked firmware on my S7 edge which is better that the original in terms of bloatware and performance. Based on what i read in other forums, buying tmobile is fine but getting it unlocked in the future might be a pain. Because of this reason, i am going to wait for the backordered note 8 even though there is delay.

262jss said:
The firmware for unlocked should work fine on tmobile version. Infact i am using the unlocked firmware on my S7 edge which is better that the original in terms of bloatware and performance. Based on what i read in other forums, buying tmobile is fine but getting it unlocked in the future might be a pain. Because of this reason, i am going to wait for the backordered note 8 even though there is delay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spending nearly $1000 on a phone and being expected to wait a month for it to ship does not work for me. Because of this, I have cancelled my order and will not be buying one anymore.

[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?
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm wonder if it will work on verizon

oneandroidnut said:
hmm wonder if it will work on verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.
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

Unlocked U.S Note 9 Slow Updates?

Hi everyone,
For anyone out there that won't be trading in a phone and paying full price, it looks like B&H has the best deal on the Note 9 that's compatible with T-Mobile U.S.A. They are throwing the new QI wireless charger duo, a dex dock and the AKG headphones (although via rebate )
My question: How's Samsung's software updates for their unlocked phones? I know they caught some heat in the past for doing quarterly security updates instead of monthly which they have now fixed but is that true for their major OS updates? I don't want to be stuck on 8.0 till this time next year when 9.0 is starting to roll out now..
Anything else I would be losing by going the unlocked route? I have TMobile here in the U.S and the specs sheet pretty much covers everything including bands 66 and 71.. I'm assuming wifi calling is a given although it doesn't say so..
No tax and the additional freebies have me lingering on the preorder click button.. What say you?

Avoid T-Mobile since it would come with a locked bootloader. I am still rocking a Note-4 on TMO since the bootloader was unlocked. It is probably better to get an international model of the phone.

I'm on the fence as the OP as well. Has band 71 been totally confirmed for the US unlocked version!?

It is my understanding that the international version will have full band support for the US-Based GSM carriers (AT&T and T-Mo) but not for CDMA (Verizon and Shint).

If I'm not mistaken, Carrier versions get the update from Samsung, after Samsung does their tweaks, and then the carrier puts their little changes, and then the update rolls out. Unlocked versions should get updates sooner since there's no carrier involved right?
---------- Post added at 12:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:57 PM ----------
mike2518 said:
I'm on the fence as the OP as well. Has band 71 been totally confirmed for the US unlocked version!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to BestBuy.com
LTE Band 1, LTE Band 12, LTE Band 13, LTE Band 17, LTE Band 18, LTE Band 19, LTE Band 2, LTE Band 20, LTE Band 25, LTE Band 26, LTE Band 28, LTE Band 29, LTE Band 3, LTE Band 30, LTE Band 38, LTE Band 39, LTE Band 4, LTE Band 40, LTE Band 41, LTE Band 5, LTE Band 7, LTE Band 8

As far as wifi calling it should work on a unlocked Note 9. I have the unlocked Note 8 and wifi calling works on tmobile.
I am not sure about the bands support as phone arena also says that it does t have B71 support.
But if the US unlocked S9 can be used as an example, it has b71 support. So I wouldn't see why Samsung would drop b71 support on the US unlocked Note 9.

jayr04 said:
If I'm not mistaken, Carrier versions get the update from Samsung, after Samsung does their tweaks, and then the carrier puts their little changes, and then the update rolls out. Unlocked versions should get updates sooner since there's no carrier involved right?
You would think it works that way but no. All carriers are satisfied first before unlocked units. My unlocked note 8 always received updates well after carriers. I guess unlocked users represent a smaller percentage and thus lower priority.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

PC Mag review has confirmed that tmobile wifi calling works on the unlocked Note 9 but not for any of the other carriers. Still don't know about band 71 coverage though b&h has it listed on their website.

