I am considering buying a Galaxy Note but I have a dilemma so I hope you will be able to help me out with it.
If I decide to buy it I will probably have to buy it through a mobile carrier meaning that I will have to unlock it to run it on a different network. I have someone to do it for me so I don't know what kind of software they will use.
Since I am new to Android, I would like to keep away from the rooting as long as possible so I am talking about stock software here.
Therefore, I would like to ask this:
1) Have any of you unlocked their Galaxy Notes? Are there any side-effects or it feels totally SIM-free?
2) Am I going to be cut-off from the official software updates (ICS and so on?) or it will be totally like a SIM-free experience?
3) Are all the splash screens, apps and other carrier-related stuff gone after the unlock?
Thank you in advance!
This doesn't answer your questions, but why would you buy a carrier phone and use it on another network? Why not buy unlocked?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
If you plan to get the ATT one, I dont think it will get 3G/+ on Tmo. The intenational one I have definitely does not have that band. Unless there is another unlocked version that has those bands. And my international version does not have LTE as well.
And why would you sign a contract with ATT and want to use it on another n/w? Doesnt make any sense whatsoever.
Eborg said:
I am considering buying a Galaxy Note but I have a dilemma so I hope you will be able to help me out with it.
If I decide to buy it I will probably have to buy it through a mobile carrier meaning that I will have to unlock it to run it on a different network. I have someone to do it for me so I don't know what kind of software they will use.
Since I am new to Android, I would like to keep away from the rooting as long as possible so I am talking about stock software here.
Therefore, I would like to ask this:
1) Have any of you unlocked their Galaxy Notes? Are there any side-effects or it feels totally SIM-free?
2) Am I going to be cut-off from the official software updates (ICS and so on?) or it will be totally like a SIM-free experience?
3) Are all the splash screens, apps and other carrier-related stuff gone after the unlock?
Thank you in advance!
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Click to collapse
I live in Europe so I am talking about an international version.
Technically I wouldn't be buying it directly from a carrier, I just wanted to keep the discussion simple. I would buy it from a store but they get it abroad, unlock them and sell them legally. It's the only way I can get it where I live.
Ordering from Expansys or similar sites would mean that I would have to pay import customs which would probably amount to 200-300$ or more.
Where are you from? There are more retailers than expansys
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I live in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Since it is not yet a member of the EU, you have to pay customs fees for this kind of stuff.
I will be going to the UK in a few weeks and thought about buying it there but that would mean that I wouldn't have any warranty. Most sites do not offer warranty outside the UK or EU. Also, even if I found one seller that offers worldwide warranty, I would still have costs shipping the phone to the UK or wherever and back (still EU issues) if needed.
Buying the phone locally should give me a 2-year warranty so that's why I am thinking about that option.
if you get it sim free fromthe uk then you woudl be paying more than you woudl in say germany - sim free in the uk are about £500+
sim free means it isnt locked to a carrioer that doesnt stop anything regarding updates to ics, you wil lstil lget them just might be at alater date than other countries
unlocking is not the same as debranding which would remove the software and logos etc
mine is sim free whcih i bought on a 2 year contract and it is no different to any other note locked on the networks
Eborg said:
I am considering buying a Galaxy Note but I have a dilemma so I hope you will be able to help me out with it.
If I decide to buy it I will probably have to buy it through a mobile carrier meaning that I will have to unlock it to run it on a different network.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buying it through a carrier does not mean that the phone is locked to that carrier anyway. have you asked your carrier or the store you want to buy from if they sell the Note locked?. my Note is bought from German Telekom/T-Mobile and has no sim or netlock. i just tested the Note with simcards from other German and foreign carrier and they all work flawlessly. so maybe you can purchase a Note at your side that is also sim/netlocked free.
All Galaxy Notes available locally were on foreign carriers. The guy at the store could only confirm that it works will all SIM cards, not that the particular phone had to be unlocked or not, but it was definitely on a foreign carrier when they got it.
I am not sure if the phones are debranded or not. Is that something that I can do on my own without rooting the phone?
