I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
Same thoughts here - do I get up at 12am ET and preorder with AT&T or go with Samsung (who haven't confirmed on their site the timing of preorders at all)
Branded Snapdragon WILL be locked down and no root. If you care about root, get unlocked.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
so by the responses, its best to buy it straight from the Samsung website?
With the S9, updates came quicker on the branded versions. Development is usually lacking on the Snapdragon models as well, no matter the version.
jcbofkc said:
I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Snapdragon will not get root, the unlocked US version will be Snapdragon so if you want root you would want to buy Exynos version. The software updates are a bit slower with unlocked Snapdragon version due to Samsung testing updates to work on all carriers not just one. Hope that help.
Eudeferrer said:
Branded Snapdragon WILL be locked down and no root. If you care about root, get unlocked.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use secure folder and root yet? I can't give up secure folder. I tried using a V30 during the note fiasco and there is nothing like secure folder.
s10+ with unlocked bootloader and than it does not matter which chip it has.
x111 said:
s10+ with unlocked bootloader and than it does not matter which chip it has,
will finally replace this trash oneplus6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, no. Assuming both SD and Exynos versions have unlocked bootloaders, you cannot flash a ROM meant for the Exynos version on the SD version. They are different models.
The SD version of the Galaxy S line does not get the same ROM support as the Exynos version. A quick glimpse at the support for the S8+/S9 will confirm this The Exynos version will be easily unlocked and will have plenty of development. The SD version will be lucky to have root.
OP: if you care about unlocked bootloaders, you should get the international variant. There's been much debate about the two versions and their performance in the past, but the selling point is bootloader unlocking. Exynos version means easy unlock, SD means no unlock.
For me, I'm excited as hell about the S10 and the Galaxy buds. However, I am very happy with my 6T and Mi Mix 3. I'll wait until the international model is released.
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
Birdsfan said:
The Snapdragon will not get root, the unlocked US version will be Snapdragon so if you want root you would want to buy Exynos version. The software updates are a bit slower with unlocked Snapdragon version due to Samsung testing updates to work on all carriers not just one. Hope that help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, Snapdragon has had and likely will continue to have unlocked bootloader on international variants.
---------- Post added at 10:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:06 AM ----------
jcbofkc said:
I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you buy the unlocked device it will have less bloatware however it's doubtful you'll have Wifi Calling and voLTE on T-mobile's network. Carrier devices usually get updates sooner but not that much sooner than the rest. Unlocked is not Bootloader Unlocked, there's a difference. Based on previous releases, most International variant's with the exception of South Korean devices, be it Exynos or Snapdragon SoC's will have an unlocked bootloader. Exynos variants will have more custom ROM's. Hope this helps!
---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 AM ----------
AhsanU said:
Uh, no. Assuming both SD and Exynos versions have unlocked bootloaders, you cannot flash a ROM meant for the Exynos version on the SD version. They are different models.
The SD version of the Galaxy S line does not get the same ROM support as the Exynos version. A quick glimpse at the support for the S8+/S9 will confirm this The Exynos version will be easily unlocked and will have plenty of development. The SD version will be lucky to have root.
OP: if you care about unlocked bootloaders, you should get the international variant. There's been much debate about the two versions and their performance in the past, but the selling point is bootloader unlocking. Exynos version means easy unlock, SD means no unlock.
For me, I'm excited as hell about the S10 and the Galaxy buds. However, I am very happy with my 6T and Mi Mix 3. I'll wait until the international model is released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, International variants (China/Hong Kong/Latin America) with Snapdragon chipsets have an unlocked bootloader.
---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------
AhsanU said:
Uh, no. Assuming both SD and Exynos versions have unlocked bootloaders, you cannot flash a ROM meant for the Exynos version on the SD version. They are different models.
The SD version of the Galaxy S line does not get the same ROM support as the Exynos version. A quick glimpse at the support for the S8+/S9 will confirm this The Exynos version will be easily unlocked and will have plenty of development. The SD version will be lucky to have root.
OP: if you care about unlocked bootloaders, you should get the international variant. There's been much debate about the two versions and their performance in the past, but the selling point is bootloader unlocking. Exynos version means easy unlock, SD means no unlock.
