Flashing Tmobile firmware on Galaxy S10 Unlocked (SM-973U1) due to connection issues

[Android Central Question]

I recently bought unlocked Samsung Galaxy S10 (SM-G973U1) and getting connection issues (weak signal, no signal, slow upload speeds, signal strength around -114dBm everywhere). I live in Washington DC suburbs.

I downloaded latest Tmobile firmware from SamMobile (G973U1UES2BSI4_G973U1OYM2BSI4_TMB) and planning to flash it over my U1 firmware. Is this a common solution for those suffering with connection/signal issues on unlocked S10? Should I get original (initial) Tmobile firmware instead and let it update OTA? Will I be able to get back to U1 firmware if Samsung fixes this issue later on?

Your feedback is much appreciated.

 

[mustang7757]

Hi, welcome to Android Forums

I'd like to recommend creating a account so me or other members can assist you, as guest have limitations in replying here and if we need further Information to communicate with you.

I'll provide a link to register, please come back to your post so we can further assist you . Thank you

https://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=409154

 

[mustang7757]

Make sure you use( Odin 3.13.1 prince comsey) as this will let you go to carrier firmware and back to unlocked when you want

 

[Vadimich]

I did register as you recommended

 

[mustang7757]

Hi, welcome!
Cool avatar

So you know which Odin to use now ?

I did register as you recommended

 

[Vadimich]

I downloaded Odin 3.13.3 as instructed by SamMobile website (is that Odin version not stable vs 3.13.1)?

 

[Rukbat]

I doubt very much whether changing the firmware will change the poor signal you have. -114dBm says that TMobile has a poor signal where you are. (A poor signal results in multiple retries, which slows data down.) The phone has all 5 bands that TMobile is licensed for, so that's not a problem. I'd say it was just a bad choice of carrier for where you're located. (Sprint covers this whole city like a blanket - but not inside one house I used to be at - even though AT&T and Verizon covered that house solidly. Dead spots can occur anywhere.)

3.13.3 should be fine.

 

[mustang7757]

I downloaded Odin 3.13.3 as instructed by SamMobile website (is that Odin version not stable vs 3.13.1)?

No you need 3.13.1 prince comsey especially going to unlocked to carrier it avoids any issues or vice versa

 

[mustang7757]

I doubt very much whether changing the firmware will change the poor signal you have. -114dBm says that TMobile has a poor signal where you are. (A poor signal results in multiple retries, which slows data down.) The phone has all 5 bands that TMobile is licensed for, so that's not a problem. I'd say it was just a bad choice of carrier for where you're located. (Sprint covers this whole city like a blanket - but not inside one house I used to be at - even though AT&T and Verizon covered that house solidly. Dead spots can occur anywhere.)

3.13.3 should be fine.

Carrier version have carrier aggression

 

[Vadimich]

I understand your point, but coming from Tmobile version of Galaxy S7 and living in this area for more than 12 years, I know Tmobile coverage here is outstanding including the locations where I now use S10. My family are all using Tmobile without any issues. I had full signal before at home. The issue is described on internet as related to unlocked version of S10 (U1) and its affecting some phones (mostly Sprint and Tmobile/ATT to lesser expent). This issue here is clearly with the phone itself, not the carrier choice.

 

[Vadimich]

Where would I get unlocked firmware (U1) for S10 if I need to go back to it?

 

[Vadimich]

I have read everywhere that unlocked phones do support carrier aggregation for S10. How can I check it?

 

[mustang7757]

Where would I get unlocked firmware (U1) for S10 if I need to go back to it?

Same .. sammobile

 

[mustang7757]

I have read everywhere that unlocked phones do support carrier aggregation for S10. How can I check it?

They do support all 4 carrier
But don't have RCS , video chat , and that extra carrier aggregation

 

[mustang7757]

Accutualy my TMobile works great on my unlocked note 10 ,s9+,note 9
Att not as good

 

[Vadimich]

Same .. sammobile

what needs to be selected as Country? these are all options I see for SM-G973U1

 

[Vadimich]

Accutualy my TMobile works great on my unlocked note 10 ,s9+,note 9
Att not as good

this issue was described to affect S10, S10+ only (not sure about S10e)...

 

[mustang7757]

what needs to be selected as Country? these are all options I see for SM-G973U1View attachment 310536

Yeah tmb country code USA

 

[Vadimich]

Yeah tmb country code USA

Yes - TMB is the tmobile stock firmware. What firmware from this list is to go back to U1 unlocked version (which is what I have right now). I want to download both of them just in case I need it.

 

[mustang7757]

Yes - TMB is the tmobile stock firmware. What firmware from this list is to go back to U1 unlocked version (which is what I have right now). I want to download both of them just in case I need it.

Find the U1 and anyone of the tmb,vzw,att will work as they interchangeable on unlocked and same for carrier