Unlocked vs. TMobile for pre-order

[DesperateScorpion]

In a dilemma and hoping to get the answer from like minded and knowledgeable folks.

So I am trading in my S10+ for the Note 10+. Samsung is offering $600 off when trading the S10+ for an unlocked Note 10+ or $450 for a T-Mobile locked Note 10+. This is on top off the $200 they are giving for accessories. Obviously the $600 discount is pretty attractive.

Since I've never purchased an unlocked phone and used it on T-Mobile, what I would like to know from you guys is if there is a difference between Samsung unlocked vs. T-Mobile locked phones. I'm asking because I know Samsung has unified the hardware and software on all of the flagship devices for a couple of years now on all carriers. so truly what will I be really missing if I bought an unlocked Note 10 and use a T-Mobile SIM card on it?
Appreciate the help everyone.

 

[djbutter]

I have the unlocked note9 on T-Mobile. I haven't noticed anything missing. The only downside is that the unlocked variants get software updates last.

 

[blaksmyth]

In a dilemma and hoping to get the answer from like minded and knowledgeable folks.

So I am trading in my S10+ for the Note 10+. Samsung is offering $600 off when trading the S10+ for an unlocked Note 10+ or $450 for a T-Mobile locked Note 10+. This is on top off the $200 they are giving for accessories. Obviously the $600 discount is pretty attractive.

Since I've never purchased an unlocked phone and used it on T-Mobile, what I would like to know from you guys is if there is a difference between Samsung unlocked vs. T-Mobile locked phones. I'm asking because I know Samsung has unified the hardware and software on all of the flagship devices for a couple of years now on all carriers. so truly what will I be really missing if I bought an unlocked Note 10 and use a T-Mobile SIM card on it?
Appreciate the help everyone.

The only difference is the update speeds, unlocked is usually last. I have an unlocked Samsung on T-mobile with no problems at all. All the T-mobile apps are on the play store so you can just download the ones you want. Don't sweat it, get that bigger discount.

 

[Ace42]

TMO:
- Carrier apps
- Video Calling
- RCS

UNL:
- Hiya
- All Bands from U version + VoLTE + Vowifi on TMO
- Facebook suite
- Regular boot screen
- Last for updates (usually)
- No SIM lock

I used a U1 N8 and S10+ on T-Mobile in the past. Nothing of note is lost when unlocked models are used on T-Mobile. On others carrier you may lose VoLTE or Vowifi.

 

[kangi26]

Edit
I must've been drinking the night I posted this.

 

[datnikajay]

So when you order the unlocked version from the us do you still get the snapdragon version or exynos?

 

[antawnm26]

The only difference is the update speeds, unlocked is usually last. I have an unlocked Samsung on T-mobile with no problems at all. All the T-mobile apps are on the play store so you can just download the ones you want. Don't sweat it, get that bigger discount.

So you get RCS and video calling?Different people say different things when it comes to unlocked phones on Tmobile as to what they get to work vs Tmobile variant

 

[jackdforme]

So when you order the unlocked version from the us do you still get the snapdragon version or exynos?

The us sold unlocked versions are snap dragons and you can flash any firmware you please from a carrier if you're so inclined.

 

[datnikajay]

The us sold unlocked versions are snap dragons and you can flash any firmware you please from a carrier if you're so inclined.

Thanks Jack I guess I'll have to wait want to order the note 10+ but I need the exynos version ?

 

[antawnm26]

So what is the definitive answer as to what works and doesn't work with the unlocked version?

 

[Cosmo100292]

So what is the definitive answer as to what works and doesn't work with the unlocked version?

Pretty much nothing to worry about nowadays. In the past you'd have to make sure you got the correct Bands for whichever carrier you were using but now theyre all the same. Just know that with an Unlocked version youll get slower updates but there are ways around that as well.

 

[antawnm26]

The only difference is the update speeds, unlocked is usually last. I have an unlocked Samsung on T-mobile with no problems at all. All the T-mobile apps are on the play store so you can just download the ones you want. Don't sweat it, get that bigger discount.

Pretty much nothing to worry about nowadays. In the past you'd have to make sure you got the correct Bands for whichever carrier you were using but now theyre all the same. Just know that with an Unlocked version youll get slower updates but there are ways around that as well.

So your saying that wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling/visual voice mail works with unlocked version?

---------- Post added at 04:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------

I have the unlocked note9 on T-Mobile. I haven't noticed anything missing. The only downside is that the unlocked variants get software updates last.

