S10 Factory unlocked vs S10 Verizon Pros vs Cons? - Samsung Galaxy S10 Questions & Answers

Looking to buy the S10 but wanted to know which would be best. The factory unlocked version or Verizon version? Will be using a Verizon prepaid SIM like I've been using for years.
Pros and Cons?
Thanks

I have the unlocked version. After spending some time in the forums all I can tell you is,
Branded phones get updates faster than unlocked versions. I would assume that would include pre-paid service with a branded phone.
Verizon blocks some services for unlocked versions. The big one is probably WiFi calling.
They also block some services for branded phones. Samsung's Find My Mobile for one, but Google's Find My Device still works.
Unlocked phones only come with Samsung's bloatware, branded phones come with both Samsung's and Verizon's bloatware.
Verizon phones unlock after 30 or 60 days.
That's all I can think of at the moment.

Related

Need a new phone, looking note 8 or gs 8/8+, unlocked vs carrier?

I'm currently using a nexus 6p on verizon and its getting long in the tooth. I want to buy an unlocked note8 directly from samsung or bestbuy, but not sure what I would give up vs buying one from verizon. Would I just pop a sim in, have them register my new imei and off I go?
I saw a mega thread thats like 50+ pages deep in the howto section about flashing between carriers, would I need to flash a certain file to the phone to get it to work properly on verizon? The unlocked seems to support all the bands. I just want the flexibility to use whatever carrier, so if I decide to switch my note over to TMO or cricket I won't have any concerns. Also might not get a note, but it looks nice, has newer software, was more recently released.
How is samsung with releasing OS updates? Would it be reasonable to expect android 8 on the note 8?

[Q] Which version should I get?

