Database Users

Galaxy S 5 Active, which build no can I buy to root and upgrade the easiest?

This is really confusing. Most of the threads are written such that 'how to root while updating to OF2/OF3'...it doesn't tell me which versions allow rooting in the first place? Any help. Coming from the GS3

As far as I know, the S5 Active is only available as an AT&T phone, which means it will have a locked bootloader and any somewhat newer firmwares will be unrootable. Pre-lollipop builds (Anything below OF2) are rootable but still have a locked bootloader.
Just a word from the wise, don't get an S5 Active, and DEFINITELY don't get an AT&T phone. a GS5 (regular) with a thin case (Spigen slim armor or neo-hybrid/ otterbox commuter) will be WAY more durable anyway, plus it's still waterproof/dustproof.
Get yourself a G900T (T-Mobile variant), or a G900AZ (Cricket wireless variant --Cricket is a subsidiary of at&t--), or even a G900F. Those all have unlocked bootloaders and will allow you to root, install custom recovery, custom roms, whatever you want forever. I personally have a G900T using it on AT&T with no issues, as the G900T supports all the same frequencies (and an extra one!) as the G900A (AT&T model). The G900F doesn't support every single band AT&T uses, so I would pick one of the other two if you want 100% compatibility.
MAKE SURE if you buy a G900T or G900AZ that it is UNLOCKED or you won't be able to use it. And after you get it, you'll have to call AT&T support and give them the new phone's IMEI number in order for LTE to work.
Hope what I said makes sense..
FYI The best place to buy a phone is always (XDA's own..) Swappa!
https://swappa.com/

Sean89us said:
As far as I know, the S5 Active is only available as an AT&T phone, which means it will have a locked bootloader and any somewhat newer firmwares will be unrootable. Pre-lollipop builds (Anything below OF2) are rootable but still have a locked bootloader.
Just a word from the wise, don't get an S5 Active, and DEFINITELY don't get an AT&T phone. a GS5 (regular) with a thin case (Spigen slim armor or neo-hybrid/ otterbox commuter) will be WAY more durable anyway, plus it's still waterproof/dustproof.
Get yourself a G900T (T-Mobile variant), or a G900AZ (Cricket wireless variant --Cricket is a subsidiary of at&t--), or even a G900F. Those all have unlocked bootloaders and will allow you to root, install custom recovery, custom roms, whatever you want forever. I personally have a G900T using it on AT&T with no issues, as the G900T supports all the same frequencies (and an extra one!) as the G900A (AT&T model). The G900F doesn't support every single band AT&T uses, so I would pick one of the other two if you want 100% compatibility.
MAKE SURE if you buy a G900T or G900AZ that it is UNLOCKED or you won't be able to use it. And after you get it, you'll have to call AT&T support and give them the new phone's IMEI number in order for LTE to work.
Hope what I said makes sense..
I habve an at&t variant OC5 phone available on Swappa should I get that or not, because I can't find a rooting guide for OC5
Or are you saying buy unlocked so you can use it on AT&T?
Problem is I can't find the SM-G900AZ anywhere used....might just go with the Zenfone 2 . DISSAPOINTING SAMSUNG and ATT I loved the GS3 and was looking forwar to the GS5
Which frequencies does the T mobile version NOT share?
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zetsui said:
I habve an at&t variant OC5 phone available on Swappa should I get that or not, because I can't find a rooting guide for OC5
Or are you saying buy unlocked so you can use it on AT&T?
Problem is I can't find the SM-G900AZ anywhere used....might just go with the Zenfone 2 . DISSAPOINTING SAMSUNG and ATT I loved the GS3 and was looking forwar to the GS5
Which frequencies does the T mobile version NOT share?
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Click to collapse
The T-Mobile version shares all the same frequencies plus includes an additional frequency which AT&T does not use, so therefore the T-Mobile (G900T) retains 100% compatibility with AT&T. Yes, if you want to use a G900T on any carrier besides T-Mobile it will have to be unlocked. Luckily it's not hard to find an unlocked G900T.
Let me make this clear: If it's AT&T and it's a Samsung phone and it's on lollipop, don't expect to be able to root it. Go with a T-Mobile or factory unlocked phone.

