[Q] I9500 and Google S4 - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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.

Related

URGENT: Help Required

I need the answer to this question urgently.
I live in UAE and asked my relative (who's coming to uae today) to bring me an unlocked Galaxy Tab from Canada. What I want to check is if the phone features are enabled in the Canadian version and if it is compatible with GSM carriers worldwide.
sohaibma said:
I need the answer to this question urgently.
I live in UAE and asked my relative (who's coming to uae today) to bring me an unlocked Galaxy Tab from Canada. What I want to check is if the phone features are enabled in the Canadian version and if it is compatible with GSM carriers worldwide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Bell Tab and no the phone feature are missing and it will be locked to the carrier that you get it from, but you can easily unlock. I used this post to unlock mine http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=843323. Unlocking will not automatically give you the phone features though. You would still have to flash the Euro firmware to get those enabled.

Korean Version Compatibility

Hey I have an opportunity to grab a Korean S4 (SHV-E300K/S). I am wondering if there will be any issues to using this phone in HK? The LTE bands appear to be compatible. I was wondering if the phone will be locked or if there is something that just won't work? I've never been to Korea so I don't know how phones are sold there so any insight will be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance!
Did some digging around and apparently KT telecom, (1 of the 2 large operators in South Korea) did not lock the previous release of the S3.
Also including the article which mentions the LTE bands just in case anyone's interested.
http://www.sammobile.com/2013/04/02/galaxy-s4s-korean-variant-shv-e300sk-to-feature-exynos-5-octa-clocked-at-1-8ghz-confirmed-by-fcc/
Still hoping to get some input before pulling the trigger. Thanks
I'm very interested in this, and I've been trying to do some research. I have a best friend who's brother lives in Korea and works at Samsung, and she told me that if I wanted the Korean version, he'd do his best to ship one to my specifications.
Long story short, I want the Exynos + LTE, but the information online is few and in between.
Sent from my Xperia ion LT28i using xda premium
Well if you can find out anything from that person who works for Samsung that would be much appreciated. I'm willing to pull the trigger if:
a) they sell phones outright off contract in Korea,
b) the phone is carrier unlocked, and
c) I can set English menus.
I am willing to Gamble with the LTE bands and the software compatibility quirks that I may experience.
Perhaps someone from Korea can shed some light?
Thanks.
pygo said:
Well if you can find out anything from that person who works for Samsung that would be much appreciated. I'm willing to pull the trigger if:
a) they sell phones outright off contract in Korea,
b) the phone is carrier unlocked, and
c) I can set English menus.
I am willing to Gamble with the LTE bands and the software compatibility quirks that I may experience.
Perhaps someone from Korea can shed some light?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your questions,
Phones are available in English menu and you only need to worry about the LTE bands as they are not carrier locked in Korea. You might need to set some settings to work in your country and chances should be high as I heard the Octa supports 20 bands of LTE.
I'm not sure what you meant by outright but you can walk into any shop and buy it if that's what you meant. Alternatively, if you know anyone in Korea they should be able to get it for you but not in the next few days because right now it seems that it's all on contract until stock are more abundant.
Sent from my IM-A860K using xda premium
It would be really cool if the Korean GS4 could work with USA LTE. But the price~! Right now, it's being sold for around $1,100 USD~!
What's special about Korean models? Don't other countries have octa too?
tuxonhtc said:
What's special about Korean models? Don't other countries have octa too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have octa + LTE.
Sent from my IM-A860K using xda premium
Okay, so I'm very confused. I too have the opportunity to grab a Korean version, but instead of the OP, I reside in the US, would I run into ANY problems if I got this version? LTE I understand might possibly work/might not, but is there anything else to be concerned with?
All galaxy korean version has following problems.
1. All operator too many customizing ==> it will cause unstable, because all known that they request too many modify frameworks also.
2. Too many have bloat apps.(operator apps, avg 10 + apps exist, some apps are not support uninstall, yeah rooting will delete that apps, but it make an another error)
3. UMTS band are only 1900/2100 (official), previous galaxy have only UMTS 2100 (SKT/KT model only, LGU+ model using CDMA 1800(that frequncy only exist in korea over the world)
4. LTE band are only 850/1800. (SKT 850/1800 , KT 1800 / LG U+ 850)
5. Maybe Firmare not compatible with Global version (I930X / N710X )
6. you may not use USSD code (korean all operator doesn't support USSD code, so korean localizing version remove USSD function)
I lived in korea, but i don't use our korean galaxy models. This time I also ordered galaxy s4 on UK. Because UK model is always Europe open model and it has nearly Samsung reference model. (Doesn't have or 1~2 bloat app exist)
i'm very hate too many localizing. it will always phone make unstable.
Pulverizer, thank you for the info! I think I'll be going for the i9500 now.
Thank You to all who took the time to reply!
I'm likely going to get a local machine now to reduce the need to tinker.
This is also a very informative link from an shv-e300 user for any of those who are still fence sitters! Very good information is given at the bottom of page 3!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2253148&page=3
I to was tempted for Korean
This information will keep me to in the US/UK LTE version.

