Hi
Thinking of getting a Galaxy S2, it will probably be simlocked as these are slightly cheaper and can be unlocked for free (?). I was wondering if anyone knew if any of the major UK networks (O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone) have branding on the phones themselves? I heard Orange might have a small logo on the back of the phone? Do they all pretty much have logo branding on bootup, but this can be easily removed by flashing a stock ROM?
Is rooting and unlocking via the app still working/doable?
Also whats the deal with 3 (three) network phones? Can they be unlocked easily and used with any simcard? (I'm going to use giffgaff - 02 network)
Thanks
dont get it mate whait for SG3 or galaxy note will be out at buymobilephones dot net soon
The phone is basically the same as the new flagship android in the galaxy nexus, the only difference is that that phone has a 720p screen (though it uses the pentile matrix system) bar that theres not much difference between the two phones, therefore you should get it, as since its been out 6 months its 450 off contract, while the nexus is 550 off contract.
Yes theres an app to sim unlock it, and yes rooting is very easy, where you can install either a custom rom or a stock rom, whatever floats your boat. So my advice is get the best carrier that is either cheapest, or gives you best service in your area.
I bought mine last week off contract for 450 from phones4U, they all come sim unlocked anyway from there.
I got mine on orange, it came with an orange logo little square on the back. And with orange software (unremovable without flashing stock using Odin). I was scared to flash a new and expensive phone, but now I'm happy without ****ty orange maps and orange all over my Internet browser etc.
Also like the other guy said, wait til the galaxy nexus comes out next month-the s2 might drop by a few quid. Galaxy note is way too big IMO.
got mine from T-mobile. No logos on the phone (white sg2). Had a few apps from t-mobile but I've rooted quite easily
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
turborider said:
dont get it mate whait for SG3 or galaxy note will be out at buymobilephones dot net soon
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I'm stretching my budget with the S2, the S3 will be 2012 and will likely be 500+. I'm looking at around £320 off ebay for a S2. I was going to get an Ace, then S1, then saw that a S2 was only around the £300 mark so decided on getting it.
May wait a while, not sure, but doubt they will get much cheaper than £310?
Talkmobile
Have a look online with talkmobile they us the o2 network and at one time had the cheapest SGS2 on a 12month contract and their handsets are not locked.
Related
Hey mates,
I've been a loyal nokia user since the last few years, things are about to change tomorrow as im buying my first android phone, the galaxy s2!
Vodafone india is exclusively going to sell the phone from tomorrow. They're also offering 1gb per month data usage on 3g for the first 6 months.
Im curious to know if the phone will come with vodafone badge/logo, etc. Im also assuming that the phone will be locked? If i do unlock it through some 3rd party app, will it create trouble, end my free 3g usage? Or should i wait till the 9th and buy a factory unlocked phone(i hope they're gonna sell factory unlocked units in india)?
Any help would be much appreciated. Cheers!
No, it is exactly same as the retail version(Unlocked) . Indiaplaza offers the phone for 29.9k . I hope the price is going to be come down below 30k in retails stores in a week or two .
Thanks - Anish
Hey i was unable to locate any vodafone store around Delhi, India which had information regarding SGS2 from which part are you?
Hey guys. After researching many possible smartphones in the market right now, I am going to go with my first smartphone ever and possibly the best one right now (in my opinion): the Samsung Galaxy S2.
However, I live in the U.S. in which I do not think the SIM-capable unnerfed galaxy S2 will ever be coming out here.
Anyhow, I was hoping people who have bought the unlocked version of the S2 would be able to help me. My questions are as follows:
1) Which online vendor is the best place to buy an unlocked version of the S2? I have been researching many possible sites for the past few months. It seems NewEgg.com, Amazon.com, and Expansys-usa.com are most mentioned contenders. The question then becomes… which one to buy from? Who to trust? Anyone have experience in this arena?
2) From several reviews online, it seems people worldwide have been getting unlocked S2s with different starting languages/manuals. Are they all the same? Are there any fundamental differences in hardware or settings? If so, which one is best? It seems there are different versions with various configurations, such as with/without NFC. Hmm...
