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I'm looking to upgrade to the S9+ and looking for advice on whether or not to get the US carrier unlock version or the T-Mobile version. So those of you who went with the US carrier unlocked S8+, What are the Pros and Cons of it please?
You need to get an Exynos S9+, better performance and bootloader unlocking
I would check and make sure the international version supports bands 66 and 71 first (600 mhz). I've looked all over but I can't find that info anywhere yet.
If you are financing I'd buy unlocked from Samsung.com, If paying full price buy it directly from T-Mobile directly. If you plan to have it SIM unlocked T-Mobile branded phones from Samsung.com are harder (not impossible, but not instant when you are eligible through the Unlock App). If the S9 is like the S8 you should be able to switch to each carriers firmware automatically after it's unlocked. I found the carrier bloat to be very light on the S8, and doesn't prevent you from using most features compared to the factory unlocked model (Verizon excluded).
Dear Friends,
Hope everyone is well. As a side effect of having wealth of knowledge, reading through the forums here I believe the answer to my question is still, "yes" however, I would still like to confirm and make sure:
If I buy a Verizon Note 8 today, whether it's from Ebay, Swappa, Craigslist and etc and whether the user did or did NOT update to the latest Bootloader version and firmware version (Oreo)... Is it still possible to use some combination of firmware, Bootloader, CSC and etc to convert the Verizon Note to an AT&T Note or the unbranded US Note 8 and still have unrestricted, full functionality on AT&T?
If, yes, indeed, can you please point me to the right guide and files so that I can go through my purchase?
Appreciate your help in advance!
Any input, friends? Trying to buy a Note 8 based on your expert opinions ?... Thanks!
I converted my VZW note 8 to AT&T and used it flawlessly for a few months. This was before Oreo was released. I've since switched it back to VZW.
While on AT&T, volte & wifi calling worked as well.
ProFragger said:
Any input, friends? Trying to buy a Note 8 based on your expert opinions ?... Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is always best to get the carrier brand you intend to be on....
But if you can't pass on a deal, yes you can follow switching carrier guide to turn a Verizon Note into an ATT Note....
On the one hand if you need to move between carriers or around the world, it be better to get the Verizon phone even for the AT&T network because it gives you CDMA + Quad-Band GSM. If you are going to stick with one carrier, if you get a newer phone, it will probably support 100% of their current and soon-to-be bands while the Verizon might only support 90%. That might make a difference in aggregation. Depending on the company, they might not allow you to use aggregation or VOLTE or Wi-Fi calling without their branded phone, although ajent above has had luck with at least 2 out of 3 of those by using a Verizon phone on an AT&T network.
For those of you that have the Verizon S9/S9+ .. have you flashed the U1 unlocked firmware? Any bugs?
Do any of you still have the grandfathered unlimited data plan? Wondering if I can get the VZW S9, flash unlocked firmware, and have native hotspot work.
I have successfully flashed U1 and Tmobile Firmware on my g960 (verizon version)
So far, I have not noticed "bugs"
From my understanding U1 is what you get from Samsung Directly. With that said, you wouldnt have any incompatibilities as the barebone hardware is the same in the US variants.
One thing that I dont know though is software updates, if they are pulled OTA or if I have to flash every time.
Advanced Calling works as well as Wifi Calling and visual voicemail.
video calling doesnt work unless you flash a carrier firmware
If you have the grandfathered account with verizon, and you flash the U1 firmware. You can wirelessly hotspot or USB tether "natively"
Thank you for the information! Bummer about video calling, I use that more than visual voicemail.
Definitely sounds like this is the way to go.
Hi there,
I have a verizon phone and I am trying to use the hotspot with my unlimited old fashioned plan. I don't want to root. Unfortunately I brought the Verizon s9 not the Samsung S9 unlocked. Is there a way to bypass the company prompt for the feature and turn the hotspot on yet? I tried the one that works for sprint and it did not work for me with Shortcut Master Lite. Any advice would greatly be appreciated?