So, you guys can officially confirm that unlocked (and optionally debranded) Galaxy Note will act as if they were SIM-free in regards to official updates, apps and so on? No worries there?
As for getting it abroad, it wouldn't be the best solution since I would have to send it to the UK, Germany, Italy or wherever if something is wrong paying 100-200$ of customs fees every time if something goes wrong.
I'd just like to confirm that it is possible to update the firmware automatically with an unlocked Note. Cheers!
Richy99 said:
sim free means it isnt locked to a carrioer that doesnt stop anything regarding updates to ics, you wil lstil lget them just might be at alater date than other countries
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Click to collapse
Quite.
Also to keep in mind : in the EU, the carrier must agree to unlock phones after at the most 6 months.
And regarding ICS upgrades for the Note, they're apparently fairly messy at the moment. Locally (France) my carrier and the local Samsung branch are apparently more or less pointing at one another for a botched upgrade (at the end of June, note that it was announced as "we're fixing a few things, should be any day now" in March) where they apparently managed to brick a number of user phones. Samsung tends to communicate fairly poorly on the issue.
Other than the updated stylus apps, I'm not really sure the upgrade is worth it. And I discovered the whole "Kies" crud when I got this phone which really annoyed me since I don't normally run Windows (or Mac OS) and some operators apparently like to push their stuff only through that channel.
---------- Post added at 01:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------
Eborg said:
I'd just like to confirm that it is possible to update the firmware automatically with an unlocked Note. Cheers!
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Click to collapse
There's no reason why you couldn't. Possibly you'd get the Samsung update instead of the one from the original carrier (not guaranteed). But unlocking phones is fairly standard procedure.
Actually I got an update from the previous carrier from which it was unlocked from judging by the bloatware installed with the update.
Related
Hi guys,
I have a question. I just won a Nexus One on ebay and the guy that sells it tells me it's SIM locked to T-Mobile. Is there such a version ? And if so, how easy is it to unlock it myself ?
Waiting for your answers, thanks in advance!!!
Nope. All N1's are sim unlocked.
Even when bought with a T-Mobile program ? Sorry for asking again but this guy insists that it's locked. And I also found some site that offer unlock services for the Nexus One, so I reaaaaaally want to make sure before buying one as I won't be able to return it if there is a problem as I live in Greece
johnny21a said:
Even when bought with a T-Mobile program ? Sorry for asking again but this guy insists that it's locked. And I also found some site that offer unlock services for the Nexus One, so I reaaaaaally want to make sure before buying one as I won't be able to return it if there is a problem as I live in Greece
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that no N1's are sim locked. Google said the same when the phone was released. Worst case scenario is that you'll have to drop $10-15 to get an unlock code online, but I'm pretty sure it's unlocked.
Anyone else care to comment?
All Nexus Ones come unlocked. There is no locked version of the Nexus One - it would defeat one of the imperial concepts Google is shipping with the phone.
if that is the case so why people is buying unlocked N1s
it's much cheaper to buy T-Mobile version and then put any sim inside
am i right or i am missing something????
obadvw said:
if that is the case so why people is buying unlocked N1s
it's much cheaper to buy T-Mobile version and then put any sim inside
am i right or i am missing something????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile version requires a 2 year contract which over its lifespan will cost more than buying the unsubsidized version upfront.
And to the OP, Google has said that all N1 phones are unlocked whether its subsidized or not - one of the advantages of selling the phone themselves.
Even if your phone 'is' Sim locked, which it's probably not, after 90 days of service with T-Mobile, you can call them, ask for an unlock code, and they will send you one via email, for free. Don't pay money to some idiot on eBay when you can do this yourself at zero cost, especially since you likely won't have to do it at all.
Also, stop pressuring the seller about whether or not it's really locked or not. Maybe he'll look into it, find out it's really unlocked after all, and jack up the price!
