Database Develop

Question about the bootloader for the S8 (T Mobile)

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

[Question]Unlocked Note8 Snapdragon 835 unlocked bootloader?

I finally found this Note8 forum hehhe.. Anyways, I spoke to 2 Samsung tech and they confirmed to me that the unlocked version that has snapdragon 835 does have an unlocked bootloader! I made sure he was not confused between sim unlocked and bootloader unlocked, and he asks me right away you want to root your phone right? He said it will void your warranty, and I said that is fine. Anyways to verified what he said is true or not? I mean both of them responded yes to having a unlocked bootloader.

Wrong

No, you cannot buy the Note 8 with an unlocked boot-loader on any network or if it's carrier unlocked. That just means it can be used on any carriers network. I'd like to hope for boot-loader unlock exploit but I think the very best we can hope for is perhaps a boot-to-root sometime in the future.

I wonder why they are telling us it does have it? Anyway to check ourselves?

xterminater07 said:
I wonder why they are telling us it does have it? Anyway to check ourselves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they want to have it secured,
Samsung is offering $200,000 for exploits so they can plug it up like Apple..
they have everything locked down for a few years now... and getting harder.. look at how it is... no development anymore for snap dragon models...

What we need, which won't happen, is for jcase to get a Note 8. My bet is he could figure out a way in but I don't think he is a Samsung guy. If we can get root at some point, I really don't care about a boot-loader unlock. When I buy a Samsung I go into it thinking I will never be able to unlock the boot-loader or root it. I was surprised when they got root on the S7 Edge but that was an engineering kernel that had it's share of problems.

The Exynos variant of the S8/+ are boot loader unlockable, so I'm assuming with the Note 8 being so similar, this will be the case for it as well. The issue is with the Snapdragon variant.
Further to this, some 'far eastern' models are bootloader unlocked out of the box. There are a number of threads on the S8/+ forums that attest to this.

Mike02z said:
What we need, which won't happen, is for jcase to get a Note 8. My bet is he could figure out a way in but I don't think he is a Samsung guy. If we can get root at some point, I really don't care about a boot-loader unlock. When I buy a Samsung I go into it thinking I will never be able to unlock the boot-loader or root it. I was surprised when they got root on the S7 Edge but that was an engineering kernel that had it's share of problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. Bootloader unlocking is a pipe dream for Snapdragon (Verizon here, so no choice) models. I do hold out some hope for root, which honestly is all I probably need. Give me my backup apps, ad blockers, etc.

they should offer a dev edition like they did on the note 4's.

I agree

It's probably a safe assumption but has it ever been confirmed that the Exynos version can be BL unlocked? I know the s8 was easy so probably this will be also, but I sure would like a solid confirmation before I buy one.

Mike02z said:
What we need, which won't happen, is for jcase to get a Note 8. My bet is he could figure out a way in but I don't think he is a Samsung guy. If we can get root at some point, I really don't care about a boot-loader unlock. When I buy a Samsung I go into it thinking I will never be able to unlock the boot-loader or root it. I was surprised when they got root on the S7 Edge but that was an engineering kernel that had it's share of problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgetting @beaups wouldn't get you far.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Has anyone seen the Note 8 exynos bootloader UNLOCKED versions? are they available? I've only seen the SD bootloader LOCKED versions so far.

Araltd said:
Has anyone seen the Note 8 exynos bootloader UNLOCKED versions? are they available? I've only seen the SD bootloader LOCKED versions so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought they were all locked but easily unlockable. How are you telling the difference?

I stick with my promise to Samsung since note3
I will not buy another locked bootloader device, I will go with pixel 2 xl

Araltd said:
Has anyone seen the Note 8 exynos bootloader UNLOCKED versions? are they available? I've only seen the SD bootloader LOCKED versions so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a difference between Sim-unlocked and bootloader unlocked. In terms of bootloaders, Exynos variants are unlocked whereas almost all Snapdragons (except Korean model I think) are locked.
Birbey said:
I will not buy another locked bootloader device, I will go with pixel 2 xl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok that's your prerogative. Note 8 Exynos models are not bootloader locked though, so you have choice

sefrcoko said:
There is a difference between Sim-unlocked and bootloader unlocked. In terms of bootloaders, Exynos variants are unlocked whereas almost all Snapdragons (except Korean model I think) are locked.
ok that's your prerogative. Note 8 Exynos models are not bootloader locked though, so you have choice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is any one of the carriers in USA using Exynos 9 series?
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Birbey said:
Is any one of the carriers in USA using Exynos 9 series?
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, North American carriers have Snapdragon. Exynos models bought elsewhere can still work though, but it depends on the specific model and on your carrier (e.g. does the particular model support the LTE bands your carrier uses, etc.).