After a few years with my Samsung Galaxy Note Edge (AT&T) [SM-N915A], which wasn't bad until the last 6 months and then the inability to root it made it worse, I want to make my next upgrade worth it. I'm waiting for the 500 Gb version, and I want to be able to root it.
Of course, my eyes are on the Note 9, but which version should I buy?
International (SM-N960F)
International (SM-N960F/DS)
Unlocked
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
U. S. Celular
Verizon
https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/reserve/
jorgepr13 said:
After a few years with my Samsung Galaxy Note Edge (AT&T) [SM-N915A], which wasn't bad until the last 6 months and then the inability to root it made it worse, I want to make my next upgrade worth it. I'm waiting for the 500 Gb version, and I want to be able to root it.
Of course, my eyes are on the Note 9, but which version should I buy?
International (SM-N960F)
International (SM-N960F/DS)
Unlocked
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
U. S. Celular
Verizon
https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/reserve/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
International because it gets updates faster
And it has more development support (custom roms, kernels, etc)
Also ive been in this situation with the at&t note 4 ?
Looks like at&t doesnt want us to root our devices
So dont get at&t
jorgepr13 said:
After a few years with my Samsung Galaxy Note Edge (AT&T) [SM-N915A], which wasn't bad until the last 6 months and then the inability to root it made it worse, I want to make my next upgrade worth it. I'm waiting for the 500 Gb version, and I want to be able to root it.
Of course, my eyes are on the Note 9, but which version should I buy?
International (SM-N960F)
International (SM-N960F/DS)
Unlocked
AT&T
T-Mobile
Sprint
U. S. Celular
Verizon
https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/reserve/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply put, If root is what you seek on Samsung devices these days, Don't get any of the U.S. carrier editions of the phone.
All of the U.S. Samsung devices ship with Snapdragons and Samsung has ultimately decided to lock all bootloaders on them as well, That's not to say that a Dev won't attempt to work on atleast a root method for Snapdragon devices but with a locked bootloader you won't be able to do much.
Samsung's also implemented a rather interesting tactic to deter rooting on Snapdragon devices, When they're rooted, The device will no longer be able to charge to 100% and instead will default to 80% only.
This can be demonstrated on the S8 and the Note 8.
The S9 Snapdragon U.S. variants still don't have root to this day, When and if it ever does, that same method may be usable to figure out the Note 9 as well, But don't get your Hope's up.
Now for the international and Unlocked devices they ship with an Exynos and subsequently unlocked bootloaders which allows for the creation of Mods, Roms, And the various other things most people root for nowadays.
All in all, You want an Exynos equipped Note 9, Hope this is useful for you.
Thanks,
Almost right after the the post I came upon this article
https://highonandroid.com/android-deals/best-deals-on-galaxy-note-9-new-galaxy-phones/
it goes a bit more in depth, covering GSM vs CDMA, when and where to buy it.
It seems that the Latin America Galaxy S9 and S9+ (SM-G9650) both had Snapdragon processors with an unlockable bootloader. You could then Odin firmware on them to be able to use them on Verizon, At&t, and T-mobile. I hope they will release a Snapdragon model of the Note 9 as well in Latin America! I need an unlocked bootloader on Verizon for sure.
Critical Detox said:
Simply put, If root is what you seek on Samsung devices these days, Don't get any of the U.S. carrier editions of the phone.
All of the U.S. Samsung devices ship with Snapdragons and Samsung has ultimately decided to lock all bootloaders on them as well, That's not to say that a Dev won't attempt to work on atleast a root method for Snapdragon devices but with a locked bootloader you won't be able to do much.
Samsung's also implemented a rather interesting tactic to deter rooting on Snapdragon devices, When they're rooted, The device will no longer be able to charge to 100% and instead will default to 80% only.
This can be demonstrated on the S8 and the Note 8.
The S9 Snapdragon U.S. variants still don't have root to this day, When and if it ever does, that same method may be usable to figure out the Note 9 as well, But don't get your Hope's up.
Now for the international and Unlocked devices they ship with an Exynos and subsequently unlocked bootloaders which allows for the creation of Mods, Roms, And the various other things most people root for nowadays.
All in all, You want an Exynos equipped Note 9, Hope this is useful for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesnt matter anymore which type of note 9 you get, because there is gonna be root protection where imei and network flies if you root, like the a8 on oreo
And also i agree with you, US carriers (especially at&t) prevent root all the way up to the fact that you cant root at all (the at&t note4 has no root but all the other note 4's have root)
will an international work on USA carriers?
oneandroidnut said:
will an international work on USA carriers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, if its unlocked, if you lived in canada, it wont matter if its unlocked or not because you can unlock for free in canada
SaboorTheCool said:
Yep, if its unlocked, if you lived in canada, it wont matter if its unlocked or not because you can unlock for free in canada
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm wonder if it will work on verizon
oneandroidnut said:
hmm wonder if it will work on verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And i wonder which infinity wallpaper will be featured on the note 9
I'm interested in the unlocked version instead of the T-Mobile, but I've read that the bands are not the same and wifi calling doesn't work. I'm over flashing ROM's, so that isn't an option for me. I'll probably get the carrier branded one to make sure I get the 600 band and wifi calling.
Semantics said:
I'm interested in the unlocked version instead of the T-Mobile, but I've read that the bands are not the same and wifi calling doesn't work. I'm over flashing ROM's, so that isn't an option for me. I'll probably get the carrier branded one to make sure I get the 600 band and wifi calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can though unlock the phone by visiting canada ? because you can unlock phones here in canada for free
SaboorTheCool said:
You can though unlock the phone by visiting canada because you can unlock phones here in canada for free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can unlock the phone here for free. Why go to Canada? I buy my phones for cash. I'm not stuck with a locked phone. The only reason I would go with the non-branded unlocked phone is the lack of bloatware.
Semantics said:
I can unlock the phone here for free. Why go to Canada? I buy my phones for cash. I'm not stuck with a locked phone. The only reason I would go with the non-branded unlocked phone is the lack of bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash CSC from the non-carrier version
oneandroidnut said:
hmm wonder if it will work on verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely not
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
force70 said:
Absolutely not
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the old gUDP plan so I need a phone that does NOT check for hotspot eligibility. I understand the unlocked Note 8 did NOT check, so it's likely the unlocked Note 9 would be okay as well. So I'm definitely stuck with the US unlocked version, right?
Geez, I kind of hate both Verizon and Samsung, but I want to stay on gUDP and want a good phone that will work for me out of the box.
geoclooney said:
I have the old gUDP plan so I need a phone that does NOT check for hotspot eligibility. I understand the unlocked Note 8 did NOT check, so it's likely the unlocked Note 9 would be okay as well. So I'm definitely stuck with the US unlocked version, right?
Geez, I kind of hate both Verizon and Samsung, but I want to stay on gUDP and want a good phone that will work for me out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have gUDP plan on verizon and wondering same thing, do i get verizon note or unlocked??
oneandroidnut said:
I also have gUDP plan on verizon and wondering same thing, do i get verizon note or unlocked??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding:
Verizon model WILL check for hotspot eligibility and thus won't work for us.
International unlocked models will not work on Verizon's network.
Therefore, we're stuck with the US Unlocked model. It has a locked bootloader, and thus may never be rootable, but will work with Verizon and NOT check hotspot eligibility.
To be clear, at this point I just think it's very likely the US Unlocked model will NOT check hotspot eligibility. I will probably wait to confirm that before I pull the trigger.
geoclooney said:
My understanding:
Verizon model WILL check for hotspot eligibility and thus won't work for us.
International unlocked models will not work on Verizon's network.
Therefore, we're stuck with the US Unlocked model. It has a locked bootloader, and thus may never be rootable, but will work with Verizon and NOT check hotspot eligibility.
To be clear, at this point I just think it's very likely the US Unlocked model will NOT check hotspot eligibility. I will probably wait to confirm that before I pull the trigger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So unlocked model it is? And also does the 512 gb version come with 8 gb of ram in USA?
oneandroidnut said:
So unlocked model it is? And also does the 512 gb version come with 8 gb of ram in USA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

