Develop Bugs

Experiences with SM-G9600 (Snapdragon Unlocked Version)?

Hi, I'm looking to see how many people on here have gotten the SM-G9600 variant--that's the international unlocked Snapdragon one, with an unlocked bootloader (and able to flash treble universal images, albeit at the cost of some Samsung-specific features).
I want the snapdragon variant because it has better graphics performance, and CDMA flexibility if I ever need to switch carriers (I'm in the USA). Although as of now I'm planning on using it with AT&T.
For those who have gotten this model, what do you think of it? Was it a good choice? Have you had to flash different firmware to get it to work on your home network? Was the process pretty painless, or did you have to jump through a lot of hoops to get it set up how you like it?

I got the SM-G9600 (SM-G9600/DS) online from Hong Kong and am using it in Australia. It works perfectly here straight of the box. Works with the full range of 4G+ (LTE) networks. The only thing that doesn't work is the VoLTE (though once a method for root on the snapdragon s9 is found, a CSC change would change this).
Would recommend.

preambean said:
I got the SM-G9600 (SM-G9600/DS) online from Hong Kong and am using it in Australia. It works perfectly here straight of the box. Works with the full range of 4G+ (LTE) networks. The only thing that doesn't work is the VoLTE (though once a method for root on the snapdragon s9 is found, a CSC change would change this).
Would recommend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! If you don't mind me asking, where did you buy it? I've seen some on Amazon, but I'm not sure the best way to import it. I think ideally I'd get either a Hong Kong or a Latin American one (I hear the Chinese ones tend to have some bloat added), but I don't think I'll have an easy time specifying which kind to an Amazon merchant, ha.
Since the bootloader is unlocked, I don't think getting root should be tremendously difficult. Hopefully that means it will come soon :fingers-crossed:

nelsyv said:
Awesome! If you don't mind me asking, where did you buy it? I've seen some on Amazon, but I'm not sure the best way to import it. I think ideally I'd get either a Hong Kong or a Latin American one (I hear the Chinese ones tend to have some bloat added), but I don't think I'll have an easy time specifying which kind to an Amazon merchant, ha.
Since the bootloader is unlocked, I don't think getting root should be tremendously difficult. Hopefully that means it will come soon :fingers-crossed:
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Click to collapse
I just bought mine off ebay. Best option for here in Australia.

Which model for use in the USA?

Hello,
I am quite interested in purchasing this device! I live in Washington D.C. and I was curious which model of the phone is best suited for use in America? I ask because I assume there are probably different model numbers depending on what region the phone is purchased from.
Thanks

cms062407 said:
Hello,
I am quite interested in purchasing this device! I live in Washington D.C. and I was curious which model of the phone is best suited for use in America? I ask because I assume there are probably different model numbers depending on what region the phone is purchased from.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-705MN or SM-705W
DO NOT BUY SM-705FN

JaY_III said:
SM-705MN or SM-705W
DO NOT BUY SM-705FN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about SM-705GM?

omnomsky said:
How about SM-705GM?
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Click to collapse
Link to where you see it please.
I cant find an FCC cert for that model and only see it listed on Samsung India's site:
https://www.samsung.com/in/smartphones/galaxy-a70-a705g/SM-A705GZWHINS/#specs
And from what I can see, that will not work in North America
good news is I found another version that should work so that brings us to
SM-705MN
SM-A705YN
SM-705W*
* for the SM-705W I have not seen the cert myself, but going off information another posted listed on XDA

Try this website https://sim-usa.mobi/phone-compatibility-check/
Sent from my SM-A705FN using Tapatalk

Will Samsung pay work on any of these?

Yes And No..
badrsj said:
Will Samsung pay work on any of these?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Samsung Pay Works On The A70..
But... Samsung Pay is : "Region Specific" depending on Model in a given Region. . So, choose your model carefully.

RaiderWill said:
Yes Samsung Pay Works On The A70..
But... Samsung Pay is : "Region Specific" depending on Model in a given Region. . So, choose your model carefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the SM-705MN and i can confirm that samsung pay WILL NOT WORK here in the USA.
I was wondering if anybody had the M or W and if it worked on theirs?
And if so could we swap firmware?
or even possibly change the CSC with out flashing the firmware?

