Is this international or US? - Samsung Galaxy S8 Questions and Answers

I ordered a Galaxy S8 off of Amazon, it was advertised as the international version. I asked on the item's page if it had the exynos chipset, since after the hell that was the S7, I wanted to take advantage of the development the international versions had, and I had gotten an answer saying that it did indeed come with the exynos, and not snapdragon.
Anyway, the phone came in, I set it all up, and sold my S7 to a friend who desperately needed a new phone. I went to go start getting everything needed, and I'm not sure exactly why, but I double checked the settings, and saw that the model number is SM-G950U1
I thought international Samsungs were SM-G950F
Did I end up getting the wrong phone model? Does this thing have snapdragon? Or can I continue with the root processes?
Here's the listing for the phone
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y137TLR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Manly_Parasite said:
I ordered a Galaxy S8 off of Amazon, it was advertised as the international version. I asked on the item's page if it had the exynos chipset, since after the hell that was the S7, I wanted to take advantage of the development the international versions had, and I had gotten an answer saying that it did indeed come with the exynos, and not snapdragon.
Anyway, the phone came in, I set it all up, and sold my S7 to a friend who desperately needed a new phone. I went to go start getting everything needed, and I'm not sure exactly why, but I double checked the settings, and saw that the model number is SM-G950U1
I thought international Samsungs were SM-G950F
Did I end up getting the wrong phone model? Does this thing have snapdragon? Or can I continue with the root processes?
Here's the listing for the phone
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y137TLR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Click to collapse
Did you read the reviews? 26% one star....click on that bar to read all of them. You got hosed, and it sounds like you'd be considered lucky if it's even a real s8.
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

950U1 is US unlocked

RuggedHunter said:
Did you read the reviews? 26% one star....click on that bar to read all of them. You got hosed, and it sounds like you'd be considered lucky if it's even a real s8.
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
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Where would you suggest for me to find one?

Manly_Parasite said:
Where would you suggest for me to find one?
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I preordered mine from clove.uk.... legit company selling about a hundred bucks less than the cheapest on eBay at the time. They have to open the box, insert a UK sim, and make a 5 min phone call in order to region unlock the phone. Then they'll export it to the US, 2 day shipping.
Others have used ebay....and Amazon.... just be careful.
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

