Hi
1. I am looking at purchasing two Samsung Galaxy S9+ Plus (256 GB) G965FD Dual Sim (SIM-Free / Unlocked) phones from a UK company in Leeds UK called Empire Hut. They are imports and are sourced from the UAE and are brand new sealed boxed. The company (Empire Hut) give a two year warranty but if there is a problem it is handled by them who send to/from Samsung. I have no problem with that.
I will be putting them on the a BT SIM only (4GB) contract because I am already with them and can get a good family deal at £10 monthly for the 1st SIM and £8 for second SIM.
Some questions if I may!
a). I live in a very poor signal area and will be using Wifi calling always in the house. Both phones we have at present are Samsung S7's and work successful in this mode in my house. Also looking at the BT site they list many phones that do support wifi calling and list the S9+
I asked Empire Hut if they knew if these imports (G965FD Dual Sim)(different supporting configuration) would work using Wifi calling, because it is important to my wife and myself that they do. The operative did not know the answer and would not commit herself in chat. I also asked the new guy in the new Samsung shop just opened in Reading Berkshire and he is fairly sure it does. Does anyone on this forum know for certain because they already do it?, Perhaps I am being overcautious with this question? Belt and braces so to speak.
b). Browsing the internet (as one does), I did read somewhere that the ROM versions are different (region specific) and certain payment systems (samsung pay) will not work. This is not important to me and is not a show stopper.
c). Also searching I saw mentioned (sorry no link) that I may not be able to update this android system (regional differences) with the latest patches. Has anyone any information on whether this is true or false?
I would be most grateful if anyone can advise on these 3 questions and also if anyone has knowledge of any other potential pitfalls (if any) operating this UAE version of the S9+ in the UK. Extensive searching reveals nothing.
I look forward gratefully to any replies.
Kind regards and Thank you.
Peter
Broadmarsh said:
Hi
1. I am looking at purchasing two Samsung Galaxy S9+ Plus (256 GB) G965FD Dual Sim (SIM-Free / Unlocked) phones from a UK company in Leeds UK called Empire Hut. They are imports and are sourced from the UAE and are brand new sealed boxed. The company (Empire Hut) give a two year warranty but if there is a problem it is handled by them who send to/from Samsung. I have no problem with that.
I will be putting them on the a BT SIM only (4GB) contract because I am already with them and can get a good family deal at £10 monthly for the 1st SIM and £8 for second SIM.
Some questions if I may!
a). I live in a very poor signal area and will be using Wifi calling always in the house. Both phones we have at present are Samsung S7's and work successful in this mode in my house. Also looking at the BT site they list many phones that do support wifi calling and list the S9+
I asked Empire Hut if they knew if these imports (G965FD Dual Sim)(different supporting configuration) would work using Wifi calling, because it is important to my wife and myself that they do. The operative did not know the answer and would not commit herself in chat. I also asked the new guy in the new Samsung shop just opened in Reading Berkshire and he is fairly sure it does. Does anyone on this forum know for certain because they already do it?, Perhaps I am being overcautious with this question? Belt and braces so to speak.
b). Browsing the internet (as one does), I did read somewhere that the ROM versions are different (region specific) and certain payment systems (samsung pay) will not work. This is not important to me and is not a show stopper.
c). Also searching I saw mentioned (sorry no link) that I may not be able to update this android system (regional differences) with the latest patches. Has anyone any information on whether this is true or false?
I would be most grateful if anyone can advise on these 3 questions and also if anyone has knowledge of any other potential pitfalls (if any) operating this UAE version of the S9+ in the UK. Extensive searching reveals nothing.
I look forward gratefully to any replies.
Kind regards and Thank you.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the S9+ 256GB Dual SIM in Dubai. Thing is that you'll have to flash any Official ROM from your region that supports VoLTE/WiFi calling, because the ROM from UAE (XSG) has VoLTE and WiFi calling disabled by software.
I've tried everything and only flashing Indian (INS) ROM solved it (I live in Argentina and here Samsung sells Snapdragon version, instead of Exynos one).
My case flashing INS Official ROM didn't trip Knox, and flashing official ROMs without any customization shouldn't trip it. But have in mind it can happen (read a couple of people had that). So do it at your own risk and only flash it with ODIN.
I think you'll have to flash BTU ROM in order to have your region stuff (VoLTE, WiFi calling, Samsung Pay)
Oh, about updates don't worry, unless you root your phone ot flash any custom ROM, you'll continue getting updates for your phone via OTA.
