I'm trying to decide what model to buy. I'm not from US and I'll not use my cellphone there.
I've noticed that there are plenty of US variants. Since I'm not used to all of these, can somebody tell me what is the support for these variants out of US? I mean, OS Updates, Custom ROMs and even parts.
I'll take a GS2 to my country (Brazil) and I don't want to get there and find out that I'm stuck with a nice phone but that will not work properly, will not have updates and will not have parts for it, including nobody wanting to buy it as well.
Thanks for your advise.
gsmarena for differences
Ok, Atfish, let me add something to my first post: I ALREADY checked Gsmarena for all variants, even Wiki for that. I'm not asking about hardware specifics, I'm talking about personal experience, ROM update, parts, etc. As I said, I'm planning on buying one when I arrive in USA, but don't know what could be the problems faced after I leave the country with a US variant (band problem already checked as well).
I know that Cianogen supports AT&T, for example, but none of the others. So, accordingly to knowledge AT&T is the closest thing to the standard I9100, but it doesn't mean that I'll be able to have all the privileges of a I9100. I'm looking for the closest thing to the I9100 that I can buy, since all US variants are always 30-50% cheaper than the International version.
Thanks, though.
Get the I9100. Plenty of custom firmware. Most common variant. Should work with most networks in most parts of the world.
Parts ? What have parts got to do with anything ? Your phone breaks or doesn't work, you send it in to Samsung/an authorised repairer for warranty service or take it to a mobile repair shop if it's out of warranty.
Why would you even consider a US variant? The one for Sprint is designed for CDMA networks, and probably won't even work for any of the carriers in Brazil, and the ATT and T-mobile USA variants will both have a bunch of branding. And the T-mobile USA variant uses slightly different frequencies than the ATT one, so you would have to do your due diligence with researching which one would work with your carrier. An un-branded i9100 is your best bet.
MistahBungle said:
Get the I9100. Plenty of custom firmware. Most common variant. Should work with most networks in most parts of the world.
Parts ? What have parts got to do with anything ? Your phone breaks or doesn't work, you send it in to Samsung/an authorised repairer for warranty service or take it to a mobile repair shop if it's out of warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mistah, you think it's not worth pay a little bit less for any of the US variants? I prefer to get the I9100, but the other are always cheaper.
Parts. Remember, I'll be outside of US, so get support for a US variant out of US could be very tricky.
ctomgee, thanks. I'm start to think that paying less now could cost me a lot more in the future.
I can't comment on that, because I don't own one of the US variants. What I do know is the I9100 is the 'most common' variant & it's easy to get help with it on places like XDA & there is plenty of custom firmware & mods for it.
We have a number of Brazilian members here on XDA who have the I9100, which suggests it works well with the networks in that country, and I'd be surprised if you didn't have repairers in the major cities at least who couldn't easily repair an I9100.
Up to you whether you want to get a cheaper US variant. Maybe ask on the specific boards on XDA devoted to those phones to get an idea from people who actually own those phones ?
hknoener said:
Mistah, you think it's not worth pay a little bit less for any of the US variants? I prefer to get the I9100, but the other are always cheaper.
Parts. Remember, I'll be outside of US, so get support for a US variant out of US could be very tricky.
ctomgee, thanks. I'm start to think that paying less now could cost me a lot more in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MistahBungle said:
I can't comment on that, because I don't own one of the US variants. What I do know is the I9100 is the 'most common' variant & it's easy to get help with it on places like XDA & there is plenty of custom firmware & mods for it.
We have a number of Brazilian members here on XDA who have the I9100, which suggests it works well with the networks in that country, and I'd be surprised if you didn't have repairers in the major cities at least who couldn't easily repair an I9100.
Up to you whether you want to get a cheaper US variant. Maybe ask on the specific boards on XDA devoted to those phones to get an idea from people who actually own those phones ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came here just to check the general idea of I9100 owners. Sometimes there are things pretty obvious about some variants that I, as a totally new user to Android, have no idea.
I used a lot XDA during my Windows Mobile experience, tested several different ROMs and tools, but since 3-4 years ago I don't have any phone that actually requires my visit here (Blackberry, in that case). So I've dug up a bit to know more about the different versions in order to know where I was going into. But I couldn't decide without coming here and checking with the XDA community, since I'll use for sure the ROMs and Tools available here on this phone.
With the answers that I've got so far it's pretty clear that it would be a mistake to buy a variant, specially not being a US resident.
Thanks, again, for your help.
better to ask that in att forum as we are not using the variants.....
plus i dont know where you get that impression that us variants are cheaper....!
they are not see the full price not contract price
atifsh said:
better to ask that in att forum as we are not using the variants.....
plus i dont know where you get that impression that us variants are cheaper....!
they are not see the full price not contract price
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where? eBay, Craiglist, Amazon... I'm not talking about phone with contract here, just carrier branded. A lot of times they are unlocked, but still branded.
I think I already bothered too much here, don't know if I want to annoy people there asking silly questions.
hknoener said:
Where? eBay, Craiglist, Amazon... I'm not talking about phone with contract here, just carrier branded. A lot of times they are unlocked, but still branded.
I think I already bothered too much here, don't know if I want to annoy people there asking silly questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not a silly question at all.
From what I know, the ATT 3G one is closest to i9100 international. These phones are lightweight and have better screen (better clarity and contrast, not much though) than the 4.5 inch variants like Tmobile.
Tmobile has 4G and there are still a decent selection of roms.
sieudaochich said:
This is not a silly question at all.
From what I know, the ATT 3G one is closest to i9100 international. These phones are lightweight and have better screen (better clarity and contrast, not much though) than the 4.5 inch variants like Tmobile.
Tmobile has 4G and there are still a decent selection of roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your info!
I've noticed, when looking for a Windows Phone for my wife, that the AT&T version could be normally used in Brazil. The frequencies are basically the same.
From what I have found out the AT&T version was the closest one, just wanted to have a confirmation. Thanks for that.
Related
Hello everyone,
I've been an android user for a year and a half now, but after getting a grip of a WP device I am surely making the switch, and the Titan has caught my eyes from the first sight!
I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice regarding where to get the phone from and what version should I get?
I live in the Middle-East and the phone is currently unavailable here but I want to get it from the internet, there are many versions of the Titan and I am not quite sure which one should I buy!
Here are the options I got and I don't know which one I should go with:
1- The AT&T version: I've read that the AT&T version had some problems regarding voice quality but its the cheapest among them all (around 500$ and I need to unlock it of course).
2- The international version -don't know what's it called really- factory unlocked on amazon for 675$.
3- The UK version on ebay for 600$, factory unlocked.
Considering the fact that I am kinda a noob regarding these stuff, I would like to hear your suggestions, what difference is there between all these three and what should I get for someone living on the other side of the world, also would like to know what the UK version differs from the others.
and is there a chance that the phone won't work with my carrier, what info should I ask them for and check before buying the device ?
thanks a lot for your time, any help is much appreciated
ATT is slow to release updates so I would recommend an international unlocked. You are gonna love the big screen and all the iPhones will be jealous saying it's too big. That's when I set my titan on top of theirs and say Iphone? I see no stinkin iPhone
Sent from my PI39100 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
ROCOAFZ said:
ATT is slow to release updates so I would recommend an international unlocked. You are gonna love the big screen and all the iPhones will be jealous saying it's too big. That's when I set my titan on top of theirs and say Iphone? I see no stinkin iPhone
Sent from my PI39100 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see, so that is a disadvantage for the AT&T version.
Umm, ok what about the UK version, what's wrong with it more like what is the difference between it and the international one?
ROCOAFZ said:
ATT is slow to release updates so I would recommend an international unlocked. You are gonna love the big screen and all the iPhones will be jealous saying it's too big. That's when I set my titan on top of theirs and say Iphone? I see no stinkin iPhone
Sent from my PI39100 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
had an iclone user pick mine up the other day and pretend it was a riot shield. "it's just sooooo big!" wait until the iclone 5 has a bigger screen, suddenly this form factor will become "magical." &^%$ers!
The AT&T one will *never* tether on any network other than AT&T. Not sure about the UK one.
You might want to investigate whether the int'l unlocked one can.
If it were me I'd get the int'l unlocked one, *unless* I specifically needed a UMTS band that that one does not offer.
tai4de2 said:
The AT&T one will *never* tether on any network other than AT&T. Not sure about the UK one.
You might want to investigate whether the int'l unlocked one can.
If it were me I'd get the int'l unlocked one, *unless* I specifically needed a UMTS band that that one does not offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UK unlocked here - tethers with everything!
drupad2drupad said:
UK unlocked here - tethers with everything!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
since you own the UK version, may I ask you what differ is there between it and the international version ? (the UK version is cheaper by 75$) but I don't know if it'll work as I live in the middle-east and I don't know what to ask my carrier for to know?
thanks
I am not entirely sure about international version. But I think it probably not much difference hardware wise for sure. Since certain features of OS are limited to certain countries ir might be the case. E.g. Bing features, tell me services etc. It might be helpful if I say that even in UK version the radio is set to International.
Sent from my TITAN X310e using Board Express
drupad2drupad said:
I am not entirely sure about international version. But I think it probably not much difference hardware wise for sure. Since certain features of OS are limited to certain countries ir might be the case. E.g. Bing features, tell me services etc. It might be helpful if I say that even in UK version the radio is set to International.
Sent from my TITAN X310e using Board Express
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok that's great to know, features like Tell Me and others aren't that important to me and honestly it'll help me get a British accent, hehe
but the most important thing that there isn't any big changes, stuff like the market won't work or these kind of things, right?
thanks for your help
black_falcon90 said:
ok that's great to know, features like Tell Me and others aren't that important to me and honestly it'll help me get a British accent, hehe
but the most important thing that there isn't any big changes, stuff like the market won't work or these kind of things, right?
thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do a search though. In some countries Market won't have certain apps. The market ideally should work in all countries but some have lesser apps than others e.g. we don't have the Netflix app in the UK. Check out what Market looks like for your specific country. Unlikely you will have all the apps. It's more to do with MS sorting out the legalities etc for each country gradually..
iFan has their own bias, so i won't talk about it here.
AT&T Version always slow in the Update since AT&T have to test it and do whatever they want to the update before it can be published.
I have the X310e version from UK, unlocked and totally happy with it.
And with the international version, you have the "HTC" agent color, which is removed on the AT&T Titan.
Strike_Eagle said:
iFan has their own bias, so i won't talk about it here.
AT&T Version always slow in the Update since AT&T have to test it and do whatever they want to the update before it can be published.
I have the X310e version from UK, unlocked and totally happy with it.
And with the international version, you have the "HTC" agent color, which is removed on the AT&T Titan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC agent colour is also present in the UK version. So does this mean only the ATT doesn't have it? or is UK and international one the same thing?
The Apps in the market will be dependent on the Country given in your Live-Account. This can't be changed afterwards, so if you use an US-Account and someday Microsoft extends their Market to your country you're either stuck with the US Account (don't know if it will accept a Non-US-Creditcard - it doesn't accept european cards for US-Accounts as far as I remember) or you lose the Apps which are bound onto your US-Account and create a new one.
So those things will most likely have to be sorted out firt. The HTC-Titan as far as I know supports the same 3G Bands in all it's variants which makes it usable on pretty much any UMTS Network worldwide with only a few exceptions. The exact supported bands can be seen on the HTC Titans product page on htc.com
The UK version as far as I know is hardwarewise exactly the same as the international one, only difference might be in what UI languages are available (all keyboard languages are present since the Mango Update anyway although Middle-Eastern-Language support is currently expected to arrive with the Tango-Update - meaning it's not available yet).
Hope this helps and provides you with a rough idea of what troubles can arise.
StevieBallz said:
The HTC-Titan as far as I know supports the same 3G Bands in all it's variants
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The USA version is 850/1900/2100.
The UK version is 850/900/2100. The international version is probably the same as that one, but not sure.
The OP probably only needs 2100, so any of them will probably be just fine.
Now if we could only get a variant with AWS...
drupad2drupad said:
HTC agent colour is also present in the UK version. So does this mean only the ATT doesn't have it? or is UK and international one the same thing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T has a choice what to do with the ROM for their Phone. and they choose to remove the Agent Color HTC. I have heard it from multiple sources.
All others versions has the HTC Agent color.
StevieBallz said:
The Apps in the market will be dependent on the Country given in your Live-Account. This can't be changed afterwards, so if you use an US-Account and someday Microsoft extends their Market to your country you're either stuck with the US Account (don't know if it will accept a Non-US-Creditcard - it doesn't accept european cards for US-Accounts as far as I remember) or you lose the Apps which are bound onto your US-Account and create a new one.
So those things will most likely have to be sorted out firt. The HTC-Titan as far as I know supports the same 3G Bands in all it's variants which makes it usable on pretty much any UMTS Network worldwide with only a few exceptions. The exact supported bands can be seen on the HTC Titans product page on htc.com
The UK version as far as I know is hardwarewise exactly the same as the international one, only difference might be in what UI languages are available (all keyboard languages are present since the Mango Update anyway although Middle-Eastern-Language support is currently expected to arrive with the Tango-Update - meaning it's not available yet).
Hope this helps and provides you with a rough idea of what troubles can arise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay , let's say I get the UK unlocked version and use it in my country "Jordan" , I don't know where I read it , but as it seems every phone is region locked , and if I get a UK phone for instance I won't be able to get an update to my language for example (which is Arabic) .. is that correct ?
I don't know, its safer to get the international version even tho it's a 100 bucks more expensive , but I thought about asking you guys cause I don't know a lot about these stuff.
Thanks
StevieBallz said:
This can't be changed afterwards, so if you use an US-Account and someday Microsoft extends their Market to your country you're either stuck with the US Account (don't know if it will accept a Non-US-Creditcard - it doesn't accept european cards for US-Accounts as far as I remember) or you lose the Apps which are bound onto your US-Account and create a new one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I changed the country my live account was associated with. It's a bit hard but you can do it. There is a how-to online if you search for it.
Hey guys
I just bought the international version of the note N7000 a month ago and now they are available here in Toronto. Rogers and Bell has them and they seem to be the AT&T i717 version. I went to purchase the Flip Cover for the note but the AT&T cover does not fit the international one. So in order to do so I was planning on selling my International Version to get the Bell version.
Anyone got any suggestions or comments in the difference between N7000 and i717? Also can i unlock the phone to use another sim card?
or if someone has the international cover black and lives close to markham,toronto msg me too!
You should be able to find a flip cover for the international fairly easy online.
However, there are pros and cons to either version. The main differences are:
International has the Exynos processor, i717 has the Snapdragon. Either processor is adequate, however people seem to have more love for the Exynos.
International will recieve ICS sooner, as it is scheduled to be released within a month I'm pretty sure. Hoever, the i717 will receive it this year most likely, and being as you are in Canada, your i717 will likely receive it before the US version.
i717 has LTE, international only has HSPA+. However, if you are going to unlock it for another carrier, it is unlikely that you will be able to use LTE on the i717. Also, if you are not in an LTE area, it doesn't make any difference until your area has LTE.
You cannot use international ROMs on the i717, and vice versa. The i717 will still have a great community once things ramp up though, so you will likely be happy ether way.
If you choose the i717, you will have warranty through your carrier.
Either way, both phones are great, but you will be able to get the subsidized pricing on the i717 through your carrier with an upgrade, so it will be slightly cheaper, though you will be locked into a new plan.
From what I have heard, there is various success with which carriers you can use your device on if you carrier unlock it. Best to do some research into which other phone service you are wanting to use, just to make sure it is possible before buying. I suggest contacting the other carrier and asking if they will support the unlocked i717.
FM Radio not enabled on North American i717 version:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1521016
Wait.. you want to switch phones because you can't use the flip cover on your version..?
joshnichols189 said:
Wait.. you want to switch phones because you can't use the flip cover on your version..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right lol!!
To each his own
Sent from a rock on fire in the middle of the sea
I had the i717 and sold it and bought an N7000. LTE in Vancouver is so hit or miss that it wasn't worth having the phone set on searching for LTE and wasting battery when it wasn't available. For me, HSPA is fine in terms of data speed, and the bigger dev community was the icing on the cake. They're both excellent devices, but the N7000 satisfied my needs more than the i717.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
International devices will always be better than the US version. Because it has to go through the hands of AT$T first before it reaches the consumer. Only advantage the AT$T Note has is LTE.
My opinion, yes. Hands on experience, yes too.
Edit: Perfect example, since there so much talk about it.
International version: http://www.htc.com/www/smartphones/htc-one-x/#specs
AT$T version: http://www.htc.com/us/products/htconex-att#tech-specs
Xstop said:
International devices will always be better than the US version. Because it has to go through the hands of AT$T first before it reaches the consumer. Only advantage the AT$T Note has is LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which yields the capability to run with an AWS provider like Wind Mobile Canada.
If I were the OP i'd be selling it too, since the i717 has much more potential now that AWS 1700 can be flashed on demand
while the international version can only do NAM bands
so the switching the phone due the cover thing... that's a ver weak excuse
it's so cheap and easy to find international note covers or accessories on ebay with free shipping or even any of the local shops in the malls
Xstop said:
International devices will always be better than the US version. Because it has to go through the hands of AT$T first before it reaches the consumer. Only advantage the AT$T Note has is LTE.
My opinion, yes. Hands on experience, yes too.
Edit: Perfect example, since there so much talk about it.
International version: http://www.htc.com/www/smartphones/htc-one-x/#specs
AT$T version: http://www.htc.com/us/products/htconex-att#tech-specs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong, but the International version doesn't have NFC built in at all, while the AT&T version has it, just disabled. So there's that as another advantage. BTW, love the redirection.
Dacian said:
I could be wrong, but the International version doesn't have NFC built in at all, while the AT&T version has it, just disabled. So there's that as another advantage. BTW, love the redirection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advantage? AT&T disabled it. How is that an advantage? Is yours enabled? Why cripple the phone when it is clearly capable of doing it.
Edit: Not trying to start anything, but my point is that ATT tends to cripple the phone one way or another. Yes you have NFC, but why disable it? If the phone came with it, don't prevent the end user to use it. Or at least give you the option to enable or disable it. It's your phone.
When I first got the Galaxy S Captivate, I was wondering how to turn on the front facing camera. But it's just two holes that looks cool there
Xstop said:
Advantage? AT&T disabled it. How is that an advantage? Is yours enabled? Why cripple the phone when it is clearly capable of doing it.
Edit: Not trying to start anything, but my point is that ATT tends to cripple the phone one way or another. Yes you have NFC, but why disable it? If the phone came with it, don't prevent the end user to use it. Or at least give you the option to enable or disable it. It's your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it can be enabled. Have fun with that on the international version.
johnus said:
Because it can be enabled. Have fun with that on the international version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, huge deal breaker. And NFC is so much fun.
BTW, I have both. So don't know why you guys are getting so defensive. I'm just saying... Which is an opinion from my experience.
It already has been...the mod with the .xml files for the I717 already available and working!
No NFC is moot.
Sent from a phone suffering from an identity crisis!
erad1 said:
It already has been...the mood to enable the.xml files is already available!
Sent from a phone suffering from an identity crisis!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but I have no reason to enable it. It's not a deal breaker for me like I said, I'm just saying ATT shouldn't of disable it in the first place.
You guys need to relax. So quick to defend.
Xstop said:
Yes but I have no reason to enable it. It's not a deal breaker for me like I said, I'm just saying ATT shouldn't of disable it in the first place.
You guys need to relax. So quick to defend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree...just wanted to share about the mod for those who didn't already know about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
nfc is something i dont really care bout. same with lte..
And atm the dont really care to root etc.
So those 3 things are what made me sell my att note, and get the int note.
int for me
better battery life
home button
no lag
everyone is diff and has diff tastes and needs..but that doesnt mean one note is better than the other. lol
spiritcrusher33 said:
nfc is something i dont really care bout. same with lte..
And atm the dont really care to root etc.
So those 3 things are what made me sell my att note, and get the int note.
int for me
better battery life
home button
no lag
everyone is diff and has diff tastes and needs..but that doesnt mean one note is better than the other. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what haven't you heard the news? now that the at&t note can do tmobile fast data which covers 1000 people or so haha
now the at&t note is the bestest!!
who cares people...buy phone+play with phone=happy
Hey guys, I got t-mobile and it's time to upgrade. Now I already have an HD2 and loved it since launch but I think it's time to move on, and this seems to be the most updated phone they are offering. So how is it?
Does this phone have any os options like the leo or anything neat about it?
About os options we have boot2geko(very pre-alpha),blacktrack 5,android ofcourse(ics and gb)
sahibunlimited said:
About os options we have boot2geko(very pre-alpha),blacktrack 5,android ofcourse(ics and gb)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so I have to give up all the openess of the Leo then? Which I guess is fine, I only really used android. Was fun to test all the other ones and see them work.
If you are into development then go for galaxy nexus
But if you want the beast then buy sgs2
But make sure you are buying i9100 and not other i9100G or i777 or some other
You can also wait for sgs3 or other new phones
sahibunlimited said:
If you are into development then go for galaxy nexus
But if you want the beast then buy sgs2
But make sure you are buying i9100 and not other i9100G or i777 or some other
You can also wait for sgs3 or other new phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the Leo since launch, I am kind of tired of it. It's showing it's age lately with newer stuff and it's starting to have hardware issues from massive use. Why that model number?
I "wanted" one of those samsung notes but tmob doesn't get them.
RiffyDivine said:
I've had the Leo since launch, I am kind of tired of it. It's showing it's age lately with newer stuff and it's starting to have hardware issues from massive use. Why that model number?
I "wanted" one of those samsung notes but tmob doesn't get them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get t-mobile one then you won't have international sgs2
i9100 is international one
So get this unlocked international one
sahibunlimited said:
If you get t-mobile one then you won't have international sgs2
i9100 is international one
So get this unlocked international one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he plans on staying with T-Mobile USA as his carrier, than if he gets the I9100, he will only be able to get Edge data speeds on T-Mobile's network.
OP, you should probably be aware of that. This is the reason T-Mobile USA has their own variant of the Galaxy S II, which is the SGH-T989. (which, incidentally, has a separate forum)
I switched from HD2 to SGS2 and i love it... My Sgs2 run perfect only what i miss are the many customs roms... But indie and rgui make perfect roms...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Kaffee4Eck said:
I switched from HD2 to SGS2 and i love it... My Sgs2 run perfect only what i miss are the many customs roms... But indie and rgui make perfect roms...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see someone else made the change, I feel bad since it's been a bad ass phone but it's just getting old.
ctomgee said:
If he plans on staying with T-Mobile USA as his carrier, than if he gets the I9100, he will only be able to get Edge data speeds on T-Mobile's network.
OP, you should probably be aware of that. This is the reason T-Mobile USA has their own variant of the Galaxy S II, which is the SGH-T989. (which, incidentally, has a separate forum)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I plan to stay with them because as it is I pay I think 60ish a month for unlimited everything. So I am happy with that setup. I still laugh when verizon trys to sell me because we get a discount with them, for the same deal on there network it's 130 dollars a month after the discount. WTF.
Yes being stuck on just edge would kill me, I use my phone for skype A LOT.
RiffyDivine said:
Yes I plan to stay with them because as it is I pay I think 60ish a month for unlimited everything. So I am happy with that setup. I still laugh when verizon trys to sell me because we get a discount with them, for the same deal on there network it's 130 dollars a month after the discount. WTF.
Yes being stuck on just edge would kill me, I use my phone for skype A LOT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't want to be stuck on edge, then you DON'T want this phone. (GT-I9100) This phone simply doesn't have the hardware to get the right frequencies to get a faster mobile data connection on T-Mobile USA's network. You are probably looking at getting the T-Mobile USA Galaxy S II variant. (SGH-T989)
While many general questions about the phone may apply to both models, you really should be asking your questions in the SGH-T989 forum. I linked it above.
EDIT to add: You may ask why I'm referring you to that forum... well, the hardware on the two phones are COMPLETELY different. They receive different frequencies, and they have different SoC/chipset/GPU. So firmwares, kernels, rooting methods - all different.
Since yesterday I switched too,from HTC HD2 to SGSII.I bought the ceramic white version of GT-I9100 and it looks awesome,I`m very happy with it.The HD2 is still working fine(it has hundreds of flashes I guess..haha),but its getting old.Now I coming with a question,where I can find a tutorial of rooting,installing custom ROMS procedure for SGSII.The HD2 forums has tutorials to start from zero.
gabilondo said:
Since yesterday I switched too,from HTC HD2 to SGSII.I bought the ceramic white version of GT-I9100 and it looks awesome,I`m very happy with it.The HD2 is still working fine(it has hundreds of flashes I guess..haha),but its getting old.Now I coming with a question,where I can find a tutorial of rooting,installing custom ROMS procedure for SGSII.The HD2 forums has tutorials to start from zero.
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Check the stickies in the General section. There are tons of links in a roll up sticky post.
I think you shouldn't buy the T-mo variant as there is a lot less development on those variants as most of the devs have the international variant which is the I9100.
But then again that's what I think.
Make you'r decision carefully.
frankimm said:
I think you shouldn't buy the T-mo variant as there is a lot less development on those variants as most of the devs have the international variant which is the I9100.
But then again that's what I think.
Make you'r decision carefully.
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But the dude said he is staying with T-Mobile. So AGAIN, if he buys the I9100, he will be stuck with Edge speeds on T-Mobile. Which he also said he doesn't want. So if he wants a Galaxy S II that works with high speed on T-Mobile USA's network, he HAS to get the T-Mobile USA variant.
Edit to add: OR I've heard he could get an unlocked AT&T Galaxy S II Skyrocket and flash T-Mobile's modems to it. But why the heck would you want to do that? Those two phones are essentially the same (hardware-wise) anyways. And it's still not the I9100.
I completely get you'r point, but if he is a flashaholic then going for the T-Mo one wouldn't be a very good choice.
Perhaps not. But it's up to him. We can only give him the facts.
RiffyDivine said:
Hey guys, I got t-mobile and it's time to upgrade. Now I already have an HD2 and loved it since launch but I think it's time to move on, and this seems to be the most updated phone they are offering. So how is it?
Does this phone have any os options like the leo or anything neat about it?
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I do not recommend you sgs2. I want to sell mine and buy galaxy nexus instead. For sgs2 there isn't fully working aosp ROM and it seems it never will be. I think pure Android nexuses are best choice and not by touchwiz destroyed phones like sgs2. It's my personnal opinion, someone may have different
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA
But if you want the beast then buy sgs2
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SG2 is the beast !
I have the verizon vs985 and alot of the roms I see are for the international verison. I mean its the same phone minus the baseband/apn. I would like to try out miui but its not for vs985. Seems the carrier variants are to lock-dow maybe? If I new how to build a rom I would. If this is in the wrong thread then please remove.
Probably because there are more people using it. Also, a lot of time international versions of phones have unlockable bootloaders. Not saying thats the case on this phone though.
If you want to root and rom your better off buying a nexus or moving to a carrier that sells phones with unlockable bootloaders. It sucks, I know. For me Big Red has the best service around so I grudgingly stick with them. The tides are changing slowly. Eventually i think ill be able to move to another carriers without sacrificing call quality/reliability and customer service.
Because the international versions are being used in pretty much the rest of the world, whereas the VS985 is only in the U.S. and only to those on Verizon.
Exactly. There's a lot more people outside the United States than inside it, much less inside it and on Verizon.
Also (OP), you say they're the same phone other than the baseband but all the variants have other different hardware inside. Not all of the hardware is different, but enough.
Clove.co.uk sells the 64GB and 128GB version of the SM-G965F, but they don't seem to sell the 256GB version.
Are there any *trusted* vendors who do?
Samsung UK it them direct, and Currys PCWorld sell it from what I can see.
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
Incarniac said:
Samsung UK it them direct, and Currys PCWorld sell it from what I can see.
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
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As far as I can tell, even if I buy a prepaid UK SIM card, using it in the US wouldn't let me deactivate the region lock. So unless that's incorrect, or there's another good option, I have no choice but to use a dealer who will activate the phone before shipping it. I don't think either Samsung UK or PCWorld would do this.
In addition, I'd be surprised if Samsung UK would sell and ship to an international address, and the Delivery section on PCWorld's site doesn't list international as an option.
Didn't realise you were in the US and this was a requirement. I don't have any personal experience from working around the region lock in this manner, so can't offer any definite help on whether it needs to be in the region or whether a SIM from the region will do the trick.
Clove's option of pre-activating (and breaking seals in the process) is one that I don't know anyone else do, this to me sounds like a very specialised niche they have targeted and I wouldn't expect most, if any, other retailers would do this (technically, once opened, it can no longer be sold as 'new').
Incarniac said:
Didn't realise you were in the US and this was a requirement. I don't have any personal experience from working around the region lock in this manner, so can't offer any definite help on whether it needs to be in the region or whether a SIM from the region will do the trick.
Clove's option of pre-activating (and breaking seals in the process) is one that I don't know anyone else do, this to me sounds like a very specialised niche they have targeted and I wouldn't expect most, if any, other retailers would do this (technically, once opened, it can no longer be sold as 'new').
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I wish a SIM card by itself was a guarantee - I hate getting opened box goods. And I've seen *way* too many sales/tech reps be casually careless with cell phones. I hate the possibility that I'm going to be paying $1k to get a brand new(ish) scratched phone.
That being said, I found one other dealer that does the activation - KickMobiles.com. They do have the 256GB version (only in Titanium) - but the reviews are very mixed for them. Clove has a much better reputation, but they don't stock the 256GB at all.
Haphim said:
I wish a SIM card by itself was a guarantee - I hate getting opened box goods. And I've seen *way* too many sales/tech reps be casually careless with cell phones. I hate the possibility that I'm going to be paying $1k to get a brand new(ish) scratched phone.
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Indeed. I don't know how accurate this article from TechAdvisor is, but it implies you do need to be in the region to remove the region lock, or alternatively apparently a Samsung Support/Repair Centre can do so for you. The latter may be an avenue worth investigating if there is one near you, maybe call them and ask and see what they say.
Haphim said:
That being said, I found one other dealer that does the activation - KickMobiles.com. They do have the 256GB version (only in Titanium) - but the reviews are very mixed for them. Clove has a much better reputation, but they don't stock the 256GB at all.
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Never heard of or used KickMobiles myself. I have used Clove in the past (it is quite a few years ago now) and would use them again if opportunity arose (right pricing, etc).
Incarniac said:
Indeed. I don't know how accurate this article from TechAdvisor is, but it implies you do need to be in the region to remove the region lock, or alternatively apparently a Samsung Support/Repair Centre can do so for you. The latter may be an avenue worth investigating if there is one near you, maybe call them and ask and see what they say.
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I've looked into this. Apparently, local support centers won't do it - they refer you to the support centers in the phone's intended region. And I've seen numerous reports from people who say that when people call the support centers of the home region, they couldn't care less and while some of them have helped, others have told them that they have to get on a plane and fly back to make the local call that disables the region lock.
I can't risk having a $1000 brick.
There are websites that claim to sell you an unlock code for $50, although I don't know how trustworthy they are nor do I know how they're able to do this unless they're run by disgruntled Samsung techs. If xda had a keygen for the unlock codes, that would be sweet, but I haven't seen any sign of that.
Haphim said:
There are websites that claim to sell you an unlock code for $50, although I don't know how trustworthy they are nor do I know how they're able to do this unless they're run by disgruntled Samsung techs. If xda had a keygen for the unlock codes, that would be sweet, but I haven't seen any sign of that.
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I didn't think you could unlock the region lock via codes. Don't know for sure mind, but be wary.
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
Incarniac said:
I didn't think you could unlock the region lock via codes. Don't know for sure mind, but be wary.
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
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You can - that's how the Samsung support centers do it. But I appreciate the note of caution - will do.
I found a site that has a lot of good reviews, so I've got some hope on that front, at least.
Good luck If you're so inclined, updating your thread here with how it goes would be of interest even if it's not something I personally am looking to do. Sharing the information is good