Samsung S8 non-carrier firmware help

[netorius77]

Please forgive me if I am a little bit stupid in regard to software and firmware!

I recently bought a new unlocked S8 (Nov-19) for use in Australia. When it arrived it was a US model SM-G950U whereas the Australian model is a SM-G950F. The phone is unlocked but starts up with the AT&T logo, so I gather it has that firmware installed. It seems to work fine in Australia barring no Wi-Fi calling and my reception in my house is really weak (Telstra Aus). I am not sure if this can be related to the firmware so was looking to try and upgrade my firmware away from AT&T to see if it will help.

Reading through many of the threads on different firmware topics, I see reference the the SM-G950U1 being unlocked and the SM-G950U being carrier specific (does this mean locked?). On my Phone software information page, the Baseband ver is G950USQU5DSC1 and the Service Provider ver is SAOMC_SM-G950U-OYN-ATT-PP_0024. Neither of these seem to indicate it is unlocked, but it definitely works on my provider network.

Looking at the Sammobile site there are many options for downloading firmware. I have been advised not to install the Telstra firmware (CSC: G950FTEL6DSK6) which is for the G950F phone. I would guess this advice is correct but not 100% sure.

I am therefore looking to install non-carrier specific firmware for the G950U but the list is endless and not sure which firmware version I should select. Can anyone offer any comment or advice? TIA.

 

[anon(10614692)]

Sorry, this is not possible. The phone you have purchased can only flashed with firmware specific to that device. The U and F firmware versions are for different processors.

 

[netorius77]

The phone you have purchased can only flashed with firmware specific to that device. The U and F firmware versions are for different processors.

Thanks Galactic Zoo. Exactly what I thought. I guess you can't expect to install a Toyota Camry ECU in a Toyota Land Cruiser and it will still work!

So my other question was should I replace the AT&T carrier firmware on my phone with Samsung non-carrier specific generic software? I assume that carrier specific firmware is designed to work best for a specific carrier and I may lose certain functions/benefits if I am with a different carrier (Telstra Australia). Is this correct? Also, should I use the G950U or the G950U1 firmware?

I believe the U1 firmware is for unlocked phones (mine is unlocked) although the software description on my phone indicates G950U firmware. I am a bit confused, but guessing it is the G950U1 that I should use - if it will improve anything at all. I don't want to mess around with it if it doesn't provide a benefit.

The Sammobile firmware list is at this link.

 

[netorius77]

OK, no comments on this so just as a bump: I intend to install the G950U1 firmware rather than the G950U firmware. Praying I don't bust something!

My logic is if the hardware is the same and my phone is non-carrier locked, it should not matter which I install - U or U01. I am hoping the Samsung unlocked, non-carrier specific firmware will provide a more generic solution that will better comply with my Australian provider. Firmware details from the Sammobile site:

Model SM-G950U1
Model name Galaxy S8
Version Android 9
Changelist 17214672
Product code XAA
PDA G950U1UES7DTB2
CSC G950U1OYM7DTB2