Obviously, there are differences with the stock rom that will come with either version. However, as I am planning to flash around a bit, this won't matter.
However I've heard that on a branded device, if I flash a different rom then accept an OTA update it will simlock my phone. Is this correct? If so, then will getting an unbranded device be better?
Thanks.
Let's also assume the T-Mobile phone is initially locked and I have to purchase a code to unlock it.
Bump - would really like to get a response on this matter.
I don't know the answer to your question, but my Galaxy is from T mobile and is unbranded and unlocked out of the box.
My SGS is from T-Mobile UK, but I can't really answer your question either.
I can say that the device is both externally and internally unbranded (I can't say about SIM locks, but I assume it has one). No splash screens, no "Web'n'Walk" Internet icon. The firmware supplied is:
PDA: I9000XXJF4
PHONE: I9000XXJF3
CSC: I9000TMUJE6
Only the CSC is custom, I'm guessing just because it comes set up with the T-Mobile APN settings etc.
What I'm interested in is whether, if I made a nandroid backup, what base ROM I'd need to return to the phone to stock.. JF3 is the only one available it seems.
I've just bought a T-Mobile UK SGS on ebay, brand new, still sealed, it was an 'unwanted upgrade'.
I can confirm there is no branding that I've found so far, and there is no sim lock (I'm using it on O2, everything working fine right out the box), I don't know if this is the same for all the SGS that T-Mobile are selling.
another one - even the box was unbranded.
No W'n'W application as I was expecting even!
Completely unlocked.
Related
Since unlocking SGS is legal, through a Samsung server (so I understood) I kindly ask you to recommend me a reliable site for this kind of service. I ordered the unlock code through globalunlock.com and even if they had good reviews on www, they seem to be disappeared.
Thank you.
there are currently no unlocking for SGS, because the international i9000 version comes unlocked from factory.
only the USA/Canada versions are locked, and those are not available to be unlocked yet
I have heard that if you update your phone through kies, it gets unlocked?
i doubt it, that will defeat the purpose to be locked
I believe it can still be SIM-locked by carriers though. Mine is supplied by T-Mobile UK and asks for an unlock code if I put an old Orange SIM in it.
Note that I have no problems flashing ROMs on it though.
Yeah this true I'm on t mobile uk and I thought if flashed new firmware it would lock my phone but it didn't so your ok to flash new firmware
Mithent said:
I believe it can still be SIM-locked by carriers though. Mine is supplied by T-Mobile UK and asks for an unlock code if I put an old Orange SIM in it.
Note that I have no problems flashing ROMs on it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
AllGamer said:
there are currently no unlocking for SGS, because the international i9000 version comes unlocked from factory.
only the USA/Canada versions are locked, and those are not available to be unlocked yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mithent said:
I believe it can still be SIM-locked by carriers though. Mine is supplied by T-Mobile UK and asks for an unlock code if I put an old Orange SIM in it.
Note that I have no problems flashing ROMs on it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I was refering to SIM-lock. Mine is locked on Orange Romania.
I can live with this if I would be able to update firmware, flashing ROMs and other stuff.
Should I dare flashing ROMs? By now I rooted it and applied a lagfix and I had no problems.
I updated firmware to I9000XXJP3. Everything looks ok for the moment
that is an alpha build of froyo AFAIK
the latest stable and fast firmwares are JH2 and JH1 for some other areas
my precious is european. should I use JP2?
This tutorial will help uk samsung galaxy s6 owners to debrand the S6 if locked to a network it will also get rid of all the network carrier bloatware and the good thing about this it will then allow you to get OTA Updates Quicker because u wont need to wait for your carrier to test the firmare before rolling it out Enjoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ey2Qn_n0t4
Wouldn't this trip the flash counter which would also mean losing your 2 year warranty?
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA Free mobile app
Cybermax93 said:
Wouldn't this trip the flash counter which would also mean losing your 2 year warranty?
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe since you're flashing official firmware, it won't be tripped. I bought an S6 from Germany and flashed with 3 UK firmware and can confirm my KNOX counter hasn't tripped.
Japultra said:
I believe since you're flashing official firmware, it won't be tripped. I bought an S6 from Germany and flashed with 3 UK firmware and can confirm my KNOX counter hasn't tripped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've skimmed through the tutorial video and it doesn't seem to have tripped Knox.
I'm looking to switch my s6 from TEL (Telstra AU) to XSA (Open AU).
