Hello all,
So I'm tempted to buy a Tim-branded S8 on Amazon.it because it's crazy cheap currently. I'm not in Italy but from what I've gathered online (and confirmed by a review on the product's page on Amazon), branding in Italy doesn't mean sim-locking so it should be usable with my local carrier. I'm in Europe anyway.
The only major difference with an unlocked phone (since it doesn't seem to have any hardware trace of the carrier) will be the software : potential TIM-related bloatware, delays for updates, etc.
My question would be : could it be possible to flash an official "clean" image, without affecting the phone and its warranty ? If so, which reference should I use ?
Thank you very much !
Yes, was going to ask if it was also sim locked.?
What county are you in and what sim do you use?
Out the box, if sim unlocked, it will work anyway.
Unless you want any advanced features.
Fw wise it's not a problem. I went the other way though, flashing EE ( UK) firmware into an unbranded unlocked BTU version to get VoLTE to work. It caused no issues.
Belgium but I guess European models pretty much have all bands available across Europe...
Thanks for the feedback !
I have the tim s8 here in the UK, flashed the h3g firmware and have WiFi calling and volte functioning without issue.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
hi
Im also interested in buying a tim branded phone (https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B071RSVYSH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A11IL2PNWYJU7H&psc=1) and was hoping if someone who has one could answer me couple of questions.
1) Does the phone have universal warranty? I mean if something was wrong with it and it needed any repair, could I just take it to a local Samsung store?
2) The model number on amazon site is G950, is that different from G950F? i couldn't find any reliable info on this..
Thanks in advance!
If the phone is designed for the European market then warranty applies regardless where you are (within Europe).
All European models are F-models.
You can flash an unbranded ROM through Odin to get rid of any branding which does not trigger Knox.
Related
Obviously, there are differences with the stock rom that will come with either version. However, as I am planning to flash around a bit, this won't matter.
However I've heard that on a branded device, if I flash a different rom then accept an OTA update it will simlock my phone. Is this correct? If so, then will getting an unbranded device be better?
Thanks.
Let's also assume the T-Mobile phone is initially locked and I have to purchase a code to unlock it.
Bump - would really like to get a response on this matter.
I don't know the answer to your question, but my Galaxy is from T mobile and is unbranded and unlocked out of the box.
My SGS is from T-Mobile UK, but I can't really answer your question either.
I can say that the device is both externally and internally unbranded (I can't say about SIM locks, but I assume it has one). No splash screens, no "Web'n'Walk" Internet icon. The firmware supplied is:
PDA: I9000XXJF4
PHONE: I9000XXJF3
CSC: I9000TMUJE6
Only the CSC is custom, I'm guessing just because it comes set up with the T-Mobile APN settings etc.
What I'm interested in is whether, if I made a nandroid backup, what base ROM I'd need to return to the phone to stock.. JF3 is the only one available it seems.
I've just bought a T-Mobile UK SGS on ebay, brand new, still sealed, it was an 'unwanted upgrade'.
I can confirm there is no branding that I've found so far, and there is no sim lock (I'm using it on O2, everything working fine right out the box), I don't know if this is the same for all the SGS that T-Mobile are selling.
another one - even the box was unbranded.
No W'n'W application as I was expecting even!
Completely unlocked.
Hi guys,
I am considering Buying what of these phones as the idea of a joypad for a mobile is awesome, just got one question:
I'll be buying this imported (as its way cheaper) so more then likely it will have Hong Kong (Asia) firmware on it..is there "stock Rom" for this? i had a HTC desire HD that i managed to get back to worldwide firmware myself (after 2 weeks of research) so I was wondering if the same thing is possible with the Xperia play?
I don't wanna buy one and be stuck on another counties firmware.
any tips/help would be awesome
Thanks guys
Dougan636 said:
Hi guys,
I am considering Buying what of these phones as the idea of a joypad for a mobile is awesome, just got one question:
I'll be buying this imported (as its way cheaper) so more then likely it will have Hong Kong (Asia) firmware on it..is there "stock Rom" for this? i had a HTC desire HD that i managed to get back to worldwide firmware myself (after 2 weeks of research) so I was wondering if the same thing is possible with the Xperia play?
