Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge G935F Unlocked - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello,
I want to purchase this phone from b&h photo and video . From what I understand it is unlocked to use with any GSM carriers around the world. I live in the US and have AT&T, I want to root and install twrp for roms. If i root and install twrp will it no longer be unlocked afterwards? I appreciate any responses.
Thank You,

It should remain unlocked but the issue you may come across is the different bands that other countries use. So you may not get lte at all.

Thanks for the reply. I did check the bands and they appear to be compatible with AT&T. I am still stuck on my S3 because I refuse to buy a phone with a locked bootloader and I have never purchased an international version. I feel like i'm getting left behind.

Related

Variants with unlocked bootloader?

Apologies if this has been asked before but are any of these coming with an unlocked bootloader? I had the misfortune of purchasing the att variant of the s5 at launch and there have been no good roms for it. I would like to not make the same mistake. Thanks
AT&T and Verizon will be locked down as usual but the rest of the carriers should have unlocked bootloaders.
I think the real question should be what the best way to get an BL unlocked one that works with AT&T is? Obviously a Tmo variant is an option though the process of obtaining and unlocking seems like one hell of a hassle. So is there a better way?
T-Mobile variants have a track record of being friendly when it comes to unlocked bootloaders and I'm sure it will stand to be true with the T-Mobiles S6 variants....

AT&T vs. Verizon vs. T-Mobile [HELP!]

*First of all, sorry if I misuse english, it's not my native language*
So I'm about to buy an LG V10 on prepaid (fully paid off), but can't decide which variant. I know the T-Mobile one it's the cheapest and also the only one that has the possibility to unlock the bootloader for now, and that's a major plus, but it comes network locked and with that annoying "unlocking app" that T-Mobile has. I need it to be network unlocked, so this is a big downside to me. I now T-Mobile can unlock it for me. I was reading that you need to refill $100 and have the line active for around 10 days it order to unlock, but I can't do this because I don't live in the US, so yeah.
Then I considered the Verizon LG V10 that comes network unlocked by default (I think), but has less possibilities of getting root.
Also I don't know much about AT&T, but I'm 99% sure it can be network unlocked with an unlocking code.
Do you think Verizon or AT&T variants are going to achieve root? I'm hearing advices.
Based on other verizon phones with their locked bootloaders.....I'm pretty sure their v10 will never get root.
Ever.

Carrier Unlocking the U.S. S9/S9+

My question remains, when carrier unlocking an s9 or s9+, is there any way to make it available on different network types like say if the phone started out using a carrier that uses CDMA, is their any way to flash it to utilize t-mobile's frequency bands?
I unlocked two galaxy s9+'s that were on xfinity, which uses verizon towers. The two phones did unlock, but only for carriers utilizing CDMA. I was hoping they would be able to be used on t-mobile after unlocking, but they can't. Only messaging and data works using a t-mobile SIM card. Verizon works fine. SO my question still remains, is there a way to make it work?
I used itekimei .com to have the phones unlocked, as I found they were suggested here on XDA. And they weren't really able to answer my question either. They said it should work with t-mobile, but the conversation ended with "t-mobile is having problems with unlocked phones." This is super frustrating trying to get an answer.
Edit: I found this forum https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9-plus/help/sim-unlocking-sprint-samsung-galaxy-s9-t3783571 which debates whether it will work or not. Also this one specifically about Xfinity https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s9-plus/help/xfinity-mobile-unlock-service-t3796349. But mine didn't work. I don't think U.S. S9's are cross compatible from CDMA to GSM. I have been searching and searching and can't find a way.
Yes, the US unit hardware is cross compatible. Heck, Verizon itself isn't all CDMA. They are phasing out CDMA soon and most of their network is LTE.
I have a US unlocked S9+ and can use any carrier in the US. You could too, all you need to do is flash the US Unlocked firmware to the device using Odin.
Your problem may be the Xfinity firmware restricting certain bands is all. Or possibly the device isn't really unlocked.
Regards,

Which S9+ has the most LTE band support and root?

