Hi all.
I'm sporting a Galaxy S3 and I believe it's time for an upgrade. I've been considering the Note 4 and it looks like a great phone. I was wondering, however, which version I should get. I'm on AT&T and the price for the phone is $845. I looked around a bit and unlocked versions of this phone are about $550. I would get the benefit of mobile insurance, should I want it, from AT&T, and maybe some support with them if the unit is faulty for some reason. But I'm not sure if it's worth the price difference. Why are the prices so different? And what are the differences between the AT&T version and the unlocked version?
Thank you in advance.
I'm happy with the Note 4 on AT&T, even without root, but if you can hold out, there's rumor that the Note 5 will drop in July. Also rumored is that it will have SD card slot.
Remember, the AT&T version is still unable to be permanently rooted nearly 9 months after release, so if that matters to you, stay away from it.
Related
I know this may be an open ended question but as on now which carrier provides tho best opportunity when it comes to rooting and rom development. I've been rooting and flashing roms for years with other android phones but only on At&t. With the current state of updates from At&t as well and not being able to flash on at&t i'm possibly going to drop att after contract runs out. Current cell is N910A and I miss flashing new roms to try. I seen a vid of a guy flashing Dr. Keatons rom to his Note 4 N910 g/h i think and it looked awesome. Thanks guys
frankly its best to buy an unlocked phone. if you need a carrier branded phone then try t-mobile
Carriers' advantage is with the phone subsidy..
And though the Note series is probably the best coming from Samsung (probably the best Android, too), it is quite expensive to be honest..
boofman said:
Carriers' advantage is with the phone subsidy..
And though the Note series is probably the best coming from Samsung (probably the best Android, too), it is quite expensive to be honest..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AT&T NEXT plan you are paying for your phone in increments. The old way was to give you $X amount of subsidy and have you pay a discounted price for the phone itself. Then they locked you into a contract where you were basically repaying that subsidy.
Basically you always paid for your phone, so I think that carriers' advantage only applies if you can't afford to purchase the handset outright.
Stay with ATT and buy an international phone that will work on it (ATT may or may not throttle your data speeds though. Not sure)
Or leave ATT and go with T-mobile and get a rootable phone. Or go with Verizon and MAYBE get LUCKY and get a rootable phone.
Those are really the two options if you want a rootable phone. You can keep ATT and still be able to use a rootable phone. Just don't expect root on an ATT phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
I'm on AT&T, but no contract so, correct me if I'm wrong, there isn't any reason to buy the note from AT&T. How, as an American, do I buy the international version? The only place I see it is on amazon, where they're charging an extra 100$ for.
Additionally is there any reason not to go with the international version?
Just wait for the N930U. Or shell out the extra $100 for the exynos variant.
I'm personally getting the N930V with Verizon and I'll flash the U firmware later like I did with my S7 edge. You could do the same, unless you're more interested in a potential bootloader unlock.
The 930U is the unlocked American version? When does that even come out? I don't care about the bootloader, I just would prefer the exynos version because it's usually a slight bit better, but I'm not dropping 980$ on it.
The U version of the S7 was still a snapdragon. If you want the exynos, you'll need to get the international version. It's not out so that's probably why it's still pricey. If you want to save some cash just wait for it to be cheaper on Swappa or eBay.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Galax...ack-Silver-Gold-Blue-/201637586849?nav=SEARCH
Only $30 more than carrier pricing on eBay.
cadcamaro said:
Just wait for the N930U. Or shell out the extra $100 for the exynos variant.
I'm personally getting the N930V with Verizon and I'll flash the U firmware later like I did with my S7 edge. You could do the same, unless you're more interested in a potential bootloader unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you flash the U version I thought Verizon has locked bootloaders and you couldn't make modifications ?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
It flashes through Odin. Since it's a stock firmware it flashed over just fine.