Has anyone else tried to do this?
Cheers
will this work with an att s6
samdroid711 said:
I've skimmed through the tutorial video and it doesn't seem to have tripped Knox.
I'm looking to switch my s6 from TEL (Telstra AU) to XSA (Open AU).
Has anyone else tried to do this?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did it with the Optus S6. Worked perfectly.
Can't find firmware for US
I'm on a T-Mobile Galaxy S6 right now. I want to follow your tutorial, even if I am in the US should I use the UK firmware model you used in the video? Is there a special international unlocked firmware for the US version (like there is one for Spain, for UK, etc).
Also, if the UK model will work on my T-Mobile phone in the US, will I suffer battery hits because the phone will be looking for UK bands or will it recognize that I'm in the US and will only look for the US bands? Thanks!!
madscientistdam said:
This tutorial will help uk samsung galaxy s6 owners to debrand the S6 if locked to a network it will also get rid of all the network carrier bloatware and the good thing about this it will then allow you to get OTA Updates Quicker because u wont need to wait for your carrier to test the firmare before rolling it out Enjoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ey2Qn_n0t4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for making it but a quick written guide is much faster
Georgules said:
I'm on a T-Mobile Galaxy S6 right now. I want to follow your tutorial, even if I am in the US should I use the UK firmware model you used in the video? Is there a special international unlocked firmware for the US version (like there is one for Spain, for UK, etc).
Also, if the UK model will work on my T-Mobile phone in the US, will I suffer battery hits because the phone will be looking for UK bands or will it recognize that I'm in the US and will only look for the US bands? Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would look for bands based on the SIM I believe, but whether you can flash another region ROM is questionable. I thought there was something to prevent that, but I'm new to Samsung. I'm also curious if this will work. If it does, I'll just purchase an AT&T version as opposed to an unlocked one and then use this process.
bugsy said:
It would look for bands based on the SIM I believe, but whether you can flash another region ROM is questionable. I thought there was something to prevent that, but I'm new to Samsung. I'm also curious if this will work. If it does, I'll just purchase an AT&T version as opposed to an unlocked one and then use this process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the BTU model has always meant internationally unlocked in terms of Samsung devices, so hopefully this will work. I'm trying to flash it on my T-Mobile device and then rooting it. Does anybody have any idea how to change the model number of the phone to BTU as well so I can get OTA updates?
@madscientistdam
Looks like there is another BTU build added to the sammobile site wonder if anyone will receive a ota?
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G920F/BTU/
Received an ota this morning guys, and it was the new build I posted above this post.
Just did this to my Vodafone AU S6 and it worked a treat. Also got an OTA update after a couple of reboots. Knox is still intact. Should work for other Aussie telco phones. Fixed my random freeze's and reboots that where happening flat out at one stage.
*Update- still getting random lockups, even after setting up as a new phone (using no backup). Flash went fine though...
Question. Would this be good for an Ireland Three carrier S6?
Cheers!
Debrand an American S6 Edge (Verizon) for use in Germany
Hi!
You write in your video tutorial that you don’t suggest it for American smartphones. I have a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge from America (Verizon branded, firmware: G925VVRU4BOG9) and want to use it in Germany. So far, I have some annoying limitations (I can’t send text messages and I can’t roam). Do you – or anyone else reading this – have a hint or even a little tutorial for me? I’m so annoyed as neither Samsung nor Verizon or my German SIM card provider FONIC offers me support. The phone was a present from an American friend. So I’m not the original customer. I guess that’s one reason they don’t help. Whatever: I’ll appreciate your help! Thanks…
xkenikax said:
Hi!
You write in your video tutorial that you don’t suggest it for American smartphones. I have a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge from America (Verizon branded, firmware: G925VVRU4BOG9) and want to use it in Germany. So far, I have some annoying limitations (I can’t send text messages and I can’t roam). Do you – or anyone else reading this – have a hint or even a little tutorial for me? I’m so annoyed as neither Samsung nor Verizon or my German SIM card provider FONIC offers me support. The phone was a present from an American friend. So I’m not the original customer. I guess that’s one reason they don’t help. Whatever: I’ll appreciate your help! Thanks…
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just try the tutorial, you don't have a working phone right now, the worst that could happen is a hard brick
godutch said:
Just try the tutorial, you don't have a working phone right now, the worst that could happen is a hard brick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And a hard brick is exactly what I don’t want to risk…
this I assume only works on the International 920F version of these phone, you can flash most any region on these (hence international is your first clue), this does not however work on the (American Carrier) branded phones like Sprint, ATT, Verizon, US Cellular ect ect , these are I am told firmware specific, I tried flashing T-Mobile firmware on a sprint phone and brick city, I mean even sprint could not get it back up flashing sprint firmware with their jig... so beware. U.S. Based Carriers got you under their thumb.
debrand
Hi just bought s6 edge on vodafone uk, firmware ver.5.1.1 G925FXXU3QOKN is there any chance to get it debranded.I was think to flash BTU one G925FXXU3COI9.is that safe and csc will be changed to BTU.I see lot debrand was done with firmware change from 5.0.2 to 5.1.1. is that thesame story 5.1-5.1
pwamik said:
Hi just bought s6 edge on vodafone uk, firmware ver.5.1.1 G925FXXU3QOKN is there any chance to get it debranded.I was think to flash BTU one G925FXXU3COI9.is that safe and csc will be changed to BTU.I see lot debrand was done with firmware change from 5.0.2 to 5.1.1. is that thesame story 5.1-5.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, did you proceeded through the debranding?
I'm also on the same firmware and want to flash a BTU one and just wanted to know if you succeed !
So my S6 had an unfortunate trip in the lake, and I'm going to resort to my sisters old S4 (I owned one too, but I totalled it).
Mine was rooted and had GPE loaded on it.
My old model was an i9505 and noticed that my sisters is a i9507 which is a strange variant (assuming its 4G+).
Anyway, when she had it, the phone constantly overheated and would constantly reboot. We returned for repair many times, each time showing no signs of issue.
What I would like to know is;
Would i9505 roms suit this phone? Or would I have to make do with stock.
And secondly, I am with telstra and the S4 is with virgin (OPS). Is it as simple as flashing a i9507 ROM from telsra on it, or do I have to do something else? This is for the CSC of course.
Is the phone sim unlocked? I recommend sim unlocking the phone before flashing any ROMs, especially custom ROMs as the unlock code needs to be entered using a stock Samsung dialler.
CSC doesn't really matter if the phone is sim unlocked.
Stock firmware is here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I9507/
audit13 said:
Is the phone sim unlocked? I recommend sim unlocking the phone before flashing any ROMs, especially custom ROMs as the unlock code needs to be entered using a stock Samsung dialler.
CSC doesn't really matter if the phone is sim unlocked.
Stock firmware is here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I9507/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm stock firmware is only 5.0.1 and not for the carrier that I want. It's been so long since I've modded (since I've had stock S6 since I bought it). Can I change the CSC on that rom, or would it be locked to Optus.
Anyway I've put in my Telstra sim and it seems to work for the moment, picking up the telstra network and changing the APN's to telstras (maybe there is a CSC in the phone for TEL too?).
Just would like to know now if I'm able to use a GEL or AOSP rom for the i9505.
Thanks for the response.
The firmware should not matter. The CSC files are a customization of app for a particular carrier. There are 3 carriers in Canada (Rogers, Bell, Telus) for the s4 and I can cross-flash the firmware with no problems. I would be surprised if the phone can't work with Telstra if it is unlocked.
According to these specs, the 9507 uses a snapdragon 600 chip which is the chip used in the i337m and 9505: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9507_galaxy_s4_with_s600_spotted_in_glbench-news-6571.php
Hello all,
So I'm tempted to buy a Tim-branded S8 on Amazon.it because it's crazy cheap currently. I'm not in Italy but from what I've gathered online (and confirmed by a review on the product's page on Amazon), branding in Italy doesn't mean sim-locking so it should be usable with my local carrier. I'm in Europe anyway.
The only major difference with an unlocked phone (since it doesn't seem to have any hardware trace of the carrier) will be the software : potential TIM-related bloatware, delays for updates, etc.
My question would be : could it be possible to flash an official "clean" image, without affecting the phone and its warranty ? If so, which reference should I use ?
Thank you very much !
Yes, was going to ask if it was also sim locked.?
What county are you in and what sim do you use?
Out the box, if sim unlocked, it will work anyway.
Unless you want any advanced features.
Fw wise it's not a problem. I went the other way though, flashing EE ( UK) firmware into an unbranded unlocked BTU version to get VoLTE to work. It caused no issues.
