I haven't had a samsung phone in a while. Previously, I remember unlocked variants usually getting updates behind the carrier variants. Is that still the case? what about other advantages or disadvantages? Does unlocked mean I can unlock the bootloader? how easy is it to remove carrier bloatware? If I do want to go unlocked and unlock the bootloader (assuming that's even possible) is there generally a decent custom rom scene for samsung phones these days? Does GCam work well with the regular S20 (assuming it will work similarly on this phone)?
For some context, I'm coming from having Pixel phones for a few years. I had a Galaxy S6 a while ago but the samsung bloat eventually got on my nerves. Hoping things have slimmed down since then or that it's easier to mask by using other apps as defaults, good lock, gcam, etc. So mostly wondering if I should buy unlocked as I usually do for pixel, or a carrier variant. And also just some general tips about customizing samsung phones in 2020 since I haven't had to look into it for about 5 years.
So the US Unlocked models will work with any US carrier. The advantage is if you switch carriers the phone works seemlessly. In addition, there is no carrier bloat and all Samsung features are enabled. The phone being Unlocked has nothing to do with the bootloader and North American Snapdragon models are NOT bootloader unlockable.
With T-MOBILE, all carrier features work. With Verizon, everything except for carrier video calling works. AT&T has some proprietary features that may not work such as WiFi calling.
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I'm going to take advantage of the Note 7 promotion. I'm currently on Sprint. From what I understand, there are no hardware differences between the carrier unlocked version and the Sprint version (per Samsung chat). The only major differences are in carrier software, I think? Also, it looks like software updates may be extremely slow? I would have expected the opposite since it's coming straight from Samsung.
From what I can tell, I can always flash the carrier ROM on the unlocked version, but I think this would trip Knox and I would lose Samsung Pay, right? Conversely, if I go with the carrier version, I can unlock it because I'll own it outright, correct?
I'm really stuck on which one to preorder. I always figured carrier unlocked was better, but perhaps not? Any guiding thoughts for me?
Wonder about this too.
Is the cellular bands listed on this site accurate?
https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-8-sm-n950-model-number-differences/
If it is, the unlocked may not have all the bands for, for example, T-mobile. So if sticking with one carrier and not planning to change, will getting the carrier one, though with more bloatware, be better for coverage?
Here is a screen capture for the Carrier Unlocked Note 8 from Best Buys Website.
just take this with a pinch of salt but carrier lock is way better than the other.
I come from the perspective of:
1. A US citizen working with orphan kids in Colombia. A Note 8, or probably from a battery standpoint, the unaffordable Note 9, would seem to make the most sense, or an iPhone 7 Plus, but I don't like IOS. I am considering the US Verizon SM-N950UZKAVZW, AT&T SM-N950UZKAATT, or the US unlocked unbranded SM-N950U1, which has the Snapdragon, and supports both CDMA and GSM and more bands than the others.
2. I like root, because it allows me to use apps cannot otherwise, use such as exploring the active bands available in certain areas, a real phone backup, etc., but it is not absolutely necessary. (With my Note 3, 4.4.2, I can easily root without tripping KNOX.)
3. I also like the idea of Samsung Pay and the way it works with NFC for credit card security.
Questions:
1. Can I root any of these three phones and still use Samsung Pay, etc.?
2. Does the N950U1 US unbranded, unlocked model also have KNOX that would get tripped?
3. How are OS updates handled on N950U1 US unbranded phone?
4.
- From reading the forums, unless you use the AT&T-carrier-branded version, you will not be able to use VoLTE/HD Voice, VoWi-Fi, or carrier aggregation on the AT&T network, and you will get throttled data speeds.
- Verizon only states that HD Voice will not work unless both parties have VoLTE/HD Voice enabled, both have LTE, and are both on the Verizon network. I don't see language about it being a Verizon-branded phone.
- Verizon states HD Voice needs to be activated before you can activate VoWi-Fi, and that you can tell it to use Wi-Fi if available, and that you can make and receive calls from the US for free as though you were there.
?Does this mean you can send and receive free US calls to and from non-Verizon endpoints over VoWi-Fi?
Thanks!
Hello !