---------- Post added at 01:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:34 PM ----------
Bump
Here's another store selling for even less. I'm not sure if they charge tax though, but either way with any carrier upgrade you're looking at the phone price and tax anyways.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1269581-REG/samsung_n930_black_galaxy_note_7_64gb.html
would it be worth it to spend 100$ more to buy the Exynos version? That's what I am wondering too...
are there any downside?
Isn't there more support for Exynos version and more battery saving?
If you're a Flashaholic like me it is definitely worth getting an unlocked Exynos version with its unlocked bootloader.
But the down side is lack of warranty and some of the frequencies that you're carrier uses may not be available on the International version
Sent from my SM-N920I on XDA-DEVELOPERS Mobile app.
LouK said:
If you're a Flashaholic like me it is definitely worth getting an unlocked Exynos version with its unlocked bootloader.
But the down side is lack of warranty and some of the frequencies that you're carrier uses may not be available on the International version
Sent from my SM-N920I on XDA-DEVELOPERS Mobile app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! that's what I was thinking! and Exynos version seems to have better battery as well!
As for frequencies - it looks like they are good for most Canadian wireless companies.
Do we know for sure if Exynos N930F will come with an unlocked bootloader? (still waiting to order mine)
And what about warranty? Isn't Samsung supposed to honor warranty no matter where you buy it from on brand new phones just launched for a year since their launch date (it only makes sense and they used to back in Galaxy S2 days - from experience) *sigh*
galaxyluv said:
Thanks! that's what I was thinking! and Exynos version seems to have better battery as well!
As for frequencies - it looks like they are good for most Canadian wireless companies.
Do we know for sure if Exynos N930F will come with an unlocked bootloader? (still waiting to order mine)
And what about warranty? Isn't Samsung supposed to honor warranty no matter where you buy it from on brand new phones just launched for a year since their launch date (it only makes sense and they used to back in Galaxy S2 days - from experience) *sigh*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, from what im seeing they wont honor warranty in the US if you buy an international phone. Thats my major hurdle right now. I would really like to get some type of warranty. Even contacted Squaretrade and they said no. So will try upsie.
it's been a few years since I bought international, last phone was s3, what's the current state of international Samsung phones on att? do we still only get 2 compatible bands? I know theres a thing where you have to use the phone for 5 mins in that country with the country Sim card, anything else I should know about? speed and coverage still good? i been out of the game a bit so I'm playing catch up here.
LouK said:
If you're a Flashaholic like me it is definitely worth getting an unlocked Exynos version with its unlocked bootloader.
But the down side is lack of warranty and some of the frequencies that you're carrier uses may not be available on the International version
Sent from my SM-N920I on XDA-DEVELOPERS Mobile app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in the same boat as you. Being able to flash my phone and play around with it, is my version of a work day stress reliever. Being an owner of a S7E and my old reliable N4, I cant wait for the N7 to be released. I will be replacing my N4 with it so I need to make sure that the Intl version will be unlocked. Will be following the early reports that will soon start trickling in as units arrive to their new owners.
I may be able to help I'm in Thailand.
Sent from my SM-N910C using XDA-Developers mobile app
naruto.ninjakid said:
Nope, from what im seeing they wont honor warranty in the US if you buy an international phone. Thats my major hurdle right now. I would really like to get some type of warranty. Even contacted Squaretrade and they said no. So will try upsie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the N7 from BHP (link you posted earlier) they have it available for pre-order and in the checkout they offered Square Trade for Warrenty - I also used Square Trade when I purchased the S7Edge (international Version) So I don't think it is giong to be a problem for you if you want to use Square Trade or any other major warrenty program like Upsie. Good Luck
Thanks Alot !
mocsab said:
I bought the N7 from BHP (link you posted earlier) they have it available for pre-order and in the checkout they offered Square Trade for Warranty - I also used Square Trade when I purchased the S7Edge (international Version) So I don't think it is going to be a problem for you if you want to use Square Trade or any other major warranty program like Upsie. Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I like this community. Thanks for coming back and updating. This was my biggest issue and you have now solved it. knowing I can get a warranty alleviates the what if's for me. I'm paranoid and always insure my devices even though i have never broken one. So I will be ordering from B&H as well. They seem very knowledgeable on unlocked phone issues from the FAQ and they don't charge tax in some states. All Im waiting for now is to see if Root is coming and development support. I'm on T-Mobile by the way so I will not get VoLTE and WiFi-calling but TEKHD said he will work on that in his ROM so I have some hope. Thanks again.