Devilmonkey27 said:
I have the SM-705MN and i can confirm that samsung pay WILL NOT WORK here in the USA.
I was wondering if anybody had the M or W and if it worked on theirs?
And if so could we swap firmware?
or even possibly change the CSC with out flashing the firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply Put..
There is NO WAY, NO FIRMWARE SWAP, NADA... ZIP.. That Samsung Pay will work on ANY A70 in the United States Of America.
Period..
If Google Pay does not cut if for you.. time to return / sell your device and get a S6, S7, S8, S9, S10, Note 5, Note 8, Note 9, or wait for the Note 10.. if S-Pay means that much to you.
You can buy the A50 through Sprint.. and have a working Samsung Pay MINI in the U.S.A. as an alternative..
Until I found out Google Pay works in 99% of the place I personally shop.. I was going to return my A70 and go for one of the mentioned device listed above.
I still might... there is something just not feeling right about this purchase.. Great Battery, Fingerprint is Ok for me, Face Unlock is very fast.. even in the dark, 6.7 inch screen seems to be where screens are headed, Amoled is... Amoled the best. You can't root and trip knox, and use Samsung Pay on any device.. even though there appears to be a workaround for using Google Pay.. But I'm fine not rooting with Developer's not having any interest in this device and TWRP seems like a distant dream at this point..
So, why am I just not feeling this device?.. It seems perfect on so many fronts.. but.... with Prime Day coming in a couple of weeks.. and also having thoughts of spending $270.00 more and getting the One Plus 7 Pro.. I just don't know what it is about the A70 for me.. but something is missing at this price point..
Maybe the rumored A507 and A707 ( A50 and A70 ) updated models which are due out later this year will get sold through U.S. carriers or get offered by Samsung directly in the U.S.A. but I'm sure those will be Late 2019 releases. But if they do get released in the U.S. at least the A70 would have Samsung Pay support out of the box.

Sorry to bump an old thread, but just to be clear, the best model for use in the USA would be the SM-A705W (the Canadian model)?

leotakacs said:
Sorry to bump an old thread, but just to be clear, the best model for use in the USA would be the SM-A705W (the Canadian model)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SM-A705MN/DS is the best for use in the US.

Unlocked US or wait for International unlocked?

Hi all
In the past I’ve had to buy international variants for the best possible coverage when traveling. Even the US unlocked did not cover as much as their international unlocked counterparts.
I spend a lot of my time overseas so I’m willing to have less then ideal coverage in the united states.
I’ve tried to look up information on the bands but so far have not had much look comparing to see if I should preorder the s20 ultra unlocked in the states or just wait until I go abroad and purchase the international version in a few months when I leave again. Even if I don’t get the deals on preorder.
Which would really be a downer if there isn’t a difference and I could buy it now with all the perks of the promos.
Can anyone enlighten me on if the unlocked US version or international unlocked variant would be more suited to travel outside the States?
Or is their a difference this time?
Thanks!

I have this same question, but here is my dilemma....
The US version work have a snapdragon and a $200 credit at samsung's website for pre-orders but the international version with have the ability to be rooted. Now i have the oneplus 7 pro, with root, i am able to force 90hz refresh rate on ALL apps. If i can root the s20 ultra, i can swap in a kernel that allows 120hz at qhd on alll apps, which is pure gold in itself.

the Kong kong and Latina american variants historically have been snapdragon AND rootable so you can have the better processor wnd root.
that said there has also not been a ton of development for those particular variants which i mever understood since your getting the best of both worlds

I'm in the same boat. My current GS8+ is international variant specifically because of dual sim and root.
I'm conflicted with all the international versions not getting things like 5G vs international. I pre-ordered, I still can cancel my order...
What's the likelihood that US Unlocked version can be rooted within few months? Anyone know if they're adding additional locks to it?

XtremeMaC said:
I'm in the same boat. My current GS8+ is international variant specifically because of dual sim and root.
I'm conflicted with all the international versions not getting things like 5G vs international. I pre-ordered, I still can cancel my order...
What's the likelihood that US Unlocked version can be rooted within few months? Anyone know if they're adding additional locks to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that traditionally, US unlocked version is SiM unlocked but bootloader locked. Therefore, the likelyhood that it will be rootable in a few months will be the same as with other recent phones, next to zero.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

yeah, that's what I'm afraid of..

In thos age of hacking and malware. You couldnt pay me to have a rooted phone. The only advantage was titanium backup and that only half ass works when restoring data. Not worth it.
Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

johnwayne27 said:
In thos age of hacking and malware. You couldnt pay me to have a rooted phone. The only advantage was titanium backup and that only half ass works when restoring data. Not worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Viper4android!

very hard choice
- Snapdragon 865 is more power efficient and more powerful ( 10 % against exynos SOC)
but forget root
- Outside US 5G networks aver very very limited
- The exynos will receive more updates
- US version has only one card sim slot

johnwayne27 said:
In thos age of hacking and malware. You couldnt pay me to have a rooted phone. The only advantage was titanium backup and that only half ass works when restoring data. Not worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You couldn't be more wrong. But hey. Your choice.

