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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.
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.
Morning all,
Can you tell me what the differences between the Chinese, USA and European versions are likely to be?
I need a new phone so that I can stop using my wife's old iPhone and had planned on getting the Axon 7.
But if the UK release isn't going to be until Q4 then I'd be looking into importing from China but I'd want to know what I'm likely to get.
Cheers, Patrick.
The only different will be LTE bands and Single or Dual SIM shouldn't be much differences between versions.
I would suggest to wait for us release and buy then. English and cheaper price are guaranteed
Will the US version be dual sim?
Sent from my HUAWEI MT7-TL10 using Tapatalk
There is nothing anywhere that lists specifications indicating that there is any single sim version. If there was one it would surely have been mentioned somewhere but I haven't seen anything.
Ouch! Why will there be a difference?
"China to Get High-End Version of Galaxy S8+ with 6GB RAM & 128GB ROM"
Could it be that the market has more competitive Phone choices?
I was looking for the 128Gb version because I kept seeing it would be released and the only version Tmobile is releasing is the 64Gb version. Seemed odd.
I think its retarded too, they should of just sold one model (6GB RAM/128GB) worldwide. When I had a Mate 9, I had to buy the CHN version for 6/128 compared to the normal 4/64. I might have to do it again if the CHN version supports all of TMO LTE bands. One thing I've experienced with CHN vs US phones is I get better reception with the US version even though the CHN supports all of TMO bands.
It's costs, it's probably cheaper over there, the price increase for 6gb/128gb in the UK would make the S8+ nearly 1000 quid!!!!!
Don't know what's going on... I'm in China and will hopefully grab one once they are up for sale... Worries me that there are no pre orders yet. Also... Needs to have an exact HK variant. If they aren't the same model as the HK variant, then I won't be able to exchange firmware, and then there is no way I will put myself through the torture of a phone without Google.NO WAY! I guess I'd wait until summer to pick up the 4gb version in my home country... Probably the metaphorical smoke will have cleared by then and things will have calmed down a bit to see what battery life is like. Worried I'll purchase another​ battery lemon like what happened to my 6p... Man, that battery died in a year and a bit.
Tangopro said:
Ouch! Why will there be a difference?
"China to Get High-End Version of Galaxy S8+ with 6GB RAM & 128GB ROM"
Could it be that the market has more competitive Phone choices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chinese model = no warranty so thats a deal breaker for me
6GB vs 4GB RAM you probably wont notice the difference in real world use
You can buy a 128GB SD card for much less than the difference in RRP between world and chinese models
Finally will the chinese model support the LTE bands required for your region and carrier?
Too many unknowns for me
it my have a global modem that supports all bands (bar cdma in the sd 835). agree, you wont notice much of a difference between 4/6 gb...
Will 6gb affect battery life in a negative way? I still doubt this will happen, but nonetheless, don't mind investigating thoughts on this matter.
Things to remember if you get the CHN version is no warranty, stuck on CHN ROM unless you root and install a different ROM and possible no wifi calling if your US carrier supports it.
mikey_sk said:
it my have a global modem that supports all bands (bar cdma in the sd 835). agree, you wont notice much of a difference between 4/6 gb...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RMXO said:
Things to remember if you get the CHN version is no warranty, stuck on CHN ROM unless you root and install a different ROM and possible no wifi calling if your US carrier supports it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that being stuck on CHN firmware is a horror show if you are not a Mandarin/Chinese language user.
From another perspective, so long as there is a HK firmware for SAME model number, you should be able to change firmware to HK firmware from CHN Firmware using ODIN. Pretty simple process. I have managed to do this on several Samsung phones no worries. Only with the C7 (2016) did I recently come across some weirdness that was solved by an XDA member who prescribed a relatively painless ordering of ODIN processes.
However, Samsung used to have weird China only models that did not have a HK firmware variant... which completely sucked - My Note 4, SN-9108v was a horrible experience due to this firmware and model isolation practice. Also, there are some phones that are only sold in China and only come again with Chinese Firmware (possibly the C9 pro (2017) is an example - can't remember). If Samsung have chosen the same isolationist Chinese model practice for s8, then avoid it like the plague... You'll be buying into a joyless and expensive sans google experience that will only be tolerable with decent Mandarin skills to enjoy the plethora of Chinese app store equivalents to google.
