Database Users

Korean Version Compatibility

Hey I have an opportunity to grab a Korean S4 (SHV-E300K/S). I am wondering if there will be any issues to using this phone in HK? The LTE bands appear to be compatible. I was wondering if the phone will be locked or if there is something that just won't work? I've never been to Korea so I don't know how phones are sold there so any insight will be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance!

Did some digging around and apparently KT telecom, (1 of the 2 large operators in South Korea) did not lock the previous release of the S3.
Also including the article which mentions the LTE bands just in case anyone's interested.
http://www.sammobile.com/2013/04/02/galaxy-s4s-korean-variant-shv-e300sk-to-feature-exynos-5-octa-clocked-at-1-8ghz-confirmed-by-fcc/
Still hoping to get some input before pulling the trigger. Thanks

I'm very interested in this, and I've been trying to do some research. I have a best friend who's brother lives in Korea and works at Samsung, and she told me that if I wanted the Korean version, he'd do his best to ship one to my specifications.
Long story short, I want the Exynos + LTE, but the information online is few and in between.
Sent from my Xperia ion LT28i using xda premium

Well if you can find out anything from that person who works for Samsung that would be much appreciated. I'm willing to pull the trigger if:
a) they sell phones outright off contract in Korea,
b) the phone is carrier unlocked, and
c) I can set English menus.
I am willing to Gamble with the LTE bands and the software compatibility quirks that I may experience.
Perhaps someone from Korea can shed some light?
Thanks.

pygo said:
Well if you can find out anything from that person who works for Samsung that would be much appreciated. I'm willing to pull the trigger if:
a) they sell phones outright off contract in Korea,
b) the phone is carrier unlocked, and
c) I can set English menus.
I am willing to Gamble with the LTE bands and the software compatibility quirks that I may experience.
Perhaps someone from Korea can shed some light?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your questions,
Phones are available in English menu and you only need to worry about the LTE bands as they are not carrier locked in Korea. You might need to set some settings to work in your country and chances should be high as I heard the Octa supports 20 bands of LTE.
I'm not sure what you meant by outright but you can walk into any shop and buy it if that's what you meant. Alternatively, if you know anyone in Korea they should be able to get it for you but not in the next few days because right now it seems that it's all on contract until stock are more abundant.
Sent from my IM-A860K using xda premium

It would be really cool if the Korean GS4 could work with USA LTE. But the price~! Right now, it's being sold for around $1,100 USD~!

What's special about Korean models? Don't other countries have octa too?

tuxonhtc said:
What's special about Korean models? Don't other countries have octa too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have octa + LTE.
Sent from my IM-A860K using xda premium

Okay, so I'm very confused. I too have the opportunity to grab a Korean version, but instead of the OP, I reside in the US, would I run into ANY problems if I got this version? LTE I understand might possibly work/might not, but is there anything else to be concerned with?

All galaxy korean version has following problems.
1. All operator too many customizing ==> it will cause unstable, because all known that they request too many modify frameworks also.
2. Too many have bloat apps.(operator apps, avg 10 + apps exist, some apps are not support uninstall, yeah rooting will delete that apps, but it make an another error)
3. UMTS band are only 1900/2100 (official), previous galaxy have only UMTS 2100 (SKT/KT model only, LGU+ model using CDMA 1800(that frequncy only exist in korea over the world)
4. LTE band are only 850/1800. (SKT 850/1800 , KT 1800 / LG U+ 850)
5. Maybe Firmare not compatible with Global version (I930X / N710X )
6. you may not use USSD code (korean all operator doesn't support USSD code, so korean localizing version remove USSD function)
I lived in korea, but i don't use our korean galaxy models. This time I also ordered galaxy s4 on UK. Because UK model is always Europe open model and it has nearly Samsung reference model. (Doesn't have or 1~2 bloat app exist)
i'm very hate too many localizing. it will always phone make unstable.

Pulverizer, thank you for the info! I think I'll be going for the i9500 now.

Thank You to all who took the time to reply!
I'm likely going to get a local machine now to reduce the need to tinker.
This is also a very informative link from an shv-e300 user for any of those who are still fence sitters! Very good information is given at the bottom of page 3!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2253148&page=3

I to was tempted for Korean
This information will keep me to in the US/UK LTE version.

[Q] Region Unlocked Note 3

Hello, I live in Argentina and am a Movistar user. I am travelling to Madrid (Spain) and London this January and was hoping to buy the Galaxy Note 3 there and, naturally, I have some questions.
The version of the phone that arrives my country is the SM-N9000 but I want the SM-N9005 because of the Snapdragon and some additional features this version has. Is there a region unlocked version to purchase? Do I have to region-unlock the mobile phone myself? In that case, how do I do that?
And finally, do you have any reliable stores or retailers in those cities that you would recommend me? Maybe a Samsung store would be the best option, wouldn't it?

Samsung stated that u have to do more than 5 min phone callls with a local sim (country where u bought it) and its unlocked
hit 'thanks' if i helped you
SM-N9005 DBT-DMJ7 0x0
XDA Developers 4 premium app

joaquinmesias said:
Hello, I live in Argentina and am a Movistar user. I am travelling to Madrid (Spain) and London this January and was hoping to buy the Galaxy Note 3 there and, naturally, I have some questions.
The version of the phone that arrives my country is the SM-N9000 but I want the SM-N9005 because of the Snapdragon and some additional features this version has. Is there a region unlocked version to purchase? Do I have to region-unlock the mobile phone myself? In that case, how do I do that?
And finally, do you have any reliable stores or retailers in those cities that you would recommend me? Maybe a Samsung store would be the best option, wouldn't it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate to tell you this but the best option is a Note 3 from Movistar Argentina - LTE bands in Argentina are different than those in EU (and so far I believe incompatible, there is a bounty to add the 1700 band to the international N9005 but no success so far).
2nd best might be a Note 3 from Movistar Spain - but those I would expect to be standard N9005 and you should get a guarantee in writing from them that it will also work in Argentina on LTE to be reasonably safe about it.
IMHO 3rd best is just the least expensive genuine EU N9005 you can get - surprisingly a version that is carrier-locked on a serious carrier COULD be a better option (since the unlock code is like 25EUR most and after that you will ALSO be region-unlocked even if you never root).

[Q] Buy from the US ???

I live in the UK and am on a Vodafone contact, I am planning to buy the S5 when it is released here. However I am off to New York in a few weeks and looking at the US unlocked pricing I can save myself over £100.
Is the US and UK phone exactly the same as I know previous models were different and will it work with my sim ?

cm016v said:
I live in the UK and am on a Vodafone contact, I am planning to buy the S5 when it is released here. However I am off to New York in a few weeks and looking at the US unlocked pricing I can save myself over £100.
Is the US and UK phone exactly the same as I know previous models were different and will it work with my sim ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think the LTE bands may be different. Best to wait til they're released to check specs of both.

cm016v said:
I live in the UK and am on a Vodafone contact, I am planning to buy the S5 when it is released here. However I am off to New York in a few weeks and looking at the US unlocked pricing I can save myself over £100.
Is the US and UK phone exactly the same as I know previous models were different and will it work with my sim ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any US model won't work on LTE in the UK or EU. Only 3G will be working.
However, you can easily buy international version of S5 in the US cheaper than in the UK and it will work on LTE in the UK.
International version are SM-G900F or H.

cm016v said:
I live in the UK and am on a Vodafone contact, I am planning to buy the S5 when it is released here. However I am off to New York in a few weeks and looking at the US unlocked pricing I can save myself over £100.
Is the US and UK phone exactly the same as I know previous models were different and will it work with my sim ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try here : http://www.voloxcellular.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=samsung+s5
Or you can go to their store so that you will be able to ask everything you wanna know. :fingers-crossed:

Many thanks for all your replies, I will be sure to go to the store and even try my sim before i buy.

REMOVED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mate 7 for European countries

Hello everyone
I have a question about lte band of Chinese version
On Huawei website, we can see that the mate 7 support FDD LTE band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28. Todays, we can find the Chinese version for sell "limited" to bands 1,3,7.
But what I don't understand if the Chinese version got all band if you use it in another country or does it need a firmware mod to activate the other bands?
I need band 3,7 and 20... Can I buy a Chinese one or not? (2gig/16 would be good)
Thanks

This has been answer in our Q&A thread. Please take a look at recent discussion on this topic.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-7/general/wait-compatible-ascend-mate-7-buy-t2899404
Forum member from Switzerland has reported that the Chinese TL10 works flawlessly and we will hear more news from EU user next week.:fingers-crossed:
And we highly recommend 3 GB RAM, or the premium version. You will notice significant difference when opening multiple APPS.
We will post a root instruction for xda community early next week so that it will be a more fun machine to have.

getmobilephone said:
This has been answer in our Q&A thread. Please take a look at recent discussion on this topic.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-7/general/wait-compatible-ascend-mate-7-buy-t2899404
Forum member from Switzerland has reported that the Chinese TL10 works flawlessly and we will hear more news from EU user next week.:fingers-crossed:
And we highly recommend 3 GB RAM, or the premium version. You will notice significant difference when opening multiple APPS.
We will post a root instruction for xda community early next week so that it will be a more fun machine to have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer but I already read theses threads.
But I can't find on these that the Chinese version got all band, not just one or two
Thanks for the help

It may work...
n1ck0 said:
Hello everyone
I have a question about lte band of Chinese version
On Huawei website, we can see that the mate 7 support FDD LTE band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28. Todays, we can find the Chinese version for sell "limited" to bands 1,3,7.
But what I don't understand if the Chinese version got all band if you use it in another country or does it need a firmware mod to activate the other bands?
I need band 3,7 and 20... Can I buy a Chinese one or not? (2gig/16 would be good)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello!
I just came back from a trip to China. Bought my Mate 7 in Shanghai. Its the MT7-UL00 Version.
At the shop they told me it should work in Switzerland. They even installed the Play Store for me (good service).
At the Stop Over in Dubai I had no LTE. So I was a little worried. Now in Switzerland it looks like I have same LTE coverage like I had bevor with my LG G3.
Hope this helps you.
The Kitano

MT7-TL10 Chinese -> European
I just got af Gold Mate 7 (3 bg/32 rom) from China - MT7-TL10.
Its a Chinese version, with Chines text i a few palces (even i chosed Denmark for language) but its also without google or anything - and im living in Europe.
So my question is, how do I get the international version af the software on this phone so I can use it like a normal phone here in Europe?
I would be really thankfull for any help and guidance regarding this issue.
Thank you!

Yep i dreaming of my futur AM7 but for no problem at all like the guaranty, i prefer wait till the european version launch officially. i'm so disappointed the gold version will not sold in europe, oh well the grey/black model will be fine too ^^
the official launch in france will be soon around 12 of november.

tozneno said:
Yep i dreaming of my futur AM7 but for no problem at all like the guaranty, i prefer wait till the european version launch officially. i'm so disappointed the gold version will not sold in europe, oh well the grey/black model will be fine too ^^
the official launch in france will be soon around 12 of november.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can already buy at amazon.fr, can't you?
they've been selling it since last week. and they already discounted by 20euro in white version yesterday. (looks like it's back to normal price though)

You can buy it EUR 455.70 at amazon.fr now. price dropping so fast. nobody's buying it?

