Hi folks, I browsed this forum a few times and finally decided to make an account after all the wonderful information I've read here.
I realize there's probably no simple way to answer this question. But I'd like to buy the "best of the best" S8 I possibly can. I'm interested in the S8 specifically and not the S8 Plus. It's a phone I intend on keeping for a while, so long as nothing catastrophic happens. As such, I'm open to all possibilities.
I'm based in the USA but I would like to have the one with the most available bands to get the maximum availability on networks while traveling. I read on another thread that so far there are ways to unlock the bands in the firmware after flashing the Canadian firmware to the device. (I think this was referring to the Snapdragon North American version). But features such as Wifi Calling on T-Mobile won't work after that.
Because of carrier locks, it appears that certain models of phones only have certain bands enabled depending on which provider they were released for (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc). This is a bit of a problem, if for example, I wanted to use an AT&T phone on T-Mobile, or wanted to pop in a local SIM while traveling.
I'm presently on Verizon, but I'm not under contract and so I'm willing to switch to perhaps T-Mobile, AT&T, or whatever other GSM carriers are available. As such, CDMA capabilities aren't really a major issue for me. It would be nice, but not a deal breaker. I also get conflicting info where some sellers say their unlocked phones won't work for CDMA carriers; while others claim that the unlocked phones have all the CDMA capabilities unlocked as well.
I'm wondering also, if the Snapdragon or Exynos is preferable? The general consensus among developers seems to be that Exynos is preferable to Snapdragon when it comes to future mods, rootability, etc. What is the downside to Exynos?
Lastly, what do you think of the DUAL SIM version? My main reason for holding off on my purchase is debating whether I should get the dual SIM version or not. It would be a nice feature to have, for a phone I intended on setting up and keeping for a while. The only hesitation as far as this goes, is warranty coverage issues.
Would the international version have all the bands enabled? I've also read the Chinese and South Korean versions have 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which is pretty sweet.
Thanks!
TurboSloth said:
Hi folks, I browsed this forum a few times and finally decided to make an account after all the wonderful information I've read here.
I realize there's probably no simple way to answer this question. But I'd like to buy the "best of the best" S8 I possibly can. I'm interested in the S8 specifically and not the S8 Plus. It's a phone I intend on keeping for a while, so long as nothing catastrophic happens. As such, I'm open to all possibilities.
I'm based in the USA but I would like to have the one with the most available bands to get the maximum availability on networks while traveling. I read on another thread that so far there are ways to unlock the bands in the firmware after flashing the Canadian firmware to the device. (I think this was referring to the Snapdragon North American version). But features such as Wifi Calling on T-Mobile won't work after that.
Because of carrier locks, it appears that certain models of phones only have certain bands enabled depending on which provider they were released for (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc). This is a bit of a problem, if for example, I wanted to use an AT&T phone on T-Mobile, or wanted to pop in a local SIM while traveling.
I'm presently on Verizon, but I'm not under contract and so I'm willing to switch to perhaps T-Mobile, AT&T, or whatever other GSM carriers are available. As such, CDMA capabilities aren't really a major issue for me. It would be nice, but not a deal breaker. I also get conflicting info where some sellers say their unlocked phones won't work for CDMA carriers; while others claim that the unlocked phones have all the CDMA capabilities unlocked as well.
I'm wondering also, if the Snapdragon or Exynos is preferable? The general consensus among developers seems to be that Exynos is preferable to Snapdragon when it comes to future mods, rootability, etc. What is the downside to Exynos?
Lastly, what do you think of the DUAL SIM version? My main reason for holding off on my purchase is debating whether I should get the dual SIM version or not. It would be a nice feature to have, for a phone I intended on setting up and keeping for a while. The only hesitation as far as this goes, is warranty coverage issues.
Would the international version have all the bands enabled? I've also read the Chinese and South Korean versions have 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which is pretty sweet.
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
Did you get your answers? I have same don't like doubts, specially related to processor and dual chip tech.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
The only "downside" to the exynos version is the lack of CDMA support. It is superior in pretty much every other regard.
If you're considering a G950U.. I believe the AT&T model covers the most LTE bands. The Verizon version lists TDD LTE bands if those are useful to you. (But lacks other important bands)
To your question, the G950F/FD is likely your best bet.
