Unlocked US has working Esim says Samsung (?) - Samsung Galaxy S21 Questions

I was in touch with samsung support. They said that unlike the note 20, the s21 unlocked has noth Esim and standard sim and can be set up as a dual sim.
I find it hard to believe it's true. anyone have the unlocked version yet can tell us?

ekerbuddyeker said:
I was in touch with samsung support. They said that unlike the note 20, the s21 unlocked has noth Esim and standard sim and can be set up as a dual sim.
I find it hard to believe it's true. anyone have the unlocked version yet can tell us?
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Came here for this
Customer service rep is like asking a random person on street though.

Said it before, I'll say it again:
Guys, please remember that Samsung uses AI Chat bots and the cheapest 3rd world labor for their support. Don't take ANYTHING they say as gospel, until you see it for yourself.

No eSIM; received the phone today. US unlocked, no eSIM options. Do not believe Samsung.

I am ready to file a class action suit against them for "Bait and Switch" as they have now done this with both the S20 and the S21

Related

[Q] Could GSM-band support be changed through different Firmware?

I am from Norway and got my Gear S as a gift at the Samsung Developer Conference. It was locked to AT&T. I unlocked mine using cellunlocker.net. I received the network lock code less than an hour after submitting the order and it worked like a charm.
However, here in Norway we have GSM 900/1800 and the AT&T device is only GSM 850/1900 from what I can find on the net. Which matches my end result of not being able to connect to my network even after unlocking.
I should probably have thought of this before spending 29USD on an unlock code, but anything less than Quad-band on a phone just seems so '90s. As I do not have a compatible Samsung Phone either, the device is pretty much useless for me without GSM. I have Sony Z1 Compact (great), iPhone 5s (meh), Lumia 920 and 1020 (great), so buying a new phone is not an option at the moment.
Is the GSM-bands controlled by firmware or are there hardware differences between the US and European versions?
Does anybody know if it could be possible to load a European FW and get GSM 900/1800?
I'm fairly sure that's hardware controlled. Sorry
I also wish these were quadband.
You could try to sell yours on Ebay.com (I see they are currently going above suggested retail price), and buy one in Europe. They are, however, a bit more expensive there, EURO 390 in Germany including tax, for instance, but they also don't have SIM lock there.
jonstenerud said:
I am from Norway and got my Gear S as a gift at the Samsung Developer Conference. It was locked to AT&T. I unlocked mine using cellunlocker.net. I received the network lock code less than an hour after submitting the order and it worked like a charm.
However, here in Norway we have GSM 900/1800 and the AT&T device is only GSM 850/1900 from what I can find on the net. Which matches my end result of not being able to connect to my network even after unlocking.
I should probably have thought of this before spending 29USD on an unlock code, but anything less than Quad-band on a phone just seems so '90s. As I do not have a compatible Samsung Phone either, the device is pretty much useless for me without GSM. I have Sony Z1 Compact (great), iPhone 5s (meh), Lumia 920 and 1020 (great), so buying a new phone is not an option at the moment.
Is the GSM-bands controlled by firmware or are there hardware differences between the US and European versions?
Does anybody know if it could be possible to load a European FW and get GSM 900/1800?
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Have you tried contacting your local Samsung Developers on Google+? Samsung Developers US are very responsive on there.
I can't believe they didn't think about that!
sbrownla said:
Have you tried contacting your local Samsung Developers on Google+? Samsung Developers US are very responsive on there.
I can't believe they didn't think about that!
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Yes, but no luck. Says there are differences in the hardware and that it cannot be changed in software.
jonstenerud said:
Yes, but no luck. Says there are differences in the hardware and that it cannot be changed in software.
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I mean contact them to find out if they can replace it with one that actually works where you live.

