Questions on purchasing S9 (Samsung vs ATT)

[anon(10418614)]

Hey community, has anyone purchased the S9 through samsungs website? If so have you had any issues when using it with ATT if the S9 is unlocked? Im not sure if i should go with samsung online or just go with ATT. Id prefer to buy unlocked so its not loaded with ATT bloatware. ATT is way more expensive if i purchased a full price but im sure it still has bloatware on it. Any clue?

Also, is the S9 still a worthy phone to purchase? Im coming from a iPhone 6S.

 

[Centerman66]

The US unlocked versions of samsung phones work with AT&T just fine. Am using such an S8+ on AT&T as we "speak". Be aware, however, that you will not be able to use AT&T wifi calling or HD calling. They save those features for phones they brand and sell. And load without crapware.

 

[anon(10418614)]

The US unlocked versions of samsung phones work with AT&T just fine. Am using such an S8+ on AT&T as we "speak". Be aware, however, that you will not be able to use AT&T wifi calling or HD calling. They save those features for phones they brand and sell. And load without crapware.

What does HD calling do? Will I still be able to surf the web while being on a phone call?

 

[scottbeamer]

HD calling is VoLTE (voice over LTE). It uses your data connection for calls. You get better reception and better quality sound.

 

[anon(10418614)]

HD calling is VoLTE (voice over LTE). It uses your data connection for calls. You get better reception and better quality sound.

So I wont get HD calling if i go through Samsung online and use it with att then?

 

[KP8819]

What does HD calling do? Will I still be able to surf the web while being on a phone call?

HD calling is just what it sounds like - High Definition calling, better reception & sound quality. I do believe you'll still be able to connect to the internet while on a call since it's not a special feature.

So I wont get HD calling if i go through Samsung online and use it with att then?

Nope

The carrier version software includes what is needed to operate the carrier Wifi calling and other advanced calling features. If you buy an unlocked version you don't get the pre loaded software. Many consider this bloat(and yea there's alot that really isn't necessary unless you actually use it - if you don't it is bloat)but it also includes what is used for all enhanced LTE features including but not limited to WiFi calling, video calling, HD voice, number sync and advanced messaging. So you will lose out on all enhanced LTE features since you can't download this software elsewhere. I've been able to actually delete some of the pre loaded bloat and there wasn't as much on the S9 as there has been in the past.

If you don't use these feature the unlocked version will work fine but If you do its worth the 70$ between 789$ & 719$ at full price.
I use many of the features like WiFi calling so I went with the carrier version. I definitely think its a phone worth getting.

 

[anon(10418614)]

HD calling is just what it sounds like - High Definition calling, better reception & sound quality. I do believe you'll still be able to connect to the internet while on a call since it's not a special feature.



Nope

The carrier version software includes what is needed to operate the carrier Wifi calling and other advanced calling features. If you buy an unlocked version you don't get the pre loaded software. Many consider this bloat(and yea there's alot that really isn't necessary unless you actually use it - if you don't it is bloat)but it also includes what is used for all enhanced LTE features including but not limited to WiFi calling, video calling, HD voice, number sync and advanced messaging. So you will lose out on all enhanced LTE features since you can't download this software elsewhere. I've been able to actually delete some of the pre loaded bloat and there wasn't as much on the S9 as there has been in the past.

If you don't use these feature the unlocked version will work fine but If you do its worth the 70$ between 789$ & 719$ at full price.
I use many of the features like WiFi calling so I went with the carrier version. I definitely think its a phone worth getting.

Thanks for breaking it down in full! It seems like maybe its worth just going with an S9 directly from ATT. The only issue i just realized is i use gophone and it doesnt let me use wifi calling on my iphone 6s. I wonder maybe just go with a post paid plan versus prepaid like the gophone plans. I wish ATT had a trade in feature like samsung has on their website.

How are you liking the S9?

 

[KP8819]

Thanks for breaking it down in full! It seems like maybe its worth just going with an S9 directly from ATT. The only issue i just realized is i use gophone and it doesnt let me use wifi calling on my iphone 6s. I wonder maybe just go with a post paid plan versus prepaid like the gophone plans. I wish ATT had a trade in feature like samsung has on their website.

How are you liking the S9?

No problem... Yeah, I switched to post pay a very long time ago and like it better. It's just easier imo and you get all the features like hot spots and WiFi calling like you said you were lacking. Prepaid plans were designed initially for people with simple needs. Although they have expanded over recent years to include text messaging, data services and some have different features you can pay extra for which they didn't have when I used pre pay in college.

Honestly I'm loving my S9. Got it Pre order 2 days before release and have been on it a ton ever since! Even enjoying the gimmicky features like slow mo video. I usually get over the new phone feeling in a few weeks and fall into my normal pattern but haven't yet with this phone. I'm not one to get a new phone every year a lot of people - usually keep 'em 2 years min.

I did get 300$ off trade in for my S7 through At&t but it was a pre order promo... Maybe just wait for another trade in promotion.
I think if you sign up for At&t NEXT and get a post pay plan S9's are 50% off right now.