naruto.ninjakid said:
This is why I like this community. Thanks for coming back and updating. This was my biggest issue and you have now solved it. knowing I can get a warranty alleviates the what if's for me. I'm paranoid and always insure my devices even though i have never broken one. So I will be ordering from B&H as well. They seem very knowledgeable on unlocked phone issues from the FAQ and they don't charge tax in some states. All Im waiting for now is to see if Root is coming and development support. I'm on T-Mobile by the way so I will not get VoLTE and WiFi-calling but TEKHD said he will work on that in his ROM so I have some hope. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on ATT and use the G935F right now on ATT and it works great - I don't knwo for sure if the N930 (note 7) will be unlocked but it seems like it probably will be - I htink the chances are high that the bootloader is unlocked and if that turns out to be true, root is not too far away - just need to get it in the hands of a few devs who do that sort of thing - and all should be good. Fingers Crossed...
mocsab said:
I bought the N7 from BHP (link you posted earlier) they have it available for pre-order and in the checkout they offered Square Trade for Warrenty - I also used Square Trade when I purchased the S7Edge (international Version) So I don't think it is giong to be a problem for you if you want to use Square Trade or any other major warrenty program like Upsie. Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would you know if the square trade warranty would apply to people living in Canada as well?
cadcamaro said:
Just wait for the N930U. Or shell out the extra $100 for the exynos variant.
I'm personally getting the N930V with Verizon and I'll flash the U firmware later like I did with my S7 edge. You could do the same, unless you're more interested in a potential bootloader unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. What advantages does the U firmware have over the stock Verizon firmware, or are you just getting rid of all the Verizon bloat? Do you lose wifi calling and Samsung pay?
spinedoc said:
Interesting. What advantages does the U firmware have over the stock Verizon firmware, or are you just getting rid of all the Verizon bloat? Do you lose wifi calling and Samsung pay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You lose all bloatware and Verizon apps. It essentially turns the phone into a stock Samsung expensive.
You will lose any carrier extras like wifi calling VOLTE and Verizon's own vvm service. For some reason they only allow you to install their voicemail apps on their phones. Samsung pay still works though, and to get around the voicemail issue I just use Google voice as a forwarding number if I don't answer. It's honestly better than any carrier voicemail service I've used as there's no extra charges and you get notifications anywhere.
cadcamaro said:
You lose all bloatware and Verizon apps. It essentially turns the phone into a stock Samsung expensive.
You will lose any carrier extras like wifi calling VOLTE and Verizon's own vvm service. For some reason they only allow you to install their voicemail apps on their phones. Samsung pay still works though, and to get around the voicemail issue I just use Google voice as a forwarding number if I don't answer. It's honestly better than any carrier voicemail service I've used as there's no extra charges and you get notifications anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I use Google voice as well. Great info thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Man, I've been having a bad week. First, I break my phone. Then, I search around for a replacement that LineageOS supports. LineageOS has Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ listed on their "Supported Devices" page. Great! So, I run off to T-Mobile and get an S9 for a replacement.
Unfortunately, now I find out that the T-Mobile S9 cannot be rooted! There goes the main reason I was buying it. What is fortunate, though, is that apparently T-Mobile will allow you to return phones within 14 days. (Although there might be a restocking fee. Boo.)
From all I've been able to find on XDA and other places on the web, as far as anybody knows, the T-Mobile S9 is unrootable, and it will remain unrootable for the foreseeable future. My next question is this: Which phone should I get to replace it? I'd like to get something with similar specs. Does the T-Mobile S10 have the same problems with rooting? What's the most root-friendly, modern phone?
(BTW, I am aware that not all S9s have this limitation, but I can't afford to pay full price for a phone right now.)