Related

Carrier Unlocked

Nexus 6P Unlocked can be used on all carriers. Will there be a Galaxy S7 Unlocked which follows? I will be sold if so...
You cant just buy a phone from a carrier and expect to flash an unlocked ROM on it. Partitions are different most of the time, etc...
My main concern is the speed of which updates are released. A carrier phone can take months longer than an unlocked phone. Yeah you can download custom ROMs here on XDA, but it's not the same and could have issues due to carrier kernel not being released.
Definitely a make or break deal for me at this point...
I really wished there was, but so far all of the carrier models have different bands, and I haven't heard of a US unlocked model that works for all of them.
I can't decide if it is worth the fight, or if I should just fall in line, and buy at&t's Fort Knox Edition.
They're a little more pricy (read +$200/300), but you can pre-order unlocked Qualcomm variants on eBay.
It's a hell of a markup, but if you're already paying $800 for a phone you're gonna use for the next couple years, may as well get one that's unlocked and will do what you want i.e. run AOSP, no?
aramisathei said:
They're a little more pricy (read +$200/300), but you can pre-order unlocked Qualcomm variants on eBay.
It's a hell of a markup, but if you're already paying $800 for a phone you're gonna use for the next couple years, may as well get one that's unlocked and will do what you want i.e. run AOSP, no?
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I'm sorry, but there's no reason anyone should be paying more than $800 for an S7 Edge, even if it's unlocked.
geoff5093 said:
I'm sorry, but there's no reason anyone should be paying more than $800 for an S7 Edge, even if it's unlocked.
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Agreed, S7 Edge should be about $800 unlocked tops. Unfortunately there won't be unlocked phones until the actual release.
geoff5093 said:
I'm sorry, but there's no reason anyone should be paying more than $800 for an S7 Edge, even if it's unlocked.
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Different folks different strokes.
I paid $816 for mine. Still cheaper than signing contracts when said and done.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Tidbits said:
Different folks different strokes.
I paid $816 for mine. Still cheaper than signing contracts when said and done.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant before taxes
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
What was the time between the Samsung s6 edge pre-order and when the unlocked international versions came out? Because my UK s6 edge is soooooooo much better than the AT&T US version I originally bought and returned. I definitely want to just skip to the UK unlocked version this time around... but, of course, I don't want to wait a long time.
I'm assuming the s7 rollout will be similar, so that will let us know when the unlocked Samsung s7 edges can be expected. (I was an iPhone person until recently, so I don't know my Samsung history).
Thanks in advance for any info.
(For anyone wondering, not only was there that US AT&T bloatware nonsense -- but they actually removed cool things Samsung had added and removed deals and freeware Samsung had added to the phone. Just crazy. Things would be mentioned in the manual and not be on the phone anywhere. And then of course the bad updates as well.)
im the guy waiting for S7edge with S820 and choosing Snapdragon is of course to get update faster and support by the custom rom community than Exynos version.
As one of a guy responded in Reddit chat is to start ordering UNLOCKED SIM Samsung S7 from ebay would be the easiest and fastest option... I am ouside of US and really don't want to wait indefinitely their not-sure-release-date Carrier Unlocked version. Below is the one that I am watching closely. As it said Pre-order, I am a bit afraid of the RISK of ordering a phone that cost >1000$ without seeing actual unlocked & S820 phone as they mention.
[EDIT: can't put links due to lower posts count] googled this eBay item number:281944393668
tmobile unlock or wait?
I'm in the same boat here, although my situation is a little unique. I'm on Tmobile right now but I'm going to move to Thailand this summer, so the phone needs to be unlocked. According to tmobile they'll unlock the phone after i'ts been on the network for 40 days (I'm planning on buying it upfront). Should I go that route or just wait until the unlocked version shows up on amazon and just buy that?
Cheers
(Also, does anyone know how long it took for the unlocked s6 to show up on amazon?)
40 days of service active if you actually on postpaid. If it is prepaid it's $100 worth of payments.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
All the carriers get the unlock code from Samsung... if you contact Samsung, T-Mobile users might not need to wait the 40 days. I just preordered the T-Mobile S7 Edge, and I'm with AT&T.
UnixSlayer said:
All the carriers get the unlock code from Samsung... if you contact Samsung, T-Mobile users might not need to wait the 40 days. I just preordered the T-Mobile S7 Edge, and I'm with AT&T.
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Did you have to get a mobile plan with them? They told me at the store that is the only way
T-Mobile no longer use codes. They use a unlock app. There is no way so far to input any codes to date on the devices that have it preinstalled.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Hey how do Samsung's devices do on Verizon?. Will there be less development for devices from Verizon? Are they locked down a lot more and harder to root? It he a deal breaker for me. Anyone have any idea ?
Would a Verizon phone work well on tmobile?
Yes but the bootloader will be locked down.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:46 AM ----------
Tapatalk won't let me modify...
Well the Verizon will work well in most cases on T-Mobile however Verizon phones will always have a locked down bootloader. So if you buy it be prepared to potentially never unlock it for a very long time.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Tidbits said:
Yes but the bootloader will be locked down.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:46 AM ----------
Tapatalk won't let me modify...
Well the Verizon will work well in most cases on T-Mobile however Verizon phones will always have a locked down bootloader. So if you buy it be prepared to potentially never unlock it for a very long time.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
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Thanks! So the best option would be Tmo?
If you want Wi-Fi calling , RCS, and VoLTE it's probably preferred. If you plan on rooting and custom Roms. Then T-Mobile is a good choice. T-Mobile for the past 4 years has always left it up to the manufacturer to either lock it or leave it. So far all but Sony have unlocked or unlockable bootloaders.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Canadian S7/S7 Edge thread!

