Develop Bugs

Should I get the AT&T or the International SGS3?

Hello,
I plan on getting the S3 in a couple of months, after when I save up and was wondering which one should I get? The AT&T or the international version? I will he using it on Straight Talk with the Bring your own phone plan. I'm using the Nexus right now, just having trouble trying to figure out which one I should get. Thanks!

asheehanjr said:
Hello,
I plan on getting the S3 in a couple of months, after when I save up and was wondering which one should I get? The AT&T or the international version? I will he using it on Straight Talk with the Bring your own phone plan. I'm using the Nexus right now, just having trouble trying to figure out which one I should get. Thanks!
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Click to collapse
If you're using it on Straight Talk and you want the more powerful one, international (it's what I use). The downside is that if something goes wrong with the phone, you're pretty much screwed unless you can send it to someone in the UK or Europe to send to Samsung for repair. The upside is you have a beast phone with faster updates (custom ROMs don't show up out of thin air; you need some sort of leak or OTA to work off of for non-CM ROMs). Another perk is you get FM radio, but I don't know how important that is to you.
If you want a cheaper S3 with all the features but a slightly slower processor (only for intense gaming; 99% of things will run great), get the T-Mobile or AT&T version. I think they're like $50-$100 cheaper. You'll also be able to send the phone to Samsung US if there's an issue. I ran into a fairly common (from Google searching) issue where my i9300 could no longer make calls, but everything else including the earpiece and speaker were fine. The modem rebooted everytime I made a call and I later found out it was a hardware issue. I had to send the phone back to the Amazon seller who was in Germany so they could send it to Samsung. Cost me $73 for 3-day shipping. HOWEVER, the seller told me in an email that I have a 2-year warranty, not 1-year. So that's a perk you may want to consider. I have the Vodafone UK version, but Samsung will repair it in any country that's part of the EU (e.g. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, etc).
Basically, unless you game a lot, go for the US version. I happen to game a lot, and I didn't wanna wait for the US versions (I bought my i9300 in July). If I had waited, I'd probably have gone for the US version. And for anyone who brings up RAM, it doesn't affect performance. It only allows more apps to be open in the background, and Android fills up unused RAM anyways, so it really is not a deciding factor.

I agree with Product F(RED). Unless you're going to do intense CPU processes the US variant will suit your needs wonderfully. You won't need to worry about lag or slow downs. And if you plan to root there are custom ROMS that are faster than the Stock rom.

Product F(RED) said:
And for anyone who brings up RAM, it doesn't affect performance. It only allows more apps to be open in the background, and Android fills up unused RAM anyways, so it really is not a deciding factor.
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It doesn't affect performance, true, but also owning an orignal Galaxy S (i9000), I can assure you RAM is a factor when it comes to upgrading the OS!
The 512Mo in the SGS1 is the main reason why Samsung didn't upgrade the device to ICS.
There are ICS and JB custom ROMs available for the SGS1, but the device is definitely suffering from the limited of amount RAM.
Because of this, RAM, for me, is definitely a factor that made me choose the North American variant over the international one.

idk to be honest i would get galaxy note 2 at this point the gs3 is already 6m old

I was also going to hold out for the note 2, but it just to big and I already have a nexus 7.

Had both multiple times, i went ahead and stayed with the US version. I dont game at all and i see NO difference in speed, plus LTE is AWESOME.

Nickel Dime Bay said:
Had both multiple times, i went ahead and stayed with the US version. I dont game at all and i see NO difference in speed, plus LTE is AWESOME.
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No LTE on Straight Talk, so it's not like it matters.

Oh wow i totally missed that, i say get the international then.

[Q] Which carrier version should I buy?

