Develop Bugs

Which version, AT&T or Unlocked?

Hi all.
I'm sporting a Galaxy S3 and I believe it's time for an upgrade. I've been considering the Note 4 and it looks like a great phone. I was wondering, however, which version I should get. I'm on AT&T and the price for the phone is $845. I looked around a bit and unlocked versions of this phone are about $550. I would get the benefit of mobile insurance, should I want it, from AT&T, and maybe some support with them if the unit is faulty for some reason. But I'm not sure if it's worth the price difference. Why are the prices so different? And what are the differences between the AT&T version and the unlocked version?
Thank you in advance.

I'm happy with the Note 4 on AT&T, even without root, but if you can hold out, there's rumor that the Note 5 will drop in July. Also rumored is that it will have SD card slot.
Remember, the AT&T version is still unable to be permanently rooted nearly 9 months after release, so if that matters to you, stay away from it.

I got too tired of waiting for perm root/bootloader unlock soooo.....

I got a nexus 6. Traded it for my Note 4, plus the guy gave me 50 bucks. So that sweetened the deal for me. Overall I'm very happy with the trade, especially because I have an unlocked bootloader and can put any rom I want on it. So happy beyond belief. I'm sorry to anyone still stuck on their ATT note 4. It was pure boredom for me. Wish everyone on this forum luck, and it was fun while it lasted with you guys!

yacopsae said:
I got a nexus 6. Traded it for my Note 4, plus the guy gave me 50 bucks. So that sweetened the deal for me. Overall I'm very happy with the trade, especially because I have an unlocked bootloader and can put any rom I want on it. So happy beyond belief. I'm sorry to anyone still stuck on their ATT note 4. It was pure boredom for me. Wish everyone on this forum luck, and it was fun while it lasted with you guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel l ya.
Personally, I won't own a Nexus. I need a top notch camera, and it just falls short.
But between the Note 5 lacking expandable memory, I have chosen to go with the LV V10 (when released) as my next phone, even though I love the Note line. And, of course, AT&T will not ever be in my carrier line again.

This video had some pretty nifty tips to address the battery and expandable memory issues in the note 5 - https://youtu.be/lFyZ5YyAsk4..
Everyone carries a battery pack anyway and I've personally not replaced the battery on note 4 since I bought it last year..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

I'm happy for you. Personally I will never buy another Samsung phone again from AT&T. If they want government contracts that much then go right ahead. I'm going to definitely get new LG V10 when it comes out but hoping that the bootloader isn't locked and that I can at least put in a 128gb micr sd memory card. With Samsung doing what they did to make the S6 more like the Note series it's safe to say that the Galaxy Note series is officially dead. It's crazy how Samsung sacrificed their best selling line of phones for another line of phones that fail every year in sales and customer satisfaction. You would have thought that the Galaxy Note series would've became Samsung's new flagship phone. Wish I still had my Note 3 cause it was rooted but I'm stuck now with the Note 4. LG V10 or an iPhone cause those are my only options.
Sent from my SM-P900 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

nktwister said:
This video had some pretty nifty tips to address the battery and expandable memory issues in the note 5 - https://youtu.be/lFyZ5YyAsk4..
Everyone carries a battery pack anyway and I've personally not replaced the battery on note 4 since I bought it last year..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couple things.
First, placing your pictures in Google, according to their policy you agree to when you use it, allows them to use any of those pictures for advertisement of their products or services. And they can do so without your permission, since you agree to it by using them to store your pics. Frankly, I'm not too keen on that one.
Also, since I listen to a lot of music, but get songs from different sources, Google Music is not an option since you can't listen to songs through them that was not purchased through them.
Music & pictures/camera are my primary concerns when buying a new phone, and I use a lot of space for them. On my Note 4, I've got a 128gb card with a 32gb phone, and I'm down to 12 gigs on the card and 6 on the phone. But personally, I love having everything I want at my fingertips without using external storage or needing to be around a signal.

Kamau54 said:
Google Music is not an option since you can't listen to songs through them that was not purchased through them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a die hard Google music user. I uploaded my entire music collection to Google. Over 100 gigs total. None of it was purchased through google. I stream it every day from their app without problems.

yacopsae said:
I got a nexus 6. Traded it for my Note 4, plus the guy gave me 50 bucks. So that sweetened the deal for me. Overall I'm very happy with the trade, especially because I have an unlocked bootloader and can put any rom I want on it. So happy beyond belief. I'm sorry to anyone still stuck on their ATT note 4. It was pure boredom for me. Wish everyone on this forum luck, and it was fun while it lasted with you guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With 5.1.1 the note 4 is a brand new phone ?, i am actually liking the phone and functionality. It's smooth and just feels good to use. If you haven't updated you need to, update to the 5.1.1 on att totally worth the trouble.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

So, Im with you guys on this... I CANNOT use an unrooted phone. Problem is, I also MUST have a stylus with pin point precision... Can anyone help me out bc I cant find a single device (NO APPLE) that has one besides the note line! I would go back to my Note 2 if the screen wassnt smashed... Are their ANY options for my needs? TIA!