Release date Friday March 11th countrywide for all Canadian carriers. Bell, Rogers, Telus, Wind and Videotron confirmed.
I have pre-ordered my S7 edge black onyx for bell.
Anyone else pre-order yet?
Model information:
Exynos chipset confirmed.
S7 G930W8
S7 Edge G935W8
The only reason I'm not getting the s7 is because the Canadian version is only exynos and does not work for me because I root and change roms.
nitramus said:
The only reason I'm not getting the s7 is because the Canadian version is only exynos and does not work for me because I root and change roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered mine from Best Buy. Black S7 Edge (really wanted the grey tho). Ya, I was reading about the exynos chip. The only thing that interests me is xposed, do you guys think that we would have that at least? I hate the advertising on youtube. I believe it will be fast enough for me not to want any roms (cross fingers).
I still not fully decided tho, I got a Note 4 and works fine but always attracted to new shinny tech
I ordered from Samsung. I went to Bell first but they wouldn't let me order because I wasn't about to sign a contract. Good thing, promo with Samsung is way better, and I get it unlocked.
I don't like the chip either, rather have the 820, but I had a S5 with a Snapdragon and I couldn't find a good ROM with that. I'm going to try this S7 with the stock ROM. I figure with Nova + Icon pack + Material design theme will make TouchWiz mostly a non-issue. And any bloatware I can't uninstall, or disable I figure I can just take away all permissions and hide from the homescreen and app drawer.
I could live with root only and keep stock rom but I NEED viper for Android and if I'm not mistaken v4a does not work on exynos, I could be wrong...
wifesabitch said:
I ordered from Samsung. I went to Bell first but they wouldn't let me order because I wasn't about to sign a contract. Good thing, promo with Samsung is way better, and I get it unlocked.
I don't like the chip either, rather have the 820, but I had a S5 with a Snapdragon and I couldn't find a good ROM with that. I'm going to try this S7 with the stock ROM. I figure with Nova + Icon pack + Material design theme will make TouchWiz mostly a non-issue. And any bloatware I can't uninstall, or disable I figure I can just take away all permissions and hide from the homescreen and app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean samsung.ca??? what option did you select for carrier? If i select Rogers it takes me to the Rogers site. Or do you mean you got an international version unlocked??? how.. me interested since apparently Samsung has figured out to permanently locked the carrier to the phone. Basically the first sim (carrier) is loaded to the phone will be permanently locked.
I am with ya man. I had the s6 and note 5 and both run exynos7420. Viper4android worked perfectly.
Sent from my Blackberry Torch
nitramus said:
The only reason I'm not getting the s7 is because the Canadian version is only exynos and does not work for me because I root and change roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only snapdragon versions are being sold in USA and China. You think no development for exynos for the rest of the world?
I had the s6 and note 5 and development for both were excellent.
Pre-ordered mine at Wind, I'm pretty excited. I'm also happy that we get the Exynos version as it will make for greater commonality/compatibility with the rest of the world. I'm hoping it'll make for faster updates?
ISperfection said:
you mean samsung.ca??? what option did you select for carrier? If i select Rogers it takes me to the Rogers site. Or do you mean you got an international version unlocked??? how.. me interested since apparently Samsung has figured out to permanently locked the carrier to the phone. Basically the first sim (carrier) is loaded to the phone will be permanently locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung retail store at Sherway Gardens in Toronto. You don't have to pick a carrier there. Don't think you can order it online.
They sales rep said it will lock when you put your SIM in, but they provide you with an unlock code. You also get the VR and a 128GB microSD card, that's a better promo than anyone else has.
wifesabitch said:
Samsung retail store at Sherway Gardens in Toronto. You don't have to pick a carrier there. Don't think you can order it online.
They sales rep said it will lock when you put your SIM in, but they provide you with an unlock code. You also get the VR and a 128GB microSD card, that's a better promo than anyone else has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, that is awesome plus a great bonus bonus extra! I am going there tonite and cancelling my Best Buy one!!! so global (i am assuming international) is the SM-G935F, is that what you ordered? (I will confirm tonite). I hope We get to chose colors rather than just black. Thanks!!!
Ya, also if everyone is getting exynos (except our friends and US and China), I would guess support will be improved. Now i am pumped.
ISperfection said:
wow, that is awesome plus a great bonus bonus extra! I am going there tonite and cancelling my Best Buy one!!! so global (i am assuming international) is the SM-G935F, is that what you ordered? (I will confirm tonite). I hope We get to chose colors rather than just black. Thanks!!!
Ya, also if everyone is getting exynos (except our friends and US and China), I would guess support will be improved. Now i am pumped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know version it is. If you're going, ask about the microSD card. They only told me about the VR but I've seen several people comment online that the memory card is included also.
I think you can get other colors, but the black is the only one that will be available on the 11th from what I've read.
will check it out and post my findings.
All Canadian versions ended in W8
Sent from my Blackberry Torch
wifesabitch said:
I ordered from Samsung. I went to Bell first but they wouldn't let me order because I wasn't about to sign a contract. Good thing, promo with Samsung is way better, and I get it unlocked.
I don't like the chip either, rather have the 820, but I had a S5 with a Snapdragon and I couldn't find a good ROM with that. I'm going to try this S7 with the stock ROM. I figure with Nova + Icon pack + Material design theme will make TouchWiz mostly a non-issue. And any bloatware I can't uninstall, or disable I figure I can just take away all permissions and hide from the homescreen and app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the VR and 128GB promotion only for preorders?
nitramus said:
The only reason I'm not getting the s7 is because the Canadian version is only exynos and does not work for me because I root and change roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can root and change roms on exynos, most likely only touchwiz roms at first but im sure there will be an aosp rom eventually, there's one being cooked right now for the s6.
ISperfection said:
The only thing that interests me is xposed, do you guys think that we would have that at least?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-xposed-samsung-lollipop-t3180960
oxxshadow said:
Is the VR and 128GB promotion only for preorders?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't say for sure, but I would guess it's certainly a limited time promotion.
wifesabitch said:
Can't say for sure, but I would guess it's certainly a limited time promotion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ok. $1000 kinda sucks though since out dollar is so weak, so i might end up selling the VR to recoup some money lol
oxxshadow said:
oh ok. $1000 kinda sucks though since out dollar is so weak, so i might end up selling the VR to recoup some money lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tell me about it. When I first saw the price I thought no way I was getting this. Changed my mind after the initial shock subsided.
wifesabitch said:
Tell me about it. When I first saw the price I thought no way I was getting this. Changed my mind after the initial shock subsided.
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The rep at sherway didn't tell me the price because he said they were instructed not too, probably because it would give everyone a heart attack.

