Database Users

Got Branded O2 Network SGS2 instead of Factory Unlocked... What to do?

Today I recieved my SGS2. I bought that online. The seller told me that it is factory unlocked but when I saw the O2 Logo at Startup, I got it that its Branded.
I called the Seller and he said, He will send Unlock Key to me and that will make it Factory unlocked OR If I want to replace, He can send me Factory unlocked.
Guys tell me what to do? Should I change it or Replace it?
Do you think branded phones are better or factory Unlocked?

There's actually two separate issues. Getting the SIM unlocked is no big deal and once it is you can use it freely on any carrier. A branded phone is supported by the carrier that branded it. That means unique updates that are usually rolled out after Samsung's general releases. I don't know about O2, but most carriers add their own customizations, apps, and settings to their phones. They may or may not bother or effect you. There's instructions in the dev section on how to "unbrand" a branded phone. It requires rooting and some time and skill. If you don't want to go though the hassle return the phone and ask for an unbranded one.

Personally, I'd always go for the unbranded option if it's given. The only reason is that when you get your next phone in xx months time, you can sell an unbranded a lot more favourably than a branded one, even when SIM unlocked.
That's the experience I've had, so it's only my opinion.

jjdoctor said:
Today I recieved my SGS2. I bought that online. The seller told me that it is factory unlocked but when I saw the O2 Logo at Startup, I got it that its Branded.
I called the Seller and he said, He will send Unlock Key to me and that will make it Factory unlocked OR If I want to replace, He can send me Factory unlocked.
Guys tell me what to do? Should I change it or Replace it?
Do you think branded phones are better or factory Unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
replace it if given the option. naturally.

johncmolyneux said:
Personally, I'd always go for the unbranded option if it's given. The only reason is that when you get your next phone in xx months time, you can sell an unbranded a lot more favourably than a branded one, even when SIM unlocked.
That's the experience I've had, so it's only my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Seller gives one year warranty, but he says he has to open the seal of the box to confirm that units have all accessories and LCD is not damaged before shipment since he imports those.
How would I know that he has De-branded that phone and sent me again?
If A set is De-Branded, How can I find that it was previosuly Branded..?

More likely that there's something dodgy about your seller.

Stock O2 UK firmware has minor branding .One an O2 boot screen and two minor bookmarks on web browser for O2 .
Original O2 Product code is G|T-I9100KAO2U with CSC KD1O2U.
Debranded means removing original firmware and no way to tell what was their before .Apart from stuff in the box with an O2 label or the O2 Product code on the Box .
jje

What will happen if you return is he will de brand your device hence why he has told you he would have to open to check. That is bull, he should no what stock he has. Your im a sticky situation but i guess it all depends on if you are planning on rooting your device and planning on flashing custom Roms cus if you was then not a alot to worry about, keep what you got or REFUND
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Branded means it has branding on it does not mean it is sim locked .
Factory unlock in this respect suggests that he will unlock the locked to a network so any sim card can be used ..
NOTE OP you have double posted this question which is a waste of everyone's time answering the same question twice .
jje

a question regarding firmware from a newcomer to i9000

Hi guys, I'm a newcomer to i9000 as I just received this handset as a replacement from carphone warehouse for my previous SE X10i which was repaired unsuccessfully.
I'm not familiar with samsung handsets but this i9000 feels brilliant (actually better than X10i I think), except that battery life seems weak (60% gone in 6-7 hours...)
By the way, the firmware of my phone is 2.3.3 with JVK, and the samsung kies said no update for my handset. But I learned 2.3.4 has already rolled out in Europe and UK, so how could I update to that? Many thanks.

2.3.4 may not be out in your country (may depend on your carrier as well if you have a carrier ROM).
So if you want 2.3.4 you need to download it manually and flash with Odin.
The only thing you will get is the ability to flash a mod with gtalk video (it won't come with video out of the box).
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

It is out for non branded users in the Uk and 2.3.4 will sort out the Battery drain.
To sort this you need to change your CSC from the CPW to XEU
To do this
open your phone dialler
And enter
*#272*imei#* (Display/change CSC code)
Where it says imei you need to put your imei nunber in off your box (Big one)
Then you will get a menu open up and it should be option 1 then use the v+ and v- to move down and press the home button to pic XEU and follow the screen instructions it will reboot the phone
Now plug into kies and it should now offer you 2.3.4

Thanks so much. I did exactly what you told and is satisfied with 2.3.4 now.
However a small concern is that will my warranty at carphone warehouse be invalid after I change this CSC code (I suppose the original CPW means carphone warehouse)?

