Related
My old phone broke and I had to run out and get a new one on short notice. I went with the Galaxy S4 from a T-Mobile store (SGH-M919).
I am happy with the phone overall, but I place great importance on getting the best value (I don't want to pay the same money for an inferior product). After doing some research, I've found the "8-core" GT-I9500 available on Amazon for roughly the same price. It seems that the Exynos version is more powerful and will have better battery life (compared in this video). The drawback, of course, is that it doesn't have LTE support (although it should work on HSPA).
In addition, now there's the "nexus" version with an unlocked bootloader coming down the pike. My previous phone also had stock Android (HTC Desire-Z / T-mobile G2), and I was extremely happy with it, especially the speed of updates and the fact that I was always getting new features OTA.
So, should I keep the version I have, or get another one and return this phone?
I want to make sure I'm getting the best experience, would giving up LTE support slow down my internet noticeably? Or is T-Mobile HSPA fast enough?
Any difference between the versions if I'm traveling internationally (I can unlock the T-mobile version after 60 days, so that's not an issue, I'm talking about band support, particularly in China)
Should I even consider the stock android / Google version? If I keep the one I have, I plan to root it and will probably use a custom ROM, and it seems there are plenty around for this version, so is the Google unlocked bootloader even an advantage? (only indication it is was is some of the posts in this thread, indicating that the Google version will get updates faster but that the S4's advanced sensors won't work on it). Then again it's also speculated they have the same hardware, so if that's true I could just flash my phone to the Google version and there would be no difference.
Note: I'm not looking to change to another model of phone besides the Galaxy S4. The HTC One is less powerful, has no SD support, and a non-replacable battery, otherwise I would have chosen it.
Rumor has it, that the "nexus" version, is based off the SGH-M919. Just the software is different. So in theory, once the nexus version drops, the modders would be able to reverse engineer the software and make it so that we can flash it onto the T-Mobile version. I'm not sure about having the 8-core GT-I9500. People are saying it isn't truly an octacore phone, nor will we ever need all the cores active at the same time.
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help sections
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
The octa core is two quad core chips put together. I highly doubt it's THAT much better than ours. I personally have no issues with mine. Honestly, I think you're getting more with the T-Mobile variant. You can unlock it and use it on any GSM carrier. I would keep what you have. This phone rocks!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
hot can i unlock my sgh-m919 tmobile phone
elesbb said:
The octa core is two quad core chips put together. I highly doubt it's THAT much better than ours. I personally have no issues with mine. Honestly, I think you're getting more with the T-Mobile variant. You can unlock it and use it on any GSM carrier. I would keep what you have. This phone rocks!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi elsbb,
How can i understand that my M919 is locked?
I put my diffrent carrier SIM (AVEA) its not asking unlock code.
Thanks for your help...
1) No your browsing wont be slowed down significantly, but not a feature I would personally give up
2) Not that Im aware of, however the T-Mobile variant I think has better band support overall, cannot remember 100% over the top of my head
3) Not really, its rumored to be hardware wise the same as the T-Mo variant.....Also the T-Mo variant which you have is bootloader unlocked already, not sure why you put that as strong point for the Stock Android variant?
Overall I would say stick with what you have, support wise your better off than the international variant (if your into custom roms, development should be stronger overall for the US variants, And the Google version offers nothing over what you can get with 10 min of your time with the phone you have currently.
-W.Feather
Just Another User said:
I want to make sure I'm getting the best experience, would giving up LTE support slow down my internet noticeably? Or is T-Mobile HSPA fast enough?
Any difference between the versions if I'm traveling internationally (I can unlock the T-mobile version after 60 days, so that's not an issue, I'm talking about band support, particularly in China)
Should I even consider the stock android / Google version? If I keep the one I have, I plan to root it and will probably use a custom ROM, and it seems there are plenty around for this version, so is the Google unlocked bootloader even an advantage? (only indication it is was is some of the posts in this thread, indicating that the Google version will get updates faster but that the S4's advanced sensors won't work on it). Then again it's also speculated they have the same hardware, so if that's true I could just flash my phone to the Google version and there would be no difference.
Note: I'm not looking to change to another model of phone besides the Galaxy S4. The HTC One is less powerful, has no SD support, and a non-replacable battery, otherwise I would have chosen it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks everyone who responded for the useful info. I now feel confident about keeping the M919. It's not worth giving up LTE for the tiny improvement in performance (and less custom ROM support) of the quad core, and since the M919 has an unlocked bootloader already, I don't think there's any reason to get the Google version.
skyblue34 said:
Hi elsbb,
How can i understand that my M919 is locked?
I put my diffrent carrier SIM (AVEA) its not asking unlock code.