Where do I found a list of models? I saw that in Brazil we have SM-G950, but what I see is here is only SM-G950F
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
I guess if you go with the exynos variant you will miss near fully playable gamecube/wii emulation. The exynos does other stuff better tho.
For the dual SIM variant, they have also just released a 6gb/128gb version, model number is SM-G9550. That's the best one you can get for the dual SIM variant: http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/business/business-products/mobile-device/smartphones/SM-G9550ZKGTGY.
Only downside is no Band 66 support though if you are planning to be on T-Mobile.
Sent from my SM-N910C using Tapatalk
Hi, where can i buy the S8 Plus SM-G9550 (128GB, Snapdragon, 6GB Ram)?
thx in advance
Hi mate iv always preferred going for a G9xxF/FD version since They are Exynos in-case of Root or mods Exynos gets them first and if u get a FD added advantage of the dual sim. Good Luck
Hi codex1998, i don't need root and mods. My opinion is that the SM-G9550 is the better and most powerful phone.
Hi everyone, how about official firmware updates for different models ?
Is there any difference which models receives updates, which not ?
Some of my friends use different models and here is my statistic based on their phones:
s7 edge FD (dual sim): Android 7.0, last update August 2017,
note 8 (I believe its F model): 7.1 - August 2017,
s8 FD (dual sim) - 7.0 - Oct 2017,
2x s8+ FD (dual sim) - 7.0 Oct 2017.
Related
Hi. Im living in Russia and there are only exynos variant available. After using rather bad exynos note 4 (overheat, bad reception, 3g/4g battery drain, poor aosp development) i decided to buy snapdragon variant of s7 edge. I believe samsung is using superior versions of their handsets in key markets such as NA and China. But for my surprise all s7 edge sold in USA are carrier bound. My question are there unlocked s7 edge snapdragon? What carrier should i choose? Will at-t and t-mobile phones work with other gsm carriers around the world. Also i need no carrier bloatware and unlocked bootloader. As for network i need band 20 800Mhz and band 7 2600Mhz.
Thanks in advance.
TANKRED_ENDURES said:
Hi. Im living in Russia and there are only exynos variant available. After using rather bad exynos note 4 (overheat, bad reception, 3g/4g battery drain, poor aosp development) i decided to buy snapdragon variant of s7 edge. I believe samsung is using superior versions of their handsets in key markets such as NA and China. But for my surprise all s7 edge sold in USA are carrier bound. My question are there unlocked s7 edge snapdragon? What carrier should i choose? Will at-t and t-mobile phones work with other gsm carriers around the world. Also i need no carrier bloatware and unlocked bootloader. As for network i need band 20 800Mhz and band 7 2600Mhz.
Thanks in advance.
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None of the U.S. devices cover band 7 nor 20 i guess, those bands aren't used over there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks_in_Europe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
Also, normally carrier locked devices won't work for other carriers unless you hack (was not possible at recent devices afaik) it or pay for unlocking it. But you could be lucky there at the s7 with it locking just at first boot. It could be, that it'll lock to your carrier instead of the one you bought it from, but you'll have to verify that it works before, also it'll only work, if it never has been booted by any employ at the carrier you bought it to ship it locked already.
Tectas said:
None of the U.S. devices cover band 7 nor 20 i guess, those bands aren't used over there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks_in_Europe
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
Also, normally carrier locked devices won't work for other carriers unless you hack (was not possible at recent devices afaik) it or pay for unlocking it. But you could be lucky there at the s7 with it locking just at first boot. It could be, that it'll lock to your carrier instead of the one you bought it from, but you'll have to verify that it works before, also it'll only work, if it never has been booted by any employ at the carrier you bought it to ship it locked already.
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I saw people importing note 4 sm-910c to USA because its compatible with US lte frequences Same model sold in Russia. I think device itself can support this frequnces though they are not used there.
I'd wait before presuming the Snapdragon model will be superior to the Exynos, especially in terms of things like overheat and reception. It's certainly possible it will be the better option, but there is no guarantee yet. And especially with the debacle on the 810, Snapdragon haven't exactly covered themselves in glory recently.
Hardly anyone has the Exynos model yet, whilst there are a lot of T-Mobile customers in the US who have the Snapdragon, some of who are reporting being unable to use the VR headset for more than 30 minutes without the phone complaining of overheat. Wait until next week and there will be proper comparison reviews that go beyond Snapdragon having a few extra meaningless numbers on some benchmark. That's when an informed decision can be made as to whether it's worth going through the bother of buying your device out of territory and forsaking the manufacturer guarantee.
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Beefheart said:
I'd wait before presuming the Snapdragon model will be superior to the Exynos, especially in terms of things like overheat and reception. It's certainly possible it will be the better option, but there is no guarantee yet. And especially with the debacle on the 810, Snapdragon haven't exactly covered themselves in glory recently.
Hardly anyone has the Exynos model yet, whilst there are a lot of T-Mobile customers in the US who have the Snapdragon, some of who are reporting being unable to use the VR headset for more than 30 minutes without the phone complaining of overheat. Wait until next week and there will be proper comparison reviews that go beyond Snapdragon having a few extra meaningless numbers on some benchmark. That's when an informed decision can be made as to whether it's worth going through the bother of buying your device out of territory and forsaking the manufacturer guarantee.
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Good point. I bother buying snapdragon mostly because of lower TDP and better 4g reception in past models. If exynos become equal in this areas i see no point in importing. And i dont wanna wait long cause if i preorder before 18 march i will get free gear vr though i dont need it xD
Tectas said:
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Note 4 have both sd and exynos variants. Its note 5 only nave exynos.
TANKRED_ENDURES said:
Note 4 have both sd and exynos variants. Its note 5 only nave exynos.
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Yes, that's why I've removed the post, mixed the numbering, sorry.
But if you take a look, at least here aren't any of those bands supported at the U.S. variants.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/detailed-sm-g935-s7-info-t3326180
But what about carrier software? I heard some carriers replace stock samsung apps like browser. Also is it true what at-t and tmobile phones recieve updates later than their unlocked counterparts?
TANKRED_ENDURES said:
But what about carrier software? I heard some carriers replace stock samsung apps like browser. Also is it true what at-t and tmobile phones recieve updates later than their unlocked counterparts?
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Would be the first time I hear something like the browser replaced by a carrier, but maybe possible, in common they just add stuff though and make small changes (modem, bootscreen,...). And yes, carrier devices in common get updates later, because the carriers have to incorporate their changes (which can be a few days to months, depends on the carrier), but at the european variants we're lucky with stock roms at least (or at least have been). In most cases you simply can flash a unbranded rom there through odin without second thought.
When the phone was first released, there were many tests done which showed a HUGE battery life advantage for the Exynos variant. I'm curious if there has been any more recent testing, say, since Nougat was released, or with more recent updates.
I want to get a 128GB dual sim S7 Edge, but I'd need to switch carriers if I move to Exynos, for technical reasons I'll explain below. If there's a huge battery life difference, I'll do that, but if recent software updates have closed the gap, I'd rather go with Snapdragon.
(Technical reasons: It's possible to enable WCDMA Band 6 on the Snapdragon variant. I live in Japan, in an area where I need WCDMA Band 6 for my carrier to work. There's no way to enable it on the Exynos variant, but there is another carrier which uses Band 8, which would work, but the other carrier does not have quite as good of service terms.)
I've had the sd820 for almost a year and cracked my screen so I got a g935f recently, I don't think theres enough difference to justify one over the other, I would just get the one more convient for you to get, unless you like rooting than definitely get the international version
I bought a Verizon SM-G950UZKAVZW direct from Samsung. I thought that I was buying a phone that I could take to any carrier. I'm hearing that might not be true. Does anyone have definitive, confirmed specs ie supported radio bands on all of the carrier variants as well as the upcoming intl version? Also I heard other reports that the hardware is identical and it's firmware that is limiting the phones. Not sure if that is true either. Samsung was absolutely not helpful.
Bottom line I need to know:
1 if I keep the SM-G950UZKAVZW, will I be able to use it with other carrier networks?
2 if I can use the SM-G950UZKAVZW with other carriers, what actions (if any) would I need to take to do that? (Other than swapping a sim card)
3 would the phone I currently possess be limited in any way if I were to use it with other carriers? (Limited is defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how would it be limited?
