Develop Bugs

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.
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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*
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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
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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?

What is the best way to purchase a S9 / S9+ for Verizon, and should I switch plans?

I keep asking around and I keep getting different answers.
I have a grandfathered UDP. Some people say I should keep it because the new UDP has limitations. Some people say I should switch to the new UDP.
I wish I could still use PDANet/FoxFi (only a few times a year when travelling etc.). Some people say I can just pay $1/day for Verizon mobile hotspot. Some people say I should switch my plan.
I use Samsung Pay and GearVR, and I'd rather not root my phone. I use between 10-20GB/month.
Some people say that "unlocked" doesn't matter anymore - that the carrier SIM will make it a Verizon device no matter where I buy the phone. Is that true?
I'm ready to upgrade from my S6 to the S9 or S9+ (I want to keep my S6). Should I purchase through Samsung, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy? Does it matter, or should I just go with the cheapest deal I can find?

I plan on going straight through Samsung on a monthly payment plan. They should offer some type of a device trade in program so I can trade in my sons Moto Z and maybe get a couple hundred knocked off. My son can have my Pixel XL and I'll get the 9+.

ergalthema said:
I keep asking around and I keep getting different answers.
I have a grandfathered UDP. Some people say I should keep it because the new UDP has limitations. Some people say I should switch to the new UDP.
I wish I could still use PDANet/FoxFi (only a few times a year when travelling etc.). Some people say I can just pay $1/day for Verizon mobile hotspot. Some people say I should switch my plan.
I use Samsung Pay and GearVR, and I'd rather not root my phone. I use between 10-20GB/month.
Some people say that "unlocked" doesn't matter anymore - that the carrier SIM will make it a Verizon device no matter where I buy the phone. Is that true?
I'm ready to upgrade from my S6 to the S9 or S9+ (I want to keep my S6). Should I purchase through Samsung, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy? Does it matter, or should I just go with the cheapest deal I can find?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.

Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.

Bxrider117 said:
Being that your on Verizon, I wouldn't get an unlocked S9/S9+. I had an unlocked S8+ and I couldn't use Wi-Fi calling when I travelled internationally. I go to a lot of Caribbean islands and I couldn't call my family back home unless they had what's app.
I'm going to order through Samsung for a a Verizon version. I think that's the best option instead of unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a good point - glad you mentioned it. However, I am rarely out of the country, so I'm wondering if it's still in my best interest to have an unlocked phone.

Deathman20 said:
You know thats a good point! I was originally looking maybe at an unlocked version but... having WiFi calling when out of the states is nice feature without spending $$$ on a separate international plan at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this was the case with the S8+. I'm going to make sure that I confirm it with Samsung and Verizon. The unlocked version is cheaper than getting from Verizon.
You can also now reservthe unlocked version on Samsung's website
https://www.samsung.com/us/
It only lets you reserve the unlocked version right now.

Bxrider117 said:
I know this was the case with the S8+. I'm going to make sure that I confirm it with Samsung and Verizon. The unlocked version is cheaper than getting from Verizon.
You can also now reservthe unlocked version on Samsung's website
https://www.samsung.com/us/
It only lets you reserve the unlocked version right now.
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Click to collapse
If you pre-order it on Friday from Best Buy I think it matches or beats Samsung's price by $10 and includes unlocked version too!
Course its early so curious if anything will change.
Side note is there any additional pre-order perks that we can get?

Deathman20 said:
If you pre-order it on Friday from Best Buy I think it matches or beats Samsung's price by $10 and includes unlocked version too!
Course its early so curious if anything will change.
Side note is there any additional pre-order perks that we can get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All I see at Samsung is the $840 (S9+), but Best Buy says it will be $100 off that, no?

ergalthema said:
All I see at Samsung is the $840 (S9+), but Best Buy says it will be $100 off that, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is reading right. Though from Verizon/AT&T they have the higher price at $930/915 respectfully. So that being said it would potentially bring it lower than Samsung.

Best Buy says to get their discount there needs to be a qualified activation. Not sure but that sounds like you need to start a new line of service with the carrier. I have a plan already, don't need another. I'm with AT&T and am going to go with the carrier's model of the phone. HD calling or volte might or might not work with an unlocked model depending on whether or not they decide to activate it for you but WiFi calling won't work unless you have the AT&T model. WiFi calling is nice for out of country use, my family also spends some time in an area without cell service but WiFi is available. When I realized my wife had wifi calling on her iphone I was jealous. My Pixel didn't work. I like the features, security of the new phones. I think I'm done worrying about carrier apps, bootloaders and root. It's been quite a while since I modded a phone and improved on the stock configuration. I know, this is XDA but it's getting pretty hard to improve on this year's phones. My P2XL is still stock & I'm very happy with it like that.

