At&t? Stay or go. - AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 4

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

Related

[Q] Unlocking n900t

I'm debating whether I should get the n900a or n900t. I want to root, which seems possible on the n900a with towelroot, but it would be nice to have the unlocked boot loader of the t mobile variant. However, I will be using the phone on ATT. If I buy a n900t from swappa, how easy is it to SIM unlock it for use on ATT? Would you buy the n900a or n900t of you wanted a rooted device to use on ATT? Thanks!
adbyerly said:
I'm debating whether I should get the n900a or n900t. I want to root, which seems possible on the n900a with towelroot, but it would be nice to have the unlocked boot loader of the t mobile variant. However, I will be using the phone on ATT. If I buy a n900t from swappa, how easy is it to SIM unlock it for use on ATT? Would you buy the n900a or n900t of you wanted a rooted device to use on ATT? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be buying all my phones from t-mobile or any other reputable source to use my unlocked bootloader phones on att. My buddy and I have att service, mine is unlocked custom ROM ran, and it just outperforms in battery, customization, and I have no bugs compared to his. Frankly though, it is preference. Do you like to run custom, or do you want to do what att tells you to?
Sent from the dirty flashed note 3!
noobtoob said:
I will be buying all my phones from t-mobile or any other reputable source to use my unlocked bootloader phones on att. My buddy and I have att service, mine is unlocked custom ROM ran, and it just outperforms in battery, customization, and I have no bugs compared to his. Frankly though, it is preference. Do you like to run custom, or do you want to do what att tells you to?
Sent from the dirty flashed note 3!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm definitely not an ATT fanboy, but currently using cricket because att has the best GSM service around here. I'm using a Moto G with xposed/gravity box, along with nova launcher. So I think I would be happy with a rooted n900a, as long as I can freeze the bloatware and get my beloved pie controls. So I'd rather not have to spend the extra bucks for the n900t (buying used... ~$50-100 difference on Swappa), but I also don't want to regret being stuck with the locked boot loader...
I hear you. I run pretty minimal with the exception of tweaks. Use ADW launcher, uninstall all bloat ware, then make my phone look pretty. But the choice if kernels, init.d scripts, and being able to free up about 40% of the storage speaks volumes to me. Being able to run cm, aosp you get even more storage back.
I started with t mobile service and was happy while in city limits, but had to switch to att due to travels outside. They are bigger than Verizon where I live. Cricket has some good plans, but aren't you forced to purchase the phone outright? If this is the case, and you want options, might as will go with the one that allows for greater use.
The phone price is about the same, just one allows you to do more with it. Just a quick online search indicates that att full price phone is $764.99, and the t mobile variant is only $717.60.
Sent from the dirty flashed note 3!
noobtoob said:
I hear you. I run pretty minimal with the exception of tweaks. Use ADW launcher, uninstall all bloat ware, then make my phone look pretty. But the choice if kernels, init.d scripts, and being able to free up about 40% of the storage speaks volumes to me. Being able to run cm, aosp you get even more storage back.
I started with t mobile service and was happy while in city limits, but had to switch to att due to travels outside. They are bigger than Verizon where I live. Cricket has some good plans, but aren't you forced to purchase the phone outright? If this is the case, and you want options, might as will go with the one that allows for greater use.
The phone price is about the same, just one allows you to do more with it. Just a quick online search indicates that att full price phone is $764.99, and the t mobile variant is only $717.60.
Sent from the dirty flashed note 3!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you can BYOP to Cricket, so I will be purchasing used. I can get the n900a on Swappa for ~$390 while the n900t runs ~$460. So I'm thinking if I will be happy with root getting me the Nova Launcher/Pie control/Adaway/app freeze experience that I am used to then there's not a big incentive to spend the extra money to be able to run custom ROMS that I currently do without anyway. However running a slimmer ROM and freeing up storage space is tempting.
adbyerly said:
No you can BYOP to Cricket, so I will be purchasing used. I can get the n900a on Swappa for ~$390 while the n900t runs ~$460. So I'm thinking if I will be happy with root getting me the Nova Launcher/Pie control/Adaway/app freeze experience that I am used to then there's not a big incentive to spend the extra money to be able to run custom ROMS that I currently do without anyway. However running a slimmer ROM and freeing up storage space is tempting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you. Good luck with your search.
Sent from the dirty flashed note 3!
adbyerly said:
I'm debating whether I should get the n900a or n900t. I want to root, which seems possible on the n900a with towelroot, but it would be nice to have the unlocked boot loader of the t mobile variant. However, I will be using the phone on ATT. If I buy a n900t from swappa, how easy is it to SIM unlock it for use on ATT? Would you buy the n900a or n900t of you wanted a rooted device to use on ATT? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked my n900t a couple weeks ag to use on straight talk on att towers. Couldn't unlock it without cellunlocker. So I did and it's unlocked now. Be careful buying off swappa and make sure you check that the imei doesn't have a payment still on it.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Free mobile app
andrewnelson23 said:
I unlocked my n900t a couple weeks ag to use on straight talk on att towers. Couldn't unlock it without cellunlocker. So I did and it's unlocked now. Be careful buying off swappa and make sure you check that the imei doesn't have a payment still on it.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can ask the seller to provide proof they paid off the E.I.P., (equipment installment plan). That's what I did when I sold my At&t Galaxy note 3 (n900a). Actually I provided proof of payment in the description. So that potential buyers wouldn't have to request proof.
Of course that won't work if your ebay/swappa seller is a third party reseller.

