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!
Related
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
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.
Hello!
Given that all US Galaxy S7 / S7 edge are the same model (G930 / G935) , is it possible flash another US carrier firmware without tripping KNOX?
(I don't have S7, but plan to buy later).
They aren't the same. There's different radio support in the Verizon model and Sprint model. They are not listed ast G935, but as G935V, G935S, G935T, etc. Pretty sure you can't cross flash the firmware without issues. But, just guessing.
The GSM versions of the S7 sold via T-Mobile, AT&T, etc. are not compatible with CDMA (Verizon, Sprint, etc.)
What would be the benefit? Just asking out of curiosity as I am considering buying this device.
i read something, way before the release of the device, that there was only 1 model of the device listed on the FDD certification. (will look for link later), i just confirmed this info was false (Too good to be true)...
What i actually wanted was (given this was true, which is not) to buy a Verizon S7 and put an Sprint Firmware, this because Verizon firmware has a lot of modifications... but
blackknigt said:
i read something, way before the release of the device, that there was only 1 model of the device listed on the FDD certification. (will look for link later), i just confirmed this info was false (Too good to be true)...
What i actually wanted was (given this was true, which is not) to buy a Verizon S7 and put an Sprint Firmware, this because Verizon firmware has a lot of modifications... but
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the same thing..one model for all providers..also it said once it's loaded to a provider..it's locked there..
Don't know if it's true, but do remember reading it on the pre launch days
ibcenu said:
I read the same thing..one model for all providers..also it said once it's loaded to a provider..it's locked there..
Don't know if it's true, but do remember reading it on the pre launch days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea it was some model up in Canada that was able to do that. You bought it but once you put the sim in for that provider it locked to it.
ibcenu said:
I read the same thing..one model for all providers..also it said once it's loaded to a provider..it's locked there..
Don't know if it's true, but do remember reading it on the pre launch days
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is actually right, it's One Hardware, but has modification on the processor's NVRAM to change the frequency bands, and as the bootloader is LOCKED, now you can't change it as you could with S5 (till we get a way to unlock the bootloader) (not S6 because of the Exynos chip)
see this Thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
browny_amiga said:
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T and Verizon should be avoided, otherwise you can just flash super-su via odin.
browny_amiga said:
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
910t is mod friendly. To root a 910t, you flash Odin and load SuperSU (systemless) as indicated above or flash a permissive kernal and system level root. It is also compatible with att network if that is your carrier. Just need to unlock it.
Thanks guys, that helps, I will go for a 910t then.
weard1212 said:
AT&T and Verizon should be avoided, otherwise you can just flash super-su via odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
joebelachi said:
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you buy a developer edition verizon model and last time I checked they were upwards of around $800. Your best bet is W8 or T. I did all the research like you and ended up buying a T and have never been happier
joebelachi said:
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Unlocked means sim unlocked)
Bootloader Unlocked verizon phones can be flashed with a custom rom, and if you get a verizon phone, I suggest a Bootloader unlocked one. Verizon and AT&T phones with locked bootloaders can't be rooted with Chainfire. Chainfire should NOT be used on a phone with a locked bootloader because it flashes partitions and will most likely hard brick your phone. I would still sugest against a Bootloader non-unlocked Verizon or AT&T phone. Also using a custom recovery or odin to flash super-su has worked much better for me with a lot less less risk than Chainfire.
Whatever you decide upon dont get the EDGE. it needs special roms, and it wont work with gear VRs. i have the euro verison, and didnt have any problems rooting. cf-autoroot and done.
Really appreciate the responses guys. Especially for the clarification around Unlocking ("Unlocked means the bootloader").
I'll check out what custom ROMS work on the Verizon (910V).
Are there more ROMS for the 910W8's or the 910V's. Also if I go stock on the W8s, I would have to choose a Canadian carrier.
I'll definitely stay away from the EDGE, didn't really like it anyway
joebelachi said:
Really appreciate the responses guys. Especially for the clarification around Unlocking ("Unlocked means the bootloader").
I'll check out what custom ROMS work on the Verizon (910V).
Are there more ROMS for the 910W8's or the 910V's. Also if I go stock on the W8s, I would have to choose a Canadian carrier.
I'll definitely stay away from the EDGE, didn't really like it anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Careful there, usually 'unlocked' like on Swappa or similar means carrier unlocked, not boot loader unlocked.
Hi,
Sorry for what is probably a simple question, but any help will be appreciated.
I am just about ready to upgrade from my OnePlus One. I haven't had a Samsung phone for years and don't understand how knox, and the international Exynos versions work.
Can I buy an Exynos S8 version G950FD from ebay and use it with Cricket and my regular SIM card? If so, can the phone be rooted and a new recovery and ROM installed?
I think I would forfeit the warranty if I did this but is there anything else that I would lose? What reason would there be to not do this? It seems like this would work better than the carrier unlocked US version. Are there any flags I should look for when selecting a seller?
Thank you for your help!
Yes and yes, the fd will work on cricket(att) and you can root it and install twrp. Warranty is all you lose, android/samsung pay might not work but i think there are workarounds.
I intend to buy a G955F soon, but have some general questions before I finalize my decision.
1. In the past the international models have been unlocked from the factory and it has never been an issue to root and flash a recovery to them, is this still the case? Is it still a for sure thing that knox will be tripped and stuff such as samsung pay will not work?
2. I see some kernels for the 950f model, but none for the 955f, is it still possible to use the 950f kernel on the 955f model like it has been in that past?
3. I live in the US and use tmobile, is there a reliable reseller that can sell me the 955f model and will it still work with tmobile like it has in the past?
4. What is the status on removable batteries and external sd cards?
Thanks!
Teir said:
I intend to buy a G955F soon, but have some general questions before I finalize my decision.
1. In the past the international models have been unlocked from the factory and it has never been an issue to root and flash a recovery to them, is this still the case? Is it still a for sure thing that knox will be tripped and stuff such as samsung pay will not work?
2. I see some kernels for the 950f model, but none for the 955f, is it still possible to use the 950f kernel on the 955f model like it has been in that past?
3. I live in the US and use tmobile, is there a reliable reseller that can sell me the 955f model and will it still work with tmobile like it has in the past?
4. What is the status on removable batteries and external sd cards?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes it will come carrier unlocked. The bootloader is unlockable, you can root it, flash custom recovery and ROM. This WILL trip Knox, so you will lose Samsung Pay.
2. Check the cross development forum
3. No personal experience, but I've read others on here state the 955F is compatible with T-Mo. You might do some searching and researching here first.
4. Samsung hasn't had a removable battery since the S5. Yes, it has expandable storage with a MicroSD card slot.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
1. Yes it will come carrier unlocked. The bootloader is unlockable, you can root it, flash custom recovery and ROM. This WILL trip Knox, so you will lose Samsung Pay.
2. Check the cross development forum
3. No personal experience, but I've read others on here state the 955F is compatible with T-Mo. You might do some searching and researching here first.
4. Samsung hasn't had a removable battery since the S5. Yes, it has expandable storage with a MicroSD card slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!