Develop Bugs

[Q] How to unlock Note 4 from Sprint

Hello:
I have a note 4 from sprint and needs to be unlocked to be used with a different Carrier
Can you please advise how to be able to do this ? additionally how can remove the sprint start up and sprint apps ?

ali.sulaiman1980 said:
Hello:
I have a note 4 from sprint and needs to be unlocked to be used with a different Carrier
Can you please advise how to be able to do this ? additionally how can remove the sprint start up and sprint apps ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on what carrier you are planing to use it? You cannot use sprint Galaxy note 4 on domestic GSM carriers like AT&T, T-mobile and their MVNOs (Straighttalk , etc). The phone can be unlocked for international GSM use (voice and 3G only, not LTE). Internationla unlock can be done officially through Sprint or unofficially via app in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...print-samsung-unlocker-unlock-sprint-t2928250

My question is how did you come across a Sprint Note 4? Did you not do your homework before acquiring the Sprint Note 4? Maybe you somehow got the phone for free? Why would somebody actually pay for a nice phone (released only a month or so ago) without knowing if it will work on a completely different network/carrier... then turn around and look for help on how to activate it on a GSM carrier? This makes no sense to me.

Im curious too.
Can a Sprint phone be unlocked and set up for use on ANY other carrier in the USA,
ie: Verizon?

No no no
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

I am pretty sure that if the phone had a clean ESN that you can activate it on Ting Mobile. I have also saw a thread where someone had flashed a T-Mobile Rom to the Sprint note 4 but they where not getting LTE of course I'm sure in time someone will come out with something stable.

tx_dbs_tx said:
My question is how did you come across a Sprint Note 4? Did you not do your homework before acquiring the Sprint Note 4? Maybe you somehow got the phone for free? Why would somebody actually pay for a nice phone (released only a month or so ago) without knowing if it will work on a completely different network/carrier... then turn around and look for help on how to activate it on a GSM carrier? This makes no sense to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off topic here.
I came up for upgrade in June. I was gonna go Nexus 5 and then the Nexus 6 rumors started to fly. So I waited and along came the Note 4. After much research I ended up with arguably the best phone on the planet. Imo it is.

Unlock Code
I am in Canada, got this as xmas gift from my father in law

You can root and try Galaxy Tools 4 root users https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.idone.galaxymenu
Or you can use this app from the S5 thread you don't need root with this app http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2928250
Hope this helps a little
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

sliverr7x said:
No no no
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...Sprint phones can ONLY be used on Sprint carrier here is the good 'ol U,S of A???..
if unlocked, then another Sprint user can use it.. but other carriers?? correct???
Once Sprint, Always Sprint???
thanks...

jimmbomb said:
So...Sprint phones can ONLY be used on Sprint carrier here is the good 'ol U,S of A???..
if unlocked, then another Sprint user can use it.. but other carriers?? correct???
Once Sprint, Always Sprint???
thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which question would you like answered?

xxSTARBUCKSxx said:
Which question would you like answered?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about you answer what you can. Starbucks
see. I just answered your question,
so take a stab at answering too...
even if its a wrong answer, id like to hear .
thanks

jimmbomb said:
So...Sprint phones can ONLY be used on Sprint carrier here is the good 'ol U,S of A???..
if unlocked, then another Sprint user can use it.. but other carriers?? correct???
Once Sprint, Always Sprint???
thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. No
2. Customers can switch devices by calling on a different phone to CS or going into store and switch devices, no unlocking necessary.
3. Just switch Sim cards and edit and tweak where necessary or pay someone if you dont know how.
4. Correct, but no unlocking necessary.
5. That depends on the person.

Thank you for your answers

sliverr7x said:
No no no
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes yes yes it can be used with other carriers in the USA. Are people forgetting about flashing of modems and firmware. What decade are we in 1960? Our maybe 1950 when phone were still two way radios. Remember sprint can't stop everything Samsung does in making their phone. Ask the right questions to right people get right answer. If someone in XDA hasn't figured it out yet just wait & keep on looking. XDA is also not the only place to look for answers to everything Samsung, sometimes Samsung is were to look or Samsung blogs. All I hear is everyone that talks about Samsung first thing everyone says is it CAN'T be done. When are the tech, crackers, & hackers of this world going to stop saying everything is impossible & realize we are the ones that make everything possible. If we are going to do that why do we become techs or crackers or hackers or even developers in the every first place?.... LET'S STOP PUTTING LIMITS ON OU OURSELVES & SHOW SPRING WHAT WE CAN DO! Sprint is not GODZ. We created what sprint & Every carrier in the world uses to try to put limitations one everyone with. Are we going to let the carriers use or phones against us or are we going to use them the way the phone manufactures wanted the phones to be used ( without restrictions of the carriers of the world.)

