Are these models region locked? - Galaxy S6 Edge+ Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm looking to buy one of the International unlocked galaxy s6 edge + models - either the G928G, G928F or the G928C. I am located in the United States. I saw the G928G model at an online retailer. It says that is region locked to North America and South America. Does this mean I can't use it in other parts of the world even if I get a sim card for the country I am visiting? Can this region lock be unlocked?
From what I can tell from reading most of the forums on XDA, the G928F and the G928C are not region locked. Can these two models be used anywhere in the world with a sim card for the country I may visit?
Also, since most of these international phones don't have warranties in the US, do most of you take out warranties through Square Trade or other companies like them? Finally, what online sellers would you recommend?

sheldont said:
I'm looking to buy one of the International unlocked galaxy s6 edge + models - either the G928G, G928F or the G928C. I am located in the United States. I saw the G928G model at an online retailer. It says that is region locked to North America and South America. Does this mean I can't use it in other parts of the world even if I get a sim card for the country I am visiting? Can this region lock be unlocked?
From what I can tell from reading most of the forums on XDA, the G928F and the G928C are not region locked. Can these two models be used anywhere in the world with a sim card for the country I may visit?
Also, since most of these international phones don't have warranties in the US, do most of you take out warranties through Square Trade or other companies like them? Finally, what online sellers would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the US and I bought a G928C unlocked from Amazon and it's an awesome device. I use it with ATT
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my SM-G928C Rocking AUDAX+Rom

s6freak said:
I'm in the US and I bought a G928C unlocked from Amazon and it's an awesome device. I use it with ATT
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my SM-G928C Rocking AUDAX+Rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which 3rd party reseller did you buy from and was the phone in a sealed box? Did you get any kind of warranty? Do you know if it can be used globally? I use AT&T also. Did you just get a new sim card from AT&T and the phone worked without any problems? Were you able to get all the bands like LTE?

sheldont said:
Which 3rd party reseller did you buy from and was the phone in a sealed box? Did you get any kind of warranty? Do you know if it can be used globally? I use AT&T also. Did you just get a new sim card from AT&T and the phone worked without any problems? Were you able to get all the bands like LTE?
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Click to collapse
I don't have a Warranty yes it was sealed and sold as new but I noticed the headphones case had G920F on it. Yes I'm sure it can be used globally on the site it tells you which bands. I bought it from Straight Trading Inc. As far as my ATT sim I just popped in my old sim and it works just fine.
I love this phone best I've ever had.
Now selling my G925A
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my SM-G928C Rocking AUDAX+Rom

sheldont said:
I'm looking to buy one of the International unlocked galaxy s6 edge + models - either the G928G, G928F or the G928C. I am located in the United States. I saw the G928G model at an online retailer. It says that is region locked to North America and South America. Does this mean I can't use it in other parts of the world even if I get a sim card for the country I am visiting? Can this region lock be unlocked?
From what I can tell from reading most of the forums on XDA, the G928F and the G928C are not region locked. Can these two models be used anywhere in the world with a sim card for the country I may visit?
Also, since most of these international phones don't have warranties in the US, do most of you take out warranties through Square Trade or other companies like them? Finally, what online sellers would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone else have any experience with the G928F or G928G versions of the Galaxy s6 Edge Plus?

The best way to region unlock is. I believe you are in states use any sim card from USA for 5mts of phone call then you can use it anywhere in the world. This instruction is mentioned in quick start guide in the box. I did the same with my 928c. I bought it from qatar and used the local sim for 5mts and it works anywhere all over the world.
I am a pilot and thats why i am telling u its working for me everywhere.
Sent from my SM-G928C using XDA Premium HD app

Related

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Hello ppl !
I live in Greece and a friend of mine is coming from the U.S and i want him to bring me the S7 Edge..What do i have to know about buying a phone from another country? Will it work over here?
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
And the S7 are region-locked. The phones bought in the USA must be "unlocked" by using them with an US sim card for a few minutes. I bought my phone in Europe and it was locked the same way, it would have only worked with europeean sim cards for its first use.
I advise u to buy it in Europe so you can get the international version with exynos 8890 : You'll have much less problems with the exynos version