I don't wanna buy one and be stuck on another counties firmware.
any tips/help would be awesome
Thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to flash the UK generic firmware on it using flash tool. After that you could root it using Gingerbreak, update it to 2.3.3 and remove the bloat.
All without unlocking your boot loader, too. Unless you just want to, that is.
adb shove iPad2post.apk to /forum/thread
I'm looking moreso towards an aussie firmware, since my mobile provider would be a 3rd party of optus, I dont mind having optus bloatware on there. if theres aussie genric firmware, i would more then happy to have that over a worldwide firmware?
Dougan636 said:
I'm looking moreso towards an aussie firmware, since my mobile provider would be a 3rd party of optus, I dont mind having optus bloatware on there. if theres aussie genric firmware, i would more then happy to have that over a worldwide firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know of an Australian FW, but there could be one. Most go for the UK generic because of being able to root then update to 2.3.3 without losing root. You'll need to unless you plan on installing everything on the SD card.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
im not too fussed about it being unlocked...i jsut want a firmware i can easily upgrade ( offical is what im looking for) that supports OTA updates too. its not really breaking any laws if its still the offical firmware suited for the device...any clue where i should start looking for rom guides and files? best to be prepared for when i get the phone!
I would just go with the uk generic. So far when it has come to updates the uk firmware has been one of the first to get the updates.
If you got an aussie firmware with optus bloatware on you would have to wait till optus ok's the update before you get it (god knows how long that would take?). Alot of people got the update weeks later because they had carrier branded software vs people who just have the generic software.
People from usa have even flashed the uk firmware (to get updates quicker) and there has not been any problems. If your phone is sim free it will not make a difference which software is on it.
Follow the steps here to get the uk generic + root with a locked bootloader. Once you have flashed the uk firmware all your future updates will automatically come from the uk.
This tutorial will help uk samsung galaxy s6 owners to debrand the S6 if locked to a network it will also get rid of all the network carrier bloatware and the good thing about this it will then allow you to get OTA Updates Quicker because u wont need to wait for your carrier to test the firmare before rolling it out Enjoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ey2Qn_n0t4
Wouldn't this trip the flash counter which would also mean losing your 2 year warranty?
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA Free mobile app
Cybermax93 said:
Wouldn't this trip the flash counter which would also mean losing your 2 year warranty?
Sent from my SM-G920F using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe since you're flashing official firmware, it won't be tripped. I bought an S6 from Germany and flashed with 3 UK firmware and can confirm my KNOX counter hasn't tripped.
Japultra said:
I believe since you're flashing official firmware, it won't be tripped. I bought an S6 from Germany and flashed with 3 UK firmware and can confirm my KNOX counter hasn't tripped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've skimmed through the tutorial video and it doesn't seem to have tripped Knox.
I'm looking to switch my s6 from TEL (Telstra AU) to XSA (Open AU).
Has anyone else tried to do this?
Cheers
will this work with an att s6
samdroid711 said:
I've skimmed through the tutorial video and it doesn't seem to have tripped Knox.
I'm looking to switch my s6 from TEL (Telstra AU) to XSA (Open AU).
Has anyone else tried to do this?
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did it with the Optus S6. Worked perfectly.
Can't find firmware for US
I'm on a T-Mobile Galaxy S6 right now. I want to follow your tutorial, even if I am in the US should I use the UK firmware model you used in the video? Is there a special international unlocked firmware for the US version (like there is one for Spain, for UK, etc).
Also, if the UK model will work on my T-Mobile phone in the US, will I suffer battery hits because the phone will be looking for UK bands or will it recognize that I'm in the US and will only look for the US bands? Thanks!!
madscientistdam said:
This tutorial will help uk samsung galaxy s6 owners to debrand the S6 if locked to a network it will also get rid of all the network carrier bloatware and the good thing about this it will then allow you to get OTA Updates Quicker because u wont need to wait for your carrier to test the firmare before rolling it out Enjoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ey2Qn_n0t4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for making it but a quick written guide is much faster
Georgules said:
I'm on a T-Mobile Galaxy S6 right now. I want to follow your tutorial, even if I am in the US should I use the UK firmware model you used in the video? Is there a special international unlocked firmware for the US version (like there is one for Spain, for UK, etc).