Ricardo_G said:
very hard choice
- Snapdragon 865 is more power efficient and more powerful ( 10 % against exynos SOC)
but forget root
- Outside US 5G networks aver very very limited
- The exynos will receive more updates
- US version has only one card sim slot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5G is all over Europe.

force70 said:
the Kong kong and Latina american variants historically have been snapdragon AND rootable so you can have the better processor wnd root.
that said there has also not been a ton of development for those particular variants which i mever understood since your getting the best of both worlds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
suppp force
so i'm struggling with the choice too, either the SA (latin american snapdragon) or exynos .
I don't really care about development beyond TWRP and Root , not sure what to do

From what I have seen there are also various versions of the international unlocked, some are dual sim and some ha e different bands (with or without 5G).

masri1987 said:
suppp force
so i'm struggling with the choice too, either the SA (latin american snapdragon) or exynos .
I don't really care about development beyond TWRP and Root , not sure what to do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
long time no talk bro, hope all is well?
the snap would be my choice,it will be rootable, could be already for all i know. plus the 865 is far superior to the exynos is pretty much every category.
for me the choice would be easy lol.

force70 said:
long time no talk bro, hope all is well?
the snap would be my choice,it will be rootable, could be already for all i know. plus the 865 is far superior to the exynos is pretty much every category.
for me the choice would be easy lol.
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Click to collapse
which model #'s should i be trying to get?
I'm asuming SA is south american models with S865
When's the last time we crossed paths? It wasn't 3xl was it?
Hope you staying safe from teh cabrona virus

masri1987 said:
which model #'s should i be trying to get?
I'm asuming SA is south american models with S865
When's the last time we crossed paths? It wasn't 3xl was it?
Hope you staying safe from teh cabrona virus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the Hong kong and brazil model number is just SM-G9880. no N,W Or anything else. but they both would be 865s yep.
couldnt have been the 3XL cause i didnt get one, def been awhile though. Im not on as much as I used to be...too many snowflakes lol.
Corona virus has everything shut down here in Ontario, Canada. movies, restaurants, gyms (that one hits hard with me being a bodybuilder).
its crazy.

what about the "N" Korean version? is it rootable? im debating whether to get the international one or the korean version. I want to be rooted with viper4android

yes it should be its exynos.
Korean/ international basically the same thing hardware other than possibly being capable of different network frequencies.
you cannot cross flash Korean and international firmware however if that matters
ive had lots of both and never had issues with either.
Player04 said:
what about the "N" Korean version? is it rootable? im debating whether to get the international one or the korean version. I want to be rooted with viper4android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

This may help you decide.
https://sea.pcmag.com/smartphones/3...-americas-first-unlocked-all-carrier-5g-phone

Im on att. What i wont be able to use the 5g network if i get an international verion. I might get the us verison then

Galaxy S20 Plus 5G with Snapdragon in Europe

I need help understanding all the differences between the various S20 Plus 5G versions. I live in Italy and I want to buy the Snapdragon international unlocked but I miss some points in using an international version here where we can only find the Exynos one.
Speaking about the various names, so far I understood
Snapdragon 865 – 12GB RAM:
SM-G986U - Factory Unlocked from US
SM-G986N - South Korea (?)a lot of bloatware and a custom intro animation, so not the original and "pure" Android version(?)
SM-G9860, SM-G9868 - China, Hong Kong, Japan, Brazil
I've found a good price for the SM-G986N in a European store but I'm missing some details:
My phone will update as soon as the update is rolled out in Korea? And then about the bloatware, easily removable to make the phone lighter and snappier? Regarding this I was wondering if I can flash the US firmware or is it impossible due to hardware differences between the SM-G986N and the SM-G986U? I really miss this point, if there only are software-related differences between devices with the same CPU or also hardware ones.
I've found sometimes the US version in some stores but there were crazy prices or very limited availability.
Which version would you guys suggest me to go for? Thanks in advance for any answer.
EDIT #1 after chieco's answer: rootable phone isn't a priority

you need to get this model SM-G9860 because it has the least bloatware, SnapDragon aaaaaand most important, it can be rooted! Also since your warranty is handled thru the seller and not Samsung you don't need to worry about knox effecting your warranty.

chieco said:
you need to get this model SM-G9860 because it has the least bloatware, SnapDragon aaaaaand most important, it can be rooted! Also since your warranty is handled thru the seller and not Samsung you don't need to worry about knox effecting your warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, I wasn't actually thinking aboutroot, but knowing I can do that if I want is certainly an added value!

ianeze46 said:
Thanks for the suggestion, I wasn't actually thinking aboutroot, but knowing I can do that if I want is certainly an added value!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G9860 will get OTA Updates regardless of your Service Provider, it's Dual-SIM unlike South Korean Variant, it's less expensive than the SM-G986N or SM-G986U and it's as close as you'll get to a pure Android Device when compared to any other Samsung offerings. The only real disadvantages are it may not be 5G Compatible depending on your Service Provider and Warrant Repairs typically aren't handled by the seller unless you buy it directly from Samsung.