Find a t-mobile version of the Note 4, unlock it and use it on AT&T. It's rootable and flashable.

jack man said:
Find a t-mobile version of the Note 4, unlock it and use it on AT&T. It's rootable and flashable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I am going to do.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using xda premium

jack man said:
Find a t-mobile version of the Note 4, unlock it and use it on AT&T. It's rootable and flashable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the specs for both, it looks like they're MOSTLY identical...except that AT&T and T-Mo have most, but not all, of the same frequencies for UMTS and LTE bands. Everything seems the same, except:
AT&T
UMTS 900 (Band 8)​LTE 2600 (Band 7)​T-Mobile
UMTS 1700/2100 (Band 4)​LTE 900 (Band 8)​LTE 1800 (Band 3)​
Are the frequencies that AT&T and T-Mo share, those frequencies that they both use most commonly, and the above frequencies are mostly just for increasing available bandwidth for their respective networks? Or is it possible that either of them might use only the above bands, in some areas?

I have no idea about frequency stuff. All I know is that I've read on here about people getting the t-mobile version specifically because the AT&T version is not rootable.

Frequencies Matter
jack man said:
I have no idea about frequency stuff. All I know is that I've read on here about people getting the t-mobile version specifically because the AT&T version is not rootable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the frequencies between AT&T and T-Mobile are different and do matter when it comes to data. You will not be able to get access to all towers LTE tech unless the phone has the proper hardware in it. It will limit your 4G usage but you could at least have a rooted phone. You kind of have to pick your poison in that regards.

Schramx4 said:
Yes, the frequencies between AT&T and T-Mobile are different and do matter when it comes to data. You will not be able to get access to all towers LTE tech unless the phone has the proper hardware in it. It will limit your 4G usage but you could at least have a rooted phone. You kind of have to pick your poison in that regards.
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Click to collapse
I hope the other guy sees this, then. I'm not in the market to swap phones. I'm fine on my stock AT&T note 4. This makes sense, though.

Schramx4 said:
Yes, the frequencies between AT&T and T-Mobile are different and do matter when it comes to data. You will not be able to get access to all towers LTE tech unless the phone has the proper hardware in it. It will limit your 4G usage but you could at least have a rooted phone. You kind of have to pick your poison in that regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, from what I could tell, if pdadb.net and wikipedia have their respective info correct (and current), the only frequencies the T-Mobile version doesn't have, that the AT&T version has, are frequencies that aren't even used by any U.S. carriers. According to pdadb.net, the frequencies the AT&T version can use, that aren't available on the T-Mobile Note 4 are UMTS 900 (Band 8), and LTE 2600 (Band 7). According to this Wikipedia article, the LTE2600 band isn't in use anywhere in the US. It's used in Canada, but I don't anticipate visiting there, or anywhere else outside of the US, any time soon. (There's another article that shows similar info about the UMTS900 band, but that's even less relevant.)
So, it looks like I'm looking for a T-Mobile Note 4, if I can find one for cheap, that's not too scratched up, or anything.

I just gave up on my att note 4. Switched to the T-mobile version.
Sent from my SM-N910T using xda premium

Gave my wife the Note 4 cause she broke her Lg G Pro. Had to use my Nexus 4 for a week. I kind of like the small form factor. Any ways..picked up a Lg G3 off ebay for $150 bucks like new. Enjoying custom roms!
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

Picked up a T-mobile note 5 on BF and traded an old iPhone for it.. Adios to my note 4 soon!
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

nktwister said:
Picked up a T-mobile note 5 on BF and traded an old iPhone for it.. Adios to my note 4 soon!
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's bf

Namorbrowneyes said:
What's bf
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Black Friday

Rootable Phones for Verizon

Just curious... What are some Rootable Phones for Verizon with Custom Rom support? I'm looking to move on from the Note 4.. What do you guys Recommend? Thanks

Majority of phones are escpecially flagship devices look up the model with the word root at the end make sure whatever u find is for your model and your Android version then follow root instructions EXACTLY
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA Free mobile app

Stay away from the Note 4. Its locked down tight, there will be no root.

