Exynos or Snapdragon for Root, Custom ROMs, etc? - Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Questions & Answers

Looking at getting a Note 10+, but I always prefer to root my phones and sometimes install LineageOS. I see that the Exynos variant of the Note 10+ is listed on LineageOS's website as an officially supported device, but it's the Exynos variant.
However upon Googling I'm seeing that the Qualcomm/Snapdragon variant can be rooted too but it requires a paid service? Aside from that are there any other differences between the Exynos and Snapdragon variants that I should be aware of?
Just want to confirm if this is accurate, and it seems like the Exynos variant is probably easier to deal with? I was looking at getting the SM-N975F/DS variant specifically.
Sorry if this is a FAQ, I did try to Google first

Related

Upgrade to Nougat 7.0 on SM-T807R4 (no cellular desired)

Hi XDA Friends,
First post in a very long time.
Just ordered a used SM-T807R4 from ebay, this is the US Cellular branded Galaxy Tab S 10.5. Got a killer price and did not want pass up.
I have absolutely no intention to ever use cellular data and will never use the cellular radio on in this tablet. Wi-fi is all I need and want.
Anyhow as this is a US device that has cellular capabilities and thus I am 99.9% sure this has the Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU. Can't confirm this right now with CPU-Z but will do that one I get this thing.
I wanted to ask if anyone has thoughts on if this may work with the Nougat 7.0 ROM posted by Schischu based on the fact I don't need cellular.
I had intended to root per:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/help/root-method-t807r4-10-5-t3326827
Then I'd use the T-805 ROM build (aosp-7.0.0-latest-chagalllte.zip)
Again I don't need or care about cellular (just want wifi), and yes my device almost surely has Snapdragon CPU (and not Samsung Exynos).
It is not clear to me if the Nougat or MM ROMs from Schischu are only designed for Exynos based tablets or not.
Yeah I have the same model and it has a snapdragon processor. I am 99.9% sure nougat work because I asked Schischu he said it won't work on snapdragon processer tablet which is really depressing so I haven't installed 7.0. I am waiting for offical marshmallow to come to the tablet but us cellular is really slow. Also did you get the tablet for 169.99 usd.I got mine but had to 40 in fees since I'm in Canada.
dksohum7 said:
Yeah I have the same model and it has a snapdragon processor. I am 99.9% sure nougat work because I asked Schischu he said it won't work on snapdragon processer tablet which is really depressing so I haven't installed 7.0. I am waiting for offical marshmallow to come to the tablet but us cellular is really slow. Also did you get the tablet for 169.99 usd.I got mine but had to 40 in fees since I'm in Canada.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So basically it's clear that the only way to get ROM updates for Snapdragon based tablets is via the US carriers? That is quite disappointing. All recent Samsung Tab S ROMs (MM/Nougat) on XDA are only for Exynos chipsets?
Yea I got the Tab s for that price, and about $10 shipping to CA where I live.
Based on what I read about US Cellular they are in last place with updates, I would not hold my breath for even Marshmallow. I should have paid a bit extra and gotten a Samsung Exynos based unit. Oh well...
Since all the other US carriers (T-Mobile/ATT/Verizon) have released MM (and they too carry Snapdragon units) I would imagine that someone will port this over for US Cellular, but appears to me that XDA is heavily focused on global community where Exynos is the sole chipset.
Has anyone here successfully loaded MM on a US Cellular SM-T807R4 (Snapdragon based) unit????
AOSP is CPU Agnostic, that is to say it does not matter which processor is used.
steamrollerpark said:
AOSP is CPU Agnostic, that is to say it does not matter which processor is used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks steamrollerpark, so then we are making some progress here.
Let's move on to next requirement:
Both of Schischu's MM and Nougat ROMs state that TWRP of 2.8.6.2 or higher is required.
Are the TWRP's also specific to Exynos/Snapdragon?
I can see that Ashyx made v2.8.5.0 specifically for Snapdragon:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...rp-twrp-2-8-5-0-recovery-snapdragon-t3055758/
So build number of this TWRP is too low for Schischu's ROMs.
I was hoping to use: TWRP-3.0.2-1-T805/T807 listed on this page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...p-2-8-6-1-unofficial-sm-t800-805-807-t3074633
My device in a T807, but it's specifically a T807R4 that is Snapdragon. I know a few T807x devices that are Exynos I don't know if I can use any T807x based TWRP on my T807R4.
Even the website TWRP.me has: https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxytabs105lte.html
"TWRP for Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 LTE"
But I can't tell if that can be used for Snapdragon based devices.
Update: Gave up on this.
Returned the SM-T807R4 and got a SM-T800 (Wifi-only). Looking forward to Nougat!