SM-GM9860 is the one you need.
I'm using it in the Netherlands and everything works like a charm.
Please do check beforehand whether the device supports all network bands that your telecom provider is operating on.
Forget about the SM-986N. It is single SIM and has a lot of Korean bloatware.

YH93 said:
SM-GM9860 is the one you need.
I'm using it in the Netherlands and everything works like a charm.
Please do check beforehand whether the device supports all network bands that your telecom provider is operating on.
Forget about the SM-986N. It is single SIM and has a lot of Korean bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've only heard about Samsung Pay, it's the only feature that won't work here in Europe with the SM-GM9860 right? (There's Google Pay, so no problems with that)
All the other "Samsung's" ones like Knox, Pass etc. should work normally as far as I know. Can you confirm?
I checked the bands here in Italy and all should work normally. Thanks for sharing your opinion!

YH93 said:
SM-GM9860 is the one you need.
I'm using it in the Netherlands and everything works like a charm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get it in a Dutch (online) shop (if so, where?) or did you import it?

ianeze46 said:
I've only heard about Samsung Pay, it's the only feature that won't work here in Europe with the SM-GM9860 right? (There's Google Pay, so no problems with that)
All the other "Samsung's" ones like Knox, Pass etc. should work normally as far as I know. Can you confirm?
I checked the bands here in Italy and all should work normally. Thanks for sharing your opinion!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure about Samsung Pay.
I've read some stories (can't recall on which forum) from European users who confirmed that Samsung Pay works fine on their Snapdragon S20.
I'm not using it myself so cannot confirm.
I can confirm though that the other features that you're mentioning work perfectly.
---------- Post added at 01:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:39 PM ----------
anandus said:
Did you get it in a Dutch (online) shop (if so, where?) or did you import it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I imported from HongKong via Wondamobile.com.
I can recommend this shop. They're very fast in shipping out the phone (took about a week to arrive), you don't pay any customs fees and they are very helpful in answering any questions you have.
The only thing I recommend to buy yourself if you order from Hongkong is a wallcharger that is compatible with the powersockets in your country.

Samsung Pay does work, you're only getting Hong Hong ads.

Question Rootable S22 available in the US?

I know the S22 variant made for the US market does not have an unlockable bootloader. But is it possible to buy a rootable S22 that will work with a Verizon SIM? Order it from overseas maybe?

yeah you can get a Korean 908N version on eBay with a very reasonable price. I got mine several days ago.

52yt said:
yeah you can get a Korean 908N version on eBay with a very reasonable price. I got mine several days ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks. I wasn't sure which country to look for. I prefer a pocket-sized phone and it looks like SM-SS901N is the small one and it's readily available.
I'm still running SABS on my old S9 (installed before Samsung killed it) and I was afraid I'd have to switch to a Pixel to get root, but the smallest Pixel 6 is bigger than I want. The small S22 from South Korea seems like a perfect choice.

aurny said:
Awesome, thanks. I wasn't sure which country to look for. I prefer a pocket-sized phone and it looks like SM-SS901N is the small one and it's readily available.
I'm still running SABS on my old S9 (installed before Samsung killed it) and I was afraid I'd have to switch to a Pixel to get root, but the smallest Pixel 6 is bigger than I want. The small S22 from South Korea seems like a perfect choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem at all. I always got the Korean Variant instead of US one. Works for me all the time. I just didn't understand why they didn't provide an option of unlockinh BL on US variant. I feel like it's not even necessary.

are you looking for exynos or snapdragon? there is a large performance and compatability difference. Hong Kong and Singapore are where I got my last two phones from, bootloader unlockable snapdragons.

I'd have to say Snapdragon, which is also the South Korea variant (I'm guessing this is why it's popular for US buyers). Would there be any reason to consider an Exynos for use in the US? According to the reviews I've read, performance & battery life on the Exynos vary between meh and unusably awful.

52yt said:
No problem at all. I always got the Korean Variant instead of US one. Works for me all the time. I just didn't understand why they didn't provide an option of unlockinh BL on US variant. I feel like it's not even necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, may I ask what carrier you're using this with in the US? On Ebay, it says that it doesn't work with Verizon (due to CDMA).
I'm aware that Verizon does a little bit more than CDMA these days, but their base is still CDMA from what I understand. Thanks in advance.