Hey people,
I'm planning on getting a galaxy note 3, but I'm kind of confused about the different model numbers (n9000, n9005, etc). I have read this post and it did help, but I'm still unsure of which model to get.
I will buy the phone in USA and bring it to Brazil to use it over here, so it seems the N9005 would be the best since it is the only one to support the 4G frequency used in Brazil.
However, it is written there that the N900W8 has a 'happy' bootloader (what exactly does that mean?), and I think I saw somewhere that the N900T was the best version for hacking. I'm more worried about having the best version to play with than 4G compatibility, but if the difference between models is not that big I will get the N9005.
So, what exactly are the differences between N9005, N900W8 and N900T and which version is the best one to hack around? Do all of them have an unlocked/unlockable bootloader?
I'm also worried about region lock, but if I'm not mistaken even if I do get a model that is region locked, it is quite easy to remove the lock and use it anywhere right?
dp_alvarez said:
Hey people,
I'm planning on getting a galaxy note 3, but I'm kind of confused about the different model numbers (n9000, n9005, etc). I have read this post and it did help, but I'm still unsure of which model to get.
I will buy the phone in USA and bring it to Brazil to use it over here, so it seems the N9005 would be the best since it is the only one to support the 4G frequency used in Brazil.
However, it is written there that the N900W8 has a 'happy' bootloader (what exactly does that mean?), and I think I saw somewhere that the N900T was the best version for hacking. I'm more worried about having the best version to play with than 4G compatibility, but if the difference between models is not that big I will get the N9005.
So, what exactly are the differences between N9005, N900W8 and N900T and which version is the best one to hack around? Do all of them have an unlocked/unlockable bootloader?
I'm also worried about region lock, but if I'm not mistaken even if I do get a model that is region locked, it is quite easy to remove the lock and use it anywhere right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not an expert so this is my best understanding, but not solid certainty:
N9000 = no 4G/LTE. I believe they've managed to reverse Knox on this one.
N9002 = dual sim card support. Haven't heard much else about this one.
N900W8 = I actually have no idea what distinguishes this model... I haven't really heard of it except for reading that yes it can be downgraded from 4.4 back to 4.3 apparently.
N900P/N900A/N900T/etc = Different versions of the N9005 as far as I understand. Be warned that they support different 4G frequencies, and the N900P (Sprint) only supports 1 band in 4G. Check this before you buy. Frustratingly, the N900P is also the only version of the Note 3 that has a real, old-school, FM tuner built in.
N9005 = Seems to be the best/default that everyone goes for, but I might be wrong.
dp_alvarez said:
...
So, what exactly are the differences between N9005, N900W8 and N900T and which version is the best one to hack around? Do all of them have an unlocked/unlockable bootloader?
I'm also worried about region lock, but if I'm not mistaken even if I do get a model that is region locked, it is quite easy to remove the lock and use it anywhere right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think N9005 is the only one that will get LTE in Brazil. N900W8 is friendlier to hacking (knox can be easily fooled and downgrade 4.4 -> 4.3 is possible). N900T is more usable inside US on T-Mobile and AT&T.
The region lock might be a problem under certain scenarios - I think that RegionLockAway (needs root) might only work with older baseband (but I have not tested personally).
As a holder of an N900W8, I can tell you about the "happy" bootloader.
It is the only phone with an untrippable KNOX counter when trying to root or custom ROM on the latest firmware. Now you have to be on the Canadian version (not the Mexican version) and not attempt to downgrade the firmware or else you will trip it, but anything else would allow for rooting or flashing without breaking your warranty.
Hence this is the best for hacking. It has identical specs with N900T but that has a trippable bootloader.
They all have an unlocked bootloader except N900A or other American variants. You should look for a variant closer to your country so you don't have to worry about unlocking the SIM.
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk
So it pretty much comes down to either the N9005 or the N900W8.
I don't really care about tripping KNOX since I will buy the phone with no warranty, is there any other downside to tripping KNOX than loosing the warranty?
Also, the N900W8 is better for hacking for now, but that is not because it is inherently better, it just happens to be better for now because someone found a exploit for that particular model, is that right? Or it is fundamentally different in a way that it will probably always be the most hackable model?
dp_alvarez said:
So it pretty much comes down to either the N9005 or the N900W8.
I don't really care about tripping KNOX since I will buy the phone with no warranty, is there any other downside to tripping KNOX than loosing the warranty?