Keep an eye on this thread and you could possibly buy a Note 4 Developer Edition. You'd have to buy it outright but it'd be worth it. That's how I got mine. If you buy from Verizon or another retail outlet you'll end up paying full price over time anyway. There is no better phone than the N4DE.

bigduke$ said:
Majority of phones are escpecially flagship devices look up the model with the word root at the end make sure whatever u find is for your model and your Android version then follow root instructions EXACTLY
Sent from my Nexus 5X using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really useful. The majority have HAD root on lower firmware, ie: note 3.
What would be useful to know is what phones have MAINTAINED root throughout all OTA.
Locked bootloadet is a different story. Almost impossible with all phones after Note 2.

Telemachus said:
Not really useful. The majority have HAD root on lower firmware, ie: note 3.
What would be useful to know is what phones have MAINTAINED root throughout all OTA.
Locked bootloadet is a different story. Almost impossible with all phones after Note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I abandoned 5 verizon lines over the VZW note 4
In my area of the country, T-mobile signal is great, and all their flagships are rootable/rom-able, even the ones that dont have root on other carriers (ATT, Sprint). Note 5 is rooted, rommed on T-mo, not on VZW. I am really sorry to see that; all my old pals after 10 years on verizon are locked out of their phones. I couldn't stand it anymore.
I hope things work out for you. Some folks can't easily switch; or dont want to, and I'm not trying to sell a fanboy stance- just sharing what I had to do to get what I actually wanted to pay for.

steven.rn said:
I abandoned 5 verizon lines over the VZW note 4
In my area of the country, T-mobile signal is great, and all their flagships are rootable/rom-able, even the ones that dont have root on other carriers (ATT, Sprint). Note 5 is rooted, rommed on T-mo, not on VZW. I am really sorry to see that; all my old pals after 10 years on verizon are locked out of their phones. I couldn't stand it anymore.
I hope things work out for you. Some folks can't easily switch; or dont want to, and I'm not trying to sell a fanboy stance- just sharing what I had to do to get what I actually wanted to pay for.
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Click to collapse
I hear you. With five UDP lines, Verizon has me around its pinky. I must play its game, and bend over and take its locked down phones, as they have me addicted to their LTE crack and unlimited hotspot.
Nexus phones, DE phones, and XDA are the silver lining.
Once UDP gets officially killed, it's off to an MVNO.
But here is my list of known rootable phones:
GS3 on latest firmware
Note 2 on latest firmware (4.4.2)
Note 3 ONLY prior to 4.4.4
GS5 on 5.0 (need to downgrade to KK)
And phones I have with NO root.
Note 4 on any firmware
Note 5
V10
Note 3 on 4.4.4

Telemachus said:
Nexus phones, DE phones, and XDA are the silver lining.
But here is my list of known rootable phones:
GS3 on latest firmware
Note 2 on latest firmware (4.4.2)
Note 3 ONLY prior to 4.4.4
GS5 on 5.0 (need to downgrade to KK)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To add to this, the Moto X Pure.

raduque said:
To add to this, the Moto X Pure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it goes without saying that DE and Pure phones are rootable.
I think a list of retail phones with root is what this thread should be about.

Telemachus said:
I think it goes without saying that DE and Pure phones are rootable.
I think a list of retail phones with root is what this thread should be about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lg g4 has root on latest ota

Telemachus said:
I hear you. With five UDP lines, Verizon has me around its pinky. I must play its game, and bend over and take its locked down phones, as they have me addicted to their LTE crack and unlimited hotspot.
Nexus phones, DE phones, and XDA are the silver lining.
Once UDP gets officially killed, it's off to an MVNO.
But here is my list of known rootable phones:
GS3 on latest firmware
Note 2 on latest firmware (4.4.2)
Note 3 ONLY prior to 4.4.4
GS5 on 5.0 (need to downgrade to KK)
And phones I have with NO root.
Note 4 on any firmware
Note 5
V10
Note 3 on 4.4.4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat brother. I've tried the v10 but I'm addicted to Viper4Android and do pentesting. Root is a mandatory for me.
The thing that pisses me off about Verizon is I should be able to use my Hardware to its full capacity and potential given that I paid for the Hardware in full and I'm not on a monthly payment plan. I think Verizon's rationale is for customer safety, however people who know how to root their phone know how to protect their phone. I can compare it to Cable television.... I refuse to buy Cable because I don't want to pay to watch advertisements. I think it's absurd that these companies can charge you for data or television and then use your own money in way that you did not approve of. Its like bloat for phones or popup advertisements from verizon to buy more upgrades/roadside freaking assistance. I didn't approve of my data to be used by verizon to sell me stuff. My usage in terms of the things transmitted to my phone should be a one way street... nothing should come to my phone that I didn't ask for including Verizon's various pop up services for premium voicemail excetera.
In my opinion its unauthorized use of the things that I paid for and I own. And its stupid that I cant utilize my 600 dollar phone to its potential when I've paid for all services software and hardware.
but Verizon's full of a bunch of sh!t heads anyways that's why either workers are on strike.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA-Developers mobile app

