Develop Bugs

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.
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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.
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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!

T-Mobile User Losing Anything with Unlocked S9?

I've been reading about firmware and how users flashed the T-Mobile Firmware on their S8's to gain some services. Am I missing anything with my S9 and keeping it on the unlocked firmware? I've searched these forums and the web but there are no sound conclusions if I am hurting my service by not flashing the firmware.
Thanks for the help

chferg said:
I've been reading about firmware and how users flashed the T-Mobile Firmware on their S8's to gain some services. Am I missing anything with my S9 and keeping it on the unlocked firmware? I've searched these forums and the web but there are no sound conclusions if I am hurting my service by not flashing the firmware.
Thanks for the help
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No. ALL TMobile features work with the US unlocked version. I'm using one myself on tmobile.

The only "feature" you'll be missing is the 600mhz/B71 band on T-Mobile, which is new an somewhat "upcoming" anyways. I think the S9 Tmo is one of the first phones (if not the only phone) to support this band.

Nightwind Hawk said:
The only "feature" you'll be missing is the 600mhz/B71 band on T-Mobile, which is new an somewhat "upcoming" anyways. I think the S9 Tmo is one of the first phones (if not the only phone) to support this band.
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No, sorry. The US unlocked version has TMobiles new band 71.

Nightwind Hawk said:
The only "feature" you'll be missing is the 600mhz/B71 band on T-Mobile, which is new an somewhat "upcoming" anyways. I think the S9 Tmo is one of the first phones (if not the only phone) to support this band.
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The first phone carried by a US carrier to support the 600MHz was actually the LG V30. Since then the Moto Z2 Force, S9, S9+, Note 8, and S8 active all support 600MHz. Last week LG launched the first budget phone to support 600MHz, and that's the LG K30 at $225.
Edit: All, if not almost all of the phones I listed have native support for 600MHz (assuming Snapdragon versions), so all carriers phones if unlocked will be able to take advantage of the 600MHz on T-mobiles network.

Multi line (digits) doesn't appear to work in the unlocked version. The app still functions though, however the experience is so much better when it's baked into the firmware.

I'm on a sm-g960w on Rogers and they have a 2600mhz band that's nice when nobody's on it lol.
I recently flashed over to ARC6 (tmb I think) and then sideloaded an update up to ARDA (may update). My device reads sm-g960u now and I'm wondering if I'll still be able to get on that band.
Thanks in advance if anyone knows, the way I usually measure isn't working and I don't have root.

thephunk said:
Multi line (digits) doesn't appear to work in the unlocked version. The app still functions though, however the experience is so much better when it's baked into the firmware.
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Digits works just fine on my unlocked S9. All u gotta do is download the tmobile digits app in the app store. Never had an issue

ChongoDroid said:
I'm on a sm-g960w on Rogers and they have a 2600mhz band that's nice when nobody's on it lol.
I recently flashed over to ARC6 (tmb I think) and then sideloaded an update up to ARDA (may update). My device reads sm-g960u now and I'm wondering if I'll still be able to get on that band.
Thanks in advance if anyone knows, the way I usually measure isn't working and I don't have root.
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If you dial *#2263# do you also see US bands enabled like band 28, 71, 14???
If so I'd be willing to take my chances and would flash the U1/U baseband/firmware

Exynos S9- can I use on Verizon in the U.S.?

Hey, I *almost* pressed 'buy it now' to pick up an exynos S9+ to use here in the US on Verizon. Then something caught my eye about another listing saying "GSM Only". SO.... I surfed around a bit and found out the obvious: Int'l versions are GSM only, and Verizon's current voice network is CDMA. HOWEVER....I think I've also learned that VZ is phasing out CDMA in favor of using LTE for voice. In fact, they are hoping to have CDMA totally gone by 2019. In another thread on the S8., someone speculates they would have no qualms using a Int'l S8 on verizon since '98%' of their voice network is now LTE.
To complicate matters, this is a work-paid phone plan, so I can't install any custom ROMs- has to be stock.
So- is this doable or should I give up hope? (The reason I'm hot on getting the Exynos model is to use the dual-band GPS when the feature is unlocked, presumably in a future firmware release).
Thanks!

I don't know the time frame but they are certainly moving to GSM. I suspect that a large part is now GSM since they initially started in Canada and Mexico some time ago.