after unlocking your sprint device you can only use it with carriers outside the USA. If you are planning to use it with local sim cards after unlocking like at&t and t-mobile (gsm) then you cannot.

rscooldesire said:
after unlocking your sprint device you can only use it with carriers outside the USA. If you are planning to use it with local sim cards after unlocking like at&t and t-mobile (gsm) then you cannot.
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Click to collapse
Umm if its not under payments u can

Yep once the phone is paid for per new laws that went active in Feb or March if you ask the carrier to domestic unlock your phone they are required to do it by law. Some models this will not be possible but the note 4 should. I think the carriers have a grace period to make this available. Not sure how long. I could quote the legislation but Id have to search for it.
Sent from my SM-N910P using XDA Free mobile app

B to the S. If you can unlock a 720t a note 4 can be unlocked!! Period!! It picks up signal just no antenna for that signal because the phone antenna is tuned in the wrong station or radius degree. I think if the people who can unlock 720t s can try the same methods with busy box or Verizon modems. Like guy said earlier " Si se puede"!! It can be done!! Just need to tweak frequency angles and remove face security options a little.

By law you can have it unlocked for a limited time, but that will not make the LTE radio magically work on your carriers band unless they support the same band. Or unless you know someone who can JTAG flash the radio to another carrier as well you will not be able to use the LTE/DATA band on a carrier that does not support the frequency. This is nothing something that can be done over USB or by a new kernel. This will have to be done with JTAG and by someone who has access to the various carriers radio firmware which is tightly guarded. So basically you will be using a Note 4 on 3G only. Might as well just sign up with SPRINT then, you will get the same service speed.

Can US model unlocked Note 8 from Samsung be 'converted' to a Verizon branded Note 8?

Please accept my apologies if this has been asked/answered ad nausem, but after searching the forums I still don't have a clear answer.
As the title suggests, I want to know if it's possible to convert the Note 8 I purchased from Samsung into the version that Verizon sells in the US? Is there a process I can follow to reinstall the ROM on this with the Verizon version to include the bootloader so that it has the exact same image, bootloader, software, etc. as if it were purchased as a Verizon branded phone?
If there isn't a process I can follow, by chance can a Verizon Wireless corporate store do this?
I've been a Verizon Wireless customer over 10 years and have always purchased their branded phones, however with this Note 8 I decided to go with the unlocked version from Samsung directly and now I'm thinking I should've went with the Verizon version. Hoping there's a way to put the complete Verizon build onto this phone.

See this link:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...m-n950u-u1-t3685884/post74087340#post74087340
It's a bit involved but once everything is downloaded only takes ~30 minutes.
Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

I would stay unlocked. Verizon has a lot of features locked out for no reason like device manager.

avengethis1 said:
I would stay unlocked. Verizon has a lot of features locked out for no reason like device manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the unlocked version from Samsung and I am on Verizon as well. I just downloaded the official Verizon Note 8 firmware and flashed it to the phone with Odin. It's really simple but it does erase the phone. If you want to go back to the unlocked firmware you can flash that with Odin as well. P.S., you do need know what you are doing when it comes to using Odin, but a little reading and you'll be good to go.

droidnew said:
I bought the unlocked version from Samsung and I am on Verizon as well. I just downloaded the official Verizon Note 8 firmware and flashed it to the phone with Odin. It's really simple but it does erase the phone. If you want to go back to the unlocked firmware you can flash that with Odin as well. P.S., you do need know what you are doing when it comes to using Odin, but a little reading and you'll be good to go.
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Click to collapse
Any difference in battery life

wcr84 said:
Any difference in battery life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't noticed any difference at all.

Does wifi calling work on Verizon?