This would be good info if it was updated as Verizon phones gain root. I have the Moto Z, bought it before checking XDA, now i'm kicking myself in the ass! Sad thing though, is none of the other Verizon phones even appealed to me, minus the LG G5, but that one i don't think even has root yet either.

I have the LG v10 and rooted but no bootload3r unlock. Now that the note 4 is rootable and the bootload3r can be unlocked, I'm scrapping my v10 and buying the note 4 retail.
Sent from my VS990 using Tapatalk

Note 4 king of the verizon hill for power users hands down.

For rooting and bootloader unlocking there isn't a Verizon phone better suited than the Nexus 6P. Better than the note 4.

Spookymyo said:
For rooting and bootloader unlocking there isn't a Verizon phone better suited than the Nexus 6P. Better than the note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe. But I can replace my battery, insert a SD card and have the S-Pen. The Nexus 6P will get Nougat and whatever will follow while the Note 4 will only get security updates.

douger1957 said:
Maybe. But I can replace my battery, insert a SD card and have the S-Pen. The Nexus 6P will get Nougat and whatever will follow while the Note 4 will only get security updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus 6p will only get whatever update you allow it. I never take updates when I root. Plus I never stay with the stock ROM. I use CM13. With the Nexus having 128gb of space there's no issues with space but I will agree it needs a swappable battery.

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

Bootloader Locked?

Has anyone actually physically checked? I saw the Samsung chats, but nothing officially stating they are or are not locked.

Yes, FRP lock is on and no option to turn it off anywhere like on the Exynos model.

I don't see why samsung, and if not them the companies, have to be dicks about this and screw over their US clients.

Interceptor777 said:
Yes, FRP lock is on and no option to turn it off anywhere like on the Exynos model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is shame. One of the reasons that I switched to Tmobile was because their Samsung phones always had unlocked bootloaders.

I learned my lesson with the s7 edge and didn't buy the phone right away this time around. My Note 7 with root was amazing, but we all know what happen with it.

aggieranch said:
It is shame. One of the reasons that I switched to Tmobile was because their Samsung phones always had unlocked bootloaders.
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Click to collapse
I feel your pain. I switched from at&t for that very same reason and now all us models have locked bootloaders, but with all the customization you could do to these phones rooting and flashing isn't really necessary for me anymore. I just like the phone all around. It's a great phone. [emoji4]
Sent from my SM-G955U using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Cancelled my T-Mobile pre-order awhile ago for this reason! Ordered the Exynos international model so that I can continue to enjoy unlocked on XDA!

galaxys said:
Cancelled my T-Mobile pre-order awhile ago for this reason! Ordered the Exynos international model so that I can continue to enjoy unlocked on XDA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you won't be getting early updates and you may suffer when the gigabit network comes although don't quote me on that.

bossei said:
But you won't be getting early updates and you may suffer when the gigabit network comes although don't quote me on that.
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Lol... its a well known fact that the international devices get faster and more frequent updates than US or Canadian devices ever will.
I was laughing at all the guys on US/ Can s7s whining about no update to nougat..i had nougat on my international S7 edge mos before they did.
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6

I had both TMobile branded S7 edges and international models as well. I found that I actually preferred the TMobile version for volte, rcs messaging, native video calling and a few more small percs. Yeah the international models was bootloader unlockable and had faster updates but I had to do so many work arounds to get it close to how I wanted and yet it still never did. I could have rooted and got everything I wanted but I actually use Samsung Pay and that'd kill that. To each their own. I also recall the TMobile S7 edge and note 7's having a locked bootloader​ still eventually got root.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+

