Perhaps a foolish question...

[portejw]

I know I can order an Unlocked S9 from Samsung and use whatever carrier I want (most likely stick with Verizon, but without all the bloat, and capable of Rooting), but will it ship with the Exynos or Snapdraggon?

 

[Bryant Laney]

I'm assuming in the states it will be the snapdragon model.

 

[Jaycemiskel]

It will be the snapdragon model.

 

[portejw]

Thanks for the feedback.

After a ton of research, I'm still getting some conflicted information though - does Unlocked simply refer to the Network, or also the bootloader? My main reason for wanting an Unlocked one was to eventually Root like I used to with my S2/3/4. But my company has massive corporate deals with the Carriers and I can pick up a 9 for $300 or a 9+ for 430 through Verizon.

 

[Fred98TJ]

Unlocked refers to the network only.

 

[portejw]

OK. So that means the US Unlocked variant won't be Rootable?

I've always gone through Carrier for phones in the past - this would be my first Unlocked direct from Samsung. Historically if the Network-unlocked models have been Rootable, then I'm going to trade in my S7 and buy from Samsung. If not, I'm just going to buy a 9+ outright from Verizon since it's stupid cheap with my company's discount and keep my S7 as a backup.

So basically...

If Unlocked via Samsung will be Rootable, then I buy direct from them and spend $420 for the S9 and lose my S7 via the trade-in.

If Unlocked via Samsung will not be Rootable, then I spend $430 for the S9+ and keep my S7 as a backup.

The latter seems like a no-brainer, but I very much miss my Root (the S7 is the first Galaxy of mine that hasn't been Rooted) so I'd be OK with the first option. If Root is not in the cards, seems like not going with option 2 would be just downright stupid.

 

[gazuga6176]

the boot loader will be locked on both versions with Knox beyond that as well. your chances at rooting are the same with both versions.

 

[gazuga6176]

keep your s7 and root that. there are methods if you search for them. it's a tough root though.

 

[portejw]

Yeah, I tried the S7 rooting options a while ago and they were met with frustration. I'll try again at some point. For now though, opting for the Verizon S9+.

Thanks for the help!