I bought mine on amazon.fr but I have not yet received

n1ck0 said:
Hello everyone
I have a question about lte band of Chinese version
On Huawei website, we can see that the mate 7 support FDD LTE band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28. Todays, we can find the Chinese version for sell "limited" to bands 1,3,7.
But what I don't understand if the Chinese version got all band if you use it in another country or does it need a firmware mod to activate the other bands?
I need band 3,7 and 20... Can I buy a Chinese one or not? (2gig/16 would be good)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the Gold TL10 version from ebay and had the international rom flashed on it. Works fine although i only get 3g hspa with tmobile (which is still pretty fast).
I want to unlock the 4g lte though like the TL09 versions so i cud see how fast the cat6 realli is. Regardless though, this phone is pretty fast to even be in 3g mode.

Can you buy the 3gb ram version from amazon fr?
Also how does warranty work on amazon fr? I live in the uk.
Thanks

riz157 said:
Can you buy the 3gb ram version from amazon fr?
Also how does warranty work on amazon fr? I live in the uk.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's amazon so warranty usually good if you buy from them. 3gb ram 2gb of ram wont matter much with the Chipset they are using. Feel confident that 2gb will be enough after all the video tests I have seen on YouTube. The 3gb is only the Chinese model which I would not purchase. Get the European model much safer bet.

ipmanwck said:
It's amazon so warranty usually good if you buy from them. 3gb ram 2gb of ram wont matter much with the Chipset they are using. Feel confident that 2gb will be enough after all the video tests I have seen on YouTube. The 3gb is only the Chinese model which I would not purchase. Get the European model much safer bet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks will keep that in mind.
I had lg g3 which fustrated the hell out of him, even though it had 3gb ram the thing was awful.

AndroiderTL10 said:
I bought the Gold TL10 version from ebay and had the international rom flashed on it. Works fine although i only get 3g hspa with tmobile (which is still pretty fast).
Hey, I have my MT7 brought over from China. I am using it in the Czech Republic on Vodafone network. I can only get 2G connectivity. No 3G or LTE. in the Settings/Roaming Settings, it identifies my SIM card as "2G" only, and I cannot switch on 4G. I have a brand new nano SIM that should work with our local LTE.
My MT7 model MT7-CL00, build number MT7-CL00V100R001C92B120SP07
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

radecek1977 said:
AndroiderTL10 said:
I bought the Gold TL10 version from ebay and had the international rom flashed on it. Works fine although i only get 3g hspa with tmobile (which is still pretty fast).
Hey, I have my MT7 brought over from China. I am using it in the Czech Republic on Vodafone network. I can only get 2G connectivity. No 3G or LTE. in the Settings/Roaming Settings, it identifies my SIM card as "2G" only, and I cannot switch on 4G. I have a brand new nano SIM that should work with our local LTE.
My MT7 model MT7-CL00, build number MT7-CL00V100R001C92B120SP07
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should inquiry before purchasing. The CL00 version, aka China TeleCom version, only recognizes their specific SIM, otherwise, locked at GSM only. Choose a reputable seller in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

getmobilephone said:
radecek1977 said:
You should inquiry before purchasing. The CL00 version, aka China TeleCom version, only recognizes their specific SIM, otherwise, locked at GSM only. Choose a reputable seller in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I got this as a little gimmick to play with., but it certainly is a disappointment.
Do you think the CL00 version can be loaded with TL10 firmware? I can see CL00 and TL10 differ dramatically in the network and data connectivity support, and TL10 is what I need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

radecek1977 said:
getmobilephone said:
Yeah I got this as a little gimmick to play with., but it certainly is a disappointment.
Do you think the CL00 version can be loaded with TL10 firmware? I can see CL00 and TL10 differ dramatically in the network and data connectivity support, and TL10 is what I need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. There is no way to unlock the SIM and flashing TL10 ROM will not work either. In addition, CL00 uses an additional chip for CDMA2000, which consumes more batteries (only 2/3 of battery life vs. other versions, stated by HUAWEI's website). If you consider TL10, we have Gold color version in stock.
We cannot help you on this version any more.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

have smae issue indeed ... nothing works with me i don,t thin you can,t convert it