Also, the N900W8 is better for hacking for now, but that is not because it is inherently better, it just happens to be better for now because someone found a exploit for that particular model, is that right? Or it is fundamentally different in a way that it will probably always be the most hackable model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then the knox-friendliness of the W8 is not so relevant to you.
The N9005 has LTE in Brazil, W8 does not.
IMHO to make the best decision you must investigate the region-locking and unlocking on both. I believe there is actually an N9005 that is supposed to be for the region of Brazil (so it needs no region-unlocking) but it might be only sold by specific carriers with LTE there.
I looked around and the N9005 is the version used in Brazil, and USA is in the same region as Brazil. So if it works in USA it should work here in Brazil too.
N9005 america region is it then, thanks a lot everyone.
Related
Hey XDA family!
I have just received my Note 3 today (from Asurion's insurance plan, i had the Note II and they had no more in stock so sent me a Note III) it is model SM-N900W8 with the Canadian carrier Telus.
I'm reading on here that these come unlocked for Canadian carriers only.
My question is what would be the steps to follow to get this bad boy working with a Pay-As-You-Go card when i go to Florida in 2 weeks?
From what i'm reading it seems i would need to Root then im not sure if i need a RegionUnlock (which i red on here that it might not work on the Canadian version?) or a SimUnlock?
I was pretty savvy with Note 2 when came down to rooting and installing custom ROM's but it seems alot as change with this recent Note 3.
Any help/tips/suggestions/comments/hugs are appreciated!
Thanks in advance
MTLean said:
...
My question is what would be the steps to follow to get this bad boy working with a Pay-As-You-Go card when i go to Florida in 2 weeks?
From what i'm reading it seems i would need to Root then im not sure if i need a RegionUnlock (which i red on here that it might not work on the Canadian version?) or a SimUnlock?
I was pretty savvy with Note 2 when came down to rooting and installing custom ROM's but it seems alot as change with this recent Note 3.
Any help/tips/suggestions/comments/hugs are appreciated!
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your phone is carrier-locked (and for instance it does not work with another Canadian carrier) then you do not necessarily need to root it - you definitely need to buy an unlock code.
If your phone is region-locked for Canada (and not for US + Canada as i would normally expect) then you need to root and then run RegionLockAway.
Either way if your current firmware is MJ3 or before (you can see it with *#1234# ) it is recommended to root using Universal Root De La Vega (URDLV - which will keep your Knox flag 0x0) and then upgrade to the latest ROM version using Mobile Odin Pro. Upgrading using Samsung OTA (or your carrier OTA) will also update your bootloader and URDLV will no longer be possible (with Knox flag 0x0).
xclub_101 said:
If your phone is carrier-locked (and for instance it does not work with another Canadian carrier) then you do not necessarily need to root it - you definitely need to buy an unlock code.
If your phone is region-locked for Canada (and not for US + Canada as i would normally expect) then you need to root and then run RegionLockAway.
Either way if your current firmware is MJ3 or before (you can see it with *#1234# ) it is recommended to root using Universal Root De La Vega (URDLV - which will keep your Knox flag 0x0) and then upgrade to the latest ROM version using Mobile Odin Pro. Upgrading using Samsung OTA (or your carrier OTA) will also update your bootloader and URDLV will no longer be possible (with Knox flag 0x0).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the resumé!
I am still not sure if its region locked or/and carrier locked. I guess my best bet will be to try my buddy's SIM when i get down to Florida and see what the issue is (if any) when i put that card in my phone.
Unless there was a way to know right off the bat?
Thanks for the firmware tip i will check it out and also the URDLV method which i had not yet red about for rooting. Plenty of reading awaits!
MTLean said:
Thanks for the resumé!
I am still not sure if its region locked or/and carrier locked. I guess my best bet will be to try my buddy's SIM when i get down to Florida and see what the issue is (if any) when i put that card in my phone.
Unless there was a way to know right off the bat?
Thanks for the firmware tip i will check it out and also the URDLV method which i had not yet red about for rooting. Plenty of reading awaits!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, a very safe method to see if it is carrier locked would be to test locally with a Canadian SIM from a different carrier (for instance from a friend).
There was a code to check phone lock status *#7465625# but it seems it no longer works. Also there was a program called Galaxsim unlock but it requires root to read the status and you need root and to buy the pro version to unlock (which might not work on Note3).
Either way it might be relevant to look at the result of *#1234# and see the software versions.
Canadian Note 3's are not region locked. They are carrier locked to the big 3 i.e. Rogers/Fido Telus/Koodo Bell/virgin will work but not across companies.
There are a number of companies that will sell you a Sim unlock code for about 20$ that will allow you to use the phone on a different carrier.