Are Chinese/Japanese Snapdragons BL unlocked?

For the S8, I read that the Snapdragon variants sold in China (and even HK) had unlocked bootloaders. Is that again the case for the S9?
Teracotta said:
For the S8, I read that the Snapdragon variants sold in China (and even HK) had unlocked bootloaders. Is that again the case for the S9?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too soon to tell but likely yes.
Keep in mind however that those models are pretty much unpopular (no idea why) and rarely see any type of development. So you have an unlocked BL but nothing to flash which sucks.
sent from my Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
force70 said:
Too soon to tell but likely yes.
Keep in mind however that those models are pretty much unpopular (no idea why) and rarely see any type of development. So you have an unlocked BL but nothing to flash which sucks.
sent from my Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked jesec, who developed the first custom ROM for the S8's Hong Kong Snapdragon 835 that very question a couple of days back and he didn't know the answer. Curious if Qualcomm has the unlockable bootloader on all 845 chipsets but I suppose we'll soon find out.
varcor said:
I asked jesec, who developed the first custom ROM for the S8's Hong Kong Snapdragon 835 that very question a couple of days back and he didn't know the answer. Curious if Qualcomm has the unlockable bootloader on all 845 chipsets but I suppose we'll soon find out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only ones which will be unlockable are the ones we are talking about in this thread.
All the US and CAN snapdragons will be locked down tight and a waste of money if you want proper root, twrp erc. its so easy to buy exynos why bother with the snapdragon version unless your on cdma?
sent from my Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
varcor said:
I asked jesec, who developed the first custom ROM for the S8's Hong Kong Snapdragon 835 that very question a couple of days back and he didn't know the answer. Curious if Qualcomm has the unlockable bootloader on all 845 chipsets but I suppose we'll soon find out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about G9600 (Latin America) model?
Is BL open?
Teracotta said:
For the S8, I read that the Snapdragon variants sold in China (and even HK) had unlocked bootloaders. Is that again the case for the S9?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the Hong Kong variant SM-G9650 has an unlocked bootloader and Samsung Pay on that model works as well. We'll see custom ROM's available before too long.
force70 said:
its so easy to buy exynos why bother with the snapdragon version unless your on cdma?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exynos doesn't have the exclusive US LTE Bands. For the S9 I see Bands 14, 30 and 71 are all missing. This is a major problem since the US carriers will be shifting more traffic onto exclusive bands.
Teracotta said:
Exynos doesn't have the exclusive US LTE Bands. For the S9 I see Bands 14, 30 and 71 are all missing. This is a major problem since the US carriers will be shifting more traffic onto exclusive bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Canada so have no idea about US bands although i know they have always lacked some for Tmobile. Guys dont seem to have had issues running exynos in the US over the years though?
Ive never had any issues here with exynos at any rate

Which Note 10+ variant to buy (I need root)?

Want to buy a Note 10+ that I can root and use with TMobile
Have been reading a lot and confused which variant to buy
Given I need root, what is the route to go? My analysis so far yields that should buy the Exynos version? Is the Snapdragon version rootable as well?
While the Snapdragon version is "rootable", it comes at some cost (losing full charge capabilities, for one). Exynos phones, as I understand, have unlocked bootloader, making them easier to root. Before you root, however, do some research into the method - there is more than one technique.
There are several posts about this.
North Amerian Snapdragon Note 10+'s (N975U, U1, W) have a locked bootloader. Don't expect to be able to root these phones, regardless what some people/sites claim.
Only Hong Kong Snapdragon Note 10+ (N9750) has unlocked bootloader.
International Exynos versions of Note 10+ (N975F, N975FD) can be rooted, but they lack certain LTE bands used by US T-Mobile which can result in suboptimal speeds in US.
OnnoJ said:
There are several posts about this.
North Amerian Snapdragon Note 10+'s (N975U, U1, W) have a locked bootloader. Don't expect to be able to root these phones, regardless what some people/sites claim.
Only Hong Kong Snapdragon Note 10+ (N9750) has unlocked bootloader.
International Exynos versions of Note 10+ (N975F, N975FD) can be rooted, but they lack certain LTE bands used by US T-Mobile which can result in suboptimal speeds in US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This ^ and seriously, there's very little reason to even root anymore.