1. AFAIK no, when you root Knox is tripped so you can say goodbye to Samsung Pay (though it seems that some people found a way to keep using it)
2. All Samsung devices have Knox if they're shipped with Android 4.3+
3. I can't answer to that question as I have the SM-N950F/DS
4. Being French I don't know how US carriers handle VoWiFi, VoLTE and HD voice.
I hope people will be able to answer these questions.
Have a nice day !
Thanks for the reply!
If your on bootloader v4 u cant root right now....
If u have a us model they all have snapdragons so you cant use android pay ever again if u root..... hope it helps.
pbedard said:
If your on bootloader v4 u cant root right now.... If u have a us model they all have snapdragons so you cant use android pay ever again if u root..... hope it helps.
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Click to collapse
That is very helpful because I didn't know if I could get around that with the US unlocked model from Samsung or not. It looks like no root then. I assume I can still side load apks without causing an issue?
One thing is sure, the Exynos won't be running the CDMA bands. I would also imagine Samsung pay either doesn't work with the a rooted international Exynos, and/or there are other gotchas that make it equally unattractive to use domestically.
Does the Exynos run the same apks as the SnapDragon from the play store or are they compiled differently?
Both models use the same apks, no problem there, as for rooted devices, only certain apps do not work when they detect root
If u have a us model they all have snapdragons so you cant use android pay ever again if u root..... hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, can you root an Exynos, the unroot it later, and use Samsung pay, or do you have the same issue of tripping KNOX, or doesn't the Exynos do Samsung Pay?
I understand not allowing Samsung Pay on a rooted phone. The part I don't get is why when you restore everything back to original that they don't allow KNOX to be restored as well.
Well, the exynos variant is the easier rootable one, but KNOX is irreversible, it is a physical electonic fuse, or e-fuse, in any samsung device, it is a flag to indicate that the device has been tampered with, therefore no longer 100% safe by samsung's standards, unrooting will not get back to 0x0, (0x1 indicates that something has been changed), so, no samsung pay or secure folder will be available once knox has been tripped
winol said:
Well, the Exynos variant is the easier rootable one, but KNOX is irreversible, it is a physical electonic fuse, or e-fuse, in any Samsung device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it! Then I won't be rooting the new one for now, and would be better off going with a SnapDragon where I can get a phone that will do both CDMA and GSM, and leverage Qualcomm's Quick Charge as well.
Thanks!
I bought a Note 8 in swappa that was supposed to be factory unlocked (SM-950U1) but is actually an AT&T phone (950U). I verified this directly with Samsung. I am on Sprint and using their IMEI check site, this phone is compatible. Are there any differences between the factory unlocked and carrier unlocked? Is there any benefit to the factory unlocked? Basically what I want to know is whether I should keep the phone or whether the differences are enough that I should send it back to the seller.
Thanks
The carrier unlocked are capable of accepting sim cards from other carriers, just that, they have all the stuff related to the carrier like the boot animation, Volte calls, hotspot, mesaging service, and carrier bloatware, etc, the factory unlocked ones have the samsung usual bloat, in your case, you could flash the firmware specific to the carrier you will use, to be able to use the services offered by your carrier otherwise some things could be missing
Flashing the Sprint version would require root, yes? I love Samsung Pay so wouldn't be willing to root.
How do factory unlocked phones get updated? Would those still be pushed out by whatever carrier you are on?
The more I read, the more I think sending back the AT&T one is the right move. Then it comes down to Sprint vs unbranded. I don't have any immediate plans to leave Sprint so maybe the Sprint version is the way to go?
You can flash any firmare, providing it is intended for your device, in your case any firmware for USA devices(snapdragon) will work, if you flash official firmwares there will be no problem with knox, just do it with care
I'm surprised an AT&T phone will work on Sprint's network. AT&T is GSM and Sprint is CDMA.
Samsung has really disappointed me with the SM-988U locked bootloader. I was away with iPhone for awhile.but always liked the ability to customize with android and Samsung. My last being the Nexus. Now I have the s21 ultra US Verizon phone. Locked down tight as all get out! Sucks! So much potential to make this an awesome handset! Shame on you Samsung and Verizon!