What's the right variant to buy, PLEASE HELP!

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!

SM-G935U Locked SIM, really desperate

Hi folks
So i bought an used S7 Edge with sim lock but it says U in the model name. I dont know the carrier but i think its Verizon. Is there any way possible to unlock it. The IMEI is...
Thanks

Ravka90 said:
Hi folks
So i bought an used S7 Edge with sim lock but it says U in the model name. I dont know the carrier but i think its Verizon. Is there any way possible to unlock it. The IMEI is..............
Thanks
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Click to collapse
Oh god don't post imei.. You should remove that

crixley said:
Oh god don't post imei.. You should remove that
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Click to collapse
OK thanks for advice

Ravka90 said:
Hi folks
So i bought an used S7 Edge with sim lock but it says U in the model name. I dont know the carrier but i think its Verizon. Is there any way possible to unlock it. The IMEI is...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The seller didn't know either?
Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk

optimummind said:
The seller didn't know either?
Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Nope.
What are my options or steps to take ?

u can try this rom https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-s7-edge/development/rom-t3603231 select verzion while flashing if it doesn't boot then its surely tmobile or at&t, then goto to tmobile site n check imei status if it fails then its at&t

johngr77 said:
check model number on the back, might be a sprint model G935P flashed with G935U firmware
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Click to collapse
Its Verizon.
The model is SM-G935V

I think the only solution is to change the logic board.
I tried almost every 3rd party unlock site, contacted Samsung and Verizon but no luck.

Ummmmmm I think the u firmware is carrier unlocked and nor does Verizon lock there phones so it should be unlocked dude

gurnsey101 said:
Ummmmmm I think the u firmware is carrier unlocked and nor does Verizon lock there phones so it should be unlocked dude
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Click to collapse
Its fckd up, i opened the back and on the motherboard it says SM-G935A. So its AT&T but the software on the phone is SM-G935U.

Ravka90 said:
Hi folks
So i bought an used S7 Edge with sim lock but it says U in the model name. I dont know the carrier but i think its Verizon. Is there any way possible to unlock it. The IMEI is...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "U" model is the newer model that Samsung introduced on June 30 of 2016. It is UNLOCKED for North American carriers. It will run all of the big 4 (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, & T-Mo) based on which carrier's sim card you put in it. Samsung introduced similar to some of the Motorola models or the Nexus/Pixel models that can be taken from carrier to carrier. That is ONLY true of the 935U. If it does not say U, it is not the North American unlocked model. It was sold directly from Samsung, Best Buy, and other online electronics resellers. None of the four US carriers sold this model since they sold their own model. Because it is not carrier locked, there is very little bloatware. Now having said all that, the bootloader for the "U" version is absolutely locked by Samsung so it cannot be rooted or flashed at this point. That is everything I know at this point. Good luck. The product is reaching end of life, so you should pick one up soon if you want, but you can take it to any carrier in the US.

hodgestl said:
The "U" model is the newer model that Samsung introduced on June 30 of 2016. It is UNLOCKED for North American carriers. It will run all of the big 4 (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, & T-Mo) based on which carrier's sim card you put in it. Samsung introduced similar to some of the Motorola models or the Nexus/Pixel models that can be taken from carrier to carrier. That is ONLY true of the 935U. If it does not say U, it is not the North American unlocked model. It was sold directly from Samsung, Best Buy, and other online electronics resellers. None of the four US carriers sold this model since they sold their own model. Because it is not carrier locked, there is very little bloatware. Now having said all that, the bootloader for the "U" version is absolutely locked by Samsung so it cannot be rooted or flashed at this point. That is everything I know at this point. Good luck. The product is reaching end of life, so you should pick one up soon if you want, but you can take it to any carrier in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I opened the phone and it says on the motherboard SM-G935A which is AT&T but it is flashed with SM-G935U and its Sim locked. I will try to unlock it with a code from a third party :/

Ravka90 said:
I opened the phone and it says on the motherboard SM-G935A which is AT&T but it is flashed with SM-G935U and its Sim locked. I will try to unlock it with a code from a third party :/
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Click to collapse
So you are asking about 935U software running on 935A hardware? That doesn't seem to be what the original post says. Everything I told you was about 935U hardware only. In reviewing your original post, it seems you are asking a hardware question. Nevertheless I wish you all the best with whatever device you have. Good luck.