AT&T or International version

Guys,
I'm able to expense a phone through my employer every two years. I'm able to do this in November and would like to get a Note 5.
I have no intentions of rooting the device so the locked bootloader isn't a deal breaker.
I can easily walk into my local AT&T store and pick one up with full warranty and 14 day return policy. The international version I'd have to find a reputable seller on eBay or Amazon that hopefully has a good return policy in the event something is wrong.
I know the AT&T version will come with carrier bloat but that's easily taken care of using Package Disabler Pro.
Those of you with the AT&T version, would you give it up for the international version?
Thanks!
I've rooted every Android device I've had. Feel no need with the Note 5 and happy with it on AT&T. Great battery life, stable, fast. No need to mess with a working formula.
If I want root I go play with my other devices.
daystrom said:
I have no intentions of rooting the device so the locked bootloader isn't a deal breaker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF you are okay with the locked bootloader (and no root), I'd most definitely get the AT&T version. Here's why:
14 day return for any reason whatsoever. (If you decide you want to change colors, just tell them that the camera flash is wonky or something so they don't hit you with a restock fee.)
1 year warranty (and advance warranty exchanges via AT&T) (Most international versions won't have any warranty)
0% financing.
On the other hand, with international, you don't have any warranty, but you do get (disregarding bootloader/root):
No carrier IQ. (Not as big of a deal as people make it out to be.)
AT&T tends to charge more for their devices than MSRP. (Example: $839 for the 64GB device instead of $799 elsewhere.)
International versions will get updates much, much, much faster than anything AT&T branded.
To me, the 0% financing offsets the extra that AT&T charges. Carrier IQ really isn't a big deal. So, the contrast is between firmware updates and a warranty. You might want the firmware updates. On the other hand, you might NEED the warranty. $700-800 isn't cheap!
Do the international versions get their updates directly from Samsung?
daystrom said:
Do the international versions get their updates directly from Samsung?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know, I have no clue. Each time I've had a non-carrier device, I've always blocked OTA's and would manually update only after doing full backups and waiting a few days for other people to "discover" what might have broken in the update.
Yes because there's no carrier modifying of the software. Carriers are typically the reason why phones take so long to get updates sometimes months later.
daystrom said:
Do the international versions get their updates directly from Samsung?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Is it possible for me as an American to get an international note 7? Is it worth it?