Verizon version has new LAA LTE band 46. Unlocked version doesn't have this band.

seemcity said:
Verizon version has new LAA LTE band 46. Unlocked version doesn't have this band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What benefit do Verizon customers receive by using this band? And are Verizon customers already on this band?
Developers don't need no stinkin' signature!
If I've been able to help you, please hit the "Thanks" button. *
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

This band is not yet available on Verizon, but it will be used when Verizon activates Gigabits LTE.

seemcity said:
Verizon version has new LAA LTE band 46. Unlocked version doesn't have this band.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that a difference in the hardware, or the firmware?
I.e. will you be able to flash an Unlocked phone with Verizon firmware and use Band 46?

I have note 8 unlocked. I flashed Verizon firmware and have band 46. I checked band selection in service menu, band 46 has a star next to it. It means that this will be usable when Verizon activates it. Unlocked firmware doesn't have band 46.

I have unbranded from Sammy also. The only thing I am having issues with respect to VZW is the video calling and premium visual voicemail. In another thread so guy seems to have got it working, but for some reason I can't. Any help? Thanks
Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

skinnytoo2 said:
I have unbranded from Sammy also. The only thing I am having issues with respect to VZW is the video calling and premium visual voicemail. In another thread so guy seems to have got it working, but for some reason I can't. Any help? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash Verizon or Xfinity firmware if you want carrier function
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/how-to/guide-sm-n950u-u1-t3685884/page51
Go to OP...post 1

Yeah I saw that, looks extremely complex. I'm not sure I can handle it. Lol
Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

skinnytoo2 said:
Yeah I saw that, looks extremely complex. I'm not sure I can handle it. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's easy enough...step by step...flash carrier though...not the whole thing lol

I also bought an unlocked Note 8 from Samsung. Only now I have not voicemail notification and no way to receive my voicemail except by *86. I went weeks waiting for voicemail notification to show up, then when I called *86 I discovered I had messages that were over a month old. Verizon said there was no way to get voicemail from my phone since I didn't buy it from them, and Samsung said I had to have a Verizon phone. Any help?

HTCJimmy said:
I also bought an unlocked Note 8 from Samsung. Only now I have not voicemail notification and no way to receive my voicemail except by *86. I went weeks waiting for voicemail notification to show up, then when I called *86 I discovered I had messages that were over a month old. Verizon said there was no way to get voicemail from my phone since I didn't buy it from them, and Samsung said I had to have a Verizon phone. Any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem, what I did, I install Instavoice from playstore..

HTCJimmy said:
I also bought an unlocked Note 8 from Samsung. Only now I have not voicemail notification and no way to receive my voicemail except by *86. I went weeks waiting for voicemail notification to show up, then when I called *86 I discovered I had messages that were over a month old. Verizon said there was no way to get voicemail from my phone since I didn't buy it from them, and Samsung said I had to have a Verizon phone. Any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google voice....or flash carrier Firmware

Hi there. I did create a post for someone else, ill post the link here.
It's for STOCK Verizon or Unlock US N950U or N950W.
I did the test with all US CARRIER firmware and everything works 100%.
Hi there. You'll need to have your Note 8 Bootloader version on level 2, meaning 2BQK2, 2BQJA or anything with 2 before the last 4 digits.
1) tmobile SIM card in device
2) Odin v3.12.7 make sure extract
3) 2BQK2 firmware extract all files
4) put all 4 set of firmware files in the right manner, bl,ap,cp and csc. Don't used home-csc only CSC.
Odin and firmware https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=673791459329067572 2BQK2
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=962157660013069130 2BQL5
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1bR...u92cktT_f8hIYp
Unlock firmware
1) any carrier SIM card
2) Odin v3.12.5 Prince Comsey or modified Odin, make sure extract
3) 2BQK1 firmware, extract all files.
4) put all 4 set of firmware files in the right manner, bl,ap,cp and csc. Don't used home-csc only CSC
Odin and firmware https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=745849072291691586 2BQK1
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=817906626617955896 2BQL2
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Lw...oqy692ClZ36n4U
First instructions is for if you want stock US CARRIER BLOATWARE FIRMWARE, second instructions is if you want SAMSUNG STOCK FIRMWARE. Follow steps and everything will be fine, happy flashing.
---------- Post added at 05:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:00 AM ----------
I did heard about Gigabit 4G LTE from Verizon for last month release, but no show yet. I don't bother with the video calls and Visual voicemail, Verizon firmware don't have Samsung cloud, I'm losing too much other stuff to used. All I used is stock Samsung firmware, if Verizon had the cloud no problem, but they don't. Better performance on U1 firmware anywhere and white pages id which is better than what the carriers offer.

