Database Develop

N960U1 in the UK

Hi all,
I bought an unlocked note 9 from eBay which arrived today. I got it set up and went to begin installing a different firmware to be able to get the one UI update - only to find out it's a N960U1! I'm in the UK so was expecting/hoping for a N960F.
It's all working, calls work, I've pulled over 3GB of data today all nice and fast, texts working etc. If I was the 'average user' I wouldn't know that it's not a UK one...
My question is, am I likely to hit any road blocks? As long as the radios all work I can't imagine there being any and the play store has all the apps I use available. I'm just wondering if I'm at any advantage/disadvantage?
Thanks

spears93 said:
Hi all,
I bought an unlocked note 9 from eBay which arrived today. I got it set up and went to begin installing a different firmware to be able to get the one UI update - only to find out it's a N960U1! I'm in the UK so was expecting/hoping for a N960F.
It's all working, calls work, I've pulled over 3GB of data today all nice and fast, texts working etc. If I was the 'average user' I wouldn't know that it's not a UK one...
My question is, am I likely to hit any road blocks? As long as the radios all work I can't imagine there being any and the play store has all the apps I use available. I'm just wondering if I'm at any advantage/disadvantage?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on the same boat (I mean, a similar situation because I'm not in the UK I'm in El Salvador). When I received my phone I started looking for the new UI, but I noticed that I had a very old android build version (I was in September security patch, I received my phone February 11) I started reading about and found out that N960U is the branded version of the note in the US. I wanted to update by Odin to one UI but I was afraid to get my phone carrier locked so after reading a lot more, I found that you can update using the right firmware for the phone (N960U) you don't lose carrier unlock and in my case after installing updates, I don't even have any bloatware.
Now, after this context history, I can tell you that the only thing that will affects is any "radio band enhance" or "carrier feature" and that's because you will not be able to install any UK carrier software to that version because N960U and N960F are different hardware, not just software.
Maybe there is another road block that is about updates, I'm on 9.0 but with January security patch, I have not received any new update. To be hones I'm not sure if there is a new one, so I need to wait to confirm that OTA updates are working for me, if not I will take the time to update by ODIN again haha so that's not something that will drive me crazy, and also related to this I think that N960U android versions are coming faster than I thought, some of my friends with N9600 are still stuck on 8.1
If you want to upgrade go to the following thread, there you will have enough information to update.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/guide-upgrade-oreo-to-pie-one-ui-t3888711

Awesome, nice one dude
I used Odin on my previous S8+ to be able to install the one UI beta and that worked fine. Though it did come with a couple of apps that were a part of that carriers firmware (three UK)
I'm aware that the F uses an exynos processor whereas the U is Snapdragon and have seen a couple of guides already. Though they use AT&T firmware and, from what I've seen, have bloatware that would literally be useless to me.
I'll have a look at the guide you linked.
I'd like to have one UI again, but can happily live with the Samsung experience UI if I had to.

spears93 said:
Awesome, nice one dude
I used Odin on my previous S8+ to be able to install the one UI beta and that worked fine. Though it did come with a couple of apps that were a part of that carriers firmware (three UK)
I'm aware that the F uses an exynos processor whereas the U is Snapdragon and have seen a couple of guides already. Though they use AT&T firmware and, from what I've seen, have bloatware that would literally be useless to me.
I'll have a look at the guide you linked.
I'd like to have one UI again, but can happily live with the Samsung experience UI if I had to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the software version that you currently running?

kevindevonwilliams said:
What's the software version that you currently running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8.1 with Samsung experience 9.5
Build number ends ARL1

spears93 said:
8.1 with Samsung experience 9.5
Build number ends ARL1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option1:
You can flash the Pie beta since you're running U1, there isn't an official release of Pie as yet.
Option2:
You can switch your device to the U firmware and flash the latest OTA however you would have to manually update each time because you won't be getting an update automatically.

