Carrier vs Unlocked Note 9 Questions?

[left4dead]

I keep reading online conflicting this regarding unlocked Samsung devices compare to that of carrier variant devices, in this case specifically T-Mobile.

I know that am unlocked Note 9 will work on T-Mobile's network but will ALL the bands be available as well, including the new band 71?

Also are there any differences in terms of the options/features on the device itself?

Will software/firmware updates arrive quicker in the unlocked model or on the carrier model usually?

Besides T-Mobile bloatware - is the unlocked the exact Note 9 as the one sold by TMo?

Is it recommended to buy the carrier version or the unlocked version?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Itsa_Me_Mario]

I know that am unlocked Note 9 will work on T-Mobile's network but will ALL the bands be available as well, including the new band 71?

We don't know this for sure yet, but history would indicate that it should be compatible.

Will software/firmware updates arrive quicker in the unlocked model or on the carrier model usually?

History leans towards the carrier models being updated more frequently.

 

[Anzorian]

I've had the Tmobile Note 8 and I use a unlocked Note 8 now on TMobile. There is no difference other than updates. I got Oreo last on the unlocked one. There is no bloatware installed on carrier Note 8. So I'n going with carrier Note 9 since unlocked was kinda slow on updates.

 

[Gary02468]

I know that am unlocked Note 9 will work on T-Mobile's network but will ALL the bands be available as well, including the new band 71?

Best Buy's specs for the unlocked Note9 do not mention band 71:
https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...%2F6278210.p%3FskuId%3D6278210&token=A8JYu6jh

I can't find comparable specs for the T-Mobile Note9 anywhere yet.

 

[Blues Fan]

I went ahead and ordered the unlocked version today. I use tmobile so I don't have to worry about wifi calling not working.

 

[anon(5719825)]

I went ahead and ordered the unlocked version today. I use tmobile so I don't have to worry about wifi calling not working.

I've been buying unlocked models for several years now. On T-Mobile, everything works including WiFi calling. The only drawback is that the unlocked models usually get updates later then the carrier models do but not always.

 

[JREwing]

Only the blue and purple are offered on the Samsung Store. No black or copper. What's with this?

 

[Mike1117]

Are there any other drawbacks if I purchase an unlocked phone & bring it over to Verizon? Do they hit me with a bigger fee to activate it or something? BestBuy promotions plus a 10% off coupon I have tempting me to get unlocked.

 

[Blues Fan]

Are there any other drawbacks if I purchase an unlocked phone & bring it over to Verizon? Do they hit me with a bigger fee to activate it or something? BestBuy promotions plus a 10% off coupon I have tempting me to get unlocked.

The main thing with Verizon is you will lose wifi calling. I know there are some apps you can download that finds hidden features. When I had the V20 unlocked wifi calling is hidden but with one of the apps you can find it.

If you had tmobile I'd say go for the unlocked.

 

[NIZMOZ44]

AT&T is one of the ones you have to worry about the unlocked ones. No Visual voicemail, no VOLTE, no WIFI calling, and supposedly, no numbersync.

 

[Blues Fan]

AT&T is one of the ones you have to worry about the unlocked ones. No Visual voicemail, no VOLTE, no WIFI calling, and supposedly, no numbersync.

You still won't get wifi calling with Verizon unlocked though. That seems to be the big hangup for most. If you get unlocked let us know if one of those app finders finds wifi calling on it.

 

[left4dead]

Just ordered an unlocked N9. So WiFi Calling on TMo is available right? Just making sure. Thanks

 

[solotristan88]

I went ahead and ordered the unlocked version today. I use tmobile so I don't have to worry about wifi calling not working.

Why would the wifi.calling not work? All TMobile Samsung's have had let u use wifi.

 

[bhatech]

Yep WiFi calling, VoLTE on unlocked model good to go on T-Mobile.

Just ordered an unlocked N9. So WiFi Calling on TMo is available right? Just making sure. Thanks

 

[left4dead]

Yep WiFi calling, VoLTE on unlocked model good to go on T-Mobile.

Thanks for the confirmation. Glad I went with the unlocked version. I assume it has less bloatware and eventually a higher resale value.

 

[EMGSM]

I went with the unlocked version. Yeah the updates are slow but Sammy is already slow with updates to begin with.

 

[chanchan05]

I can't remember where I read it, but I remember seeing that in the US, for the unlocked versions Samsung only promised quarterly security updates. Something to do with US update servers for some reason.
That's probably the biggest concern with going unlocked.

 

[anon(5719825)]

I went with the unlocked version. Yeah the updates are slow but Sammy is already slow with updates to begin with.

Many times, the unlocked models are first at getting updates. My unlocked S7 Edge is on the July 1 update and my T-Mobile Note 8 and unlocked S9+ are on the June 1 update. The S7 Edge got the July 1 update two days ago.

 

[sulla1965]

One would think the unlocked versions should get updates earlier since they don't have to go through the carriers.

 

[bhatech]

You got to compare the same model, typically for the same model the unlocked US model is generally behind carrier versions on updates. Compare S9 carrier models with US unlocked S9, and same with others. Can't compare S7 unlocked with S9 carrier etc.

Don't get it me wrong, I still got and always have got the US unlocked models over the carrier versions but in both instances S9/Note 8 the US unlocked models are always behind and last to get the security and major updates. Initially I was mad but later realized it is what is and just go along with it. I do have a Pixel which satisfies my update thirst but on Samsung phones I never buy them thinking about updates. I have made my peace with it

Many times, the unlocked models are first at getting updates. My unlocked S7 Edge is on the July 1 update and my T-Mobile Note 8 and unlocked S9+ are on the June 1 update. The S7 Edge got the July 1 update two days ago.