Hi,
Is there any way to get the bootloader unlocked or we are talking about a dead end 100%?
For 100$ less I mistakenly bought my Note 8 is the US though where I live (Israel) they sell the Exynos variant. I never would have done it if I knew it can't be easly rooted without "side effects" I don't care about Knox.
I am considering to switch to the Exynos version though I don't know if someone will buy it since there is no option for Hebrew in the UI.
Merry Christmas

xterminater07 said:
I finally found this Note8 forum hehhe.. Anyways, I spoke to 2 Samsung tech and they confirmed to me that the unlocked version that has snapdragon 835 does have an unlocked bootloader! I made sure he was not confused between sim unlocked and bootloader unlocked, and he asks me right away you want to root your phone right? He said it will void your warranty, and I said that is fine. Anyways to verified what he said is true or not? I mean both of them responded yes to having a unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He said absolute garbage. If only what he said was true, though. Makes ZERO sense why the US Unlocked Note 8 can't have an unlockable bootloader since it's being sold direct from Samsung and not through carriers with carrier software.

Pre-order / Buy Exynos version of S10 for USA?

If someone could help me find out if its possible to pre-order or buy the s10 International (Exynos) variants from USA. Thanks

I think Bestbuy will be the best place to look.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL

Here's the info about usa Pre order and trade in.

Tried to pre order from the UK site, and they wont ship to the US. Not sure which version the unlocked version will be - they dont post model numbers... following for sure.

Clove.co.uk

As above, Clove offer delivery to the U.S

kpjs4s said:
If someone could help me find out if its possible to pre-order or buy the s10 International (Exynos) variants from USA. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Galaxy-S10-Plus/192828272845
I bought from them multiple times before, they are trustable

Thanks for the tip. Gonna pull the trigger on this. Really wanted prism green. Just need to get cracking on getting S-Pay to work on it.

thunderroid said:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Galaxy-S10-Plus/192828272845
I bought from them multiple times before, they are trustable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pulled the trigger on the Prism Green S10+ (G975F/DS) from them on Thursday. Looks like it is shipping out on Monday (I thought it might be last Friday) since they claimed it was in stock. I've bought a few phones from them before and they've always delivered so am hoping that they come through!

Reading on down that Ebay listing I see one thing in the specs that has me wondering.
"OS Android 9.0 (Pie); One UI
ChipsetExynos 9820 Octa (8 nm) - EMEA
Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) - USA/LATAM, China"
That doesn't mean that they will ship a Snapdragon model to the US does it bacause it sure reads that way unless that's just a copy/paste of Samsung's specs.

You're reading too much into it. It's just a copy paste.

Insert_here said:
You're reading too much into it. It's just a copy paste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When buying crap off Ebay, I never read too much into it.

Sorry for the bit off topic question but why would you even want the Exynos version? AFAIK the 855 beats the 9820 benchmark wise. The only reason I see to get the Exynos version is its 8K video recording potential (if we can hack it to work).

CroGamer1 said:
Sorry for the bit off topic question but why would you even want the Exynos version? AFAIK the 855 beats the 9820 benchmark wise. The only reason I see to get the Exynos version is its 8K video recording potential (if we can hack it to work).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not really true from what I have seen, the Exynos beats out the Snapdragon in both single core & multicore, correct me if I'm wrong......

Tel864 said:
Reading on down that Ebay listing I see one thing in the specs that has me wondering.
"OS Android 9.0 (Pie); One UI
ChipsetExynos 9820 Octa (8 nm) - EMEA
Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) - USA/LATAM, China"
That doesn't mean that they will ship a Snapdragon model to the US does it bacause it sure reads that way unless that's just a copy/paste of Samsung's specs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its the dual-sim version and only Exynos have dual SIM versions

Duncan1982 said:
That's not really true from what I have seen, the Exynos beats out the Snapdragon in both single core & multicore, correct me if I'm wrong......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go: https://www.bgr.in/news/samsung-gal...nchmark-scores-revealed-march-8-india-launch/

CroGamer1 said:
Sorry for the bit off topic question but why would you even want the Exynos version? AFAIK the 855 beats the 9820 benchmark wise. The only reason I see to get the Exynos version is its 8K video recording potential (if we can hack it to work).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Samsung's history with the past several S models remains the same, the Exynos version will have a fully unlocked bootloader, while the USA 855 models will be fully locked down.

hella356 said:
If Samsung's history with the past several S models remains the same, the Exynos version will have a fully unlocked bootloader, while the USA 855 models will be fully locked down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a point there, but there is a possibility of network incompatibilities with US carriers. I heard that some T-Mobile bands are unsupported.