I doubt they would even know what a CSC code is. Just don't do something silly and tell em you flashed the phone to 2.3.4 (If they ask just say the samsung software updated the phone months a go)

zmthink said:
Thanks so much. I did exactly what you told and is satisfied with 2.3.4 now.
However a small concern is that will my warranty at carphone warehouse be invalid after I change this CSC code (I suppose the original CPW means carphone warehouse)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you can change your csc back to the original now that you've done updating.
Sent from my GT-I9000

zmthink said:
Thanks so much. I did exactly what you told and is satisfied with 2.3.4 now.
However a small concern is that will my warranty at carphone warehouse be invalid after I change this CSC code (I suppose the original CPW means carphone warehouse)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can change it back to the original after you've done the update. No harm, no foul.
Edit: Sorry, double post due to tapatalk malfunction.
Sent from my GT-I9000

Thanks a lot, guys.
Btw, i have another small problem regarding the alarm clock, it seems not working... (I missed the alarm this morning; then I tried to set another one minute later, it worked; but then I tried to set another one 15 minutes later, this one did not work) I searched the internet and found that this might be due to setting the time to automatic network value. is this the case?
Thanks.

S7 Edge shutting down when on LTE band

My Samsung S7 Edge is shutting down when the network band is set to "Automatic" or "LTE" (4G LTE network). When it shuts down, it doesn't turn back on even if I do a hard reboot. The only way it turns back on is if I plug in the charger and then power it on. Once I switch the network band (*#2263#) back to "GSM" which puts it into Edge mode, the phone works fine. The phone also works fine with no sim card in it as well.
This is a SM-G935FD international version and the only way for me to get warranty is to go in person to Singapore since that is the country manufacturer for this phone (which I think is a bit ridiculous, I'm in the US). This issue has made it clear how convenient Apple return policies/warranty service has been, you can literally walk into any Apple store and have it serviced but you can't do the same for Samsung.
Anyways, does anyone know if this is hardware or software? I have done a full factory reset three times now and still nothing.

Whatever hardware or software issue you all need to contact seller to exchange one
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app

I purchased it on eBay and the seller said it had warranty but Samsung says the warranty is from Singapore and I'll have to go in person to a store there to have it fixed.

stizzi said:
My Samsung S7 Edge is shutting down when the network band is set to "Automatic" or "LTE" (4G LTE network). When it shuts down, it doesn't turn back on even if I do a hard reboot. The only way it turns back on is if I plug in the charger and then power it on. Once I switch the network band (*#2263#) back to "GSM" which puts it into Edge mode, the phone works fine. The phone also works fine with no sim card in it as well.
This is a SM-G935FD international version and the only way for me to get warranty is to go in person to Singapore since that is the country manufacturer for this phone (which I think is a bit ridiculous, I'm in the US). This issue has made it clear how convenient Apple return policies/warranty service has been, you can literally walk into any Apple store and have it serviced but you can't do the same for Samsung.
Anyways, does anyone know if this is hardware or software? I have done a full factory reset three times now and still nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may have the same issue. My phone started shutting down and could only be booted the same way on Tuesday. I did 3 factory restores and the issue occurred even on the welcome screen. I stripped the sim out to use in another phone and the Samsung hasn't crashed yet. Will need need to do some testing after work to see if it is the same issue. I have a SM-G935F.

Yup, that's what's happening with mine too. If you take the sim out, or turn of 4G and leave it at 2G (through network band settings on the hidden menu by selecting GSM) then it will work perfectly. Once you turn on 4G LTE, it will die. I'm hoping it was some OTA update they rolled out this week that's causing this issue.
I ordered a OnePlus 3 which arrives tomorrow that im going to use until this is figured out.