I travel internationally a lot and want to get the version with the most LTE band support and the ability to root. In the USA I'm on T-Mobile.
SM-G965U1 (unlocked) or SM-G965U (T-Mobile)? Pros and cons to each?
fuzzybabybunny said:
I travel internationally a lot and want to get the version with the most LTE band support and the ability to root. In the USA I'm on T-Mobile.
SM-G965U1 (unlocked) or SM-G965U (T-Mobile)? Pros and cons to each?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both models are the same. The TMO, Sprint, att and vzw models all have the same LTE bands as the unlocked Phones. The only difference is carrier can block bands on there firmware. So you would have to download the other carriers firmware to use the blocked bands.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
fuzzybabybunny said:
I travel internationally a lot and want to get the version with the most LTE band support and the ability to root. In the USA I'm on T-Mobile.
SM-G965U1 (unlocked) or SM-G965U (T-Mobile)? Pros and cons to each?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both should have the same LTE band support because internally they are the same hardware wise.
The G965U has all the carrier bloat, is network locked, configured for that carrier and will have what ever T-Mobile puts on it.
The G965U1 is network unlocked and doesn't have any of the carrier bloat on it, which makes this the most generically compatible with all the providers (it auto-configures for the provider when you put the sim card into it). This should include what ever bands are necessary for the device to work on the carrier. There maybe some features from some providers that may not work, as those would require the G965U variant from that provider.
As an example, my phone is originally a Sprint variant (G965U) but I had it network unlocked and flashed the G965U1 firmware on it. After inserting my AT&T sim card it autoconfigured for use on AT&T and set the applicable network bands to use. Some of the bands used on the phone now with the G965U1 firmware were never included with the sprint firmware
.
I have the following LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 (band 66 is used on T-mobile if I recall correctly)
Originally the sprint firmware had: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41
The G965U and G965U1 are not rootable as of yet. There has been no updates or information that says when or where it will be.
If you want to be able to root then you would need the Galaxy s9+ with the Exynos model or the G9650 model (that's the only snapdragon model you can root right now)
tengen31 said:
Both models are the same. The TMO, Sprint, att and vzw models all have the same LTE bands as the unlocked Phones. The only difference is carrier can block bands on there firmware. So you would have to download the other carriers firmware to use the blocked bands.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Errr, I'm confused.
You mean if I have, say, the Sprint version they can choose to have firmware that blocks ATT, TMO, and Verizon? If I was on Sprint and I wanted to use ATT, I would just flash the ATT firmware on my Sprint phone to use ATT bands?
And the unlocked phone has no blocked bands?
fuzzybabybunny said:
Errr, I'm confused.
You mean if I have, say, the Sprint version they can choose to have firmware that blocks ATT, TMO, and Verizon? If I was on Sprint and I wanted to use ATT, I would just flash the ATT firmware on my Sprint phone to use ATT bands?
And the unlocked phone has no blocked bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right att firmware were allow all att bands. No the unlocked model doesn't get anything blocked. I wish the S9 was like the S8 where it would download the firmware right when you put on the sim card
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
scottusa2008 said:
Both should have the same LTE band support because internally they are the same hardware wise.
The G965U has all the carrier bloat, is network locked, configured for that carrier and will have what ever T-Mobile puts on it.
The G965U1 is network unlocked and doesn't have any of the carrier bloat on it, which makes this the most generically compatible with all the providers (it auto-configures for the provider when you put the sim card into it). This should include what ever bands are necessary for the device to work on the carrier. There maybe some features from some providers that may not work, as those would require the G965U variant from that provider.
As an example, my phone is originally a Sprint variant (G965U) but I had it network unlocked and flashed the G965U1 firmware on it. After inserting my AT&T sim card it autoconfigured for use on AT&T and set the applicable network bands to use. Some of the bands used on the phone now with the G965U1 firmware were never included with the sprint firmware
.
I have the following LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 (band 66 is used on T-mobile if I recall correctly)
Originally the sprint firmware had: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41
The G965U and G965U1 are not rootable as of yet. There has been no updates or information that says when or where it will be.
If you want to be able to root then you would need the Galaxy s9+ with the Exynos model or the G9650 model (that's the only snapdragon model you can root right now)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not being rootable - is this because devs need to wait for Samsung to provide them something first in order to enable root on their phones?
