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Hi Guys,
I'm currently in Singapore and found some shops in the Sim Lim Square Computer Center that sell the Galaxy S2 at real rock bottom prices: less than 800 S$ (about US$630).
They come without a warranty card in it and with a Spanish/English User manual and a charger with a US plug, instead of the local Singaporean plug.
There is definitely something shady about these phones but as long as it's only the plug difference and the absence of warranty I wouldn't be concerned as even the official Samsung Singapore warranty wouldn't be valid outside of Singapore (and as I said, I'm just visiting here).
My big doubt started when I saw the sticker inside the phone under the battery that says: Made in China
My current phone, the old Galaxy S is made in Korea!
I'm afraid that these phones might actually be complete fake ones... I've seen that once in the Philippines: they sell fake Nokia phones that look like Nokia and even have the first menu level of the firmware look like Nokia's Symbian and only on level 2 deep everything changes to chinese garbage.
Could anyone help me out with my doubts as soon as possible? I'm here in Singapore only until tomorrow so I have to make a fast decision.
Thanks a lot
I'm Korean. Samsung Electronics is Korean Company. Every flagship samsung mobile phone made in Korea in Gumi city. Samsung mobile factory located Gumi city in Korea. I have galaxy s and galaxy s2 uk unlock version. My phones made in Korea.
There are units made in China too. You just gotta find out if they are original Samsung products
itenos said:
My big doubt started when I saw the sticker inside the phone under the battery that says: Made in China
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Click to collapse
Mine has Made in Korea on the sticker under the battery...
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FFS! Don't go to Sim Lim Square. It's the shadiest tech town in the world. I once bought a 128GB thumb drive there. It was faaaake.
On another occasion, I bought an N8 with no warranty cuz it was going for cheap (and was told it was the last one in stock). It died within a week.
You get what you pay for.
If it's too good to be true, then it's not Beyoncé kneeling before me.
itenos said:
Hi Guys,
I'm currently in Singapore and found some shops in the Sim Lim Square Computer Center that sell the Galaxy S2 at real rock bottom prices: less than 800 S$ (about US$630).
They come without a warranty card in it and with a Spanish/English User manual and a charger with a US plug, instead of the local Singaporean plug.
There is definitely something shady about these phones but as long as it's only the plug difference and the absence of warranty I wouldn't be concerned as even the official Samsung Singapore warranty wouldn't be valid outside of Singapore (and as I said, I'm just visiting here).
My big doubt started when I saw the sticker inside the phone under the battery that says: Made in China
My current phone, the old Galaxy S is made in Korea!
I'm afraid that these phones might actually be complete fake ones... I've seen that once in the Philippines: they sell fake Nokia phones that look like Nokia and even have the first menu level of the firmware look like Nokia's Symbian and only on level 2 deep everything changes to chinese garbage.
Could anyone help me out with my doubts as soon as possible? I'm here in Singapore only until tomorrow so I have to make a fast decision.
Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd avoid buying high-end stuff from Sim Lim if I were you. Which shop are we talking about?
While it's definitely possible that these are original(given the price), these could be refurbished/stolen(although this is less likely in Singpaore).
If $630 is a lot for you, I'd suggest you pick a unit with warranty. If that's not an option, at least shell out a few extra dollars to get it from an authorized retailer.
For the record, my Indian phone says 'Made by Samsung in Korea'.
In India first batch s2 phones were made in Korea whereas the second batch is made in China(which is now in stock)
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
My SGS2 says "Made in China". I checked like a dozen other handsets at various reputable retailers (including Samsung's distributors, authorized retailers and repair centres) last week (I was vacationing). All had "Made in China" labels under the battery.
I guess there are at least two factories making these devices.
My Packaging says it is made in Korea. Even the sticker under the battery in the unit says made in Korea. But the battery itself is made in China. LOL.
Oxymoron or Conundrum?
Beautyspin said:
My Packaging says it is made in Korea. Even the sticker under the battery in the unit says made in Korea. But the battery itself is made in China. LOL.
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Mine is same as yours.Got it from Letsbuy in the 2nd week of June.Actually the battery says"Made in Korea but finished in China".
ROF!LOL!!
I'm from Singapore and purchased my SGS2 from a local teleco last weekend. The battery says Made in Korea finished in China. The sticker underneath says Made by Samsung with no indication of country. The box doesn't state the country either, though there's a sticker that says do not accept if seal is broken. Caution sealed package plus one paragraph of text. A round light orange sticker says No Chinese menu and the quick start guide was printed in China.