It looks like we aren't the only ones with this issue... see other thread with another user who started having problems. I'm hoping this is a software issue that can be fixed with an OTA update.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/help/s7-edge-shutting-t3417911

stizzi said:
I ordered a OnePlus 3 which arrives tomorrow that im going to use until this is figured out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm Using an Umi Super that arrived a few weeks ago for the wife. She doesn't want to use it as it's an little known Chinese brand.
I'm not fussy. It will do me.

Bump, anyone els?
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

It would be a little weird that 2 phones on different sides of the world were the only 2 with this exact issue... Then again only a small fraction of phone users would be on XDA.
If it's a hardware failure or a register that does not change if you factory reset/cache clear, it could just be a matter of time before there are more people. My phone is now going back to the supplier for a RMA. Lets see if they cause me any issues.

stizzi said:
Anyways, does anyone know if this is hardware or software? I have done a full factory reset three times now and still nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The supplier finished their analysis and have confirmed my Phone is faulty. No information on what the fault is and they will be shipping me a new phone.

The supplier provided some additional info in that they believe the phone requires a new mainboard.
They replicated the issue and then attempted to flash the phone. (I can only assume using a valid Samsung firmware) but could not flash it.
---------- Post added at 03:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:30 PM ----------
The supplier provided some additional info in that they believe the phone requires a new mainboard.
They replicated the issue and then attempted to flash the phone. (I can only assume using a valid Samsung firmware) but could not flash it.

Interesting, thanks for sharing. How'd you warranty it, just mail it to Samsung USA? How long until you get a new one? I think I'll buy the note 7 here in the US instead of eBay so I don't get screwed on the warranty.
Attention all users, avoid buying phones from tropical_mobile, they knowingly sell fake warranties. When you call Samsung they'll tell you that there is no warranty on this international device you purchased. Avoid tropical_mobile!
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

Does the International S7 Edge (SM-G935f) come plastic wrapped / sealed?

Hi I have just ordered a S7 Edge form the UK and will use it in South Africa. It arrived with a sticker sealing the box but no plastic wrapping - on asking the supplier said "Samsung phones boxes are different from iphone boxes and do not come shrink wrapped, they are only sealed by a manufacturer seal, the phone is brand new and never been used."
Did anyone else's phones come unwrapped or should I be worried?

Got mine unwrapped so.. i think your good

Bart3n said:
Got mine unwrapped so.. i think your good
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Click to collapse
Thanks - did you have to make a 5 minute call in the UK first to unlock it? sounds like a strange way to unlock and unlocked device!

Southafricanrob said:
Thanks - did you have to make a 5 minute call in the UK first to unlock it? sounds like a strange way to unlock and unlocked device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in belgium and got an unlocked one. Weird way to unlock it but ok.. If you want to make sure you have an official device, instal Phone INFO at the play store.. There you can see if its an official one or a copy

Mine came with just a sticker sealing. It doesn't come like iPhone boxes indeed. I also have an unlocked phone and never had to call anything to unlock the phone lol. I only know that it must be activated with a Europe sim card.

rmpi4live said:
Mine came with just a sticker sealing. It doesn't come like iPhone boxes indeed. I also have an unlocked phone and never had to call anything to unlock the phone lol. I only know that it must be activated with a Europe sim card.
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Click to collapse
Okay thanks for the info - maybe the 5 minutes call is to activate it - they did say it was unlocked for UK and Europe but for rest of world to make the 5 min call - does still sounds odd though

blacklisted s8

Hi guys . I have question . I bought recently an s8 second hand after few weeks it got blacklisted in Ireland (well I'm in Ireland to )
after struggle I found out from the network that the phone came originally that the previous owner stopped paying the bills thats why they blacklisted the phone .
the question is if I send the phone to my relative in Poland will it work there ... the phone is sim unlocked

szelingo said:
Hi guys . I have question . I bought recently an s8 second hand after few weeks it got blacklisted in Ireland (well I'm in Ireland to )
after struggle I found out from the network that the phone came originally that the previous owner stopped paying the bills thats why they blacklisted the phone .
the question is if I send the phone to my relative in Poland will it work there ... the phone is sim unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only answer you will find on XDA is that you need to get ahold of the seller and get a refund
WE for the most part do not talk about black listed phones