For me, root has always been just about flashing a SuperSU zip in recovery. So I'm assuming that the bootloader is locked and there's no way to install a custom recovery to flash root?
The dev's need to find a way to install the root and then package/make it in such a way as to let anyone install it.
Samsung doesn't provide them way with a way to make that happen. At least I have never heard of that happening.
Hmm... is this normal or typical? Like when a new Samsung phone comes out it takes the community several months to figure out how to root? Or is there a possibility of the G965U1 *never* getting root, meaning some Samsungs get it but other versions never do?
fuzzybabybunny said:
Hmm... is this normal or typical? Like when a new Samsung phone comes out it takes the community several months to figure out how to root? Or is there a possibility of the G965U1 *never* getting root, meaning some Samsungs get it but other versions never do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's normal, the thing with finding a root method is finding a useable exploit (hardware or software) or method to install what is needed to root the phone.
Given Samsung and knox I can not imagine this to be an easy task. So I wouldn't say it will never happen, but it might take a while before the developers have viable method. How long on the other hand is not known.. might be tomorrow, might be next year, might be 2 years. Just takes as long as it takes.
scottusa2008 said:
It's normal, the thing with finding a root method is finding a useable exploit (hardware or software) or method to install what is needed to root the phone.
Given Samsung and knox I can not imagine this to be an easy task. So I wouldn't say it will never happen, but it might take a while before the developers have viable method. How long on the other hand is not known.. might be tomorrow, might be next year, might be 2 years. Just takes as long as it takes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha. Hmm... In that case I think I might just get the Exynos version as the SnapDragon that's rootable doesn't have much development on it. Plus it seems to support most TMobile bands.
Unfortunately the Exynos version seems to have high power usage issues and people are waiting for a fix from Samsung. Hopefully this will get fixed?
Between G965F (single sim) and G965F/DS (dual sim) are there any differences? Both have the same band support and seemingly the same hardware specs otherwise... so why would anyone ever get the single sim version?
fuzzybabybunny said:
Between G965F (single sim) and G965F/DS (dual sim) are there any differences? Both have the same band support and seemingly the same hardware specs otherwise... so why would anyone ever get the single sim version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would imagine it would be up to the individual and each person's need/want/desire/preference/etc... Myself it would boil down to cost and usefulness.
If the cost was the same as the single sim then I probably would. If the cost was higher then I would have to pass on the dual sim phone since I only use one provider (and not two).
FWIW, I've had to sold my G965F/DS and switch to G965U because of incompatibility with T-Mobile. I live in an area where I depend on VoLTE a lot, and the phone is just not usable.
otteporihs said:
FWIW, I've had to sold my G965F/DS and switch to G965U because of incompatibility with T-Mobile. I live in an area where I depend on VoLTE a lot, and the phone is just not usable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What incompatibilities did you encounter? Did you consider rooting it?
CynicalHeight00 said:
What incompatibilities did you encounter? Did you consider rooting it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to regret this if I'm wrong, but I doubt I am, and this reply is motivated only to 1): save the developer from having to field this continued line on this topic,
...and 2): to simply educate (and clarify) the concept the you appear to be having, as well as any other members also confused...
So, to that end, please allow me to interrupt and explain that the SM-G95U is a is a LOCKED bootloader, and as such, to this date of this post, remains unable to be unlocked for rooting on any level. That being said, it IS possible to use ODIN to swap or over-write the necessary software (which is by nature "carrier-specific", i.e., Sprint version, or T-Mobile version, etc., etc...) to open the bands that ARE already physically present on the phones, but which are not functioning, to start functioning. This WILL allow the SM-G960U & SMG965U to be brought from, say Sprint, (I'm using the Dev's example here, to keep my answer focused to the member's specific original question they asked, however, a Sprint to T-Mobile band compatibility/conversion is not all-inclusive or limited to this exact situation, the possibilities abound ad-ifinitum dependent upon a myriad of factors not properly within the scope of this forum) which only use, and therefore only ACTIVATE a sub-set of the bands present on the phone, over to T-Mobile, WITHOUT having root, (which, of course the SM-G965U & SM-G960U are, again, PRESENTLY incapable of being rooted due to the boot loader being locked by Samsung).
