Hi, I am a complete noob.
I am in india, but will stay in US for 4 years starting august 1. So, where is is better to buy this phone? In US or INDIA?
Also, if I buy a unlocked phone in India or US, do I have to root it? In other words, is a unlocked phone a rooted phone? Or is unlocking and rooting different things?
unlocking and rooting are 2 different things.
Unlocked = You can put any sim card in and it should work (almost) anywhere in the world
Rooted = You have administrator level access to all of the files on the phone, so you can edit, delete or add as you please
Almost guaranteed, the phone will not be rooted when you buy it, especially if you are buying it new. If you are buying along with a specific carrier's plan, chances are it won't be unlocked, but if you are paying full price (~$700 USD) it will almost surely be unlocked.
I'd advise buying the international version (there is no US version yet), because it will be unlocked and therefore work in the US with a US sim card.
international?
What is the international version?
If I buy a unlocked version, then after reachig US, I must buy a FREE phone from ATT and use that sim card in the galaxy s2 ... right? Will it work?
Also, i cannot use T-Mobile since they use 1700 frequency for 3g, and galaxy does not support it
gowtham.n.mail said:
What is the international version?
If I buy a unlocked version, then after reachig US, I must buy a FREE phone from ATT and use that sim card in the galaxy s2 ... right? Will it work?
Also, i cannot use T-Mobile since they use 1700 frequency for 3g, and galaxy does not support it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The international version is the version sold outside of the US, mainly Europe and Asia. It has a exynos processor. The Indian version has a tegra 2 processor (which is a little slower). You should get the exynos version. But that's up to you.
Yes, it will only work on ATT. See here about plans...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1166543
Prepaid will be $50 (no tax), but might get bad throttled speeds. Not sure on this though.
If you go the contract, regular post-paid way. It will be $40 for 450 minutes + $15 for data + $10 for 1000 text messages + tax = $65 + tax, with tax it will be about $75. This is if you are using an international version. If you buy an ATT version you will have to pay more for data.
Thanks,
How do i get exynos in INDIA? I want to buy from amazon, but they dont ship to india . Where can i get it?
Or, can I go to US, buy it from amazon, and buy a prepaid $50 plan with some cheap phone, and use that sim in galaxy s2?
Which option do u recommend?
ImDonly1 said:
The Indian version has a tegra 2 processor (which is a little slower)
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Click to collapse
Are you sure ? How come no one has seen a tegra 2 SII till now ? There's no tegra 2 SII. Devices with tegra 2 processor are not called SII. Maybe you are talking about this device, which is galaxy Z.
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9103_galaxy_r-3967.php
ImDonly1, You are an idiot. Please check your facts before you post something as stupid as what you did here. All galaxy s2 phones run on exynos processors.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
well but in usa , you will get almost cell for free with better plan.
Good luck
hey friend, your options are just few and quite easy if you are set on buying galaxy s2 only.. see you could get in india for Rs.31000 which will be an unlocked s2 that u can later bring with you to US where u can buy a used or brand new prepaid no.. otherwise you could order from amazon using this link:
amazon.com/Samsung-i9100-Unlocked-Smartphone-Touchscreen/dp/B004QTBQ2C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310555675&sr=8-1
jst fill in the url, i cant post links yet
Its the Euro version/unlocked which should not be any problem also for u also and costs the same price... The only drawback i can think of is that wen you order from amazon you will not get a samsung warranty or be able to see the set before giving away you hard earned bucks unlike if you purchase from authorized dealer anywhere in india with warranty.
The third and last option you have is you could use your current phone for next month or so and wait till s2 is officially launched in US so you could get a nice 2 year plan which would be your last but relatively more efficient option since you mentioned you are surely going to stay for 2+ years..
The choice is yours and yours alone! but watever you decide, you sure will forget everything once u have the S2 all to yourself.. Sometimes its pays of to be patient! all the best buddy
I wont buy from amazon, because no warrenty. So, i have 2 options left...buy in india, or buy directly from ATT, after they launch.
Calculations ...