4 if I were to purchase an unlocked international model once it becomes available, would that phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier? (Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
If you aren't sure, please don't reply. There's plenty of people documenting their best guess already. I'm looking for the straight story.
Thanks for reading!
All of Verizon phones are Sim card unlocked and since there is really only 1 version of the S8/S8+ in the US (with different model #'s corresponding to the different carriers) using the phone on another carriers network is not going to be an issue. All you need to do is insert the sim card in.
http://www.gottabemobile.com/how-to-unlock-the-galaxy-s8/
As a quick note, if you have a Verizon Galaxy S8 congratulations. Your phone is already unlocked. Verizon Wireless no longer locks phones, regardless of what you might hear from friends or family. Simply drop a T-Mobile or AT&T SIM card in a Verizon model and it works. It may require manually configuring the APN settings though, so keep that in mind.
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The ONLY exception that might be would be Sprint since they are CDMA as well, but who really wants to go from Verizon to Sprint?????
All 4 Major US(and subsequent sub carriers) are receiving the same version of the phone(meaning same internals). From my understanding, inserting the carriers Sim card into the verizon phone just means you start going at that point and have access to all the carriers bands
If you got an international version, it most likely would be powered by an Exynos CPU vs the Snapdragon 835 so there would be some performance differences (typically Exynos models perform marginally better based on previous history)
If you're looking for a US unlocked model - wait until next month
http://www.theverge.com/circuitbrea...-unlocked-galaxy-s8-plus-pricing-release-date
I appreciate your clear response! Would it be accurate to say that I will have just as much freedom to hop from one carrier to another using the phone I have, as opposed to purchasing the upcoming US unlocked variant?
Also, I have heard the same thing about the hardware, that all of the carrier variants are the same physical model. But some folks, including the Samsung tech support rep I spoke to (unfortunately that probably doesn't mean a whole lot) seem to think that the carrier firmware is limiting the radio bands. Do you know this to be false?
I have the Verizon version and works fine on Tmo out of the box. Have to use Verizon update software through Windows though. OTA's will never come through.
I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8
I saw a review that said the s8 gets locked to the first carrier sim it accepts. Can someone confirm swapping sims of different carriers works?
Whanksta said:
I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8
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Click to collapse
Have you tried going into the network band menu and locking it to one of the AT&T LTE bands?
This still works on the S8 (found this on the S7 and used it to lock my S7 to band 4 for Tmobile)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...ng-network-t3331555/post65722081#post65722081
ElBeaner said:
Have you tried going into the network band menu and locking it to one of the AT&T LTE bands?
This still works on the S8 (found this on the S7 and used it to lock my S7 to band 4 for Tmobile)
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...ng-network-t3331555/post65722081#post65722081
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I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method
Whanksta said:
I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method
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Click to collapse
Ok forgot you were Verizon - you have to edit a setting because they block you from that access
Try this if you're daring enough
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s6/general/enabling-using-servicemode-t3109579
EDIT Damn, looks like you have to be rooted first
---------- Post added at 12:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:18 AM ----------
Whanksta said:
I am unable to access the service menu via the S7 method
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You'll need to wait unti the official AT&T rom is available from Smasung and then you should be able to flash it via ODIN onto the phone and get all the AT&T carrier bands
mredamon said:
I bought a Verizon SM-G950UZKAVZW direct from Samsung. I thought that I was buying a phone that I could take to any carrier. I'm hearing that might not be true. Does anyone have definitive, confirmed specs ie supported radio bands on all of the carrier variants as well as the upcoming intl version? Also I heard other reports that the hardware is identical and it's firmware that is limiting the phones. Not sure if that is true either. Samsung was absolutely not helpful.
Bottom line I need to know:
4 if I were to purchase an unlocked international model once it becomes available, would that phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier? (Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once it becomes available? You can buy Exynos right now from other countries. Clove in UK will region unlock the phone before shipping to you in the U.S. What needs to become available?
Don't confuse the "unlocked" S8 Samsung will sell here in the U.S. in a month or so with the Exynos international variant. The "unlocked" S8 coming to the U.S. is still the bootloader locked Snapdragon version, just without carrier branding. It will be carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked. If you care about rooting, TWRP, ROMs, etc Exynos is what you want.
would that (Exynos international variant) phone be limited in any way when used on any US carrier?