For me, I'm excited as hell about the S10 and the Galaxy buds. However, I am very happy with my 6T and Mi Mix 3. I'll wait until the international model is released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, International variants (China/Hong Kong/Latin America) with Snapdragon chipsets have an unlocked bootloader.
---------- Post added at 10:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 AM ----------
djinn415 said:
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the country, Exynos isn't available on the US Samsung site. Recent benchmarks have Exynos winning Single Core and Snapdragon winning Multi Core and Antutu as well. For AI, 5G and other applications the Snapdragon is the superior chipset. In the S9, the Exynos had battery drain and overheating issues for some users due to Samsung's focus on Single Core performance.
No US device will have an unlocked bootloader. because all US devices have the Snapdragon SoC. Qualcomm has Samsung over the barrel thanks to Verizon/Sprint. Unfortunately, Snapdragon based phone = locked bootloader. The "unlocked" version simply has no SIM locks and runs a non-carrier branded software image, but is electrically identical to the carrier versions. Which is good, because...
If the trend holds, you will be able to load the unlocked firmware onto a carrier branded device and get the best of both worlds - mostly. You obviously lose the carrier specific features, and it will still be SIM locked, but it will behave just like an unlocked device otherwise. This lets you get the carrier deals, pay it out over time on your regular bill, etc. while getting an "unlocked" device with zero carrier bloat, monitoring, etc.
As for root, it's hardly worth it. Yes, someone will leak an engineering bootloader and it will probably allow root - but it will have so many debugger cores in it that it will make the phone instantly feel two generations older than it really is, the battery life will be horrible, and you won't get to use a lot of the cool new features.
jshamlet said:
No US device will have an unlocked bootloader. because all US devices have the Snapdragon SoC. Qualcomm has Samsung over the barrel thanks to Verizon/Sprint. Unfortunately, Snapdragon based phone = locked bootloader. The "unlocked" version simply has no SIM locks and runs a non-carrier branded software image, but is electrically identical to the carrier versions. Which is good, because...
If the trend holds, you will be able to load the unlocked firmware onto a carrier branded device and get the best of both worlds - mostly. You obviously lose the carrier specific features, and it will still be SIM locked, but it will behave just like an unlocked device otherwise. This lets you get the carrier deals, pay it out over time on your regular bill, etc. while getting an "unlocked" device with zero carrier bloat, monitoring, etc.
As for root, it's hardly worth it. Yes, someone will leak an engineering bootloader and it will probably allow root - but it will have so many debugger cores in it that it will make the phone instantly feel two generations older than it really is, the battery life will be horrible, and you won't get to use a lot of the cool new features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, with the current state of Android, there usually is no need to root things. Even system wide ad blocking can be done reliably with apps such as Blokada. I haven't rooted an Android device in over 3 years. Also, an unlocked bootloader can make your device more vulnerable to exploits. To me at least, these days security is more important than the ability to highly customize my device. I also feel like smartphones are more of a commodity nowadays, and I just want something that works reliably without annoying bugs that you always encounter with Custom ROMs where more often than not it's a half-assed job and you're flashing updates 6 times a week. Just not worth it IMO, but that's just me.
Thank you for all the thoughtful responses and feedback. Much appreciated. Since my company is literally located in a cave 100 to 300ft below ground, I need wifi calling. Thank you.
djinn415 said:
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on where you're located when you order. Samsung.com in the US will only get you the Snapdragon. I imagine you can order the International version off Amazon with no warranty like you could with the S9.
jcbofkc said:
I am on T-Mobile. I can get the S10 a bit cheaper from T-Mobile with my trade in, but am considering buying the unlocked unbranded version from Samsung.
In your experience which version will get quicker upgrades and which is more likely to achieve a true root?
Thank you.
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also on T-Mobile, and I plan on getting the S10+, but debating whether to get the unlocked version vs T-Mobile version.
While I haven't seen any confirmed and detailed information anywhere on the exact differences between the US S10 variants (unlocked and carrier-specific firmware), I have been following the threads on the Note 9. IF (and this is a strong IF, so it would be helpful if someone can confirm) the same applies to S10, here's what I've gathered so far (on the note9):
- All US unlocked/carrier variants of the same S10/S10e/S10+ are the same in hardware, only different in firmware.
- While this is an unofficial process, you can change between unlocked and carrier firmwares using Odin without needing to root. Apparently, this doesn't trip Knox, and other posters have mentioned that it *shouldn't* (but I can't confirm) void your warranty.
-All US variants, including unlocked variant, historically had locked bootloaders.
-With TMobile version, you typically have the TMobile power-up splash screen, some pre-installed TMobile apps (although not many compared to other carriers), you have integrated TMobile digits and visual voicemail, you have RCS texting, you have video calling to other TMobile users, you get updates slightly sooner, and you have carrier aggregation with mobile connectivity (so reception can be stronger and faster in some cases). Also, the phone would be SIM-locked to T-Mobile, but if you buy it at full price, they allow unlocking after some period of time (it might be 2 months?).
-With the unlocked version, you are entirely decoupled from any carrier. Also, a few stock features like Samsung caller ID may not be available on carrier variants. When using the unlocked version with TMobile in particular, you STILL get WiFi calling and VoLTE, but you get no built-in TMobile video calling, no carrier RCS texting (only traditional SMS/MMS), will need to download additional apps for TMobile VVM and Digits (if they are important to you), and you would be the last to get updates. Also, you may not get the benefit of carrier aggregation for increased signal quality and data rate.
If anyone has any confirmed/additional information on the S10 US variants, anything you can provide here would be very useful.
At the moment, I am still trying to decide between the TMobile and the unlocked variant.
djinn415 said:
Anyone know if the unlocked version from Sammys site has the Exynos chip instead of Snapdragon? I've read that in terms of performance and battery life the Exynos version is the one to go with.
I'll take whatever performance gainz I can git!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All north american versions regardless of carrier or unlocked have snapdragon its this way since the s7 (CAN S7 was exynos though).
Last year the snapdragon was better on battery than the exynos but just last yeat. Previous years it was all exynos.
force70 said:
All north american versions regardless of carrier or unlocked have snapdragon its this way since the s7 (CAN S7 was exynos though).
Last year the snapdragon was better on batteey than the exynos but just last yeat. Previous years it was all exynos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SD855 is 7nm and Exynos is 8nm. Can't wait to see how Notebookcheck and Andrei from anandtech review each variant. I suspect the SD will win to some degree (in terms of efficiency).
Ace42 said:
SD855 is 7nm and Exynos is 8nm. Can't wait to see how Notebookcheck and Andrei from anandtech review each variant. I suspect the SD will win to some degree (in terms of efficiency).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already done, well initial comparison anyway
https://www.anandtech.com/show/14031/samsung-galaxy-s10-first-exynos-9820-vs-snapdragon-855-scores
Kjn246 said:
I'm also on T-Mobile, and I plan on getting the S10+, but debating whether to get the unlocked version vs T-Mobile version.
While I haven't seen any confirmed and detailed information anywhere on the exact differences between the US S10 variants (unlocked and carrier-specific firmware), I have been following the threads on the Note 9. IF (and this is a strong IF, so it would be helpful if someone can confirm) the same applies to S10, here's what I've gathered so far (on the note9):
- All US unlocked/carrier variants of the same S10/S10e/S10+ are the same in hardware, only different in firmware.
- While this is an unofficial process, you can change between unlocked and carrier firmwares using Odin without needing to root. Apparently, this doesn't trip Knox, and other posters have mentioned that it *shouldn't* (but I can't confirm) void your warranty.
-All US variants, including unlocked variant, historically had locked bootloaders.
-With TMobile version, you typically have the TMobile power-up splash screen, some pre-installed TMobile apps (although not many compared to other carriers), you have integrated TMobile digits and visual voicemail, you have RCS texting, you have video calling to other TMobile users, you get updates slightly sooner, and you have carrier aggregation with mobile connectivity (so reception can be stronger and faster in some cases). Also, the phone would be SIM-locked to T-Mobile, but if you buy it at full price, they allow unlocking after some period of time (it might be 2 months?).
