I have always owned either Nexus (non-LG versions) or Samsung so I'm not really familiar with LG products. I'm going to get a V20 and the question now is which one? Is there any difference in the DAC in the H990DS version vs the North American versions? I've heard that the H990DS is the official B&O version and the North American ones are "tuned by B&O". The quad DAC is one of the reasons why I want this phone so if there is a significant difference I may consider it. If not, I'll probably go with the US996 unlocked version or the AT&T version.
The US996 will cost me slightly more but the unlockable bootloader may be worth it. I'm in Canada and the AT&T bands are close to ours and generally work well with our carriers. so the H910A will be OK. AFAIK the second SIM in the H990DS only supports 2G so that will be useless to me since 2 out of 3 of our largest carriers were originally CDMA and never supported 2G. Both of the North American versions do come with a warranty, which is a bonus. The AT&T is the cheapest of the three but I have heard that their bootloader is a pain.
An unlockable bootloader and the ability to root is the most important. I'm going to keep it until it dies. Music quality and warranty is next. I do love music and I plan to invest in a good set of new headphones once I get the V20. I want to take it with me and test several so I don't have anything in particular in mind at this time.
I appreciate any help and guidance that anyone can give me. I have spent a lot of time trying to find out about the DACs and I really can't find any information. Thank you!
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After searching and running into various answers (and perpetual confusion), I'm confused about which S5 I should purchase. I would much rather buy an international version from a seller on eBay if I can get LTE bands in the states. I've freed myself from carrier devices for almost two years now and the thought of going back is awful (even though I probably will if I have to). Anyway, can someone give me a clear answer. Which variant do I need to buy?
jtc276 said:
After searching and running into various answers (and perpetual confusion), I'm confused about which S5 I should purchase. I would much rather buy an international version from a seller on eBay if I can get LTE bands in the states. I've freed myself from carrier devices for almost two years now and the thought of going back is awful (even though I probably will if I have to). Anyway, can someone give me a clear answer. Which variant do I need to buy?
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jtc276 said:
After searching and running into various answers (and perpetual confusion), I'm confused about which S5 I should purchase. I would much rather buy an international version from a seller on eBay if I can get LTE bands in the states. I've freed myself from carrier devices for almost two years now and the thought of going back is awful (even though I probably will if I have to). Anyway, can someone give me a clear answer. Which variant do I need to buy?
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Get an accurate answer from Samsung. Or Carrier X, win a prize.
Samsung doesn't want you buying a lower priced phone from another country, it cuts into their quarterly profit results and they actively deter so called grey market sales in a number of ways. Nor will carriers make it easy for you to jump ship. So easily accessible and accurate information is difficult to come by.
As far as I can tell, the S5 hardware is release 10 compliant. Meaning that baring artificial firmware restrictions, the S5 in your hand is capable of working on all of the GSM and LTE frequencies in use or in the process of being deployed, worldwide.
If you are not relying upon a subsidized handset or can find the right deal, I'd suggest purchasing the TMobile variant (SM-G900T) for use on ATT. The TMobile S5 works on ATT LTE, has the substantial advantage of an unlocked bootloader & has more accessible bands, an advantage for roaming on other networks.
AFAIK, the TMobile variant supports all of the ATT bands. You'll find posts agreeing with me and posts disputing this. All I can tell you is that there are a lot of misinformed people and I haven't seen anyone credibly dispute it. The specs say that it should work, there are lots of reports of it working and firsthand I've seen good data speeds; 50+ Mbps speeds in some ATT cities.
If you were looking at some specific Ebay auction and /or specific international model, you didn't spell that out nor give us any specifics so it's impossible to give you useful advice on that point. Many of the international variants have firmware restrictions supporting HSPA+ and not "ATT" LTE.
The best advice of course is always caveat emptor.
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fffft said:
Get an accurate answer from Samsung. Or Carrier X, win a prize.
Samsung doesn't want you buying a lower priced phone from another country, it cuts into their quarterly profit results and they actively deter so called grey market sales in a number of ways. Nor will carriers make it easy for you to jump ship. So easily accessible and accurate information is difficult to come by.
As far as I can tell, the S5 hardware is release 10 compliant. Meaning that baring artificial firmware restrictions, the S5 in your hand is capable of working on all of the GSM and LTE frequencies in use or in the process of being deployed, worldwide.
If you are not relying upon a subsidized handset or can find the right deal, I'd suggest purchasing the TMobile variant (SM-G900T) for use on ATT. The TMobile S5 works on ATT LTE, has the substantial advantage of an unlocked bootloader & has more accessible bands, an advantage for roaming on other networks.