Sent from S.G. S9+ Duos
Broadmarsh said:
Hi
1. I am looking at purchasing two Samsung Galaxy S9+ Plus (256 GB) G965FD Dual Sim (SIM-Free / Unlocked) phones from a UK company in Leeds UK called Empire Hut. They are imports and are sourced from the UAE and are brand new sealed boxed. The company (Empire Hut) give a two year warranty but if there is a problem it is handled by them who send to/from Samsung. I have no problem with that.
I will be putting them on the a BT SIM only (4GB) contract because I am already with them and can get a good family deal at £10 monthly for the 1st SIM and £8 for second SIM.
Some questions if I may!
a). I live in a very poor signal area and will be using Wifi calling always in the house. Both phones we have at present are Samsung S7's and work successful in this mode in my house. Also looking at the BT site they list many phones that do support wifi calling and list the S9+
I asked Empire Hut if they knew if these imports (G965FD Dual Sim)(different supporting configuration) would work using Wifi calling, because it is important to my wife and myself that they do. The operative did not know the answer and would not commit herself in chat. I also asked the new guy in the new Samsung shop just opened in Reading Berkshire and he is fairly sure it does. Does anyone on this forum know for certain because they already do it?, Perhaps I am being overcautious with this question? Belt and braces so to speak.
b). Browsing the internet (as one does), I did read somewhere that the ROM versions are different (region specific) and certain payment systems (samsung pay) will not work. This is not important to me and is not a show stopper.
c). Also searching I saw mentioned (sorry no link) that I may not be able to update this android system (regional differences) with the latest patches. Has anyone any information on whether this is true or false?
I would be most grateful if anyone can advise on these 3 questions and also if anyone has knowledge of any other potential pitfalls (if any) operating this UAE version of the S9+ in the UK. Extensive searching reveals nothing.
I look forward gratefully to any replies.
Kind regards and Thank you.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Peter,
You're in luck since the UAE S9+ is NOT region locked, which means as soon as you insert a British SIM card, the device will prompt you to reset it, which will change the devices CSC (Carrier Specific Customization) to UK Unlocked, once the phone restarts and you set it up, it will function as if it was an S9+ bought directly from Samsung UK.
Question 1) The S9+ sure does support both VoLTE and WiFi calling, as long as you activate the phone with a British SIM card, and then do a factory reset right after, you'll get WiFi calling.
Question 2 and 3) Yes, they are technically different. Since the UK and UAE have a slightly different update schedule, you will have to manually flash your device to the latest UK firmware to continue getting software updates as they are released for the UK.
After converting your devices CSC to UK as I mentioned in the answer to your first question, you'll have to flash this UK firmware:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=11410963190603871251
The tutorial for which can be found in my thread here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ficial-stock-firmware-thread-samsung-t3764479
Let me know if you didn't understand any part of my post, and I'd be happy to clarify anything.
MeltdownSpectre said:
Hi Peter,
You're in luck since the UAE S9+ is NOT region locked, which means as soon as you insert a British SIM card, the device will prompt you to reset it, which will change the devices CSC (Carrier Specific Customization) to UK Unlocked, once the phone restarts and you set it up, it will function as if it was an S9+ bought directly from Samsung UK.
Question 1) The S9+ sure does support both VoLTE and WiFi calling, as long as you activate the phone with a British SIM card, and then do a factory reset right after, you'll get WiFi calling.
Question 2 and 3) Yes, they are technically different. Since the UK and UAE have a slightly different update schedule, you will have to manually flash your device to the latest UK firmware to continue getting software updates as they are released for the UK.
After converting your devices CSC to UK as I mentioned in the answer to your first question, you'll have to flash this UK firmware:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=11410963190603871251
The tutorial for which can be found in my thread here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ficial-stock-firmware-thread-samsung-t3764479
Let me know if you didn't understand any part of my post, and I'd be happy to clarify anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply. You have covered all my questions that has made me review my thinking.
I was not specifically wanting a dual SIM card option phone, it was just that the larger storage of 256gb for the S9 Plus from UAE came with that option and was a reasonable price.
Going through all the hoops is not appropriate for myself and my wife when a single SIM phone will do nicely and fits our needs, so I have decided not to go forward with getting one from UAE, but get a 64gb European version one (G965FZKADBT) that is sold by Debenhams UK and fit it with a Samsung Mobile UK 128 GB 100 MB/s Class 10 U3 Memory Evo Plus MicroSD card, or even a 256gb card.
Taking this route is only £20 more per phone. Hardly worth worrying about, given that I get the full support from Samsung UK where it is sourced from. Samsung do not make a 64gb version for the UK market, only a 128gb version. They know that anyone in the whole of the EU can source that smaller 64gb size (with the german code ADBT) from the EU and fit with the appropriate size memory card. I spoke to debenhams who spoke to Samsung to confirm.