Rydah805 said:
I had both TMobile branded S7 edges and international models as well. I found that I actually preferred the TMobile version for volte, rcs messaging, native video calling and a few more small percs. Yeah the international models was bootloader unlockable and had faster updates but I had to do so many work arounds to get it close to how I wanted and yet it still never did. I could have rooted and got everything I wanted but I actually use Samsung Pay and that'd kill that. To each their own. I also recall the TMobile S7 edge and note 7's having a locked bootloader​ still eventually got root.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+
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True the international versions lack some features but depending on your use they may or may not matter..for me I could care less about any of those so no biggie but others may need them.
Id rather have root,twrp and roms etc
The root on the s7 and note 7 snaps was via leaked engineering firmware and it wasnt ideal...buggy, slow and just a general pain to deal with.
Sent from my Note 7, S7 Edge or S6

Rydah805 said:
I had both TMobile branded S7 edges and international models as well. I found that I actually preferred the TMobile version for volte, rcs messaging, native video calling and a few more small percs. Yeah the international models was bootloader unlockable and had faster updates but I had to do so many work arounds to get it close to how I wanted and yet it still never did. I could have rooted and got everything I wanted but I actually use Samsung Pay and that'd kill that. To each their own. I also recall the TMobile S7 edge and note 7's having a locked bootloader​ still eventually got root.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+
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Yep, I had the s7 edge and rooted it but it wasn't the same as when I had the T-Mobile version of the phone. It was a pain. These phones are great and I rather use it to its fullest. I also use android pay and want to use samsung pay so for me I'm good without unlocked billiards for now. I have a bunch of phones I have rooted that I can get my flashaholic tendency out. Lol. My pixel gives me that pure android feel so having a vendor feel is ok with me. I will be going back and fourth. I also don't know how having an international version will affect the gigabit network update when it comes out.

Rydah805 said:
I had both TMobile branded S7 edges and international models as well. I found that I actually preferred the TMobile version for volte, rcs messaging, native video calling and a few more small percs. Yeah the international models was bootloader unlockable and had faster updates but I had to do so many work arounds to get it close to how I wanted and yet it still never did. I could have rooted and got everything I wanted but I actually use Samsung Pay and that'd kill that. To each their own. I also recall the TMobile S7 edge and note 7's having a locked bootloader​ still eventually got root.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S8+
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I got the international s7 edge and volte, WiFi calling work great with csc utility 2.3.5 for it
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers Legacy app

king3opobn said:
I got the international s7 edge and volte, WiFi calling work great with csc utility 2.3.5 for it
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers Legacy app
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same here
not sure what he's talking about
skipping the T mobile one again
waiting on swappa price to go down a bit
someone sold one for 700 new and i misssed that

force70 said:
Lol... its a well known fact that the international devices get faster and more frequent updates than US or Canadian devices ever will.
I was laughing at all the guys on US/ Can s7s whining about no update to nougat..i had nougat on my international S7 edge mos before they did.
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Click to collapse
You get what you choose. I chose a carrier model because it is superior in network quality. I can't root my primary phone anymore because my work policies flag rooted phones automatically and I stop syncing. For my playground, I have Pixel XL. Fastest updates, unlocked everything. For a reliable phone I have TMobile S8+. Like i said, you get what you pay for and pick up.

I mean hey sure the bootloader is locked, but once the right person gets one of these in their hands Im sure there will be an exploit. Just gotta wait patiently good things come to those who wait!

jakobkay said:
I mean hey sure the bootloader is locked, but once the right person gets one of these in their hands Im sure there will be an exploit. Just gotta wait patiently good things come to those who wait!
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While it is software written by humans and anything is possible. S7 never got an unlocked bootloader. We got root with the eng_boot.imgs, but never an unlocked bl.
But I'm holding hope. The community is full of extremely clever people.

Really sucks, I recall the heyday of the Galaxy Note II and SIII, man back then there were like 200 ROM's out, Touchwiz, AOSP, CyanogenMod, etc... Root and Recovery available the first week the phones released.
And I'm talking the U.S. carrier phones too. Not just the international.
And then they all stopped after the Galaxy S4 came out. They released a firmware and locked the **** down like a Navy sub going deep. Note 3 too LOCKED. And forever the good days long gone.
Except the T-Mobile Note 5 was rooted and ROM. But that was a freak rarity.
Now root and recovery are things of dreams for Galaxy phones.
---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:16 PM ----------
Whole reason I moved to T-Mobile two years ago, was for the unlocked bootloaders that T-Mo was famous for, even when Verizon and ATT didn't allow that anymore. The Galaxy Note 5 was their last unlocked phone, since then, the S7, and Note7 were LOCKED, and looks like the S8 is too.
Glory days are gone.
Almost like the Jailbreak scene, which has faded bad, and there's only a stable JB released maybe once a year or every 18 months.