Database Users

[Q] I9500 and Google S4

Hi,
I have the Galaxy S4 I9500 version, the snapdragon variant is not available for my region. Google now has launched the Google S4 - which I may be able to get since a friend of mine is coming over from the US. Cost is not an issue since I will sell the I9500 if I go for the Google version - both cost the same for me (we don't have carrier discounted versions in India)
I believe the Snapdragon is a wee bit faster than the octa-core, hopefully the Google edition will be more faster as it is devoid of bloatware.
My questions are:
Since it is a US device - unlike iphone the warranty will not work internationally?
Will the phone be blocked for only US sim-cards or something like that? If I use it in India / Europe and East Asia I am hoping it will work and not need any special code to be entered unlike the carrier locked versions
Anything else I need to be aware of before buying this?
Please respond and thanks in advance for your help - Your inputs will guide my decision in going for the Google version.

I would choose the snapdragon one due to better support, it should be unlocked if its not brought from a mobile carrier,warranty should be international, I'm thinking about one but my nexus4 has been alright so far so I'm going through these threads

Triad007 said:
Hi,
I have the Galaxy S4 I9500 version, the snapdragon variant is not available for my region. Google now has launched the Google S4 - which I may be able to get since a friend of mine is coming over from the US. Cost is not an issue since I will sell the I9500 if I go for the Google version - both cost the same for me (we don't have carrier discounted versions in India)
I believe the Snapdragon is a wee bit faster than the octa-core, hopefully the Google edition will be more faster as it is devoid of bloatware.
My questions are:
Since it is a US device - unlike iphone the warranty will not work internationally?
Will the phone be blocked for only US sim-cards or something like that? If I use it in India / Europe and East Asia I am hoping it will work and not need any special code to be entered unlike the carrier locked versions
Anything else I need to be aware of before buying this?
Please respond and thanks in advance for your help - Your inputs will guide my decision in going for the Google version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. The warranty would not be there in India. as The Phone has not launched in india thats why.
2. No,It woudl not be blocked for US carriers as the phone is a Non Contarct Based Phoen so you dont even need to unlock it to work in india ( however plz check the Base banmd that it supports and if that baseband works in india it woudl work for sure in india )
3. I personally Think u should not go for it as warranty would not be there. There woudl be ports or rom available for I9500 only.

[Q] Region Locked Phone

Hello everyone,
I've recently bought a new Galaxy note 4 SM-910H International Unlocked version, The ad confirmed that it works with any operator in any country, Only after I received the phone and tried to use it in my home country, I found that it's American SIM only (Meaning that it needs to be activated with a SIM from America with a 5 Minutes call) ... I'm now stuck out of my new phone and I can't seem to be able to fix this after days and days of research ... I tried contacting the seller who directed me to Samsung and I tried contacting Samsung US several times but they keep giving me conflicted info (Once to refer to the buyer, another to refer to American Carrier and third that they can't provide a region unlock code).
I need an advise from you guys please, This has been a nightmare and It seems I'm stuck with only one option which is buying the unlock code online
Your kind usual support is highly appreciated.
Thank you

Belman90 said:
Hello everyone,
Your kind usual support is highly appreciated.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand about the region lock is that your phone will be locked to whatever region you use it in first unless it is first used in whatever region it was sold for then there will not be a lock on it. If I understand you correctly you should be able to use it in your region without issue until you try to use it in a different region.

The "H" variant, is for Asia. The "F" variant is the international unlocked version.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2883741
Sent from my SM-N910F

JagDave said:
The "H" variant, is for Asia. The "F" variant is the international unlocked version.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2883741
Sent from my SM-N910F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually that is incorrect. The H Variant is design for use with 3G Cell Networks only and should be International Unlocked. Unless you have purchased a EU/UK model.

S6 Edge+ from Rogers to wind, Does unlock code bought online unlock bands?

I have S3 from Rogers locked and was told even if I were to unlock it my model wouldn't work on WindMobile. As I haven't bought S6 Edge+ yet from Rogers, I can't tell you what model it'll be so lets say it is not compatible due to the bands. Would unlock code make the bands work on any provider? or would I need to mess with the firmware flashing or whatever the name is with a bootloop every time the phone restarts? I know close to nothing what I'm talking about firmware etc. so bare with me =)
Explain my options, and point me to the direction where I should research. I don't mean to spoon fed but one spoon full is enough to be taught.
Thanks in advance
-Potential Roger customer for a short time

You would need to check the supported bands for that specific model. Unlock codes are used so that the device isn't tied down to the carrier and you can activate it on any other supported carrier, but if the new carrier uses different frequencies then you are out of luck. And you cannot change your phone's supported bands.
Your can research the supported bands of the carriers that you might be planning to change to and purchase the phone that is compatible with them. Once you have the information verify it with the different models of the s6 edge+ to see compatibility.
You could also look for another phone that has most bands by default like the Moto X or the Nexus.

Is my S8 Unlocked? (UK)

Hi,
So I purchased my phone directly from Samsung here in the UK and therefore assume its an unlocked variant. I am using a vodafone SIM in there currently but I was wondering if this has now locked the phone to Vodafone or if it is still unlocked so that I can use it abroad with SIM's overseas?
Thanks.

Sundawg89 said:
Hi,
So I purchased my phone directly from Samsung here in the UK and therefore assume its an unlocked variant. I am using a vodafone SIM in there currently but I was wondering if this has now locked the phone to Vodafone or if it is still unlocked so that I can use it abroad with SIM's overseas?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocked means unlocked. Phones sold and distributed by Samsung directly are almost always unlocked. The U.S. being an exception.

If you bought it from Samsung UK, it's unlocked. However, if you are not already aware, just ensure that before you use the phone overseas, or in any region other than the one you bought it from, you complete a five minute call.
I'll just quote Samsung's own sticker:
To use sim cards from other regions a cumulative call over five minutes must first be made with the SIM card from European operators.
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Click to collapse
Source: http://www.phonearena.com/news/You-...ore-the-Galaxy-S5-is-unlocked-for-use_id55042
(even though this article is written about the S5, it still applies)

Check before you leave by trying a SIM from another carrier. I got my S8 from Samsung (Canada) It was unlocked but locked to the first carrier SIM I put in. Then I had to use the unlock code included with my shipping notice to unlock.
I purchased an S6 through Expansys when they were in Canada. I got the UAE model and it was unlocked. I never used it on a network from there however the moment I turned it on it updated so maybe that's why.

Galaxy S8 bought in Canada, can it be used in Europe?

So, the thing is my parents live in Canada and they bought me a Galaxy s8 from the Samsung Store for me, and I live in Europe. My question is, can I use the phone here? The model number is SM-G950W and I just found out the global model is SM-G950F. Is there any reason for me to worry? From what I can see the 4G LTE cellular bands are different.
Cheers!

iirc if they unlock it in Canada you'll be fine.

Rithari said:
iirc if they unlock it in Canada you'll be fine.
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Click to collapse
what do you mean unlock it in canada?

Activate it with Canadian SIM and make a call, that should activate it but don't take my word for it, not sure if it applies to your model.

On the european one I have (and I live in europe, so that's a good thing) it says 'for eu sim cards only' or something like that on the box. Would have to check the exact text this evening (not at home now). But from what I understand you can't simply use another regions S8 just like that.
Not sure how exactly it works though