Wolfofphx said:
Samsung has really disappointed me with the SM-988U locked bootloader. I was away with iPhone for awhile.but always liked the ability to customize with android and Samsung. My last being the Nexus. Now I have the s21 ultra US Verizon phone. Locked down tight as all get out! Sucks! So much potential to make this an awesome handset! Shame on you Samsung and Verizon!
Click to expand...
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Welcome to 4 years ago lol. They did that starting with the S8. If you need to have an unlockable bootloader, you should've done a little research. Also, it's a north American thing with the carriers. The international model isn't as locked down.
The only real advantage in US Carrier Branded devices is if you're on their network you'll have access to their Call Features. Other than that it's a poor option when one considers all the features you'll sacrifice. Unlocked Bootloader, e-Sim or Dual Sims, 512GB Internal Storage, No Bloatware, Timely OTA Updates and no Multi-Year Service Contract. Why buy a Carrier Branded device? I'd rather stick pins in my eyes. Best to look before you leap! FYI - You still have the ability to unlock your bootloader depending on which UI Version you have but it cost $$$ for the service and has a few consequences.
[Android][UNSAMLOCK] Bootloader Unlock for Samsung US/Canada Devices
This thread is @svetius approved Important notice: Do not update to April 2023 security update (XXXXXXXXXXWCX) or later. Examples: G998USQS6EWCA, N986USQU4HWD1. Samsung has patched the bootloader unlock again on those updates. NOTE: The OneUI...
forum.xda-developers.com
beserker15 said:
Welcome to 4 years ago lol. They did that starting with the S8. If you need to have an unlockable bootloader, you should've done a little research. Also, it's a north American thing with the carriers. The international model isn't as locked down.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, it's a bummer for sure!
varcor said:
The only real advantage in US Carrier Branded devices is if you're on their network you'll have access to their Call Features. Other than that it's a poor option when one considers all the features you'll sacrifice. Unlocked Bootloader, e-Sim or Dual Sims, 512GB Internal Storage, No Bloatware, Timely OTA Updates and no Multi-Year Service Contract. Why buy a Carrier Branded device? I'd rather stick pins in my eyes. Best to look before you leap! FYI - You still have the ability to unlock your bootloader depending on which UI Version you have but it cost $$$ for the service and has a few consequences.
[Android][UNSAMLOCK] Bootloader Unlock for Samsung US/Canada Devices
This thread is @svetius approved Important notice: Do not update to April 2023 security update (XXXXXXXXXXWCX) or later. Examples: G998USQS6EWCA, N986USQU4HWD1. Samsung has patched the bootloader unlock again on those updates. NOTE: The OneUI...
forum.xda-developers.com
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Click to collapse
Yeah unfortunately my phone came already on BL ver 3 so out of luck on the pay to unlock option.
But you are saying that when the s22 drops I can buy the international unlocked version and be able to avoid all the problems I now have? I couldn't care less about Knox or samsungs apps. Verizon apps for that matter too. I will give that up easily to have root and full ownership of my device
As a user of the international version (EU), I'm surprised that Samsung still locks down the BL.
You really don't need to root. Countless threads on rooting gone bad here.
If it's a carrier phone it would void the warranty and insurance if any.
On a carrier phone the first thing I do is disable the carrier OTA updates, destroyer of worlds.
Remember Samsung is partnered with the carriers, both provide input for firmware and software.
Blame your carrier for much of this
blackhawk said:
You really don't need to root. Countless threads on rooting gone bad here.
If it's a carrier phone it would void the warranty and insurance if any.
On a carrier phone the first thing I do is disable the carrier OTA updates, destroyer of worlds.
Remember Samsung is partnered with the carriers, both provide input for firmware and software.
Blame your carrier for much of this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any advice how to disable OTA all I've been able to do is postpone. But after 20 days they force the update
Wolfofphx said:
Any advice how to disable OTA all I've been able to do is postpone. But after 20 days they force the update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's as insidious as malware. I think it's stored in the system cache after download so clearing the cache should purge it. Otherwise a factory reset.
Once installed though, game over.