3) My main carrier in the U.S. is AT&T. What would I need to do to experience compatibility with this network? I would like to get HSPA+ (~ 4G speeds as claimed by AT&T, so to speak). Is there a special SIM from AT&T or tweaking within the phone I need to do to achieve this? Do I have to tell notify AT&T as well? What do I need to do to ensure compatibility with that network & the speeds I would like to achieve?
Phew. That is all. Thank you!!!!
As far as I know, the international version of i9100 is quad-brand 3G which matches AT&T. You can get 1 on amazon for around $700 USD
OR
you can get a LOCKED i9100m from Bell or Virgin Canada, then unlock it. This phone is 599.99 in Canada.
Isn't the Bell version CDMA-only? Does it offer SIM?
Anyhow, I'll try my hands on an international unlocked version. Now, the question still remains... which one to buy from? Amazon.com has many resellers. NewEgg and Expansys-USA are single resellers, but I would probably have to ask where they get theirs from.
Are there any differences in getting it via from the UK, Korea, India, etc? I would also need an adapter that can be plugged in the US.
Ok there lots of information if you used search feature
Cheapest place to buy currently is www.expansys-usa.com, you get it for 658.99 and you get additional $10 off with lsjuly10 voucher.
You get hspa+ speeds with att and you can also use $15 unlimited non smartphone plan with sgs2.
Search around and you can find lots of info on this. Hope this helps
Edit : just to answer your other question, you get us adapter along with the phone from expansys, amazon. You might mostly get a phone with uk firmware but it shouldn't really matter. Once you get the phone you can flash whatever firmware you want thru odin.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
Thank you very much for the coupon!!!
Searching around, it seems like Expansys-USA might be the best bang for the buck to purchase the unlocked version.
I also tried e-mailing NewEgg.com and some Amazon.com vendors. NewEgg.com said their S2 was "made in China." Hmm. I am unsure if it means it is a Chinese version. One vendor from Amazon.com said it was "unsure of where the device came from."
I'm assuming since there's an Expansys-UK, the Expansys-USA may be coming from UK. Is the UK version good? I guess UK (since it's in English) would be best for me...
I've also heard some versions do not have NFC. Does the UK version have NFC or working NFC in the states?
Just get the bell one from canada and save yourself some money, its full hspa+ , meaning it will work with att 3g in the states. If you buy the european ones you'll likely pay upwards of 800$ I'm thinking...
Are the Bell ones unlocked? Where would I be able to find one? Any online resellers that are selling them? I thought the Bell ones were CDMA-only? Or do they also have SIM-card capabilities?
Driving up to Canada and purchasing one is not too feasible for me.
Alazarin said:
Are the Bell ones unlocked? Where would I be able to find one? Any online resellers that are selling them? I thought the Bell ones were CDMA-only? Or do they also have SIM-card capabilities?
Driving up to Canada and purchasing one is not too feasible for me.
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The bell ones are locked. Can be easly unlocked. They are sim ones. I using the one i bought with bell on telus
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
Alazarin said:
Are the Bell ones unlocked? Where would I be able to find one? Any online resellers that are selling them? I thought the Bell ones were CDMA-only? Or do they also have SIM-card capabilities?
Driving up to Canada and purchasing one is not too feasible for me.
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Nope, bell has been ditching its CDMA network for well over a year... All their new phones are gsm. Well not just driving up I'm saying ordering online from canada would probably even be cheaper than buying a european phone, and they are the same phone, no nfc, same model.
I`m living in UK and I bought my SGS2 1 month ago from ebay. was sealed and is factory unlocked. It`s 100% original, not a fake. As far as I now if is factory unlocked it`s working in USA on At&t H+ speed, and you don`t need to unlock. If you want you can order from UK or wait when will be release in USA. Hope this help. Good luck!
unleashed12 said:
Nope, bell has been ditching its CDMA network for well over a year... All their new phones are gsm. Well not just driving up I'm saying ordering online from canada would probably even be cheaper than buying a european phone, and they are the same phone, no nfc, same model.
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Do you have any recommendations to reliable online Canadian resellers?