AFAIK, the TMobile variant supports all of the ATT bands. You'll find posts agreeing with me and posts disputing this. All I can tell you is that there are a lot of misinformed people and I haven't seen anyone credibly dispute it. The specs say that it should work, there are lots of reports of it working and firsthand I've seen good data speeds; 50+ Mbps speeds in some ATT cities.
If you were looking at some specific Ebay auction and /or specific international model, you didn't spell that out nor give us any specifics so it's impossible to give you useful advice on that point. Many of the international variants have firmware restrictions supporting HSPA+ and not "ATT" LTE.
The best advice of course is always caveat emptor.
.
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I just bought the T-Mobile variant (900T) which I'm hoping was the best choice. The international models that I could have bought on eBay (900F,H, I) were missing at least one AT&T LTE band.
I live in Australia and I'm seriously considering buying this phone. The version sold here is the H990DS, I've seen around that the dual sim version is worse for rooting for some reason??? Also I know that the T-Mobile variant in the US has root, and it's not looking too well for the other US variants, so do you guys think the H990 has any hope for root in the future? I'd consider buying the T-Mobile version simply because it already has root and the development for it looks like it's really picking up, however it's not really compatible with the bands here in Australia. Don't international versions usually have an unlocked bootloader etc? I'm just trying to read up and understand as much as I can before I make a decision for buying this phone or not, I'm really into rooting and custom roms and stuff, been having fun with my Samsung S4 for years and I really don't want to give that up. The other phone that i was considering was the S7 Edge, which is more clearcut as to if it has root or not.
Thanks in advance to anyone that can help me out, first time posting on xda
looking at v20 and am also in au
Did you have any luck with v20 ,as it seems to be best overall in specs usability otg band just seems to be issues of root for h990ds and I am a noob.
I see this BOGO offer direct on Samsung's website for Galaxy S8's. In the past, all Galaxy S phones were SM-G920T (T for T-Mobile) SM-G920V (V for Verizon, etc) and then Best Buy sold that piece of crap SIM unlocked SM-G920U that was bootloader LOCKED and couldn't do anything with it.
I'm trying to find out here if the Bootloader is locked on any variant of the Snapdragon 835 S8's, and which version I should get. T-Mobile has the same BOGO offer on the S8 in the form of a rebate as well, but I can't confirm anywhere the specific model number. I'm so jaded by the fact that T-Mobile left the bootloader locked on their S7 that I can't imagine them leaving it unlocked.
The G6 is also BOGO right now as well, but I don't know if that bootloader is unlocked like all my previous LG phones from T-Mo we're.
I'd really appreciate any kind of confirmed answers you might have!
Cheers!
joesee said:
I see this BOGO offer direct on Samsung's website for Galaxy S8's. In the past, all Galaxy S phones were SM-G920T (T for T-Mobile) SM-G920V (V for Verizon, etc) and then Best Buy sold that piece of crap SIM unlocked SM-G920U that was bootloader LOCKED and couldn't do anything with it.
I'm trying to find out here if the Bootloader is locked on any variant of the Snapdragon 835 S8's, and which version I should get. T-Mobile has the same BOGO offer on the S8 in the form of a rebate as well, but I can't confirm anywhere the specific model number. I'm so jaded by the fact that T-Mobile left the bootloader locked on their S7 that I can't imagine them leaving it unlocked.
The G6 is also BOGO right now as well, but I don't know if that bootloader is unlocked like all my previous LG phones from T-Mo we're.
I'd really appreciate any kind of confirmed answers you might have!
Cheers!
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All the carriers have "U" devices in the U.S. this year. The SIM you initialize the phone with is what carrier's features are added. A "U" from Samsung apparently doesn't take on the carrier whose SIM is used features and remains virgin. So "U" could be considered "universal" or "U.S." It's still a S-835 device which means "U" definitely doesn't mean unlocked bootloader.
I'm not an expert at all but I really doubt that ANY Samsung bootloader will ever be unlocked again. Pretty much after 2013 all bootloaders were locked [AFAIK] at least for the Galaxy series. I really like Samsung devices but my Galaxy Tab S (late 2014) isn't even going to get the Nougat upgrade - this actually pisses me off greatly.
When you see 'unlocked' concerning a phone/device it means CARRIER unlocked, not the bootloader. The 'unlocked' means that you can use it with any carrier that the device supports - so just about most of the carriers/providers in the entire world. Still not sure about this concerning CDMA (Verizon/Sprint) as some things may not work (different bands). Tried using GSM phones on CDMA a few years back and wasn't able to use 4G/LTE & also MMS.
Good luck.
EDIT:
Was typing this as BarryH_GEG replied to your question. Yes the letter following the model corresponds to the various carriers (Verizon, Cricket, Sprint, etc) and are also different for international versions.