I use this app to kill it:
Home - Package Disabler
The only NON-root solution that let’s you disable any unwanted packages that come pre-installed / installed with your phone / tablet.
www.packagedisabler.com
There's also this one linked in this thread but I haven't tested it:
Galaxy Note 10 / Note 10+ Plus Debloat / bloatware removal list
Hey everyone! New phone, new debloat / bloatware removal list! Please see my original post from the Galaxy S8 to see the XDA article on how to do this. https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/s8-debloat-bloatware-thread-t3669009...
forum.xda-developers.com
AT&T* tech support can disable OTA on their end, yes they really can. You may need to beat them up a bit but it can be disabled. A package disabler is the easiest plus you can disable other pesky apks. I have about 90 disabled, some I toggle on/off as needed.
*presumably Verizon, etc can do the same. I had to lean on AT&T pretty hard to get it done... a stone cold pleasure
It's only applies to that one device not the account.
From your title, I thought Samsung is partnering with Facebook, or something.
Wolfofphx said:
Yeah unfortunately my phone came already on BL ver 3 so out of luck on the pay to unlock option.
But you are saying that when the s22 drops I can buy the international unlocked version and be able to avoid all the problems I now have? I couldn't care less about Knox or samsungs apps. Verizon apps for that matter too. I will give that up easily to have root and full ownership of my device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While no one knows for certain what changes Samsung will incorporate into the S22, based on their recent offerings it's likely they will still offer unlocked bootloaders on their global variants. The major US Carriers are the reason bootloaders remained locked tight in the US but there's always hope a savvy developer will create a functional workaround.
I'm looking at getting a new phone from Verizon and I use the Skvalex call recording app to record all my company calls. Unfortunately the only way to use the good recording quality where it records both sides from the in/out on the routing table on any of the latest android OS fw is to have root kernel access. Can this phone currently be rooted with latest OTA from Verizon if I purchase this phone ?
If not, can someone point me in the direction of one of the phones Verizon sells (or one I can get at Best Buy/Amazon) at a reasonable price? It's been a long time since I rooted a phone as I have had the same Moto Z Force from Verizon for about 4 years now. Great phone just has issues with battery life after a year and data storage is not big enough.
Verizon is to my knowledge the worst company to buy from if you want to root a device.
then on top of that there's the (apparent) deal Samsung agreed with US carriers, no Samsung phones for the US and Canadian markets have unlockable bootloaders. only official Samsung firmware images can flashed. T-Mobile will let you unlock the bootloader when you've paid for the phone, AT&T too... Verizon never will!
I'd say buy an imported 4G version the SM-G780G seeing as 5G on Verizon is mmwave (only Samsung's made for Verizon even support that). but check with Verizon first if they'll let use it. I've heard some weird things about phones needing to approved to use on some carriers there.
3mel said:
Verizon is to my knowledge the worst company to buy from if you want to root a device.
then on top of that there's the (apparent) deal Samsung agreed with US carriers, no Samsung phones for the US and Canadian markets have unlockable bootloaders. only official Samsung firmware images can flashed. T-Mobile will let you unlock the bootloader when you've paid for the phone, AT&T too... Verizon never will!
I'd say buy an imported 4G version the SM-G780G seeing as 5G on Verizon is mmwave (only Samsung's made for Verizon even support that). but check with Verizon first if they'll let use it. I've heard some weird things about phones needing to approved to use on some carriers there.
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Click to collapse
That really sucks. I always thought the non-branded / non carrier motorola phones could have their BL unlocked through motorola. I will look into the imported 4g version but I'm really wanting to take advantage of the 5g data speeds. I was just hoping for a root method to do some tweaking and unbloating to some of the files.
enettrek said:
That really sucks. I always thought the non-branded / non carrier motorola phones could have their BL unlocked through motorola. I will look into the imported 4g version but I'm really wanting to take advantage of the 5g data speeds. I was just hoping for a root method to do some tweaking and unbloating to some of the files.
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Click to collapse
AFAIK Motorola phones can be unlocked, it's just Samsung that's doing this and most people think it's to keep the carriers happy.
Samsung has ants up their ass over competing with apple so they probably made this agreement as extra incentive to get picked up by more carriers. that's a guess though.
I'm leaning towards getting a pixel 6... direct from google. I'm not giving samsung any more of my money over them having their head so far up the carriers asses I can't tell where samsung ends and the carrier begins.