[Q] Unlocked from Samsung or Branded S10?

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.

How to buy the right Note 9 for the US

I'm considering buying a Note 9. I usually buy a year old model of a flagship phone when the prices come down. I see lots of Note 9 phones on amazon for reduced prices. It appears there are several different models and the descriptions from the sellers are usually not clear.
I saw another thread that said all the US versions were the same hardware. Can I buy an unlocked Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile phone and use it on any carrier? I will mostly be using AT&T and T-Mobile for now.
How could I tell if a phone is the US non-carrier branded model?
Can I flash a more universal ROM to a carrier branded phone and get rid of the carrier bloatware? Will the universal ROM still pass MDM security checks so I can use it with my company's MDM (Intune)?
DonS said:
I'm considering buying a Note 9. I usually buy a year old model of a flagship phone when the prices come down. I see lots of Note 9 phones on amazon for reduced prices. It appears there are several different models and the descriptions from the sellers are usually not clear.
I saw another thread that said all the US versions were the same hardware. Can I buy an unlocked Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile phone and use it on any carrier? I will mostly be using AT&T and T-Mobile for now.
How could I tell if a phone is the US non-carrier branded model?
Can I flash a more universal ROM to a carrier branded phone and get rid of the carrier bloatware? Will the universal ROM still pass MDM security checks so I can use it with my company's MDM (Intune)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy the USA unlocked model U1. You can then flash the USA T Mobile or AT&T rooms should you wish.
However, I also read that AT&T doesnt allow full network speeds for non AT&T devices. Maybe someone with an unlocked U1 on AT&T can chime in.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
I have been running unlocked bought directly from Samsung phones since the note7 and I use them on AT&T. I am in Wyoming, and have noticed no loss of speed. I have Verizon for work phone and my unlocked phones is always faster in speed tests . Not very scientific buy my experience.
Sent from my Samsung SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs

Tmobile variant on ATT

Hi all,
Going to be purchasing a Tmobile Galaxy s10 for my girlfriend and wondering what, if any, drawbacks there are to buying a TMO variant but activating it on ATT? I'm pretty sure wifi calling won't work, but what about updates? The splash screen will still be TMO I would assume and then would it still be on the TMO update schedule? Has anyone done this? Thanks.
First of all, I never buy from the carriers anymore. Bloated software, ads, etc. & LOCKED BOOTLOADERS, drive me nuts.
I would buy the International Unlocked Model. If you are looking for the S10, the SM-G973F is the international version. AND the local USA carriers will not sell you this model because they want you LOCKED on to their carrier!
But you can buy from SWAPPA or Ebay or AMAZON. I have the international S10E with the fingerprint unlock in the Power button (no problems with installing a glass screen saver).
xgerryx said:
Hi all,
Going to be purchasing a Tmobile Galaxy s10 for my girlfriend and wondering what, if any, drawbacks there are to buying a TMO variant but activating it on ATT? I'm pretty sure wifi calling won't work, but what about updates? The splash screen will still be TMO I would assume and then would it still be on the TMO update schedule? Has anyone done this? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious as to why you're not just buying an unlocked model if wifi calling doesn't matter. In reference to another rant posted, I doubt she will need to unlock the bootloader so I see no need for the international version off Ebay depending on what country she'll be using it in. On what you're asking, yes someone has done it I believe.

Categories

Resources