Thanks for your help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't personally confirm it, but this thread may have the info you're looking for.
If you have inserted another carriers sim (that is not your own), and it still functions with data, voice, and text, it is sim unlocked.
skyblue34 said:
Hi elsbb,
How can i understand that my M919 is locked?
I put my diffrent carrier SIM (AVEA) its not asking unlock code.
Thanks for your help...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The performance gains would be little if any in real world usage, battery life would be better by a small amount IIRC, however I am personally able to go two days or more with low usage, or a day without issues with heavy streaming and ~3hr screen on time, YMMV
-W.Feather
Just Another User said:
Thanks everyone who responded for the useful info. I now feel confident about keeping the M919. It's not worth giving up LTE for the tiny improvement in performance (and less custom ROM support) of the quad core, and since the M919 has an unlocked bootloader already, I don't think there's any reason to get the Google version.
I can't personally confirm it, but this thread may have the info you're looking for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
Sorry if this is an obvious question - I'm a big mobile enthusiast, but probably not as technically minded as some of you folks
I'm in the UK right now but am moving to the US permanently in a few weeks. I'm getting the Note 7 and am torn between what to do - buy it here or there.
Here's my thinking: If I buy here, it will be free of all that yucky bloatware you get over there since I gather that even if I purchase from BestBuy, there's nothing quite like a sim-free unlocked phone of the type we would get here. And that carrier bloatware scares me. I don't want to have to be rooting my phone and messing about with it to make it run at an acceptable speed when it inevitably starts to slow down, down the line. Plus, I just hate the thought of having all of that rubbish on my phone. If I'm spending $900 or so, I want it to be pure as the driven snow!
I'm not sure which network I'm going to be going for in the US (as an 'Alien' new to the US with no credit history, it's not easy to get a contract) but what I'm looking at is either T-Mobile or AT&T (possibly Cricket, if not main AT&T.) Although I hear T-Mobile signal can be patchy. I'll be in Los Angeles, so I imagine signal should be good.
So what I'm wondering is - will it all work OK there? I'm assuming the GSM version we get in the UK will be compatible with those two networks, though not Verizon. Although I doubt I'll go with Verizon because their packages don't really look good for what I need and also I hear their bloatware in particular is immense!
I know we have a different processor in the Exynos edition (or is that the one you guys have and we have Snapdragon? Anyway, you know what I mean..) But would that processor make any actual difference in day to day use? Does the processor just run the software or does it have an influence on how the phone actually works with the network as a phone and data device? Am I likely to run into problems?
Also, you probably can't answer this - but worth a try.. I assume that Samsung's warranties are not international? Right now, I am on an iPhone and I know that if it breaks in the US, I can just take it to an Apple store in the US. My gut tells me if I buy in the UK and it starts playing up, I'll be on my own, unless you know different? But hey - it's a trade off. Bloatware vs warranty.
Anyway, any thoughts or advice would be gratefully received.
Thanks all.
Phil :good:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
thedicemaster said:
if you buy one in the UK, make sure you make a few phone calls before you move.
European Samsung phones usually refuse to accept US SIM cards unless you make a phone call for a few minutes using a European SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a very good point! I remember reading about this with my old Galaxy when it said that it locked it to the country where the first phone call was made.
But would this possibly present problems? If I made a few calls with my Vodafone sim, would that then mean that it locks it to UK networks and makes a T-Mobile USA or AT&T sim incompatible?
And bands-wise, they're all good to go, right? There's no reason a local US sim wouldn't work 100% in that model? And the processor doesn't make a difference? Just wondering why they bother to put two different processor types in the phone otherwise?
DuffmasterFresh said:
Definitely buy the Exynos International version of the phone. I live near Los Angeles and plan to purchase the international version as well because it has no bloatware. It will be my first purchase of an international unlocked phone. I'm on AT&T but my understanding is that T-mobile rocks in Los Angeles. You can't go wrong with AT&T or T-Mobile, but I would lean toward T-Mobile if I were you, they are really kicking butt right now.
The exynos version of the phone will have better battery life by just a bit and it will be only slightly faster. They both have trade-offs, but in the end, it doesn't make a big difference, just get the international version, which is what all of us Americans want. I don't know about the warranty, you might have to ship the phone off for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - this is really helpful. Good to know TM are good there as had heard a few stories about bad coverage.
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
its box will be sealed with a sticker reading "European SIM card only."
The tab below this sticker explains how and why, albeit in tiny and rather verbose script. Essentially, in order for your unlocked European GS7 to be fully unlocked, you first need to make a total of five minutes worth of phone calls using a European SIM. If you don't do this, and try to use it with a SIM from outside of Europe, it won't connect to the network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
thedicemaster said:
it's the opposite.
unless they changed it just for the note 7, you have to use the phone in the UK before you can use it in the US.
here's a quote from an article regarding the region lock in the S7 and S7 edge:
this is to prevent shops from selling European phones in the US.
the unlocking method is so that people moving outside Europe after buying a phone can continue to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it - just been reading up on it. Thanks for this.
