Database Users

Galaxy S4 Question about US Market

Hello everyone who is eagerly anticipating to get their hands on an S4! I am aware of the fact that the U.S. version of the phone is going to be the quad-core version, but that's only for phones from carriers, correct? I really wanna get the octa-core version, albeit without taking advantage of 8 cores simultaneously. So, can we order the international version from a U.S. online retailer, when it's released?

Its not really known yet because we haven't even reached the pre-order date yet, however, there are several threads that have this question asked in them already. If you keep an eye on those threads I think your question will be answered as soon as someone knows.

Thanks, man! I figured there might be a couple of threads about that, but I didn't look around since it's easier to post a new thread. Anyway, sorry about that.

delstam said:
Hello everyone who is eagerly anticipating to get their hands on an S4! I am aware of the fact that the U.S. version of the phone is going to be the quad-core version, but that's only for phones from carriers, correct? I really wanna get the octa-core version, albeit without taking advantage of 8 cores simultaneously. So, can we order the international version from a U.S. online retailer, when it's released?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Expansys-USA and Negri both have them available for pre-order.
Sent from my HTC One X

Sweet! Thanks! Even though I'm impatient, I'll have to wait for a while because I really don't want to be paying that much. Hopefully it will drop to $640 as it was projected.

I'm going to the US in july, and since here in Brazil we have many taxes, i'll buy my S4 in there. But I would like to know if I will find the octa-core ones on physical shops or they will sell the octa core one just in online shops?

Fezorzo said:
I'm going to the US in july, and since here in Brazil we have many taxes, i'll buy my S4 in there. But I would like to know if I will find the octa-core ones on physical shops or they will sell the octa core one just in online shops?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to find both in shops non carrier shops should have them, if the carriers don't.
Not all customer service may know the difference between phones. So check the phone before buying.

Cosmic Blue said:
You should be able to find both in shops non carrier shops should have them, if the carriers don't.
Not all customer service may know the difference between phones. So check the phone before buying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I always do that, my cousin one bought an iPhone 4 thinking that is was a 4s , but thanks, that made me relieved that I can buy the octa core one

In US markets? Doubt you'll find an octacore. But if you ever do please share where you found it.

j510 said:
In US markets? Doubt you'll find an octacore. But if you ever do please share where you found it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, in July I'm going to the US, and if I find it, i'll come back here and tell u guys where to buy it

Does the version sold in India come with the 32-bit Quad DAC?

The G6 goes on pre-order in India, starting Monday. http://www.lg.com/in/lgg6
While this one comes with 64GB onboard storage, there is no mention of the Quad DAC. However, couple of local news sources do refer to the Quad DAC.
Does anyone know for sure if the G6 sold in India comes with the Quad DAC or not?
I have the LG V20. Thinking of selling it off and upgrading to the G6. Will come as a rude shock to find out later that the DAC is missing from the G6!

krumbs said:
The G6 goes on pre-order in India, starting Monday. http://www.lg.com/in/lgg6
While this one comes with 64GB onboard storage, there is no mention of the Quad DAC. However, couple of local news sources do refer to the Quad DAC.
Does anyone know for sure if the G6 sold in India comes with the Quad DAC or not?
I have the LG V20. Thinking of selling it off and upgrading to the G6. Will come as a rude shock to find out later that the DAC is missing from the G6!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to figure the same. Apparent the Hi-Fi recording that they have mentioned should also include Quad DAC. But you never know... It's sad to see wireless charging and DAC missing.

Seems the Indian version comes with the Quad DAC and 64GB onboard memory. Not bad!
http://www.amazon.in/forum/-/Tx1WEOWKYBDRZHN/ref=ask_dp_dpmw_al_hza?asin=B071XSN6T4

Bought one, Ice platinum version...don't want any fingerprints on this baby.

run4jit said:
Bought one, Ice platinum version...don't want any fingerprints on this baby.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats! I was waiting for the exchange offer, so that I could upgrade from the LG V20. That offer went online today, but the max discount is only Rs 7k. In contrast, when the V20 launched in India in December 2016, I got Rs 17.5k off when I exchanged it for my old Note 4.
Guess I will be holding on to the V20 till the G6 pricing hits the 35k mark, which is what happens with LG flagship phones 5-6 months after release.

krumbs said:
Congrats! I was waiting for the exchange offer, so that I could upgrade from the LG V20. That offer went online today, but the max discount is only Rs 7k. In contrast, when the V20 launched in India in December 2016, I got Rs 17.5k off when I exchanged it for my old Note 4.
Guess I will be holding on to the V20 till the G6 pricing hits the 35k mark, which is what happens with LG flagship phones 5-6 months after release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could get up to Rs. 23k on cashify.in for your V20 now or you could wait till V30 releases later this year with Snapdragon 835.
I was disappointed with the bootloop on my V10. Checked in the LG service center, they told me it would cost Rs. 16k for motherboard replacement with warranty of only 3 months. I'll probably replace it on my own with an aftermarket motherboard from aliexpress.
---------- Post added at 11:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:47 AM ----------
It is funny how they named it "FullVision" in India

run4jit said:
Bought one, Ice platinum version...don't want any fingerprints on this baby.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the side of the box list the model number and what bands are supported by the Indian version? If so, could you list them? Thanks!

Adrift98 said:
Does the side of the box list the model number and what bands are supported by the Indian version? If so, could you list them? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be delivered to me tomorrow. The model number LGH870DS is already listed here.
Supported bands are listed here.

run4jit said:
It will be delivered to me tomorrow. The model number LGH870DS is already listed here.
Supported bands are listed here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that confirms some of my thoughts. Basically this is the Russian/Ukrainian/Hong Kong model. Thanks.

run4jit said:
You could get up to Rs. 23k on cashify.in for your V20 now or you could wait till V30 releases later this year with Snapdragon 835.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a ton for the tip! Just sold my S7 Edge on it for 28.5k (which is impressive, since the nearby mobile shops were quoting 23-25k).
And, after agonizing over it for couple of days, I decided to buy the S8+ instead of the G6 -- it also supports 32-bit audio and DSD format. Will sell the LG V20 as soon as I get delivery.
My big disappointment with LG is lack of support, even for their flagship phones. I paid 55k for the V20, and I don't think it is too much to expect at least monthly security patches. The last update I got for the phone was early Jan. Nothing after that.
But yes, will certainly wait for the LG V30... unless the Note 8 is so great, that it leaves me too broke to even think of buying the V30!
EDIT: Here's a good discussion on the DAC in the G6, along with how it compares to the V20 DAC -- https://www.head-fi.org/f/threads/lg-g6-sound-quality.833180/

krumbs said:
Thanks a ton for the tip! Just sold my S7 Edge on it for 28.5k (which is impressive, since the nearby mobile shops were quoting 23-25k).
And, after agonizing over it for couple of days, I decided to buy the S8+ instead of the G6 -- it also supports 32-bit audio and DSD format. Will sell the LG V20 as soon as I get delivery.
My big disappointment with LG is lack of support, even for their flagship phones. I paid 55k for the V20, and I don't think it is too much to expect at least monthly security patches. The last update I got for the phone was early Jan. Nothing after that.
But yes, will certainly wait for the LG V30... unless the Note 8 is so great, that it leaves me too broke to even think of buying the V30!
EDIT: Here's a good discussion on the DAC in the G6, along with how it compares to the V20 DAC -- https://www.head-fi.org/f/threads/lg-g6-sound-quality.833180/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! :good:

Unlocked SM-G950U vs SM-G950F

I've been a Note2/3/4 user and had planed on the Note 7 (which didn't happen), and ended up buying the G5 last year. I'm looking to go with the S8 (or S8+) Unlocked, but not sure which version would be the better one to go with. The "U" that is the US Unlocked with the 835, or the "F" International with the Exynos?
I had heard that with last years S7 Unlocked model, that the "F" international version was better with updates, but Android Pay/Samsung Pay would not work in the US, while the "U" US model took forever to get updates and Nougat, but the Pay programs worked.
Right now, BestBuy has a 24 monthly payment promo on the S8/S8+ SM-G950U Unlocked US models, which would work out better for me, but am worried about timely updates. BHPhoto has the "F" International units, though no payment plan, but those may get faster updates, and root/custom roms, but Pay apps might not work in US.
Thanks for any help & suggestions.

You did a really great summary. Actually, right now I got this question too. Which unlocked version did you get? Any feedback?

justnewbee said:
You did a really great summary. Actually, right now I got this question too. Which unlocked version did you get? Any feedback?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I initially got th S8+ Unlocked model G955U1 last week from Samsung's eBay page for 700+tax=$750.
But after using it for a few days, the Plus was a bit larger and heavier than I wanted. Then I saw that the Samsung.com site had both S8 models for sale and offered $200 for any (older) smartphone trade. So I ordered the S8 G950U1 and the price including tax was $450 (going to trade in my old Verizon Note 2, since they only sell for about $100...even though I wouldn't mind keeping it since I have the Note 2/3/4.)
I got the S8 in yesterday, and more please with it's size and weight than the Plus, so will be sending it back.
Samsung Pay works with both of them (being a U model) in the US. I had decided not to risk a $700+ phone without knowing for sure is Samsung Pay would work in the US on the International F models.

One of the most important things to look for is the freq/bands of supports.
Example. I have T-Mobile, the US unlocked version supports the carrier bands just fine. While the International unlocked uses all the same LTE bands for T-Mobile, but not the AWS freq for 3G. With T-Mobile refarming their Spectrum across the US you might run into an area that your phone doesn't support for 3G as a fallback or LTE if neither are available.
I went for the International version since its the most developed here on XDA and the exynos variants always get updates before the SD ones.
Still new to the Samsung community and trying to figure out everything, but wondering around the forums helps

I've had a 950F for about a month and picked up a 950 U under the new Sammy promotion. Came in yesterday and very dissapointed with the storage results. Androbench started at the same time on both and the 950F finishes the test 7-8 seconds sooner than the 950U. SR 779 for the F only 549 for the U. SW 205 for the 950F, 142 for the 950U. Only bought the U to flash it with the AT&T CSC for VOLTE. Same programs on both and ran test 3 times with reboots, same results.

FAUguy said:
I initially got th S8+ Unlocked model G955U1 last week from Samsung's eBay page for 700+tax=$750.
But after using it for a few days, the Plus was a bit larger and heavier than I wanted. Then I saw that the Samsung.com site had both S8 models for sale and offered $200 for any (older) smartphone trade. So I ordered the S8 G950U1 and the price including tax was $450 (going to trade in my old Verizon Note 2, since they only sell for about $100...even though I wouldn't mind keeping it since I have the Note 2/3/4.)
I got the S8 in yesterday, and more please with it's size and weight than the Plus, so will be sending it back.
Samsung Pay works with both of them (being a U model) in the US. I had decided not to risk a $700+ phone without knowing for sure is Samsung Pay would work in the US on the International F models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung pay works fine in the US with the F, just use the Australian firmware.

rzracer2 said:
I've had a 950F for about a month and picked up a 950 U under the new Sammy promotion. Came in yesterday and very dissapointed with the storage results. Androbench started at the same time on both and the 950F finishes the test 7-8 seconds sooner than the 950U. SR 779 for the F only 549 for the U. SW 205 for the 950F, 142 for the 950U. Only bought the U to flash it with the AT&T CSC for VOLTE. Same programs on both and ran test 3 times with reboots, same results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not surprised. Exynos is Samsungs Creation. Theyre gonna optimize those devices alot better then SD variants.
They each have their strong points when compared, but the exynos are more inhouse developed so Samsung can build higher quality drivers.

rzracer2 said:
I've had a 950F for about a month and picked up a 950 U under the new Sammy promotion. Came in yesterday and very dissapointed with the storage results. Androbench started at the same time on both and the 950F finishes the test 7-8 seconds sooner than the 950U. SR 779 for the F only 549 for the U. SW 205 for the 950F, 142 for the 950U. Only bought the U to flash it with the AT&T CSC for VOLTE. Same programs on both and ran test 3 times with reboots, same results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That difference in memory speed is because of the one on the left using UFS 2.1 and the one on the right using UFS 2.0.
When I got my Unlocked S8+ U model in last week, I ran those tests, and the read was over 700MBs, meaning it was 2.1.
Yesterday when th S8 U came in, did the same tests, and read speed was a over 500MBs, meaning UFS 2.0.
There has been discussion that most all Plus models have 2.1 memory chips, the the S8 (regardless of it being a U, F, or Carrier Model) can either have 2.0 or 2.1.
AnTuTu Benchmark had a score of 161000 with the S8+ 2.1 memory and 160000 with the S8 2.0 memory. In the real world, I've heard the difference is pretty negligible.
Would I prefer having the faster 2.1? Sure, but I'm not going to return or exchange the S8 just over that.

rzracer2 said:
Samsung pay works fine in the US with the F, just use the Australian firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had seen that the F model can be flashed in Odin for one of the other countries, such as Australia or the UK (EE) to get Samsung Pay to work in the US.
If all things were equal (meaning the price), then I may have gone that route, but getting the S8 G950U1 for $425 before taxes was too good of a deal.

FAUguy said:
I had seen that the F model can be flashed in Odin for one of the other countries, such as Australia or the UK (EE) to get Samsung Pay to work in the US.
If all things were equal (meaning the price), then I may have gone that route, but getting the S8 G950U1 for $425 before taxes was too good of a deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree, I paid $660 for my F but only $450 for the U with a junk trade in. Only bought the F for the option to root but I really don't see the need or at least a need that is greater than keeping KNOX un-tripped.
I'll also add that I'm showing slightly better LTE reception with the 950U on AT&T. -110 30 ASU on my desk with the F and -108, 32ASU with the U. Not much but at least better.

rzracer2 said:
Agree, I paid $660 for my F but only $450 for the U with a junk trade in. Only bought the F for the option to root but I really don't see the need or at least a need that is greater than keeping KNOX un-tripped.
I'll also add that I'm showing slightly better LTE reception with the 950U on AT&T. -110 30 ASU on my desk with the F and -108, 32ASU with the U. Not much but at least better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After using the S8+ last week, and now the S8, I kind of wish Samsung just had one S8 model size and split the difference for an even 6" screen.
I think that would of been ideal (for me).
Since I'm a long time Note user, I had thought about holding out for the Note 8, with dual cameras, but since it will be even taller than the S8+, that rules it out. In fact, I find my Note 4 (16:9) more manageable in one hand than the S8+.

FAUguy said:
That difference in memory speed is because of the one on the left using UFS 2.1 and the one on the right using UFS 2.0.
When I got my Unlocked S8+ U model in last week, I ran those tests, and the read was over 700MBs, meaning it was 2.1.
Yesterday when th S8 U came in, did the same tests, and read speed was a over 500MBs, meaning UFS 2.0.
There has been discussion that most all Plus models have 2.1 memory chips, the the S8 (regardless of it being a U, F, or Carrier Model) can either have 2.0 or 2.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to the previous poll thread and more importantly the discussion here, I think the conclusion was:
All exynos S8 and S8+ will be UFS2.1 with Samsung flash
All Snapdragon S8+ will be UFS2.1 with Toshiba flash
All (US?) Snapdragon S8 will be UFS2.0 with Toshiba flash
Samsung made changes to their website description about the flash chip technology after this finding.
I saw this finding quieted down very smoothly, right after the worse issue with Huawei P10's flash chips. Samsung PR?
After this was found out, Samsung made a promise that all Chinese Mainland and Hongkong versions (both S8 and S8+) will be UFS2.1 despite using SD835.

It depends on what you're looking for. Samsung pay does work on the F variant, I'm using it as we speak. The F also has the ability to root for custom roms and has UFS 2.1

Does anyone know if Samsung's built in caller ID works on the F model?

Note FE, who's getting one?

I just ordered my silver FE from Ebay.
Wasnt going to due to the price being high for a year old device but in the end I caved lol.
Had 3 note 7s from last Aug to Jan 2017 and have been wanting another one badly even though I have an S8 plus.
So who else is in for Note 7 round 3 lol?
Sent from my S8+, S7 edge or S6

force70 said:
I just ordered my silver FE from Ebay.
Wasnt going to due to the price being high for a year old device but in the end I caved lol.
Had 3 note 7s from last Aug to Jan 2017 and have been wanting another one badly even though I have an S8 plus.
So who else is in for Note 7 round 3 lol?
Sent from my S8+, S7 edge or S6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Snap. I had 3 as well!
Sent from my SM-N9208 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

I would love to get one. But it's steeper than I hoped. And it's going to be difficult and expensive to ship it out of Korea. And I don't think it's going to be worth it, no matter how good it was.
Maybe next time, when it's easily available.

BozQ said:
I would love to get one. But it's steeper than I hoped. And it's going to be difficult and expensive to ship it out of Korea. And I don't think it's going to be worth it, no matter how good it was.
Maybe next time, when it's easily available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are in Europe, this is a good price and no custom duties
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172771104060
And
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182659070302
Sent from my SM-N9208 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

BozQ said:
I would love to get one. But it's steeper than I hoped. And it's going to be difficult and expensive to ship it out of Korea. And I don't think it's going to be worth it, no matter how good it was.
Maybe next time, when it's easily available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it was alot more than I expected it to be for a year old device which is refurbished. but with only a limited run of 400k available it may become very hard to get and then of course the price goes up so i figured better get one now at current prices
Sent from my S8+, S7 edge or S6

Looks like Note FE selling well in Korea and may be available elsewhere
http://www.androidauthority.com/gal...786292/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds
Sent from my SM-N9208 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

jah said:
Looks like Note FE selling well in Korea and may be available elsewhere
http://www.androidauthority.com/gal...786292/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds
Sent from my SM-N9208 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt want to take the chance the damn thing sells out and then i cant get one or then re sellers jack the price up even more lol.
That said since they have a few million of these lying around and now that they know people want them samsung would be stupid not to launch it in other countries.
Sent from my S8+, S7 edge or S6

I think I'll pass. I have settled in very nicely with my Galaxy S7 Flat currently. I'll get the Note FE when it's convenient and reasonable to purchase.
Thanks for the offers though. Appreciate it.

Waiting on the Note8, still using my Note7 on Sprint @ 100%
Sent from my SM-N930P using XDA-Developers Legacy app

BubZX said:
Waiting on the Note8, still using my Note7 on Sprint @ 100%
Sent from my SM-N930P using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol....IG note 7 awesome.
Id still be using mine if they hadny blocked it on the network. Ill be getting the Note 8 too most likely.
Sent from my S8+, S7 edge or S6

jah said:
Snap. I had 3 as well!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. 3 here also and one on order. 2 spare S-pens, earphones and chargers. Knew they'd come in handy eventually haha

force70 said:
Yeah it was alot more than I expected it to be for a year old device which is refurbished. but with only a limited run of 400k available it may become very hard to get and then of course the price goes up so i figured better get one now at current prices
Sent from my S8+, S7 edge or S6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen conflicting spec sheets as to the processor being used:
Most state an Exynos,a few have listed Qualcomm.
I'm guessing the former,but,this is a rather unique phone,more so given the history/etc.....
Please,if you would,load up an app such as AIDA 64,& post (screenshots) of what ya have.
THX!

KOLIOSIS said:
I've seen conflicting spec sheets as to the processor being used:
Most state an Exynos,a few have listed Qualcomm.
I'm guessing the former,but,this is a rather unique phone,more so given the history/etc.....
Please,if you would,load up an app such as AIDA 64,& post (screenshots) of what ya have.
THX!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its exynos and if by some chance its not it goes back.
I dont have it yet but ill screenshot when i get it.

force70 said:
Its exynos and if by some chance its not it goes back.
I dont have it yet but ill screenshot when i get it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THX,I appreciate it.
I'm definitely interested in this phone,having little interest in the upcoming Note8.
I almost kept my T-Mobile Note7 ,glad to have a 2nd chance w/this model.
Hoping a Dual-SIM version rolls out...............

KOLIOSIS said:
THX,I appreciate it.
I'm definitely interested in this phone,having little interest in the upcoming Note8.
I almost kept my T-Mobile Note7 ,glad to have a 2nd chance w/this model.
Hoping a Dual-SIM version rolls out...............
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problemo dude.
And im stoked for this also...been waiting and waiting for it to happen..couple more days lol..

Mine is going to be delivered tomorrow. I am so excited!

I'm Note waiting
Had notes 1,2,3,4,5 and 7. Since the recall(s) I tried the stylo 3 which was OK. But currently I'm rocking a rooted Galaxy Note edge. I ordered the Fe from eBay and I should get it Friday. I had fond memories of the 7. The Note 8 will probably be a Rockstar but I decided to go with a known entity. Hopefully double tap of home button still brings up the camera.

I'm planning on getting one but waiting for an EMEA launch, don't want the Korean variant.
Hopefully we can see an SM-N935F soon.

murtaza02 said:
I'm planning on getting one but waiting for an EMEA launch, don't want the Korean variant.
Hopefully we can see an SM-N935F soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to wait for the same reason,perhaps a Dual-SIM variant (FD),but,I can get by w/one SIM,my carrier has a virtual number of sorts,to where you can use two numbers w/one SIM (T-MobileUS,DIGITS app).
Just sold my OnePlus5,I'll be ordering a Korean variant tomorrow............

KOLIOSIS said:
I was going to wait for the same reason,perhaps a Dual-SIM variant (FD),but,I can get by w/one SIM,my carrier has a virtual number of sorts,to where you can use two numbers w/one SIM (T-MobileUS,DIGITS app).
Just sold my OnePlus5,I'll be ordering a Korean variant tomorrow............
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's launched in Middle East, there will most probably be an FD variant and the single SIM F variant for Europe, but I'm eagerly waiting for them to announce one outside of Korea so it'll be easier to get.

Where to buy from?

So I live in the UK and want the Snapdragon model. So far I've found Wonda Mobile to sell it. Do list others you find.

Bump

ermacwins said:
So I live in the UK and want the Snapdragon model. So far I've found Wonda Mobile to sell it. Do list others you find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have bought mine today on "eglobalcentral .com .es" they have both exynos and snapdragon variants. The s20 exynos is 790€ and the snapdragon 820€. Its my first time buying there but they've got good reviews and I trust them. It will take a couple of weeks to get home but it's worth it for me since I want the snapdragon version so bad!

Cheapest so far but not sure how reliable they are https://www.tecobuy.co.uk/en_UK/samsung-galaxy-s20-8gb-128gb-dual-sim-cloud-blue-1.html

ermacwins said:
Cheapest so far but not sure how reliable they are https://www.tecobuy.co.uk/en_UK/samsung-galaxy-s20-8gb-128gb-dual-sim-cloud-blue-1.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where does it say Snapdragon?

vid200 said:
Where does it say Snapdragon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one is https://www.tecobuy.co.uk/en_UK/samsung-galaxy-s20-g9810-8gb-128gb-dual-sim-cosmic-grey-1.html