I currently use multi-line setting for my virtual number (Digits from Tmobile) and would like to continue using it for my future s10+. I'm tempted to go unlocked but I just don't know the difference.
I also heard about slow updates for unlocked? Is this true?
What's the advantage of getting one or the other?
Unlocked will have root + unlocked bootloader. It will run on Exynos. Tmos version will have Snapdragon and be completely locked down with no root.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
I'm sure the US unlocked will be the Snapdragon just like the Note 9, exynos will be international. The unlocked version will see updates last after carrier updates according to Samsung this is because unlocked has to work on all carriers.
I tend to buy unlocked phones as they re-sell better and quicker
I always buy the US unlocked version (Snapdragon). No bloatware and I'm not tied to one carrier. I can change to the lowest cost month 2 month service any time I choose. No contracts.
Does this means that if I buy S10 locked to a carrier I will not be able to root my device? (assuming I buy the version in exynos)
Has anyone had success using unlocked Samsung devices with Xfinity Mobile (who does not currently support bring-your-own-android)?
compujock said:
I always buy the US unlocked version (Snapdragon). No bloatware and I'm not tied to one carrier. I can change to the lowest cost month 2 month service any time I choose. No contracts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, oh there's bloarware, like two of everything...but yes, no added carrier bloat. That would just be unbearable.
As far as I'm aware, all the recent US variants of Samsung Galaxy phones, including the factory unlocked variants from Samsung, have traditionally come with locked bootloaders. It is likely this is true for the S10 as well.
gotnoypi said:
I currently use multi-line setting for my virtual number (Digits from Tmobile) and would like to continue using it for my future s10+. I'm tempted to go unlocked but I just don't know the difference.
I also heard about slow updates for unlocked? Is this true?
What's the advantage of getting one or the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The built in multi-line setting is normally available with T-Mobile branded phone, such as S8 and so on. Unlocked model didn't have multi-line support, but you can always download their digits app. If you don't want the app, then you would have to flash your S10 with T-Mobile firmware and get all the features and I do prefer to go with this route as you won't get T-Mobile's bloatware
Charkatak said:
The built in multi-line setting is normally available with T-Mobile branded phone, such as S8 and so on. Unlocked model didn't have multi-line support, but you can always download their digits app. If you don't want the app, then you would have to flash your S10 with T-Mobile firmware and get all the features and I do prefer to go with this route as you won't get T-Mobile's bloatware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there even word that we can even use Odin to flash another firmware on to the S10 like the S8 and 9?
T-Mobile is offering a hell of a better deal on the S10 than Samsung directly with both the monthly payments (if you choose that option) and a better S8 trade in amount at $390 versus $330. It might tempt me to go that route even though carrier bootups and firmware labeling annoys the hell out of me. If it's still possible to flash with Odin, buying from a carrier would be a no brainer. Flash off to the unlocked firmware if you want better rates, and then flash back when you want something on the firmware side.
If its the case like the Note 9 and the S9, then even though you buy the unlocked version, once you pop in the carrier sim the phone will reset to that carriers CSC profile including all the bloatware and apps etc... Change to another carrier and the phone will switch profiles accordingly.
Please correct me if im wrong.
Tacoo said:
Is there even word that we can even use Odin to flash another firmware on to the S10 like the S8 and 9?
T-Mobile is offering a hell of a better deal on the S10 than Samsung directly with both the monthly payments (if you choose that option) and a better S8 trade in amount at $390 versus $330. It might tempt me to go that route even though carrier bootups and firmware labeling annoys the hell out of me. If it's still possible to flash with Odin, buying from a carrier would be a no brainer. Flash off to the unlocked firmware if you want better rates, and then flash back when you want something on the firmware side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin firmware flashing was possible on previous recent Galaxy phones, including the S9 and the Note 9, so I hope that is still the case with the S10.
If it is not, then honestly I would rather just buy the unlocked version based on principle alone: If I'm buying a phone at full price, then I would rather not buy one that is stuck with a particular carrier's firmware or branding. It's a Samsung phone, not a "TMobile" or "at&t" phone.
Tacoo said:
Is there even word that we can even use Odin to flash another firmware on to the S10 like the S8 and 9?
T-Mobile is offering a hell of a better deal on the S10 than Samsung directly with both the monthly payments (if you choose that option) and a better S8 trade in amount at $390 versus $330. It might tempt me to go that route even though carrier bootups and firmware labeling annoys the hell out of me. If it's still possible to flash with Odin, buying from a carrier would be a no brainer. Flash off to the unlocked firmware if you want better rates, and then flash back when you want something on the firmware side.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I was preordering S10e, I was at two roads: T-Mobile variant or unlocked, but it didn't take me long to realize that unlocked would give me more flexibility.