(Limited is again defined here as "performing differently in contrast to that carriers native S8 model variant") if so, specifically how?
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NO, except if you are on CDMA-handicapped Sprint or Verizon. If you use Sprint or Verizon be aware Exynos doesn't have 3G CDMA bands to fall back on if you can't get LTE. For AT&T or T-Mobile, YES it has all the LTE/HSPA/GSM bands.
The "international" Exynos variant can be bootloader unlocked, rooted, etc. so tons of advantages. While it has Verizon LTE bands, there's no CDMA. This means you really need Verizon VoLTE to work and I don't have the answer to that. And if you can't get LTE signal on mobile network, you won't have any signal due to no CDMA fallback. Again, only an issue because of CDMA if you stay on Verizon instead of using AT&T or T-mobile (or their network affiliates). You seem like you want to switch to another carrier? So, go ahead and do so!
EXYNOS VARIANTS LTE BANDS:
LTE Bands: FDD: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B17(700), B18(800), B19(800), B20(800), B25(1900), B26(800), B28(700), B32(1500), B66(AWS- 3) | TDD: B38(2600), B39(1900), B40(2300), B41(2500)
GSM/GPRS
850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
3G/HSPA
850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
ChazzMatt said:
Once it becomes available? You can buy Exynos right now from other countries. Clove in UK will region unlock the phone before shipping to you in the U.S. What needs to become available?
Don't confuse the "unlocked" S8 Samsung will sell here in the U.S. in a month or so with the Exynos international variant. The "unlocked" S8 coming to the U.S. is still the bootloader locked Snapdragon version, just without carrier branding. It will be carrier unlocked but not bootloader unlocked. If you care about rooting, TWRP, ROMs, etc Exynos is what you want. /QUOTE]
Yeah I screwed up. I did confuse them.
I'm not interested in all that rooting stuff I just want a phone that pretty much works anywhere I want to take it and if it's slower on one network than another I wanna know what I'm getting myself into.
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Whanksta said:
I am using Verizon GS8 on att, it works but I only get HSPA mostly. No LTE, so band is definitely capped by firmware.
I didn't have any issue receiving ota with att sim in vzw gs8
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Click to collapse
Hey guys
I'm from Brazil and I wanna buy the Verizon's S8 but I'm afraid about the 4G.
I saw that this model has the Brazil LTE frequencies, but I read here that Verizon capped the band from the firmware.
Somebody knows if I could flash via ODIN the unlocked rom that will come with the unlocked version in USA and so get the LTE free to use in any place?
I don't want to assume the risk to have a top mobile phone but don't be able to use 4G.
Thank you very much guys
Hey mredamon. Did you ever get a clear response here or somewhere else about this?
Recently i wanted to buy a S5 second hand or refurbished. But wasn't sure which model was the best to buy.
Also which model of the S5 has the most XDA Developer Support right now?
That's hard to answer. I'll make a note so short summary of all the S5 for you, so you can choose one instead
Start with the ordinary Galaxy S5 model (G900F). The most popular variant, with tons of development support, has the standard SD801 and 2GB RAM. Do note that, since the G900F itself has many carrier variant, you might want to avoid the Verizon/AT&T model (G900V/A), due to locked bootloader. Any other variant falls under the klte category will be fine. Also get the FD model if you want dual SIM support. Fun fact: Sprint has an all blue variant (not just blue cover with black front)
Next is the Exynos model (G900H). Only released in Asian countries, this variant had a lot of potential, if it wasn't for the lack of LTE (which makes it the #1 contender for the worst S5 ever) Development is surprisingly good for an Exynos phone, probably only behind the international S3. Also has a dual SIM variant.
Also available is the S5 Broadband LTE-A aka G906S/K/L (whoever named it like this must be drunk) which is the S5 everyone dreamt for. Quad HD screen, Snapdragon 805, 3GB RAM LTE-A support, blah blah blah. Even the Sony IMX240 sensor, the same one on the Note 5 is here too (don't expect picture quality to be the same though due to different aperture and software and whatnot) Only released in Korea through Koreans' Big Three Carrier thought (no, not your Korea, GTFO Kim Jong-Un). Which is the reason why development sucks big time (since it is some of the rarest S5 available), only behind the S5 Sport/Active model. Without @cvxda and @bjnmonkey77, this device would've been on the same club as the LG V10. Rest in peace.