FYI Oreo on tmobile note 8 was released April 1st while Oreo on unlocked version was released April 4th.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Tmobile band 71
Does anyone know if an unlocked Sprint Note 9 is compatible with TMobiles band 71?
I bought on Ebay a note 9 that was listed as a factory US unlocked SM-N960u1. Based on the imei number, it turns out that it is a sprint carrier unlocked note 9 that someone flashed the U1 firmware onto it. I talked to Samsung support and tmobile tech support who do Not know if this phone will work with band 71.
Sorry if I'm asking in the wrong location.
Appreciate the input.

Yes it should be compatible I think. You can try dialing *#2263# then go to band selection then LTE then look for listed bands, it should say 71 in there.

sl5400 said:
Does anyone know if an unlocked Sprint Note 9 is compatible with TMobiles band 71?
I bought on Ebay a note 9 that was listed as a factory US unlocked SM-N960u1. Based on the imei number, it turns out that it is a sprint carrier unlocked note 9 that someone flashed the U1 firmware onto it. I talked to Samsung support and tmobile tech support who do Not know if this phone will work with band 71.
Sorry if I'm asking in the wrong location.
Appreciate the input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. All the US Note 9s are the same exact hardware. There's no difference at all between the carrier models or the U1 model. It will be 100% compatible and has band 71 support. If you want video calling and rcs texting, just flash the T-Mo firmware. WiFi calling and VoLTE both work on the U1 firmware on T-Mo.
I've had a T-Mobile branded Note 9, an actual factory unlocked U1, and most recently an ATT brandes Note 9 flashed with the U1 firmware on T-Mobile. No difference whatsoever in signal strength and speed.
Just put your TMB SIM card in it and enjoy!
You also have one distinct advantage: ONLY Sprint branded phones and the factory unlocked U1s work on Sprint. So when you sell that one, you can say it's truly unlocked for all carriers.
EDIT: Added a screen shot from the *#2263# menue on my ATT Note 9 running the U1 unlocked firmware. I circled all the LTE bands it supports. Again running on T-Mobile.

So great to hear that. Thanks so much for your thorough reply. Can I leave it as is or will I need to flash the sprint firmware back to use the warranty ever. The knox counter remains at 0×0.
Thank you

sl5400 said:
So great to hear that. Thanks so much for your thorough reply. Can I leave it as is or will I need to flash the sprint firmware back to use the warranty ever. The knox counter remains at 0×0.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can leave it as is. It's running official Samsung firmware.

I understand that the tmobile variant has a locked Bootloader as well.
My last note was the note 4 which I loved because I could carry spare batteries. Since that phone, I've been on the huawei mate 8,9 and 10. Great UI and 4000 mah batteries that I easily could get more than a days usage. Most recently, I sold my mate 10 and bought a Nova 3 because I wanted a better selfie cam than 8mp. The Nova has a 24mp and a 2mp selfie.
Compared to my new note, the selfies are appreciably sharper. I want to take advantage of band 71. My wife has a s9 plus and she gets double the download speeds I ever got with huawei. Guess I'm looking for the best of all worlds. I've missed the note. I'm glad samsung finally put in a big enough battery. Personally, I still think the user replaceable battery was always the best and distinguished android from Apple by having expandable memory too.
My main complaint with this note is that I am unable to tweak the settings for better battery.
I think I've tried everything even tweaked the developer settings. Maybe the s pen is a drain even when not in use.
Best regards and thanks again!

sl5400 said:
I understand that the tmobile variant has a locked Bootloader as well.
My last note was the note 4 which I loved because I could carry spare batteries. Since that phone, I've been on the huawei mate 8,9 and 10. Great UI and 4000 mah batteries that I easily could get more than a days usage. Most recently, I sold my mate 10 and bought a Nova 3 because I wanted a better selfie cam than 8mp. The Nova has a 24mp and a 2mp selfie.
Compared to my new note, the selfies are appreciably sharper. I want to take advantage of band 71. My wife has a s9 plus and she gets double the download speeds I ever got with huawei. Guess I'm looking for the best of all worlds. I've missed the note. I'm glad samsung finally put in a big enough battery. Personally, I still think the user replaceable battery was always the best and distinguished android from Apple by having expandable memory too.
My main complaint with this note is that I am unable to tweak the settings for better battery.
I think I've tried everything even tweaked the developer settings. Maybe the s pen is a drain even when not in use.
Best regards and thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ALL the US models have locked bootloaders. If you want to unlock and root, you need an international model, but you'll lose band 71.
No the SPen won't drain your battery.
What kind of battery life are you getting?