[email protected] said:
HOWEVER....I think I've also learned that VZ is phasing out CDMA in favor of using LTE for voice. In fact, they are hoping to have CDMA totally gone by 2019. In another thread on the S8., someone speculates they would have no qualms using a Int'l S8 on verizon since '98%' of their voice network is now LTE.
To complicate matters, this is a work-paid phone plan, so I can't install any custom ROMs- has to be stock.
So- is this doable or should I give up hope? (The reason I'm hot on getting the Exynos model is to use the dual-band GPS when the feature is unlocked, presumably in a future firmware release).
Thanks!
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The exynos s9 may work on verizon LTE data, but not on calls. Currently Verizon has CDMA which doesn't work on the exynos s9. If Verizon switches to only LTE then the exynos s9 will most likely have to support Verizon's VoLTE, and VoLTE on the exynos s9 doesn't officially work on stock software with any US Carrier without hacks that would make the phone non-stock. So far the only working modded CSC is on T-Mobile and there is development on an ATT CSC. The snapdragon s9 has significantly better battery life and better performance than the exynos s9. The Dual-band GPS is something that Samsung might not enable. If you aren't going to use custom roms or unlock the bootloader because the snapdragon s9 doesn't have an unlockable bootloader, but the exynos s9 does then the snapdragon will probably work better in the US.

Thanks guys. Looks like I'll be stuck for now in my quest for <10cm GPS

Buying the S9 - G960F vs SM-G960FD Duos Any Advantages/Disadvantages between the two?

Just got the G960U here in USA and its great.
But that fact that its my first bootloader locked Samsung is bugging me and im pretty sure i'll return it.
I use UltraMobile mvno -T-mobile sim with Wifi calling enabled.
Both the bootloaders on these models are unlocked correct? They are both Exynos? If there another model that has unlocked bootloader?
Is one more desirable than the other?
Any major drawbacks/differences with these models if i were to use in USA?
for example, do devs create more custom roms for one or the other?
Or would one model be more likely to be able to get wifi calling better like if i flashed the right CSC?
Thanks

Hey I'm thinking about buying a G960FD as well for use in the US. I have G930FD's and G950FD's currently. The F models don't have LTE bands 30 (AT&T) or 71 (T-Mobile) - frequencycheck.com is a great site to look up phone/carrier compatibility. The lack of these frequencies in the radio is not a deal breaker because these are just for extra capacity at this point, though band 71 with T-Mobile offers additional outdoor range being low frequency. You will need to root to in order to get VoLTE in the US, and this will be necessary for T-Mobile since T-Mobile only has 4G coverage and some crappy 2G coverage outside of large cities. So without 3G coverage calls WILL fail outside of large cities if you don't root to enable VoLTE since the phone will not be able to place a call on 4G LTE bands without VoLTE. AT&T doesn't typically allow non AT&T unlocked phone IMEI's to use VoLTE, and AT&T will be shutting down 3g in a few years. At that point, their IMEI whitelisting may go away and they'll start allowing an phone to use VoLTE, otherwise they'll start losing customers. If they don't change their attitude though, your phone will also not work on AT&T in a couple years (they don't have 2G enabled anywhere anymore). Verizon is also shutting down their 3G network in a couple of years.
I actually came searching XDA to see if anyone had a SM-G960F or SM-G965F working with VoLTE (and specifically dual VoLTE on the FD since it's supported) on any US carriers. I haven't come across anyone yet. On the Exynos S7 and S8, if you don't need WiFI calling, it's actually pretty easy to get VoLTE working without having to install an bunch of crap. There's just 4 files you need to edit or overwrite in /system/csc and one additional VoLTE settings file you have to place there as well. I'm thinking it would be the same with the Exynos S9. I just need someone with an S9 to confirm. Since you need WiFi calling, it's going to be a bit more work. You can look at the CSC selection tool easily found by searching here on XDA for the Exynos S7/S8 to see what you'll need to get WiFi calling to work (it's not that bad to go through the code and files in the zip installer). You may end up having to extract the US Qualcomm S9 T-Mobile firmware to get the required files out of it, or you might even be able to get away with simply flashing edited portions of the S8 CSC selection tool files to your G960F to get VoLTE and T-Mobile WiFi calling to work. (If you flash the CSC selection tool to directly to the stock ROM, it will break a lot of things due to the permissions XML file). I would plan on spending a few weekends to get VoLTE and WiFi calling working on it though.
If anyone has any additional experience, please chime in here!!
Also, one thing to pay attention to whenever you flash stock firmware using ODIN is Samsung's stupid e-fuses that prevent you from downgrading to a different bootloader level which will lock you out of downgrading stock firmware. It's the first number in the firmware descriptor. For example, if you blindly flash a U3 or S3 firmware, you can NEVER go back to a U2 or S2 firmware outside of a custom ROM. And even with a custom ROM, you may end up with compatibility issues with the new bootloader.
Another thing is when you root Samsung phones, it trips another permanent e-fuse that not only voids your warranty, but prevents apps like Knox and Samsung Pay from working ever again on the device.
To answer your questions:
The FD is just dual SIM - no other advantages. There's actually a hack for the Exynos S7's that will convert them to dual SIM since it's the same hardware. I'm not sure if it's like that with the Exynos S9.
Yes, the Exynos international versions have an unlocked bootloader (just have to go to enable developer options in the OS then go into developer options and enable OEM unlocking)
Yes, having an unlocked bootloader means there will be MUCH more custom ROMS and development out there.