-With the unlocked version, you are entirely decoupled from any carrier. Also, a few stock features like Samsung caller ID may not be available on carrier variants. When using the unlocked version with TMobile in particular, you STILL get WiFi calling and VoLTE, but you get no built-in TMobile video calling, no carrier RCS texting (only traditional SMS/MMS), will need to download additional apps for TMobile VVM and Digits (if they are important to you), and you would be the last to get updates. Also, you may not get the benefit of carrier aggregation for increased signal quality and data rate.
If anyone has any confirmed/additional information on the S10 US variants, anything you can provide here would be very useful.
At the moment, I am still trying to decide between the TMobile and the unlocked variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also on T-Mobile and have been unlocked on the Note 9 and ordered the unlocked straight from Samsung with the free ear buds promotion,you can always find an official T-mobile firmware and flash via Odin and have all the T-mobile goodness on an unlocked S10.
So I've been browsing around XDA and I have concluded that the best version of the s10 is the snapdragon variant, but I also want an unlocked boot loader and dual sim so I'm considering this one that is a Chinese version:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...hash=item3405ba151d:m:m-IqwLrG6T3v2zoeCJ4lo0A
It is a SM-G9700
But because it is Chinese I'm not sure if it has google on it (and I don't want to go out of my way to install it) but it also might be a Hong Kong model with google? any information on this would be appreciated, thank you!
Many people here who got it from that seller, confirmed that it has Google services preinstalled. Carrier aggregation may not work however as someone said on US T-mobile at least. The phone also lacks band 66 and band 71 both LTE bands, 71 being more important as T-mobile expands coverage.
honestly, unless youre some kind of heavy/advanced user, I doubt youd see SO much difference in everyday usage that makes all this hassle worth it.
I'd just buy whatever is available locally for an average user.
evo85210 said:
honestly, unless youre some kind of heavy/advanced user, I doubt youd see SO much difference in everyday usage that makes all this hassle worth it.
I'd just buy whatever is available locally for an average user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also if he plays heavy games and emulators, that's where he may prefer to choose the Snapdragon variant (Talking from my own experience, not coming back to a non snapdragon/adreno device never again).
Not to mention that the Snapdragon bootloader is unlocked in China ironically. And further if you need dual-sim functionality your choices are that one or the 97xF/DS. Which unless he lives in Mexico or Central America is not available locally.
I've made my decision it's going to be the 9700 series but there is some questions I have around the dual-sim functionality and how that may vary between models.
I consider myself an optimist and I want to stay positive. Honestly the main reason I opted for the Galaxy S10 was due to root support and phone development vs LG G series. I really am loving the performance of my phone. I've been rooting since the 1st Galaxy came out with help from this forum. I just hate to give up hope because there had always been some brilliant mind or mind(s) to crack through the barriers.
Just sucks all the other versions get to enjoy making their phone a little more fabulous than my US Sprint version ?
Thanks!
dtowngs4g said:
I consider myself an optimist and I want to stay positive. Honestly the main reason I opted for the Galaxy S10 was due to root support and phone development vs LG G series. I really am loving the performance of my phone. I've been rooting since the 1st Galaxy came out with help from this forum. I just hate to give up hope because there had always been some brilliant mind or mind(s) to crack through the barriers.
Just sucks all the other versions get to enjoy making their phone a little more fabulous than my US Sprint version ?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been a given fact that the US Snapdragon wont get root and it's been a well known fact for quite a while now. You should have opted for another model if you wanted root.
Well some of that was also dependent on those engineering kernels that got leaked on the last two models the Galaxy 8 & 9. Some devs were able to build off of that.
Tel864 said:
It's been a given fact that the US Snapdragon wont get root and it's been a well known fact for quite a while now. You should have opted for another model if you wanted root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. I will say I haven't had a Galaxy since S6 but I would always see support for Galaxy. I wasn't interested in the S9 as much so I wasn't aware of how restricted it had become. Over the years I've had Motorola X play, LG series and Axon. As I said I assumed someone would break they the barrier. I remember the 1st root breaking through Knox or finding a work around. Then the bounty collected to root other versions as they became more difficult. It's just weird how US would be so dogmatically restrictive. But it's not an end all for me. I love my phone and how it doesn't lag even with 20 apps open.
P personally don't think root is needed too much on the S10
Was there any hope in the first place?
North American Samsung are known to be locked, only a fool would waste time finding way to root it when 99% of the world use a different version that is already possible to root.
I came from S7 exynos rooted with Magisk, and was very reluctant to swtich out, but I needed modern radio so I took the leap with the S10e. Got the 256GB U1 version, flashed with Tmo U firmware, and I'm 99% set. Giving certain permissions via ADB to MacroDroid and other apps is so far enough (e. g. set lock timeout to forever when on home WiFi, effectively doing the same as some rooted solution, etc.)
The 1% that I still really wish I could have? Titanium Backup. Migrating phone with TiBu is so much easier, and it's more reliable too. I wish Android allows more flexibility to power users on this (Google or Samsung backup is still not good enough).
supergear said:
P personally don't think root is needed too much on the S10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not, but some people think they have to have it.
Just in case, what's people suggestion?
In case we still able to return the phone, should we do it?
Does it seems some option for Snapdragon version in future, or better to give up and stockpile a return to the company?
For me, unlocked bootloader is a must, in order to remove crapware (like Bixby), remove Google, or just to get future support after Samsung declares it an "outdated device"
Suggestions?
supergear said:
P personally don't think root is needed too much on the S10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Swift support and REAL call recording is still needed by many users, including me. Sucks that they both now need root. I wish I could use Oreo on this S10, lol!
dtowngs4g said:
Just sucks all the other versions get to enjoy making their phone a little more fabulous than my US Sprint version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel you dude, sucks that North Americans can't enjoy the same freedoms on the S10 compared to literally anywhere else. Doesn't make sense. I've always assumed that it was the US variants that can be easily unlocked? Perhaps because it uses the snapdragon chip, which I assumed was more easy to 'manipulate' than on Exynos chips?
The U.S. S10 Sprint 5G version can be rooted. The U.S. S9's just got root not too long ago. As for the other U.S. variants of the S10, root will probably never come to fruition.
StoneyJSG said:
The U.S. S10 Sprint 5G version can be rooted. The U.S. S9's just got root not too long ago. As for the other U.S. variants of the S10, root will probably never come to fruition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I ended up getting a exynos verison for cricket lol
Always research if a device has root before buying it. Also if you want them to stop locking the bootloaders for the US variants start buying international exynos models so you can have root and maybe they will notice not as many US units selling due to locked bootloaders and will stop locking them, I doubt it but you never know.
I'd like to know what are all the differences between all of the Note 9 variants, in terms of what's BL locked and what's rootable.
First of all, I'm under the impression that the Exynos phones are unlockable/rootable. It is also not available in the United States, as I understand, correct? Does that mean it won't work with US Carriers at all?
Also, the Snapdragon version. Now, I don't know what are all of the Snapdragon variants, as I can only speak for my phone and the various posts I've seen about it. I'm on the SM-N960U. Is it fair to say that having a GN9 with a Snapdragon processor mean that your phone cannot be BL Unlocked/Rooted? If any Snapdragon phones can be Unlocked/Rooted, which ones are these and are they compatible with US Carriers?
I don't plan on replacing my Note 9 yet, but maybe next year with another Samsung. I read that the Note line might be going away, in space of the S-line "Ultra". But anyways, my point being when I get a new Samsung Phone, is it possible to get one that is BL Unlockable and Rootable, AND fully compatible with my US Carrier, Tmobile?
afaik, you have the Note 9's US version already (snapdragon chip version) so its certainly compatible with US carriers in the 1st place.
rooting/bootloader unlocking is another story, irrelevant to what you are concerned.
I think only US sd version is unlockable.
N960F compatability https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/help/note-9-model-sm-n960f-ds-dual-sim-t3903528
It's funny you'd ask this today.... I own an international version (unlocked) Snapdragon variant that *is* rootable... the SM-N9600 (not to be mistaken for the N960u and so on which are NOT rootable). But though my phone is *technically* rootable, there's a very messy issue with it not allowing flashing TWRP / rooting even after the OEM unlock switch is thrown. I oughta know... just again spent hours in vain trying to get it to root. It's a long story and you can find it just by googling "N9600 prenormal" or some such. Anyway, at least on paper there is a Snapdragon Note 9 that is rootable.