[Q] Buying Note 3 N9005 from USA but gonna use in Turkey

Hello,
I am from Istanbul, Turkey. As you know, Samsung released its Exynos version Note 3 in Turkish market. Note 3 with Exynos Octa processor costs approx. $1000 here in Turkey. That's why, I want to place an order from a friend who is currently in New York.
He said the cheapest Note 3 with Snapdragon processor costs $725 in AT&T Manhattan store. But the guys in that store said to him that the phone cannot be used in Turkey. And they said that he can only buy the "working versions" of Note 3 from Best Buy, Amazon or eBay.
I just want to know that, if he buys that N9005 (Snap.800) model for me, am I going to be able to use that phone in Turkey with XDA's unlock tools? I really need your help because I just have 3 days left to decide and place the order.
Many thanks..
Alper
Some countries get both versions, which implies that both are usable on any network. Just make sure you're not buying from a carrier, buy from a carrier-independent store.
slm gp
Make also sure, your friend takes an unregistered USA simcard with him to Turkey.
You also can buy these on Ebay
Because the N3 has a simlock on some phones to activate the phone. If you first put the USA sim in and register the phone, you should be fine using Turkcell, Vodafone, AVEA or whatever in Turkey I think.
any other idea or suggestion?
Didn't read about it but can Chainfire's region unlocker (or something like that) application fix this for you?
kromosto said:
Didn't read about it but can Chainfire's region unlocker (or something like that) application fix this for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, I have to be sure about that before I am going to place the order that's why I need a confirmed information thanks though
Are you sure N9005 LTE version work in Turkey because of 4G requirement?

Should I buy it from USA or the Middle East?