Also, if the UK model will work on my T-Mobile phone in the US, will I suffer battery hits because the phone will be looking for UK bands or will it recognize that I'm in the US and will only look for the US bands? Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would look for bands based on the SIM I believe, but whether you can flash another region ROM is questionable. I thought there was something to prevent that, but I'm new to Samsung. I'm also curious if this will work. If it does, I'll just purchase an AT&T version as opposed to an unlocked one and then use this process.
bugsy said:
It would look for bands based on the SIM I believe, but whether you can flash another region ROM is questionable. I thought there was something to prevent that, but I'm new to Samsung. I'm also curious if this will work. If it does, I'll just purchase an AT&T version as opposed to an unlocked one and then use this process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the BTU model has always meant internationally unlocked in terms of Samsung devices, so hopefully this will work. I'm trying to flash it on my T-Mobile device and then rooting it. Does anybody have any idea how to change the model number of the phone to BTU as well so I can get OTA updates?
@madscientistdam
Looks like there is another BTU build added to the sammobile site wonder if anyone will receive a ota?
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-G920F/BTU/
Received an ota this morning guys, and it was the new build I posted above this post.
Just did this to my Vodafone AU S6 and it worked a treat. Also got an OTA update after a couple of reboots. Knox is still intact. Should work for other Aussie telco phones. Fixed my random freeze's and reboots that where happening flat out at one stage.
*Update- still getting random lockups, even after setting up as a new phone (using no backup). Flash went fine though...
Question. Would this be good for an Ireland Three carrier S6?
Cheers!
Debrand an American S6 Edge (Verizon) for use in Germany
Hi!
You write in your video tutorial that you don’t suggest it for American smartphones. I have a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge from America (Verizon branded, firmware: G925VVRU4BOG9) and want to use it in Germany. So far, I have some annoying limitations (I can’t send text messages and I can’t roam). Do you – or anyone else reading this – have a hint or even a little tutorial for me? I’m so annoyed as neither Samsung nor Verizon or my German SIM card provider FONIC offers me support. The phone was a present from an American friend. So I’m not the original customer. I guess that’s one reason they don’t help. Whatever: I’ll appreciate your help! Thanks…
xkenikax said:
Hi!
You write in your video tutorial that you don’t suggest it for American smartphones. I have a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge from America (Verizon branded, firmware: G925VVRU4BOG9) and want to use it in Germany. So far, I have some annoying limitations (I can’t send text messages and I can’t roam). Do you – or anyone else reading this – have a hint or even a little tutorial for me? I’m so annoyed as neither Samsung nor Verizon or my German SIM card provider FONIC offers me support. The phone was a present from an American friend. So I’m not the original customer. I guess that’s one reason they don’t help. Whatever: I’ll appreciate your help! Thanks…
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just try the tutorial, you don't have a working phone right now, the worst that could happen is a hard brick
godutch said:
Just try the tutorial, you don't have a working phone right now, the worst that could happen is a hard brick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And a hard brick is exactly what I don’t want to risk…
this I assume only works on the International 920F version of these phone, you can flash most any region on these (hence international is your first clue), this does not however work on the (American Carrier) branded phones like Sprint, ATT, Verizon, US Cellular ect ect , these are I am told firmware specific, I tried flashing T-Mobile firmware on a sprint phone and brick city, I mean even sprint could not get it back up flashing sprint firmware with their jig... so beware. U.S. Based Carriers got you under their thumb.
debrand
Hi just bought s6 edge on vodafone uk, firmware ver.5.1.1 G925FXXU3QOKN is there any chance to get it debranded.I was think to flash BTU one G925FXXU3COI9.is that safe and csc will be changed to BTU.I see lot debrand was done with firmware change from 5.0.2 to 5.1.1. is that thesame story 5.1-5.1
pwamik said:
Hi just bought s6 edge on vodafone uk, firmware ver.5.1.1 G925FXXU3QOKN is there any chance to get it debranded.I was think to flash BTU one G925FXXU3COI9.is that safe and csc will be changed to BTU.I see lot debrand was done with firmware change from 5.0.2 to 5.1.1. is that thesame story 5.1-5.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, did you proceeded through the debranding?
I'm also on the same firmware and want to flash a BTU one and just wanted to know if you succeed !
