Samsung Newb here: Oreo to Pie 950F help

[Hubird]

I would like some help updating a Note 8, SM-N950F. Before I attempt anything I want to better understand a few things.

1) I see people mentioning different boot loaders, version 5 etc... Do I care what version I have?

2) The device was purchased from Australia and has Vodafone AU software and it's currently being used in the Philippines

Can I change it to XSA to remove any Vodafone crap?

3) I see mention of multi CSC firmware, is this official Samsung firmware and what exactly is it.

At the moment neither Samsung Pay nor Google Pay will install on the device, perhaps because neither are supported in the Philippines, any thoughts on this?

This is what I am hoping to install

https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-note8/SM-N950F/XSA/download/N950FXXU5DSB2/260951/

 

[dineshdotcom2000]

After updating to PIE, Phone started to lag, swipe and navigation front and back does not respond in 1st few swipes. Batter train, Rear camera Seflfi option removed.

 

[iceepyon]

Boot your device into Recovery Mode and wipe the cache partition. That should resolve your software issues. With regards to installing the OS from your native country. Just check that the model number of the OS matches that of your Device. If they match then you should be fine.