US Unlocked S9 Plus purchased from Samsung is Single SIM

A bit shady as you won't find this detail on Samsung's US website but I've confirmed it with their customer support. Model SM-G965UZPAXAA
varcor said:
A bit shady as you won't find this detail on Samsung's US website but I've confirmed it with their customer support. Model SM-G965UZPAXAA
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How about purchase from Best Buy?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Samsung dual sim unlocked model is usually have FD instead of U or F. There may be carrier dual sim idk.
varcor said:
A bit shady as you won't find this detail on Samsung's US website but I've confirmed it with their customer support. Model SM-G965UZPAXAA
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lucky you for extracting a confirmation from samsung support.
I salute you.
you' re good.
North American markets do not typically carry dual-sim Samsung phones.
shook187 said:
How about purchase from Best Buy?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
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Same with Best Buy, Single SIM
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-s9-64gb-unlocked-lilac-purple/6191424.p?skuId=6191424
diehard2013 said:
lucky you for extracting a confirmation from samsung support.
I salute you.
you' re good.
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Yep, it's never easy getting a straight answer from their 500 station call center in India!
Can you post what lte bands the u.s. unlocked version support?
uzupan said:
Can you post what lte bands the u.s. unlocked version support?
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The US unlocked version will share the same as the previous unlocked devices
https://tinyurl.com/y7xgmtlo
Wait, unlocked as in unlocked bootloader??
cognitivedissonance said:
Wait, unlocked as in unlocked bootloader??
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Unlocked SIM
I don't believe dual SIM models have ever been directly sold to the us market. Not sure why this is shady or surprises you.
cognitivedissonance said:
Wait, unlocked as in unlocked bootloader??
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Now that's funny!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysKI7RIpZFQ
arcanexvi said:
I don't believe dual SIM models have ever been directly sold to the us market. Not sure why this is shady or surprises you.
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Exactly what I was thinking lol. 99.9% of the US has no idea dual SIM phones are even a thing, and 99.99% have no use for them.* Hardly shady for them to not advertise something that is totally irrelevant here. Hell, I would have been MORE surprised had it actually been dual SIM capable. Are there any CDMA capable phones sold in the US which have dual SIM capabilities? AFAIK the only dual SIM capable phones sold here are things like the OnePlus phones which are one model sold worldwide.
*Obviously they have value to some people, I'm not trying to totally diminish them!
iamrobk said:
Exactly what I was thinking lol. 99.9% of the US has no idea dual SIM phones are even a thing, and 99.99% have no use for them.* Hardly shady for them to not advertise something that is totally irrelevant here. Hell, I would have been MORE surprised had it actually been dual SIM capable. Are there any CDMA capable phones sold in the US which have dual SIM capabilities? AFAIK the only dual SIM capable phones sold here are things like the OnePlus phones which are one model sold worldwide.
*Obviously they have value to some people, I'm not trying to totally diminish them!
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I feel the same way. If the device wasnt region specific to the US I'd say it would have a fighting chance. Especially if it were India/Asia. I'm not aware of a native CDMA USA device with Dual SIM.
arcanexvi said:
I don't believe dual SIM models have ever been directly sold to the us market. Not sure why this is shady or surprises you.
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Here's why it's shady. Before you pre-order, Samsung's website only provides general features about the device. After you pay, only then can you download or view a Users Manual on Samsung's website. There are many variants with Galaxy devices and you should have the right to know what the features and capabilities are BEFORE you pay for the device.
No, unlocked as in SIM unlocked.
varcor said:
A bit shady as you won't find this detail on Samsung's US website but I've confirmed it with their customer support. Model SM-G965UZPAXAA
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Click to collapse
Not sure why you think this is shady. Typically, unless it specifically states Dual SIM, you should always assume it's a single one. The dual ones are not very common in the USA at all so why would the unlocked version be dual?
I could have sworn when I first looked at the specs on the Samsung site before I did a pre-order it listed the device as being Dual SIM. Maybe they just had a generic spec list that included specs for International variants, but I was under the impression that it would be Dual SIM. That might be why the person above thought it would be as well.
heh... not sure why you feel it's shady. Dual sim phones are 90% all the time international models. US models are single sim, unless otherwise specified.

Does US S21 or its variant have esim?