Option 1 (buying unlocked phone)
Cost of unlocked phone - $700
Cost of plan - $50 per month in prepaid. Assuming 2 year stay ($50 * 24 = $1200)
Cost of some dumb phone for prepaid - $10
SO total cost is 700+1200+10=$1910.
Option 2 (buy from ATT)
Cost (expected) of phone - $300
Cost of plan - $40 for voice, $10 for messaging, and $25 for 2 GB per month data plan. SO totally $75 + taxes = $80. For 2 years contract - $80 * 24 = 1920
SO total cost is 300+1920=$2220.
Thus, Option 1 is cheaper. Also in option 1 everything (including data) is unlimited .
Why is prepaid so much cheaper than postpaid!! Are there some disadvantages in prepaid that I dont know??
I heard that in prepaid, the 3G data speed will be slower that postpaid!! Is it TRUE !! ??
if i weighed my options like you then id definitely pick option 1 since in prepaid you can always keep a check on how much you are spending whereas i have noticed with postpaid ppl tend to get carried away even if they swore they wudn't at start.. just my opinion. and one more thing you should consider is that most places you would spend time usually has wifi connection and you can prioritize in s2 so that it always uses a wifi connection wen available over a 3g one as i have been doin.. will save a lot on data costs if it is not unlimited.. plus speed is generally faster i am guessing from my observation.. haha so u now know wat u must do!!! that is get a set in india and have no regrets after but i am still a new user of smartfone having switched from blackberry after many years.. it would be wise to wait and see what other users have to say as well since i am a very new member here and my advice wont seem much helpful..
^thanks
You ment internet is faster in wifi over 3g or internet being faster in postpaid over prepaid?
wifi over 3g.. prepaid vs postpaid i have no clue! btw the at&t plan as of now is only for samsung I997 Infuse 4G.. be warned that they are totally different phones and dont evn think of it being a substitute for S2.. i am not aware yet of the exact release of S2 in us officially with or without a plan so it would be wise to look into that otherwise i recommend you buy a warrantied s2 from india itself asap.. good luck buddy
Related
Warranty and resigning contracts aside. (I will void my warranty flashing and buy the phone out of contract anyway). Anyone sorry they did not wait for their domestic versions?
Would it be better to wait for the ATT version or buy the Euro version. Seems to me the Developers are far more active on the I9000 side of things and most of the better Captivate ROM ports were based on the I9000 and reoriented.
What are the pluses and minuses of the Euro vs ATT version outside of the warranty. Is having a "home" button better for some? I am ready willing and able to jump now but the intrigue of a cheaper domestic (albeit locked) version has me taking pause.
Get the Euro one, its worth the cost. By the time iP5 comes out, if you could upgrade for cheap, then do it for massive profits. After experiencing the Craptivate, I will never buy a variant of any phone again. I'll just use my upgrade on an iPhone's & resell for profit while buying original international phones.
RMXO said:
Get the Euro one, its worth the cost. By the time iP5 comes out, if you could upgrade for cheap, then do it for massive profits. After experiencing the Craptivate, I will never buy a variant of any phone again. I'll just use my upgrade on an iPhone's & resell for profit while buying original international phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting take. I may just end up getting the Euro version.
Sent from the most interesting device in the world.
i bought the euro version and i love it. if you are not worried about warranty and you can afford it then go for it. i liked the original version of the galaxy s much better than the domestic locked versions and based on the leaked pic of the at&t version i think the euro one will be better again. bell in canada is about to release their model which will be the same as the euro one, but you will still have warranty hoops to jump through. the price might be slightly less, but only by a few bucks by the time you pay our taxes and shipping, etc.
i think the euro one will have more people developing roms first, and i do like having the physical home key.
i also agree that you can always use your upgrade to buy an iphone 5 and sell it to offset the price of the galaxy s2. i was thinking about waiting too but i got it a few weeks ago and i am happy i did
I just upgraded for a couple of and sold two Captivates so upgrading to the I5 is not an option. I did that when the 3GS came out when I was all about buying Nokia N series phones. Doubled the $299 ATT price. I think Iphone is losing its shine in the market. I know three people who gave up their iPhones for the Android platform. Of course that is not a scientific conclusion. LOL
Another reason I wanted the Captivates was to have a back up for my wifes and get an SGS 2 for me. The Captivate is still the best US phone for easy flashing. The developers really polished a turd there. It has turned into a great phone. Which is why I can wait a bit.