VShark said:
Hi there,
I have a verizon phone and I am trying to use the hotspot with my unlimited old fashioned plan. I don't want to root. Unfortunately I brought the Verizon s9 not the Samsung S9 unlocked. Is there a way to bypass the company prompt for the feature and turn the hotspot on yet? I tried the one that works for sprint and it did not work for me with Shortcut Master Lite. Any advice would greatly be appreciated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah you can flash your verizon s9 to the U1 firmware. this will remove that message, but not all things are guaranteed. also its not like youd be able to root your s9 as you got the US variant.
While I have a verizon hotspot plan, I tend to use USB tethering more than the Hotspot(wifi) option.
Checking on my dashboard online, shows that Im constantly within my Hotspot Plan.
I also noticed that on USB tethering, data doesn't count against my Wireless Hotspot plan.
Hotspot Verizon Free
eastsidebiz said:
yeah you can flash your verizon s9 to the U1 firmware. this will remove that message, but not all things are guaranteed. also its not like youd be able to root your s9 as you got the US variant.
While I have a verizon hotspot plan, I tend to use USB tethering more than the Hotspot(wifi) option.
Checking on my dashboard online, shows that Im constantly within my Hotspot Plan.
I also noticed that on USB tethering, data doesn't count against my Wireless Hotspot plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Eastsidebiz
Thank you for your reply. I apologize about not understanding all the lingo. When you say flash is that different than root? If you can flash and not loose your warranty or anything. My question is where do I go to have that done? Or is it something I can do myself? Also what will I loose as far as stock features if any? I appreciate any feedback and really truly thank you.
VShark said:
Hi Eastsidebiz
Thank you for your reply. I apologize about not understanding all the lingo. When you say flash is that different than root? If you can flash and not loose your warranty or anything. My question is where do I go to have that done? Or is it something I can do myself? Also what will I loose as far as stock features if any? I appreciate any feedback and really truly thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing the firmware is different from rooting
Flashing the firmware is like installing a new OS on the computer.
Rooting is flashed preboot of the OS, and then executed when the OS is up.
Warranty / Knox by flashing an OEM firmware, this should not trip warranty/knox
rooting a US variant, if you can even do it, will trip your knox, thus tripping warranty.
If you have a US variant, come back to this thread 2 years from now, as i dont think developers are able to do so as of yet.
this thread is very informational if you need to flash your U version to U1.
Which s9 do you have again?
I thought I'd update this thread. I bought the VZW S9 and successfully flashed it to the U1 firmware to get rid of the verizon bloatware. Nice side effect is that the hotspot seems to work.
freddie813 said:
I thought I'd update this thread. I bought the VZW S9 and successfully flashed it to the U1 firmware to get rid of the verizon bloatware. Nice side effect is that the hotspot seems to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey just a FYI.
If you flash another carrier firmware on that s9, you maybe stuck there.
personal experience: I can flash from Verizon to U1 and from U1 back to Verizon, (until verizon patches their firmware to lockdown)
on my other s9 (verizon, work phone) I flashed to U1 then flashed to Tmobile, now Im locked to tmobile, until another U1 and or Modded Odin
Thanks for that notice. As of right now I don't see any reason why I'd be inclined to flash anything other than the U1 firmware that I currently have.
Verizon Hotspot Free
freddie813 said:
Thanks for that notice. As of right now I don't see any reason why I'd be inclined to flash anything other than the U1 firmware that I currently have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi There,
So you are saying if I flash to U1 software I can use my hotspot. That is without being prompted by Verizon to add feature. What have you lost in the software from the U1 Flash compared to Verizon Software. If I do it and it voids the warranty so be it. I just want to see what I would lose before I do anything.
VShark said:
Hi There,
So you are saying if I flash to U1 software I can use my hotspot. That is without being prompted by Verizon to add feature. What have you lost in the software from the U1 Flash compared to Verizon Software. If I do it and it voids the warranty so be it. I just want to see what I would lose before I do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the grandfathered unlimited data plan?
eastsidebiz said:
hey just a FYI.