As a matter of interest the prices for the S9+ are as follows:
From UAE are £569 (128gb) and £599 (256gb). (no Samsung support) (I can sell my phone on ebay for £140)
From Samsung with UK firmware £769 (128gb) Can get £150 cash back for S7 phone = £619). (with UK support).
From Debenhams UK with EU software (identical software as UK) it is £599 (64gb). I can fit this with a 128gb card at £20 (totals £619) or £41 for a 256gb card (total £640). Also I can get £140 for my S7s.
Do you have any comments on this? How about micro SD cards for 4k recording or 1080p?
Thanks again.
Peter
Broadmarsh said:
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply. You have covered all my questions that has made me review my thinking.
I was not specifically wanting a dual SIM card option phone, it was just that the larger storage of 256gb for the S9 Plus from UAE came with that option and was a reasonable price.
Going through all the hoops is not appropriate for myself and my wife when a single SIM phone will do nicely and fits our needs, so I have decided not to go forward with getting one from UAE, but get a 64gb European version one (G965FZKADBT) that is sold by Debenhams UK and fit it with a Samsung Mobile UK 128 GB 100 MB/s Class 10 U3 Memory Evo Plus MicroSD card, or even a 256gb card.
Taking this route is only £20 more per phone. Hardly worth worrying about, given that I get the full support from Samsung UK where it is sourced from. Samsung do not make a 64gb version for the UK market, only a 128gb version. They know that anyone in the whole of the EU can source that smaller 64gb size (with the german code ADBT) from the EU and fit with the appropriate size memory card. I spoke to debenhams who spoke to Samsung to confirm.
As a matter of interest the prices for the S9+ are as follows:
From UAE are £569 (128gb) and £599 (256gb). (no Samsung support) (I can sell my phone on ebay for £140)
From Samsung with UK firmware £769 (128gb) Can get £150 cash back for S7 phone = £619). (with UK support).
From Debenhams UK with EU software (identical software as UK) it is £599 (64gb). I can fit this with a 128gb card at £20 (totals £619) or £41 for a 256gb card (total £640). Also I can get £140 for my S7s.
Do you have any comments on this? How about micro SD cards for 4k recording or 1080p?
Thanks again.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go with whatever route is cheapest for you, since all the phones are the same.
I went with the 64 GB S9+ and I've got a 64 GB SDCard in it. Plenty of storage for me and I'm not even close to occupying all of it.
I'm not sure if Samsung allows 4K recording to SDCards, however 1080p should be fine. You can record 4K to internal storage and then shift to SDCard after you're done.
Sent from my SM-G965F
MeltdownSpectre said:
Go with whatever route is cheapest for you, since all the phones are the same.
I went with the 64 GB S9+ and I've got a 64 GB SDCard in it. Plenty of storage for me and I'm not even close to occupying all of it.
I'm not sure if Samsung allows 4K recording to SDCards, however 1080p should be fine. You can record 4K to internal storage and then shift to SDCard after you're done.
Sent from my SM-G965F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
1. When you say this, are you saying the path/route is fixed by internal coding or is it down to the detection of the type of memory or the flash memory speed?
2. Once shifted to a microsd card, presumably it play it from there?
3. I have experience of a microSD UHS memory card, because I purchased a larger one( to V30 standard) from DELKIN to use on my Dashcam because I saw errors with a lower standard card.
4. On the subject of memory types, do you have any recommendations for memory types/standards? I would be after the fastest. I do understand the differences and classes?
Kind regards and thanks again.
Peter
Broadmarsh said:
Thanks!
1. When you say this, are you saying the path/route is fixed by internal coding or is it down to the detection of the type of memory or the flash memory speed?
2. Once shifted to a microsd card, presumably it play it from there?
3. I have experience of a microSD UHS memory card, because I purchased a larger one( to V30 standard) from DELKIN to use on my Dashcam because I saw errors with a lower standard card.
4. On the subject of memory types and so forth, presumably there is an online .pdf for the S9+ that I can download? If so could you point me in that direction.
Kind regards and thanks again.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I believe fixed by internal coding. Don't think the phone can detect the type of SDCard inserted, although I could be wrong.
2) Yes.
4) Not that I know of. Most newer class 10 and UHS-1 cards should work fine. To rule out any compatibility issues, grab yourself a Samsung EVO SDcard and use that.
Sent from my SM-N960F
MeltdownSpectre said:
1)
4) Not that I know of. Most newer class 10 and UHS-1 cards should work fine. To rule out any compatibility issues, grab yourself a Samsung EVO SDcard and use that.
Sent from my SM-N960F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I have been looking at that!
Thanks.
Broadmarsh said:
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply. You have covered all my questions that has made me review my thinking.
