[Q] Sim free 32Gb S3 in UK - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi -
I live in the UK and would love to get my hands on a sim-free 32Gb S3 which is a problem as vodafone seem to still have the exclusivity rights.
There are some retailers (simplyelectronics, mobicity etc) that are sell 32Gb units - but I am concerned that that these will have overseas ROM and won't function correctly in the UK.
How justified is this concern? If I get an overseas model then is it just a case of using odin and flashing the ROM and I'll be as good as if it was a UK unit?
Also... does anyone know what the status is of the vodafone exclusivity deal - is it likely to end soon and we'll see 32Gb units everywhere?
Many thanks!

You do realise that you can expand the storage of the 16GB version... how much storage do you really need???
As for the expansys/handtec supply etc. - grey imports - caveat emptor

No such a thing as a UK unit...a car may be but not a phone hardware wise..software not always branded by carriers...and yes Odin it! Plenty of custom romsto choose from..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

OP may want the 32gb just to have tons of memory. Anyway, I bought my S3 from mobicity UK. Came with stock European unbranded rom. No issues whatsoever.

Hi
Many thanks to all who have replied ...
LenAsh - yes i know there's a slot for a card but given the OS uses up ~6Gig then ideally I'd like to have some more onboard storage.
Widget21 - thanks for that - if I've understood correctly then just Odin-ing the phone will give me a UK unit as the hardware is the same globally?
DramatikBeats - good to hear your feedback from mobicity - appreciated; was this a 32Gb unit?
Cheers!

dconroy said:
Hi
Many thanks to all who have replied ...
LenAsh - yes i know there's a slot for a card but given the OS uses up ~6Gig then ideally I'd like to have some more onboard storage.
Widget21 - thanks for that - if I've understood correctly then just Odin-ing the phone will give me a UK unit as the hardware is the same globally?
DramatikBeats - good to hear your feedback from mobicity - appreciated; was this a 32Gb unit?
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey dconroy,
I'm currently in the UK and purchased an unbranded 32GB S3 from amazon.de without any issues or problems and got shipped straight here.

I'm in France and bought my unit on a Hong Kong website and all is perfect. Localization is brought by the Rom, not by the phone.

Nah, 16gb. 48gb is more than enough memory for me (including 32gb sdcard)

Regardless of where you get it as long as it is modelo i9300 you can restasure you can unlock it flash it and root it without any problems. In my most humble opinion you should wait and get the LTE version
2gigs of ram
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Hi -
Many thanks to all the answers - I really appreciate your time. To summarise this is what I think is the case - let me know if any of this is wrong!
* All S3 units are the same globally - it matters not which country it's bought in (so long as it's a genuine product not a fake).
* I can flash the ROM with Odin to make it behave as if it was a new UK handset with no difference to any other and this does not require me to root the phone
Many thanks!

Almost correct. The US S3's are completely different phones.
As somebody else pointed out, just make sure the model is i9300
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Related

[Q] Where to purchase and how to use unlocked S2 in the U.S.?

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.

Galaxy S II Ebay Shopping Advice?

Hey there,
I am currently considering buying a Galaxy S II off eBay here in Australia and i was wondering what I should and shouldn't be looking for.
My main concern is that if I get Hong Kong/International stock then it may have differences (OS or Hardware) to the ones you can buy locally. Is there a way I could check to see where the handsets come from based on a model number or anything? and is anyone using an eBay bought SII to list the differences to local stock?
Thanks in advance,
DarkRyoushii
I bought mine off ebay ages ago, was listed as Australian stock...so if you are worried about overseas models just use the advanced search and choose only located in AU...then if it is not stated in the description just ask the seller if its aussie stock...though in most cases ones from overseas work just fine and I don't believe there are any differences (both local and overseas stock are international versions, besides the I9100T for telstra)
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Thanks, there's a massive price difference between Australian ($700) and Unmentioned ($550) stock though so if possible I'd just love to make sure it won't turn up in some unheard of language with no way to change it, the wrong bands, restrictions (I know NTT Docomo limit text messages to 160 characters) on the OS or something like that.
so the I9100 stock is all the same with no variations? I thought there were different letters at the end to signify which region they were made for..
Thanks again,
DarkRyoushii
hmm well I got mine for $600...I'm pretty certain they are the international version...as long as it states I9100 and nothing else, it should be fine...also some sellers (eBay shops usually), provide 1 year warranties as well..
EDIT: there is an Australian stock on eBay now for 600 + 15 postage...if you're really that worried I'd recommend you just save yourself the worrying... I'm sure you could message the seller and negotiate for free shipping or something...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
That's true Thanks for your help! +1 Thanks to you!
Your biggest concern with ebay is getting scammed, rather than getting a weirdo off-spec unit. As others say make sure it says I9100, and specs make sense (eg. 1.2 dual exynos, 4.3" screen, etc.) If you ended up with a qualcomm unit by accident (and wanted exynos...or vice versa) and your seller is legit they would have to accept return for product not as advertised.

Will there be a Eurpean 32GB model??

As per title, are LG doing to ship the 32GB variant to Europe as every non-imported model appears to be 16GB?
Thanks
My usual German store shows both 16GB and 32GB in pre-order, so I'm assuming yes.
In Norway it seems only the 32GB is on sale, comes in black or white.
Interesting, wonder why LG have decided then not to ship 32GB to UK then, or whether its a supply constraint?
I'll just have to import from the continent.
LG for some reason don't like the UK market! I've had bad experiences with them in the past over a tv and a sound bar
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
DManmob said:
Interesting, wonder why LG have decided then not to ship 32GB to UK then, or whether its a supply constraint?
I'll just have to import from the continent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Word around the net is that O2 have exclusive rights to the 32GB model here in the UK, can't find a source though.
jh65 said:
Word around the net is that O2 have exclusive rights to the 32GB model here in the UK, can't find a source though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes O2 have. But contract only. Not for PAYG. I got a 32GB PAYG tho
Hi, where did you manage to source the 32GB PAYG from pls?
StarFighter said:
Yes O2 have. But contract only. Not for PAYG. I got a 32GB PAYG tho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strangely enough my Swedish G2 is 24.60gb.. What gives?
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda app-developers app
SweStag said:
Strangely enough my Swedish G2 is 24.60gb.. What gives?
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's 32GB, 24.60 is probably the free space you got for the Virtual SD Card.
I figured as much, but doesn't that seems strange? Would the OS etc really consume 7.4 GB? Hell you could fit a Windows into that! If this is the case, then a 16GB version of the phone would be left with 8-9 GB of space only. This is clearly quite low for todays standards.
Also I suppose this confirms the question if we'll be getting 32 GB in Europe, as I seem to have one.
Delete the boatwares and you will gain some space
I don't believe I can as my phone is unrooted as of so far, is there a root for my version of the phone? (Swedish Tele2)
The price difference between the 16 and 32 GB model is no negligible they should just make one version.
-LG G2
Any more info on this on the 32GB version for UK?.
nk7600 said:
Any more info on this on the 32GB version for UK?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O2 exclusive I hear
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I asked an O2 rep instore. They confirmed they will have it (but not yet) - couldn't give me a time frame or anything.
The 32gb one is not on their website and the 16gb one isn't even on their front page. For someone who has exclusivity they really don't look like they care. And their contract deals are insanely expensive on this phone. This is not looking good
Because nobody wants 16gb if non expandable storage with 12gb user availability. This with a camera that shoots 13mp 1080p at 60fps. I mean how much can you record? Like 10min before disk space is low?
Couple of apps, couple of pics, few cd's aaaaand diskspace is gone.
They should have never made a 16gb model. It should have been 32/64.
I am from Belgium and eagerly looking for a new phone cuz the screen is broken from my s3. But I refuse to buy the 16gb model and they do not (yet? ) sell the 32gb version.
Just got word from lg Belgium/Netherlands/Luxemburg that the 32gb variant will never be sold here.
So we can only get 16gb, big marketing mistake.
So I will not buy an LG G2 then... shame, I definitely would have liked the g2.
32 GB only in Denmark.

[Q] Lenovo A8 A806 Golden Warrior - Questions

I am thinking about ordering this phone from etotalk.com, but before I do I need some more information about it and the company I am ordering it from.
Does this phone have App2SD support?
I already read that it can be rooted and unlocked, does the Etotalk Mod ROM fix all the localization issues?
Will it read all sorts of SIM Cards (eg. European)?
Any probable Signal issues in Europe? (more accurately: Croatia)
Personal opinions about this phone?
I like it because it is cheap and has great performance. It has a custom Android Version though, but as long as Play Store Apps are compatible, I'm fine with it.
Thank you in advance for your replies and opinions.
1) yes the apps can be moved to sd card
2) yes this phone can be rooted and unlocked
3)i bought mine from aliexpress, don't know about etotalk
3)i don't know whether it will read all SIMs, and sorry i'm in India, don't know about European networks
4) About the phone, it is a great phone for its price...

Wifi calling on S9 Plus G965FD 256GB

Hi
1. I am looking at purchasing two Samsung Galaxy S9+ Plus (256 GB) G965FD Dual Sim (SIM-Free / Unlocked) phones from a UK company in Leeds UK called Empire Hut. They are imports and are sourced from the UAE and are brand new sealed boxed. The company (Empire Hut) give a two year warranty but if there is a problem it is handled by them who send to/from Samsung. I have no problem with that.
I will be putting them on the a BT SIM only (4GB) contract because I am already with them and can get a good family deal at £10 monthly for the 1st SIM and £8 for second SIM.
Some questions if I may!
a). I live in a very poor signal area and will be using Wifi calling always in the house. Both phones we have at present are Samsung S7's and work successful in this mode in my house. Also looking at the BT site they list many phones that do support wifi calling and list the S9+
I asked Empire Hut if they knew if these imports (G965FD Dual Sim)(different supporting configuration) would work using Wifi calling, because it is important to my wife and myself that they do. The operative did not know the answer and would not commit herself in chat. I also asked the new guy in the new Samsung shop just opened in Reading Berkshire and he is fairly sure it does. Does anyone on this forum know for certain because they already do it?, Perhaps I am being overcautious with this question? Belt and braces so to speak.
b). Browsing the internet (as one does), I did read somewhere that the ROM versions are different (region specific) and certain payment systems (samsung pay) will not work. This is not important to me and is not a show stopper.
c). Also searching I saw mentioned (sorry no link) that I may not be able to update this android system (regional differences) with the latest patches. Has anyone any information on whether this is true or false?
I would be most grateful if anyone can advise on these 3 questions and also if anyone has knowledge of any other potential pitfalls (if any) operating this UAE version of the S9+ in the UK. Extensive searching reveals nothing.
I look forward gratefully to any replies.
Kind regards and Thank you.
Peter
Broadmarsh said:
Hi
1. I am looking at purchasing two Samsung Galaxy S9+ Plus (256 GB) G965FD Dual Sim (SIM-Free / Unlocked) phones from a UK company in Leeds UK called Empire Hut. They are imports and are sourced from the UAE and are brand new sealed boxed. The company (Empire Hut) give a two year warranty but if there is a problem it is handled by them who send to/from Samsung. I have no problem with that.
I will be putting them on the a BT SIM only (4GB) contract because I am already with them and can get a good family deal at £10 monthly for the 1st SIM and £8 for second SIM.
Some questions if I may!
a). I live in a very poor signal area and will be using Wifi calling always in the house. Both phones we have at present are Samsung S7's and work successful in this mode in my house. Also looking at the BT site they list many phones that do support wifi calling and list the S9+
I asked Empire Hut if they knew if these imports (G965FD Dual Sim)(different supporting configuration) would work using Wifi calling, because it is important to my wife and myself that they do. The operative did not know the answer and would not commit herself in chat. I also asked the new guy in the new Samsung shop just opened in Reading Berkshire and he is fairly sure it does. Does anyone on this forum know for certain because they already do it?, Perhaps I am being overcautious with this question? Belt and braces so to speak.
b). Browsing the internet (as one does), I did read somewhere that the ROM versions are different (region specific) and certain payment systems (samsung pay) will not work. This is not important to me and is not a show stopper.
c). Also searching I saw mentioned (sorry no link) that I may not be able to update this android system (regional differences) with the latest patches. Has anyone any information on whether this is true or false?
I would be most grateful if anyone can advise on these 3 questions and also if anyone has knowledge of any other potential pitfalls (if any) operating this UAE version of the S9+ in the UK. Extensive searching reveals nothing.
I look forward gratefully to any replies.
Kind regards and Thank you.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the S9+ 256GB Dual SIM in Dubai. Thing is that you'll have to flash any Official ROM from your region that supports VoLTE/WiFi calling, because the ROM from UAE (XSG) has VoLTE and WiFi calling disabled by software.
I've tried everything and only flashing Indian (INS) ROM solved it (I live in Argentina and here Samsung sells Snapdragon version, instead of Exynos one).
My case flashing INS Official ROM didn't trip Knox, and flashing official ROMs without any customization shouldn't trip it. But have in mind it can happen (read a couple of people had that). So do it at your own risk and only flash it with ODIN.
I think you'll have to flash BTU ROM in order to have your region stuff (VoLTE, WiFi calling, Samsung Pay)
Oh, about updates don't worry, unless you root your phone ot flash any custom ROM, you'll continue getting updates for your phone via OTA.
Sent from S.G. S9+ Duos
Broadmarsh said:
Hi
1. I am looking at purchasing two Samsung Galaxy S9+ Plus (256 GB) G965FD Dual Sim (SIM-Free / Unlocked) phones from a UK company in Leeds UK called Empire Hut. They are imports and are sourced from the UAE and are brand new sealed boxed. The company (Empire Hut) give a two year warranty but if there is a problem it is handled by them who send to/from Samsung. I have no problem with that.
I will be putting them on the a BT SIM only (4GB) contract because I am already with them and can get a good family deal at £10 monthly for the 1st SIM and £8 for second SIM.
Some questions if I may!
a). I live in a very poor signal area and will be using Wifi calling always in the house. Both phones we have at present are Samsung S7's and work successful in this mode in my house. Also looking at the BT site they list many phones that do support wifi calling and list the S9+
I asked Empire Hut if they knew if these imports (G965FD Dual Sim)(different supporting configuration) would work using Wifi calling, because it is important to my wife and myself that they do. The operative did not know the answer and would not commit herself in chat. I also asked the new guy in the new Samsung shop just opened in Reading Berkshire and he is fairly sure it does. Does anyone on this forum know for certain because they already do it?, Perhaps I am being overcautious with this question? Belt and braces so to speak.
b). Browsing the internet (as one does), I did read somewhere that the ROM versions are different (region specific) and certain payment systems (samsung pay) will not work. This is not important to me and is not a show stopper.
c). Also searching I saw mentioned (sorry no link) that I may not be able to update this android system (regional differences) with the latest patches. Has anyone any information on whether this is true or false?
I would be most grateful if anyone can advise on these 3 questions and also if anyone has knowledge of any other potential pitfalls (if any) operating this UAE version of the S9+ in the UK. Extensive searching reveals nothing.
I look forward gratefully to any replies.
Kind regards and Thank you.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Peter,
You're in luck since the UAE S9+ is NOT region locked, which means as soon as you insert a British SIM card, the device will prompt you to reset it, which will change the devices CSC (Carrier Specific Customization) to UK Unlocked, once the phone restarts and you set it up, it will function as if it was an S9+ bought directly from Samsung UK.
Question 1) The S9+ sure does support both VoLTE and WiFi calling, as long as you activate the phone with a British SIM card, and then do a factory reset right after, you'll get WiFi calling.
Question 2 and 3) Yes, they are technically different. Since the UK and UAE have a slightly different update schedule, you will have to manually flash your device to the latest UK firmware to continue getting software updates as they are released for the UK.
After converting your devices CSC to UK as I mentioned in the answer to your first question, you'll have to flash this UK firmware:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=11410963190603871251
The tutorial for which can be found in my thread here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ficial-stock-firmware-thread-samsung-t3764479
Let me know if you didn't understand any part of my post, and I'd be happy to clarify anything.
MeltdownSpectre said:
Hi Peter,
You're in luck since the UAE S9+ is NOT region locked, which means as soon as you insert a British SIM card, the device will prompt you to reset it, which will change the devices CSC (Carrier Specific Customization) to UK Unlocked, once the phone restarts and you set it up, it will function as if it was an S9+ bought directly from Samsung UK.
Question 1) The S9+ sure does support both VoLTE and WiFi calling, as long as you activate the phone with a British SIM card, and then do a factory reset right after, you'll get WiFi calling.
Question 2 and 3) Yes, they are technically different. Since the UK and UAE have a slightly different update schedule, you will have to manually flash your device to the latest UK firmware to continue getting software updates as they are released for the UK.
After converting your devices CSC to UK as I mentioned in the answer to your first question, you'll have to flash this UK firmware:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=11410963190603871251
The tutorial for which can be found in my thread here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ficial-stock-firmware-thread-samsung-t3764479
Let me know if you didn't understand any part of my post, and I'd be happy to clarify anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply. You have covered all my questions that has made me review my thinking.
I was not specifically wanting a dual SIM card option phone, it was just that the larger storage of 256gb for the S9 Plus from UAE came with that option and was a reasonable price.
Going through all the hoops is not appropriate for myself and my wife when a single SIM phone will do nicely and fits our needs, so I have decided not to go forward with getting one from UAE, but get a 64gb European version one (G965FZKADBT) that is sold by Debenhams UK and fit it with a Samsung Mobile UK 128 GB 100 MB/s Class 10 U3 Memory Evo Plus MicroSD card, or even a 256gb card.
Taking this route is only £20 more per phone. Hardly worth worrying about, given that I get the full support from Samsung UK where it is sourced from. Samsung do not make a 64gb version for the UK market, only a 128gb version. They know that anyone in the whole of the EU can source that smaller 64gb size (with the german code ADBT) from the EU and fit with the appropriate size memory card. I spoke to debenhams who spoke to Samsung to confirm.
As a matter of interest the prices for the S9+ are as follows:
From UAE are £569 (128gb) and £599 (256gb). (no Samsung support) (I can sell my phone on ebay for £140)
From Samsung with UK firmware £769 (128gb) Can get £150 cash back for S7 phone = £619). (with UK support).
From Debenhams UK with EU software (identical software as UK) it is £599 (64gb). I can fit this with a 128gb card at £20 (totals £619) or £41 for a 256gb card (total £640). Also I can get £140 for my S7s.
Do you have any comments on this? How about micro SD cards for 4k recording or 1080p?
Thanks again.
Peter
Broadmarsh said:
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply. You have covered all my questions that has made me review my thinking.
I was not specifically wanting a dual SIM card option phone, it was just that the larger storage of 256gb for the S9 Plus from UAE came with that option and was a reasonable price.
Going through all the hoops is not appropriate for myself and my wife when a single SIM phone will do nicely and fits our needs, so I have decided not to go forward with getting one from UAE, but get a 64gb European version one (G965FZKADBT) that is sold by Debenhams UK and fit it with a Samsung Mobile UK 128 GB 100 MB/s Class 10 U3 Memory Evo Plus MicroSD card, or even a 256gb card.
Taking this route is only £20 more per phone. Hardly worth worrying about, given that I get the full support from Samsung UK where it is sourced from. Samsung do not make a 64gb version for the UK market, only a 128gb version. They know that anyone in the whole of the EU can source that smaller 64gb size (with the german code ADBT) from the EU and fit with the appropriate size memory card. I spoke to debenhams who spoke to Samsung to confirm.
As a matter of interest the prices for the S9+ are as follows:
From UAE are £569 (128gb) and £599 (256gb). (no Samsung support) (I can sell my phone on ebay for £140)
From Samsung with UK firmware £769 (128gb) Can get £150 cash back for S7 phone = £619). (with UK support).
From Debenhams UK with EU software (identical software as UK) it is £599 (64gb). I can fit this with a 128gb card at £20 (totals £619) or £41 for a 256gb card (total £640). Also I can get £140 for my S7s.
Do you have any comments on this? How about micro SD cards for 4k recording or 1080p?
Thanks again.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go with whatever route is cheapest for you, since all the phones are the same.
I went with the 64 GB S9+ and I've got a 64 GB SDCard in it. Plenty of storage for me and I'm not even close to occupying all of it.
I'm not sure if Samsung allows 4K recording to SDCards, however 1080p should be fine. You can record 4K to internal storage and then shift to SDCard after you're done.
Sent from my SM-G965F
MeltdownSpectre said:
Go with whatever route is cheapest for you, since all the phones are the same.
I went with the 64 GB S9+ and I've got a 64 GB SDCard in it. Plenty of storage for me and I'm not even close to occupying all of it.
I'm not sure if Samsung allows 4K recording to SDCards, however 1080p should be fine. You can record 4K to internal storage and then shift to SDCard after you're done.
Sent from my SM-G965F
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Thanks!
1. When you say this, are you saying the path/route is fixed by internal coding or is it down to the detection of the type of memory or the flash memory speed?
2. Once shifted to a microsd card, presumably it play it from there?
3. I have experience of a microSD UHS memory card, because I purchased a larger one( to V30 standard) from DELKIN to use on my Dashcam because I saw errors with a lower standard card.
4. On the subject of memory types, do you have any recommendations for memory types/standards? I would be after the fastest. I do understand the differences and classes?
Kind regards and thanks again.
Peter
Broadmarsh said:
Thanks!
1. When you say this, are you saying the path/route is fixed by internal coding or is it down to the detection of the type of memory or the flash memory speed?
2. Once shifted to a microsd card, presumably it play it from there?
3. I have experience of a microSD UHS memory card, because I purchased a larger one( to V30 standard) from DELKIN to use on my Dashcam because I saw errors with a lower standard card.
4. On the subject of memory types and so forth, presumably there is an online .pdf for the S9+ that I can download? If so could you point me in that direction.
Kind regards and thanks again.
Peter
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1) I believe fixed by internal coding. Don't think the phone can detect the type of SDCard inserted, although I could be wrong.
2) Yes.
4) Not that I know of. Most newer class 10 and UHS-1 cards should work fine. To rule out any compatibility issues, grab yourself a Samsung EVO SDcard and use that.
Sent from my SM-N960F
MeltdownSpectre said:
1)
4) Not that I know of. Most newer class 10 and UHS-1 cards should work fine. To rule out any compatibility issues, grab yourself a Samsung EVO SDcard and use that.
Sent from my SM-N960F
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Yes I have been looking at that!
Thanks.
Broadmarsh said:
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply. You have covered all my questions that has made me review my thinking.
I was not specifically wanting a dual SIM card option phone, it was just that the larger storage of 256gb for the S9 Plus from UAE came with that option and was a reasonable price.
Going through all the hoops is not appropriate for myself and my wife when a single SIM phone will do nicely and fits our needs, so I have decided not to go forward with getting one from UAE, but get a 64gb European version one (G965FZKADBT) that is sold by Debenhams UK and fit it with a Samsung Mobile UK 128 GB 100 MB/s Class 10 U3 Memory Evo Plus MicroSD card, or even a 256gb card.
Taking this route is only £20 more per phone. Hardly worth worrying about, given that I get the full support from Samsung UK where it is sourced from. Samsung do not make a 64gb version for the UK market, only a 128gb version. They know that anyone in the whole of the EU can source that smaller 64gb size (with the german code ADBT) from the EU and fit with the appropriate size memory card. I spoke to debenhams who spoke to Samsung to confirm.
As a matter of interest the prices for the S9+ are as follows:
From UAE are £569 (128gb) and £599 (256gb). (no Samsung support) (I can sell my phone on ebay for £140)
From Samsung with UK firmware £769 (128gb) Can get £150 cash back for S7 phone = £619). (with UK support).
From Debenhams UK with EU software (identical software as UK) it is £599 (64gb). I can fit this with a 128gb card at £20 (totals £619) or £41 for a 256gb card (total £640). Also I can get £140 for my S7s.
Do you have any comments on this? How about micro SD cards for 4k recording or 1080p?
Thanks again.
Peter
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You are buying it too expensive. Look around, s9 should not be more than 500 gbp and s9+ 579.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
omeryounos said:
You are buying it too expensive. Look around, s9 should not be more than 500 gbp and s9+ 579.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
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Not really. I am not interested in the S9 and I have misquoted for th S9+. It should read, £589 from 3 separate vendors. I consider within £10 is OK when I can pick up the phone and ask relevant question. Anyway at no time was I was asking forum members where I could get it cheaper.
Thank you very much for your interest in my financial circumstances.
Have a nice day.
sentinelvdx said:
I bought the S9+ 256GB Dual SIM in Dubai. Thing is that you'll have to flash any Official ROM from your region that supports VoLTE/WiFi calling, because the ROM from UAE (XSG) has VoLTE and WiFi calling disabled by software.
I've tried everything and only flashing Indian (INS) ROM solved it (I live in Argentina and here Samsung sells Snapdragon version, instead of Exynos one).
My case flashing INS Official ROM didn't trip Knox, and flashing official ROMs without any customization shouldn't trip it. But have in mind it can happen (read a couple of people had that). So do it at your own risk and only flash it with ODIN.
I think you'll have to flash BTU ROM in order to have your region stuff (VoLTE, WiFi calling, Samsung Pay)
Oh, about updates don't worry, unless you root your phone ot flash any custom ROM, you'll continue getting updates for your phone via OTA.
Sent from S.G. S9+ Duos
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Do you mean to say that the Indian ROM fixes VoLTE with an Argentine SIM card? Very interesting!
duraaraa said:
Do you mean to say that the Indian ROM fixes VoLTE with an Argentine SIM card? Very interesting!
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Yes, but ensure mobile carrier enables it for your number. It not ensbled by default
Sent from S.G. S9+ Duos
duraaraa said:
Do you mean to say that the Indian ROM fixes VoLTE with an Argentine SIM card? Very interesting!
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Forgive me, what has this got to do with my original question? Gone off topic I would say.

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