No root required
xclub_101 said:
If your phone is carrier-locked (and for instance it does not work with another Canadian carrier) then you do not necessarily need to root it - you definitely need to buy an unlock code.
If your phone is region-locked for Canada (and not for US + Canada as i would normally expect) then you need to root and then run RegionLockAway.
Either way if your current firmware is MJ3 or before (you can see it with *#1234# ) it is recommended to root using Universal Root De La Vega (URDLV - which will keep your Knox flag 0x0) and then upgrade to the latest ROM version using Mobile Odin Pro. Upgrading using Samsung OTA (or your carrier OTA) will also update your bootloader and URDLV will no longer be possible (with Knox flag 0x0).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
xclub_101 said:
Well, a very safe method to see if it is carrier locked would be to test locally with a Canadian SIM from a different carrier (for instance from a friend).
There was a code to check phone lock status *#7465625# but it seems it no longer works. Also there was a program called Galaxsim unlock but it requires root to read the status and you need root and to buy the pro version to unlock (which might not work on Note3).
Either way it might be relevant to look at the result of *#1234# and see the software versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the update i didnt have time to check but i will update thread when i get my FW version.
Canadoc said:
Canadian Note 3's are not region locked. They are carrier locked to the big 3 i.e. Rogers/Fido Telus/Koodo Bell/virgin will work but not across companies.
There are a number of companies that will sell you a Sim unlock code for about 20$ that will allow you to use the phone on a different carrier.
No root required
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the precision my friend
i will be buying a n9005 note 3 tomorow & i was wondering if its ok to buy carrier branded n9005's such as SFR telecoms? the phones have been unlocked as such but will it be compatible to mods here? i also have a choice of the n9000 but i want a smartphone with the snapdragon 800
so if the carrier thing isnt a wise way to go...i might just opt for the Z1 or something...thank you
linx1287 said:
i will be buying a n9005 note 3 tomorow & i was wondering if its ok to buy carrier branded n9005's such as SFR telecoms? the phones have been unlocked as such but will it be compatible to mods here? i also have a choice of the n9000 but i want a smartphone with the snapdragon 800
so if the carrier thing isnt a wise way to go...i might just opt for the Z1 or something...thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to make root, look if the for de rom is mj1, mj3, if is mj7, you have to void knox and warranty, pres in phone *#1234#
no...what i meant to say was...is a n9005 with carrier logo as bootanimation before the samsung one eligible to the same sort of modding as a unlocked n9005? also this carrier flashing n9005 was probably unlocked because any sim works
I'm frustrated with the locked bootloader and lack of developer interest and no Ant+ on the latest update so I am going to buy a phone that does not annoy me. Note 3 is my leading choice but I am also considering the Xperia Z Ultra Google Play Edition.
Right now, I've got more money than time. I have tons of good paying work backed up and I would rather pay for what I want than try to stay one step ahead of some carrier's control issues / bloatware.
I'm on AT&T with a grandfathered unlimited data plan. Don't really need LTE but will take it if it makes no difference. I do want at least HSPDA.
I'm willing to shell out the full cash price for an unlocked phone with an unlocked bootloader. What I really want is a phone that will get timely updates from the manufacturer and won't try to shove a locked bootloader down my throat later. It would also be fantastic if I could get a USA warranty in the deal but I can live without that.
So is there a significant "hacker friendliness" difference between the various models? If I give up AT&T LTE frequencies for the international version, what am I getting in return (besides the obvious international frequencies)?
Thanks for your time,
David
DJ_smooth said:
If I give up AT&T LTE frequencies for the international version, what am I getting in return (besides the obvious international frequencies)?
David
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A limited unlocked bootloader if you choose the N9005. The N9005 has the better development options -
However, the N900w8 (Canadian/Mexican model) has a complete unlocked BL for upgrade/downgrade 4.3/4.4. - Runs most, if not all N9005 ROMS also. - Probably your better option IMO at least -
N900T - T-Mobile similar to the N9005 but BL cannot be downgraded as freely as the N900w8
You will have to sacrifice LTE though, but as you said you aren't fussed about LTE - you should still receive 3G/H+ without issues.
radicalisto said:
A limited unlocked bootloader if you choose the N9005. The N9005 has the better development options -
However, the N900w8 (Canadian/Mexican model) has a complete unlocked BL for upgrade/downgrade 4.3/4.4. - Runs most, if not all N9005 ROMS also. - Probably your better option IMO at least -
N900T - T-Mobile similar to the N9005 but BL cannot be downgraded as freely as the N900w8
You will have to sacrifice LTE though, but as you said you aren't fussed about LTE - you should still receive 3G/H+ without issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you want to downgrade the boot loader, to be able to switch to a rom that depends on an older kernel / bootloader? Or is there some other reason?