Is Cross Flashing Possible?

Hello everyone!
I'm not too familiar with Samsung devices, I believe my last one was a Galaxy S4 ...
Anyhoo, I ordered a Note 10+ SM-N975W which is the Canadian variant with a Snapdragon 855 after reading it is superior to the Exynos version, however I'm European often travelling between the UK, Spain etc.
To get to my question
Is there any firmware I can flash on to my device for example N975W to N975F or even N975U1 which is US unlocked
I realise the chances of flashing N975F are slim as that device has the Exynos, but any help is greatly appreciated!
My carrier is EE not sure if that matters
You can only flash firmwares for snapdragon, NEVER firms for exynos
winol said:
You can only flash firmwares for snapdragon, NEVER firms for exynos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply!, I suspected this was the case.
With that being said!
Is there a firmware you'd recommend between N975U1 or N9750?
Both are Snapdragon variants the difference being that one is US Unlocked the other is China/Brazil
The only differences I imagine there is, is the timing of OTA updates?
I own an exynos model, what I know for sure is that the differences in snap firms are mainly about the bands supported, you must dig into this
KING_SONY01 said:
Thank you for your reply!, I suspected this was the case.
With that being said!
Is there a firmware you'd recommend between N975U1 or N9750?
Both are Snapdragon variants the difference being that one is US Unlocked the other is China/Brazil
The only differences I imagine there is, is the timing of OTA updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N9750 is supposed to be for the Snapdragon Dual Sim model.
If you need to flash a different firmware, I'd recommend you to go for the U1.
My old S8+ was originally W and I flashed the U1 firmware for "faster OTA's" but I always ended flashing newer version on my own.
winol said:
I own an exynos model, what I know for sure is that the differences in snap firms are mainly about the bands supported, you must dig into this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry just want to make sure I'm understanding correctly..
Flashing N975U1 will replace the bands?
joyousfrank said:
The N9750 is supposed to be for the Snapdragon Dual Sim model.
If you need to flash a different firmware, I'd recommend you to go for the U1.
My old S8+ was originally W and I flashed the U1 firmware for "faster OTA's" but I always ended flashing newer version on my own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, thank you so much for your input, I will go with U1!
Am i correct in thinking the only things I'll be missing out on (as I'm in Europe)
is
VoLTE, WiFi Calling & Samsung Pay?
Those 3 services are in some cases carrier dependant, some carriers only offer some services to devices distributed by them, specially volte and wifi calling, that is, they check the imei for that purpose
KING_SONY01 said:
Hello, thank you so much for your input, I will go with U1!
Am i correct in thinking the only things I'll be missing out on (as I'm in Europe)
is
VoLTE, WiFi Calling & Samsung Pay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi and VoLTE may or may not work. Samsung Pay is not carrier specific though. It should work fine.
Sent from my SM-N976V using Tapatalk
For what it's worth, I too have the N975W.
I just received it yesterday, but I did flash the Star Wars firmware from the N975U1 (generic US) and it had zero issues. As I understand, the N975W and N975U1 have the same hardware, and is ok to crossflash.
So I'm fairly new to the cross flashing process but highly intrigued by it and what kind of doors that could open up.. My question is when it comes to cross flashing, what version of Odin would be ideal in order to make sure the process is successful??

LineageOS for Samsung Galaxy S10e Snapdragon exists?