Best place to buy Exynos version in US

Like the title says, what's the best place to buy unlocked international phones in US.
I also might have an option to buy while traveling to UK and looking for suggestions.
Will be using it on AT&T.
thanks!
The US has Snapdragon, the UK has Exynos
Super-Veloce said:
The US has Snapdragon, the UK has Exynos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the eye opener, now back to my question "Best place to buy Exynos version in US"
In the past, I've had the best success with well rated ebay resellers. Having ebay back your purchase is important because they are so buyer centric. If there are any issues at all, they will force paypal to refund your money. The only downside to this, is that you'll likely pay a little more - especially if you purchase right at release time.
Wonda Mobile and Expansys are also great/reputable online resellers that will surely sell the S8 and S8+. You'll pay closer to the retail price of the device (no ebay fees, price gouging, etc) and their return policies are good. That said, YOU will pay return fees back to Korea if there are issues and you're 100% at their discretion for returns/replacements/restocking fees, etc.
Hope this helps.
morbidz said:
thanks for the eye opener, now back to my question "Best place to buy Exynos version in US"
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Click to collapse
I got my Galaxy S7 Edge (G935F) on Amazon and was going to get the NOTE 7 EXYNOS from https://www.bhphotovideo.com/
They are a good retailer - I am hoping we can get preorder from them - (they did offer a preorder for the NOTE but it never happened because batteries started exploding before the NOTE 7 Was released.
Silly question - but why would one prefer the Exynos version over the Snapdragon? Is there a noticeable difference in performance, or some other factor?
From what I hear, the performance on the Exynos variant is better than the Snapdragon variant. Also, the SnapDragon variant has been bootloader locked as of lately (Note 7, S7, and S7 Edge) while the Exynos variants have been unlocked.
So I pre-ordered a sim unlocked s8+ through samsung's UK site. not sure if they will ship to US though
Greetings from Canada,
Would anyone know which "soc" goes in the Canadian variant?
Thank you.
cguarino said:
Silly question - but why would one prefer the Exynos version over the Snapdragon? Is there a noticeable difference in performance, or some other factor?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats so naive from you..see the galaxy s7 exynos variant was unlock the past year where the s7 820 was not, what that means ?
basically means that you was not able to root any western device , but only exynos variant can... and root a device is crucial to open a lot of possibilitys like overclock
and responding to the question of this guy, basically in every latin country on america you can find the exynos variant, which is kind a weird cosidering that allways all america used the qualcomm variant in the past , and because a lot of mexicans carriers dont have the culture of wait until the oficial release of the smartphone i will expect some people to buyit long before
samteeee said:
Greetings from Canada,
Would anyone know which "soc" goes in the Canadian variant?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Canada is getting the snapdragon like the USA unfortunately.
Handtech and Clove are both reputable UK shops that many on this forum have used and recommend. Be aware if you're​ a first time buyer at either you may have to jump extra hoops to clear your credit card. This is normal and due to the high degree of fraud in international cell phone sales​.
mocsab said:
I got my Galaxy S7 Edge (G935F) on Amazon and was going to get the NOTE 7 EXYNOS from https://www.bhphotovideo.com/
They are a good retailer - I am hoping we can get preorder from them - (they did offer a preorder for the NOTE but it never happened because batteries started exploding before the NOTE 7 Was released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BH has it listed now, but just to notify when available. It has it listed as SM-G955. It doesn't say whether or not it is SD or exynos though.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._sm_g955_64gb_gry_galaxy_s8_sm_g955_64gb.html