If you flash another carrier firmware on that s9, you maybe stuck there.
personal experience: I can flash from Verizon to U1 and from U1 back to Verizon, (until verizon patches their firmware to lockdown)
on my other s9 (verizon, work phone) I flashed to U1 then flashed to Tmobile, now Im locked to tmobile, until another U1 and or Modded Odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Newbie here, trying to read as much as possible but it seems my answers will be here.
What does it mean to be locked to T-mobile? Does that mean you can flash another stock firmware?
I just bought an Unlocked VZW S9 plus but I'd like to use Mobile Tethering and get rid of verizon firmware.
What firmware should I flash?
eastsidebiz said:
I have successfully flashed U1 and Tmobile Firmware on my g960 (verizon version)
So far, I have not noticed "bugs"
From my understanding U1 is what you get from Samsung Directly. With that said, you wouldnt have any incompatibilities as the barebone hardware is the same in the US variants.
One thing that I dont know though is software updates, if they are pulled OTA or if I have to flash every time.
Advanced Calling works as well as Wifi Calling and visual voicemail.
video calling doesnt work unless you flash a carrier firmware
If you have the grandfathered account with verizon, and you flash the U1 firmware. You can wirelessly hotspot or USB tether "natively"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the unlocked S9+ directly from Samsung website to use with Verizon. I got advance calling (VoLTE) to work but I don't see any option for WiFi calling/WiFi texting. How did you enable it?
juanjosedag said:
Newbie here, trying to read as much as possible but it seems my answers will be here.
What does it mean to be locked to T-mobile? Does that mean you can flash another stock firmware?
I just bought an Unlocked VZW S9 plus but I'd like to use Mobile Tethering and get rid of verizon firmware.
What firmware should I flash?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you are looking for is here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/how-to/how-to-flash-u1-firmware-to-device-t3765200
Flashing this will rid of the bloatware from VZW and you can use the native mobile hotspot or PDANET
Locked to Tmobile can be a couple things, the Phone is actually locked to Tmobile's network (sim locked) ..then theres the Financial/Loss/Stolen/Fraud lock...
ALSO! have you updated your VZW S9's software from verizon in the last 3 months? If so, flashing a U1 may not work, I think the newest Update from VZW has v2 of the bootloader
---------- Post added at 09:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 AM ----------
AlwaysNoob said:
I bought the unlocked S9+ directly from Samsung website to use with Verizon. I got advance calling (VoLTE) to work but I don't see any option for WiFi calling/WiFi texting. How did you enable it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is your carrier?
I noticed that TMOBILE is the only one that allows all features to work when it comes to unbranded phones.
On my VZW s9, I flashed the U1 firmware. (using Tmobile) Then Wifi Calling was under the SAMSUNG DIALER option not in CONNECTIONS.
Then on my Unlocked S9, Wifi Calling was under the SAMSUNG DIALER settings (on tmobile), on Verizon SIM, this service is not available.
It looks like VZW/ATT both use their firmware to block outside access. Tmo on the other hand, allows you to fully use your Unbranded phone, but such terrible and outdated technology.
*for those who are getting 20Mbps on Tmobile and happy about that... why??!!?!?*
eastsidebiz said:
What you are looking for is here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/how-to/how-to-flash-u1-firmware-to-device-t3765200
Flashing this will rid of the bloatware from VZW and you can use the native mobile hotspot or PDANET
Locked to Tmobile can be a couple things, the Phone is actually locked to Tmobile's network (sim locked) ..then theres the Financial/Loss/Stolen/Fraud lock...
ALSO! have you updated your VZW S9's software from verizon in the last 3 months? If so, flashing a U1 may not work, I think the newest Update from VZW has v2 of the bootloader
---------- Post added at 09:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 AM ----------
What is your carrier?
