Database Users

Where can I pre-order a factory unlocked Samsung Galaxy S5?

I tried searching everywhere, but all that are being sold are from contract carriers like AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Also, all search results that appear on Google are from the UK, not the USA.

BlazingSoul said:
I tried searching everywhere, but all that are being sold are from contract carriers like AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. Also, all search results that appear on Google are from the UK, not the USA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. I want an unlocked 32GB fully compatible with AT&T
Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

I've seen some on ebay. What I'd like is a model matrix so I know them apart.

mk262 said:
I've seen some on ebay. What I'd like is a model matrix so I know them apart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I'm planning to get an unlocked version the moment they hit NY but I want to make sure it's fully compatible with AT&T LTE.
If someone has more info please post. Thanks

http://sam.factoryoutletstore.com/
I called customer service there and they said their devices are fully compatible with ATT and that includes LTE - unlocked phones can be bought right now for $799 - a bit more than you will pay if you wait for the official release. The only problem I see is that they don't tell you what model number beyond it being the SM G900 - They don't give the letter after the G900 -- and as we don't know how cross compatible the devices are going to be you run a big risk of buying a phone that won't have much dev support -
That is my take on it anyway - when I called and asked they said you could buy now and they ship immediately.
Good Luck -

mocsab said:
http://sam.factoryoutletstore.com/
I called customer service there and they said their devices are fully compatible with ATT and that includes LTE - unlocked phones can be bought right now for $799 - a bit more than you will pay if you wait for the official release. The only problem I see is that they don't tell you what model number beyond it being the SM G900 - They don't give the letter after the G900 -- and as we don't know how cross compatible the devices are going to be you run a big risk of buying a phone that won't have much dev support -
That is my take on it anyway - when I called and asked they said you could buy now and they ship immediately.
Good Luck -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honest question: What makes this better than this at $680?
Also, dev support? The intl version will have plenty of that...

mk262 said:
Honest question: What makes this better than this at $680?
Also, dev support? The intl version will have plenty of that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never said it was better - but the difference between the two - is the link you sent is pre-order - shipping on April 11th - the link I sent - they say they have the phones in stock now and they will ship immediately. So I guess for anyone who doesn't want to wait - they can - but they will have to pay more. And like I said, they don't give the model numbers - might be 900f I really don't know

mocsab said:
I never said it was better - but the difference between the two - is the link you sent is pre-order - shipping on April 11th - the link I sent - they say they have the phones in stock now and they will ship immediately. So I guess for anyone who doesn't want to wait - they can - but they will have to pay more. And like I said, they don't give the model numbers - might be 900f I really don't know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone know where to get a 32GB unlocked version? (of course, not on ebay for ~$1100...)
Thanks!
Carlos

The international model WILL NOT get AT&T LTE. it's missing bands 2, 4, and 17. You will only get 3G (HSPA+)

MattMJB0188 said:
The international model WILL NOT get AT&T LTE. it's missing bands 2, 4, and 17. You will only get 3G (HSPA+)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does that mean that our only hope for an LTE compatible S5 is the AT&T version? I thought for previous galaxy models people were able to import unlocked models that were compatible with AT&T LTE. Has that changed?

tdx said:
So does that mean that our only hope for an LTE compatible S5 is the AT&T version? I thought for previous galaxy models people were able to import unlocked models that were compatible with AT&T LTE. Has that changed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the T-Mobile version can get LTE if Sim unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

barondebxl said:
I believe the T-Mobile version can get LTE if Sim unlocked.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got it. But then it comes with T-Mo bloatware and my goal is to order a model with no carrier bloat. Ideally a Samsung-original LTE compatible version would be perfect but not sure if it exists.