Does US S21 or its variant have esim?
Haven't seen any info on any sites unlike S20 and Note20 where there was mention.
mindseye0803 said:
Does US S21 or its variant have esim?
Haven't seen any info on any sites unlike S20 and Note20 where there was mention.
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Click to collapse
Don't have a definitive answer but it's not likely. Carrier Branded devices are firmly opposed to giving their customers alternative network options. That's the same reason all US devices are single sim.
it is not supported based on answer from Samsung product expert:-
https://imgur.com/a/AySogpp
More than likely it will be supported only on the unlocked version bought directly from Samsung. If you get a carrier version, the device would have to be carrier unlocked to enable eSIM. My AT&T S20 Ultra, flashed with the U1 software, enabled me to have eSIM functionality. I'm assuming it will be the same with the S21.
on samsung dot com, it said esim supported.
cjegan2008 said:
More than likely it will be supported only on the unlocked version bought directly from Samsung. If you get a carrier version, the device would have to be carrier unlocked to enable eSIM. My AT&T S20 Ultra, flashed with the U1 software, enabled me to have eSIM functionality. I'm assuming it will be the same with the S21.
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Wait, your S20 ultra Snapdragon US version supports eSIM and you can actually use it on AT&T? I thought that was only possible on the Fold2 ?
mindseye0803 said:
it is not supported based on answer from Samsung product expert:-
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Their website says it is supported under FAQ. These "product experts" just guess and don't always know the true answer to technical questions. Previously they said it was supported, so I would assume this time it must be supported if they are denying it
VICosPhi said:
Wait, your S20 ultra Snapdragon US version supports eSIM and you can actually use it on AT&T? I thought that was only possible on the Fold2 ?
Yes it does support it, and I can use it on AT&T. However, only after flashing the U1 firmware and it being carrier unlocked did it work.
Their website says it is supported under FAQ. These "product experts" just guess and don't always know the true answer to technical questions. Previously they said it was supported, so I would assume this time it must be supported if they are denying it
This is true, it is supported. A lot of product reps don't really know much.
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S20 range has esim support - so it would make sense that s21 has it too - is not like it cost them more
the Q is whether or not your carrier supports it and most likely NO
at least here in UK no major career supports it yet or plans too
LTE Smart watches? Voda now supports https://newscentre.vodafone.co.uk/news/esim-support-comes-to-vodafone-uk-smartphones/ for certain phones S21 included
I spoke to Samsung on the phone yesterday about this. I ordered the S21U 512gb (brown) unlocked version and they said it’s esim + nano sim. For what it’s worth, it took three different people to get an answer on that and I’m not even convinced they knew for sure.
I don’t understand why Samsung is being weird about the specs...
Guys, please remember that Samsung uses AI Chat bots and the cheapest 3rd world labor for their support. Don't take ANYTHING they say as gospel, until you see it for yourself.
I was in.tiuch with samsung retail support and they said the unlocked US version does support Esim. I specifically asked if it could be used as a dual sim and they said yes. Time will tell!
ekerbuddyeker said:
I was in.tiuch with samsung retail support and they said the unlocked US version does support Esim. I specifically asked if it could be used as a dual sim and they said yes. Time will tell!
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Click to collapse
I was just told yesterday by their Twitter team that the phone doesn't have DSDS but you can activate either the eSIM or nano SIM with only one activated at a time. The phone support team (E-commerce) told me very clearly that it IS dual-SIM DSDS. This is becoming more confusing as time goes on.
Sorry for off-topic, but, if supported, does eSIM consume more battery than nano SIM? Does eSIM have any impact on battery?
This is called Bait and switch, and is against the law. It clearly states on the S21 US website (https://www.samsung.com/us/smartphones/galaxy-s21-5g/#!) under FAQ "
Do Galaxy S21 5G and S21+ 5G support eSIM?
Yes, you can use an electronic SIM, known as eSIM, with Galaxy S21 5G and S21+ 5G. The eSIM allows you to activate a mobile network plan right on your phone, so you can switch data plans or add an overseas phone number without the physical Nano SIM."
I would like to know who else is interested in filing a class action suit.
ernstgot said:
I would like to know who else is interested in filing a class action suit.
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How did this harm you or impact you financially? Because without that, you don't have any basis for a class action suit. ****ty of Samsung to do, but that has nothing to do with the law.
Just got my S21 Ultra. UK, 512GB model, and it's dual sim, but doesn't seem to support eSim as well. I'm happy with dual sim

Question Support for Australian Carriers?

G'day my fellow XDA'ers (is there such a term).
It's been many years since I have posted.
I have been keenly eyeing the Experia 1 III. With the delay in their launch, yes I know it's available now, Google is now on the precipice of launching the Pixel 6 Pro, which I am also considering.
The key functions I am looking for is the camera and video. I don't shoot alot of video, but when I do, it's for auditions.
The Sony would seem the logical choice here. I also want to use it for everyday snaps and I hear the night-shot does not exist. The Pixel will have this of course.
My questions are:
1. What effort is required to connect the Experia 1 III to Australian carriers Optus or Telstra?
2. I have been reading that I have to load a mod or something like that?
3. What is required of that? And then if so,
4. What do you need to do to get upgrades?
This could be a deal breaker for me.
It's sold by Kogan in Aus, so if you buy it there and it doesn't work with your carriers then its defective and you just return it...
@roughdiamon
Any one else have any suggestions or know what it will take to get the 1 iii to work on Aussie telcos ?
Mainly looking for VoLTE to work.
Apparently it works with VoLTE and WiFi calling on Kogan according to this person: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=97&topicid=289469&page_no=1#2775602
There's just not enough information though. I'd like to know more for New Zealand because I'm considering one myself but it sounds like a pain in the ass to get it working optimally because they're not officially sold here. I'm getting really sick of all these phone manufacturers not selling their phones in more than a select few countries... I don't want more of Samsung's curved screen, Knox-ridden BS...
I just ordered the 1 iii from Kogan, it comes with a free 1month sim, i'll test and see how it pans out.
How did you go with the Kogan Sim?
I have the iii on Optus but no luck with Volte but happy to switch carrier's if it enables Volte.
Ausdom88 said:
How did you go with the Kogan Sim?
I have the iii on Optus but no luck with Volte but happy to switch carrier's if it enables Volte.
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Due to Kogan's 3rd party suppliers incompetence my phone has been delayed up to now, I gustimate it will arrive end of this week if I'm lucky if not next week.
Will update once it arrives.
mutilor said:
Due to Kogan's 3rd party suppliers incompetence my phone has been delayed up to now, I gustimate it will arrive end of this week if I'm lucky if not next week.
Will update once it arrives.
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Hey mate any progress on this?