I noticed that TMOBILE is the only one that allows all features to work when it comes to unbranded phones.
On my VZW s9, I flashed the U1 firmware. (using Tmobile) Then Wifi Calling was under the SAMSUNG DIALER option not in CONNECTIONS.
Then on my Unlocked S9, Wifi Calling was under the SAMSUNG DIALER settings (on tmobile), on Verizon SIM, this service is not available.
It looks like VZW/ATT both use their firmware to block outside access. Tmo on the other hand, allows you to fully use your Unbranded phone, but such terrible and outdated technology.
*for those who are getting 20Mbps on Tmobile and happy about that... why??!!?!?*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately my phone seemed to have the latest firmware out of the box (February security update) so I might be out of luck then.
My carrier right now is Telcel Mexico (and we don't have fancy features like WiFi calling or VoLTE). I'm planning on switching to T-mobile soon.
What's that of the 20Mbps on Tmobile? Should I pick another carrier?
juanjosedag said:
Unfortunately my phone seemed to have the latest firmware out of the box (February security update) so I might be out of luck then.
My carrier right now is Telcel Mexico (and we don't have fancy features like WiFi calling or VoLTE). I'm planning on switching to T-mobile soon.
What's that of the 20Mbps on Tmobile? Should I pick another carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait Feb 2018 may still be V1 bootloader....
So what I noticed with Tmobile (im sure this doesnt apply to everyone) is after 1.2 to 2 years. Your phone line is no longer "new" and data speeds are dropped to least prioritization. Newer plans or line activation obviously gets higher prioritization. Mind you, im not a prepaid user. The only way to fully take advantage of TMOBILE is to switch your device or renew your plan every 2 years, which makes sense and average to some.
on the other hand, I have been having Verizon for the past 4 years, and used 3 different phones then (no line modifications, upgrade.. etc) and my prioritization has been constant. and averaging 70Mbps real time, about 7-9 MB/s (i download torrents on my phone) and its always constant (even if i go over 65GBs a month)... just my 2 cents...
VShark said:
Hi There,
So you are saying if I flash to U1 software I can use my hotspot. That is without being prompted by Verizon to add feature. What have you lost in the software from the U1 Flash compared to Verizon Software. If I do it and it voids the warranty so be it. I just want to see what I would lose before I do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's my take: I bought bought an S9 U1 direct from Samsung, did a Smart Switch backup of my damaged S7 to my pc, swapped the SIM and SD cards to the new phone, powered it up, did the Smart Switch restore and was good to go in under an hour, hot spot without prompt etc.
Based on this, if you can flash the U1 firmware you should get the results. The kicker to that is the bootloader version. My wife's s9 from Verizon took the August update and is now on build ... S3ARG9 - the 3 indicating v3 of the bootloader. The latest U! firmware available is S2ARF4 - bootloader v2 and you cannot downgrade the bootloader. BUT if you happen to be on the ARF4 or earlier build then go ahead and flash. Samsungs Voicemail app works with Verizon's VVM (basic), Messenge+ also worked, though I switched to Mood so that I can assign specific notification sounds to certain people.
Att to Verizon.
I bought a in Att s9 g960u phone and I want to use it on Verizon. I got a sim unlock code from a 3rd party so it is sim unlocked but I put in a Verizon sim and it doenlsnt connect to verizon. Is this because of the Att phone uses GSM and Verizon uses cdma? How do I get around this
bonebad1 said:
I bought a in Att s9 g960u phone and I want to use it on Verizon. I got a sim unlock code from a 3rd party so it is sim unlocked but I put in a Verizon sim and it doenlsnt connect to verizon. Is this because of the Att phone uses GSM and Verizon uses cdma? How do I get around this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phone hardware should be the same. Possibly flash the U1 firmware. Or you may have to enter in carrier APN settings - I've never had to do anything like that but I have heard about it before.
I'm curious as to what doesn't work when you purchase an unlocked version vs Tmobile branded? Im told you may have issues with wifi calling/rcs/video calling/and visual voice mail....