EDIT2:
On another note I own a Galaxy S7 Edge (international) that has the Exynos processor that is unlocked. At the same time this is the only device I've never rooted because it works so well for me, no carrier bloatware. Also the only device I've ever purchased without a removable battery. Until the latest updates I was able to go 2 days without charging (not anymore unfortunately). The international S8/S8+ also use the Exynos processor so you might consider this option. However the cost will be high as it was for me when I purchased my GS7edge as you'll need to purchase it directly without any US discounts or such. I paid out just over $700 for my GS7edge directly, though at the same time my AT&T bill is much lower because of this.
I've researched the GS8+ international and it's looking to be around $800. Compared to trading in my GS7edge international for an unlocked US version I can get for $375 (with trade-in) if I do this within a month or so... I can probably get $400 for my GS7edge (since it's international) but how long will this take? If I only get $300 for it for a quick sale I'll still spend $500 for the new 8+ so is this worth it?
Only stating these issues so that you understand my thinking concerning an unlocked bootloader. These are [mostly, still SS stuff] bloatware free, have incredible power, etc, etc. I miss rooting my device but is it really worth it for the cost? I really want the international/Exynos S8+ but still not sure.
Let me know your thoughts, later.
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 $200 more than the deal I am looking at on amazon for a generic USA snapdragon unlocked S8)
can anyone share some info about this if you know anything?
You can flash the T-Mobile firmware if you want to the US unlocked S8 and get those features. It probably doesn't matter if you're on T-Mobile but the international version lacks CDMA and LTE bands 13 and 41, so you wouldn't be able to use it on Verizon or Sprint, while the US model can.
I recommend the Note 8.
Hardware wise snapdragon models are all the same. Buy the one you're looking at and flash T-Mobile fw on it.
hello guys, im planning to get this phone, used if i can find it for 200$ usd, max. thats my budget, im from venezuela and i came here to ask, which model should i get? which variant? what are the differences and all the variants have the same dev support? thanks for your answer, and if anybody knows where can i get this phone used in good conditions in the USA (i have a friend over there who can send this to me with relatives who are coming next month) thanks.
I can tell you to not buy the H918 TMobile one. It's locked down hard. It seems the unlocked version (US996) it's the one to get at least here in the US. You'll have to verify bands to make sure you can use it there.
My wife and I use the Verizon variant (VS995). We just upgraded from the V10 a couple of weeks ago and have been mostly pleased so far.
Pros:
-carrier unlocked from the start (works with GSM carriers)
-rootable with no anti-rollback mechanism if you want to update
Cons:
-FM radio doesn't work (at least not without some effort from the end user)
-lots of bloatware (can be removed if rooted)
-Bluetooth connectivity is crap (but ROMs are available which may address this)
Hope that helps!
rivethead23 said:
I can tell you to not buy the H918 TMobile one. It's locked down hard. It seems the unlocked version (US996) it's the one to get at least here in the US. You'll have to verify bands to make sure you can use it there.
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yeah im thinking to get the unlocked version, anywhere where i can get it used for a good price? maybe 200$ usd.
rhythm_dx said:
My wife and I use the Verizon variant (VS995). We just upgraded from the V10 a couple of weeks ago and have been mostly pleased so far.
Pros:
-carrier unlocked from the start (works with GSM carriers)
-rootable with no anti-rollback mechanism if you want to update
Cons:
-FM radio doesn't work (at least not without some effort from the end user)
-lots of bloatware (can be removed if rooted)
-Bluetooth connectivity is crap (but ROMs are available which may address this)
Hope that helps!
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Thanks for your reply, isnt the verizon version just cdma thing? we dont have cdma carriers anymore over here.
I made the mistake of buying the H918 without realizing the limits on it. On swappa the H918 is around $200. The unlocked is around $275 - $300 so it's more than you want to spend.
rivethead23 said:
I made the mistake of buying the H918 without realizing the limits on it. On swappa the H918 is around $200. The unlocked is around $275 - $300 so it's more than you want to spend.
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Which limitations? 275$ used?
ramerax said:
Thanks for your reply, isnt the verizon version just cdma thing? we dont have cdma carriers anymore over here.
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Verizon phones are carrier unlocked out of the box and will work on GSM networks, even though they default to CDMA. I've put an AT&T SIM (GSM) into a bone-stock V10 from Verizon and got calls without a problem.
rivethead23 said:
I can tell you to not buy the H918 TMobile one. It's locked down hard. It seems the unlocked version (US996) it's the one to get at least here in the US. You'll have to verify bands to make sure you can use it there.
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Would the H910 be similar to the US996? Where I am located I only can find H910 and H918 but I understand H918 is a bad option if I want to load roms or do anything more custom with it.