Get the Vodafone one! I read it's compatible with AT&T, has little to no bloat, and can be unlocked from Vodafone's site. I still don't get why Samsung won't just give us an unlocked phone for the US though...
Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

Google Play edition smartphones and tablets are carrier unlocked and unbranded. So, wait for S5 Google edition.

hemander said:
Google Play edition smartphones and tablets are carrier unlocked and unbranded. So, wait for S5 Google edition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I have no desire to wait for an unknown amount of time until its release though.
Rumor is it'll be on the play store when the phone is released on the 11th.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

REMOVED

REMOVED: No selling/trading/buying on XDA. Use swappa.com

Speedway and battery test.
It's a great phone
I'm selling it for $530, I'll pay the shipping fee.

freefrank said:
I don't know if I can post it here or not. Mod can remove it if not xD
I'm selling my own Mate 7, 32GB gold, bought in China for 600 bucks rooted and working great.
LTE is not working on NA network.
One dent on top left corner
Comes with a flip case and all accessories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the model number? L09 or L10 (or something else)?

Techngro said:
What's the model number? L09 or L10 (or something else)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TL00

freefrank said:
TL00
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a contract model and it works with the China Mobile's Sim card ONLY (or, stays at GSM only using other Sim). There is no way to unlocked the code, and of course, it does not work in NA. Unfortunate to hear.

getmobilephone said:
This is a contract model and it works with the China Mobile's Sim card ONLY (or, stays at GSM only using other Sim). There is no way to unlocked the code, and of course, it does not work in NA. Unfortunate to hear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought in one of your other threads you (getmobilephone) mentioned there might eventually be a rom unlocking the LTE for NA is that not the case??? I assume this is only a baseband software lock. Or is there actually a different modem chip?

LucKyPunk said:
I thought in one of your other threads you (getmobilephone) mentioned there might eventually be a rom unlocking the LTE for NA is that not the case??? I assume this is only a baseband software lock. Or is there actually a different modem chip?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear LuckyPunk
For obvious reasons, It is difficult to answer this question. However, let's give you one example here:
LG G3 offers several different models in China market, four models now and three more soon (using Qualcomm 805 instead of 801).
Among them, there are two models featuring Dual-Sim, one is China Mobile version aka D858 (TDD only), one is International version aka D857 (FDD & TDD). D858 is supposed that can only be compatible with China Mobile's TDD-LTE bands; however, by flashing D857'S ROM, D858 can use both FDD and TDD networks.
Two facts from here:
1. Flashing ROM unlocks the additional LTE bands.
2. D858 can support China Mobile and China Unicom's Sim by flashing ROM; however, it does not work with foreign SIM.
Contract-Free version makes things easier. We predict the Chinese and International versions of MT7-TL10 share the identical hardware. Flashing the international ROM very likely will enable the necessary LTE bands to work in NA.
Just an additional note here, the system RAM actually available for use is around 1.6 GB after the system starts, for 3/32 GB version. Think about this fact before you pull the trigger for 2/16 GB version.
Let us know if you have additional questions.
GetMobilePhone

Does this work on TMobile lte?
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Free mobile app

freefrank said:
I don't know if I can post it here or not. Mod can remove it if not xD
I'm selling my own Mate 7, 32GB gold, bought in China for 600 bucks rooted and working great.
LTE is not working on NA network.
One dent on top left corner
Comes with a flip case and all accessories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I was interested but thanks to getmobilephone for letting me know this phone will not work in the UK as it's not unlocked and locked in a Chinese contract. Unless that's not the case and it's unlocked and I can use it in the UK on any sim then I would be interested.

freefrank said:
I don't know if I can post it here or not. Mod can remove it if not xD
I'm selling my own Mate 7, 32GB gold, bought in China for 600 bucks rooted and working great.
LTE is not working on NA network.
One dent on top left corner
Comes with a flip case and all accessories.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sold out or ?

I got a tl00 from China and I can use all other local network sim in Hong Kong, with 4g and 3g, I can confirm it doesn't have network locked, the network lock policies only apply for usage within China border .
Sent from my HUAWEI MT7-TL00 using XDA Free mobile app

Unlocked/International Version for use with US/GSM Carrier

I would definitely prefer an unbranded phone, usually that means 'International' model? Any suggestions on where I should be looking to buy one?
Here on "pre-order launch" day, the only offers I see are for carrier branded phones.
In case I've made an error in logic, I'll note what I'm trying to do: I use a MVNO GSM carrier with an unlimited data plan, so I'm looking for a "GSM" S7-EDGE that is carrier unlocked. I'll check the LTE bands and all... the question is, where to buy one of these?