2. How easy would it be once you get the unlocked version to flash the carrier software to make everything work and then flash back to original if needed to be for resale or warranty
The reason im asking is that samsung is giving a bigger refund on the unlocked version...
antawnm26 said:
I'm curious as to what doesn't work when you purchase an unlocked version vs Tmobile branded? Im told you may have issues with wifi calling/rcs/video calling/and visual voice mail....
2. How easy would it be once you get the unlocked version to flash the carrier software to make everything work and then flash back to original if needed to be for resale or warranty
The reason im asking is that samsung is giving a bigger refund on the unlocked version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you live in the US I think the unlocked version is just a SIM unlock. I think it is still the snapdragon version. Which means it will not be bootloader unlocked. I think you have to get the exynos version from an online retailer.
antawnm26 said:
I'm curious as to what doesn't work when you purchase an unlocked version vs Tmobile branded? Im told you may have issues with wifi calling/rcs/video calling/and visual voice mail....
2. How easy would it be once you get the unlocked version to flash the carrier software to make everything work and then flash back to original if needed to be for resale or warranty
The reason im asking is that samsung is giving a bigger refund on the unlocked version...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note 9 was able to do this and I did it. I don't see a reason why you shouldn't be able o do it in Note 10+ once carrier firmware become available to be downloaded.
I pre-ordered the unlocked version myself and I have AT&T so it should be as easy as waiting for the carrier firmwares to become available on SamMobile and flashing with Odin. My interest is now with DeX supported with microsoft if Odin is even neccessary to flash firmwares anymore?
from what i can see on sprint i think they are using the qualcomm chip, i could be wrong, its labeled as SDM 855 Octa-Core SDR8150 and when searching that in google qualcomm documentation on the 855 pops up
Very curious about this myself. I preordered the unlocked version because that gave me more value for my trade in. I'm curious if I get the unlocked version and flash TMobile carrier software. Will I then get tmobile updates ota?
It's been the same for years now, hardware wise phones are the same, you'll need princey odin to flash unlocked/carrier firmwares. I buy unlocked and flash the carrier unlocked firmware. No bloat but it has the carrier specific radio. I prefer the native caller Id, no bloat, and the RTT over the carrier bloat and video calling. Google duo is better anyway
black96ss said:
It's been the same for years now, hardware wise phones are the same, you'll need princey odin to flash unlocked/carrier firmwares. I buy unlocked and flash the carrier unlocked firmware. No bloat but it has the carrier specific radio. I prefer the native caller Id, no bloat, and the RTT over the carrier bloat and video calling. Google duo is better anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you TMO or ATT? I have accounts with both.
I know WiFi Calling, which is what I really need as far as carrier goes, is usually more difficult with ATT.
If you are TMO can you get WFC to work without flashing carrier?
How long do you usually have to wait for the carrier firmware to come out?
jcrompton said:
Are you TMO or ATT? I have accounts with both.
I know WiFi Calling, which is what I really need as far as carrier goes, is usually more difficult with ATT.
If you are TMO can you get WFC to work without flashing carrier?
How long do you usually have to wait for the carrier firmware to come out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi calling has no issues on unlocked firmware with tmo. At&t I'm not sure but if you flash the att csc and and cp files, I do believe that's all it takes. I believe you need to flash the at&T AP file.
My Note 9 is unlocked. Using on T-MOBILE with no issues with WiFi calling. I am not able to use the stock visual voicemail though which I would prefer. With T-MOBILE I'm forced to use their visual voicemail which really sucks. Does anyone else know if they're is a way to use the stock visual voicemail on T-Mobile?