Question XQ-BC62 - what is it really? Dual-SIM?

I see that B&H Photo sells XQ-BC62 model in US as "Sony XPERIA 1 III Dual-SIM 256GB 5G Smartphone (Unlocked)", i.e. the dual-SIM capability is explicitly claimed.
Meanwhile other US web sites (e.g. BestBuy) also sell XQ-BC62 model in US without mentioning the dual-SIM capability.
So, is XQ-BC62 sold in the US a dual-SIM phone or not?
I understand that Sony devices whose designation begins with X are supposed to be dual-SIM, at least hardware-wise. But there could be software differences, right? Or not?
---
A more specific question that interests me is about future AT&T compatibility. The AT&T's compatibility list clams support for XQ-BC62. So, does it mean that the dual-SIM phone from B&H is going to be supported? Or is there a chance that it will stop working on AT&T network after February 2022, despite being on the list?
Uh... Sorry. My mistake. BestBuy page also says it is dual-SIM. Missed it.
Everything's clear now.
TheKorbenDallas said:
So, is XQ-BC62 sold in the US a dual-SIM phone or not?
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Click to collapse
As shown on GSM Arena, all model numbers of the Xperia 1 iii are hybrids. That means they have one regular sim slot and one sim/sd card slot even though only one of the two sim cards can use 5G at one time.
I did have the same experience when ordering my Xperia 10 III. On the website I ordered from. It said it would only have one sim slot. But I did some research and found out it was a hybrid, which I did confirm on delivery.
TheKorbenDallas said:
Uh... Sorry. My mistake. BestBuy page also says it is dual-SIM. Missed it.
Everything's clear now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, I did not see your reply, lol. But hope my answer did still help you in any way.
bc62 is dual sim
TheKorbenDallas said:
I see that B&H Photo sells XQ-BC62 model in US as "Sony XPERIA 1 III Dual-SIM 256GB 5G Smartphone (Unlocked)", i.e. the dual-SIM capability is explicitly claimed.
Meanwhile other US web sites (e.g. BestBuy) also sell XQ-BC62 model in US without mentioning the dual-SIM capability.
So, is XQ-BC62 sold in the US a dual-SIM phone or not?
I understand that Sony devices whose designation begins with X are supposed to be dual-SIM, at least hardware-wise. But there could be software differences, right? Or not?
---
A more specific question that interests me is about future AT&T compatibility. The AT&T's compatibility list clams support for XQ-BC62. So, does it mean that the dual-SIM phone from B&H is going to be supported? Or is there a chance that it will stop working on AT&T network after February 2022, despite being on the list?
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Click to collapse
Don't count on Telco support improving. All Sony needs to do is update the firmware but that hasn't happened. Only upstream security patches and critical bug fixes (boot loops, firmware self-destruct, and dangerous overheating) have been released. I haven't seen any badly needed performance or usability fixes.
"I haven't seen any badly needed performance or usability fixes."
kevinmcmurtrie said:
Don't count on Telco support improving. All Sony needs to do is update the firmware but that hasn't happened. Only upstream security patches and critical bug fixes (boot loops, firmware self-destruct, and dangerous overheating) have been released. I haven't seen any badly needed performance or usability fixes.
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Click to collapse
Would you be kind enough to elaborate? I own this phone, and though I choose to run Nova Prime, I have no usability or performance issues at all!
jaseman said:
"I haven't seen any badly needed performance or usability fixes."
Would you be kind enough to elaborate? I own this phone, and though I choose to run Nova Prime, I have no usability or performance issues at all!
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Click to collapse
I put a post at https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/xperia-1-iii-and-xperia-pro-i-fatal-flaws.4374813/post-86157973
Many countries are releasing phones with dual sim, but there are some countries like Japan that does not provide dual sim, Many phones in Japan does not support dual sim.

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