I would like the maximum possibility of custom firmwares, etc. Which carrier's version has unlockable/exploitable bootloader, and so on, such that I can reasonably expect to be able to install custom firmware for a long as the device is supported by devs? I've looked through a bunch of threads and nothing is really giving me this info, as a person shopping. It looks like Sprint has the lowest (subsidized) price, though T-Mobile tends to have the most "open" devices. That said, I have a Verizon account already.
Which carrier's version should I buy? I don't want to be stuck with something like Safestrap (no offense to Hashcode, his work is awesome!). Is there even an option that answers this question the way I want?
Related.... if anyone knows, how do the sizes compare? I have been using a Nook HD+, which is supposedly 8.9 inches. Is the 8.4 going to be most similar to that? It appears to be narrower from pictures, but I don't want to jump up TOO much in size, either. Anyone who's used both, is the 10.5" too much tablet?

Stay away from Verizon and AT&T both have locked bootloaders.

Can't you buy an international lte model and see if you can use a Verizon Sim card on it? Idk . As ash said don't buy any tab s directly from Verizon or att. The 10.5 would be to big for a tablet IMO. I own a 10.5 and it's sometime hard to put it/hold it while traveling. 8.4 should do fine.
Try and see if you can use a verizon or att Sim on the international model. As for sprint, their bands might be different in which if you buy directly from sprint, ROM support is really low since it uses a different chips. Hope this helps!
-DUHA

Honestly, I don't even really care about carriers, as I normally only use my tablet on WiFi. I only ask because I'm trying to subsidize the cost (yes, I know it costs more in the long run). but what I DO care about is custom ROMs. Thanks for the info regarding the 10.5", that was my feeling as well, even as a guy with large hands it seemed like a lot.
Maybe I will just end up buying an international model outright, that's a good idea.

cixelsyddyslexic said:
Honestly, I don't even really care about carriers, as I normally only use my tablet on WiFi. I only ask because I'm trying to subsidize the cost (yes, I know it costs more in the long run). but what I DO care about is custom ROMs. Thanks for the info regarding the 10.5", that was my feeling as well, even as a guy with large hands it seemed like a lot.
Maybe I will just end up buying an international model outright, that's a good idea.
Click to expand...
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As for custom roms, very few as more devs own the WiFi models. Like the 8.4 lte does have cyanogenmod 12 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=59398782
But few things are broken.
-DUHA

Verizon has snapdraghon soc

LoVeRice said:
Verizon has snapdraghon soc
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Is that a plus or a minus in terms of my question? I have no idea which chipset is more supported, that's what I'm trying to find out

cixelsyddyslexic said:
Is that a plus or a minus in terms of my question? I have no idea which chipset is more supported, that's what I'm trying to find out
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Exynos is more supported. Very few have snapdragon
-DUHA

I've purchased an 8.4" WiFi version with Exynos (refurb from Walmart.com, $249!). Thanks for the help, guys!

cixelsyddyslexic said:
I've purchased an 8.4" WiFi version with Exynos (refurb from Walmart.com, $249!). Thanks for the help, guys!
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WiFi version ehh? Enjoy your CM12 Nightlies Great deal BTW!
-DUHA

Import Note 10+ snapdragon to Europe

Hi guys,
I live in Europe(Croatia) where only the exynos version of Note 10+ is available. I am looking for a new phone and my wish number 1 is Note 10+, but the snapdragon variant.
If I decide to import it from somewhere, will it work here? I am even ready to risk and go without a warranty.
I was googling it, but find contradictory information. So I decided it is better if I open a new thread for it.
There are a lot of questions I want to ask
What version to import? Will I receive software updates? Will I have all network bands? What about regional unlock?
Thank you.

I think you won't have any problem provided you import the unlocked international version (if there is one where you want to import from).
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

Thx, but which one of these(SM-N975F (Europe); SM-N975F/DS (Global); SM-N975U (USA); SM-N975U1 (USA unlocked); SM-N975W (Canada); SM-N9750/DS (LATAM, Brazil, China); SM-N975N (South Korea)) is unlocked international version?
If you are referring to global SM-N975F/DS, it also has exynos: https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note10+-9732.php#sm-n975f-ds