*Also, Samsung did release another LTE-A (called LTE+) capable variant of the S5 in Singapore and Europe. This one only has the SD805 though, everything else is the same as the klte variant. Development is a bit better, but not much.*
Can't forget the Neo model though. Basically the refreshed S5 without the water flap (yay!), better selfie camera, a new front camera and the brand new (for the era) Exynos 7580. Although lacking the removable battery and the development support of the klte S5 (boo!), the newer TouchWiz UI and a planned Nougat update more than makes up for it. Even if Samsung says "**** you" the device, porting Nougat from the A5 2016 should be easy, since both has the same Exynos SoC.
Last is the S5 Active/Sport model. The Active is exclusive to AT&T, while the Sport is Sprint's answer to AT&T's Active (the irony). Both are some of the hardest-hitting S5 available, while are also even rarer than the LTE-A variant. Development is pretty much non-existent, not even sure whether root is available or notz can't check sorry
I guess that's it lol. What a long answer (silly me). Sorry if you find it confusing, since my S5 only have like 3% left, and it was 11PM here. And enjoy I guess. XD.
Also XDA, swap your font plox. Looks like it's from 2010 ;;
phamanhvu01 said:
That's hard to answer. I'll make a note so short summary of all the S5 for you, so you can choose one instead
Start with the ordinary Galaxy S5 model (G900F). The most popular variant, with tons of development support, has the standard SD801 and 2GB RAM. Do note that, since the G900F itself has many carrier variant, you might want to avoid the Verizon/AT&T model (G900V/A), due to locked bootloader. Any other variant falls under the klte category will be fine. Also get the FD model if you want dual SIM support. Fun fact: Sprint has an all blue variant (not just blue cover with black front)
Next is the Exynos model (G900H). Only released in Asian countries, this variant had a lot of potential, if it wasn't for the lack of LTE (which makes it the #1 contender for the worst S5 ever) Development is surprisingly good for an Exynos phone, probably only behind the international S3. Also has a dual SIM variant.
Also available is the S5 Broadband LTE-A aka G906S/K/L (whoever named it like this must be drunk) which is the S5 everyone dreamt for. Quad HD screen, Snapdragon 805, 3GB RAM LTE-A support, blah blah blah. Even the Sony IMX240 sensor, the same one on the Note 5 is here too (don't expect picture quality to be the same though due to different aperture and software and whatnot) Only released in Korea through Koreans' Big Three Carrier thought (no, not your Korea, GTFO Kim Jong-Un). Which is the reason why development sucks big time (since it is some of the rarest S5 available), only behind the S5 Sport/Active model. Without @cvxda and @bjnmonkey77, this device would've been on the same club as the LG V10. Rest in peace.
*Also, Samsung did release another LTE-A (called LTE+) capable variant of the S5 in Singapore and Europe. This one only has the SD805 though, everything else is the same as the klte variant. Development is a bit better, but not much.*
Can't forget the Neo model though. Basically the refreshed S5 without the water flap (yay!), better selfie camera, a new front camera and the brand new (for the era) Exynos 7580. Although lacking the removable battery and the development support of the klte S5 (boo!), the newer TouchWiz UI and a planned Nougat update more than makes up for it. Even if Samsung says "**** you" the device, porting Nougat from the A5 2016 should be easy, since both has the same Exynos SoC.
Last is the S5 Active/Sport model. The Active is exclusive to AT&T, while the Sport is Sprint's answer to AT&T's Active (the irony). Both are some of the hardest-hitting S5 available, while are also even rarer than the LTE-A variant. Development is pretty much non-existent, not even sure whether root is available or notz can't check sorry
I guess that's it lol. What a long answer (silly me). Sorry if you find it confusing, since my S5 only have like 3% left, and it was 11PM here. And enjoy I guess. XD.