I live in The Middle East and will be going to the USA very soon for a few months. My cousin works at a mobile phone repair shop(USA) and said he could get me a good offer (new or used). With all the different model numbers I'm confused about where to buy it from. I want the all around the world option where it works on all carriers wherever I go, even if I have to pay more. I would prefer the 8-core one but not sure what exactly I'm trading off or even if it's better. Also the Continent lock and the Knox thing....ugh my noobish brain can't handle this. Btw I am upgrading from a Galaxy Ace which is one **** of a phone.
abukh86 said:
I live in The Middle East and will be going to the USA very soon for a few months. My cousin works at a mobile phone repair shop(USA) and said he could get me a good offer (new or used). With all the different model numbers I'm confused about where to buy it from. I want the all around the world option where it works on all carriers wherever I go, even if I have to pay more. I would prefer the 8-core one but not sure what exactly I'm trading off or even if it's better. Also the Continent lock and the Knox thing....ugh my noobish brain can't handle this. Btw I am upgrading from a Galaxy Ace which is one **** of a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im in Dubai
& its best to buy from the city your living in cos of Warranty
if u buy here it will be unlocked phone & usa if u get from Att or T mobile or etc it will be locked phone
they say international warranty but its always a problem
get the 4g LTE quad core cos it better to have fast net than a 8core phone
USA models always have lot of built in company software which u wont need here
rest is up to you
ilordvader said:
Im in Dubai
& its best to buy from the city your living in cos of Warranty
if u buy here it will be unlocked phone & usa if u get from Att or T mobile or etc it will be locked phone
they say international warranty but its always a problem
get the 4g LTE quad core cos it better to have fast net than a 8core phone
USA models always have lot of built in company software which u wont need here
rest is up to you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Just a few more quick questions please.
1) So when I go to buy the phone I actually have the option of 8-core/4-core? I was under the impression it was all 8-core since it's international.
2) In terms of rooting and Roms here on XDA, is one more XDA friendly than the other? Is there a model I should avoid?
abukh86 said:
Thanks for the reply. Just a few more quick questions please.
1) So when I go to buy the phone I actually have the option of 8-core/4-core? I was under the impression it was all 8-core since it's international.
2) In terms of rooting and Roms here on XDA, is one more XDA friendly than the other? Is there a model I should avoid?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
both can be rooted
4 cores is 4g LTE which I think is better cos aster net speed
8 cores is 3g only
the way Samsung 8 cores work ATM is, that you can only have 4 fast ones or 4 slow ones working, depending on load, but never all 8 at the same time. There was talk about software fix for this, but who knows how that will turn out. The risk of buying US phone are frequencies: for example T-mobile originated phone has some frequencies different than ATT etc, so you would really need to check to see if they match your home towers. I'm not sure if US phones are region locked, my T-Mobile Note 3 has 18 network lock entries, not 64 and they don't look anything like the codes posted on this forum by other users. Mine look like this "network lock 310200, 310210, 310310 etc. so I don't even know what they mean. US phones are usually carrier locked, but could be easily unlocked especially if paid COD. But if your cousin works in phone repair shop, not only he should know about frequencies, carrier/region locks and technical differences between Samsung and Qualcom CPU, he could probably get you great price. I would talk to him more.
Negri Electronics sell the N9005 and they told me it is not lock, not branded and will work everywhere.
http://negrielectronics.com/samsung-n9005-galaxy-note-3-32gb-lte-unlocked-black.html#.Uso7rkDQv4X
---------- Post added at 07:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:21 AM ----------
Negri Electronics sell the N9005 and they told me it is not lock, not branded and will work everywhere.
http://negrielectronics.com/samsung-n9005-galaxy-note-3-32gb-lte-unlocked-black.html#.Uso7rkDQv4X
i bought the 4g n9005 from Saudi Arabia cheaper than USA
abukh86 said:
I live in The Middle East and will be going to the USA very soon for a few months. My cousin works at a mobile phone repair shop(USA) and said he could get me a good offer (new or used). With all the different model numbers I'm confused about where to buy it from. I want the all around the world option where it works on all carriers wherever I go, even if I have to pay more. I would prefer the 8-core one but not sure what exactly I'm trading off or even if it's better. Also the Continent lock and the Knox thing....ugh my noobish brain can't handle this. Btw I am upgrading from a Galaxy Ace which is one **** of a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to find the N9005ZKEXSI which is the UAE version of the phone thats fully compatible with "My Number, My Identity" initiative. They are basically all the same except for basebands. I would stick to N9005 model due to developer support, snapdragon is better simply & exynos hasn't reached its potential & there is no word as of late on HMP to utilize all 8 cores.
Just remember, even though the N9005 is international there are still variants per country, which means the market they came from if you break it...is where it has to be repaired so buying a local N9005 model is the very best route to go which is the N9000ZKEXSG (Jordans version of Exynos) otherwise, you need to grab one from another closer market that does have the LTE model... aka UAE.
Get it from the country you spend the most time living in.
Isn't the USA one region locked?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
refinition said:
Isn't the USA one region locked?
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most carriers release it if fully paid so its a yes/no answer.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
nxneko said:
You should be able to find the N9005ZKEXSI which is the UAE version of the phone thats fully compatible with "My Number, My Identity" initiative. They are basically all the same except for basebands. I would stick to N9005 model due to developer support, snapdragon is better simply & exynos hasn't reached its potential & there is no word as of late on HMP to utilize all 8 cores.
Just remember, even though the N9005 is international there are still variants per country, which means the market they came from if you break it...is where it has to be repaired so buying a local N9005 model is the very best route to go which is the N9000ZKEXSG (Jordans version of Exynos) otherwise, you need to grab one from another closer market that does have the LTE model... aka UAE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have same product code as you mention N9005ZKEXSI ,like to know more about "My Number, My Identity" What it mean, I am also from U.A.E.
Thanks
jdomadia said:
I have same product code as you mention N9005ZKEXSI ,like to know more about "My Number, My Identity" What it mean, I am also from U.A.E.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some special registration thing from TRA called TRA:ID each device has one if you look in about device with stock rom or KEXSI csc. There will be two codes I am guessing you end up registering somewhere.
I cant really say as im using the kexsi 9005 in the states, its just something I saw while looking to see which country my note came from.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
nxneko said:
Some special registration thing from TRA called TRA:ID each device has one if you look in about device with stock rom or KEXSI csc. There will be two codes I am guessing you end up registering somewhere.
I cant really say as im using the kexsi 9005 in the states, its just something I saw while looking to see which country my note came from.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh Okay TRA:ID & TA:00000 something like this is there, may u r saying about that, one more thing I notice is My mobile number is also appearing in status, I don't know for others also it's Same.
nxneko said:
Some special registration thing from TRA called TRA:ID each device has one if you look in about device with stock rom or KEXSI csc. There will be two codes I am guessing you end up registering somewhere.
I cant really say as im using the kexsi 9005 in the states, its just something I saw while looking to see which country my note came from.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mat One more question,you bought this phone in US & activate also in US? Its working after any modification in US or with stock rom without any problem, I am asking if I am traveling than I need to install custom ROM or it will work as it is with Stock ROM.
Thanks
jdomadia said:
Mat One more question,you bought this phone in US & activate also in US? Its working after any modification in US or with stock rom without any problem, I am asking if I am traveling than I need to install custom ROM or it will work as it is with Stock ROM.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its completely unlocked and has been working phone on 3G services on tmobile for me.