I know with the international S7, Samsung Pay would not work in the US. Not too worried about that, but are there any other drawbacks? Will it work on all the LTE bands for AT&T?
I think for those that really want the international version, you'll have to find overseas sites that ship to the US or get them from a reputable seller on eBay such as never-msrp. The downside, as always, to importing is a higher price and generally, no warranty. I generally get quarterly trade where if anything happens and no one fixes the phone, they'll just give a full refund of the phone price. Anyways, just make sure it says SM 950F or SM 955F. The F are the true international unlocked models. Samsung pay may now work in the US. Check out the S7 threads to see how they got pay to work in the US
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 09:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:44 AM ----------
PuffinNugz said:
BH has it listed now, but just to notify when available. It has it listed as SM-G955. It doesn't say whether or not it is SD or exynos though.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._sm_g955_64gb_gry_galaxy_s8_sm_g955_64gb.html
I know with the international S7, Samsung Pay would not work in the US. Not too worried about that, but are there any other drawbacks? Will it work on all the LTE bands for AT&T?
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Click to collapse
The s7 had all AT&T and tmobile bands. Volte didn't work and wifi calling also didn't work on tmobile tho even though the s7 had band 12. It just would not connect. I now have att so that's no longer a concern with me
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
Ordered from SamsungUK, they didnt reject my US address, so we will see what happens.
morbidz said:
So I pre-ordered a sim unlocked s8+ through samsung's UK site. not sure if they will ship to US though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I contacted the UK samsung web page and the sim free version still need to make a 5 minut call in the uk first to be truly unlocked, as it has region locked.
Check out clove UK. They have the cheapest pricing for the S8 and the s8+ and you get the international model. Picking mine up Soon
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
morbidz said:
So I pre-ordered a sim unlocked s8+ through samsung's UK site. not sure if they will ship to US though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't want them to ship it. The EU phones have region lock. To use a SIM from a country different from the phone's selling country you have to make a 5 minute call on a SIM native to the selling country on a network native to the selling country. That's why all the grey market phones on eBay are mostly from Asia.
Here's an article on it.
http://www.androidcentral.com/your-...8e43&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter
PuffinNugz said:
BH has it listed now, but just to notify when available. It has it listed as SM-G955. It doesn't say whether or not it is SD or exynos though.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._sm_g955_64gb_gry_galaxy_s8_sm_g955_64gb.html
I know with the international S7, Samsung Pay would not work in the US. Not too worried about that, but are there any other drawbacks? Will it work on all the LTE bands for AT&T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE on ATT works fine on the International Varients - the only thing missing is WIFI Calling and VOLTE - if those are big deals for you, yoiu need to stick with an ATT Phone. I haven't missed them - LTE speeds for me have always been great - I don't need WIFI Calling - and HD VOICE, well, I am not so sure it is everythign it is cracked up to be - call quality for me has been very good - so I personally am not missing anything.
I have wondered for a while if the snapdragon model in the US isn't something paid for by the NSA to be a the only US variant offered. Like more backdoors, etc built in to the Snapdragon variant. Unless there is some other obvious reason why the US gets only the Snapdragon variant.
It really doesn't matter for daily usable or noticeable performance however. Bet you'd never be able to tell which variant you were using if they were set up the same and you didn't check in the settings to cheat to see which variant it was.