While I seldom go to Sim Lim Square, I've read of tuggish salespeople and their tactics to rip off the unsuspecting. But there are some "clean" shops too. If you see quite a number of local customers examining the products and paying, it should be fairly safe. Do the salespeople answer your questions well or are they evasive? Ask if the phone is grey market or parallel import and watch their response. I wouldn't use the work "fake" in case I get "hammered". My ultimate advice is if you feel uncomfortable and don't want to risk getting a fake, you shouldn't get the phone from non-telcos such as M1, Singtel or Starhub.
BTW, the phone is ridiculously popular in Singapore and is sold out in many shops. Just check the Samsung Mobile Singapore page. If you know the shop name and number, you may want to ask on Facebook, telling them you're a tourist, and hopefully someone familiar with the shops there will respond. Wishing you good luck in getting the phone.
Thank you my friends, even though it comforted me that there are apparently legitimate models out in the market that are made in China, I follow your advice and will not buy the phone in Sim Lim. I better wait till I'm back home and spending maybe 50 Euros more, I will have at least some peace of mind.
Thanks a lot again
now here's a puzzle:
- my packaging says nothing about the country of origin.
- underneath the battery it just says made by samsung
- on the battery it says made in korea, finished in china (in english and french) BUT: in spanish it says, it was made and finished in china.
so the only things i can say with certainty is that the battery is finished in china, where it was made varies on what language you speak and the device itself is apparently made in the kingdom of sam sung, must be one of those new countries i've been hearing about.
Mine says made in Korea. I wonder if there is a build quality difference between Chinese and Korean SGS2?
Chef_Tony said:
now here's a puzzle:
- my packaging says nothing about the country of origin.
- underneath the battery it just says made by samsung
- on the battery it says made in korea, finished in china (in english and french) BUT: in spanish it says, it was made and finished in china.
so the only things i can say with certainty is that the battery is finished in china, where it was made varies on what language you speak and the device itself is apparently made in the kingdom of sam sung, must be one of those new countries i've been hearing about.
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Click to collapse
Same here, under the battery it says made by samsung.
According to news on Korea at 01/2011, Mobile phone for asian market made in China. So i think differ from region that be selled.
I saw my sgs and other sgs bettery. One made in Korea. Other one made in China finished in Korea. Rest one made In Japan. Region of bettery differ from date of rollout.
Got mine from Singapore as well. Made in korea and everything. What's strange is that my phone was actually destined for chile (ukbd1 rom)
You might wanna try Funan digimall. Thats also where i got mine. Most of the people i talk to say the sellers there are more honest. Although I'm not a local.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Nothing on phone itself, but battery says made in Korea, finished in China
Mine is from T-Mobile and is Made in China !
Mine is Made by Samsung without stating either country Korea or China. The battery though was Made in Korea/ Finish in China
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
I've been seen some sellers on a facebook page about korean phones like S3/S2/Note etc.
but the thing is they're much cheaper like 50% cheaper than the international/local versions. like on S3, the korean version price they sell is about $190-$255 (converted in us dollars) but the original price like if you go buy in samsung or other phone store, it's like $590-$800 price depends on the internal memory.
i was asking if i buy korean version phone, if i openline it to our country, which is philippines.. then i believe it will be i9300(S3) """tho i think the korean version is different model like T-599(just as an example)"""" coz i actually want to root it. is it possible to root it then?
those phones are like copy though.
I am seeing z2s on ebay and amazon from the UK and Hong Kong. Are they genuine? Will they work in the US in regards to power and ROMs and such? No US speced model listed on Sony site as of yet so im cautious to by one intended for another market. What would need to be done to use it in the US?
There are 3 different models of z2 tablets, wifi only 16gb, 32gb, and wifi+lte 16gb and they all are worldwide as far as i know
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
From what I have read Sony has, wifi only and wifi+LTE model.
From the research I did the wifi+lte model has pretty much every band in it. So it will work in the US on Att and T-mobile.
I received a reply from one of the UK vendors and he said that the charger is 3 prong style not 2 prong and woulld need an adapter. I am assuming the actual tablet electronics would be the same though. Can anybody confirm? Also, is there any reason you could not recieve US updates if is has a UK rom or is it the same thiing. Just worried because my TF201 tablet had different ROMs for each world wide market.