LineageOS exists a version for Samsung Galaxy S10e with Exynos processor, but not for Snapdragon, is there a way to install it on Snapdragon?
Isakman said:
LineageOS exists a version for Samsung Galaxy S10e with Exynos processor, but not for Snapdragon, is there a way to install it on Snapdragon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In short, yes.
See here for unofficial Lineage build. Limitation is no IMS (volte) though.
I'm considering buying a G970U (US version) with 8GB RAM and paying for bootloader unlock code, see here.
Perhaps best option is to continue work of OP in that thread and build your own with security updates.
ParkourPaul said:
In short, yes.
See here for unofficial Lineage build. Limitation is no IMS (volte) though.
I'm considering buying a G970U (US version) with 8GB RAM and paying for bootloader unlock code, see here.
Perhaps best option is to continue work of OP in that thread and build your own with security updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me what the holdup is with the no IMS / VoLTE development on Snapdragon models, and when this is expected to change if at all, and what forum I need to follow to track this status? I live in the US and I just acquired a S10e G9700U1 thinking I could put LineageOS 18 or 19 on the phone and have VoLTE work. From what I've read, all of the carriers are pretty much mandating VoLTE as a matter of policy for the sake of 4G system management. Ever since the carriers dumped 3G I've been forced to resort to T-Mobile which has an awful footprint in order to keep running LineageOS with my S9 Dual Sim unit as Red Pocket refused to activate Verizon after AT&T shut down 3G and gave me the boot.
andyhoy said:
Can you tell me what the holdup is with the no IMS / VoLTE development on Snapdragon models, and when this is expected to change if at all, and what forum I need to follow to track this status? I live in the US and I just acquired a S10e G9700U1 thinking I could put LineageOS 18 or 19 on the phone and have VoLTE work. From what I've read, all of the carriers are pretty much mandating VoLTE as a matter of policy for the sake of 4G system management. Ever since the carriers dumped 3G I've been forced to resort to T-Mobile which has an awful footprint in order to keep running LineageOS with my S9 Dual Sim unit as Red Pocket refused to activate Verizon after AT&T shut down 3G and gave me the boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea what the issues are with this though I've seen it with multiple devices so I assume the code stack for IMS services is custom to each device/ROM and come with their own idiosyncrasies/bugs to work out.
Perhaps shout up @klabit87 or other devs in the relevant forums for pointers.
I was extremely lucky and managed to get a free xperia 1 iv as it was refunded/cancelled but still delivered so I'm no longer pursuing a S10e solution.
EDIT: To add to this, the 'holdup' as you put, mostly comes down to the US snapdragon model not having official bootloader unlock support therefor there are very few devs, if any, working on it. The international version uses exynos chipset, the bootloader of which is unlock supported. This is why all the ROMs are exynos only.
ParkourPaul said:
I have no idea what the issues are with this though I've seen it with multiple devices so I assume the code stack for IMS services is custom to each device/ROM and come with their own idiosyncrasies/bugs to work out.
Perhaps shout up @klabit87 or other devs in the relevant forums for pointers.
I was extremely lucky and managed to get a free xperia 1 iv as it was refunded/cancelled but still delivered so I'm no longer pursuing a S10e solution.
EDIT: To add to this, the 'holdup' as you put, mostly comes down to the US snapdragon model not having official bootloader unlock support therefor there are very few devs, if any, working on it. The international version uses exynos chipset, the bootloader of which is unlock supported. This is why all the ROMs are exynos only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the insight. From what I've read this is probably between Samsung and Qualcom where Qualcom charges Samsung for VoLTE/IMS licensing and subsequently Samsung can't or won't share the content, and it sounds like it's a lot of effort to reverse engineer. I have a Samsung S9 Duos which is international and running LOS 17.1, but I can only set it up with T-Mobile, and possibly not using VoLTE as it only says on my mobile carrier menu LTE and not VoLTE. From what I read Verizon and AT&T are forcing everyone to use VoLTE and won't let phones without it on their networks. So this makes Samsung custom ROMs in the US mostly useless.
I was considering trying to get a Exynos for the S10e as I love the formfactor and the 256GB memory, but if I wanted a Duos Exynos I'd have to pay 4 or 5 times what my US S10e version cost me, and then I'd probably be in the same boat as I was before with my S9. I'm shifting to a Pixel 5a or possibly a Moto G7 power as those are both reported to work on VoLTE, at least that's what I've heard.

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