Seems to me the developing is heavily i9000 favored. I may sit back a few weeks and see what happens with FW upgrades, development, and prices on the International unlocked version.
If you get the Euro one you can get the cheaper ATT data plans, by telling ATT you have a feature phone.
ImDonly1 said:
If you get the Euro one you can get the cheaper ATT data plans, by telling ATT you have a feature phone.
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Click to collapse
Might work if my wife was not staying with the Captivate. which makes me wonder if I need to load two different sets of drivers for each device.....hmmm
In any case we are already on the $15 data plans I have never used over 150MB of 3G data. Nearly always in wifi area. I find it incredibly expensive to pay $500 a year for 3G data we rarely use. LOL we are also on a pay per message plan. We do more talking than texting. Maybe 30 texts a month at the most. So the plan cannot get much cheaper. $90 a month plus tax for both phones.
tbong777 said:
Might work if my wife was not staying with the Captivate. which makes me wonder if I need to load two different sets of drivers for each device.....hmmm
In any case we are already on the $15 data plans I have never used over 150MB of 3G data. Nearly always in wifi area. I find it incredibly expensive to pay $500 a year for 3G data we rarely use. LOL we are also on a pay per message plan. We do more talking than texting. Maybe 30 texts a month at the most. So the plan cannot get much cheaper. $90 a month plus tax for both phones.
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Click to collapse
He means you can use the 15 dollar unlimited data plan since its not an att phone, so you can use the 15 dollars unlimited data plan.
RogerPodacter said:
He means you can use the 15 dollar unlimited data plan since its not an att phone, so you can use the 15 dollars unlimited data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW yeah forgot about that. (been a long time since my unlocked Nokia N series days where I could do that) Yeah..I will likely go on Medianet unlimited data on mine using an old flip Phone we had as a back up. I then will be more inclined to download apps and stream some stuff between wiFi areas.
Sorry for posting again ... my original post dissapered !!!
I have the following 2 options ... what do i do?
Calculations ...
Option 1 (buying unlocked phone)
Cost of unlocked phone - $700
Cost of plan - $50 per month in prepaid. Assuming 2 year stay ($50 * 24 = $1200)
Cost of some dumb phone for prepaid - $10
SO total cost is 700+1200+10=$1910.
Option 2 (buy from ATT)
Cost (expected) of phone - $300
Cost of plan - $40 for voice, $10 for messaging, and $25 for 2 GB per month data plan.
SO totally $75 + taxes = $80. For 2 years contract - $80 * 24 = 1920
SO total cost is 300+1920=$2220.
Thus, Option 1 is cheaper. Also in option 1 everything (including data) is unlimited .
Why is prepaid so much cheaper than postpaid!! Are there some disadvantages in prepaid that I dont know??
I heard that in prepaid, the 3G data speed will be slower that postpaid!! Is it TRUE !! ??
Also, I am buying the unlocked phone in INDIA, which uses the normal sized sim card. So, if ATT gives micro sim card, will it work in mine?
Here you go mate...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1166641
looks like the original thread went to then 2nd page ..
Anyway, can someone please reply to the query above?
gowtham.n.mail said:
Cost of plan - $50 per month in prepaid. Assuming 2 year stay ($50 * 24 = $1200)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. AT&T only offers unlimited data to feature phones, not smartphones like the SGS2. Of course, you can always deceive AT&T and see if they notice. Your call.
yes, I think i can deceive ATT. Thats what many people say.
So, I will go for option 1 since it is cheaper. and buy an unlocked phone then buy a cheap prepaid phone from ATT, and then use that simcard in the unlocked galaxy s2.
Also, in the unlocked phone there is space for the normal size sim card. What if the prepaid phone from ATT has micro sim? How to make it work in the galaxy s2?
Is the internet speed slow for prepaid connections than postpaid?
