Database Develop

Question about the bootloader for the S8 (T Mobile)

So I am looking forward to buy the S8 and I do want the unlocked bootloader. I heard that if you buy an S8 or S8+ from T Mobile then you get the U variant instead of T. Is it true? Because as far as I know the S8 and S8+ US variants got the U after the numbers which shows that the bootloader is unlocked.

T-mobile bootloader on the s8/s8+ is locked

KidKnowsTech said:
So I am looking forward to buy the S8 and I do want the unlocked bootloader. I heard that if you buy an S8 or S8+ from T Mobile then you get the U variant instead of T. Is it true? Because as far as I know the S8 and S8+ US variants got the U after the numbers which shows that the bootloader is unlocked.
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Every North American model is the U model, simply with different firmware. Whether you buy a carrier version or the US unlocked model (U1) they are all quite literally the very same U model. This means you CAN do carrier switching, with some work (for instance, install firmware from T-Mobile on to an unlocked model, or Verizon, or whatever) - this DOES NOT however, SIM unlock the device. There was misinformation on the internet that the model numbers would be like they were in the past, but it's not true. If you buy a T-Mobile model, it's the G950U, just like it's the G950U on Verizon and all other carriers (no longer are there "T" models, "V" models, etc). The unlocked model is the G950U1, but it's still the very same model, so the firmwares are interchangeable.
Currently, there is no known way to unlock the bootloader. As of this week, root is available (with some caveats), but no way to unlock the bootloader. The only models you can do that with are the international Exynos models, and the more rare Hong Kong Snapdragon model. I sincerely doubt we'll ever be able to unlock the bootloader, but I'd love to see the XDA community make it happen.

Damn, I guess the International version is better.

The U = carrier unlocked. Not unlockable bootloader. Besides most glass Mashers and text-while-driving people don't even know what the heck a bootloader is lol

Bootloader ? oem
I have been thinking about get a S8+, now my wife's S7 phone and tab S2 tablet you just go to developer options and turn on oem unlock dose the S8 not have that?

brightjh01 said:
I have been thinking about get a S8+, now my wife's S7 phone and tab S2 tablet you just go to developer options and turn on oem unlock dose the S8 not have that?
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No

stmims1124 said:
Every North American model is the U model, simply with different firmware. Whether you buy a carrier version or the US unlocked model (U1) they are all quite literally the very same U model. This means you CAN do carrier switching, with some work (for instance, install firmware from T-Mobile on to an unlocked model, or Verizon, or whatever) - this DOES NOT however, SIM unlock the device. There was misinformation on the internet that the model numbers would be like they were in the past, but it's not true. If you buy a T-Mobile model, it's the G950U, just like it's the G950U on Verizon and all other carriers (no longer are there "T" models, "V" models, etc). The unlocked model is the G950U1, but it's still the very same model, so the firmwares are interchangeable.
Currently, there is no known way to unlock the bootloader. As of this week, root is available (with some caveats), but no way to unlock the bootloader. The only models you can do that with are the international Exynos models, and the more rare Hong Kong Snapdragon model. I sincerely doubt we'll ever be able to unlock the bootloader, but I'd love to see the XDA community make it happen.
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So what you are basically saying is, 950U s8 models even though unlocked can only be used on other US carries and not internationally??

captainkbj said:
So what you are basically saying is, 950U s8 models even though unlocked can only be used on other US carries and not internationally??
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No, you should be able to use the U1 (North American implied variant) internationally, mostly without issue. I believe it supports most, if not all GSM/LTE bands (CDMA may be a different story). I was just saying you cannot unlock the bootloader on the North American models... Different than SIM/Carrier unlock

Flashing Samsung Firmware

Firstly, I hope this is appropriate to post here - I'm new to this and I'm just getting to grips with it all!
Basically, I live in England, but I'll soon be moving to America. While I was on holiday in America this year, I bought an unlocked Note9 because it was cheaper with the exchange rate, and I thought that it would be the better decision, given that I'll be living in the U.S. soon enough.
However, the firmware is different in certain ways, and I much prefer the U.K. firmware versions. There are things missing from the firmware, that my Dad's U.K. Note9 has, and that my old GS8+ had.
My question is, if I flashed the U.K. firmware to my Note9 would that change my device status? I want it to still say 'Official'. Also, would it do anything to the KNOX counter - or would it even work?
Thanks in advance!

ClassilyContagious said:
Firstly, I hope this is appropriate to post here - I'm new to this and I'm just getting to grips with it all!
Basically, I live in England, but I'll soon be moving to America. While I was on holiday in America this year, I bought an unlocked Note9 because it was cheaper with the exchange rate, and I thought that it would be the better decision, given that I'll be living in the U.S. soon enough.
However, the firmware is different in certain ways, and I much prefer the U.K. firmware versions. There are things missing from the firmware, that my Dad's U.K. Note9 has, and that my old GS8+ had.
My question is, if I flashed the U.K. firmware to my Note9 would that change my device status? I want it to still say 'Official'. Also, would it do anything to the KNOX counter - or would it even work?
Thanks in advance!
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uk model is a N960F
us model is a N960U
you cant flash anything from one to the other.
you should have bought the uk version. a high % of Americans buy the international versions for various reasons. one being the locked bootloader on the us version stopping them from attaining root and modifying the system to their will. this year the international F model you guys have in the UK apparently is the lesser phone performance wise. i think it is negligible since rooting is a big advantage in some cases.
anyways please dont mix up unlocked phone meaning not bound to a carrier or region and unlocked bootloader.
cpu arch:
exynos = F model =unblockable bootloader
snapdragon = U model = locked bootloader
both models are avalablabe in region unlocked models.
there are other variants like the N9600 which is special in a way that being a snapdragon, it can have its BL unlocked.
there is also a N960N which is 99% identical to a N960F model.
A N960W In canada which is 99.999% like the us U model.
and finally the F, N and n9600 are all available in DS models too( 2 x sim cards /dual sim)

ClassilyContagious said:
However, the firmware is different in certain ways, and I much prefer the U.K. firmware versions. There are things missing from the firmware, that my Dad's U.K. Note9 has, and that my old GS8+ had.
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I'm curious, what stock features does the UK version have over the US version?

It's got that sexy date speed indicator in the status bar
[emoji1787]
ramiss said:
I'm curious, what stock features does the UK version have over the US version?
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Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk

Unlocked Bootloader S10

As always, I'll only be supporting unlocked devices. I expected some sort of Exynos device in the release, but I've seen none. I assume the Snapdragon variants will all be locked.
Any leads?

I've messaged a few eBay sellers and they're all selling international unlocked models but with the SD 855. So far no Exynos models have hit or are even slated to hit soon. Might have to wait a few weeks.

AFAIK back in the day the Exynos model was only available in European markets. I pre-ordered from amazon here, but no mention of exynos or SD. According to GSMarena there will be an exynos for EMEA (https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s10-9536.php)

I've messaged clove (UK based) and their S10+ will indeed have the Exynos chipset. I'll be ordering one very soon.
If anyone is worried about buying a phone from the UK and from clove specifically - don't be. I've purchased multiple phones from them with absolutely no issues. They just need to open the box and load the phone with a UK SIM in order to unlock it for use outside of the USA. So if it's a must for you to be the first person to open the box then you may want to look elsewhere.

This reddit user claims to have an Exynos version.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/aumxf9/i_just_bought_my_galaxy_s10_ama/
@AhsanU @donky kong 017

AaronCompNetSys said:
This reddit user claims to have an Exynos version.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/aumxf9/i_just_bought_my_galaxy_s10_ama/
@AhsanU @donky kong 017
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I was at the local electronics store today. They had all models on display. They where in retail mode. Fingerprint would not work. I had not have the chance to the settings info page. But on the description I think I said exynos. Also online they say exynos, but also 6gb ram, so maybe can't trust that one.
But I'm pretty confident that the European version will be the exynos one
Sent from my LG H930 using Tapatalk

I have a chinese variant S10 , SM-G9730. bootloader could be unlocked.

I can confirm Exynos is being shipped in EU also. Verified with CPUZ on the phone im currently holding.

warking said:
I have a chinese variant S10 , SM-G9730. bootloader could be unlocked.
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Yep. Best version available.

For reference, the S10e Snapdragon China model with unlocked bootloader should be SM-G9700
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...Sim-FACTORY-UNLOCKED-5-8-6GB-RAM/223434380573
I already bought the SM-G970F/DS from them which is Exynos.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...Sim-FACTORY-UNLOCKED-5-8-6GB-RAM/223396384078

I have samsung galaxy s10 + with Exynos 9820 processor

Does someone know how to relock the bootloader?
Nevermid, it's quite easy. I did it through download mode

Baltimore0690 said:
Does someone know how to relock the bootloader?
Nevermid, it's quite easy. I did it through download mode
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How did you manage this? I want to re lock mine also(Australian version). I've re flashed the stock firmware and when i reboot to download mode through ADB on my Windows PC and then try to lock it, i just get <waiting for devices>. I read some where that it's a drive issue.
I believe i've updated my drivers but im still getting the <waiting for devices>. I tried on my Mac also but i keep getting an interface error which from what ive read is a MacOS issue.
Can anyone please help? I want to relock it so that i can sell it.

Note 9 Differences

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.

Will there ever be OEM unlock on snapdragon chips?

I want to root my s20 Fe, it is the snapdragon model. Is it possible to ever unlock the OEM? And is there a place where people are working on this? I don't think I'm going to get a Samsung phone in the future if I can't root it.

It's not about the phone being Snapdragon or Exynos, both are unlockable and rootable. Phones in the US are bootloader-locked because US lacks consumer protection laws.

bladez said:
It's not about the phone being Snapdragon or Exynos, both are unlockable and rootable. Phones in the US are bootloader-locked because US lacks consumer protection laws.
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Is this also apple on US unlocked carrier variant?

Also wondering if this will ever happen.

If its the non-us variant then yes, we already have OEM unlock - see the S20FE section of the forum.