I was not specifically wanting a dual SIM card option phone, it was just that the larger storage of 256gb for the S9 Plus from UAE came with that option and was a reasonable price.
Going through all the hoops is not appropriate for myself and my wife when a single SIM phone will do nicely and fits our needs, so I have decided not to go forward with getting one from UAE, but get a 64gb European version one (G965FZKADBT) that is sold by Debenhams UK and fit it with a Samsung Mobile UK 128 GB 100 MB/s Class 10 U3 Memory Evo Plus MicroSD card, or even a 256gb card.
Taking this route is only £20 more per phone. Hardly worth worrying about, given that I get the full support from Samsung UK where it is sourced from. Samsung do not make a 64gb version for the UK market, only a 128gb version. They know that anyone in the whole of the EU can source that smaller 64gb size (with the german code ADBT) from the EU and fit with the appropriate size memory card. I spoke to debenhams who spoke to Samsung to confirm.
As a matter of interest the prices for the S9+ are as follows:
From UAE are £569 (128gb) and £599 (256gb). (no Samsung support) (I can sell my phone on ebay for £140)
From Samsung with UK firmware £769 (128gb) Can get £150 cash back for S7 phone = £619). (with UK support).
From Debenhams UK with EU software (identical software as UK) it is £599 (64gb). I can fit this with a 128gb card at £20 (totals £619) or £41 for a 256gb card (total £640). Also I can get £140 for my S7s.
Do you have any comments on this? How about micro SD cards for 4k recording or 1080p?
Thanks again.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are buying it too expensive. Look around, s9 should not be more than 500 gbp and s9+ 579.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
omeryounos said:
You are buying it too expensive. Look around, s9 should not be more than 500 gbp and s9+ 579.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really. I am not interested in the S9 and I have misquoted for th S9+. It should read, £589 from 3 separate vendors. I consider within £10 is OK when I can pick up the phone and ask relevant question. Anyway at no time was I was asking forum members where I could get it cheaper.
Thank you very much for your interest in my financial circumstances.
Have a nice day.
sentinelvdx said:
I bought the S9+ 256GB Dual SIM in Dubai. Thing is that you'll have to flash any Official ROM from your region that supports VoLTE/WiFi calling, because the ROM from UAE (XSG) has VoLTE and WiFi calling disabled by software.
I've tried everything and only flashing Indian (INS) ROM solved it (I live in Argentina and here Samsung sells Snapdragon version, instead of Exynos one).
My case flashing INS Official ROM didn't trip Knox, and flashing official ROMs without any customization shouldn't trip it. But have in mind it can happen (read a couple of people had that). So do it at your own risk and only flash it with ODIN.
I think you'll have to flash BTU ROM in order to have your region stuff (VoLTE, WiFi calling, Samsung Pay)
Oh, about updates don't worry, unless you root your phone ot flash any custom ROM, you'll continue getting updates for your phone via OTA.
Sent from S.G. S9+ Duos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean to say that the Indian ROM fixes VoLTE with an Argentine SIM card? Very interesting!
duraaraa said:
Do you mean to say that the Indian ROM fixes VoLTE with an Argentine SIM card? Very interesting!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but ensure mobile carrier enables it for your number. It not ensbled by default
Sent from S.G. S9+ Duos
duraaraa said:
Do you mean to say that the Indian ROM fixes VoLTE with an Argentine SIM card? Very interesting!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive me, what has this got to do with my original question? Gone off topic I would say.
Hey, so I bought from Amazon.ca on the official Samsung page a Samsung Galaxy S9 plus SM-G965F. I just learn that Samsung pay is country bases and that I cannot install the Canadians version of Samsung pay on my phone since it's a international version. The problem is that I'm unable to add my debit card but I can add my credit card. I really want to use Samsung pay for all my transaction but I have this region lock problem. Is there a way for me to flash the Canadians version of the s9 plus without tripping KNOX.
Thanks you
Have you tried Google Pay?
crutzulee said:
Have you tried Google Pay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same thing can't add depit card.
I lived in the US, bought a Samsung Galaxy S9+ (G965F, the international version) from online, and am very happy with it.
Everything works great except for just 1 app, Samsung Pay. The phone has a United Arab Emirate CSC, so I'm stuck with the UAE version of Samsung Pay. The UAE Samsung Pay doesn't accept American Express credit card, which I mainly use a lot.
Because the UAE Samsung Pay doesn't accept American Express, I'm trying to figure a way to get a US or EU version of Samsung Pay to work on Samsung Galaxy S9+ phone with a UAE CSC.
I already flashed the phone with an Australia S9+ stock rom along with the CSC, but I'm still stuck with the UAE Samsung Pay.
Did you ever find a solution here?