Unlocked vs Carrier (T-Mobile) Note20 Ultra - Access program

[JoshuaP]

I was wondering what the differences will be for the Note20 Ultra between the Unlocked version and the T-Mobile Carrier version. From what I read, it looks like hardware is exactly the same.

I usually buy from T-Mobile, but I always thought there were advantages to the unlocked version, is this true, and if so what? or should I just get the carrier version?

Also, does anyone know if the Note20 Ultra will be available on the Subscription Samsung Access program?

[JohnLoose]

@JoshuaP you shouldn't lose RCS or video calling FYI.

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[Anonymous]

@JohnLoose 

When you speak of firmware version and updates, was your experience that the updates came sooner than most carriers?

[userw3exzithUw]

There is difference between unlocked and carrier branded models of Note 20 Ultra 5G.

Unlocked version ( SM-N986U1)  doesn't support mmWave Bands where carrier branded version ( ( SM-N986U) do support mmWave Bands.

For more details, refer to https://www.phonemore.com/compare/phones/galaxy-note-20-ultra-5g-sm-n986u-128gb-vs-galaxy-note-20-ul...

[Demetryj]

You will lose Rcs as far as text messages. You will also lose video calling. Google duo and Android messenger will make up for those. I Perfer Samsung messages so I will get the t-mobile branded note 20 through Samsung . I have a unlocked phone now and I miss my Rcs. You can flash the phone didn't feel like doing that. 

[JohnLoose]

You should have RCS now if supported in your country -- https://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-messages-gets-powered-google-chat

[Kbarn]

JohnLoose,
I lost RCS Chat as well. Samsung Support said the unlocked 20 ultra doesn't currently support Universal Profile 1.0 for RCS yet. They did say it was a planned update but didn't know anything more.

[Kbarn]

haha, I had actually found that video a few days ago and was going to post about it.

this does work. it also got me HD VoLTE calling as well.

you can even set your default caller back to the Samsung one and it keeps the RCS options.

[MattMaguire]

just bought note20 ultra unlocked . any issues with Verizon 5g service

[userJzwXfOeiMQ]

Not sure what RCS is or what it affects but I can confirm on my unlocked note 20 ultra, you do lose video calling 😔. On the phone with T-mobile who transferred me to Samsung and both said 🤷‍:male_sign:. No help whatsoever, they don't even recognize it to be an issue. The only thing I can probably do is flash the T-mo rom like other users have mentioned since the two companies responsible don't seem to know.

[VisualPro]

I have the Note 20 Ultra SM-N986U1 which is XAA (US Unlocked). Since I was missing the T-Mobile Video calling, I dowloaded the T-Mobile Firmware (SM-N986U) with TMB CSC.. Once the T-Mobile firmare is flashed (Did backup prior to flashing since it wiped out the contents), the phone booted up with T-Mobile boot logo and got all the T-Mobile features back.  

Using non-Wifi, did the speedtest and notice the download speed is 142mb compared to 96mb using the original unlocked firmware.  Restored from backup and I'm all set 😉