The AT&T sim card fits the SGS2. The coverage is not quite the same for pre-paid plans. You gotta look it up and see if it affects you. It shouldn't in most metro areas. You get 4G (the AT&T non-LTE 4G) speeds.
I went into the AT&T store at told them I wanted a pre-paid plan. I didn't have to buy a pre-paid phone. They didn't even ask me what I kind of phone I had.
thanks,
I will stay at minneapolis ... and there is prepaid coverage there ..
So, u say that the 3g/4g speeds for prepaid is same as that of postpaid right?
Also, why is prepaid so much cheaper that postpaid? Are there some disadvantages with prepaid that i am not aware of?
gowtham.n.mail said:
thanks,
I will stay at minneapolis ... and there is prepaid coverage there ..
So, u say that the 3g/4g speeds for prepaid is same as that of postpaid right?
Also, why is prepaid so much cheaper that postpaid? Are there some disadvantages with prepaid that i am not aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
someone please correct me if im wrong..but i was told by a at&t employee that..
a prepaid phone ..which gives unlimited everything does not apply to smartphones..
which is why i believe its cheaper. again, someone may correct me..not sure if the at&t employee was just feeding me BS.
gowtham.n.mail said:
So, u say that the 3g/4g speeds for prepaid is same as that of postpaid right?
Also, why is prepaid so much cheaper that postpaid? Are there some disadvantages with prepaid that i am not aware of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The speeds are the same FOR ME. Actually, faster with the pseudo AT&T 4G. However, buyer beware. Don't blame me if your mileage varies.
Why cheaper? Competition. Lots of carriers are doing it and AT&T wants a piece of the pre-paid pie. Plus, AT&T doesn't have to recoup the cost of their subsidized phones. But again, AT&T is not offering unlimited everything to the SGS2.
Personally, I see the SGS2 as a mobile computer/internet device and emergency phone. So with a pre-paid plan I don't have to subsidize everyone else if I don't talk all day on the phone and stream Netflix movies.
defnow said:
a prepaid phone ..which gives unlimited everything does not apply to smartphones.
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Click to collapse
True. But people do it because they can get away with it. Sticking it to da man!
Hi. Is it illegal? I am not a US citizen. I caome fro india. So, dont want to get into any leagal troubles.
Hi,
What if i buy a phone from ATT in contract, then not pay the compulsary $15 per month, and insted throw away that sim, and use some another sim? Can ATT take any action against me?
do it for free
there is an app from chainfire that can unlock galaxy s2... its in the marketplace
So, if i unlock the ATT phone, then can i stop paying ATT completely? including the monthly $15 for data? So, its like I got the phone very cheaply and then I dont pay anything to ATT later? Is it even possible?!!
i was at BestBuy last week, and was about to get the AT&T Galaxy S II, unfortunately i haven't established my own credit, so i have to deposit $500, on top of the $199 [phone price] before they sell me the phone. that's around $750 with the activation fee and taxes.
that made me think, should i just get the International Version from Amazon, since they're only selling it for $550? then just start an account with AT&T? or with T-Mobile, becuase i heard T-Mobile won't ask for a deposit? will it be worth it? also, regarding data speeds, will the international version be slower than AT&T's Galaxy S II? or will it be just the same?
i really like the International Version, because of the fact that it's the slimmest versus the other 3 US variants, and from the 3, i like the AT&T's version better than T-Mobile's and Sprint's, just because i don't like how the edges are rounded.
also, i need your reason why the version of your choice is better.
any comments, suggestions or tips will be appreciated.
thank you
International version if you don't need warranty.
I think either way you might need to do a deposit if you're signing up with AT&T though.
hmm, so the $500 deposit is for the contract? and not for the phone?? i thought the idea was, deposit $500, so you don't run away with a $700 worth of phone.. -_-
the deposit is not for the phone, its for the line.
It's for the contract/line. You pay $199.99 for the phone + $500 deposit for the contract/line.
Yeah unfortunately its very easy to rack up crazy charges on your bill so if you have no credit to show you're credit worthy, you get hit. It sucks but it could be $1k...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
ahhh. i get it now. ok, so how 'bout which is better? AT&T or the International Version? will data speeds differ from each other?
IF you have an options, which I would assume, since you are asking, then definitely get the international. There are tiny physical differences, and some firmware. Some cases will fir both models, but not all. Some software will support both, but not all. In this case, if you want the greatest flexibility in software and accessories, go with international, as it's had a BIG head start.
sweetrobot said:
IF you have an options, which I would assume, since you are asking, then definitely get the international. There are tiny physical differences, and some firmware. Some cases will fir both models, but not all. Some software will support both, but not all. In this case, if you want the greatest flexibility in software and accessories, go with international, as it's had a BIG head start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your suggestion. now for the carrier? should i go for AT&T or T-Mobile? (since i heard they don't require the $500 deposit unlike AT&T) and also, is the data speed faster on the AT&T's GSII versus the International??
viciouspinoy said:
thank you for your suggestion. now for the carrier? should i go for AT&T or T-Mobile? (since i heard they don't require the $500 deposit unlike AT&T) and also, is the data speed faster on the AT&T's GSII versus the International??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your'e going with T-Mobile, you will have to buy T-Mobile's version of Samsung Galaxy S II, otherwise you will have no "3G/4G" data. You will only get EDGE data speed if you're using International or AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II.
The $500 is for contracts. If you walk into an att store with your own phone they won't ask for any money down. The only reason for contracts is to make sure they make back the discounts they give on phones. A contract is not needed if you have your own phone. Even if you're a terrible customer they only have to worry about a month. And how they schedule payments is your bill 'pays' for the next month. Even though your bill is based off your usage for that last month, you in reality are paying for the next month. That's why when you're late on a payment they don't immediately kill your line, cause they're not out money yet.
As far as what carrier? I'd go with att just for the chance tmobile deal goes through quicker than expected.
Having a phone through a carrier that is getting bought out = lots of frustration.
Having personally dealt with that situation twice, I can confidently say it's not worth it.
But since you wouldn't be on contract you could just as easily jump from tmobile to att (would be frustrating if you couldn't take your number with you, but our google overlords make that situation much better if you get a google number from them, no need to tell anyone your number even changed)
Obviously these are points with 'price being beside the point.'
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
If you decide to get an international version, I have one for sale. I'll do $500 shipped. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1296689
@runtohell121 Wow for making my long post pointless. Too bad I didn't see your post till after I had already sent mine.
You're definitely right.
Tmobile uses both 1700 and 2100. One for upstream and one for downstream.
Unfortunately the galaxy s ii uses 850/900/1800/1900 bands for gsm.
Looks like att is the best choice, otherwise it will only be edge speeds.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
gr8hairy1 said:
The $500 is for contracts. If you walk into an att store with your own phone they won't ask for any money down. The only reason for contracts is to make sure they make back the discounts they give on phones. A contract is not needed if you have your own phone. Even if you're a terrible customer they only have to worry about a month. And how they schedule payments is your bill 'pays' for the next month. Even though your bill is based off your usage for that last month, you in reality are paying for the next month. That's why when you're late on a payment they don't immediately kill your line, cause they're not out money yet.
As far as what carrier? I'd go with att just for the chance tmobile deal goes through quicker than expected.
Having a phone through a carrier that is getting bought out = lots of frustration.
Having personally dealt with that situation twice, I can confidently say it's not worth it.
But since you wouldn't be on contract you could just as easily jump from tmobile to att (would be frustrating if you couldn't take your number with you, but our google overlords make that situation much better if you get a google number from them, no need to tell anyone your number even changed)
Obviously these are points with 'price being beside the point.'
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, so just for clarification, if i walk in to an AT&T STORE with the INTERNATIONAL Galaxy S II on hand, i won't have to pay $500 for the deposit? With that in mind, then it would be cheaper for me right? Because i'm a college student with no credit. because with what you said, i think i will definitely get the international version.
Forget T-Mobile, since i work in Irvine, Ca., most of my co workers that are with AT&T, have better coverage than Verizon and T-Mobile. My only question now is if i get the International Galaxy S II, and start a plan with AT&T, will it run the same data speeds as with AT&T's Galaxy S II?
Truceda said:
If you decide to get an international version, I have one for sale. I'll do $500 shipped. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1296689
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for some reason, i couldn't see your post, it says, its because im a new member. anyway, post the details here, or PM it to me. is it brand new? and where are you from? send pictures.
viciouspinoy said:
ok, so just for clarification, if i walk in to an AT&T STORE with the INTERNATIONAL Galaxy S II on hand, i won't have to pay $500 for the deposit? With that in mind, then it would be cheaper for me right? Because i'm a college student with no credit. because with what you said, i think i will definitely get the international version.
Forget T-Mobile, since i work in Irvine, Ca., most of my co workers that are with AT&T, have better coverage than Verizon and T-Mobile. My only question now is if i get the International Galaxy S II, will it run the same data speeds as with the AT&T Version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not too sure about the contract question, but I still think you would have to pay a deposit IF you sign a contract with AT&T. I personally don't know that you're allow to get service with AT&T without a contract or I never done it before so.. yea.. I don't know.. but my guess is that if you go into an AT&T store with your international SGSII, they will say it won't work or something LOL.
As for the SGSII data speed question, it will be the same as AT&T version as long as you have the correct data settings.
thanks! but i need this clarified though. ive been watching videos of the international galaxy s ii.. i'm in love with it.
after googling and looking at at&t forum.. seems like you can do month to month with AT&T on an unlocked phone as long as it works. Just that I'm not too sure on what data package you would need.
Ok, so what does the "correct data settings" that you were saying mean? Hmm, data package? I might want a 2GB data plan. Is that what you were asking?
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App
You will most likely have to enter the data settings to enable the 3G for the SGSII International to work on AT&T. By data pack, I mean you might be able to get the "dumbphone" unlimited since it's an unlocked phone..
Hey guys
I see that there are various models for samsung galaxy s3
US version has dual core processor..
Which is the better version..
Preorder starts tomorrow from ATT for $200 with contract and US version will have LTE
I can get S3 (UK/India) version with HSPDA+ for around $650 (a cousin of mine has samsung dealership in india)
I live in downtown LA and ATT network sucks here.. (paying $140 for two lines with 200 texts for 1line, 1000 for another and unlimited data on both)
If i get a contract free phone, I can switch to straight talk and get same ATT network for 90 bucks for two lines (saving $50/month)
Is it a good option to get dual core non LTE version?
Thanks for the input
contract-free definitly, you wont use mobile net so much i belive you can alway connect on wifi and you re saving 50$
Hi there,
Presently I know I am getting the galaxy s3 american/canadien version. Now the thing is to choose my company (I live in Quebec, Canada). The thing is I am doubting about 2 companies (because of the services/contract/price they provide): Bell and Videotron. Now the thing is that Bell's galaxy s3 is the same version as the rest of north america, but the videotron version doesnt have LTE, but all the rest of the specs are the same (if im not mistaking).
Now my question is, (because I am a flash addict), will this change anything on the roms I can flash? In other words, does the fact that videotron doesnt have LTE on the phone (they block it) wont let me flash roms that I can flash on the North american version?
Sorry for the long question, but I am struggling with this.
Thank you very much!
If the hardware is the same I shouldn't see why you'd have a problem with ROMs for it, what your network does with its data is up to them, Nd not related to the phone.
Really though, if you're gonna get the S3 in North America and not benefit from LTE, why not just buy the international version and go with a good data plan? You'd have much better ROM support.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
This is just my guess, but I'm of the opinion that all GSM dual core variants will have the same hardware. More guessing here, but I think you could take an "ATT" ROM and flash it as long as you had the appropriate radio for your carrier. Maybe someone more knowledgeable can chime in?
But, that's how I'm hoping it'll work. I'd hate it if I bought a T-mobile version and only be able to use 2 developers lol.
bortak said:
If the hardware is the same I shouldn't see why you'd have a problem with ROMs for it, what your network does with its data is up to them, Nd not related to the phone.