The charger plug is an issue, although minor in my opinion. Bigger issue is warranty.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/zteusainc/m...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562
They still sell it on the regular website and Best Buy and New Egg are still selling them on ebay. But this is very interesting that they have stopped selling it on ebay.
If they don't have any stock, how would they be running anything on eBay? I don't think ebay lets you run pre-orders and such. I'd bet it will come back up when stock arrive shortly.
It's no about stock actually.
They don't want non-US users to get the chance to buy the US model outside of the US. Which you were able to using eBay.
I was told by BHPhoto that they are restricted by ZTE to sell the device to non-US customers.
The US version is the better one compared to the international model.
Lucky me I have a buddy in NY area who got the newegg pre-order of the grey version and will forward it to me. I'm in Europe and have tested the A2017G. Sent it back as I'm waiting for the A2017U (US Model).
how is that the U model is better then G?
Aimara said:
how is that the U model is better then G?
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Easy for Unlock bootloader and easy to fix soft-brick , probably more buy those 2 comes first!!
oh ok , now that they halt the sale outside us ,seem like its just for you guys , well it should promote more and increase the community , frankly speaking just this year i heard of this brand , hmmm where has it been all these years
celoxocis said:
It's no about stock actually.
They don't want non-US users to get the chance to buy the US model outside of the US. Which you were able to using eBay.
I was told by BHPhoto that they are restricted by ZTE to sell the device to non-US customers.
The US version is the better one compared to the international model.
Lucky me I have a buddy in NY area who got the newegg pre-order of the grey version and will forward it to me. I'm in Europe and have tested the A2017G. Sent it back as I'm waiting for the A2017U (US Model).
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Could you please detail why G version would be worse than U. It is same hardware and only modem is different but modem behaves better in G as read comments anywhere? What do you expect from U? If you have software issues I am sure that if any is fixed in one of two it will be sorted out on other one too.
obladi64 said:
Could you please detail why G version would be worse than U. It is same hardware and only modem is different but modem behaves better in G as read comments anywhere? What do you expect from U? If you have software issues I am sure that if any is fixed in one of two it will be sorted out on other one too.
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Actually only a few points that tipped it over for me in favor for the U version.
A: Better Software support from ZTE USA.
B: The U version has VoLTE which is supported in ROM/Baseband. The G version does not and never will. (Not supported in the modem firmware).
C: U version allows you to enter EDL mode (Qualcomms Emergency Download Mode). I need this as I'm a dev. The G version can only enter DFU mode.
D: All the band's that are required in my Euro country and in the US are supported. I travel to friends in the US and don't want to have to switch phones.
E: With the newegg pre-order you were given free headphones for around 200$. After customs it will be the same price as the G version in euros but with additional free high quality headphones.
F: My buddy tested the phone for "bad signal reception" and other faults/defects I mentioned to look out for. For over a week before sending the device over. Else I would have told him to send it back.
He is using an OP3 and even compared them as a daily driver. He said it's on par with the OP3. He even said the Axon7 is like "stuck on 4G" while his OP3 loses 4G occasionally and gets 3G only.
He is an experienced IT tech. I trust his judgement.
He is even thinking about selling his OP3 and to grab an Axon7 as soon as CM is done.
obladi64 said:
Could you please detail why G version would be worse than U. It is same hardware and only modem is different but modem behaves better in G as read comments anywhere? What do you expect from U? If you have software issues I am sure that if any is fixed in one of two it will be sorted out on other one too.
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Click to collapse
The G model has a lower volume cap, possibly due to EU regulations, while the U model has a much higher cap. The G model also seems to have more issues with bootloader unlocking, while the U model is pretty straight forward.
celoxocis said:
Actually only a few points that tipped it over for me in favor for the U version.
A: Better Software support from ZTE USA.
B: The U version has VoLTE which is supported in ROM/Baseband. The G version does not and never will. (Not supported in the modem firmware).
C: U version allows you to enter EDL mode (Qualcomms Emergency Download Mode). I need this as I'm a dev. The G version can only enter DFU mode.
D: All the band's that are required in my Euro country and in the US are supported. I travel to friends in the US and don't want to have to switch phones.
E: With the newegg pre-order you were given free headphones for around 200$. After customs it will be the same price as the G version in euros but with additional free high quality headphones.
F: My buddy tested the phone for "bad signal reception" and other faults/defects I mentioned to look out for. For over a week before sending the device over. Else I would have told him to send it back.
He is using an OP3 and even compared them as a daily driver. He said it's on par with the OP3. He even said the Axon7 is like "stuck on 4G" while his OP3 loses 4G occasionally and gets 3G only.
He is an experienced IT tech. I trust his judgement.
He is even thinking about selling his OP3 and to grab an Axon7 as soon as CM is done.
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Thanks for the details. You see it from developer point of view mainly as I see.
A) I don't know. May be but as I see much less G related problem was reported than U.
B) May be but Volte is not as wide spreaded in EU as in US. as far as I know. Otherwise It looks that workaroud (if not the final solution) for signal issue of US model is turning Volte off, so you can get in same boat easily.
C) I don't know how important it is for avaradge users. Orherwise it is also software fearure if I understand it well.
D) You are lucky. Not eveeybody can say that US bands cover of his/her country exactly.
E) Just because of this fact US version is not better. It is only cheaper.
F) It is strange because mostly US users complain for signal reception. I haven't had any issue with. G. It works perfectly and expectedly in big city as well as low signal country area. As I mentioned earlier it looks that workaroud (if not the final solution) for signal issue of US model is turning Volte off.
Also I read that overwriting field APN manually can solve few cell issues. I did it due to orher reason and I don't have any issue.
So after all you didn't mentioned anything why U would be better for users except Volte. It is just your taste and chance to get it cheaper.
obladi64 said:
Thanks for the details. You see it from developer point of view mainly as I see.
A) I don't know. May be but as I see much less G related problem was reported than U.
B) May be but Volte is not as wide spreaded in EU as in US. as far as I know. Otherwise It looks that workaroud (if not the final solution) for signal issue of US model is turning Volte off, so you can get in same boat easily.
C) I don't know how important it is for avaradge users. Orherwise it is also software fearure if I understand it well.
D) You are lucky. Not eveeybody can say that US bands cover of his/her country exactly.
E) Just because of this fact US version is not better. It is only cheaper.
F) It is strange because mostly US users complain for signal reception. I haven't had any issue with. G. It works perfectly and expectedly in big city as well as low signal country area. As I mentioned earlier it looks that workaroud (if not the final solution) for signal issue of US model is turning Volte off.
Also I read that overwriting field APN manually can solve few cell issues. I did it due to orher reason and I don't have any issue.
So after all you didn't mentioned anything why U would be better for users except Volte. It is just your taste and chance to get it cheaper.
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That's why I said it's only a few points for _me_ and not for _all_ users.
And as I have a chance to get all those pros for the same price in the end it is a no brainer.
Also I do not believe that the antenna is so much different to the G model. It is more likely that a few batches had a bad antenna build-in and when ZTE realized that, due to complains, new batches after the affected one's were sent off, were all build with a better antenna in place.
The Chinese and US Models were on the first batches. The international ones were produced later. Look into Chinese forums complaining about reception problems.
Unfortunate it is how the greedy corporate industry world works today. Sell those affected phones until enough users complain. If they complain, offer an exchange. If they don't they made profit.
Just look at the Samsung Note 7 disaster. Same **** is happening there.
Not to mention Samsungs Panel Lottery for their TV which has been going on for a decade.
I worked for Huawei Europe HQ and could write a book about how corporations do their quality check behind the doors. Just saying I'm never gone touch a Huawei phone because of what I know.
(Don't ask I signed an nondisclosure agreement.)
In the end it's on you to decide if you want to keep the phone or not. Or if you want to pay 399$ with more pros or 449euro for more cons.
Isn't the chinese A2017 model better than the rest? I mean... like, you know... 6gb RAM vs 4gb... 128gb internal vs 64... and you can use all the U unlocks/tools w/ no issue?
Seems that many of you forget that having US version in Europe you are out of warranty.
To many customers warranty is very important to them.
Also EU has 3 years warranty policy while US 2 years.
I'm having a month now both gold and gray G version and no reception /WiFi issue at all.
Compared to my S7 Edge the call reception is the same level and WiFi is better.
Also G version will have in coming weeks official root and boot loader unlocked from ZTE without loosing the warranty.
Even that US version is getting first the official software updates it's just matter of time(less than 1 month) until G version also received the software update for the specific region(Europe)
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Just curious does the u model comes from the ZTE USA down in texas? I presumed warranty is by them as well?
Sent from my tblte using XDA Labs
celoxocis said:
That's why I said it's only a few points for _me_ and not for _all_ users.
And as I have a chance to get all those pros for the same price in the end it is a no brainer.
Also I do not believe that the antenna is so much different to the G model. It is more likely that a few batches had a bad antenna build-in and when ZTE realized that, due to complains, new batches after the affected one's were sent off, were all build with a better antenna in place.
The Chinese and US Models were on the first batches. The international ones were produced later. Look into Chinese forums complaining about reception problems.
Unfortunate it is how the greedy corporate industry world works today. Sell those affected phones until enough users complain. If they complain, offer an exchange. If they don't they made profit.
Just look at the Samsung Note 7 disaster. Same **** is happening there.
Not to mention Samsungs Panel Lottery for their TV which has been going on for a decade.
I worked for Huawei Europe HQ and could write a book about how corporations do their quality check behind the doors. Just saying I'm never gone touch a Huawei phone because of what I know.
(Don't ask I signed an nondisclosure agreement.)
In the end it's on you to decide if you want to keep the phone or not. Or if you want to pay 399$ with more pros or 449euro for more cons.
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Click to collapse
You could be right. That's how the world works. You also are not enemy of your money as well as no one else.
Regarding the price I would say that EU price contains the average 21% EU VAT. So it means that price of EU version would be between $410 or 415 in US. So it is not a big deal. Also I think that EU citizens should pay duty if they import from US but it is already off topic.
shirakani said:
Isn't the chinese A2017 model better than the rest? I mean... like, you know... 6gb RAM vs 4gb... 128gb internal vs 64... and you can use all the U unlocks/tools w/ no issue?
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No, bad band support.
obladi64 said:
Also I think that EU citizens should pay duty if they import from US but it is already off topic.
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Click to collapse
They do. Just not on specific electronics like Notebooks, Computer Hardware, Cell phones etc
Oddly enough, amazon has also stopped selling the phone. I guess it could just be sold out though.
Hm, still "in stock" at amazon.com:
https://www.amazon.com/ZTE-Axon-unl...TF8&qid=1476347129&sr=8-3&keywords=zte+axon+7
Amazon.com has gold for $399.98, but the grey (which is what I want...) is $479.00. What gives???
In Bangladesh, Galaxy S23 series is yet to be released for customer; don’t know in which country it is released. However, the phones are available in open/grey market (made in Vietnam). I’m confused how the phone is available? Is there any chance that the phones are defective and hence they are selling in comparatively low price.
I ordered mine last week.
Was supposed to come on feb 17th but I've got it on Friday.
Already selling it in some stores in Germany
i got mine 2 days after official presentation on 3th of february, it was available in mobile operators stores. Also see that other peoples get there devices too on early stages, but now almost every time they are out of stock. Probably on the beginning they are already manufactured some quantity of devices foreach markets that are completely original (made in Vietnam) i also check IMEIs and firmware versions, all looks legit. And don't forget the fact that they come with a full warranty as any other brand new device, so if there are some defects/problems it can be just replaced.
smurf4eto said:
i got mine 2 days after official presentation on 3th of february, it was available in mobile operators stores. Also see that other peoples get there devices too on early stages, but now almost every time they are out of stock. Probably on the beginning they are already manufactured some quantity of devices foreach markets that are completely original (made in Vietnam) i also check IMEIs and firmware versions, all looks legit. And don't forget the fact that they come with a full warranty as any other brand new device, so if there are some defects/problems it can be just replaced.
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How to check the S23 ultra is legitimate phone?
sameee781 said:
How to check the S23 ultra is legitimate phone?
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by IMEI check and also model code / firmware code. But for to be ensure just buy it from some certificated shop or distributor..
In countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, grey market one is real deal as they are imported from countries where it is cheaper to get and import. However, claiming warranty for defective item is difficult.
Moreover, IMEI checks are other genuine things should be checked to ensure its a legitimate phone.
One issue you can have is that some of the grey market people have access to tools that will allow them to pretty much put anything they want in the system files. They can change the model names, numbers, IMEI and all that. The nice thing is, the IMEI is going to be the one true way to tell if it's legit. If they steal IMEI's and put them on multiple devices, it will get blacklisted pretty quick.
So is this story about false S23U from Vietnam true? Or not?
Phones are made in Vietnam for quite a number of years now (have a S7Edge made there) so the manufacturing country is not an indication of the phone being a "fake".
Bought mine from Samsung (pre-order) and is made in Vietnam.