Well, that all looks simple enough. Shouldn't be an issue.
In fact, my only fear is warranty now. If I smash or crack it (which I will try not to obvs, but heaven forbid, it happens), I may be spannered.
I doubt my insurance will cover it if it is an international model and Samsung look like they don't do international warranties.
That's the only thing stopping me sitting here pressing 'order' when I'm on the verge of it.
Also, I wonder if Samsung Pay will be affected, If maybe, somehow, that's region specific.
It's a big risk.. Eeek!
Screw it, I've ordered.
So just to clarify - the bands on the international (UK) unlocked version will be compatible with ATT/Cricket and T-Mobile?
So I used a galaxy s9 and fell in love. I messed up tho because I bought an unlocked att one when I have tmobile and I can’t get some carrier features activated like key WiFi calling. Tmobile said it’s because it can’t recongnize the att firmware. I’m actually surprised Samsung gives the carriers that much power to infect your device.
I remember reading that the galaxy s8 had this BYOD update where it installed a carriers firmware once a sim was installed. The s9 seems to lack this somehow and I contacted Samsung about it and morons work there. Does anyone know if something like the s8 update will be added? If I get desperate I see there are tutorials on how to flash to other carriers firmwares. Can anybody tell me some well respected people in the community who post trustworthy tutorials?
Sadly to my knowledge, take this with a grain of salt Snapdragon version of the S9 have bootloader locked so that means it is harder to change carriers, if you had the international version then you could of done something but don't give up hope keep looking you might find something
I See some people flash u->u1->u to achieve their new carrier. I see some post on Reddit that said once their s9 got updates to Android Oreo it could swap carriers like the s8. Hopefully this is true
Man, I've been having a bad week. First, I break my phone. Then, I search around for a replacement that LineageOS supports. LineageOS has Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ listed on their "Supported Devices" page. Great! So, I run off to T-Mobile and get an S9 for a replacement.
Unfortunately, now I find out that the T-Mobile S9 cannot be rooted! There goes the main reason I was buying it. What is fortunate, though, is that apparently T-Mobile will allow you to return phones within 14 days. (Although there might be a restocking fee. Boo.)
From all I've been able to find on XDA and other places on the web, as far as anybody knows, the T-Mobile S9 is unrootable, and it will remain unrootable for the foreseeable future. My next question is this: Which phone should I get to replace it? I'd like to get something with similar specs. Does the T-Mobile S10 have the same problems with rooting? What's the most root-friendly, modern phone?
(BTW, I am aware that not all S9s have this limitation, but I can't afford to pay full price for a phone right now.)
Your first mistake was running to a carrier for one of their phones.
Pretty much any US carrier branded phone is unrootable. That's one of their requirements from an OEM... a locked bootloader, to prevent someone from doing what you're trying to do.
They feel that if they are supporting it, they should control what's on it.
Your only real option is to buy a factory unlocked model. Meaning, not a carrier branded model.
fajrero said:
Man, I've been having a bad week. First, I break my phone. Then, I search around for a replacement that LineageOS supports. LineageOS has Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ listed on their "Supported Devices" page. Great! So, I run off to T-Mobile and get an S9 for a replacement.
Unfortunately, now I find out that the T-Mobile S9 cannot be rooted! There goes the main reason I was buying it. What is fortunate, though, is that apparently T-Mobile will allow you to return phones within 14 days. (Although there might be a restocking fee. Boo.)
From all I've been able to find on XDA and other places on the web, as far as anybody knows, the T-Mobile S9 is unrootable, and it will remain unrootable for the foreseeable future. My next question is this: Which phone should I get to replace it? I'd like to get something with similar specs. Does the T-Mobile S10 have the same problems with rooting? What's the most root-friendly, modern phone?
(BTW, I am aware that not all S9s have this limitation, but I can't afford to pay full price for a phone right now.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
even if it is unrootable, cant you just flash another carriers firmware that is rootable and go from there? The hardware revisions arent vast and as long as youre flashing a version thats built for your processor type and if its for the regular one or the + model, you should be ok
No US carrier phone after the Samsung Galaxy S6 the bootloaders are locked so flashing another carrier wont do you any good. The only samsung phones that can be root are the international variants so you would want the 960f which will still work on tmobile i believe last i was aware of or the SM-G9650/SM-G9600 variant if you want snapdragon hardware.
But i dont think the SM-G9650/SM-G9600 has LOS though.