At this stage, I cannot find any reliable links to Chinese and HK model numbers. Perhaps a Chinese based Mandarin XDA user can clarify. I am very interested in preordering this mythical Chinese s8+, but I am not in the industry and am a little time poor in terms of being able to research this. There certainly seems to be very little reputable information (in English) or easily found reputable information (via translate) that details exactly when or how pre-orders in China or HK will operate. Just unsubstantiated re-reported links and news stories about the 6Gb variant and blah blah blah.
Would be really great to hear from someone legitimately more informed than me in this matter.
Cheers!
http://www.samsung.com/sec/smartphones/galaxy-s8-plus-g955/SM-G955NZKESKO/
128gb available in Korea ... interesting. Fingers crossed this type of deal pops up in China (and importantly, HK).
SM-G955NZKESKO/
That is because China has many local brands provide adequate device with only one third price. If you can maximum your specks. You will fail there!
Nope. I'm off the Sammy train. Thinking Xperia xz premium
Read an article that says Samsung is mulling over bringing the 6Gb to the US and other markets besides China / Korea. If this happens I would like to know who made the original not to release in other markets so I can kick then in the nuts.
I don't care if it is 4GB or 6. Just so long as it is NOT Snapdragon. Speed tests seem to already be confirming that the typical $#!++y ram management is still present in the Snapdragon S8 and S8+ phones. Also; If I were to buy the Snapdragon model, I would not be able to activate mobile hot spot on Cricket. You can with International phones (Exynos).
I wonder how much extra battery the 6gb version uses. I remember the ram upgrade ont he Uni used to eat battery.
YellowGTO said:
I wonder how much extra battery the 6gb version uses. I remember the ram upgrade ont he Uni used to eat battery.
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I have 6gb ram 955N and battery is fine ^^
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s327374 said:
http://www.samsung.com/sec/smartphones/galaxy-s8-plus-g955/SM-G955NZKESKO/
128gb available in Korea ... interesting. Fingers crossed this type of deal pops up in China (and importantly, HK).
SM-G955NZKESKO/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh man reading the specs this has all global LTE bands activated including the infamous European BAND 20 that most Asian variants have traditionally not supported!
may get my korean mate to buy over there and bring over. the korean rom will have english as an option as well as play store
YellowGTO said:
I wonder how much extra battery the 6gb version uses. I remember the ram upgrade ont he Uni used to eat battery.
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Click to collapse
mikey_sk said:
---------- Post added at 11:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 AM ----------
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oh man reading the specs this has all global LTE bands activated including the infamous European BAND 20 that most Asian variants have traditionally not supported!
may get my korean mate to buy over there and bring over. the korean rom will have english as an option as well as play store
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you know an app which can see band avaible, i could see you.
For the GPS : yes it do glonass/beido/ and galileo ^^
Fast phone.
androidrouen said:
Yes, if you know an app which can see band avaible, i could see you.
For the GPS : yes it do glonass/beido/ and galileo ^^
Fast phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that link lists all the supported bands under spec. goggle translate teh page on chrome and go down to full specs
So i am looking into getting an S8 and I am in north america. Even though exynos is a tiny bit faster it seems thats its just a few numbers higher in benchmarks and wont make a difference in real world usage plus i really like the idea of manufacturers warranty for me in USA.
A few people said on reddit that I should get a Snapdragon USA S8 because "it has 4x4 mimo" which will make performance on t mobile much better. One person said for that feature i need a t mobile branded s8 ( which is $200 more than the deal I am looking at on amazon for a generic USA snapdragon unlocked S8)
can anyone share some info about this if you know anything?
You can flash the T-Mobile firmware if you want to the US unlocked S8 and get those features. It probably doesn't matter if you're on T-Mobile but the international version lacks CDMA and LTE bands 13 and 41, so you wouldn't be able to use it on Verizon or Sprint, while the US model can.
I recommend the Note 8.
Hardware wise snapdragon models are all the same. Buy the one you're looking at and flash T-Mobile fw on it.