Unlocked Snapdragon available for Verizon?

I get that the S7 you can buy direct from Verizon is pretty much going to be locked down for a long time, if it ever gets broken. But it looks like a pretty awesome phone, and I'm genuinely thinking of trading up for one.
So, can I buy an unlocked version from somewhere that I can use with Verizon, one that allows root and xposed? Is the only option for this the Exynos version? Or are all of the phones locked down, even if they're not tied to a carrier?
Alternatively, if there is a way to get a rootable Snapdragon but I have to switch carriers, which carriers would be best for this?
Lastly, if there is no way at all to get a rootable Snapdragon variant, what's everyone's pick for the best new rootable phones? I've heard things about the G5, but that's starting to look closer to the S7 situation than anything.
Thanks for any info!
There is no rootable s7 that will work for Verizon. It's a waiting game at this point.
JAYNO20 said:
There is no rootable s7 that will work for Verizon. It's a waiting game at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sucks. I was hoping there was an international or developer version or something. I'd pay the full price for it, too. Maybe a Nexus is in my future.
SanguiniusWept said:
That sucks. I was hoping there was an international or developer version or something. I'd pay the full price for it, too. Maybe a Nexus is in my future.
Click to expand...
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I had a developer edition of the Galaxy S5 and I'd KILL for a developer edition S7... I don't know why they don't make them for every single phone they release.
JAYNO20 said:
I had a developer edition of the Galaxy S5 and I'd KILL for a developer edition S7... I don't know why they don't make them for every single phone they release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or why all phones can't just have this as an option that is supremely hard to get to, but available for those who want to do it. Just have it trip something that voids the warranty, but make the user aware this will happen. I, for one, would most likely still do it, warranty be damned.