T-Mobile Firmware on Sprint phone?

Hello, I'm wondering if anyone has tried this. Obviously, the bootloader would need to be unlocked.

It works but doesn't. You'll still be locked to Sprint and the T-Mobile ROM will see that and you won't get service until you unlock the SIM. Other than that, it seemed okay when I tested it. Only tried it for a quick 15 minute boot though... Tested my flat mate's T-Mobile sim and my Sprint sim. Both wouldn't work.

Actually, I forgot to mention that Sprint has already SIM unlocked my phone. Knowing that, I could in theory at least flash the T-Mobile firmware and then with a TMobile sim get Tmobile wifi calling and VoLTE? Also would the phone then automatically get Tmobile software updates?

Uzephi said:
It works but doesn't. You'll still be locked to Sprint and the T-Mobile ROM will see that and you won't get service until you unlock the SIM. Other than that, it seemed okay when I tested it. Only tried it for a quick 15 minute boot though... Tested my flat mate's T-Mobile sim and my Sprint sim. Both wouldn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I forgot to mention that Sprint has already SIM unlocked my phone. Knowing that, I could in theory at least flash the T-Mobile firmware and then with a TMobile sim get Tmobile wifi calling and VoLTE? Also would the phone then automatically get Tmobile software updates?

Stanleywinthrop said:
Actually, I forgot to mention that Sprint has already SIM unlocked my phone. Knowing that, I could in theory at least flash the T-Mobile firmware and then with a TMobile sim get Tmobile wifi calling and VoLTE? Also would the phone then automatically get Tmobile software updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't know. It's worth a try. You won't brick your phone. If it doesn't work, the switch back to Sprint firmware is just another flash all away.

Uzephi said:
It works but doesn't. You'll still be locked to Sprint and the T-Mobile ROM will see that and you won't get service until you unlock the SIM. Other than that, it seemed okay when I tested it. Only tried it for a quick 15 minute boot though... Tested my flat mate's T-Mobile sim and my Sprint sim. Both wouldn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uzephi said:
I wouldn't know. It's worth a try. You won't brick your phone. If it doesn't work, the switch back to Sprint firmware is just another flash all away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may do so. The only risk is that I'd have to open up a new T Mobile account to fully test, and then I'd be scrambling (and out of pocket) if I couldn't get the tmobile flashed sprint phone to work. Do you have a link for the T Mobile and Sprint firmware?

Stanleywinthrop said:
I may do so. The only risk is that I'd have to open up a new T Mobile account to fully test, and then I'd be scrambling (and out of pocket) if I couldn't get the tmobile flashed sprint phone to work. Do you have a link for the T Mobile and Sprint firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z2-force/how-to/how-to-return-to-stock-sprint-t3694783
I'd just ask one of the employees at the store if they'd let you see if your phone would work. I'm sure one wouldn't mind throwing their SIM in to make a sale.

Uzephi said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/z2-force/how-to/how-to-return-to-stock-sprint-t3694783
I'd just ask one of the employees at the store if they'd let you see if your phone would work. I'm sure one wouldn't mind throwing their SIM in to make a sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to be an annoying pest but is that link for TMobile Oreo? I notice the other carriers are specifically labeled Oreo.

Stanleywinthrop said:
Sorry to be an annoying pest but is that link for TMobile Oreo? I notice the other carriers are specifically labeled Oreo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That thread has all official Oreo flash-all

Definitive list of differences between carrier locked and unlocked variants

Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know

buffalosolja42 said:
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are the same phones and can run the same firmware.
I would go with whatever the best deal you can get.

I thought things like video calling and wifi phone calls don't work. Hmm well that's good news then.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

buffalosolja42 said:
I thought things like video calling and wifi phone calls don't work. Hmm well that's good news then.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who is your carrier?
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
buffalosolja42 said:
Can someone help in this arena would be good to know the difference. Sammy is giving $600 trade-in on my Note 9 if I go to unlocked or I can get the same with Bestbuy carrier locked to ATT. Why I would like to go Samsung route is that it would give me time to move all my 2FA.
So if anyone has a list of carrier difference and issues pleas let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can actually just go research any of this in the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or Galaxy S10 forums. They all work the same way.
Same hardware across each of the variants, but the software and the carrier will determine which features work. If you're on ATT and you want WiFi calling and VoLTE, you'll need to buy an ATT device. They check your IMEI and if it isn't on their whitelist, those features won't work, even if you flash the ATT firmware.
All the other carriers you can just flash their carrier firmware.
T-Mobile is the easiest. The only thing that won't work on TMO with unlocked firmware is video calling and RCS texting. WiFi calling and VoLTE work right out of the box.