dmb219 said:
Best Buy says to get their discount there needs to be a qualified activation. Not sure but that sounds like you need to start a new line of service with the carrier. I have a plan already, don't need another. I'm with AT&T and am going to go with the carrier's model of the phone. HD calling or volte might or might not work with an unlocked model depending on whether or not they decide to activate it for you but WiFi calling won't work unless you have the AT&T model. WiFi calling is nice for out of country use, my family also spends some time in an area without cell service but WiFi is available. When I realized my wife had wifi calling on her iphone I was jealous. My Pixel didn't work. I like the features, security of the new phones. I think I'm done worrying about carrier apps, bootloaders and root. It's been quite a while since I modded a phone and improved on the stock configuration. I know, this is XDA but it's getting pretty hard to improve on this year's phones. My P2XL is still stock & I'm very happy with it like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Talking with BB reps so far, their qualified activation doesn't seem to be like anything. Can be a new line or current at least thats what I've been told so far and that is what they are expecting.
For the BB pricing though found this out and might only still refer to the Pre-Order period. S9+ will be $100 off still after the 2nd, and S9 will be $50 off after the 2nd. No clue how long it lasts after that though but its what I was able to get out of the rep today. Also talking around no luck at getting at least Verizon to honor the BB discount so... well really its not to much tough luck for them since they still get money.

I just spoke to a vz rep, and this was her answer to the question...
Verizon: Thank you for contacting the Verizon Wireless Chat Team regarding your account. How can we help you today?
You: hi
You: what is the difference between the verizon S9 and the version of the S9 straight from samsung?
Meghann: Hello!
Meghann: There is no difference between the phones.
You: all features will work on both versions?
Meghann: Correct.
You: wifi calling, etc? We will just get software updates straight from samsung as oppose to from vz?
You: Please pardon my confusion here, but i was wondering what made the samsung version $80 cheaper!
Meghann: We do not make the phone, the difference is that Samsung sells us the phone and then we sell it to you. If you buy it straight from Samsung, you can use it on any carrier.
You: yes i am aware of that!
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.

droideris1 said:
You: but i have heard that wifi calling doesn't work if international, mobile hotspot may not work, and we won't have access to some verizon features
You: is any of that true for this version of the phone?
Meghann: No, the device will still work the same.
Meghann: That would be true if you bought the phone from say Sprint and then brought it to us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of all the confusing possibilities I've heard, I have not heard anyone say that an unlocked phone will have wifi calling on Verizon - basically everyone says wifi calling does not work on an unlocked phone...

ergalthema said:
Of all the confusing possibilities I've heard, I have not heard anyone say that an unlocked phone will have wifi calling on Verizon - basically everyone says wifi calling does not work on an unlocked phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true on AT&T phones. You won't get wifi calling unless you have an AT&T phone. Can't speak for Verizon. Can't speak for the S9 at all since we don't have any user feedback but I doubt the carrier bonus features will change.

The unlocked version will not get visual voice mail on Verizon. That is a no go for me. All one has to do is look at the status of the unlocked S8 on verizon for confirmation. Nothing is different here. In fact Verizon has recently stated it will temporarily stop selling it's own branded phones unlocked. The Verizon price of the phones are almost $100 over what the Samsung retail is and also the most of any carrier. lucky us. I don't need a new activation so I don't get the $100 off best Buy deal. So I pay the inflated rate at no discount and no offers. nada. Basically stuck. Oh well.. such is life.

xgman said:
I don't need a new activation so I don't get the $100 off best Buy deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't need to start a new line. I'm trading in my S8+ for the S9+ with Best Buy and I got the $100 off. I'm not starting a new line, just upgrading my current. They just make you activate it in the store.

Call up the cancelation department and threaten to cancel to ATT. When they ask if they can do anything for you let them know they can offer you the phone and keep your GUDP. Worked for me.

@ergalthema
What did you decide to do? It's cheaper through the Samsung website itself.
I'm in the same boat as you - I don't really need Wifi calling and don't use VVM.

wolfgrrl said:
@ergalthema
What did you decide to do? It's cheaper through the Samsung website itself.
I'm in the same boat as you - I don't really need Wifi calling and don't use VVM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went with the unlocked from Samsung. So far, any issues I have would probably exist on the Verizon version as well (mainly minor quirks that I have to find workarounds for).
For some reason, it has been more difficult to force the camera shutter to silent. I have a Tasker task that always worked with S6 - when camera is opened, silence all audio. But with the S9, sometimes the "System Volume" will be stuck at full. It's grayed-out and I cant' change it. Not sure what's causing that. If I reboot, I can adjust everything again. At first, I thought maybe the unlocked version couldn't silence the camera shutter, but that's not the case. I can silence it sometimes. Gotta figure out why it gets stuck at full volume sometimes, though.

Yeah, I think that's the route I'm going to do as well. Plus they'll give me $200 for my current phone
ergalthema said:
I went with the unlocked from Samsung. So far, any issues I have would probably exist on the Verizon version as well (mainly minor quirks that I have to find workarounds for).
For some reason, it has been more difficult to force the camera shutter to silent. I have a Tasker task that always worked with S6 - when camera is opened, silence all audio. But with the S9, sometimes the "System Volume" will be stuck at full. It's grayed-out and I cant' change it. Not sure what's causing that. If I reboot, I can adjust everything again. At first, I thought maybe the unlocked version couldn't silence the camera shutter, but that's not the case. I can silence it sometimes. Gotta figure out why it gets stuck at full volume sometimes, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Galaxy Fold unlocked by Samsung version.

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
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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.
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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.
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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.

Trying to get samsung pay on a device (s20+) without it - maybe changing CSC?

Hello.
Here's the back story. Bought my phone from Egypt unlocked s20 plus. Recently moved to canada and trying to get samsung pay to work. Downloaded the app from google play canada but it says that device is not supported. Downloaded it from APK mirror but it just says it needs to update, even though this is the last version.
I was told that getting the BTU or DBT CSC might fix this, since they come preinstalled with samsung pay.
First of all, can I do this by just flashing the firmware (not changing CSC)? Or do I need to change the CSC using samkey? I don't mind flashing first, if that didn't work then using samkey. But would rather go with the route that people think will work straight away.
I'll write all my device's info that I think might be needed to make this as complete as possible. Then I'll put some questions that are confusing me.
So to start this, I bought my phone from Egypt and I'm currently in Canada. Since it's a dual sim model, I have a Canadian SIM as my primary and Egyptian as my secondary. Currently, I'm getting wifi calling but not VoLTE. Reading a bit on this, some people are saying that my network intentionally locked people out of this option if they didn't buy the phone from them. My network is Fido btw.
Model: SM-G985F/DS (4G)
Product Code: SM-G985FZADEGY
PDA: G985FXXU4BTIB
CSC: G985FOXM4BTID
Basebad: G985FXXU4BTI6
Bootloader: G985FXXU4BTIB
September Security Patch.
One thing I'd like to point out is typing "*#243203855#" in the dialer does nothing. Maybe it's because it's not supported? Or the fact that I have dual IMEI?
Questions:
1. Is there benefit of using DBT over BTU?
2. With my bootloader being BIT 4 (I think?), can I use samkey? When I checked it, it said that they only support BIT 1 and 2 on their website. I could be wrong.
3. Is it safe to purchase samkey credits off ebay?
4. Is samkey itself safe? It showed up as a trojen when I installed it. Could be a false positive? Downloaded from the official site btw.
5. Is flashing BTU enough for this to work or do I need to change the CSC?
6. Can I revert any changes that I've done to restore the device in its original state? If I change the CSC, can I revert it back to EGY?
7. Will I get normal OTA updates while I'm here in canada? This applies to both flashing and/or changing my CSC?
8. I would love to keep wifi calling, call HD, and hopefully get VoLTE (but I understand that this might work). And obviously the main reason for this whole thing is getting Samsung Pay to work.
Sorry if these questions might be obvious, I'm really trying to understand this so I don't ruin anything and don't regret anything.
If someone is willing to help me further, I would greatly appreciate it.

I am unsure about majority of the things you have question about, but one thing i know for sure - samsung pay on my s20+ was rarely working making me look stupid at the shops - since i switched to google pay all issues are gone and payment is going through everywhere

Klopers33 said:
I am unsure about majority of the things you have question about, but one thing i know for sure - samsung pay on my s20+ was rarely working making me look stupid at the shops - since i switched to google pay all issues are gone and payment is going through everywhere
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The one thing that I care about with samsung pay is the magnetic card replication. I forgot what it was called MTP, or something? This is something that doesn't work with google pay.

krusion said:
The one thing that I care about with samsung pay is the magnetic card replication. I forgot what it was called MTP, or something? This is something that doesn't work with google pay.
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The MST function was disabled in 2019 for all the smartphones sold within the EU (at least) due to a new regulation regarding MST technology.
I don't know if it's working elsewhere.
Still, for me SPAY has been working flawlessly for over an year or two, never had any problem, with or without MST

phrancini said:
The MST function was disabled in 2019 for all the smartphones sold within the EU (at least) due to a new regulation regarding MST technology.
I don't know if it's working elsewhere.
Still, for me SPAY has been working flawlessly for over an year or two, never had any problem, with or without MST
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Oh? This might actually be useless than. So this is a hardware change or a software one? Since mine was bought from Egypt. I plan to flash the UK software on there. I'm not sure if it'll have it or not in this case. I guess without MST, what's the point of using samsung pay over google pay?