Thanks,
David
DJ_smooth said:
Why would you want to downgrade the boot loader, to be able to switch to a rom that depends on an older kernel / bootloader? Or is there some other reason?
Thanks,
David
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At first most wanted to due to CM being incompatible, however now that CM runs on the new bootloader most don't want to. - The few remaining I guess prefer 4.3 due to different errors they have had or problems on/due to 4.4.2
Dear Friends,
I live in the US, using AT&T US, but would like to have the option to move to T-Mobile US or perhaps even Verizon.
Question is, what is the best S7 Edge variant for me to get, if I have the option to buy 935F and 935FD (I believe this EXACTLY the same as 935F except Dual-SIM or it's got extra bands I could use in the US?)
Here are my important requirements that would help you make a recommendation:
1. Root Support (I guess with little trouble as possible, I am seeing nightmares on people finally being able to root the US variants with the Engineering bootloader - Over heating, slowness, data issues, bricks, etc)
2. Xposed
3. TWRP for Nandroids, if possible?
4. Performance, Battery life
5. Samsung Pay (on a rooted device) if possible in the US?
6. Warranty - These are expensive devices, is it impossible to get Samsung support in the US with the 935F and 935FD model?
Thank you for your advice, help in advance, looking to make the decision in the next day or two. Thanks!
935F and 935FD are the exact same, except the FD has the dual sim - no other difference (4).
That being said you will want to make sure you know what carrier you are going to end up with before purchasing. Verizon's CDMA network is not supported by the international variants.
In terms of your important requirements - you cannot use Samsung Pay on a rooted device (since root trips KNOX). It's Samsung Pay or rooted phone, your choice (1,2,3,5). International devices don't get US warranty (6).
My suggestion is to go for the cheaper one. I bought an FD gold model on Amazon for $625 (and free 1-day shipping), which was about $50+ less than the F model. I could have gone on ebay and saved another $30 or bought a used phone, but not a bad price.
shyam09 said:
935F and 935FD are the exact same, except the FD has the dual sim - no other difference (4).
That being said you will want to make sure you know what carrier you are going to end up with before purchasing. Verizon's CDMA network is not supported by the international variants.
In terms of your important requirements - you cannot use Samsung Pay on a rooted device (since root trips KNOX). It's Samsung Pay or rooted phone, your choice (1,2,3,5). International devices don't get US warranty (6).
My suggestion is to go for the cheaper one. I bought an FD gold model on Amazon for $625 (and free 1-day shipping), which was about $50+ less than the F model. I could have gone on ebay and saved another $30 or bought a used phone, but not a bad price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@shyam09 Thanks for the education bud, some follow up questions:
1. Does the FD model have less Custom Development/ROM support, compared regular F?
2. Is it true the FD has ALL bands possible, and F doesn't for LTE, GSM use?
3. Is it true FD has both the Exynos AND Snapdragon versions? What's the difference, why?
4. NO American variant is able to be rooted, WITHOUT the Engineering BL, correct?
5. NO unlocked Bootloader model has warranty in the US?
6. NO version works on Verizon AND has an unlocked Bootloader, correct?
7. Once rooted, Knox tripped, that phone can NEVER use Samsung Pay right?
8. Not possible to have Systemless Root or Root cloak to use Samsung Pay?
Thank you so so much for your help in advance! What's making me nervous is the no warranty and almost every other thread in the Q&A section is about bricking :'(!
ProFragger said:
@shyam09 Thanks for the education bud, some follow up questions:
1. Does the FD model have less Custom Development/ROM support, compared regular F?
2. Is it true the FD has ALL bands possible, and F doesn't for LTE, GSM use?
3. Is it true FD has both the Exynos AND Snapdragon versions? What's the difference, why?
4. NO American variant is able to be rooted, WITHOUT the Engineering BL, correct?
5. NO unlocked Bootloader model has warranty in the US?
6. NO version works on Verizon AND has an unlocked Bootloader, correct?
7. Once rooted, Knox tripped, that phone can NEVER use Samsung Pay right?
8. Not possible to have Systemless Root or Root cloak to use Samsung Pay?
Thank you so so much for your help in advance! What's making me nervous is the no warranty and almost every other thread in the Q&A section is about bricking :'(!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*BUMP*... Anyone? ?