The hard part is that I'm still deciding whether to buy from Expansys-USA (cheaper), Clove (great reviews + most reliable), or from an online Canadian reseller (could be even cheaper + more reliable since I live in the U.S.?). My main criteria is that:
I would like to buy the phone that was made in Korea, but for the UK/CA market (thus, factory sealed) and comes with a US adapter (not add-on). That seems to be the best one, but I am unsure which one would provide that.
Crap what to do what to do....
http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-note-headed-to-usa-on-att-says-fcc-30184411/
I have had a cracked screened iphone since May waiting on the SGSII for AT&T... Im not gonna let speculations determine how long I wait for a new device ever again haha.
splitsonface said:
I have had a cracked screened iphone since May waiting on the SGSII for AT&T... Im not gonna let speculations determine how long I wait for a new device ever again haha.
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I'm on the same boat, but this and the nexus prime both make me wonder.
i'm getting this no matter what. i'm tired of my fruit.... no more apples and mangoes.... back to the green robot i go.... and if something like and hd/note/prime comes out, the wife will be getting a pretty cool hand me down
"If you always wait for the latest and greatest, you'll never own a phone"
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Earthsdog said:
Crap what to do what to do....
http://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-note-headed-to-usa-on-att-says-fcc-30184411/
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Nothing about that article says the Galaxy Note is coming to AT&T.
In fact if you look at the model number, it's clear that the version that just went through FCC approval will never be sold by AT&T. Usable on AT&T - yes. Actually sold by AT&T - no.
AT&T phones have a model designator starting with SGH. SGH-I897 (Captivate), SGH-I997 (Infuse), SGH-I777 (AT&T GSII)
International generic units have a model designator starting with GT. The unit in that article is GT-I9220. So it's an international model that, while it will work on AT&T's network, will NEVER be sold by them in a contract-subsidized fashion. AT&T has NEVER sold a GT model on contract in the United states. If history is any indicator, if the Galaxy Note is ever sold by AT&T, it's going to be about a six month latency before the AT&T version drops. (See, for example, the delay between the GT-I9100 and the SGH-I777)
Entropy512 said:
Nothing about that article says the Galaxy Note is coming to AT&T.
In fact if you look at the model number, it's clear that the version that just went through FCC approval will never be sold by AT&T. Usable on AT&T - yes. Actually sold by AT&T - no.
AT&T phones have a model designator starting with SGH. SGH-I897 (Captivate), SGH-I997 (Infuse), SGH-I777 (AT&T GSII)
International generic units have a model designator starting with GT. The unit in that article is GT-I9220. So it's an international model that, while it will work on AT&T's network, will NEVER be sold by them in a contract-subsidized fashion. AT&T has NEVER sold a GT model on contract in the United states. If history is any indicator, if the Galaxy Note is ever sold by AT&T, it's going to be about a six month latency before the AT&T version drops. (See, for example, the delay between the GT-I9100 and the SGH-I777)
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How would one obtain an international version for T-Mo then? Or is it a possibility that they will pick it up?
If it's like the I9100, an International variant supporting the T-Mobile bands won't exist. T-Mobile may or may not sell their own variant.
The heavy customization of the T-Mobile GS2 is a sign that you likely won't see the Note sold on contract with TMo or even any compatible with their 3G bands.
I'm happy with my Streak...even if it is still running 2.2.2, but, I'm looking at the Note also. If it gets to at&t before summer of 2012, I'll grab it.
Is it going to have a notifications led light?
Entropy512 said:
If it's like the I9100, an International variant supporting the T-Mobile bands won't exist. T-Mobile may or may not sell their own variant.
The heavy customization of the T-Mobile GS2 is a sign that you likely won't see the Note sold on contract with TMo or even any compatible with their 3G bands.
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It must suck being on a carrier that uses 3G bands that basically no one else in the world uses...
p51d007 said:
I'm happy with my Streak...even if it is still running 2.2.2, but, I'm looking at the Note also. If it gets to at&t before summer of 2012, I'll grab it.