Ravka90 said:
Its fckd up, i opened the back and on the motherboard it says SM-G935A. So its AT&T but the software on the phone is SM-G935U.
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Click to collapse
If the motherboard says 935A, you have the AT&T version that was flashed with the unlocked U firmware. The U firmware can be flashed on any of the US carrier versions. Flashing the U firmware removes the carrier bloatware but it won't unlock the phone. If the phone was fully paid for and not blacklisted as lost or stolen, AT&T should unlock it, otherwise a 3rd party unlock service should be able to provided it's not blacklisted and you tell them it's a 935A, not a 935U.

Hi all. its probably T-MOBILE G935, then check out IMEIFIX.com, if not then Sprint G935P check out IMEIGURUS.

International Firmware

Before I start, this is the first android phone I've ever owned so the question may or may not be stupid.
So I live in India and I saw the trade-in deal for the S8. I was in need of an upgrade (iPhone 6) so I went for it as I was heading to the U.S soon. I heard that the international version gets updates sooner than the unlocked U.S version. Can I just change my firmware to international, get earlier updates with no drawback? If yes then why have I not seen a lot on this?

Pretty sure the firmware is locked to the device unless you root. I had an unlocked international S6(920?F) . It updated a lot earlier than the W released in Canada.
Sent from my SM-T820 using Tapatalk

ExLite23 said:
Before I start, this is the first android phone I've ever owned so the question may or may not be stupid.
So I live in India and I saw the trade-in deal for the S8. I was in need of an upgrade (iPhone 6) so I went for it as I was heading to the U.S soon. I heard that the international version gets updates sooner than the unlocked U.S version. Can I just change my firmware to international, get earlier updates with no drawback? If yes then why have I not seen a lot on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the device you get is G950F (international) then updates will come sooner. If you get any other version they are for specific regions, so if you get G950U (US unlocked) you can't flash international firmware to it. Can only flash firmware for the model you get.

callumbr1 said:
If the device you get is G950F (international) then updates will come sooner. If you get any other version they are for specific regions, so if you get G950U (US unlocked) you can't flash international firmware to it. Can only flash firmware for the model you get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then what are the benefits of people switching carriers for example? There seem to be a bunch of threads giving a tutorial on how to change firmware to different carries e.g. From a T Mobile to Unlocked.

ExLite23 said:
Then what are the benefits of people switching carriers for example? There seem to be a bunch of threads giving a tutorial on how to change firmware to different carries e.g. From a T Mobile to Unlocked.
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Click to collapse
For stuff like WiFi calling, voLTE, removal of bloat some csc tweaks

Guess that's unfortunate.

At&t s7 edge on sprint network?

I have a rooted a s7 and rooted note 3 (both at&t) and trying to use both on the sprint network. I managed to sim unlock both and still can't connect either to the sprint network. Is it possible to even use either?

Perhaps if you use the modified version of ODIN floating around and flashed the carrier-unlocked or sprint ROM onto your S7 you could get it to work (IIRC all S7s in the US have the same hardware, just different ROMS to support different carriers)
The Note 3 has no chance of working. It's missing the correct radios.
I will say this, while I think technically the S7 has the hardware for it, and you could technically use it by flashing another ROM, Sprint may still not allow you to use it because when they try to add it to their system via IMEI it will come up as an AT&T phone, and they will likely deem it incompatible.

Sean89us said:
Perhaps if you use the modified version of ODIN floating around and flashed the carrier-unlocked or sprint ROM onto your S7 you could get it to work (IIRC all S7s in the US have the same hardware, just different ROMS to support different carriers)
The Note 3 has no chance of working. It's missing the correct radios.
I will say this, while I think technically the S7 has the hardware for it, and you could technically use it by flashing another ROM, Sprint may still not allow you to use it because when they try to add it to their system via IMEI it will come up as an AT&T phone, and they will likely deem it incompatible.
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Click to collapse
Yep after digging around that's the same conclusion I came up with. I'm just gonna end up getting an unlocked phone with all the proper radio bands. Thanks nonetheless