Not sure on international models however you'll want to check out tmobile. There always unbranded and I believe I read somewhere it has all 4 bands except cmda? Can't confirm the cmda one. Also the bootloader are unlocked.

Expansys and eBay are your best bets when the time comes
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Shoulon said:
Not sure on international models however you'll want to check out tmobile. There always unbranded and I believe I read somewhere it has all 4 bands except cmda? Can't confirm the cmda one. Also the bootloader are unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMOBILE phones are not Unbranded at all - they include a bunch of bloat and their branding is all over the software in their phones - I don't think they put the name TMOBILE on the phone itself, but I thnk Unbranded means much more than just that. I am not meaning to criticize, just pointing out the fact that I don't think TMOBILE Phones could be considered unbranded.
Having said that, they do work beautifully on other compatible networks.

Just preordered my Samsung Galaxy S7 (930T). Hopefully this T-Mobile phone will get rooted quick. I'm done with AT&T phones.... paid outright, and will unlock through T-Mobile....

mocsab said:
TMOBILE phones are not Unbranded at all - they include a bunch of bloat and their branding is all over the software in their phones - I don't think they put the name TMOBILE on the phone itself, but I thnk Unbranded means much more than just that. I am not meaning to criticize, just pointing out the fact that I don't think TMOBILE Phones could be considered unbranded.
Having said that, they do work beautifully on other compatible networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He might be talking about the international versions and not the US version.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Tidbits said:
He might be talking about the international versions and not the US version.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Bad... thanks for the heads up

Here's an unlocked probably European phone from Expansys
http://www.expansys-usa.com/samsung-galaxy-s7-unlocked-32gb-black-onyx-288135/
I think it's the European because it's listed as an Octa core (Processor: Octa-Core / 2.3 GHz Quad + 1.6 GHz Quad) if I'm not mistaken the SD820 isn't Octa but the Exynos is and Europe is supposed to be getting Exynos.

If those bands are correct that is very limiting. I'd still hold out and wait to see the full support listing.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Isn't that you can just use qualcomm's QXDM,QPST and DFS to unlock all the band? Just need have root first.

maybe, but you should rely on it. Let's just say for example Samsung changes how things are in this version or we can't find an exploit for 6 months to a 1 year? That's just me though. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

So I was planning to get the international version (Exynos) Galaxy S7 Edge, but After using the Live Chat on Samsung website, they told me as of today the International Version of S7 DOESN"T support the Samsung Pay yet.... any ideas?

I am trying to unlock one for my family member from t mobile. Anyway to unlock it for international use without paying a fortune?
---------- Post added at 04:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:16 AM ----------
Is it true what they are saying that when you first put the sim in the phone and turn it on it locks itself to that carrier?? SO IF I PUT IN att sim in tmobile phone it will be locked to att ?

UnixSlayer said:
Just preordered my Samsung Galaxy S7 (930T). Hopefully this T-Mobile phone will get rooted quick. I'm done with AT&T phones.... paid outright, and will unlock through T-Mobile....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to break it to you but the bootloader on the TMO S7 Edge is locked down now like ATT and Verizon without root available
"And on that bombshell!"
Sent from my Smokin G935A

Check out the Canadian version sm-g935w8. It has exynos, supports samsung pay and can be rooted. The specs say it supports all the north American lte bands. If you buy one from a Canadian samsung experience store, it comes with factory unlock codes
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app

I'm getting an Exynos S7 Edge and am thinking of installing an unbranded Rom from Sammobile, any idea which?
I'm in Australia, so no Samsung Pay yet, but it could be handy.
I'm sure certain European Roms get updates sooner too.