MrAwesome75 said:
My Note 9 is unlocked. Using on T-MOBILE with no issues with WiFi calling. I am not able to use the stock visual voicemail though which I would prefer. With T-MOBILE I'm forced to use their visual voicemail which really sucks. Does anyone else know if they're is a way to use the stock visual voicemail on T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw posts that allow you to do that if you flash carrier firmware
I just use Google Voice and forward unanswered calls to there
jcrompton said:
I saw posts that allow you to do that if you flash carrier firmware
I just use Google Voice and forward unanswered calls to there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I inserted my SIM it appeared to automatically install the T-Mo firmware, but that's the problem.; it forces me to use the T-Mo VM (which absolutely sucks) and not able to use the Samsung VM which is pretty nice. I had previously used the Note 9 on Verizon with my work SIM and I was able to use the stock VM. When I switched to T-Mo it forced me to use the T-Mo VM. I can't see a way to get back to the stock VM unless I'm missing something...
MrAwesome75 said:
When I inserted my SIM it appeared to automatically install the T-Mo firmware, but that's the problem.; it forces me to use the T-Mo VM (which absolutely sucks) and not able to use the Samsung VM which is pretty nice. I had previously used the Note 9 on Verizon with my work SIM and I was able to use the stock VM. When I switched to T-Mo it forced me to use the T-Mo VM. I can't see a way to get back to the stock VM unless I'm missing something...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I go into the phone app call or SIM settings and find the call forwarding settings:
Then I do they conditional forwarding to my Google Voice number (I then, after setting up Google Voice, turn on Do Not Disturb for Google Voice, so I don't get there phone ringing twice)
Then GV serves as my VM
freebee269 said:
If you live in the US I think the unlocked version is just a SIM unlock. I think it is still the snapdragon version. Which means it will not be bootloader unlocked. I think you have to get the exynos version from an online retailer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^ What he said. Do not make the mistakes I, and many others made in the past - do NOT buy a US version from T-Mo, or from Samsung USA website, unlocked or otherwise. All USA versions are snapdragon based, and will have permanently locked bootloader - no rom flashing of any kind, no custom recoveries or improved radios. What you need is SM-N975F/DS Exynos version (unless you use CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint). It will have the same bands supported as Snapdragon one, with the exception of band 71, which you dont really need. T-Mo's B12 serves the same function as B71 (extended range LTE), and T-Mo made the tech available only in limited number of cities anyway. In all likelihood, by the time they roll it out in your city - you're gonna be thinking about buying Note 12 or 13.
Don't worry about software features like voice calling or any other - with all the custom roms and development available for Exynos version you'll be able to find yourself a rom that has any features you like and then some.
Apo11on said:
^^ What he said. Do not make the mistakes I, and many others made in the past - do NOT buy a US version from T-Mo, or from Samsung USA website, unlocked or otherwise. All USA versions are snapdragon based, and will have permanently locked bootloader - no rom flashing of any kind, no custom recoveries or improved radios. What you need is SM-N975F/DS Exynos version (unless you use CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint). It will have the same bands supported as Snapdragon one, with the exception of band 71, which you dont really need. T-Mo's B12 serves the same function as B71 (extended range LTE), and T-Mo made the tech available only in limited number of cities anyway. In all likelihood, by the time they roll it out in your city - you're gonna be thinking about buying Note 12 or 13.
Don't worry about software features like voice calling or any other - with all the custom roms and development available for Exynos version you'll be able to find yourself a rom that has any features you like and then some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is great advice ..... IF ..... you are looking to root and/ or do custom ROMs. But having done every release S9+/Note9/S10+ with Exynos it's NOT always that easy to get the CSC stuff right and working (and the development is often done by people who could care less about NA CSC because they don't live there).
Root / Unlocked bootloader = the Exynos device, like you said.
So what appears to be the answer (for the thread, assuming no root) after looking at all the answers in this and a couple of other threads is that the Unlocked US Samsung device is the same (or can, in worst case scenario, by Odin flashing carrier firmware, be made to do) device functionally as the carrier devices --- calling features, etc.
For me, the difference was going to be $300 bigger discount.