AT&T Should be in original box w/ default accessories and not be branded by logo

This is what I received back. Not a 100% guarantee but promising no stupid logo or missing earbuds and hopefully the beautiful black box and not an ugly AT&T one!
View attachment 4108117
what's the difference if you're leasing it from the carrier?
None really besides being able to network unlock it. Its just preference. If leasing you dont really own the phone but can upgrade if on NEXT easy if the phone stays undamaged when you trade it in. I prefer to buy my phones outright but thats just me.
johnwayne27 said:
This is what I received back. Not a 100% guarantee but promising no stupid logo or missing earbuds and hopefully the beautiful black box and not an ugly AT&T one!
View attachment 4108117
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Click to collapse
The S6 and S7 both had the normal box, and if i recall correctly, every Galaxy aside from the Notes have had the headphones in the package. Im looking at my s7 box right now and its the black box that just says S7 Edge on it.
Alright I just pre-ordered the s8 plus directly from the att store and I noticed on the confirmation email that the model # of the phone is for the U model? Can you guys check your reciepts and see if yours is like that also. The one they had on demo at the att store was a U model also.......kinda weird.....
Sent from my SM-G950T using XDA-Developers Legacy app
The T-Mobile receipts aren't as detailed. Just that it's been ordered. Strange thing is I got the "shipped" email that when you click the tracking number shows it "will" ship on the 20th. Why show "shipped" if it hasn't?
Quickvic30 said:
Alright I just pre-ordered the s8 plus directly from the att store and I noticed on the confirmation email that the model # of the phone is for the U model? Can you guys check your reciepts and see if yours is like that also. The one they had on demo at the att store was a U model also.......kinda weird.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Verizon is like that, directly from Samsung:
Outbreak444 said:
My Verizon is like that, directly from Samsung:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting.....wouldn't that be something if we all recieved U models flashed with your carriers firmware. I guess that's pretty much how it is now with the S7 and s7e, you can flash any carriers firmware on any carriers S7 or s7e.
Sent from my SM-G950T using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Quickvic30 said:
Interesting.....wouldn't that be something if we all recieved U models flashed with your carriers firmware. I guess that's pretty much how it is now with the S7 and s7e, you can flash any carriers firmware on any carriers S7 or s7e.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm hoping for, I still have the grandfathered UDP plan with Verizon so if I want to use hotspot I have to pay for it. But not with the, what I guess would still be the U firmware.
Outbreak444 said:
That's what I'm hoping for, I still have the grandfathered UDP plan with Verizon so if I want to use hotspot I have to pay for it. But not with the, what I guess would still be the U firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear ya on that one, I'm on the att unlimited plan and I have that same issue as you with tethering so I use T-Mobile firmware as a work around. Now that there's root I don't have to do that but TMO firmware has alot less bloat than ATT firmware anyways.
Was in att store here's what they have on it. Can't delete Facebook
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rs988 New update rs98821b available

