Database Develop

[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.

[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

No Root For N960U and N960U1?

Hi!
I want to ask. And forgive my question. Some possibility of root Note 9 N960U & N960U1?
I know that many here are bothered by these types of questions.

galdypr said:
Hi!
I want to ask. And forgive my question. Some possibility of root Note 9 N960U & N960U1?
I know that many here are bothered by these types of questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not available, and there is a high probability that it never will be available.
For example there is still no root for S9/S9+ in U version.

VadimTk said:
It is not available, and there is a high probability that it never will be available.
For example there is still no root for S9/S9+ in U version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for answer. If the USA version It is so complicated to root, then I will buy exynos version. Personally I like the devices that I can have control and rooted.

We are bothered by the questions because it seems like every person creating a new thread asking about it seems like they will get a different answer if they create their own thread about it.

@rbiter said:
We are bothered by the questions because it seems like every person creating a new thread asking about it seems like they will get a different answer if they create their own thread about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked because I have not seen a thread with that question. But, my apologies if they bother here to.
In my case, and where I work, it has never bothered me that they ask me the same thing, because I like to help people.
Thanks!

As far as I now, S9 and S9+ snapdragon versions are still not rooted.
There is at least 1 guy searching for root but so far, no progress.
So, maybe s845 Note 9 will get root someday but don't have high hopes about that and if root really matter to you, I will advise you to buy another phone.

I strongly advise buying the exynos version now, or buying another device if updates and such will be a big deal. I had the same concerns, this is my first unrooted Android device I am considering purchasing, and I have to make the decision based on what is most probable, root not being an option. Otherwise, you'll be pissed the entire time you have the device that you let yourself fall into the hope trap.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I will wait few months, as it happened with note 8, that a root for the snapdragon came out, if the root does not come out with note 9 snapdragon, I follow your advice and buy the version with Exynos. Thanks! ?

I do not know, but with so much developer here in XDA and other forums; there must be some way to unlock the bootloader. Or is have to pay for it, or beg of carrier companies??

galdypr said:
I will wait few months, as it happened with note 8, that a root for the snapdragon came out, if the root does not come out with note 9 snapdragon, I follow your advice and buy the version with Exynos. Thanks! [emoji3]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked the OP of that thread a month ago and he confirmed that that root method can not be done on the S9, S9+ or NOTE9, which means that the device will most likely never be rooted, unless Samsung suddenly, randomly, allows for the bootloader to be unlocked.
I upgraded to the Snapdragon Note9 anyway though myself. I found that I didn't really miss root all that much on my Note8 and didn't want my battery on my new phone to only charge to 80% by using SamFAIL, so I just got the non-carrier branded one this time to cut down on some of the bloat. I could've went Exynos, but in the past I'd mainly only used root to put other roms on the device and maybe clear out some space, but the Note9 comes with 128gb internal minimum with the potential of an up to 512gb sd card, which is plenty of space for me to just disable a few apps. Most of the roms too most often didn't have the air command features for the spen(or most of the other functionality that Samsung devices are supposed to have) and the pen is why I buy the Notes in the first place. The ones that did try and incorporate those features(including the Touchwiz roms) always still had other problems too, so I most often found myself going back to stock anyway.
Frankly, it's just been nice having a device where Samsung Pay and everything else just works. I've had the unrootable Snapdragon Note9 for a month now and I love it. It has tons of features that the Note8 didn't have, like an spen that works as a wireless bluetooth remote for your camera, music and other apps, as well as more space, a better battery and more. That's just my take though.

galdypr said:
Hi!
I want to ask. And forgive my question. Some possibility of root Note 9 N960U & N960U1?
I know that many here are bothered by these types of questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so much bothered by questions (even if they have been asked 100 times over like this one lol) more so people refuse to use the search function.
If you had of done so you wouldn't have needed to even ask.
Dont be afraid to try and help yourself sometimes, its not that painful.
But yeah as the guys said....never going to happen

I took the advice of several users of the forum, I bought the note version exynos. And I did not break the my Head, Waiting for someone to get Root the Note 9 USA Version
The other note 9 I want to sell it by ebay or by Swppa.

galdypr said:
I took the advice of several users of the forum, I bought the note version exynos. And I did not break the my Head, Waiting for someone to get Root the Note 9 USA Version
The other note 9 I want to sell it by ebay or by Swppa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The USA version is never going to see root.
I didn't understand what you said about the exynos other than your selling it? Why?

galdypr said:
I do not know, but with so much developer here in XDA and other forums; there must be some way to unlock the bootloader. Or is have to pay for it, or beg of carrier companies??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carrier companies do not have control over bootloader locks. I have tried going through them in the past about this and they have no clue what you are talking about unless you get lucky and get a person that knows about root and even if that does happen they can't and won't help you with it. It has to be done by manufacturers.

galdypr said:
Thanks for answer. If the USA version It is so complicated to root, then I will buy exynos version. Personally I like the devices that I can have control and rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you considered the N9600, international version? It has the SD845 processor (like the U and U1) and root/TWRP are already available. Knox gets tripped, of course, but that only negates Samsung Pay and a couple others.
Just having a little trouble locating units for sale (at good prices) here on mainland US.

Forgetting N960U and N960U1! I bought N960N!! And my problem resolved! Finally I got root!! ?

q2n said:
Have you considered the N9600, international version? It has the SD845 processor (like the U and U1) and root/TWRP are already available. Knox gets tripped, of course, but that only negates Samsung Pay and a couple others.
Just having a little trouble locating units for sale (at good prices) here on mainland US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to figure out my info on versions is correct... I thought N9600 (with Snapdragon) is the Hong Kong version (i.e. not "international" or "global"), and N960F (with Exynos) is for "global"/europe (although it seems to have different band lists for UK). (I'm not considering rootability etc., just the target market / naming.)

6thtry said:
Just to figure out my info on versions is correct... I thought N9600 (with Snapdragon) is the Hong Kong version (i.e. not "international" or "global"), and N960F (with Exynos) is for "global"/europe (although it seems to have different band lists for UK). (I'm not considering rootability etc., just the target market / naming.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the 960F model has different radio / bands for UK market compared to the 960F sold in mainland Europe? I doubt it.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

Limeybastard said:
So the 960F model has different radio / bands for UK market compared to the 960F sold in mainland Europe? I doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I have no idea. I read it on this page: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/
I found another list (much shorter one) that does not have separate entry for UK. Maybe the longer list simply lists bands that are active in the region (e.g. if there are bands in use in UK that aren't used elsewhere in europe even if the phone would support them).
Not relevant to this topic (rooting U/U1), though, I just noted it for the peculiarity of seeing that difference for the same model code.

6thtry said:
Personally, I have no idea. I read it on this page: https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/
I found another list (much shorter one) that does not have separate entry for UK. Maybe the longer list simply lists bands that are active in the region (e.g. if there are bands in use in UK that aren't used elsewhere in europe even if the phone would support them).
Not relevant to this topic (rooting U/U1), though, I just noted it for the peculiarity of seeing that difference for the same model code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally how I verify bands used it to go to samsungs website for that country to check specs for a particular model number.
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

Is All Hope Lost for G973U US Snapdragon?

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.

Snapdragon ROMs?

So now that there is a way to unlock bootloader and root the US snapdragon versions of the s10+ such as the SM-G975U I was wondering if there are any ROMs from the Exynos version we could use and if not then possibly if there were snapdragon ROMs in the works. I'm dying to use lineage OS again and unfortunately this is the phone I had to buy since EVERY phone store in a 50 mile radius of me was sold out on good root able phones and my other one broke and because of work and such I can't be without a phone.

TechDevil9989 said:
So now that there is a way to unlock bootloader and root the US snapdragon versions of the s10+ such as the SM-G975U I was wondering if there are any ROMs from the Exynos version we could use and if not then possibly if there were snapdragon ROMs in the works. I'm dying to use lineage OS again and unfortunately this is the phone I had to buy since EVERY phone store in a 50 mile radius of me was sold out on good root able phones and my other one broke and because of work and such I can't be without a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK no root/unlock available for this device model.
Best to check here:
[G975U] DISCUSSION on Root/BL Unlock
Hello! I just picked up a SM-G975U to play with. Before you get your hopes up, Root and BL Unlock is NOT POSSIBLE on USA variants at this time! I created this discussion so those willing and able can brainstorm with me with hopes of achieving...
forum.xda-developers.com