Apo11on said:
^^ What he said. Do not make the mistakes I, and many others made in the past - do NOT buy a US version from T-Mo, or from Samsung USA website, unlocked or otherwise. All USA versions are snapdragon based, and will have permanently locked bootloader - no rom flashing of any kind, no custom recoveries or improved radios. What you need is SM-N975F/DS Exynos version (unless you use CDMA carrier like Verizon or Sprint). It will have the same bands supported as Snapdragon one, with the exception of band 71, which you dont really need. T-Mo's B12 serves the same function as B71 (extended range LTE), and T-Mo made the tech available only in limited number of cities anyway. In all likelihood, by the time they roll it out in your city - you're gonna be thinking about buying Note 12 or 13.
Don't worry about software features like voice calling or any other - with all the custom roms and development available for Exynos version you'll be able to find yourself a rom that has any features you like and then some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's only true if you want to unlock the bootloader and root. The OP was merely asking about flashing carrier firmware on the US Unlocked version, which does not require root or an unlocked bootloader.
jcrompton said:
This is great advice ..... IF ..... you are looking to root and/ or do custom ROMs. But having done every release S9+/Note9/S10+ with Exynos it's NOT always that easy to get the CSC stuff right and working (and the development is often done by people who could care less about NA CSC because they don't live there).
Root / Unlocked bootloader = the Exynos device, like you said.
So what appears to be the answer (for the thread, assuming no root) after looking at all the answers in this and a couple of other threads is that the Unlocked US Samsung device is the same (or can, in worst case scenario, by Odin flashing carrier firmware, be made to do) device functionally as the carrier devices --- calling features, etc.
For me, the difference was going to be $300 bigger discount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the bigger trade in value was a deciding factor as well for me...Well we weill see how it goes on the 23rd
I want to be able to root and flash TWRP on my Note 10+, but when i did this on my Note 8 i bought the N950N which was the korean exynos version and CRC support for t-mobile sucked ass, i want to make sure
A) what model do i buy for
- Rooting and stuff
- and best t-mobile network compatibility without going through all the dumb stuff
antawnm26 said:
the bigger trade in value was a deciding factor as well for me...Well we weill see how it goes on the 23rd
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. When Samsung stopped hobbling the OS, and added more features I didn't need root anymore. The extra $300 was my deciding factor. I have the unlocked Note 9. The only thing I have noticed aside from slower updates is that the camera sound can't be turned off independent of the global phone sound. Everything else works fine and I haven't noticed anything useful missing.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
That's only true if you want to unlock the bootloader and root. The OP was merely asking about flashing carrier firmware on the US Unlocked version, which does not require root or an unlocked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was actually giving advice to all folk, considering purchasing, not just the OP....Also, just curious - how do you Samsung's locked bootloader on the unlocked Note (I hope you know 'unlocked' means SIM unlocked only) will accept firmware, signed by T-Mobile? It's not a given Samsung original bootloader, untainted by carrier branded modifications, accepts carrier signed ROMs. You may need to be using T-Mobile version of the bootloader, for it to accept T-Mobile signed images.
Will the unlocked S20 Ultra work with Tmobile Wifi calling?
Hi,
Not sure but here's my history:
Bought an unlocked S9Plus from Samsung, had issues with WiFi calling on tmobile, never got it working.
So when S10 Plus came out I bought the Tmobile version from Samsung, everything works great.
So I just ordered the s20Plus from Samsung but the Tmobile version to make sure all is well with WiFi
and Tmobile's 5G systems. After a month or so I call Tmobile and get it unlocked, so no problem there.
Just safer to get all the Tmobile crap on there to be safe, also no issues with voicemail to text app either.
Ken
steelersmb said:
Will the unlocked S20 Ultra work with Tmobile Wifi calling?
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WIFI calling may not work I've been told. I just ordered a S20 + unlocked that I plan to use on Verizon. I would have gotten the carrier specific except I am buying it out right and would only get $300 trade in on my S10+ unless I used Verizon financing.
I refuse to do that so I went with the unlocked and got my $600 trade in. If I have bad problems I can always send it back and get the branded one.