When you flash unlocked unit, it is just a standard flash: using Odin pick a carrier firmware and flash. When you flash a carrier branded phone, in most cases
you would needed "factory binary" firmware because you would need to change CSC(unless your carrier phone was multi-CSC) to the one you need, than in the dial, type some commands to pull up CSC changing menu and after saving and restarting phone, then flash a firmware of your choice In other words it was a longer process. That I why unlocked phone would just be a regular flash and a fast one.
I can't guarantee that there will be a way to flash S10, but most likely it will be possible to do it. I even flashed Galaxy S3, S4 and so on.
I think couple of years ago Samsung made an unlocked firmware that would detect which sim card is inserted and tune the firmware to that sim, but to what extent, I don't know
Also unlocked phones mostly are approved for Samsung beta testing of new Android built(if you are into this)
Eudeferrer said:
Unlocked will have root + unlocked bootloader. It will run on Exynos. Tmos version will have Snapdragon and be completely locked down with no root.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Snapdragon unlocked, U1, is only sim unlocked, not bootloader unlocked.
Charkatak said:
When I was preordering S10e, I was at two roads: T-Mobile variant or unlocked, but it didn't take me long to realize that unlocked would give me more flexibility.
When you flash unlocked unit, it is just a standard flash: using Odin pick a carrier firmware and flash. When you flash a carrier branded phone, in most cases
you would needed "factory binary" firmware because you would need to change CSC(unless your carrier phone was multi-CSC) to the one you need, than in the dial, type some commands to pull up CSC changing menu and after saving and restarting phone, then flash a firmware of your choice In other words it was a longer process. That I why unlocked phone would just be a regular flash and a fast one.
I can't guarantee that there will be a way to flash S10, but most likely it will be possible to do it. I even flashed Galaxy S3, S4 and so on.
I think couple of years ago Samsung made an unlocked firmware that would detect which sim card is inserted and tune the firmware to that sim, but to what extent, I don't know
Also unlocked phones mostly are approved for Samsung beta testing of new Android built(if you are into this)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering... regarding changing the CSC if flashing from a carrier-specific firmware to the unlocked firmware, is this the equivalent of needing to use a patched Odin that bypasses CSC match check? I've never actually done this process, but have been reading about it.
Kjn246 said:
I'm wondering... regarding changing the CSC if flashing from a carrier-specific firmware to the unlocked firmware, is this the equivalent of needing to use a patched Odin that bypasses CSC match check? I've never actually done this process, but have been reading about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last phones I flashed was my unlocked S8 and Sprint S8 Active.
So when I flashed my unlocked s8 to T-Mo firmware, I just used regular Odin because unlocked phones have multi-csc codes for many different carriers.
When I needed to flash back to unlocked XAA csc, then I had to use modified Odin and flashing completed successfully.
With Sprint S8 Active model, I had to jump through few hoops and it wasn't pleasant as at the time of my flashing, most people had other phones and no special "factory binary" firmware was freely available.
I don't recall exactly, but: I took Odin(possibly regular) flashed with special factory binary firmware which had the ability to change csc codes to the one I need, then it would restart my phone, than I think I used modified Odin to flash the final firmware of my choice. I wanted to convert Sprint model to T-Mobile
Related
So I am looking forward to buy the S8 and I do want the unlocked bootloader. I heard that if you buy an S8 or S8+ from T Mobile then you get the U variant instead of T. Is it true? Because as far as I know the S8 and S8+ US variants got the U after the numbers which shows that the bootloader is unlocked.
T-mobile bootloader on the s8/s8+ is locked
KidKnowsTech said:
So I am looking forward to buy the S8 and I do want the unlocked bootloader. I heard that if you buy an S8 or S8+ from T Mobile then you get the U variant instead of T. Is it true? Because as far as I know the S8 and S8+ US variants got the U after the numbers which shows that the bootloader is unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every North American model is the U model, simply with different firmware. Whether you buy a carrier version or the US unlocked model (U1) they are all quite literally the very same U model. This means you CAN do carrier switching, with some work (for instance, install firmware from T-Mobile on to an unlocked model, or Verizon, or whatever) - this DOES NOT however, SIM unlock the device. There was misinformation on the internet that the model numbers would be like they were in the past, but it's not true. If you buy a T-Mobile model, it's the G950U, just like it's the G950U on Verizon and all other carriers (no longer are there "T" models, "V" models, etc). The unlocked model is the G950U1, but it's still the very same model, so the firmwares are interchangeable.
Currently, there is no known way to unlock the bootloader. As of this week, root is available (with some caveats), but no way to unlock the bootloader. The only models you can do that with are the international Exynos models, and the more rare Hong Kong Snapdragon model. I sincerely doubt we'll ever be able to unlock the bootloader, but I'd love to see the XDA community make it happen.
Damn, I guess the International version is better.