CroGamer1 said:
You have a point there, but there is a possibility of network incompatibilities with US carriers. I heard that some T-Mobile bands are unsupported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, band 71 & carrier aggragation & some calling features & warranty if unlocked...

CroGamer1 said:
You have a point there, but there is a possibility of network incompatibilities with US carriers. I heard that some T-Mobile bands are unsupported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't speak to the S10 models, but I have both a T-Mobile (Qualcomm) and international (Exyonos) S7. I've never seen a difference in connectivity or download speeds between the two of them. I'm guessing the situation will be similar with the S10, but only time will tell. The reality for me is that the current speed and quality of connection I get is terrific, and I'd assume that either S10 version will at least equal and probably better what I'm getting now. Our needs all vary, of course, but I'll sacrifice some download speed (if that even ends up being the case) for an unlocked bootloader every time.

Rooting Samsung S10 5G (T-Mobile), SM-G977T

Hi All,
I was wondering if anyone had any luck in rooting the Samsung S10 5G TMobile phone (SM-G977T) ? If yes, could you kindly share some pointers that can help in this regards ?
I am asking because, this phone is a coming with a Qualcomm 855 processor, and I have come across articles stating that Qualcomm made it hard to unlock the bootloader. Rooting this phone is not as easy as rooting the Exynos Samsung phones. I was wondering how long it might take before a developer comes up with a cool solution to root the phone.
Does anyone know if any past Qualcomm powered phones could be rooted, and how long did it take for a developer to come up with a solution for such a phone?
Thanks much !

I'm asking cause I dont know if he flashes to Sprint with the bootloader unlocked. Would that make him possible to root then flash back to Tmobile, and keep it?

Same question about Rooting Samsung S10 5 , Sprint version
Hi All,
I also have the same question about rooting Samsung S10 5G *Sprint* phones. Could anyone root a Samsung S10 5G Sprint phone ?
From what I know the Sprint phone can be booter unlocked easily, but has anyone come up with a rooted firmware for Sprint Samsung S10 5G phone ? If yes, it will be very helpful if you could kindly provide some pointers in this regards.
Thanks much !
MobiEnthusiast said:
Hi All,
I was wondering if anyone had any luck in rooting the Samsung S10 5G TMobile phone (SM-G977T) ? If yes, could you kindly share some pointers that can help in this regards ?
I am asking because, this phone is a coming with a Qualcomm 855 processor, and I have come across articles stating that Qualcomm made it hard to unlock the bootloader. Rooting this phone is not as easy as rooting the Exynos Samsung phones. I was wondering how long it might take before a developer comes up with a cool solution to root the phone.
Does anyone know if any past Qualcomm powered phones could be rooted, and how long did it take for a developer to come up with a solution for such a phone?
Thanks much !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

The answer to all these questions is No, No, and No.
When looking for new phone to be rooted, make sure to do some research before buying one, so you don't end up waiting (possible forever).
As far as ETA for when root might be available is a similar question as asking "when are you going to die?", maybe tomorrow maybe in 50 years. lol
Just to give you some idea about ETA's, no Qualcomm bootloader has ever been unlocked so far, and the only rooting solution is by using an engineering bootloader with a script to push SuperSU to system. The last Qualcomm (Snapdragon) phones which were rootable were up to and including model S8 (S7 really which is actually decent). Course all the international Exynos based ones are all rootable.

billa said:
The answer to all these questions is No, No, and No.
When looking for new phone to be rooted, make sure to do some research before buying one, so you don't end up waiting (possible forever).
As far as ETA for when root might be available is a similar question as asking "when are you going to die?", maybe tomorrow maybe in 50 years. lol
Just to give you some idea about ETA's, no Qualcomm bootloader has ever been unlocked so far, and the only rooting solution is by using an engineering bootloader with a script to push SuperSU to system. The last Qualcomm (Snapdragon) phones which were rootable were up to and including model S8 (S7 really which is actually decent). Course all the international Exynos based ones are all rootable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your comment about any snapdragons ever being unlocked is false..
a more accurate statement would be USA snaps but also the sprint s10 5g (g977p) is a usa sd variant and is unlockable..
also eng firmware/root isnt really possible anymore either.. i have full eng firm for g975u rev1 and it was useless.. only way to use it for root is by obtaining an eng token

damulta said:
I'm asking cause I dont know if he flashes to Sprint with the bootloader unlocked. Would that make him possible to root then flash back to Tmobile, and keep it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no.. sprint and tmo are two different devices and firmware is not interchangeableone is a G977T and the other a G977P

MobiEnthusiast said:
Hi All,
I also have the same question about rooting Samsung S10 5G *Sprint* phones. Could anyone root a Samsung S10 5G Sprint phone ?
From what I know the Sprint phone can be booter unlocked easily, but has anyone come up with a rooted firmware for Sprint Samsung S10 5G phone ? If yes, it will be very helpful if you could kindly provide some pointers in this regards.
Thanks much !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you dont see anything for it bcuz hardly no one has it.. they are unpopular and sprint doesnt sell many of them.. around me u cant even get them in stores lol

elliwigy said:
your comment about any snapdragons ever being unlocked is false..
a more accurate statement would be USA snaps but also the sprint s10 5g (g977p) is a usa sd variant and is unlockable..
also eng firmware/root isnt really possible anymore either.. i have full eng firm for g975u rev1 and it was useless.. only way to use it for root is by obtaining an eng token
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Elliwigy,
Do you know where we can get eng tokens from ? Thanks much !

elliwigy said:
your comment about any snapdragons ever being unlocked is false..
a more accurate statement would be USA snaps but also the sprint s10 5g (g977p) is a usa sd variant and is unlockable..
also eng firmware/root isnt really possible anymore either.. i have full eng firm for g975u rev1 and it was useless.. only way to use it for root is by obtaining an eng token
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, my statement wasn't far off, since starting with the S7 though the S10 series none of the US Snapdragon bootloaders were unlockable, till the recent discovery of the one and only Sprint S10 G977P, which might just be a fluke and can easily be locked up by Sprint via a firmware upgrade... Just sayin' lol
So, looks like the G977P can be rooted via this method (the Exynos method may be used as a guide) https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s10-5g/how-to/root-recovery-roms-guide-info-t3957211 But time will tell if this root is stable enough as a daily driver without any issues.
In case anyone wants one at the cheap price of about 800 bucks, here WAS one available lol > https://swappa.com/listing/view/LRVI96993
I was just wondering, is it possible to cross flash the G977P with G977U (VZW) or G977T (TMO) like it was possible with pretty much all the other models in recent years? Does it give a bootloader error when trying to do so? Any tricks to push it through? What's stopping the S9/S10 series from being rooted via the eng-boot/script method, what has changed since the S7/S8 series? Perhaps the merging of the BL (boot.img) into AP (system.img)?
I can already imagine the answers ringing out loud... No! No! and No! Not possible! lol
Strangely they don't even have an unbranded "U1" firmware available for this model so far.

billa said:
Well, my statement wasn't far off, since starting with the S7 though the S10 series none of the US Snapdragon bootloaders were unlockable, till the recent discovery of the one and only Sprint S10 G977P, which might just be a fluke and can easily be locked up by Sprint via a firmware upgrade... Just sayin' lol
So, looks like the G977P can be rooted via this method (the Exynos method may be used as a guide) https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s10-5g/how-to/root-recovery-roms-guide-info-t3957211 But time will tell if this root is stable enough as a daily driver without any issues.
In case anyone wants one at the cheap price of about 800 bucks, here WAS one available lol > https://swappa.com/listing/view/LRVI96993
I was just wondering, is it possible to cross flash the G977P with G977U (VZW) or G977T (TMO) like it was possible with pretty much all the other models in recent years? Does it give a bootloader error when trying to do so? Any tricks to push it through? What's stopping the S9/S10 series from being rooted via the eng-boot/script method, what has changed since the S7/S8 series? Perhaps the merging of the BL (boot.img) into AP (system.img)?
I can already imagine the answers ringing out loud... No! No! and No! Not possible! lol
Strangely they don't even have an unbranded "U1" firmware available for this model so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pretty sure u cant cross flash carrier specific models.. at least i cant on my n976v

elliwigy said:
pretty sure u cant cross flash carrier specific models.. at least i cant on my n976v
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that kind of sucks, it was nice to be able to flash the U/U1 on the S7 though the S10 (excluding the G977x), and having a nice unbloated system.
Wonder if this restriction has been imposed on the G977x QC models only?
Have your tried to root your Sprint G977P yet?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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