Suppose in the case I bricked my phone and I don't know the baseband version of it. Now what is the option to recover? Flash stock firmware via Odin but don't know the baseband??? What will happens if I flash another country stock firmware?? Will the phone hard brick?? Or it will work fine?? Thank you
The worst case is that your sim card will not work with that software. This is only if your phone is carrier locked.
If it is unlocked, or neverlocked as others put it, then you can flash any firmware you like, as long as it is for your respective phone model.
GDReaper said:
The worst case is that your sim card will not work with that software. This is only if your phone is carrier locked.
If it is unlocked, or neverlocked as others put it, then you can flash any firmware you like, as long as it is for your respective phone model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you sir, as u r always helpful. ??
But wait. Suppose I got phone as gift from my relative who live in UK and I live in Nepal. Which country firmware should I flash?? UK or Nepal??
Athakuri700 said:
But wait. Suppose I got phone as gift from my relative who live in UK and I live in Nepal. Which country firmware should I flash?? UK or Nepal??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure that this phone isn't locked to O2 or any UK carrier.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD
Athakuri700 said:
But wait. Suppose I got phone as gift from my relative who live in UK and I live in Nepal. Which country firmware should I flash?? UK or Nepal??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should flash Nepal firmware then. It would give you better (more match) CSC code. The CSC (Consumer Software Customization) code contains the info about software packages specific to a particular region, carrier branding and also APN (Access Point Name) settings for data connection.
In my case, my S4 i9500 was made in Vietnam and when I received it, it had a Thailand firmware on it. It is a network unlocked phone. I live in USA. The first lollipop firmware came out was for Russia. So I flahsed the Russian firmware. My CSC showed that it is a russian phone. I used that phone on AT&T network that available in USA, China and Korea, and I had no problem.
Nothing will happen.
@sway8966
Are you really to suggest him to flash Nepali firmware on UK phone? I'll unlock it (the carrier-lock) first and then flash other countries' firmware if need.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD
Sorry to bump this up but im having problems with my s6 edge (Maybe because of this).
I recently acquired a phone from a relative from UK. The OS is android 7.0 and the carrier is three.co.uk (H3G), we have reset the phone to its factory settings and accidentally didnt noticed that it do auto update on the OS, then this bootloops starts to occur.
The phone isnt network-locked because the phone can receive signals, messages and phone calls on local sim.
Now upon browsing around SamMobile, There is an available Firmware for this mobile and even the firmware which is available to Philippines but only ver. 6.0.1
Is this possible to use the PH one or still i go to UK(h3g)?
help please
once i take the firmware from other countries and then i install to my phone,
does my phone will going to operate that firmware even if it come from another country
because i tried to find firmware according to my respective country unfortunately i missed it.
so please i need your assistance ..please
Apologies in advance if this is a stupid question! Sadly I am nowhere near as knowledgeable on this as you guys, hence the question!
I currently have a UK bought Note 9, but I was looking to sell it for ~£400 and then get a s10+.
The one of the samsung website is £899 which is too much for me to justify an upgrade, but on the grey market with sites like this eglobalcentral
They cost around £659, much better.
I would also prefer the snapdragon version to the exynos version which we get here in the UK. Would I be able to purchase this one from the site, the G9750, and flash it with the bootloader of a UK version, such as the SM-G975FZKDBTU (SM-G975f)? Does one know how I could do this? I have realised some US versions you cannot unlock the bootloader, does anyone have more details on this? I can't find anything anywhere. Thanks in advance!
My priority of course would be not to trip Knox or void the warranty etc.
I use the SM-G9730 in Canada with TGY (hong kong) build. It's fine, not sure why you would prefer to change the bootloader.
Once you swap the system language to english, its all good.
Plus the bootloader itself is all in english.
The biggest thing is to make sure all of your bands match up.
A locked bootloader prevents you from installing anything other than the official flavor roms and kernel. So if you wish to install custom Roms like LineageOS or the like a some point you must have an unlocked bootloader or be able to unlock it.
That said you would not be able to install the firmware for the UK model specifically because they use different chipsets (Snapdragon vs Exynos). But rom itself should be basically the same and not need changed you would just need to install the specific apps you are missing. Usually those apps can be found in the play store.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk