I am planing to buy samsung galaxy S2 4GLTE version. I already have non us variant which supports only 3G. But when I insert any local US sim card it uses only GPRS no 3G nor 4G data support. So I would like to buy a new fone. If any one could clear me before I go for the right one. I am interested to go for either Galaxy s2(T-mobile or ATT) or Note.
My Queries are :
Can I Buy any of above one's from amazon.... & buy prepaid sim card & use it as long as I am here ?
I dont want those annual contracts & stuff. As I am a frequent flyer I would like to have a prepaid one.
Can I unlock that fone & use it in the country I visit ?
AjaYrUlUez said:
I am planing to buy samsung galaxy S2 4GLTE version. I already have non us variant which supports only 3G. But when I insert any local US sim card it uses only GPRS no 3G nor 4G data support. So I would like to buy a new fone. If any one could clear me before I go for the right one. I am interested to go for either Galaxy s2(T-mobile or ATT) or Note.
My Queries are :
Can I Buy any of above one's from amazon.... & buy prepaid sim card & use it as long as I am here ?
I dont want those annual contracts & stuff. As I am a frequent flyer I would like to have a prepaid one.
Can I unlock that fone & use it in the country I visit ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To get T-Mobile 3G service, you must purchase a T-Mobile phone.
Also, offtopic for these forums, which are for the AT&T I777 which is almost identical to the I9100 especially in terms of band support. Just like the I9100, the 777 doesn't do AWS.
Yes I have planned to purchase a new fone But I have a query that can I buy it on amazon & use prepaid sim card?
Like for ex : I but note on amazon for $249 & buy t-mobile/ATT sim card for 10 -$15.
Can I use all 3g/4G/LTE services ? with recharging it monthly as i go?
Apart from that Can i unlock the note & use it in other countries ?
Most retailers only sell the phone with new or upgraded contracts. You might have to buy direct from AT&T at full retail price if you don't want a contract.
Note is around $620 on Amazon, not $250. If you're seeing a Note for $250, that is the price with a 2-year contract with AT&T for the inferior AT&T version of the device.
AT&T and international devices will not get 3G service on T-Mobile USA. (The one exception is the Skyrocket, and that requires flashing a different radio firmware.)
Basically, if you want a phone that gets 3G on T-Mobile, you need to buy a phone from T-Mobile or a Galaxy Nexus. If you want a phone that gets 3G elsewhere including AT&T - well if you have an I9100 that should work as-is.
If you're paying full off-contract price for a device, your best bet is the GSM Galaxy Nexus - being pentaband HSPA, it is the only device that will get 3G on AT&T, T-Mobile, and almost any other provider out of the box. There's no point to the Skyrocket if you aren't getting a contract subsidy.
okay Thanks for the reply. So i guess i have these options :
1. Use att sim my galaxy s2 which i dont want to.
2. Go for G nexus sounds good to me. (where shall i buy it from in LA/online)
Finally once i get nexus where do i buy a prepaid sim card ?
AjaYrUlUez said:
okay Thanks for the reply. So i guess i have these options :
1. Use att sim my galaxy s2 which i dont want to.
2. Go for G nexus sounds good to me. (where shall i buy it from in LA/online)
Finally once i get nexus where do i buy a prepaid sim card ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't people get paid to shop for other people in LA? Just sayin..
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA App
AjaYrUlUez said:
okay Thanks for the reply. So i guess i have these options :
1. Use att sim my galaxy s2 which i dont want to.
2. Go for G nexus sounds good to me. (where shall i buy it from in LA/online)
Finally once i get nexus where do i buy a prepaid sim card ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as prepaid SIMs - this is not the right forum to ask. If you're wanting to get 3G service with a T-Mobile SIM, you need to look elsewhere. These forums are specific only to the SGH-I777, which is the AT&T variant of the phone you already have.
Related
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
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"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
I'm currently a proud owner of a Virgin Mobile LG Optimus V running Android 4.0.4 It's a great little phone- I'm guessing it is virtually indestrcutible- (I dropped it. ALOT. And spilled some water. Not even a hiccup!). It's a little phone that could and for something like this- it's amazing, but I feel it's time for an upgrade. As great as it is, let's face it. It's ancient. A 600MHz ARM V6 processor, 418MB of memory, and it's screen is only 3.2". It's opnly supposed to run Froyo. /FROYO/. That's pretty ancient. I'm looking for a new phone, but here's the catch- It has to be on a reasonably inexpensive pre-paid plan. (My parents don't want me to get a contract and I don't blame them, they can be expensive.) Virgin Mobile (My current carrier; 35 dollars a month with unlimited 3G) has only two "decent" phones- A 199.99 HTC One V. A SOLID phone but seriously, 512MB RAM and a SINGLE CORE 1GHz is really not a lot. On the other hand, they have the 300 dollar Evo V 3D with 4G, though it's not really something I want and it's a bit over my prace range- (Up to 250 USD).
While searching plans, I found T-Mobile's 30 dollar Monthly 4G plan. It's wonderful for me. I don't call much but I use lots of data and text alot. T-Mobile also has better coverage, and this is 4G. Not boring old 3G. (I don't mind 3G, but 4G is just better.) While thinking of decent phones I could manage to get GSM Unlocked, I thought Galaxy SII, Galaxy Nexus, and a few others. I looked all around Craigslist NYC, Amazon, Google, and Ebay for all phones and I found that on ebay the bids for a decent SII in decent condition could reasonably be bought for under $250 (T-Mobile/GSM). I'm wondering- Do I need the GSM or the T-Mobile variant, or will either work. Is this phone good and a value for the money? I really like the design and the specs on it. It also has lots of JB ROMs and Native ICS which is a HUGE plus.
Also, is there any difference between the SII with the Capacitive buttons and the one with a huge Home button? (P.S.: I like the one with all capacitive buttons more )
Thanks for reading this.Any answers/input is greatly appreciated.
Edit! I was looking at the ebay link again and found a website called Wirefly where they are offering a SII 4G for 100 bucks if I make a new account. Does this count with a Prepaid account? And if so, is the SII 4G compatible with normal SII roms?
http://www.wirefly.com/eCommerce/Sp...da9ca042dbbe0118305fb0d033&showcustblock=true
TauSigmaNova said:
I'm currently a proud owner of a Virgin Mobile LG Optimus V running Android 4.0.4 It's a great little phone- I'm guessing it is virtually indestrcutible- (I dropped it. ALOT. And spilled some water. Not even a hiccup!). It's a little phone that could and for something like this- it's amazing, but I feel it's time for an upgrade. As great as it is, let's face it. It's ancient. A 600MHz ARM V6 processor, 418MB of memory, and it's screen is only 3.2". It's opnly supposed to run Froyo. /FROYO/. That's pretty ancient. I'm looking for a new phone, but here's the catch- It has to be on a reasonably inexpensive pre-paid plan. (My parents don't want me to get a contract and I don't blame them, they can be expensive.) Virgin Mobile (My current carrier; 35 dollars a month with unlimited 3G) has only two "decent" phones- A 199.99 HTC One V. A SOLID phone but seriously, 512MB RAM and a SINGLE CORE 1GHz is really not a lot. On the other hand, they have the 300 dollar Evo V 3D with 4G, though it's not really something I want and it's a bit over my prace range- (Up to 250 USD).
While searching plans, I found T-Mobile's 30 dollar Monthly 4G plan. It's wonderful for me. I don't call much but I use lots of data and text alot. T-Mobile also has better coverage, and this is 4G. Not boring old 3G. (I don't mind 3G, but 4G is just better.) While thinking of decent phones I could manage to get GSM Unlocked, I thought Galaxy SII, Galaxy Nexus, and a few others. I looked all around Craigslist NYC, Amazon, Google, and Ebay for all phones and I found that on ebay the bids for a decent SII in decent condition could reasonably be bought for under $250 (T-Mobile/GSM). I'm wondering- Do I need the GSM or the T-Mobile variant, or will either work. Is this phone good and a value for the money? I really like the design and the specs on it. It also has lots of JB ROMs and Native ICS which is a HUGE plus.
Also, is there any difference between the SII with the Capacitive buttons and the one with a huge Home button? (P.S.: I like the one with all capacitive buttons more )
Thanks for reading this.Any answers/input is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your profile says you're in the US, so I'm assuming your talking about T-Mobile USA.
The Galaxy S II for T-Mobile is massively different than the "one with the huge home button", as you refer to it. They have completely different hardware, including SoC/CPU/GPU.
The "one with the huge home button" is the I9100, and this post is currently in the forum for that device.
The one for T-mobile USA that has the 4 capacitive buttons is the SGH-T989, and that device has its own forum.
There are also other variants for US carriers AT&T, Sprint, and US Cellular. The one for US Cellular doesn't have its own forum but is somewhat closely related hardware wise to the Sprint variant, so there are posts concerning it within that forum. But the AT&T, Sprint, and T-mobile USA variants are all different from each other, and they are all different from the I9100.
---------- Post added at 03:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:04 PM ----------
TauSigmaNova said:
Edit! I was looking at the ebay link again and found a website called Wirefly where they are offering a SII 4G for 100 bucks if I make a new account. Does this count with a Prepaid account? And if so, is the SII 4G compatible with normal SII roms?
http://www.wirefly.com/eCommerce/Sp...da9ca042dbbe0118305fb0d033&showcustblock=true
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's still the SGH-T989.
Uhuh.... I'm getting a bit confused. Should I simply repost this thread in the other forum?
TMobile USA has like 2 diffent SIIs? Im so confused..
TauSigmaNova said:
Uhuh.... I'm getting a bit confused. Should I simply repost this thread in the other forum?
TMobile USA has like 2 diffent SIIs? Im so confused..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure they only have one.
If you have questions about the T-mobile version, you should post in the T-mobile forum. This device does work on T-mobile USA's network, but only gets Edge, as it doesn't fully work to get "4G" on that network.
ctomgee said:
Pretty sure they only have one.
If you have questions about the T-mobile version, you should post in the T-mobile forum. This device does work on T-mobile USA's network, but only gets Edge, as it doesn't fully work to get "4G" on that network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I thought this would be the forum to post it in since i was considering either a GSM Unlocked one or TMobile.
TauSigmaNova said:
Ah, I thought this would be the forum to post it in since i was considering either a GSM Unlocked one or TMobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to consider what network you're intending on running the device on before you get the device itself.
The i9100 gets high speed data on AT&T's network, but only gets Edge on T-mobile USA's network. There's nothing that can be done about this; the phone antenna hardware just doesn't receive one of the two necessary frequencies to make it happen.
I've heard rumors that the T-mobile variant can be modified to get high speed data on AT&T's network, but it doesn't work that way out of the box.
The LTE variant that AT&T sells (the Skyrocket) can reportedly be modified to get high speed data on T-mobile USA's network, but it doesn't work that way out of the box.
EDIT: BTW, the Skyrocket has its own separate forum from the AT&T variant as well.
ctomgee said:
You need to consider what network you're intending on running the device on before you get the device itself.
The i9100 gets high speed data on AT&T's network, but only gets Edge on T-mobile USA's network. There's nothing that can be done about this; the phone antenna hardware just doesn't receive one of the two necessary frequencies to make it happen.
I've heard rumors that the T-mobile variant can be modified to get high speed data on AT&T's network, but it doesn't work that way out of the box.
The LTE variant that AT&T sells (the Skyrocket) can reportedly be modified to get high speed data on T-mobile USA's network, but it doesn't work that way out of the box.
EDIT: BTW, the Skyrocket has its own separate forum from the AT&T variant as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to buy the TMobile or International device and use it on TMobiles Monthly 4G service. Prefferably from the wirefly link if I can use it.
TauSigmaNova said:
I want to buy the TMobile or International device and use it on TMobiles Monthly 4G service. Prefferably from the wirefly link if I can use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, the i9100 (which is the international device) will only get Edge speeds on T-mobile USA's network. As long as you know this going in...
Any questions pertaining to the device actually sold by T-mobile should go to the forum for that device.
ctomgee said:
As I said, the i9100 (which is the international device) will only get Edge speeds on T-mobile USA's network. As long as you know this going in...
Any questions pertaining to the device actually sold by T-mobile should go to the forum for that device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I posted this thread there and hope to get replies soon.
TauSigmaNova said:
Yeah, I posted this thread there and hope to get replies soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW - the implication in your first post is that 4G is VERY important to you. You DO realize that this eliminates the I9100 as a possible choice for your device to use on T-mobile's network, right?
ctomgee said:
BTW - the implication in your first post is that 4G is VERY important to you. You DO realize that this eliminates the I9100 as a possible choice for your device to use on T-mobile's network, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no, it's not VERY important to me, but it's a very nice plus.
Just get a brand new galaxy nexus from the play store. You won't be disappointed.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
obtained said:
Just get a brand new galaxy nexus from the play store. You won't be disappointed.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I know I wont be. (Aside from the camera) but 350 is still more then i can spare..
samsung galaxy s3 to use all the roms!
TauSigmaNova said:
I'm currently a proud owner of a Virgin Mobile LG Optimus V running Android 4.0.4 It's a great little phone- I'm guessing it is virtually indestrcutible- (I dropped it. ALOT. And spilled some water. Not even a hiccup!). It's a little phone that could and for something like this- it's amazing, but I feel it's time for an upgrade. As great as it is, let's face it. It's ancient. A 600MHz ARM V6 processor, 418MB of memory, and it's screen is only 3.2". It's opnly supposed to run Froyo. /FROYO/. That's pretty ancient. I'm looking for a new phone, but here's the catch- It has to be on a reasonably inexpensive pre-paid plan. (My parents don't want me to get a contract and I don't blame them, they can be expensive.) Virgin Mobile (My current carrier; 35 dollars a month with unlimited 3G) has only two "decent" phones- A 199.99 HTC One V. A SOLID phone but seriously, 512MB RAM and a SINGLE CORE 1GHz is really not a lot. On the other hand, they have the 300 dollar Evo V 3D with 4G, though it's not really something I want and it's a bit over my prace range- (Up to 250 USD).
While searching plans, I found T-Mobile's 30 dollar Monthly 4G plan. It's wonderful for me. I don't call much but I use lots of data and text alot. T-Mobile also has better coverage, and this is 4G. Not boring old 3G. (I don't mind 3G, but 4G is just better.) While thinking of decent phones I could manage to get GSM Unlocked, I thought Galaxy SII, Galaxy Nexus, and a few others. I looked all around Craigslist NYC, Amazon, Google, and Ebay for all phones and I found that on ebay the bids for a decent SII in decent condition could reasonably be bought for under $250 (T-Mobile/GSM). I'm wondering- Do I need the GSM or the T-Mobile variant, or will either work. Is this phone good and a value for the money? I really like the design and the specs on it. It also has lots of JB ROMs and Native ICS which is a HUGE plus.
Also, is there any difference between the SII with the Capacitive buttons and the one with a huge Home button? (P.S.: I like the one with all capacitive buttons more )
Thanks for reading this.Any answers/input is greatly appreciated.
Edit! I was looking at the ebay link again and found a website called Wirefly where they are offering a SII 4G for 100 bucks if I make a new account. Does this count with a Prepaid account? And if so, is the SII 4G compatible with normal SII roms?
http://www.wirefly.com/eCommerce/Sp...da9ca042dbbe0118305fb0d033&showcustblock=true
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link you posted, is for customers who create a new post paid (contract) account through us for T-Mobile. We do offer T-Mobile pre-paid phones and accounts, but the prices are usually different. I am happy to help you with any questions you have about Wirefly - I work at our HQ. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk plan specifics.
Wirefly_Kim said:
The link you posted, is for customers who create a new post paid (contract) account through us for T-Mobile. We do offer T-Mobile pre-paid phones and accounts, but the prices are usually different. I am happy to help you with any questions you have about Wirefly - I work at our HQ. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk plan specifics.
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Its fine, really. I simply do not like any of the T-Mobile prepaid phones. Bad dev support/specs. I'd gladly get a postpaid but they're expensvce , contracts are a hassle, and my parents won't let me get a contract: prepaid only. I live 4 blocks from a TMobile phone, I can just buy the plan there.
Also, I think the S3 is out of my price range. Plus, the s2 is still a great phone and I kinda like the design more.
Hello guys, I'm planning to buy a US carrier locked Samsung Galaxy SIII from US (New Jersey)
Locked phones comes with 2years of contract in carriers like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, etc.
As these phones cost cheaper than unlocked phone,
if I buy these phones, it is possible to use in Indian Carriers like Airtel 3G. By unlocking or any other procedure to make it work in India.. help mee..
abhishek89 said:
Hello guys, I'm planning to buy a US carrier locked Samsung Galaxy SIII from US (New Jersey)
Locked phones comes with 2years of contract in carriers like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, etc.
As these phones cost cheaper than unlocked phone,
if I buy these phones, it is possible to use in Indian Carriers like Airtel 3G. By unlocking or any other procedure to make it work in India.. help mee..
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You would have to check your carrier's frequencies. But I believe the US version has all the same 2g/3g frequencies as the international has(plus LTE)
graffixnyc said:
You would have to check your carrier's frequencies. But I believe the US version has all the same 2g/3g frequencies as the international has(plus LTE)
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can you help me out how to check carriers frequency, I really have no idea
What is the procedure for unlocking SIII from US carrier to work in Indian 3G network?
abhishek89 said:
can you help me out how to check carriers frequency, I really have no idea
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Check with the carrier you intend to use .
Dont buy a locked phone .
You should also understand that a USA phone has no Samsung warranty outside of the USA .
jje
JJEgan said:
Check with the carrier you intend to use .
Dont buy a locked phone .
You should also understand that a USA phone has no Samsung warranty outside of the USA .
jje
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I don't want warranty.. as soon as I get the phone, I'll root it..
You cannot actually get the phone for the low price, as you will also have to factor in the price of the contract that you will have to get to along with the phone. If you plan buying just the phone from the carriers, it might be cheaper to buy em in India itself. Besides, the international I9300 is better than the NA variants in my opinion..
sidthegreatest said:
You cannot actually get the phone for the low price, as you will also have to factor in the price of the contract that you will have to get to along with the phone. If you plan buying just the phone from the carriers, it might be cheaper to buy em in India itself. Besides, the international I9300 is better than the NA variants in my opinion..
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I have relative there who is using AT&T. They can help me out buying a contract phone which is only $199.99
Reply guys
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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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.