Your first mistake was running to a carrier for one of their phones.
Pretty much any US carrier branded phone is unrootable. That's one of their requirements from an OEM... a locked bootloader, to prevent someone from doing what you're trying to do.
They feel that if they are supporting it, they should control what's on it.
Your only real option is to buy a factory unlocked model. Meaning, not a carrier branded model.
fajrero said:
Man, I've been having a bad week. First, I break my phone. Then, I search around for a replacement that LineageOS supports. LineageOS has Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ listed on their "Supported Devices" page. Great! So, I run off to T-Mobile and get an S9 for a replacement.
Unfortunately, now I find out that the T-Mobile S9 cannot be rooted! There goes the main reason I was buying it. What is fortunate, though, is that apparently T-Mobile will allow you to return phones within 14 days. (Although there might be a restocking fee. Boo.)
From all I've been able to find on XDA and other places on the web, as far as anybody knows, the T-Mobile S9 is unrootable, and it will remain unrootable for the foreseeable future. My next question is this: Which phone should I get to replace it? I'd like to get something with similar specs. Does the T-Mobile S10 have the same problems with rooting? What's the most root-friendly, modern phone?
(BTW, I am aware that not all S9s have this limitation, but I can't afford to pay full price for a phone right now.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
even if it is unrootable, cant you just flash another carriers firmware that is rootable and go from there? The hardware revisions arent vast and as long as youre flashing a version thats built for your processor type and if its for the regular one or the + model, you should be ok
No US carrier phone after the Samsung Galaxy S6 the bootloaders are locked so flashing another carrier wont do you any good. The only samsung phones that can be root are the international variants so you would want the 960f which will still work on tmobile i believe last i was aware of or the SM-G9650/SM-G9600 variant if you want snapdragon hardware.
But i dont think the SM-G9650/SM-G9600 has LOS though.
Hey guys,
I just purchased the 4G Note 10+ from Samsung in the US (I'm on Sprint and they only offered the 5G for Verizon customers). I currently have a Note 5 (about time for an upgrade). My concern is that after a bunch of research, I won't be able to do the things I've enjoyed doing on my Note 5. So, I am considering returning the one I ordered from Samsung in the US and ordering the Note 10+ Exynos version from a website like Clove so that I can still root it. I don't care about Samsung Pay or WiFi calling, so I'm fine losing those.
From my understanding, CDMA doesn't work well with Sprint on Exynos. I even heard some talk about it being throttled. Should I be concerned?
Will the 5G work with Sprint now or in the future, even though they have an exclusive deal with Verizon right now and are there any gotchas?
Can I just request a SIM card from Sprint or I do I need to do something funky with an international SIM first?
Is there anything else to look out for or that I'm not considering?
drunkpitbull said:
Hey guys,
I just purchased the 4G Note 10+ from Samsung in the US (I'm on Sprint and they only offered the 5G for Verizon customers). I currently have a Note 5 (about time for an upgrade). My concern is that after a bunch of research, I won't be able to do the things I've enjoyed doing on my Note 5. So, I am considering returning the one I ordered from Samsung in the US and ordering the Note 10+ Exynos version from a website like Clove so that I can still root it. I don't care about Samsung Pay or WiFi calling, so I'm fine losing those.
From my understanding, CDMA doesn't work well with Sprint on Exynos. I even heard some talk about it being throttled. Should I be concerned?
Can I just request a SIM card from Sprint or I do I need to do something funky with an international SIM first?
Is there anything else to look out for or that I'm not considering?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my understanding and looking through eBay at the international note 10 listings the exynos phone is GSM only. It will not work with Sprint or Verizon at all.
jazz995756 said:
From my understanding and looking through eBay at the international note 10 listings the exynos phone is GSM only. It will not work with Sprint or Verizon at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I believe you are absolutely right. You just saved me a lot of hassle.
I'm going to return the phone I ordered and wait for the (hopefully) OnePlus 7 Pro 5G Sprint variant to come out.