This update has just became available today it is only 200mb so I would say it is mainly just android security updates. I have not installed it yet because I will have to factory reset first just wanted to let others know that might be stock and not rooted.
I'm on 21a and downloading 21b now.
Was on 11d, but did the 10b Brightpoint KDZ last month that messed up the LTE. So had to root and reflash the 11c, to then update to 11d and then 21a.
Got 21b installed. May 1 2017 Security update. Everything else says the same (baseband, kernel, and build).
Maybe they at least fixed the network switching so we will receive more of our calls. That is really the only bug i have noticed since upgrading to Nougat. I think you pointed that out as well.
FAUguy said:
Got 21b installed. May 1 2017 Security update. Everything else says the same (baseband, kernel, and build).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firenemesis7 said:
Maybe they at least fixed the network switching so we will receive more of our calls. That is really the only bug i have noticed since upgrading to Nougat. I think you pointed that out as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the past two weeks with 21a, the main issue has been that the RS988 is missing about half of the incoming class (will stay on LTE and not change to HSPA), or when placing a call about 25-30% of them will not go through on the first try (shows it change from LTE to HSPA and sit there for 30 seconds, and then go back to LTE without placing th call).
Unfortunately, 21b seems to have the same issue.
Over the weekend, I was debating on going with the HTC U11 or an S8/S8+ in the upcoming weeks, was going to wait for people on here to try out the U11 for a while. But the yesterday the Samsung Mobile EBay page had the S8+ listed for $699 and with 24mo payment with PqyPal Credit. So I figured fro $50 more than the U11, go with th S8+, not that I'm a fan of curved screens, but at least there is a 3.5mm headphone jack, has SamsungPay, and the screen is AMOLED (which is miss). But the draws of the U11 was the camera, non-curved screed (though LCD), and fingerprint scanner on the front. But the lack of headphone jack means it can't be charged while connected via AUX input to my cars audio, and I saw posts on here about HTC got rid of all their apps (gallery, mms, dialer, calendar) and opted for the Google ones that aren't as good. So at this point I sould have the S8+ later this week. If I like it, then I'll sell my G5 with all the accessories that came with it (Cam mod, 4 batteries, charging pack, VR headset).
Hi! If I have root and TWRP then how do I install the update?
spinoza_web said:
Hi! If I have root and TWRP then how do I install the update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, OTA updates will only install if you are 100%stock. So that means removing TWRP, unrooting, and relocking the bootloader.
How I did it. I just factory reset and wiped everything in twrp then flashed the complete rs98821a zip that autoprime put together for us and then was able to install the OTA update. You will have to reinstall Twrp and root but you do not have to mess with the bootloader.
spinoza_web said:
Hi! If I have root and TWRP then how do I install the update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got in the S8+ yesterday. After using it for a day and setting it up, I'm not 100% sure that I'll keep it. The regular S8 was out of stock and I'm not a big fan of curved screens. But I figured I'd give it a try.
But regarding the calling issue with the G5 (21a/21b), the S8+ is much faster between changing modes between LTE Data and HSPA Calls. So that right there proves the issue isn't related to the GoPhone service, as I never had any issue on the G5 before the Nougat update.
Too bad I still can get the S8+ to work with the K-9 Mail LED Notifications. Must be an issue with that app and Android 7.
FAUguy said:
I got in the S8+ yesterday. After using it for a day and setting it up, I'm not 100% sure that I'll keep it. The regular S8 was out of stock and I'm not a big fan of curved screens. But I figured I'd give it a try.
But regarding the calling issue with the G5 (21a/21b), the S8+ is much faster between changing modes between LTE Data and HSPA Calls. So that right there proves the issue isn't related to the GoPhone service, as I never had any issue on the G5 before the Nougat update.
Too bad I still can get the S8+ to work with the K-9 Mail LED Notifications. Must be an issue with that app and Android 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like you got S8+, so, which version did you get? G955U or G955F? And how is Samsung pay? Does the Spay rewards and deals work?
justnewbee said:
Looks like you got S8+, so, which version did you get? G955U or G955F? And how is Samsung pay? Does the Spay rewards and deals work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung eBay page had the S8 G950U for $599 and the S8+ G955U for $699, along with a 24 month PayPal Credit financing. I has intended to go with the S8, but after I got home that night, only the S8+ was still available.
After using it for a few days now, it is really too tall for comfort, and a bit more heavy than I like (actually the weight of the phone is mostly at the top, so when used in landscape mode I can feel more of the weight on the left hand), keep in mind the Note 4 is about the same weight, but feels more comfortable to hold than the S8+.
From what I've read, the US Unlocked "U" models work with Samsung Pay and Rewards. I have it installed and all setup on the phone, but haven't tried it in a store yet. The "F" International models I read don't work with Samsung Pay in the US unless you do some flashing and tricking it out, but can still have issues. So I decided not to go with the F model, but would rather have the exynos processor than the 835.
Right now, Samsung.com has the S8 (and S8+) with a $200 trade in offer, so I'm going to go that route and get the S8 and sent in my old Note 2 (since they sell for less than $200 on eBay and Swappa) and hold on to my Note 3 and 4 for now. Also thinking about ordering the U11 from Amazon. Once I get those in, I can compare the U11, S8 and S8+ and decide which one to keep and return the others.
Normally I would do all this in a store, but Sprint don't have the U11 on display locally.
Once all that get done, then I'll see about selling my G5, do a factory reset on it (21b).
FAUguy said:
The Samsung eBay page had the S8 G950U for $599 and the S8+ G955U for $699, along with a 24 month PayPal Credit financing. I has intended to go with the S8, but after I got home that night, only the S8+ was still available.
After using it for a few days now, it is really too tall for comfort, and a bit more heavy than I like (actually the weight of the phone is mostly at the top, so when used in landscape mode I can feel more of the weight on the left hand), keep in mind the Note 4 is about the same weight, but feels more comfortable to hold than the S8+.
From what I've read, the US Unlocked "U" models work with Samsung Pay and Rewards. I have it installed and all setup on the phone, but haven't tried it in a store yet. The "F" International models I read don't work with Samsung Pay in the US unless you do some flashing and tricking it out, but can still have issues. So I decided not to go with the F model, but would rather have the exynos processor than the 835.
Right now, Samsung.com has the S8 (and S8+) with a $200 trade in offer, so I'm going to go that route and get the S8 and sent in my old Note 2 (since they sell for less than $200 on eBay and Swappa) and hold on to my Note 3 and 4 for now. Also thinking about ordering the U11 from Amazon. Once I get those in, I can compare the U11, S8 and S8+ and decide which one to keep and return the others.
Normally I would do all this in a store, but Sprint don't have the U11 on display locally.
Once all that get done, then I'll see about selling my G5, do a factory reset on it (21b).
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Thanks a lot for your detailed info. I am going to buy US Unlocked "U" model, though I am interested in exynos processor.
justnewbee said:
Thanks a lot for your detailed info. I am going to buy US Unlocked "U" model, though I am interested in exynos processor.
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Click to collapse
I ended up buying the S8 from the Samsung site ($624) then take off $200 for a trade-in (will send my old Verizon Note 2 since they only sell for about $100...though would like to keep it), and add tax and $0 for 2-day shipping, and was $450 total. Did the Samsung Credit (24 month).
Going to send the S8+ back (Samsung's eBay page) for $742 credit. So that's a savings of $300 ($100 less for the S8 ad $200 for the trade-in).
The S8+ isn't a bad phone, just a bit too tall and more heavy than I like, so I'm sure the S8 will fit better.
Been using the S8 for a week now, sent the S8+ back.
No calling issues with either one (GoPhone) and I noticed they change much quicker between LTE for data and HSPA for calls than the G5 (21a/b).
FAUguy,
Hi, I have recently found to be in the same issue with LTE BRIGHTPOINT and LTE problems. Can you please read my post and see if you know something I don't?
Thanks
https://forum.xda-developers.com/u/...e-connectivity-problems-t3649465/post73300658
Skimpypimp said:
FAUguy,
Hi, I have recently found to be in the same issue with LTE BRIGHTPOINT and LTE problems. Can you please read my post and see if you know something I don't?
Thanks
https://forum.xda-developers.com/u/...e-connectivity-problems-t3649465/post73300658
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I read the post. Where did you buy the phone from?
Look at my post on this thread from Page 6 onward:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/help/calling-rs988-users-nougat-t3608345/page6
I had to do the Bootload Unlock via the LG web site, to then allow rooting of the phone.
Then had to do all the flashing in steps. I wouldn't say it was difficult, but took quite some time to get it all done.
FAUguy said:
I read the post. Where did you buy the phone from?
Look at my post on this thread from Page 6 onward:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/help/calling-rs988-users-nougat-t3608345/page6
I had to do the Bootload Unlock via the LG web site, to then allow rooting of the phone.
Then had to do all the flashing in steps. I wouldn't say it was difficult, but took quite some time to get it all done.
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Well I guess I'm screwed because even though I have the RS988, when I request the unlock boot loader code from LG it says I can't get it. I got my phone off eBay. Ugh.
Skimpypimp said:
Well I guess I'm screwed because even though I have the RS988, when I request the unlock boot loader code from LG it says I can't get it. I got my phone off eBay. Ugh.
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See if you can do eBay or PayPal buyer protection.
I'd file a claim on it with them if the seller refuses to offer a refund. I'd state that it is not compatible with your carrier (MetroPCS T-Mobile).
FAUguy said:
See if you can do eBay or PayPal buyer protection.
I'd file a claim on it with them if the seller refuses to offer a refund. I'd state that it is not compatible with your carrier (MetroPCS T-Mobile).
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I would hate to go through all that.
Through your adventure did you get any stock firmware flashed without root and not the BRIGHTPOINT version of it?
I think it has something to do with BRIGHTPOINT firmware.
Skimpypimp said:
I would hate to go through all that.
Through your adventure did you get any stock firmware flashed without root and not the BRIGHTPOINT version of it?
I think it has something to do with BRIGHTPOINT firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is that I didn't know the firmware I flashed on my rs988 was for Brightpoint. After I flashed it , I had 0 LTE on the phone.
So it was a few weeks later when I decided to go though the process. Did the the LG Bootloader unlock, and flashed one of the kdz files that was Android 6 that I had been using. Then worked the phones firmware update from there.
After it was all done, the RS988 with the 21b firmware has full LTE connectivity. The only issue is that if I place a call, and it changes over to HSPA, that it then can take a few minutes to return back to LTE.
I've now been using an S8 for two months, and it changes between LTE, HSPA, and back to LTE within a few seconds.

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