You'll find all Note 10+ available models here: https://www.phonemore.com/models/samsung/galaxy-note-10-plus/
Based on SAMMOBILE site, which has all firmwares for all Note 10+ models (https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note-10-plus/firmware/#SM-N975U1), I understand that, in fact, any of the models can be locked to a certain cellular network or unlocked. So the unlocked version should be international also. The only thing that will make a difference between same Note 10+ model sold in different countries is the ability to record phone calls, which is restricted in some countries. Regarding firmware updates, there should not be any problem, you will only get the updates when they are officially released for the country you bought the phone from.
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

Really don't care about phone calls recording...I just want a functional phone.
Do you have any suggestions on where to buy it? EDIT: preferably from Europe

third party sellers are the only way you will get a snapdragon phone in europe, the entire european market is on Exynos, so you would either have to find a site willing to export to your country or a local seller who imports the phones. either way it won't be from a first party phone shop.
then if you do import you have to watch the sim unlocking rules, as the european phones need to use a european sim for a short period before unlocking to work for other countries, so buying from a reseller who has already done the network unlock meaning you will always be getting an opened box devices with no guarantee it's new and likely no warranty.

I bought a Snapdragon version N9750 on Ebay, from a seller in Europe. It's working great for me, I live in Sweden. Updates are working, but for example the 2.1 update that have rolled out to Exynos devices still haven't come to my device. But I'm not to stressed over updates anymore

Kimbo82 said:
I bought a Snapdragon version N9750 on Ebay, from a seller in Europe. It's working great for me, I live in Sweden. Updates are working, but for example the 2.1 update that have rolled out to Exynos devices still haven't come to my device. But I'm not to stressed over updates anymore
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How did you get rid of region lock? Or it came in the open box already unlocked?

I'm sorry, I do not have any suggestions. Belimawr said it all. I'm just not sure about what he said regarding the need to use a phone bought in Europe, for the first few days, with an european simcard, in order to have it unlocked. In the days of Note 4, I bought one in Germany (me living in Israel), during a trip, and use it without a simcard, for navigation only or at home on wifi. I never had a local simcard and I bought it (in a big shop) as international version. Never had problems with it, it was unlocked from the beginning. There are many risks you have to take when ordering online, from unknown sources. What's so bad with the Exynos? I have it and I'm very pleased with it.
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 10:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:43 AM ----------
Take a look at this thread:
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...1&share_fid=3793&share_type=t&link_source=app
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

tmatkovic said:
How did you get rid of region lock? Or it came in the open box already unlocked?
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Click to collapse
It came in the box already unlocked :good:

uhi711 said:
Belimawr said it all. I'm just not sure about what he said regarding the need to use a phone bought in Europe, for the first few days, with an european simcard, in order to have it unlocked.
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https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/samsung-region-lock-what-is-it-and-how-do-you-get-rid-of-it.html
uhi711 said:
What's so bad with the Exynos? I have it and I'm very pleased with it.
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Well, there are many resources on the internet that saying Exynos is inferior in lot of categories.
I don't care if it has slightly inferior CPU speed because it is enough for my needs. I also don't care it is much inferior in GPU speed because I don't play graphic intensive games. I can also live with a slightly inferior camera.
But what I do care is an inferior signal and battery life(bigger standby battery drain, bigger energy consumption for the same workload).

yeah that link posted above is what I Was talking about with unlocking, it isn't much to unlock the "unlocked" phones but it can be a problem if it comes to you brand new and still with the lock in place as you would then need to source a way of doing the time in calls with the sim from the intended region, it's why most imports come open box as they do the phone call before exporting it making the phone technically second hand and likely voiding any warranty directly from Samsung so you would be reliant on the person who sent you the phone. there is also stories about of firms like Samsung not doing repairs on devices outside of their intended regions so any fault would likely need a third party repairer as well.
I've been using the Exynos since it came out and honestly even under above average use I easy get a day out of the battery and as far as performance goes, it does everything I need it to. the big problem with the Exynos Vs SD argument is it goes by benchmarks on phones and chances are in the real world those difference will be that small people wont even notice them under general use. it's always been a problem with technology people look at benchmark numbers and in the real world they generally mean very little as they are done under lab conditions and not actual usage or with devices that have been used day in and day out, it is on clean devices fresh out of the box with little bulk, 12 month down the road the numbers could shift but in truth unless you sit the 2 side by side you are unlikely to actually notice the difference.
personally for me it's easier to just buy the local one as in day to day use you are gaining nothing by taking the extra steps to get one from a different region unless you are specifically going for something like dual sim that might not be in your region or if you are picking the device up cheaper.

Regarding the region lock, if this would be your case, looks like there is an other solution to unlock it, if using a local sim for 5 minutes isn't possible.
Take a look here: https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/Galaxy-Note9/Regional-lock/td-p/650891
Or here: https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5...5G/Regional-Lock-Samsung-10-Note/td-p/1504884
Or here:
https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5...10-5G/European-SIM-card-only-S10/td-p/1296078
So, my point is that if you intend to buy your phone from an european country, then you shouldn't have any region lock problem. In my opinion, the only thing that could make me import a phone from an other country by online ordering would be a big difference in price. But also in this case I would think twice because we should not forget the customs taxes and the shipping fees.
Sent from my SM-N975F using Tapatalk

Check on Wonda Mobile. They have a really good reputation and have the snapdragon version available. It looks like all the 5G versions are sold out but they have the non 5G versions at very good prices too.

I live in Russia and use the Hong Kong version and I still haven’t received a firmware update to 2.1, do you have any update information? Thank you in advance

Scripitiscrip said:
I live in Russia and use the Hong Kong version and I still haven’t received a firmware update to 2.1, do you have any update information? Thank you in advance
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I don't think Samsung has released it yet. I'm still waiting for mine as well, and don't see anything official yet:
https://doc.samsungmobile.com/SM-N9750/TGY/doc.html

Biggenz said:
Check on Wonda Mobile. They have a really good reputation and have the snapdragon version available. It looks like all the 5G versions are sold out but they have the non 5G versions at very good prices too.
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Thx, seems they have very good trustpilot score. I might go for it.
Don't need 5G here atm anyway.

Samsung is slower with updating the Snapdragon versions, always a few weeks after the Exynos versions

Belimawr said:
I've been using the Exynos since it came out and honestly even under above average use I easy get a day out of the battery and as far as performance goes, it does everything I need it to. the big problem with the Exynos Vs SD argument is it goes by benchmarks on phones and chances are in the real world those difference will be that small people wont even notice them under general use. it's always been a problem with technology people look at benchmark numbers and in the real world they generally mean very little as they are done under lab conditions and not actual usage or with devices that have been used day in and day out, it is on clean devices fresh out of the box with little bulk, 12 month down the road the numbers could shift but in truth unless you sit the 2 side by side you are unlikely to actually notice the difference.
personally for me it's easier to just buy the local one as in day to day use you are gaining nothing by taking the extra steps to get one from a different region unless you are specifically going for something like dual sim that might not be in your region or if you are picking the device up cheaper.
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The SD variant is better in terms of battery efficiency which makes another significant difference that affects the daily use of any owner if we ignore the better overall performance.

ghassan haddad said:
The SD variant is better in terms of battery efficiency which makes another significant difference that affects the daily use of any owner if we ignore the better overall performance.
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I easy get a full day out of it and can sit several hours straight gaming on the phone, the size of the battery unless you are being kept alive by looking at the screen it will get you through a day and I honestly doubt the difference is anything substantial enough to make a difference (you aren't getting 2 days without really light use)

Will international version still work when AT&T drops 3G in Feb. 2022?

Will international version still work when AT&T drops 3G in Feb. 2022?

Yes. The WWE version supports LTE. All M8 versions support it afaik

I'm struggling with this. Tried researching it. I know the M8's all have LTE capabilities...the problem is AT&T in the US doesn't cover the same bands or frequencies to support 4G LTE that they do in Europe. So my international version doesn't get LTE. The most I get is HSPA+. I also couldn't find any info on HD Voice which I'm guessing is the same thing as VoLTE or LTE. Which is what is going to be required in order for the phone to work in any fashion on the AT&T network. Or any network for that matter when they decide to drop 3G. I know for a FACT that the US version of the M8 is on the list of phones that WILL work when they make the change. It shows the M8 on the list but it doesn't distinguish between domestic or international versions.

slidextreme said:
I'm struggling with this. Tried researching it. I know the M8's all have LTE capabilities...the problem is AT&T in the US doesn't cover the same bands or frequencies to support 4G LTE that they do in Europe. So my international version doesn't get LTE. The most I get is HSPA+. I also couldn't find any info on HD Voice which I'm guessing is the same thing as VoLTE or LTE. Which is what is going to be required in order for the phone to work in any fashion on the AT&T network. Or any network for that matter when they decide to drop 3G. I know for a FACT that the US version of the M8 is on the list of phones that WILL work when they make the change. It shows the M8 on the list but it doesn't distinguish between domestic or international versions.
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What does it say in your bootloader menu?
Locked or unlocked?
Security on or off?
MID/Modelid?
CID?
You may be able to flash the latest AT&T RUU to get AT&T firmware on your phone.
I can tell you with that information, and give you a link to the RUU and instructions on how to flash it.

I've never accessed the boot loader menu. Never had a reason to. Thought about flashing phones before but didn't want to risk bricking it. And never really needed to change stock version for my needs.
That being said I imagine it's locked with security on. The numbers you're asking for should be standard for international version so I don't think they are relevant. I have a prepaid account through AT&T for at least 10 years. Just been flipping sim card to newer unlocked phones. Got this through Amazon. Previously had US version but after time had battery issues. But I already have access to the AT&T network. And it wouldn't matter if I switched networks. None of the US companies use the bands and frequencies that Europe does for LTE.
. My understanding of it from my research is that it's not firmware that decides that but the hardware and antenna capabilities. The phone literally won't look for those bands or frequencies. At least that's my understanding.
. Thanks for your help though. Ultimately I'm probably going to have to get a new phone. Which sucks because I love this phone. Will miss how great it sounds. Best phone I've ever had. I guess I could just turn it into a music player.

slidextreme said:
I've never accessed the boot loader menu. Never had a reason to. Thought about flashing phones before but didn't want to risk bricking it. And never really needed to change stock version for my needs.
That being said I imagine it's locked with security on. The numbers you're asking for should be standard for international version so I don't think they are relevant. I have a prepaid account through AT&T for at least 10 years. Just been flipping sim card to newer unlocked phones. Got this through Amazon. Previously had US version but after time had battery issues. But I already have access to the AT&T network. And it wouldn't matter if I switched networks. None of the US companies use the bands and frequencies that Europe does for LTE.
. My understanding of it from my research is that it's not firmware that decides that but the hardware and antenna capabilities. The phone literally won't look for those bands or frequencies. At least that's my understanding.
. Thanks for your help though. Ultimately I'm probably going to have to get a new phone. Which sucks because I love this phone. Will miss how great it sounds. Best phone I've ever had. I guess I could just turn it into a music player.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bought it second hand? It might be S-Off. Bootloader might be locked, but with S-Off (security off) it shouldn't matter.
As far as firmware not deciding the bands, that's not entirely true. Changing the MID to AT&T's and changing the CID to either that or SuperCID would fix it. That would be a part of flashing the RUU. You'll need the AT&T or SuperCID to flash it in the first place, but the MID changes after the RUU flash iirc.
As far as getting S-Off, you can get that for $25. If you want that I can walk you through everything. I don't mind giving FULL instructions although I try to let users do a little searching of their own.
Feel free to PM me if you want to try. Flashing the RUU itself is super easy. Changing CID/MID will take you using fastboot commands from your PC

Thanks. I'll take that into consideration. I appreciate your help. I'll let you know if I'm up for that challenge...lol. I'm running on marshmallow right now. And as such am unable to access certain apps through the Play store. It's probably a good idea to upgrade anyway. I know there are flashes for that too...just makes more sense to upgrade. The phone is 7 years old.

slidextreme said:
Thanks. I'll take that into consideration. I appreciate your help. I'll let you know if I'm up for that challenge...lol. I'm running on marshmallow right now. And as such am unable to access certain apps through the Play store. It's probably a good idea to upgrade anyway. I know there are flashes for that too...just makes more sense to upgrade. The phone is 7 years old.
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Yep. 7yrs ago one of the best phones came out. I loved my M8. It's bricked now though. The screen got screwed and charging was taking forever and I tried taking it apart to fix it and I failed. lol. Doing hardware repairs isn't in my nature. No patience for that. Too small and fragile. But I still use my HTC 10 during weekdays for an mp3 player at work

Yup...Boomsound! Can't beat it. Otherwise I wouldn't have this dilemma in the first place. Thought about changing my old battery but realized how complicated it was and no guarantee it would work. And paying to get it fixed...may as well apply those funds to a new phone. Expensive! Tried to get the HTC 10 new. Wound up with the international version (Amazon...lol)with problems from the start. Had to return it before I could even hear how good it sounded. I wanted to cry. Now I'm stuck trying to find high quality sound on a reasonably priced phone that still has the damn headphone jack. Ugh.

slidextreme said:
Yup...Boomsound! Can't beat it. Otherwise I wouldn't have this dilemma in the first place. Thought about changing my old battery but realized how complicated it was and no guarantee it would work. And paying to get it fixed...may as well apply those funds to a new phone. Expensive! Tried to get the HTC 10 new. Wound up with the international version (Amazon...lol)with problems from the start. Had to return it before I could even hear how good it sounded. I wanted to cry. Now I'm stuck trying to find high quality sound on a reasonably priced phone that still has the damn headphone jack. Ugh.
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That's why I'm still rocking the 10 although I have a Pixel 2XL and Pixel 5 in full working order. 3.5mm jack AND premium audio AND expandable storage to boot.

xunholyx said:
That's why I'm still rocking the 10 although I have a Pixel 2XL and Pixel 5 in full working order. 3.5mm jack AND premium audio AND expandable storage to boot.
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Hey xunholyx,
I was thinking about checking out the pixels. I heard they have decent sound. I'm going to try and get my US version M8 battery replaced for $75 and hope that's the only problem with it. On top of looking for a new phone. Just can't seem to let it go...lol. Should have done this a year ago. It will give me more time and ultimately be a music player for my car.
But I'm really contacting you about the international version. I found something and would like your opinion. It's about changing the bands.

You'll need to watch it on YouTube or rather read the description or instructions the video gives below it. The video is hard to follow. And I don't know if I need special software to do it this way.

Question Is rooting the SD version still a pain in the toosh?

Hi everyone.
TLDR: Is it currently possible to root a Canadian (W) variant of the S22? I find the new XDA search hard to operate, but from what I see here and elsewhere US versions are a no-go, but I don't see the W version mentioned, so I want to clarify.
Long version: I've used Samsung devices for a long time, and mostly had Exynos variants. Problem is I live in Canada where the version is the Snapdragon one since the S8. This meant my S9 Exynos had horrible reception and compatibility with local carriers. When came time to update, I went for a Pixel 6 but there are things on there related to dual SIM usage that really bother me. I'm thinking of maybe going back to Samsung since we can now do DSDS with an eSIM and a physical one!
But... there's the question of root. I really want to keep root; don't really care about custom ROMs or tripping Knox for that matter, but I use root a lot in automation and backup, and that's something Samsung is horrible for, at least with stupid locked BL in North America. I want to weigh what's more important to me before I switch devices.
Edit: the reason why I don't want another Exynos is because of compatibility issues I've had in the past with carriers. On paper the phone should have been 100% compatible, but in reality it wasn't and had very weak signal. Carriers in Canada only support whatever phones they sell, even if you can use any device you want, so I'm trying to ere on the side of caution. That's why I'm weary of using an international version of SD as well, in the event those are also problematic...
Thanks!