International vs US factory unlocked carrier compatibility?

[BBRecon]

If I get a factory unlocked US version, I can be sure it will have support for all major bands (and new network features) in major US carriers.

But if I get a factory unlocked International version (because I want dual sim), I know it will work on US carriers, but will it be missing support for some special bands that US carriers use? Will it have full compatibility with US carriers?

I also heard that international version didn't have CDMA support. Is that true?

P.S. Both factory unlocked editions should be bootloader unlocked, yes? I don't see why they wouldn't be.

P.P.S. Would it be possible to flash carrier specific firmware to a factory unlocked phone, that way you can keep your unlocked bootloader and also get carrier specific features (if it has one that is)?

 

[mdiaz33685]

If I get a factory unlocked US version, I can be sure it will have support for all major bands (and new network features) in major US carriers.

But if I get a factory unlocked International version (because I want dual sim), I know it will work on US carriers, but will it be missing support for some special bands that US carriers use? Will it have full compatibility with US carriers?

I also heard that international version didn't have CDMA support. Is that true?

P.S. Both factory unlocked editions should be bootloader unlocked, yes? I don't see why they wouldn't be.

P.P.S. Would it be possible to flash carrier specific firmware to a factory unlocked phone, that way you can keep your unlocked bootloader and also get carrier specific features (if it has one that is)?

all the US models bootloaders are Locked... this is the question I'm looking for at this moment... I want to make sure that volte, wifi calling and US bands are all working, I have T-Mobile and refuse to buy a locked bootloader...

I'm looking for the g955f or fd... I see it for 719 + 10 for shipping... T-Mobile can kiss my a$$ for that buy 1 get 1... I have 6 lines and I am supposed to open a new line for each phone... I moved people from metropcs and sprint to tmobile and they treat the loyal customers like poooooop..... really bad business practices.. so I will never buy another phone from T-Mobile directly.

 

[kavianr]

all the US models bootloaders are Locked... this is the question I'm looking for at this moment... I want to make sure that volte, wifi calling and US bands are all working, I have T-Mobile and refuse to buy a locked bootloader...

I'm looking for the g955f or fd... I see it for 719 + 10 for shipping... T-Mobile can kiss my a$$ for that buy 1 get 1... I have 6 lines and I am supposed to open a new line for each phone... I moved people from metropcs and sprint to tmobile and they treat the loyal customers like poooooop..... really bad business practices.. so I will never buy another phone from T-Mobile directly.

i have tmobile and i got the FD version of the phone, without root and flashing tmobile CSC VOLTE and WIFIcalling will not work on the stock firmware.
keep in mind flashing and rooting will trip knox and you cannot use samsung pay and secure folder. and warranty is voided.

secondly, tmobile is not having bad business models. it doesn't matter how loyal you are, they are a business. everyone requires one new line for a BOGO, ATT wants one new line and you have to have directTV.

 

[Greenmule]

does anyone know for sure if the US unlocked version (SM-G955UZKAXAA) supports LTE band 29 for AT&T? according to this, it does not: http://www.droid-life.com/2017/03/08/unlocked-galaxy-s8-plus-s8-fcc-smg950-smg955/

ajsmsg78 answered this and it appears not.

 

[BBRecon]

From what I've read, T-Mobile has worked specifically with Samsung to make a phone that supports all their network features properly. Furthermore, you need their firmware to support their features (they may make updates and such in the future). Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to buy their model branded phone.

So as far as band support and such, I'm not sure how much band support there is in the factory unlocked editions. Likely the phone will work fine with the carriers, but don't expect certain special network features to be supported, or 100% compatibility (I don't know if flashing their firmware to your phone can fix this part)

 

[spaniolo]

From what I've read, T-Mobile has worked specifically with Samsung to make a phone that supports all their network features properly. Furthermore, you need their firmware to support their features (they may make updates and such in the future). Unfortunately, the only way to do this is to buy their model branded phone.

So as far as band support and such, I'm not sure how much band support there is in the factory unlocked editions. Likely the phone will work fine with the carriers, but don't expect certain special network features to be supported, or 100% compatibility (I don't know if flashing their firmware to your phone can fix this part)

Hey I have the Galaxy S7 Edge Olimpic edition which is basically the US unlocked version. When I first inserted the Tmobile SIM card it automatically pulled the firmware from T-mobile, and surprise surprise special features that before were imposible on an unlocked phone like wi-fi calling work!!

 

[BBRecon]

Hey I have the Galaxy S7 Edge Olimpic edition which is basically the US unlocked version. When I first inserted the Tmobile SIM card it automatically pulled the firmware from T-mobile, and surprise surprise special features that before were imposible on an unlocked phone like wi-fi calling work!!

Really!! That's amazing!! Wonder if that'll work with the US unlocked version of S8 as well (sadly not bootloader unlocked though)

 

[spaniolo]

Really!! That's amazing!! Wonder if that'll work with the US unlocked version of S8 as well (sadly not bootloader unlocked though)

My understanding is that the US unlocked does support all US carriers features, while the International unlocked does not. And the bonus it is still no carrier's bloatware.