SpyderMS said:
Even if your phone 'is' Sim locked, which it's probably not, after 90 days of service with T-Mobile, you can call them, ask for an unlock code, and they will send you one via email, for free. Don't pay money to some idiot on eBay when you can do this yourself at zero cost, especially since you likely won't have to do it at all.
Also, stop pressuring the seller about whether or not it's really locked or not. Maybe he'll look into it, find out it's really unlocked after all, and jack up the price!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OP is from Greece.
uansari1 said:
The OP is from Greece.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oops
I suppose he could try asking the seller to call T-Mobile and get the unlock code.
SpyderMS said:
oops
I suppose he could try asking the seller to call T-Mobile and get the unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be an option if the phone was locked... but it's not. I don't know of any way that a normal consumer can lock a sim unlocked phone.
uansari1 said:
It would be an option if the phone was locked... but it's not. I don't know of any way that a normal consumer can lock a sim unlocked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's not locked, but he's paranoid it could be. It was just a suggestion to ease his fears
I know for a fact that some nexus ones are locked
I know this is an old thread, but it's what i found try to figure out why i my phone didn't work with a tmobile sim while on a business trip. I Purchased my nexus one from KT olleh in Korea in march '11. I call KT and they connected me to HTC in Korea. HTC gave me the unlock code for free over the phone. I just wanted to share so that other people with locked N1s don't think they going insane. The FAQ should probably be updated.
FAQ Updated:
- Q13: Is Nexus One carrier-locked? Will it work with my carrier / network?
A: There should be no such thing as carrier-locked N1. All the rumors of carrier-locked N1s, including bits of misinformation from SFR/Vodafone, are untrue. There might be several weird cases, only one reported on the forum after 1 year of phone existence, in which the previous statements won't hold - but if truly existent, these are abnormalities.
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Can anyone do this debrand? is there a guide?
I have a Carrier version of the phone and the only branding is a spash screen on start up. WP7 was desigined to be carrier free with no overlays. Most carriers will put a hub with there related software in it which you can uninstall or remove the tile from the home screen.
the problem is that with my H3G brand i can't change the mms'apn settings so i can't send mms
exactly that is why I need to debrand mine purchased in Three.
Anyone?
I'm also wondering too mate!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=937219
Go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=887045 : download and install firmware (you may need to do 301k trick - i did but it was easy) there is no branding in sight on the rom I now have - it was originally t-mobiled up to the eyeballs.
Out of curiosity, why do people like to debrand their Omnia 7 phones?
People like to scratch out the branding, too.
Why?
manny84 said:
Out of curiosity, why do people like to debrand their Omnia 7 phones?
People like to scratch out the branding, too.
Why?
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Click to collapse
Because..... Why do carriers like to brand the phones in the first place?
AF241 said:
Because..... Why do carriers like to brand the phones in the first place?
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Click to collapse
'Because.....' isn't a proper answer.
Carriers brand their phones for marketing purposes, obviously.
Subsidized (cheaper w/ contract agreemnet) phones are branded, unsubsidized (full price w/o contract agreement) phones aren't.
manny84 said:
'Because.....' isn't a proper answer.
Carriers brand their phones for marketing purposes, obviously.
Subsidized (cheaper w/ contract agreemnet) phones are branded, unsubsidized (full price w/o contract agreement) phones aren't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wasn't meant to be a proper answer. All you had to do is just dig a little further.
Cheaper than w/o contract or not devices bought through carriers are individuals own property and the reason for subsidizing is to generate more sales of their own services and not for placing adverts on the devices. Some people do not feel comfortable advertising the carriers on their devices while they the carriers were not involved in the manufacturing of the actual device. eg. if I buy a discounted device from Amazon I wouldn't be happy if they stamp their logo all over the device unless they mention the reason they are giving the discount is for advertising the logo on the device before purchase.
Maybe because "unbranded" NoDo update is being rolled out before the carrier versions? By running USAIP.pkg you can "trick" microsoft update into thinking you are in a region getting the unbranded update - as long as you are not carrier branded.
question - I have just bought a omnia 7 off ebay which i thought was on 3 but its on orange ... ive bought an unlock code off ebay (had good feedback) which im sat waiting for patiently ..... question is if i debrand does this void the 2yr warranty ??? there is a company on ebay which ive used before and they will debrand the phone for you for less than £20 ..
tbh there isnt much orange blurb on the phone but i hate orange and they are slow in releasing updates ... i updated this afternoon to the feb update but no sign of the nodo update ...
cheer
mancuk29 said:
question - I have just bought a omnia 7 off ebay which i thought was on 3 but its on orange ... ive bought an unlock code off ebay (had good feedback) which im sat waiting for patiently ..... question is if i debrand does this void the 2yr warranty ??? there is a company on ebay which ive used before and they will debrand the phone for you for less than £20 ..
tbh there isnt much orange blurb on the phone but i hate orange and they are slow in releasing updates ... i updated this afternoon to the feb update but no sign of the nodo update ...
cheer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We're not really sure, because you're flashing a legit Samsung ROM - just not the one it shipped with.
Please don't pay to debrand either. Do it yourself for free
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=973420
Casey
If you try running the Network Profile app (its in the Samsung Zone and free) from the marketplace that should let you change APN's
How the hell do you guys even see the pins to place the jig onto ??
It looks impossible to me Is there no other way round this ??
Casey_boy said:
We're not really sure, because you're flashing a legit Samsung ROM - just not the one it shipped with.
Please don't pay to debrand either. Do it yourself for free
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=973420
Casey
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this last night on my 3 branded Omnia. Worked a treat, and picked up all the updates, including the NODO.
Cheers Casey.
Casey_boy said:
We're not really sure, because you're flashing a legit Samsung ROM - just not the one it shipped with.
Please don't pay to debrand either. Do it yourself for free
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=973420
Casey
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I did this yesterday but I used the H3G CSC (which is my network). After the flash, my phone is still branded.
What is the correct method to unbrand my phone? I tried to do it without the CSC but the tool didn't seem to allow it.
Should this make or break my decision whether to purchase one or not? I'm new to this scene and I'm not too sure what the differences are besides the carrier-installed apps.
Evo 4G63 said:
Should this make or break my decision whether to purchase one or not? I'm new to this scene and I'm not too sure what the differences are besides the carrier-installed apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey. Unbranded vs Branded matters only if you don't want to wait for updates to be released since carriers have custom firmware whereas unbranded handsets will be able to apply new firmware as soon as the manufacturer releases it.
However, since your a member on XDA, this shows you may be interested in custom roms and modifying your phone. The above therefore does not matter because as soon as a new update/firmware is released, XDA have it and we can all (unbranded/branded) install it...
If you know that you won't be modifying your phone and sticking with stock then go for the carrier option as this is usually subsidised and cheaper than the unbranded 'sim-free' option... however updates will take longer than those with unbranded phones...(however as I said above... you don;t have to wait for updates if your part of XDA)
Either way, you could buy the branded version and debrand it by installing an unbranded stock rom and then installing a custom rom/kernel if you like.
If the phone is physically branded (e.g. The phone has a T-Mobile logo printed on it) I would always go for the sim-free / unbranded one in that case because for me it ruins the look of the phone.
Also your point about carrier bundled apps... carriers usually bundle bloatware/crapware with there branded phones... however you can easily uninstall these applications so its no big deal if it saves you money buying a carrier branded handset.
To add something to the above post from jUsT2eXy.
You can always get the branded version cheaper, change the back cover since most Carrier put their logo on the bottom back side and unlock it.
Worth the extra hassle? Can't say since I never done it.
jUsT2eXy said:
Hey. Unbranded vs Branded matters only if you don't want to wait for updates to be released since carriers have custom firmware whereas unbranded handsets will be able to apply new firmware as soon as the manufacturer releases it.
However, since your a member on XDA, this shows you may be interested in custom roms and modifying your phone. The above therefore does not matter because as soon as a new update/firmware is released, XDA have it and we can all (unbranded/branded) install it...
If you know that you won't be modifying your phone and sticking with stock then go for the carrier option as this is usually subsidised and cheaper than the unbranded 'sim-free' option... however updates will take longer than those with unbranded phones...(however as I said above... you don;t have to wait for updates if your part of XDA)
Either way, you could buy the branded version and debrand it by installing an unbranded stock rom and then installing a custom rom/kernel if you like.
If the phone is physically branded (e.g. The phone has a T-Mobile logo printed on it) I would always go for the sim-free / unbranded one in that case because for me it ruins the look of the phone.
Also your point about carrier bundled apps... carriers usually bundle bloatware/crapware with there branded phones... however you can easily uninstall these applications so its no big deal if it saves you money buying a carrier branded handset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the replies!
I usually would buy branded phones from the carrier, but I live in the US and the SGN isn't available here yet. Since I'm still new to this, I don't think I'll be doing any kind of software modifications yet.
Someone mentioned that they received an e-plus branded unlocked SGN. I was just a little confused about what that meant.
If I do have an unlocked, let's say, e-plus branded SGN, would I still be able to receive updates even if I'm not running on their network?
Since I'm going to go out of my way to order a SGN from overseas, I might as well get an unbranded one right? The problem is, I already ordered one from Germany and I'm not sure if it's unbranded or not. It should be coming in tomorrow morning. If it is branded, do you think it's worth the hassle to return/sell it back out and order an unbranded one?
If you could please provide a link of where you bought it we might able to provide better assist/advice to you.
koniakki said:
If you could please provide a link of where you bought it we might able to provide better assist/advice to you.
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Click to collapse
I bought it on eBay from this guy: http://www.ebay.com/itm/200670239165?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
I have the GS2 and will probably go for the GS4(sim free if I can). My GS2 is O2 branded sim free. At the time of buying I read that when buying a simfree GS2 you should ask for a un-opened factory sealed box as the ones that have been opened had been flashed with the network branding. Admitedly these sealed boxes where few and far between but due to demand the networks didnt have time to get all the phones flashed.
Has anyone else come across this and if it is a plausable idea? Is it similar for any other phones or possible for the GS4
Not even one thought on this?
Bump
I have never heard of operators (at least in the US and Japan) ever receiving any unbranded phones. When you say "unbranded" I'm assuming you mean the international version, which is generally bought directly from the company. I'm also assuming that you mean "retailers" when you say "operators", which certainly don't brand the phones in-shop, the phones they receive from headquarters are branded and already flashed with the carrier's bloat and baseband locked.
In example, the phones I don't buy the international version of, I buy at an official AT&T or Softbank (Japanese carrier) retail shop. When they bring the phone out of the back, it is always in a carrier-branded box, and the phone itself has the carrier name branded somewhere on it.
I don't know about Softbank, but AT&T will occasionally allow you to unlock the baseband of some of their devices, which let's you toss whatever stuff you want on your phone, but it'll still have the physical AT&T branding on the front of the phone.
Sent from my Xperia ion LT28i using xda premium
Phones4u always come unbranded unlocked I have one on order.
jutley said:
Phones4u always come unbranded unlocked I have one on order.
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Click to collapse
as above, I have one on order with phones 4 u and they have confirmed the phone is unlocked to all networks
winrya said:
as above, I have one on order with phones 4 u and they have confirmed the phone is unlocked to all networks
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Click to collapse
Do you mind if I ask which network you plan on using the phone on? I would be concerned if the phone they are sending you will work on the network you intend to use it on. With so many variations I wonder how they can know if the phones are unlocked or which networks they are banded for before the phones themselves have even shipped from Samsung. If they can back up (with facts) about the phones they are selling I might consider buying one from them myself so any info you can give will be appreciated. thank you.
scott14719 said:
Do you mind if I ask which network you plan on using the phone on? I would be concerned if the phone they are sending you will work on the network you intend to use it on. With so many variations I wonder how they can know if the phones are unlocked or which networks they are banded for before the phones themselves have even shipped from Samsung. If they can back up (with facts) about the phones they are selling I might consider buying one from them myself so any info you can give will be appreciated. thank you.
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Click to collapse
I've ordered it on EE so will be the 4g version.
Carphone and phones4u buy all their phones except the iphone unbranded and unlocked. Puts them in a much better buying position being able to do single large orders with stock they can use with all the contract they use. Apple are the only company that don't allow this and they know by the phones IMEI when it registers on a network that it wasn't purchased from apple direct and locks to the network of the first sim inserted. I have a few friends who work at phones4u so this is what i'm told anyway.
*knocking the dust off this topic*
So I got my S4 on launch day. No 3 branding to be seen and it is sim unlocked.
Would the firmware tell me if it's from 3 or Samsung stock?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Tesco is selling the i9505 unbranded and unlocked.
Tesco Ireland, not sure about Tesco in UK but should be the same.
I9505's are all exactly the same. Unbranded or branded. Network locked or not.
The difference are simply software.
You have for example in UK.
BTU,VOD,O2U,HG3 etc those are what ppl refer to as the Brands, with BTU being the UK unbranded.
The likes of 02 or Vodafone will never open a phone to try and brand it if that's what you suggested a few posts back. They get the phones as per the manufacturer. If it is branded its done with samsung and whatever firmware is put on it, bloated or not branded or not its all done with Samsung.
Now with my experience In buying Samsung phones in UK And more so the galaxy s4 from Vodafone UK I have seem this...
Since preorders went up within my household we have had 3 s4's from vodafone.
The 1st was an upgrade and was ordered on pre order day - it came as BTU and had the BTU firmware on it.
The 2nd was also an upgrade and was a few days after release - this came also as BTU and had BTU firmware on it.
The 3rd was bought from Vodafone but not on contract at a local retailer maybe 3 weeks after launch and was VOD branded and VDF firmware with Vodafone's bloat.
HOWEVER ALL 3 where simunlocked and work on ALL UK networks.
There really is no way to guarantee an unbranded from a carrier at all its luck and in past and with my s4 experience you only get unbranded from some carriers at launch. I've read elsewhere that this can be due to the carriers not having whatever firmware "tweaks and tests" they do ready at launch.
And as others have said in this thread, the likes of Phones 4U or carphonewarehouse will always sell unbranded unlocked.
This is my understanding/experience with this, hope it helps.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium
Nice theory!! I was the first preorder at my 3 store, so early that on launch day they didn't have me on the list. The store manager had to dig out my details from a pre preorder list lol. Maybe that fits the not having time to get firmwares to Samsung etc. Be interesting to see if they are 3 branded now.
Any who, I'm happy I got a non bloat S4
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Hi XDA,
I'm pretty new here and I hope that this is the right section for this. Keeping it short, I'm going to receive a brand new Galaxy S8 from Europe, but it's going to be locked on T-Mobile Germany, since this is where I'm getting from.
As far as I know, I will be able to use it here, on AT&T, but only after unlocking it. And here comes my question: how can I do this? I know about flashing firmware or something like that, but, honestly, I'm not such a tech savvy person. Is there such thing as an easier method?
Thanks in advance,
George
You need to pay for an unlock code, cheapest ones are usually on ebay.
peachpuff said:
You need to pay for an unlock code, cheapest ones are usually on ebay.
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Click to collapse
I don't know if TMOBILE GERMANY works the same way as they do here in the US - but there are guidelines for when yoiu get a phone unlocked by teh carrier - and they have started using an AP that makes it impossible to use an UNLOCKED CODE to unlock the device. I found this ouit with the S6 when I purchased it (and the Note 5)
Their rules are pretty strict here in the US - you have to own the phone and be on service for 44 days before they will release the phone to be unlocked - unless you have been with TMOBILE for moe than a year in which case they will give allow you to unlock immediately.
Now that is here in the US and I am not sure if they do the same thing with TMOBILE Germany. BUT I would definitely look into it before you buy it.
You might consider buying a G950F and just use that - it is already unlocked and will work fine on ATT.
whatever you do - good luck.