kevindevonwilliams said:
Option1:
You can flash the Pie beta since you're running U1, there isn't an official release of Pie as yet.
Option2:
You can switch your device to the U firmware and flash the latest OTA however you would have to manually update each time because you won't be getting an update automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How come the U firmware wouldn't get OTAs?
My S8+ was flashed to get the beta and that received OTA updates.
If I'm to go onto one UI I'd want it to get OTA updates still. If that means waiting for an official release then so be it
On a different note, I installed an app to get the FM radio working today. Can't do that with the UK exynos version ?

spears93 said:
How come the U firmware wouldn't get OTAs?
My S8+ was flashed to get the beta and that received OTA updates.
If I'm to go onto one UI I'd want it to get OTA updates still. If that means waiting for an official release then so be it
On a different note, I installed an app to get the FM radio working today. Can't do that with the UK exynos version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because on the U most OTA comes from the carrier (ATT & VZW) while the rest comes from Samsung.
U1 all updates come from Samsung but U1 updates are months behind.
Advantage of running U firmware is you always get to be on the latest OTA as one is available.

kevindevonwilliams said:
Because on the U most OTA comes from the carrier (ATT & VZW) while the rest comes from Samsung.
U1 all updates come from Samsung but U1 updates are months behind.
Advantage of running U firmware is you always get to be on the latest OTA as one is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So correct me if I'm wrong but to simplify what you're saying:
The U gets the latest updates sooner but comes with carrier bloat
The U1 gets non bloated updates but Samsung doesn't release then until months later?
I'll leave it and wait if that's the case. I'd be more bothered about having bloat than One UI

spears93 said:
So correct me if I'm wrong but to simplify what you're saying:
The U gets the latest updates sooner but comes with carrier bloat
The U1 gets non bloated updates but Samsung doesn't release then until months later?
I'll leave it and wait if that's the case. I'd be more bothered about having bloat than One UI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well yes the U comes with bloatware but the amount varies according to carrier, but since you're in the UK. Your CSC will read as XAA/XAA so therefore I doubt you would have any bloatware.
I know this because I myself had own a US device while using in the UK.

kevindevonwilliams said:
Well yes the U comes with bloatware but the amount varies according to carrier, but since you're in the UK. Your CSC will read as XAA/XAA so therefore I doubt you would have any bloatware.
I know this because I myself had own a US device while using in the UK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I'm with you, thanks.
My current carrier software version version is XAA/XAA and theres no bloat so I know what I'm hunting for now
Cheers for your help mate

spears93 said:
Right, I'm with you, thanks.
My current carrier software version version is XAA/XAA and theres no bloat so I know what I'm hunting for now
Cheers for your help mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right so even if you switch to U firmware it would still remain XAA/XAA because that would be the default CSC code for Unbranded for American model. F model is normally XEU or BTU

kevindevonwilliams said:
Right so even if you switch to U firmware it would still remain XAA/XAA because that would be the default CSC code for Unbranded for American model. F model is normally XEU or BTU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I did the S8+ I had to go through a pretty big list to find the BTU firmware so assumed I'd have to do the same for the N9
I might give it a go if I get a chance this week

Seeing as you have the US variant of the Note 9. You may have issues receieving connecting to certain networks outside the US. As most US Networks use a different LTE band from the EU/UK

No Update for XSP N960F

This isn't much of a question more is it a vent of frustration towards Samsung. I am still on the July Security Policy despite Samsung claiming Monthly Security Updates. When OEM's refuse to Update their devices on time or out right at all this is when fragmentation becomes a big deal. Monthly should mean Monthly Until the end of life. No exceptions.
Thoughts?

last1youlove said:
This isn't much of a question more is it a vent of frustration towards Samsung. I am still on the July Security Policy despite Samsung claiming Monthly Security Updates. When OEM's refuse to Update their devices on time or out right at all this is when fragmentation becomes a big deal. Monthly should mean Monthly Until the end of life. No exceptions.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe its your carrier more than samsung.

bober10113 said:
maybe its your carrier more than samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an International Unlocked N960F/DS Its not carrier branded.

last1youlove said:
I have an International Unlocked N960F/DS Its not carrier branded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then just update it manualy:
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note-9/firmware/SM-N960F/BNG/download/N960FXXS3CSH2/286019/
you can also use samfirm tool 0.3.6 or frija app to download it with ure pc since that web site has trash speeds and flash it using odin. but be sure ure pc has samsung android drivers before using odin.
i believe you could also use samsung smart switch software to check for an update and flash it too.
so as you can see you can just update the device yourself instead of waiting. read and search xda for any of the tools and ways to use them aforementioned.

bober10113 said:
then just update it manualy:
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note-9/firmware/SM-N960F/BNG/download/N960FXXS3CSH2/286019/
you can also use samfirm tool 0.3.6 or frija app to download it with ure pc since that web site has trash speeds and flash it using odin. but be sure ure pc has samsung android drivers before using odin.
i believe you could also use samsung smart switch software to check for an update and flash it too.
so as you can see you can just update the device yourself instead of waiting. read and search xda for any of the tools and ways to use them aforementioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping to do that however I checked on there for mine. My product code is XSP which is the Singapore Version and the latest one is June 1st which im already on. If I were to flash a different region's firmware could I just use Home CSC to keep XSP? Thanks for the help

last1youlove said:
I was hoping to do that however I checked on there for mine. My product code is XSP which is the Singapore Version and the latest one is June 1st which im already on. If I were to flash a different region's firmware could I just use Home CSC to keep XSP? Thanks for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can probably skip it all together. but your csc is the carrier code. if the phone is not carrier tied then you should either use the link i sent which is multi csc and would probably contain your sim CSC or find out the carrier code matching your carrier/sim.
read up on samsung and CSC for more details.

last1youlove said:
I was hoping to do that however I checked on there for mine. My product code is XSP which is the Singapore Version and the latest one is June 1st which im already on. If I were to flash a different region's firmware could I just use Home CSC to keep XSP? Thanks for the help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It won't change your product code and wipe your device. Rest assured.

maple_mak said:
Yes. It won't change your product code and wipe your device. Rest assured.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well it will if he chooses csc.md5 over home_csc.md5
on an other note id suggest OP to flash BTU firmware as that is acualy a sales code(europe multi csc) associated to an actual firmware.

last1youlove said:
I have an International Unlocked N960F/DS Its not carrier branded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the same model but i believe it's something to do with the region instead of the carrier.
In comparison withe the firmware for both SG and PH, PH received 2 updates from July (CSF9 and CSG3) as compared to SG which only received one (CSF9).

donetus said:
i have the same model but i believe it's something to do with the region instead of the carrier.
In comparison withe the firmware for both SG and PH, PH received 2 updates from July (CSF9 and CSG3) as compared to SG which only received one (CSF9).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think ill just wait it out because flashing over a security patch seems like a nuclear option. Hopefully in arrives in the coming weeks. Thanks for the help and information though everyone I appreciate it.

You guys are touching a contentious issues with the way Samsung delivers update in Singapore.
Due to the national telcos bottlenecking the process, Samsung phones are getting much lesser updates than the rest of the world.
As an example, Galaxy Note 9 in Europe (UK/DE/FR), version N960F which is identical to the one sold in Singapore received a total of 24 updates, including 4 different built of Android 10/OneUI 2.0 and is up to date with the March 2020 security update.
In Singapore, the Note 9 received 8 updates and the latest is from October 2019 with the October security update.

Using Odin to dowload Canaian firmware. American (SM-N960U) to Canadian (SM-N960W)

I haven't received any updates sine april of 2019 which i when i bought the phone. I called samsung and they told me that i would have to take it TO AMERICA in order for them to flash it with the right Canadian software. I have since done a little research and i am willing to use ODIN to flash it with the latest canadian software update but i am worried to so since the canadian firmware is meant for the SM-N960W but will be downloading it on a SM-N960U device. Will this cause any issues?

Question on RTN and Samsung Pay

So i bought this phone here in the middle east and i noticed that the firmware is from USA (Sprint). and i feel that the phone is used or refurbished. My question is:
1. Can someone easily modify the RTN so that the reconditioned status will be "No" so it would look like its not a refurbished one?
Also i noticed that samsung pay is showing deals from USA, my second question is:
2. How to change the country of samsung pay to a middle east one where im currently residing?
Edit: I have a SM-N960U Phone if that helps.
Edit2: Also why its not updating to Android 10?

_Intel_ said:
So i bought this phone here in the middle east and i noticed that the firmware is from USA (Sprint). and i feel that the phone is used or refurbished. My question is:
1. Can someone easily modify the RTN so that the reconditioned status will be "No" so it would look like its not a refurbished one?
Also i noticed that samsung pay is showing deals from USA, my second question is:
2. How to change the country of samsung pay to a middle east one where im currently residing?
Edit: I have a SM-N960U Phone if that helps.
Edit2: Also why its not updating to Android 10?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I have no idea about this. sorry.
2. no, you cant. you have a Sprint version so you just can use samsungpay in US according to your phone's CSC (if your phone's knox hasnt been tripped, ofcouse).
2bis. the U version cannot update to android 10 by OTA. you can use odin to flash the latest firmware to your phone. Since you're living in middle east so i suggest using the U1 version's firmware to get rid of all Sprint's bloatwares.

yaibakt said:
1. I have no idea about this. sorry.
2. no, you cant. you have a Sprint version so you just can use samsungpay in US according to your phone's CSC (if your phone's knox hasnt been tripped, ofcouse).
2bis. the U version cannot update to android 10 by OTA. you can use odin to flash the latest firmware to your phone. Since you're living in middle east so i suggest using the U1 version's firmware to get rid of all Sprint's bloatwares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. Thank you,
i checked the warranty(vol down+power+bixby) and it showed 0x0 so im good on that part. but i can still use samsung pay using my middle east credit card right? or totally not at all?
i checked sammobile site and there are lot of U1 firmware variants it seems. should i just choose anything except for the CDMA?
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note9/firmware/#SM-N960U1

_Intel_ said:
Hi. Thank you,
i checked the warranty(vol down+power+bixby) and it showed 0x0 so im good on that part. but i can still use samsung pay using my middle east credit card right? or totally not at all?
i checked sammobile site and there are lot of U1 firmware variants it seems. should i just choose anything except for the CDMA?
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note9/firmware/#SM-N960U1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to flash latest android 10 u1 firmware
I have the same model n960u from verizon and i am in middle east too.
But sadly Samsung pay will only work in usa.
Download link latest u1 firmware.
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/g...SM-N960U1/AIO/download/N960U1UES4DTD1/338195/
If you want everything work in middle east then you better sell this model and get international model N960F dual sim.
But in my opinion N960U is much more better because it has snapdragon 845 SOC chipset with adreno gpu its very powerful for gaming and battery efficient
and N960F has exynos with mali gpu and it's not that good as snapdragon.
And also thoisands of users has screen discoloration issues "hardware failure" with exynos model after android 10 update.
Apart from Samsung pay everything will work fine same as international model if you flash u1 firmware

Trex888 said:
You have to flash latest android 10 u1 firmware
I have the same model n960u from verizon and i am in middle east too.
But sadly Samsung pay will only work in usa.
Download link latest u1 firmware.
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/g...SM-N960U1/AIO/download/N960U1UES4DTD1/338195/
If you want everything work in middle east then you better sell this model and get international model N960F dual sim.
But in my opinion N960U is much more better because it has snapdragon 845 SOC chipset with adreno gpu its very powerful for gaming and battery efficient
and N960F has exynos with mali gpu and it's not that good as snapdragon.
And also thoisands of users has screen discoloration issues "hardware failure" with exynos model after android 10 update.
Apart from Samsung pay everything will work fine same as international model if you flash u1 firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite true about these things:
- samsungpay: here in asia, US version N960U can use sspay with some US banks' cards, ex: citibank credit card.
- screen discoloration issue: many Snap version phones have that issue too afaik, so i dont think its chip related. But yeah, the cause is still unknown.
I do agree that snap version is more powerful than exynos one.

Trex888 said:
You have to flash latest android 10 u1 firmware
I have the same model n960u from verizon and i am in middle east too.
But sadly Samsung pay will only work in usa.
Download link latest u1 firmware.
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/g...SM-N960U1/AIO/download/N960U1UES4DTD1/338195/
If you want everything work in middle east then you better sell this model and get international model N960F dual sim.
But in my opinion N960U is much more better because it has snapdragon 845 SOC chipset with adreno gpu its very powerful for gaming and battery efficient
and N960F has exynos with mali gpu and it's not that good as snapdragon.
And also thoisands of users has screen discoloration issues "hardware failure" with exynos model after android 10 update.
Apart from Samsung pay everything will work fine same as international model if you flash u1 firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yay! a fellow member that is located in dubai!
it means i will be busy backing up my data over the weekend and upgrading the OS.
im checking your link from sammobile. what does AIO,BST,XAA,XAS mean?
well, im not gung-ho on having samsung pay. i can live without it as long as i got snapdragon

im checking your link from sammobile. what does AIO,BST,XAA,XAS mean?
It doesn't matter it's just csc code for who use American sim card.
If you use this phone non american sim it will use xaa unlocked csc code by default no matter which firmware csc you flash
They all comes multi csc firmware.
I recommend you to wait until next week because there will be new updated firmware available oneui 2.1 update with tons of new features from note 10.
Tha firmware i gave you the link earlier is oneui 2.0.

Trex888 said:
im checking your link from sammobile. what does AIO,BST,XAA,XAS mean?
It doesn't matter it's just csc code for who use American sim card.
If you use this phone non american sim it will use xaa unlocked csc code by default no matter which firmware csc you flash
They all comes multi csc firmware.
I recommend you to wait until next week because there will be new updated firmware available oneui 2.1 update with tons of new features from note 10.
Tha firmware i gave you the link earlier is oneui 2.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the help.!
I downloaded the XAA type and downloaded the patched odin3 that you have given me via link and its now Sprint-Free

Android 13 One UI 5 Update Help Needed Please

Hello everyone,so with Android 13 rolling out for our devices,i would like to find out if it is possible to flash the firmware from one country/region on a phone from another country/region?
The reason for my asking is because in my country i still have not had any news at all about Android 13 and when it will be available. With updates coming out so quickly lately,i am worried that world-wide Android 14 will be rolling out already by the time the network providers in my country decide to finally make Android 13 available here.

Trace.Oneil said:
Hello everyone,so with Android 13 rolling out for our devices,i would like to find out if it is possible to flash the firmware from one country/region on a phone from another country/region?
The reason for my asking is because in my country i still have not had any news at all about Android 13 and when it will be available. With updates coming out so quickly lately,i am worried that world-wide Android 14 will be rolling out already by the time the network providers in my country decide to finally make Android 13 available here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello. Sure, you can flash other region firmware. Just be careful that it is accurate for your model. And one more nuance - in a firmware for different countries call recording and Samsung Pay may not be available. For example, firmware for India and Vietnam has native call recorder.

gorro8 said:
Hello. Sure, you can flash other region firmware. Just be careful that it is accurate for your model. And one more nuance - in a firmware for different countries call recording and Samsung Pay may not be available. For example, firmware for India and Vietnam has native call recorder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@gorro8 thank you,i dont use call recording or Samsung pay anyway,so it should'nt bother me. I am thinking of maybe downloading for UK as it is english and we use english here in South Africa as well

In that case any region you want. Good luck!)

gorro8 said:
In that case any region you want. Good luck!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you @gorro8

We finally got the update on Vodacom yesterday
I also thought we'd have to wait until next year, lol! Just thought I'd mention it here, in case you haven't flashed another region's firmware