Belgium but I guess European models pretty much have all bands available across Europe...
Thanks for the feedback !
I have the tim s8 here in the UK, flashed the h3g firmware and have WiFi calling and volte functioning without issue.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
hi
Im also interested in buying a tim branded phone (https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B071RSVYSH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A11IL2PNWYJU7H&psc=1) and was hoping if someone who has one could answer me couple of questions.
1) Does the phone have universal warranty? I mean if something was wrong with it and it needed any repair, could I just take it to a local Samsung store?
2) The model number on amazon site is G950, is that different from G950F? i couldn't find any reliable info on this..
Thanks in advance!
If the phone is designed for the European market then warranty applies regardless where you are (within Europe).
All European models are F-models.
You can flash an unbranded ROM through Odin to get rid of any branding which does not trigger Knox.
Bought "Unlocked" phone, has sprint branding, seller insists that's how Samsung works
Hi everyone, I bought a Galaxy S10+SM-G975U (same model that all 4 major US networks use) that was sold as "Unlocked" without specifying that it is Sim unlocked, Network unlocked, or Factory unlocked. Most of the time unless a seller specifies which unlocked then it means the phone is Factory unlocked, I gathered this from 9 years of buying and selling Android devices so it's not just a guess.
When I got the phone Sprint OMADM pops up and tells me I have an incomplete activation, "about phone" told me it was Sprint Network Unlocked; after a week it now says unknown under "Brand" in the "status" section.
The seller said that when you buy a factory unlocked Samsung phone and put in a network sim card that Samsung then loads the branding (bloat in my opinion).
1. Is this true that Samsung could have loaded Sprint OMADM?
2. If true can I remove it so that I don't have to "Force Stop" it after each startup?
3. Is there any piece of software or database that I can look up the origin of this phone so that I can either change my eBay review of the sale and apologize for my mistake, or affirm that indeed the seller failed to disclose branding that he knew wouldn't go away when a buyer puts in an ATT simcard such as I have.
I've read one single thread by a user and not a Samsung official that claims that you can pop in a network sim card and then restart to change some software but I have not found even one more thread mentioning this phenomenon.
My background:
I've bought factory unlocked my Moto Pure X and a OnePlus 5 and neither did any ridiculous **** when I switched networks, so that's why I doubt this claim.
I bought a AT&T branded one for use on TMobile. It kept popping up errors. I flashed the unlocked firmware and it works great. I get unlocked updates and everything. You'll need to look on here but there's a walkthrough somewhere. But there are a few advantages for running the carrier branded version so you could flash the AT&T firmware instead. I wanted less bloat so I went with the unlocked one.
Think this might be the thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/how-to/sm-g975u-firmware-downloads-tmo-spr-att-t3908657
That said after I did all this I did read there was going to be a update to the firmware which would do what you described.... Switching firmware based on the sim card. Never seen it happen on mine still on unlocked unbranded firmware. Maybe this phone is running old firmware prior to the update that implemented this?
not normal. LIke you, I purchased an 'unlocked' phone and when I powered on, it was a Verizon phone. I popped in my TMo sim, and it worked OK, but I would get the annoying Verizon popups reminding me that I'm on on their network. I installed the unlocked firmware and it went away.
But there's more: when the phone had a problem, I sent it back to Samsung under warranty (still unlocked) and when it was returned, I just installed the original sim and powered on. Now it seems to be a TMo phone, and when I look at the phone's software version, it shows TMB/TMB/VZW. It's been receiving OTA updates and I've disabled bloatware, so I'm OK with it.
Just to be clear I'm not going to flash anything. I'll just turn around and sell it. I need a stable phone for work and I used to mess around with flashing different roms and while it was fun it was a frequent activity and I don't have time for all the annoying trouble this phone has been. Thanks everyone.
Flashing rom is different from flashing a stock firmware. In your case the only way to be completely off from the previous network you are getting the notification from is to flash a G975U1 or G975U stock firmware which is unbranded or your network branded respectively and you are good to go. I switched my yesterday and am okay ?. I will be happy to assist should you change your mind
HIS YB said:
Flashing rom is different from flashing a stock firmware. In your case the only way to be completely off from the previous network you are getting the notification from is to flash a G975U1 or G975U stock firmware which is unbranded or your network branded respectively and you are good to go. I switched my yesterday and am okay . I will be happy to assist should you change your mind
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm going to see if it will sell first.