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge SM-G935 China model good idea?

Hi all So I want to buy Samsung Galaxy S7 edge SM-G935 im from AU so ill miss out on 4g plus which I dont really mind as I get this model for 288 dollars cheaper. Is it good to buy it? I heard china donst have google play store on phones? can someone help me out if you have Samsung Galaxy S7 edge SM-G935 if it has google play store or weird china apps? please let me know!
No updates will be horrible and if the modems different from the us you will have buckleys for custom roms
Ausboy 2011 said:
No updates will be horrible and if the modems different from the us you will have buckleys for custom roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what? i said im not from us so would it matter? and how do you know about the updates?
Well just have a read up of the chinese models of the s6 the sell dirt cheap because very slow updates and no custom rom support.
Ausboy 2011 said:
Well just have a read up of the chinese models of the s6 the sell dirt cheap because very slow updates and no custom rom support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont care about custom roms. I dont use them. slow updates? how? and isnt samsung phones always slow with updates anyway?
shadowrukia said:
I dont care about custom roms. I dont use them. slow updates? how? and isnt samsung phones always slow with updates anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on where you live, the modem may work well, or just be bad. For me in Australia, most Chinese models work well, but certain bands are missing so reception isn't as good.
(Speaking from using Xiaomi & Huawei; Never tested Samsung Chinese models anywhere out of China)
Also, Most signs of Google will be gone. Google doesn't work in China and subsequently, most (if not, all) Chinese Models of Phones are missing Gapps (Google Apps)
Others are minor (like boot logos) which i don't think most people will mind.
Hope this helped!
thats why I need someone with this phone to help me
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge from China
Hi, I am using a Samsung China variant and the following you should know about:
1. No Samsung Logo on front (Looks even better)
2. No Google Software preinstalled (can be installed)
3. No multilanguage (only chinese and english)
4. Chip is snapdragon 820 which has some issues with termal Transfer (geting hot in Hand)
5. All Bands on boards - full LTE Support also 4 plus
6. Bootstrap is locked - no root possible (only for China and US model)
6. Link to buy with modified Software like i.e. languanges nad goggle etc. (etotalk dot com)
Take care
hey .i have the chinese model as well. can you please tell me how did you put google play services ?
jbenet said:
Hi, I am using a Samsung China variant and the following you should know about:
1. No Samsung Logo on front (Looks even better)
2. No Google Software preinstalled (can be installed)
3. No multilanguage (only chinese and english)
4. Chip is snapdragon 820 which has some issues with termal Transfer (geting hot in Hand)
5. All Bands on boards - full LTE Support also 4 plus
6. Bootstrap is locked - no root possible (only for China and US model)
6. Link to buy with modified Software like i.e. languanges nad goggle etc. (etotalk dot com)
Take care
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi , i have the chinese model as well ( SM-G9350 ) , i can not confirm that there is only chinese and englsh , i have full language support for all countrys.
About Google Play Store, i flashed the phone with Hong Kong firmware from "sammobile.com" and now i have the complete HK firmware including all Google Services
No google play, it's more expensive, and it's loaded with crap chinese software that you can't remove. Sorry for the late reply.

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