Averaging 14 to 18 hours. I've put all but 2 apps to sleep and am allowing no more than 1 app to run in the background. I also go into device maintenance frequently and optimize everything. My Huawei Nova 3 with it's 3750 battery lasts at least 25% longer.
Am I missing anything?
Thank you

sl5400 said:
Averaging 14 to 18 hours. I've put all but 2 apps to sleep and am allowing no more than 1 app to run in the background. I also go into device maintenance frequently and optimize everything. My Huawei Nova 3 with it's 3750 battery lasts at least 25% longer.
Am I missing anything?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't really tell me anything. How much screen on time do you have? How much of that 14 to 18 hours is the phone being used?

Screen on time about 4 hrs, talk time 2 1/2 hrs

DarkManX4lf said:
As far as wifi calling it should work on a unlocked Note 9. I have the unlocked Note 8 and wifi calling works on tmobile.
I am not sure about the bands support as phone arena also says that it does t have B71 support.
But if the US unlocked S9 can be used as an example, it has b71 support. So I wouldn't see why Samsung would drop b71 support on the US unlocked Note 9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm that WiFi calling works on unlocked USA note 9. Carrier T-Mobile.

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?
Click to expand...
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.
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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.
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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

Can the T-Mobile note 9 be rooted?

Is there a root process for the T-Mobile note 9 device. Thanks In advance!!!
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Is there a search function for xda? Please use search function and spread the word. Thanks in advance.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...veries--other-development/root-t3927413/page1
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs

GDane1 said:
Is there a root process for the T-Mobile note 9 device. Thanks In advance!!!
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Click to collapse
not for tmobile
not for att
not for verizon
not for sprint
not for for any the subsidiaries of the above
not for the unlocked version either
not for any of the canadian versions too
so not for north Americans devices.

bober10113 said:
not for tmobile
not for att
not for verizon
not for sprint
not for for any the subsidiaries of the above
not for the unlocked version either
not for any of the canadian versions too
so not for north Americans devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Att note 9 =N96OU
Verizon note 9 = N96OU
Sprint note 9 = N96OU
Tmobile note 9 = N96OU
US unlocked = N96OU1
The hardware of all of these phones is the exact same. The only difference is the software. You can flash U1 fw to U device and vice versa.
The following is from the opening paragraph of the thread I linked to earlier. "This root method was developed and tested on the N960U model. This is the only model I have that is a Samsung device. I do have friends and other devs however that have tested this method on various other Samsung devices on both Qualcomm and Exynos chipsets and it has worked on a good number of them meaning this method is not limited to the Note 9. With that being said, due to all the time I have already spent on this and not having any other devices, I will ONLY be supporting the N960U"
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs

sacnotsack said:
Att note 9 =N96OU
Verizon note 9 = N96OU
Sprint note 9 = N96OU
Tmobile note 9 = N96OU
US unlocked = N96OU1
The hardware of all of these phones is the exact same. The only difference is the software. You can flash U1 fw to U device and vice versa.
The following is from the opening paragraph of the thread I linked to earlier. "This root method was developed and tested on the N960U model. This is the only model I have that is a Samsung device. I do have friends and other devs however that have tested this method on various other Samsung devices on both Qualcomm and Exynos chipsets and it has worked on a good number of them meaning this method is not limited to the Note 9. With that being said, due to all the time I have already spent on this and not having any other devices, I will ONLY be supporting the N960U"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i was making a point to the OP that regardless of the carrier, the north americian devices aren't rootable for the time being.
(and yeah, a usable working phone is NOT what that thread you linked/quoted gives you(its just taken out of context). reading the topic and whole thread has made it very evident( hence the Work In Progress and Combo firmware tags..) I've been following it and commenting in it since day 1 of it being posted.)