Honestly, I was tired of having to choose between being able to backup my phone (basically all I want root for) or being able to encrypt my phone (which is lost when you root it). With the OnePlus 7 Pro I could do all that, not have a hole in my screen, it's cheaper, and would be 5G too. So whatever. I'll miss the SDCard and wireless charging, but that's about it. Too bad neither have a headphone jack, that might have kept me on it too. Okay, done ranting. Thanks again!
drunkpitbull said:
Thank you. I believe you are absolutely right. You just saved me a lot of hassle.
I'm going to return the phone I ordered and wait for the (hopefully) OnePlus 7 Pro 5G Sprint variant to come out.
Honestly, I was tired of having to choose between being able to backup my phone (basically all I want root for) or being able to encrypt my phone (which is lost when you root it). With the OnePlus 7 Pro I could do all that, not have a hole in my screen, it's cheaper, and would be 5G too. So whatever. I'll miss the SDCard and wireless charging, but that's about it. Too bad neither have a headphone jack, that might have kept me on it too. Okay, done ranting. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? There's a Sprint version of the 1+ 7 pro?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Slypnslyde said:
? There's a Sprint version of the 1+ 7 pro?
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's speculation, but there's a good chance. I'll probably hold out for more information until October at the latest before I plan a switch.
https://newsroom.sprint.com/sprint-to-launch-5g-smartphone-from-oneplus.htm
https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/6/20756741/oneplus-7-pro-5g-sprint-2019-fourth-device
drunkpitbull said:
It's speculation, but there's a good chance. I'll probably hold out for more information until October at the latest before I plan a switch.
https://newsroom.sprint.com/sprint-to-launch-5g-smartphone-from-oneplus.htm
https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/6/20756741/oneplus-7-pro-5g-sprint-2019-fourth-device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's gonna happen. And I just the 10+ Dammit. I want the 7pro 5g now since I'm on Sprint. I miss rooting so bad
Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk
I didn't expect it so soon, but...
https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/297323-the-5g-oneplus-7-pro-finally-launches-in-the-us-on-sprint
https://www.sprint.com/en/landings/oneplus/oneplus-5g.html
Guys if i bought from US (Best Buy) unlocked by Samsung Galaxy Fold and i don't getting OEM unlock in Dev settings. (I researched some tutorials how to unlock by skipping the time etc, but still no luck)
So is that mean US versions of galaxy fold Bootloader is locked ?
Samsung phones sold in the US haven't had an unlock-able bootloader since the S6 unfortunately
unknownbeing said:
Samsung phones sold in the US haven't had an unlock-able bootloader since the S6 unfortunately
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh maan....if i knew that. So what's the point of US unlock version....damn Samsung. I can get chipper carrier version and unlock sim online for 30$. Now im think to get international version.
avetny said:
Now im think to get international version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you really want to buy a $2K phone with potential durability issues that has no warranty and no U.S. support? I have a Spanish Tab S6 LTE so know about life with grey market devices but I wouldn't even think of buying a Fold that way. In fact, I bought my Fold via AT&T Next for the sole reason that I only have to keep it for a year and won't have to worry about how it ages or its resale value. I've always bought outright from Samsung as each new generation of phone launched but not this time and not with a phone who's resale desirability and value is going to be a giant question mark.
BarryH_GEG said:
Do you really want to buy a $2K phone with potential durability issues that has no warranty and no U.S. support? I have a Spanish Tab S6 LTE so know about life with grey market devices but I wouldn't even think of buying a Fold that way. In fact, I bought my Fold via AT&T Next for the sole reason that I only have to keep it for a year and won't have to worry about how it ages or its resale value. I've always bought outright from Samsung as each new generation of phone launched but not this time and not with a phone who's resale desirability and value is going to be a giant question mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I changing phone every 2-3 months. You don't remember me ? First galaxy note? Because i remember you
I got space silver US unlocked. Thinking to sell it and get space black international (even if 5G is useles). Android without root it's a gym without weights...getting boring.
Did u try new build ASJ4? New kernel is kicking so hard over there. A lot of stuff fixed.