I'm pretty sure you can still use samsung pay even with rooting a phone. However while rooted you can not use samsung pay. The root method here does not trip Knox. I used it on my phone and Knox is still in tact. But like I said you have to unroot for Samsung pay to work again. I wish I had more information for you on the topic but I'm still fairly new to the s7 edge. Also the unlocked bootloader isn't possible as of right now.
Edit: hard brick is impossible because stock firmware is available to flash if anything goes wrong.
shyam09 said:
935F and 935FD are the exact same, except the FD has the dual sim - no other difference (4).
That being said you will want to make sure you know what carrier you are going to end up with before purchasing. Verizon's CDMA network is not supported by the international variants.
In terms of your important requirements - you cannot use Samsung Pay on a rooted device (since root trips KNOX). It's Samsung Pay or rooted phone, your choice (1,2,3,5). International devices don't get US warranty (6).
My suggestion is to go for the cheaper one. I bought an FD gold model on Amazon for $625 (and free 1-day shipping), which was about $50+ less than the F model. I could have gone on ebay and saved another $30 or bought a used phone, but not a bad price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the F model from B and H. They provide a one year warranty. Done. The other answers can be found on the interwebs.
ProFragger said:
@shyam09 Thanks for the education bud, some follow up questions:
1. Does the FD model have less Custom Development/ROM support, compared regular F?
2. Is it true the FD has ALL bands possible, and F doesn't for LTE, GSM use?
3. Is it true FD has both the Exynos AND Snapdragon versions? What's the difference, why?
4. NO American variant is able to be rooted, WITHOUT the Engineering BL, correct?
5. NO unlocked Bootloader model has warranty in the US?
6. NO version works on Verizon AND has an unlocked Bootloader, correct?
7. Once rooted, Knox tripped, that phone can NEVER use Samsung Pay right?
8. Not possible to have Systemless Root or Root cloak to use Samsung Pay?
Thank you so so much for your help in advance! What's making me nervous is the no warranty and almost every other thread in the Q&A section is about bricking :'(!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bconte88 said:
I'm pretty sure you can still use samsung pay even with rooting a phone. However while rooted you can not use samsung pay. The root method here does not trip Knox. I used it on my phone and Knox is still in tact. But like I said you have to unroot for Samsung pay to work again. I wish I had more information for you on the topic but I'm still fairly new to the s7 edge. Also the unlocked bootloader isn't possible as of right now.
Edit: hard brick is impossible because stock firmware is available to flash if anything goes wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
moSess said:
Get the F model from B and H. They provide a one year warranty. Done. The other answers can be found on the interwebs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, thank you for your responses.
If I'm not mistaken aren't the Exynos variants F and FD both Bootloader unlocked?
Anyone know if F has more development than the FD model or can they share all ROMs radios and etc?
No variant that works on a CDMA network in the US has an unlocked Bootloader, correct?
Finally, possibly may have a choice of getting the Note 7, would you guys think the Exynos models F and FD come with unlocked Bootloaders for better rooting and custom ROM options?
Thanks again guys!
Apologies in advance if this is a stupid question! Sadly I am nowhere near as knowledgeable on this as you guys, hence the question!
I currently have a UK bought Note 9, but I was looking to sell it for ~£400 and then get a s10+.
The one of the samsung website is £899 which is too much for me to justify an upgrade, but on the grey market with sites like this eglobalcentral
They cost around £659, much better.
I would also prefer the snapdragon version to the exynos version which we get here in the UK. Would I be able to purchase this one from the site, the G9750, and flash it with the bootloader of a UK version, such as the SM-G975FZKDBTU (SM-G975f)? Does one know how I could do this? I have realised some US versions you cannot unlock the bootloader, does anyone have more details on this? I can't find anything anywhere. Thanks in advance!
My priority of course would be not to trip Knox or void the warranty etc.
I use the SM-G9730 in Canada with TGY (hong kong) build. It's fine, not sure why you would prefer to change the bootloader.
Once you swap the system language to english, its all good.
Plus the bootloader itself is all in english.
The biggest thing is to make sure all of your bands match up.
A locked bootloader prevents you from installing anything other than the official flavor roms and kernel. So if you wish to install custom Roms like LineageOS or the like a some point you must have an unlocked bootloader or be able to unlock it.
That said you would not be able to install the firmware for the UK model specifically because they use different chipsets (Snapdragon vs Exynos). But rom itself should be basically the same and not need changed you would just need to install the specific apps you are missing. Usually those apps can be found in the play store.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk