How are updates handled on international phones?

[John Pastorelli]

I don't know if I should buy an international version of the Note 5. I am planning on using it on AT&T and lets say marshmallow is released for the Note 5, how or when would I get the update? From AT&T or from Samsung? And will it be quicker? Also, any reason to get a carrier branded Note 5 over the international version?

 

[Kelly Kearns]

One reason to get a carrier phone is if you want to use Samsung Pay.

International phones get their updates from Samsung or you can flash them when released, not the carrier.

 

[anon(9652351)]

I don't know if I should buy an international version of the Note 5. I am planning on using it on AT&T and lets say marshmallow is released for the Note 5, how or when would I get the update? From AT&T or from Samsung? And will it be quicker? Also, any reason to get a carrier branded Note 5 over the international version?

International N920i versions have no carrier bloatware or spyware like Carrier IQ which AT&T installs in every Android phone they sell. But like Kelly mentioned, if you want Samsung Pay your out of luck. Also there is no built in visual voicemail on the N920i dialer like there is on the AT&T version. The N920i runs just the same as the AT&T version, no slower-no quicker, same battery life. The N920i can be rooted if your into that, the AT&T version can not be rooted.