Where are you ordering the international version of S8?

I live in the US but wish to have an international model. Where are the best places to order this from?
Thanks!
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
Ebay but they're crazy overpriced right now. I ordered from clove uk. It's actually cheaper than the carrier models here. Downside is that we get it a week after it releases here in the states
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
osmosizzz said:
Ebay but they're crazy overpriced right now. I ordered from clove uk. It's actually cheaper than the carrier models here. Downside is that we get it a week after it releases here in the states
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, clove seems to be the best option. Wish you could get the pre-order bonus stuff.
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
http://www.expansys.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-uk-64gb-midnight-black-301154/
uk model
MirceaForce said:
http://www.expansys.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-uk-64gb-midnight-black-301154/
uk model
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the uk model have exynos or snapdragon and do you know if LTE will work on T-mobile?
https://m.clove.co.uk/search.aspx?strKeyword=S8&Brand=Samsung
Should be exynos SM-G950F SM-G955F
sakohunter said:
https://m.clove.co.uk/search.aspx?strKeyword=S8&Brand=Samsung
Should be exynos SM-G950F SM-G955F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Australia m8
exclaimed said:
Does the uk model have exynos or snapdragon and do you know if LTE will work on T-mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exynos. And yes lte will work on tmobile. Just know wifi calling and volte likely won't work
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk
What about at&t?
WiFi calling should work on the S8 regardless of where bought. I can't guarantee but with the S7 it wasnt a carrier specific model required to get WiFi calling. UK phones are exynos.
borisb said:
What about at&t?
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Click to collapse
The G955F is missing band 30 for AT&T. It's a relatively newer band AT&T is using in cities, so see if your area uses it.
If you do order from Clove in the UK, be aware that the S8 models are NOT considered Pre-Order and they charge your card immediately and their ship date is at least a week later than the US. Ask me how I found out...
I don't know how. But I was able to order the international version unlocked from Samsung UK. They excepted payment and the shipping address is in the US.
Flame Red said:
If you do order from Clove in the UK, be aware that the S8 models are NOT considered Pre-Order and they charge your card immediately and their ship date is at least a week later than the US. Ask me how I found out...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you find out?
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
diosjeremy said:
How did you find out?
Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously because he ordered and they charged him for it. They charged me for my order as well to but it's fine as I was expecting it
AhsanU said:
The G955F is missing band 30 for AT&T. It's a relatively newer band AT&T is using in cities, so see if your area uses it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. I get 40-80 in my area with band 30 on my OnePlus 3T. I got 20-30 on my mate 9 without band 30 before I sold it.
I live in Norway and just pre-ordered my s8 silver. Total cost (without any lock) was roughly 760 dollars. 5 years warranty. Expected delivery is around 20th of April.
borisb said:
I don't know how. But I was able to order the international version unlocked from Samsung UK. They excepted payment and the shipping address is in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung is very adamant about their phones only being sold in their designated selling region (EG: UK phones sold in the UK). If I were to bet, you'll get an e-mail from Samsung UK canceling your order once they realize they'd be shipping it to the U.S. If for some reason they do ship it to you it won't be usable. All Samsung's EU phones have region lock. A region locked phone has to be used in its selling region (EG: UK) to make a 5 minute voice call using a regional (EG: UK) SIM on a regional network (EG: Vodafone) before it "unlocks" itself. Only after that happens can you use a SIM from outside the phone's selling region. Caveat Emptor.
This is from Clove; Handtec does the same thing...
Since September 2013, Samsung has implemented a 'region lock' on all new stock. Clove Technology only has access to models designed for the “European” region, which covers both UK and mainland Europe. For correct operation, this handset should be activated inside one of these countries with a SIM card issued for use there. The device will then be able to accept SIM cards from outside of these countries.
Activation requires turning the device on for the first time & completing set-up with the SIM installed, then completing at least 5 minutes of voice call(s) with this SIM. Without activation you may still use the device outside of these countries when 'roaming' - using a SIM card from the listed countries.
If this activation procedure is not followed then the device will lock when first attempted to be used with a SIM card from outside of these regions. Local Samsung support may provide a code to unlock such handsets.
IF YOUR CHOSEN DELIVERY COUNTY IS NOT LISTED, CLOVE TECHNOLOGY WILL BREAK THE SEAL ON THIS DEVICE AND ACTIVATE IT. YOU MUST AGREE TO THIS PROCEDURE IN THE CHECKOUT BEFORE THE SALE WILL COMPLETE.​
AhsanU said:
The G955F is missing band 30 for AT&T. It's a relatively newer band AT&T is using in cities, so see if your area uses it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get this information from?
Anyone know if a F unlock version will support the new tmobile speeds like the tmobile version

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.
Click to expand...
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

Difference in features of devices from UAE & India

Hello guys,
I want to buy Galaxy S10+ in UAE for use in India.
Can someone please tell me what features will I get more or less in the device purchased in UAE compared to the one purchased in India?
I will purchase it directly from a retailer, so there won't be any contract with any service provider.
Regards,
Babloo
bablooroyal said:
Hello guys,
I want to buy Galaxy S10+ in UAE for use in India.
Can someone please tell me what features will I get more or less in the device purchased in UAE compared to the one purchased in India?
I will purchase it directly from a retailer, so there won't be any contract with any service provider.
Regards,
Babloo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you will need to flash INS firmware for use in india because features like samsung pay and others wont work.
bablooroyal said:
Hello guys,
I want to buy Galaxy S10+ in UAE for use in India.
Can someone please tell me what features will I get more or less in the device purchased in UAE compared to the one purchased in India?
I will purchase it directly from a retailer, so there won't be any contract with any service provider.
Regards,
Babloo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Each model of the S10 has only 3 variants
U = North American snapdragon
F = Exynos
SD = Chinese snapdragon
Both india and UAE have the Exynos variant, which they are identical, same bands, same layouts, same everything.
As pointed, you will need to flash the indian firmware for any samsung app to work properly, but it is not a complicated process nor does it trigger warranty / knox / etc
Ok. When I got my S8 from UAE I went to Europe for a trip and had to format the phone there with a European simcard... I didnt flash anything and all Samsung worked as if its purchased from Europe. I mean places in the contacts app. The European theme store which supported purchased items and by that time it was only free stuff available in UAE store. Samsung pay worked etc
Are u guys sure he has to flash India software?

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