Also XDA, swap your font plox. Looks like it's from 2010 ;;
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Woah. Didn't expect such a long anwser tbh. So the G900F is the best one to get for development support. Thanks. I will check if it is a carrier variant or internation. Can't really get the G900H, im in UK.
I knew the S5 had a lot of models but didn't it had this many tbh.
It's Samsung dude. Also glad to help you ^^
DroidFlow said:
Recently i wanted to buy a S5 second hand or refurbished. But wasn't sure which model was the best to buy.
Also which model of the S5 has the most XDA Developer Support right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird question. What's the best S5 ever?
The following parameters are needed for the answer:
- in which network you're going to use it,
- if you really need LTE,
- if you really need root,
- how much money you're going to spend.
Generally, "F" variant is the best for UK because it supports B3, B7, B20 LTE bands, but it's the most expensive. I'd say, 3-5 times more expensive than "V", for example.
bbsc said:
Weird question. What's the best S5 ever?
The following parameters are needed for the answer:
- in which network you're going to use it,
- if you really need LTE,
- if you really need root,
- how much money you're going to spend.
Generally, "F" variant is the best for UK because it supports B3, B7, B20 LTE bands, but it's the most expensive. I'd say, 3-5 times more expensive than "V", for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the G900F model second hand. I got it for £120. Unlocked but i didnt know it was a vodafone version at first.
The vodafone g900f is rootable and bootloader unlockable right?
FfsWally said:
I got the G900F model second hand. I got it for £120. Unlocked but i didnt know it was a vodafone version at first.
The vodafone g900f is rootable and bootloader unlockable right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G900F variant supposes unlocked bootloader.
Vodafone version may mean a branded firmware (can be replaced with unbranded for the same variant) and network lock, probably.
Root should definitely be possible.
bbsc said:
G900F variant supposes unlocked bootloader.
Vodafone version may mean a branded firmware (can be replaced with unbranded for the same variant) and network lock, probably.
Root should definitely be possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh thanks. Yeah, I think the firmware is the Vodafone version.
FfsWally said:
Oh thanks. Yeah, I think the firmware is the Vodafone version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome.
I've just bought yet another G900V for $36...
They are so good and cheap that I simply cannot stop buying them
bbsc said:
You're welcome.
I've just bought yet another G900V for $36...
They are so good and cheap that I simply cannot stop buying them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Woah. How the hell did you find it for that cheap. WTF.
FfsWally said:
Woah. How the hell did you find it for that cheap. WTF.
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Click to collapse
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122639589867
http://www.ebay.com/itm/322533862995
...
The matter is that I can repair something.
That's why the latest 4 G900Vs were bought for $25-$65.
The problem is to find device with good LCD.
bbsc said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/122639589867
http://www.ebay.com/itm/322533862995
...
The matter is that I can repair something.
That's why the latest 4 G900Vs were bought for $25-$65.
The problem is to find device with good LCD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh i see. You buy it for the parts. Now it makes sense.
S5 Mini or S5 Neo
Hi,
I currently own a Samsung Galaxy S (yes no trailing number)!!!!
I am looking to replace it with either a Galaxy S5 Mini or a Galaxy S5 Neo, I'm not really sure which one to go for and I hope someone here can give me some advice as to which one is the best phone, from a reliability / performance / ease of use / battery life perspective.
Thanks in advance!!!
So i am looking into getting an S8 and I am in north america. Even though exynos is a tiny bit faster it seems thats its just a few numbers higher in benchmarks and wont make a difference in real world usage plus i really like the idea of manufacturers warranty for me in USA.
A few people said on reddit that I should get a Snapdragon USA S8 because "it has 4x4 mimo" which will make performance on t mobile much better. One person said for that feature i need a t mobile branded s8 ( which is $200 more than the deal I am looking at on amazon for a generic USA snapdragon unlocked S8)
can anyone share some info about this if you know anything?
You can flash the T-Mobile firmware if you want to the US unlocked S8 and get those features. It probably doesn't matter if you're on T-Mobile but the international version lacks CDMA and LTE bands 13 and 41, so you wouldn't be able to use it on Verizon or Sprint, while the US model can.
I recommend the Note 8.
Hardware wise snapdragon models are all the same. Buy the one you're looking at and flash T-Mobile fw on it.