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yah i was loving the streak too (esp with steve's excellent builds). but i sold that for the s2, and i really miss the big screen. for me, the sgs2 feels like a downgrade hahahaha. ill be getting the note when it comes out full price. might have to sell the s2 to help pay for it
Really want to lug around a 5.3 inch screen for a daily device? Your back pockets won't forgive you. 4.5 is the largest that is comfy I think...
jflexe99 said:
Really want to lug around a 5.3 inch screen for a daily device? Your back pockets won't forgive you. 4.5 is the largest that is comfy I think...
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+1........
I've carried the 5" streak in a velcro closing belt loop case for over a year w/o any problems. The Note, with the 5.3" screen has less top & bottom than the streak does, so it won't be all that different
jflexe99 said:
Really want to lug around a 5.3 inch screen for a daily device? Your back pockets won't forgive you. 4.5 is the largest that is comfy I think...
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TOO Big for my taste. and too small to be a "pad"... not sure where this falls in to .. I'll be keeping my SGS2... only thing I WOULD change to is the Prime
I think the Note would be great for me, especially at work where carring even a 7" pad would be restrictive. I would use the stylus to write my notes all day long at work.
jflexe99 said:
Really want to lug around a 5.3 inch screen for a daily device? Your back pockets won't forgive you. 4.5 is the largest that is comfy I think...
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I've had the streak in my pocket every day since December 26 2010. Not an issue at all, if it is then you haven't owned one or have a very small figure or wear skinny jeans. I can't wait for the Note to come out, it will be in my pockets daily as my personal phone, along with my Atrix work phone. And BTW, the Streak is more often in my front pocket than back.
I've had the S2 since Friday and I love it. However, I have had my eye on the Note since I heard about it last month. Looks like a lucky family member will be getting my S2 once the Note come out If I don't like the Note then I'll take my S2 back, I can because I'm indian.
first of all, where is the most safe internet store to buy a galaxy s2 in the US?
well, im looking at ebay for the galaxy s2 and after searching i got a lot of results from top rated sellers. here are some descriptions of their items:
s2 factory unlocked
s2 unlocked and rooted (jailbreak)
s2 skyrocket at&t
s2 titanium t989
s2 epic 4g touch d710 mint clear esn
s2 epic 4g touch bad esn
so this is very confusing...
i simply want the galaxy s2 standard 4.3" or the galaxy s2 LTE 4.5" version. whichever is better. I guess that the 4.5" is better right? if so, then i want that version. the 4.5" have better battery life?
what should i look for at ebay in order to buy the galaxy s2? also... what is the price for the s2 4.3" and what is the price for the s2 4.5"?
also i guess that "factory unlocked" means that this is a brand new phone while a "unlocked and rooted (jailbreak)" means that this is a phone that was bought from an operator like AT&T or Sprint and then manually unlocked right? if so, then if the phone has been unlocked it means that it have a cloned IMEI?
what protection steps should i take to prevent myself getting a s2 with cloned IMEI? i believe that a phone with a cloned IMEI could get me in troubles with the police right?
also, if i buy a s2 that is locked to Sprint then can i unlock it manually to work with any other operator WITHOUT changing the IMEI which is illegal? IMEI and ESN is the same?
please guys help me im newbie thanks
imthebest said:
first of all, where is the most safe internet store to buy a galaxy s2 in the US?
well, im looking at ebay for the galaxy s2 and after searching i got a lot of results from top rated sellers. here are some descriptions of their items:
s2 factory unlocked
Just means its sim free
s2 unlocked and rooted (jailbreak)
second hand phone no Samsung warranty
also i guess that "factory unlocked" means that this is a brand new phone
No just means its not locked to a carrier new or used
, then if the phone has been unlocked it means that it have a cloned IMEI?
NO
what protection steps should i take to prevent myself getting a s2 with cloned IMEI? i believe that a phone with a cloned IMEI could get me in troubles with the police right?
Buy from a legitimate known source not from an ebay private seller
jje
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even top rated ebay sellers could sell me a s2 with a cloned IMEI?
if so, then what are the legitimate places to buy my s2 online within the US? i do not want to buy from an operator i want to buy an unlocked s2.
imthebest said:
even top rated ebay sellers could sell me a s2 with a cloned IMEI?
if so, then what are the legitimate places to buy my s2 online within the US? i do not want to buy from an operator i want to buy an unlocked s2.
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I got mine (an unlocked international gt-i9100) from expansys usa, and I'm using it fully functional on AT&T.
Another thing to note is if you're in the US, to make sure you get one that is compatible with your network.
AT&T:
GT-I9100 (international GS2, usually unlocked, but not always)
SGH-I777 (ATT branded GS2)
SGH-I727 (ATT branded LTE GS2; aka the Skyrocket - be careful, there's also the SGH-I727R, which I believe DOES work on ATT, but I'm not positive about that. The SGH-I727R is also Rogers branded)
T-Mobile USA:
SGH-T989 (T-Mobile USA branded GS2)
Sprint:
SPH-D710 (Sprint branded GS2)
The T-Mobile and AT&T versions will work on each other's networks for voice, but not for 3g/"4g". If you try to use data on the wrong network, best data speeds you will get for mobile is Edge.
Neither T-Mob or ATT will work on Sprint, and Sprint will only work on Sprint, but I believe the Sprint version can be flashed to work on Cricket. I don't think any will work on Verizon.
---------- Post added at 11:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:23 AM ----------
imthebest said:
i simply want the galaxy s2 standard 4.3" or the galaxy s2 LTE 4.5" version. whichever is better. I guess that the 4.5" is better right? if so, then i want that version. the 4.5" have better battery life?
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Click to collapse
See my post above. The LTE version will only work on AT&T. If you're on Sprint, for example, and you don't want to leave Sprint, then getting the LTE version won't do you any good. It won't work on Sprint. If you don't care about network, get whichever one you want, and go to that network. If you DO care about network, your choices are more limited.
The 4.5" isn't necessarily better. There are many differences. The international one (GT-I9100) has a better processor, (Exynos) but this processor is not compatible with LTE. So the LTE one has a different (IMO, inferior) processor which is clocked at a higher speed to try to compensate. It really depends on what you are interested in.
imthebest said:
what should i look for at ebay in order to buy the galaxy s2? also... what is the price for the s2 4.3" and what is the price for the s2 4.5"?
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I personally wouldn't look on ebay for this phone. The first time I tried to buy this phone, I DID look on ebay. Turned up a scam, got my money back, and went to expansys.
Hello guys. I bought a Korean Note 8 (N950N) and I'm currently using it on AT&T. However, because it's an unlocked phone I can't get full speed LTE on it. I've lurked around on different forums and the only resolution to this is to buy an AT&T branded phone and call their tech support and give that IMEI as your Note8 IMEI and then you'll get full speed and all the other features.
I wanted to ask you T Mobile folks if I switch carriers, do I need to jump through these kinds of hoops or do you get full LTE speeds out of the box on unlocked, korean Note 8?
Thanks in advance for your help/suggestions.
Not sure if anyone here will have the Korean version. However, the best way to know is to just put a tmobile sim card and try the speed. You can go to the store and they will help you out.
Kul_dood said:
Hello guys. I bought a Korean Note 8 (N950N) and I'm currently using it on AT&T. However, because it's an unlocked phone I can't get full speed LTE on it. I've lurked around on different forums and the only resolution to this is to buy an AT&T branded phone and call their tech support and give that IMEI as your Note8 IMEI and then you'll get full speed and all the other features.
I wanted to ask you T Mobile folks if I switch carriers, do I need to jump through these kinds of hoops or do you get full LTE speeds out of the box on unlocked, korean Note 8?
Thanks in advance for your help/suggestions.
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Click to collapse
I love my Korean version of the Note 8. 500gb of phone storage (256 + 256) is handy. The only downside I've found is using Samsung Pay. I get the 'invalid sim card' and 'try again' error message. Australian Samsung Support wont offer anything more than 'contact the source country' (Korea). At least Samsung Pay is working on my Samsung S3 Frontier so i can live without it on my phone. I'm just a bit upset the ebay seller advertised that Samsung Pay would work on this international model.