The U = carrier unlocked. Not unlockable bootloader. Besides most glass Mashers and text-while-driving people don't even know what the heck a bootloader is lol
Bootloader ? oem
I have been thinking about get a S8+, now my wife's S7 phone and tab S2 tablet you just go to developer options and turn on oem unlock dose the S8 not have that?
brightjh01 said:
I have been thinking about get a S8+, now my wife's S7 phone and tab S2 tablet you just go to developer options and turn on oem unlock dose the S8 not have that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
stmims1124 said:
Every North American model is the U model, simply with different firmware. Whether you buy a carrier version or the US unlocked model (U1) they are all quite literally the very same U model. This means you CAN do carrier switching, with some work (for instance, install firmware from T-Mobile on to an unlocked model, or Verizon, or whatever) - this DOES NOT however, SIM unlock the device. There was misinformation on the internet that the model numbers would be like they were in the past, but it's not true. If you buy a T-Mobile model, it's the G950U, just like it's the G950U on Verizon and all other carriers (no longer are there "T" models, "V" models, etc). The unlocked model is the G950U1, but it's still the very same model, so the firmwares are interchangeable.
Currently, there is no known way to unlock the bootloader. As of this week, root is available (with some caveats), but no way to unlock the bootloader. The only models you can do that with are the international Exynos models, and the more rare Hong Kong Snapdragon model. I sincerely doubt we'll ever be able to unlock the bootloader, but I'd love to see the XDA community make it happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what you are basically saying is, 950U s8 models even though unlocked can only be used on other US carries and not internationally??
captainkbj said:
So what you are basically saying is, 950U s8 models even though unlocked can only be used on other US carries and not internationally??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you should be able to use the U1 (North American implied variant) internationally, mostly without issue. I believe it supports most, if not all GSM/LTE bands (CDMA may be a different story). I was just saying you cannot unlock the bootloader on the North American models... Different than SIM/Carrier unlock
Hello,
I am planning to sell my Sprint Note8 online soon. I have the phone unlocked (and confirmed that it works on AT&T with a friends SIM). My question is that I'd like to advertise it as just the North America Unlocked version to reach a larger audience and hopefully get more money. I am pretty sure there are no hardware differences between the N950U and N950U1 variants. So my thinking is that if I Odin flash the XAA N950U1 unbranded firmware onto the device then it would be identical to a phone straight from Samsung. That said, I'm not 100% sure and of course I don't want to falsely advertise. Can anyone conform for me whether I am right or not? Obviously I will market as "Sprint - Unlocked" if there are any differences at all.
Thanks
I think it would be safer and better for the buyer if you flash whatever Network they want before you ship it.
don't update this app!!
MattC867 said:
Hello,
I am planning to sell my Sprint Note8 online soon. I have the phone unlocked (and confirmed that it works on AT&T with a friends SIM). My question is that I'd like to advertise it as just the North America Unlocked version to reach a larger audience and hopefully get more money. I am pretty sure there are no hardware differences between the N950U and N950U1 variants. So my thinking is that if I Odin flash the XAA N950U1 unbranded firmware onto the device then it would be identical to a phone straight from Samsung. That said, I'm not 100% sure and of course I don't want to falsely advertise. Can anyone conform for me whether I am right or not? Obviously I will market as "Sprint - Unlocked" if there are any differences at all.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to follow the switching carrier guide to change code to specified carrier to get rid of lingering Sprint stuff if you want them to have true stock experience...if you change carriers, that is...even if you do xaa
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=74087340&postcount=1
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
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.
So, I have an S21 Ultra running Android 13/OneUI 5.0, it is an international model from Japan known as the SC-52B (I think also may be referred to as SM-G998D?). The reseller on eBay listed it as "unknown carrier" but I did not expect it to come as a non-US variant, though everything does seem to work except 5G due to the correct bands being disabled. I can't find much info on SC-52B online, I know it has the Snapdragon 888 but no idea if it's any different to flash/program, or if I am just not doing what I need to do.
First, I was trying to flash USA U1 (stock) firmware to remove the bloatware but no luck, Odin gave me a "re-partition" error and some google results said this could be due to incompatible firmware. Sammobile does have firmware matching this model but they are all Android 12 and have the same carrier software I have now (Docomo). I assume I am probably out of luck on this conversion, I did read some info on changing CSC first but not sure if this will actually fix it.
Second, I am trying to unlock the correct bands for 5G operation on Verizon, and I found that Samsung Toolkit can do this as well as some ADB commands. From my understanding, this works on UI 5.0 but not 5.1 due to a patch from Samsung. I have 5.0, but I am getting the same issues as those with 5.1, and going via ADB does not bring up the hidden Service Menu either.
Lastly, is there any way to change the boot logo without root? I just want the normal Galaxy boot logo instead of this "DOCOMO" one, which I do understand would be achieved IF I could get the USA firmware loaded, I just don't want to brick it.
Just curious if anyone has any ideas or suggestions, or should I just trade this in on an S22/S23 Ultra? I only paid $300 and Samsung would offer $600 for trade-in, which is nice alternative but a $300 fully working S21U would be preferred. Seller does offer returns so I could also just look for an actual US S21U.