I hope my explanation answered your question correctly, and helps you with your understanding of what this variant (the SM-G965U & SM-960U) is and is not capable of as to rooting, and how that does not interfere with turning on the dormant frequencies a potential new carrier might require to deliver service should you opt to change the original carrier the phone was programmed for. It's a nice ability to have that option, and many thanks for the Devs who have taken the time and effort to map that process out down to the custom software they so generously shared above so we may experience their benefits without the cost of their time, efforts, or hard work.
*(The SM-G965U1 and SM-G960U1 is not limited by a locked bootloader, and therefore able to be rooted much easier as a result, which, IMO makes clear that the shameless tech companies could provide a secure platform sans bootlocking the end-user out, who dubiously "own" the device after paying upwards to a thousand dollars for it to be theirs ultimately)
AndyGumpp said:
I'm going to regret this if I'm wrong, but I doubt I am, and this reply is motivated only to 1): save the developer from having to field this continued line on this topic,
...and 2): to simply educate (and clarify) the concept the you appear to be having, as well as any other members also confused...
So, to that end, please allow me to interrupt and explain that the SM-G95U is a is a LOCKED bootloader, and as such, to this date of this post, remains unable to be unlocked for rooting on any level. That being said, it IS possible to use ODIN to swap or over-write the necessary software (which is by nature "carrier-specific", i.e., Sprint version, or T-Mobile version, etc., etc...) to open the bands that ARE already physically present on the phones, but which are not functioning, to start functioning. This WILL allow the SM-G960U & SMG965U to be brought from, say Sprint, (I'm using the Dev's example here, to keep my answer focused to the member's specific original question they asked, however, a Sprint to T-Mobile band compatibility/conversion is not all-inclusive or limited to this exact situation, the possibilities abound ad-ifinitum dependent upon a myriad of factors not properly within the scope of this forum) which only use, and therefore only ACTIVATE a sub-set of the bands present on the phone, over to T-Mobile, WITHOUT having root, (which, of course the SM-G965U & SM-G960U are, again, PRESENTLY incapable of being rooted due to the boot loader being locked by Samsung).
I hope my explanation answered your question correctly, and helps you with your understanding of what this variant (the SM-G965U & SM-960U) is and is not capable of as to rooting, and how that does not interfere with turning on the dormant frequencies a potential new carrier might require to deliver service should you opt to change the original carrier the phone was programmed for. It's a nice ability to have that option, and many thanks for the Devs who have taken the time and effort to map that process out down to the custom software they so generously shared above so we may experience their benefits without the cost of their time, efforts, or hard work.
*(The SM-G965U1 and SM-G960U1 is not limited by a locked bootloader, and therefore able to be rooted much easier as a result, which, IMO makes clear that the shameless tech companies could provide a secure platform sans bootlocking the end-user out, who dubiously "own" the device after paying upwards to a thousand dollars for it to be theirs ultimately)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So ya know the 960U and W Can be rooted with locked bootloader And U1 is the same exact model as U and W Just carrier unlocked The U1 Is limited by a locked bootloader just like the rest of the american devices And Is no more easier to root than the other 2 models
Half of what you have posted is completely incorrect and or Unresearched properly.
All three of the device W U and U1 can be cross flashed with any Us carriers firmware as well as each firmware is About 90% compatible to be used on the next once properly sim unlocked which is what is being said here. That also being said Most of these devices come OYN type CSC file allowing one to just insert a new sim once properly sim unlocked and the device will auto configure itself for the new carrier
TheMadScientist said:
So ya know the 960U and W Can be rooted with locked bootloader And U1 is the same exact model as U and W Just carrier unlocked The U1 Is limited by a locked bootloader just like the rest of the american devices And Is no more easier to root than the other 2 models
Half of what you have posted is completely incorrect and or Unresearched properly.
All three of the device W U and U1 can be cross flashed with any Us carriers firmware as well as each firmware is About 90% compatible to be used on the next once properly sim unlocked which is what is being said here. That also being said Most of these devices come OYN type CSC file allowing one to just insert a new sim once properly sim unlocked and the device will auto configure itself for the new carrier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If as you say, the SM-G965U1 can be rooted, where did you find this information? Is there a website with instructions for this? So far, everything I have read indicates my SM-G965U1 cant be rooted.