It looks like the SM-G9600 or SM-G9650 (Chinese/Latin American) are the versions to get. They have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, is bootloader unlocked, and apparently even working on Verizon and T-Mobile (see the thread below). They don't have bands 30 or 71, but that's not the end of the world since most older phones as of a few years ago don't have those bands. I'm still wondering if dual VoLTE is working on these.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9/how-to/guide-sm-g9600-sm-g9650-verizon-t3890695

Which S20? Europe/exynos or HK/Snapdragon?

I live in Greece. Based on all I've read, the exynos S20 isn't as good as the snapdragon version for battery (my #1 issue), general performance, and graphics. I can get a pretty decent price on the HK one. It supports all the bands Vodafone-Greece uses, and it comes with 12gb ram (instead of 8gb) and some 5G ability. 5G won't exist here for a while, so that's unimportant to me. Normally, the no-brainer answer is to buy the HK S20, but I am already aware that Samsung Greece will not honor the warranty because it's from a non-EU region (thought I think there is a recent EU law that says they must). So, a couple of questions before I make a purchase:
- What won't work in Europe, like VOLTE?
- Will I get the normal OTA updates (Android 11 and security patches) or will I have to download and install the firmwares updates myself

corvus.corax said:
I live in Greece. Based on all I've read, the exynos S20 isn't as good as the snapdragon version for battery (my #1 issue), general performance, and graphics. I can get a pretty decent price on the HK one. It supports all the bands Vodafone-Greece uses, and it comes with 12gb ram (instead of 8gb) and some 5G ability. 5G won't exist here for a while, so that's unimportant to me. Normally, the no-brainer answer is to buy the HK S20, but I am already aware that Samsung Greece will not honor the warranty because it's from a non-EU region (thought I think there is a recent EU law that says they must). So, a couple of questions before I make a purchase:
- What won't work in Europe, like VOLTE?
- Will I get the normal OTA updates (Android 11 and security patches) or will I have to download and install the firmwares updates myself
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Whether or not you'll get VoLTE, WiFi Calling depends on the carrier. In some cases CSR's for Carrier Branded devices will say none of their features will work as they want potential customer's to purchase their device but that's not always the case. You won't know for certain until you test your device on their network. If the service provider's features are a priority then your best option is aquire their smartphone, you'll know they'll work. If you buy their Exynos device and it overheats or has fast battery drain you can return it under warranty for replacement or a refund. As much as we read about Exynos pitfalls there are many users who are pleased with the performance and have no issues. A lot of concerns come from users who put heavy workloads on their processers like gaming so it depends on your individual usage. I decided on the HK variant because most carrier features I can live without and I enjoy gaming. VoLTE and WiFi Calling features work on my T-Mobile's network, I also have access to Samsung Pay. Be aware you can't flash your service provider's firmware on a Snapdragon variant. You likely won't have some Carrier Aggeration like fast download speeds. You will get OTA Updates since they're distributed by Samsung, not your service provider.

Thank you for the thoughtful reply. Here in Greece, Vodafone doesn't currently support VOLTE or WiFi calling. I haven't used Samsung Pay up till now, but my bank doesn't support it, only Apple Pay & Google Pay, so not a big inconvenience. As to carrier aggregation, do you know why that wouldn't be fully supported and does your remark apply to 4G or just 5G? Does it have to do with the particular chipset & modem?

After all updates on Exynos, it performs great. No heating uo and battery life improved a lot.

djoxie said:
After all updates on Exynos, it performs great. No heating uo and battery life improved a lot.
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Same experience here (s20+ exynos variant) i wouldnt risk buying from grey market as you may get unit with poor oled uniformity and then be stuck with it

djoxie said:
After all updates on Exynos, it performs great. No heating uo and battery life improved a lot.
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That's good to know.