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

Question about UK to US move

Hi there,
Sorry if this is an obvious question - I'm a big mobile enthusiast, but probably not as technically minded as some of you folks
I'm in the UK right now but am moving to the US permanently in a few weeks. I'm getting the Note 7 and am torn between what to do - buy it here or there.
Here's my thinking: If I buy here, it will be free of all that yucky bloatware you get over there since I gather that even if I purchase from BestBuy, there's nothing quite like a sim-free unlocked phone of the type we would get here. And that carrier bloatware scares me. I don't want to have to be rooting my phone and messing about with it to make it run at an acceptable speed when it inevitably starts to slow down, down the line. Plus, I just hate the thought of having all of that rubbish on my phone. If I'm spending $900 or so, I want it to be pure as the driven snow!
I'm not sure which network I'm going to be going for in the US (as an 'Alien' new to the US with no credit history, it's not easy to get a contract) but what I'm looking at is either T-Mobile or AT&T (possibly Cricket, if not main AT&T.) Although I hear T-Mobile signal can be patchy. I'll be in Los Angeles, so I imagine signal should be good.
So what I'm wondering is - will it all work OK there? I'm assuming the GSM version we get in the UK will be compatible with those two networks, though not Verizon. Although I doubt I'll go with Verizon because their packages don't really look good for what I need and also I hear their bloatware in particular is immense!
I know we have a different processor in the Exynos edition (or is that the one you guys have and we have Snapdragon? Anyway, you know what I mean..) But would that processor make any actual difference in day to day use? Does the processor just run the software or does it have an influence on how the phone actually works with the network as a phone and data device? Am I likely to run into problems?
Also, you probably can't answer this - but worth a try.. I assume that Samsung's warranties are not international? Right now, I am on an iPhone and I know that if it breaks in the US, I can just take it to an Apple store in the US. My gut tells me if I buy in the UK and it starts playing up, I'll be on my own, unless you know different? But hey - it's a trade off. Bloatware vs warranty.
Anyway, any thoughts or advice would be gratefully received.
Thanks all.
Phil :good:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
thedicemaster said:
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a very good point! I remember reading about this with my old Galaxy when it said that it locked it to the country where the first phone call was made.
But would this possibly present problems? If I made a few calls with my Vodafone sim, would that then mean that it locks it to UK networks and makes a T-Mobile USA or AT&T sim incompatible?
And bands-wise, they're all good to go, right? There's no reason a local US sim wouldn't work 100% in that model? And the processor doesn't make a difference? Just wondering why they bother to put two different processor types in the phone otherwise?
DuffmasterFresh said:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - this is really helpful. Good to know TM are good there as had heard a few stories about bad coverage.
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
its box will be sealed with a sticker reading "European SIM card only."
The tab below this sticker explains how and why, albeit in tiny and rather verbose script. Essentially, in order for your unlocked European GS7 to be fully unlocked, you first need to make a total of five minutes worth of phone calls using a European SIM. If you don't do this, and try to use it with a SIM from outside of Europe, it won't connect to the network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
thedicemaster said:
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it - just been reading up on it. Thanks for this.
Well, that all looks simple enough. Shouldn't be an issue.
In fact, my only fear is warranty now. If I smash or crack it (which I will try not to obvs, but heaven forbid, it happens), I may be spannered.
I doubt my insurance will cover it if it is an international model and Samsung look like they don't do international warranties.
That's the only thing stopping me sitting here pressing 'order' when I'm on the verge of it.
Also, I wonder if Samsung Pay will be affected, If maybe, somehow, that's region specific.
It's a big risk.. Eeek!
Screw it, I've ordered.
So just to clarify - the bands on the international (UK) unlocked version will be compatible with ATT/Cricket and T-Mobile?

T-Mobile un-rootable

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.)
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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.

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