T865 on T-Mobile

I was wondering if anybody is using the international T865 on T-Mobile, and if so, how is the LTE signal? I know this model doesn't have all of the T-Mobile LTE bands, but I believe it has a couple of the important ones? I ran an international Tab S2 on T-Mobile, and it worked pretty much just fine in Los Angeles. I was kind of curious how this might work now, if the network has changed since then or whatnot, and then how the merger with Sprint might affect it in the near future. Any info is appreciated!
YrrchSebor said:
I was wondering if anybody is using the international T865 on T-Mobile, and if so, how is the LTE signal? I know this model doesn't have all of the T-Mobile LTE bands, but I believe it has a couple of the important ones? I ran an international Tab S2 on T-Mobile, and it worked pretty much just fine in Los Angeles. I was kind of curious how this might work now, if the network has changed since then or whatnot, and then how the merger with Sprint might affect it in the near future. Any info is appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I attempted to flash the international T865 on my unlocked T-Mobile S6 LTE with Odin and a Patched Odin but in each case it failed.
rfb813 said:
I attempted to flash the international T865 on my unlocked T-Mobile S6 LTE with Odin and a Patched Odin but in each case it failed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I don't think that works. Have you tried putting a smartphone sim in your T-Mobile S6? I'm sure the system will recognize it as a tablet and not a phone. That's why I want to order an 865 international model. But then again I guess I might look into how much it costs just to add some tablet data to my plan.
YrrchSebor said:
Yeah I don't think that works. Have you tried putting a smartphone sim in your T-Mobile S6? I'm sure the system will recognize it as a tablet and not a phone. That's why I want to order an 865 international model. But then again I guess I might look into how much it costs just to add some tablet data to my plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a smartphone sim (no difference than an normal sim) and get mobile data which allows me to use the phone when WiFi is not available (I don't want to use my phone as a hotspot). The T-Mobile LTE tablet cannot make phone calls or text but can use the text and call on other devices option on Samsung phones which allows you to use the Tablet using your phone number.
On other samsung devices the US models use the Snapdragon chip while the international model uses the exynos chip which can easily unlock the bootloader and root the phone or tablet. I understand that the S6 LTE tablet is using only the Snapdragon chip worldwide so rooting may be much more difficult. However the international version should have the OEM unlock available so the bootloader can be unlocked. Normally I only get the international versions and root, but if is getting more difficult each year to root the Samsung devices. I bought a used S6 LTE and am happy with my tablet.
rfb813 said:
I have a smartphone sim (no difference than an normal sim) and get mobile data which allows me to use the phone when WiFi is not available (I don't want to use my phone as a hotspot). The T-Mobile LTE tablet cannot make phone calls or text but can use the text and call on other devices option on Samsung phones which allows you to use the Tablet using your phone number.
On other samsung devices the US models use the Snapdragon chip while the international model uses the exynos chip which can easily unlock the bootloader and root the phone or tablet. I understand that the S6 LTE tablet is using only the Snapdragon chip worldwide so rooting may be much more difficult. However the international version should have the OEM unlock available so the bootloader can be unlocked. Normally I only get the international versions and root, but if is getting more difficult each year to root the Samsung devices. I bought a used S6 LTE and am happy with my tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you have a smartphone sim in your T-Mobile Tab S6 LTE, and can get unlimited data? Is it a T-Mobile SIM or another carrier? I tried that some years ago with a different tablet and it didn't work because the system recognized it as a tablet and not a smartphone. That would be cool if it works though, I don't care that much about calling and texting, but unlimited data would be cool.
I like the international models too because they can be used like huge phones lol, but they don't have all of the T-Mobile LTE bands, but I think they have enough that it works okay.

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