So your wifi calling video calling RCS and visual voice mail is working?

 

[blaksmyth]

So your saying that wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling/visual voice mail works with unlocked version?

Wifi calling works fine, video calling works fine, i use Google duo and messenger, visual voicemail works. Rcs is the only thing that I am unsure of.

 

[Cosmo100292]

So your saying that wifi calling/RCS/Video Calling/visual voice mail works with unlocked version?

---------- Post added at 04:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:30 PM ----------



So your wifi calling video calling RCS and visual voice mail is working?

Google is taking over RCS shortly so you should be set!

 

[Charkatak]

In a dilemma and hoping to get the answer from like minded and knowledgeable folks.

So I am trading in my S10+ for the Note 10+. Samsung is offering $600 off when trading the S10+ for an unlocked Note 10+ or $450 for a T-Mobile locked Note 10+. This is on top off the $200 they are giving for accessories. Obviously the $600 discount is pretty attractive.

Since I've never purchased an unlocked phone and used it on T-Mobile, what I would like to know from you guys is if there is a difference between Samsung unlocked vs. T-Mobile locked phones. I'm asking because I know Samsung has unified the hardware and software on all of the flagship devices for a couple of years now on all carriers. so truly what will I be really missing if I bought an unlocked Note 10 and use a T-Mobile SIM card on it?
Appreciate the help everyone.

Initially I wanted to order T-Mobile variant of Note10(thought I won't have to flash the firmware), but I saw that the trade in offer is lower than for unlocked model. So I pre-ordered an Unlocked Note10 because of $600 for my S10e. I guess flashing firmware is unavoidable, same as was with S10e and others before it.
Regular person won't see any issues using unlocked model on T-Mobile. If you need T-Mobile's feature, then flashing T-Mobile firmware will give you: Video Calling, Advanced Messaging, will show 4G LTE(instead of just LTE/LTE+), T-Mobile boot logo and some T-Mo apps. You can always go back to XAA firmware

 

[antawnm26]

I have the unlocked note9 on T-Mobile. I haven't noticed anything missing. The only downside is that the unlocked variants get software updates last.

Initially I wanted to order T-Mobile variant of Note10(thought I won't have to flash the firmware), but I saw that the trade in offer is lower than for unlocked model. So I pre-ordered an Unlocked Note10 because of $600 for my S10e. I guess flashing firmware is unavoidable, same as was with S10e and others before it.
Regular person won't see any issues using unlocked model on T-Mobile. If you need T-Mobile's feature, then flashing T-Mobile firmware will give you: Video Calling, Advanced Messaging, will show 4G LTE(instead of just LTE/LTE+), T-Mobile boot logo and some T-Mo apps. You can always go back to XAA firmware

something i was thinking the $600 for the unlocked version.. Im still uncertain though because different people say different things as to what they can get to work with Tmobile with the unlocked version, but I think i will get the unlocked one hopefully Google get their stuff together with RCS and just take control...

 

[Ace42]

something i was thinking the $600 for the unlocked version.. Im still uncertain though because different people say different things as to what they can get to work with Tmobile with the unlocked version, but I think i will get the unlocked one hopefully Google get stuff together with RCS and just take control...

I listed what functions on unlocked variants. Nothing changed with the N10 in terms of TMobile compatibility. Like the S10s and most unlocked phones, carrier features aren't present.

Firmware conversion can bring them back as others mentioned.

 

[antawnm26]

I listed what functions on unlocked variants. Nothing changed with the N10 in terms of TMobile compatibility. Like the S10s and most unlocked phones, carrier features aren't present.

Firmware conversion can bring them back as others mentioned.

must of missed it i will go back and check thread

 

[Ace42]

must of missed it i will go back and check thread

I tried the phone, TMobile is fine on the unlocked model.

 

[Charkatak]

something i was thinking the $600 for the unlocked version.. Im still uncertain though because different people say different things as to what they can get to work with Tmobile with the unlocked version, but I think i will get the unlocked one hopefully Google get their stuff together with RCS and just take control...

What I have wrote in my previous message is 100% correct and I have noticed that some other people wrote similar stuff. Basically even if you won't flash your unlocked Note 10 phone, you won't have any issues or any incompatibility using the phone on T-Mobile. I am with T-Mobile since 2003 and have seen more than enough phones to know for sure. If not buying T-Mobile branded phone would pose any issues or problems, believe me I would certainly get T-Mobile version

I most likely will flash Note 10 if I would have the urge to have some of aforementioned T-Mo features(I do usually flash though)