That is what i figured searched the forums a bit but needed something concise appreciate the info!!
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Who is your carrier?
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
You can actually just go research any of this in the Galaxy S8, Note 8, Galaxy S9, Note 9, or Galaxy S10 forums. They all work the same way.
Same hardware across each of the variants, but the software and the carrier will determine which features work. If you're on ATT and you want WiFi calling and VoLTE, you'll need to buy an ATT device. They check your IMEI and if it isn't on their whitelist, those features won't work, even if you flash the ATT firmware.
All the other carriers you can just flash their carrier firmware.
T-Mobile is the easiest. The only thing that won't work on TMO with unlocked firmware is video calling and RCS texting. WiFi calling and VoLTE work right out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using ATT prepaid and I bought the S10 plus last year. I flashed it with the ATT firmware and I got wifi calling working. I plan to do the same for my Note 10 plus.

beethoven1854 said:
I am using ATT prepaid and I bought the S10 plus last year. I flashed it with the ATT firmware and I got wifi calling working. I plan to do the same for my Note 10 plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been using it just fine. I will do it on my Note 10 plus and report back my result.

Well there you go, OP. I guess flashing ATT firmware to your unlocked device still works to activate carrier features. Everything else I said is still accurate.

Mr. Orange 645 said:
Cool! Someone just said that doesn't work on ATT anymore, because they now strictly check your IMEI. I use TMO so I didn't do anymore research, just figured ATT changed their system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So right now ATT wifi calling doesn't work with Note 10 Plus but it does work for S10 Plus (and previous models). I am pretty sure this is because the Note 10 is still very new and their system needs some update. I will wait a couple weeks and see what happens.
I called ATT. They told me Note 10 is not on their list yet.

Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

buffalosolja42 said:
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats the first time I heard of anyone actually using it!

ekerbuddyeker said:
thats the first time I heard of anyone actually using it!
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Click to collapse
Work in IT daily and easier for wife as it pops up in call.

I would use it, but I use a Google Voice number as my primary number. We used to do Hangouts video calls all the time, but not so much anymore. I guess the romance is dead.

If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?

Corruption Inc said:
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a pre-order deal from Samsung that is between 6-700 can't remember at the moment.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I always use unlocked devices whether it be Samsung unlocked or Google pixels unlocked but all work like a charm on verizon and get basically free unchecked hotspot

beethoven1854 said:
So right now ATT wifi calling doesn't work with Note 10 Plus but it does work for S10 Plus (and previous models). I am pretty sure this is because the Note 10 is still very new and their system needs some update. I will wait a couple weeks and see what happens.
I called ATT. They told me Note 10 is not on their list yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buffalosolja42 said:
Wow thanks so everything works when flashing the firmware that's great. My wife and I use thr video calling this is great news.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So interestingly, there's another thread and people who are flashing ATT firmware to the unlocked version can no longer get WFC to work. They said it works for a few minutes if they give ATT an old IMEI number, but the system will automatically update to the new IMEI and WFC will no longer work. Read page four of the thread to see what I'm talking about.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-10+/how-to/unlocked-samsung-att-tmo-t3956698
Corruption Inc said:
If you flash carrier firmware to the unlocked phone, don't you basically just end up with a carrier phone? If the answer is yes, then what's the point of buying the unlocked phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a few reasons:
1. This year the Note 9 is worth $600 towards an unlocked model, but only $300 towards carrier models.
2. The U1 models generally maintain their value a little better than the carrier branded models. Even though it's the same exact device, that little "1" makes a difference for some reason.
3. It's factory unlocked. T-Mo, Sprint, ATT, and now Verizon all come carrier locked. Verizon stays locked for 60 days then automatically unlocks. T-Mo you have to pay it off, or pay cash up front, then wait 40 days with it active on your account before it can be unlocked. ATT again has to be paid off or paid in full up front and then you have to request an unkock and wait for the code. I believe Sprint automatically unlocks it once it's paid off.
4. I've heard conflicting stories, but at least in the past, Sprint was weird about their BYOD program. You could only bring devices with whitelisted IMEIs. That was Sprint devices and factory unlocked devices. If you just got your ATT Galaxy S8+ unlocked and brought it to Sprint, it wouldn't activate, even though it was the same exact device hardwarewise. The IMEI wasn't in their database. So the Unlocked version is more flexible.
5. That ugly ATT box. For some reason ATT will often take the phone out of the nice Samsung box and throw it in a cheap ATT box. See the USA Pre-order thread on here. There's already people complaining about that box. And I'm a packaging guy.
So you might as well get the device that's cheaper up front and holds it's value the best and is the most flexible carrier wise. If you want carrier features and firmware, you can still have them, and no worries ever about a SIM lock. Well except with ATT apparently. If you need ATT WiFi calling and VoLTE, you may be stuck getting the ATT model, from what I'm reading.
Now that said, if you don't have a trade in device, and your carrier is offering a better deal on their model...then by all means get that one.