 

[andrew_ackley]

Hey community, has anyone purchased the S9 through samsungs website? If so have you had any issues when using it with ATT if the S9 is unlocked? Im not sure if i should go with samsung online or just go with ATT. Id prefer to buy unlocked so its not loaded with ATT bloatware. ATT is way more expensive if i purchased a full price but im sure it still has bloatware on it. Any clue?

Also, is the S9 still a worthy phone to purchase? Im coming from a iPhone 6S.

Do not buy the at&t model from samsung if you care about unlocking it Went through all kinds of hoops you get it unlocked and neither at&t or samsung were willing to help. The at&t unlock portal will not work on a phone bought directly from samsung. I had to pay a third party like $25 to unlock it. Always go with the unlocked model NC resale is always higher.

 

[scottbeamer]

Thanks for breaking it down in full! It seems like maybe its worth just going with an S9 directly from ATT. The only issue i just realized is i use gophone and it doesnt let me use wifi calling on my iphone 6s. I wonder maybe just go with a post paid plan versus prepaid like the gophone plans. I wish ATT had a trade in feature like samsung has on their website.

How are you liking the S9?

You can actually get the AT&T version, directly from Samsung, for less than what AT&T is selling it for.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...-64gb--at-t--sm-g965uzkaatt%2F&token=kDOmjB5P

 

[anon(10418614)]

Do not buy the at&t model from samsung if you care about unlocking it Went through all kinds of hoops you get it unlocked and neither at&t or samsung were willing to help. The at&t unlock portal will not work on a phone bought directly from samsung. I had to pay a third party like $25 to unlock it. Always go with the unlocked model NC resale is always higher.

I was wanting for it to be unlocked to avoid att bloatware but if i do that, then i'll miss out on all the features that KP8819 mentioned above. If i go anywhere but att then ill lose those features.

 

[scottbeamer]

Not true. As I stated previously, you can buy either the AT&T or unlocked versions from Samsung directly.

If you want the AT&T version, it's cheaper buying it from Samsung, than from AT&T.

 

[anon(10418614)]

Not true. As I stated previously, you can buy either the AT&T or unlocked versions from Samsung directly.

If you want the AT&T version, it's cheaper buying it from Samsung, than from AT&T.

Correct scottbeamer, but if i go through samsung and purchased the at&t version it will come with at&t bloatware right? The only version without bloatware would be the unlocked version (not at&t) but then it wont include the at&t features like wifi calling, hd voice etc.

 

[anon(10418614)]

No problem... Yeah, I switched to post pay a very long time ago and like it better. It's just easier imo and you get all the features like hot spots and WiFi calling like you said you were lacking. Prepaid plans were designed initially for people with simple needs. Although they have expanded over recent years to include text messaging, data services and some have different features you can pay extra for which they didn't have when I used pre pay in college.

Honestly I'm loving my S9. Got it Pre order 2 days before release and have been on it a ton ever since! Even enjoying the gimmicky features like slow mo video. I usually get over the new phone feeling in a few weeks and fall into my normal pattern but haven't yet with this phone. I'm not one to get a new phone every year a lot of people - usually keep 'em 2 years min.

I did get 300$ off trade in for my S7 through At&t but it was a pre order promo... Maybe just wait for another trade in promotion.
I think if you sign up for At&t NEXT and get a post pay plan S9's are 50% off right now.

Gotcha! Yeah my prepaid lacks visual voicemail, wifi calling but for some reason im able to use hotspot which is cool but i only used it a few times in the past 4 years I been on prepaid. Does HD voice and wifi calling make calls crisp and clear and does the other person on the other end you talk to, can they they hear you more clear as well?

Same here, im the type to stick with a phone for a few years unless i absolutely need or love another phone for certain features. Ive grown bored with the iphone though. I just hope the S9 will work flawless with using icloud email.

Im on att site right now looking at the plans for the 50% off deals.

 

[KP8819]

You can actually get the AT&T version, directly from Samsung, for less than what AT&T is selling it for.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...-64gb--at-t--sm-g965uzkaatt%2F&token=OPSVDTMv

Good point... I did see that. You get a free Icon X or a Gear 3 for 99$ too.

Correct scottbeamer, but if i go through samsung and purchased the at&t version it will come with at&t bloatware right? The only version without bloatware would be the unlocked version (not at&t) but then it wont include the at&t features like wifi calling, hd voice etc.

Correct its the same phone from At&t but only 719.99$ and you'll get the trade in offer you wanted.

 

[anon(10418614)]

Good point... I did see that. You get a free Icon X or a Gear 3 for 99$ too.

But it would still come with bloat right? and features missing like hd and wifi calls?

 

[scottbeamer]

But it would still come with bloat right? and features missing like hd and wifi calls?

Undoubtedly

 

[scottbeamer]

Correct scottbeamer, but if i go through samsung and purchased the at&t version it will come with at&t bloatware right? The only version without bloatware would be the unlocked version (not at&t) but then it wont include the at&t features like wifi calling, hd voice etc.

Yes, you're gonna get the bloatware on an AT&T phone, regardless of where you buy it.

 

[KP8819]

But it would still come with bloat right? and features missing like hd and wifi calls?

No the features are there as long as it's the At&t version and not the unlocked version you're good to go.

 

[anon(10418614)]

Yes, you're gonna get the bloatware on an AT&T phone, regardless of where you buy it.

Gotcha thanks scott