I am looking to get this phone and needed some advice. I haven't bought a cellular branded phone for a long while. I usually go with the USA Factory unlocked version. On this phone is the cellular named stamped on the back of the phone? I know the model for the USA Unlocked version is G820QM (with a 7 at the end at times) but it is honestly harder to find. What does everyone recommend on this phone in regards to getting the cellular branded one or should I keep trying to find the USA Unlocked version? What about bloatware with the different cellular branded ones? How is that? Can you get rid of the bloatware? I also like what I call the LG Branded ones as they get the updates faster do they not? Please help me. I am looking for a phone and this one stuck out at me unless someone suggests a different phone with similar specs to this one? Thanks so much! :good:
alias4ever said:
I am looking to get this phone and needed some advice. I haven't bought a cellular branded phone for a long while. I usually go with the USA Factory unlocked version. On this phone is the cellular named stamped on the back of the phone? I know the model for the USA Unlocked version is G820QM (with a 7 at the end at times) but it is honestly harder to find. What does everyone recommend on this phone in regards to getting the cellular branded one or should I keep trying to find the USA Unlocked version? What about bloatware with the different cellular branded ones? How is that? Can you get rid of the bloatware? I also like what I call the LG Branded ones as they get the updates faster do they not? Please help me. I am looking for a phone and this one stuck out at me unless someone suggests a different phone with similar specs to this one? Thanks so much! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
There is no way of cross flashing a different ROM, so you will be stuck without updates, until someone finds a way of cross flashing a ROM from an unlocked model. I'm checking this forum regularly hoping some has found a solution, but nothing so far
If you are in the US and on AT&T then it will fine, bloatware (which is a lot) can be removed/disabled easily
Honestly, for the price I paid (£280), I think the Xiaomi Mi9 would have been a better option, similar specs, updates every 2 months and you're able to unlock bootloader, not the best process to unlock the bootloader, but still possible (just need to wait for permission from Xiaomi which could take a few weeks), you'll be missing out on the best headphone jack, better cameras (not by much) and better battery life, for a similar price I think this is the best deal for snapdragon 855 phone.
If you don't mind paying a bit more and want the same features as the G8, go for the Samsung S10.
hugoprh said:
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried updating after taking out the SIM card?
ChrisAG said:
Have you tried updating after taking out the SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep no luck, I've sold the phone, I was wasting too much time trying to find a solution, so just sold it and claimed my sanity back xD
Going back to the trusty Xperia 5, timely updates and great software and they are going for around £260 so easily recommended.
That's too bad, AT&T must be interfering, because I just purchased an unlocked G8 in Canada, and it updated to 10 over WiFi, before I inserted a SIM from my carrier (Bell Mobility). Phone was not on Bell originally.
ChrisAG said:
That's too bad, AT&T must be interfering, because I just purchased an unlocked G8 in Canada, and it updated to 10 over WiFi, before I inserted a SIM from my carrier (Bell Mobility). Phone was not on Bell originally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, this a AT&T "feature", want updates? Buy at AT&T SIM card and use it in the US, guess they don't want anyone outside the US to use their products, unsure why, but it is what it is...
hugoprh said:
Unsure where you're from, but stay away from the AT&T unlocked model (my model G820UM), I'm from the UK and ordered one, big mistake, AT&T does not send any update to their phones if they are not using an AT&T SIM card in the US, some users have been successful in updating they're OS, by just using a AT&T SIM card outside of the US, some haven't and I haven't tried it, because I don't want to waste more money on a SIM card when the results are not 100% guaranteed.
There is no way of cross flashing a different ROM, so you will be stuck without updates, until someone finds a way of cross flashing a ROM from an unlocked model. I'm checking this forum regularly hoping some has found a solution, but nothing so far
If you are in the US and on AT&T then it will fine, bloatware (which is a lot) can be removed/disabled easily
Honestly, for the price I paid (£280), I think the Xiaomi Mi9 would have been a better option, similar specs, updates every 2 months and you're able to unlock bootloader, not the best process to unlock the bootloader, but still possible (just need to wait for permission from Xiaomi which could take a few weeks), you'll be missing out on the best headphone jack, better cameras (not by much) and better battery life, for a similar price I think this is the best deal for snapdragon 855 phone.
If you don't mind paying a bit more and want the same features as the G8, go for the Samsung S10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is 10 really that big a deal from 9? I have 9 on my phone i could care less if it gets 10 and I am pretty sure it wont , lol
I feel like if we have temp root then it's only a matter of time before we get TWRP and roms. I just picked up an AT&T model for $178. Not sure if it's unlocked, but fairly easy through AT&T. Just worried if we have an exploit, updating to 10 might invalidate it.
I come from PS3/xbox 360 hacking, haha.