Really though, if you're gonna get the S3 in North America and not benefit from LTE, why not just buy the international version and go with a good data plan? You'd have much better ROM support.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I buy the North American version is just that if I buy the international it will cost me smthing like 250$ more and the biggest reason is that if I have problem with my phone the warranty will be pain. (but if you know à good website where I can buy the international version can you tell me?) { thanks a lot
I'm with Videotron and I'll be getting the S3 on June 20th. I'm pretty sure you can install any ROM made for the other north-american models, since they only disable the LTE chip in this model (I think).
Concerning the option to buy the international version, I see two cons : the price is WAY higher (159$ on a 3-year with Videotron with a good 40$ plan VS 750-850$ for the international version), and the fact that I don't think the Quad-core processor brings much yet.
Quad-core is a nice plus, but I think it's more like a "I can tell I have a quad-core device" feature more than a real performance boost (for now). The north-american versions will have 2GB of RAM, and I think this is more useful. I see many users on this forum talking about the Laucher redrawing when they close a big application, or some lag when switching tabs in the browser. More RAM = no (or less) need to free memory to make room for the last app launched.
Plus, I also think the battery life with the S4 CPU will be better since this is a dual-core and there has no LTE, but I may well be wrong, it's just a guess.
You should look at this thread, might be useful.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
EDIT: **** how could I miss the link -__- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1696025
sam_1421 said:
I'm with Videotron and I'll be getting the S3 on June 20th. I'm pretty sure you can install any ROM made for the other north-american models, since they only disable the LTE chip in this model (I think).
Concerning the option to buy the international version, I see two cons : the price is WAY higher (159$ on a 3-year with Videotron with a good 40$ plan VS 750-850$ for the international version), and the fact that I don't think the Quad-core processor brings much yet.
Quad-core is a nice plus, but I think it's more like a "I can tell I have a quad-core device" feature more than a real performance boost (for now). The north-american versions will have 2GB of RAM, and I think this is more useful. I see many users on this forum talking about the Laucher redrawing when they close a big application, or some lag when switching tabs in the browser. More RAM = no (or less) need to free memory to make room for the last app launched.
Plus, I also think the battery life with the S4 CPU will be better since this is a dual-core and there has no LTE, but I may well be wrong, it's just a guess.
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Click to collapse
Yes but for me the only reason of buying maybe the international version is to have more roms development but for the rest, personally, I think youre rigth and for videotron the only thing scaring me is that it wont support roms (because it doesnt have LTE, but it should be ok).
bortak said:
You should look at this thread, might be useful.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
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What thread? I cant see any link
Same here
There's almost certainly still going to be plenty of ROM choices for the North American versions. That's what I'm hoping anyways. *fingers crossed*
tenkaishy said:
The only reason I buy the North American version is just that if I buy the international it will cost me smthing like 250$ more and the biggest reason is that if I have problem with my phone the warranty will be pain. (but if you know à good website where I can buy the international version can you tell me?) { thanks a lot
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Click to collapse
Rule of thumb here in the US: the savings you get from buying a subsidized phone will be dwarfed by the extra you pay monthly. Most people don't remember to multiply that extra *24 (or even *36 for a three-year contract).
I can't speak for Canada, however. But if you pay more than $250/(36 months)= $6.94/month extra over three years, that already exceeds the $250 you saved in the subsidy. And you're locked in to boot.
Edit: Plus, you say you want to flash. International version is a no-brainer for the dev scene. See this post.
I think im gonna go with the int version. The only thing scaring me though is the warranty. Does anyone know a good web to buy the phone from? if there is one with a warranty? Thanks again
Why go with Bell or Videotron? I am with Telus http://www.telusmobility.com/en/QC/plans/promotional.shtml and I am renewing my contract with them because they have the best plans. i have been looking around for 2 months.
Also, why go with Videotron if they do not have LTE? LTE is the future of data transmission. Bell has LTE, but their plans are more expensive.
For $50/month you get...
200 anytime minutes
Unlimited NATIONWIDE talk and text messaging with your 10 Favourite Numbers
Unlimited local Early Nights (6pm) and Weekends
Unlimited outgoing and incoming text, picture and video messages
Flexible data,
up to 100 MB is $50
100 MB to 250 MB is $60
250 MB to 500 MB is $70
500 MB and over is $70
Since I am never over 100mb/month, this is a great plan compared to other companies.
Ian
w98seeng said:
Why go with Bell or Videotron? I am with Telus http://www.telusmobility.com/en/QC/plans/promotional.shtml and I am renewing my contract with them because they have the best plans. i have been looking around for 2 months.
Also, why go with Videotron if they do not have LTE? LTE is the future of data transmission. Bell has LTE, but their plans are more expensive.
For $50/month you get...
200 anytime minutes
Unlimited NATIONWIDE talk and text messaging with your 10 Favourite Numbers
Unlimited local Early Nights (6pm) and Weekends
Unlimited outgoing and incoming text, picture and video messages
Flexible data,
up to 100 MB is $50
100 MB to 250 MB is $60
250 MB to 500 MB is $70
500 MB and over is $70
Since I am never over 100mb/month, this is a great plan compared to other companies.
Ian
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Thanks for the info! I will check this. But I think I will finally stay with my plan and buy the int phone.
tenkaishy said:
I think im gonna go with the int version. The only thing scaring me though is the warranty. Does anyone know a good web to buy the phone from? if there is one with a warranty? Thanks again
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Edit: I read "insurance" for some reason. They should all have warranty, really, but probably shouldn't buy overseas since that opens up a new can of worms.
thebobp said:
Edit: I read "insurance" for some reason. They should all have warranty, really, but probably shouldn't buy overseas since that opens up a new can of worms.
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Samsung is pretty adamant about having receipts for the phone before they warranty anything. I went through this.
Samsung warranties are not transferable.
Ian
w98seeng said:
Why go with Bell or Videotron? I am with Telus http://www.telusmobility.com/en/QC/plans/promotional.shtml and I am renewing my contract with them because they have the best plans. i have been looking around for 2 months.
Also, why go with Videotron if they do not have LTE? LTE is the future of data transmission. Bell has LTE, but their plans are more expensive.
For $50/month you get...
200 anytime minutes
Unlimited NATIONWIDE talk and text messaging with your 10 Favourite Numbers
Unlimited local Early Nights (6pm) and Weekends
Unlimited outgoing and incoming text, picture and video messages
Flexible data,
up to 100 MB is $50
100 MB to 250 MB is $60
250 MB to 500 MB is $70
500 MB and over is $70
Since I am never over 100mb/month, this is a great plan compared to other companies.
Ian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is actually pretty expensive ... ***100*** MB for 50$, seriously? if I use 500MB I pay 70$ for a month, that's wayyyy too expensive ... Videotron gives me 2gb for 50$, with unlimited texts also.
LTE is cool but ...
1. Drains battery like hell ...
2. For must uses, the speed improvement is not that much ...
3. LTE is way too under-developed for now. I live in Québec and if I want to have LTE I must be in Montreal ... well not for me.
Maybe in a few years, when LTE coverage will be comparable to HSPA coverage, then it will be really interesting. Until then, 3G is fine for me
sam_1421 said:
This is actually pretty expensive ... ***100*** MB for 50$, seriously? if I use 500MB I pay 70$ for a month, that's wayyyy too expensive ... Videotron gives me 2gb for 50$, with unlimited texts also.
LTE is cool but ...
1. Drains battery like hell ...
2. For must uses, the speed improvement is not that much ...
3. LTE is way too under-developed for now. I live in Québec and if I want to have LTE I must be in Montreal ... well not for me.
Maybe in a few years, when LTE coverage will be comparable to HSPA coverage, then it will be really interesting. Until then, 3G is fine for me
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Click to collapse
I don't use much in the way of data, but I do call people across Canada, so my fav 10 really helps. Also Videotron has zones, I hate zones. I go to auctions in eastern Ontario and the flea market in Lachute, so when I call or get a call from a friend, my mother, my sister it doesn;t cost anything because they are part of my fav 10.