Resurrecting and old thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm on T-Mobile and looking at either an unlocked Note 10+ which is $200 off right now from Samsung and Amazon or the Note 10+ 5G from T-Mobile. I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges thing, but what I'm wondering about is data roaming. I've heard, but have not been able to confirm is that an unlocked model will not data roam on partner networks, while a T-Mobile version will data roam. I do know that my current phone, an unlocked Essential PH-1 does not data roam, but is this true for all factory unlocked vs. carrier phones? Or at least T-Mobile phones?

akrein62 said:
Resurrecting and old thread rather than starting a new one.
I'm on T-Mobile and looking at either an unlocked Note 10+ which is $200 off right now from Samsung and Amazon or the Note 10+ 5G from T-Mobile. I know this is a bit of an apples to oranges thing, but what I'm wondering about is data roaming. I've heard, but have not been able to confirm is that an unlocked model will not data roam on partner networks, while a T-Mobile version will data roam. I do know that my current phone, an unlocked Essential PH-1 does not data roam, but is this true for all factory unlocked vs. carrier phones? Or at least T-Mobile phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile customer here. I had an unlocked S7 Edge that would roam just fine on partner networks, in the US and internationally. Haven't had the opportunity to test roaming yet with my brand new unlocked Note 10+ but I suspect my results would be the same as with my S7 Edge.

Sprint Note 10+ but on AT&T

Guys,
I got a Sprint Note 10+ from one of my friend who was leaving for good to a diferent country. He is on Sprint. I am on AT&T. What's the process to flash this to make it work like a Note 10+ on AT&T?

kingfisher1111 said:
Guys,
I got a Sprint Note 10+ from one of my friend who was leaving for good to a diferent country. He is on Sprint. I am on AT&T. What's the process to flash this to make it work like a Note 10+ on AT&T?
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Sure hope he got Sprint to unlock it for you before he left. Because if not, you'll have fun getting it to accept your att sim card.
If the unlock is done already you should be able to factory reset and insert your sim card and it should detect and customize for att settings.

dottat said:
Sure hope he got Sprint to unlock it for you before he left. Because if not, you'll have fun getting it to accept your att sim card.
If the unlock is done already you should be able to factory reset and insert your sim card and it should detect and customize for att settings.
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He didn't. Any one that can provide unlock codes for a reasonable price?

kingfisher1111 said:
Guys,
I got a Sprint Note 10+ from one of my friend who was leaving for good to a diferent country. He is on Sprint. I am on AT&T. What's the process to flash this to make it work like a Note 10+ on AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Moving across the globe won't prevent your friend from getting a hold of Sprint and requesting the device to be unlocked.
Try getting in touch with him and ask him to take care of it. As long as the device qualifies for unlocking with Sprint then this shouldn't be an issue.

Do i have to flash ATT firmware ?

kingfisher1111 said:
Do i have to flash ATT firmware ?
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Is the phone network/sim unlocked? If it is then the process on how to do this has been covered indepth already. Be aware though that some features will only be provisioned to phone's that AT&T sells (they determine this by an IMEI whitelist). This also has been discussed extensively on the forum.
If your phone is not sim/network unlocked then you will be wasting your time as it will only work on the Sprint network. At this point get a hold of your friend who gave you the phone and ask him to get a hold of Sprint. Your friend will need to ask Sprint to unlock the phone, provided the phone qualifies to be network/sim unlocked by Sprint.