My concern wasn't WIFI calling or VoLTE I had to make sure Mobile hotspot and MMS will work and I have been told they will.
I don't use the other features, so they don't matter to me.
So I have the unlocked S10 I use on TMobile work's beautiful and the s20 should as well I can even use wifi calling like you questioned which I hope carries over as well but I'm assuming it should I'll know in about 4-5 days
yeah every unlocked phone I have used on Tmobile wifi Volte has always worked, that`s why I stick with Tmobile, ATT sucked for unlocked phones....... except for the pixels, anything else wifi calling and VOLTE would`nt work.
As soon as I put my t-mobile sim in my U1 it re-starts and installs wifi calling feature. Just confirming it does work
steelersmb said:
Will the unlocked S20 Ultra work with Tmobile Wifi calling?
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Working fine on my S20+
Wi-Fi calling usually works on the unlocked Samsung phones, it's the in-dialer video calling that doesn't. Also, T-Mobile's implementation of RCS in the messages app doesn't work with the unlocked phones. It's usually very easy to flash the T-Mobile firmware using Odin on the unlocked model. That way you get all the carrier specific features. Make sure to boot your phone on the unlocked firmware (with the TMO SIM inserted) before you flash over to the carrier specific firmware. It's known to cause issues if you don't.
effortless said:
Wi-Fi calling usually works on the unlocked Samsung phones, it's the in-dialer video calling that doesn't. Also, T-Mobile's implementation of RCS in the messages app doesn't work with the unlocked phones. It's usually very easy to flash the T-Mobile firmware using Odin on the unlocked model. That way you get all the carrier specific features. Make sure to boot your phone on the unlocked firmware (with the TMO SIM inserted) before you flash over to the carrier specific firmware. It's known to cause issues if you don't.
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Do you know if the same thing works for Verizon? In other words, can an unlocked Galaxy S20 be flashed with Verizon firmware in order to enjoy any Verizon specific features, but still enjoy being bootloader unlocked and rooted?
cognitivedissonance said:
Do you know if the same thing works for Verizon? In other words, can an unlocked Galaxy S20 be flashed with Verizon firmware in order to enjoy any Verizon specific features, but still enjoy being bootloader unlocked and rooted?
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You can't be bootloader unlocked and rooted since Samsung does not allow you to unlock the bootloader in the US for any carrier. If you're referring to Exynos phones, you can't flash those with the US (unlocked or carrier) firmware. For US phones, you can only flash the US unlocked to any of the US carrier firmware or the carrier phones to the US unlocked firmware.
You can find the firmware here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...g986u-g986u1-firmware-links-flashing-t4054629
effortless said:
Wi-Fi calling usually works on the unlocked Samsung phones, it's the in-dialer video calling that doesn't. Also, T-Mobile's implementation of RCS in the messages app doesn't work with the unlocked phones. It's usually very easy to flash the T-Mobile firmware using Odin on the unlocked model. That way you get all the carrier specific features. Make sure to boot your phone on the unlocked firmware (with the TMO SIM inserted) before you flash over to the carrier specific firmware. It's known to cause issues if you don't.
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I heard about this was thinking if I could flash T-Mobile on the unlocked version will it remain unlocked? Or should I just use Google messages RCS
Franzferdinan51 said:
I heard about this was thinking if I could flash T-Mobile on the unlocked version will it remain unlocked? Or should I just use Google messages RCS
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It's a very easy process and it will not "lock" your phone. You can flash back and forth with no issues.
T-Mobile RCS shows users who are on with a blue dot next to the contact name. It is also different than the Google RCS. If you want to use Google RCS, then everyone you message also needs to use Google Messages in order to take advantage of it. It's up to you if you choose to do it, but if you use T-Mobile and your friends and family do too, it might be worth it.
EDIT: Also if your phone is carrier SIM locked, flashing an unlocked firmware will not unlock it for use on other carriers.