Ok, checked Sammobile again and this looks safe. Looks to be an unbranded Australian rom.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/67083/G935FXXU1APAW_G935FXSA1APAW_XSA/

Global Version Galaxy s7 edge,SM-G930F

hi
I am originally from Switzerland and always bought all the galaxy's there in a regular electronic store with no branding or carrier on it. I was always able to use my phones internationally with every possible carrier. a year ago I moved to the states and currently using my s6 edge from Switzerland on cricket (at&t) network. Though i don't get great data speed and connection cause of some frequencies differences between the european and us network. I want to get the s7 edge in the US so i can enjoy perfect connection and speed, but cant find any reliable information regrading the global version SM-G930F, i need one that will also funtion worldwide and especially in switzerland as i travel alot. Unfortunatly in the US people are forced to suscribe to the major cariers to get a the s7 now. i would love to pre-order to get the VR for free. Can anyone pls help me ? what are my possiblities?
Thank u

I don't think you can preorder unless it's through a carrier. You would have to wait until amazon and Samsung begin selling them directly. Which means no VR. Also I can't guarantee that the USA version will be able to fully function abroad. Sorry buddy.

European retailers have been taking pre orders for the unlocked sm-g930F and sm-g-935F international versions since February 23. Unlike US, where carriers dominate the market with their own variants.
The problem is the EU retailers I came across don't ship internationally. But if you have someone in Switzerland, you can order it with their (or your own address in Switzerland) and have them send it to you. You can go to (Google Samsung Switzerland) and on their site you'll see a dozen retailers, such as Steg Electronics, simply offering the unlocked SM-G935F for 818 CHF. Nice and simple!

I preordered mine today without a carrier. The only ****ty thing is that here in Norway a carrier has got the rights to silver color. So i could just make the preorder with other colors

Thank u so much for the info, will I get a free VR ? And also can I use the global version in the US and still enjoy the same data speed and connectivity on att network as I would with a US version? Cause my Swiss Galaxy s6 edge is slower here than an American one, something because of different frequency usage

Cricket is part of at&t, but the way at&t differentiates its plans with its prepaid business (aka cricket wireless) is that Cricket's 4G LTE data speed is limited to 8 mega bits per second, while a native at&t LTE plan speeds go much higher. Cricket clearly states this in the fine prints under their plan as a link "Important data usage ..." As "High-speed data access allows download speeds of a maximum of 8 Mbps for compatible LTE devices and 4 Mbps for compatible HSPA+ devices.".
So if your Galaxy s6 is the international version (SM-G925F), then it has all the right bands to operate on any GSM carrier in the States. All you need to verify is that if your phone has the correct APN. Every US carrier has instructions and FAQs on their APN. For example here is the cricket page:
https://www.cricketwireless.com/sup...ice-byod/customer/bring-your-own-android.html

Thank u very much but I called them many times and they weren't able to fix the issue. What do u suggest I should do with getting the S7 edge?

I would suggest waiting for the galaxy s7 "unlocked" international version to be available in the States.
Places like bhphotovideo.com have the page set up and ready for it. It should be a matter of short while for us to be able to purchase it free of any carrier related restrictions or bloatware. Hang in there.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1225377-REG/samsung_sm_g930_32gb_blk_galaxy_s7_g930_32gb.html

Lol thank u buddy... It's just that I really want to get that VR for free

s7edge said:
Lol thank u buddy... It's just that I really want to get that VR for free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also want to buy the international varient of the S7 Edge as I do not want to get stuck with one career and get updates on time. Unlucky us, no free Gear VR :crying:

I just bought one on ebay. It's a SM-935F. The seller has 100% feedback and 35,000 sales. It's the Exynos version. It has full manufacturer warranty It's says it won't ship till mid to late month but I can wait for an carrier free model!
For those that are curious:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=281946599883&alt=web
Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk

verks said:
I just bought one on ebay. It's a SM-935F. The seller has 100% feedback and 35,000 sales. It's the Exynos version. It has full manufacturer warranty It's says it won't ship till mid to late month but I can wait for an carrier free model!
For those that are curious:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=281946599883&alt=web
Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope he is legit, last year i did the same for galaxy s6 edge, he had perfect review and everything and it came out he was a fraud, i got my money back trough ebay protection but a lot of headace

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"
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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.