[Q] Unlocked SGS2/IMEI/ATT data Q - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all. I have searched and cant find an answer to my specific Q.
I am thinking of getting an unbranded/unlocked SGS2 To use with my ATT sim, which has an unlimited data plan for $10....old grandfathered one.
I am presently using an HTC HD2, which is a smartphone that ATT never sold, therefore the non smartphone data rate.
If I were to buy an unbranded SGS2, would ATT be able, through the registering of the phones IMEI on their network, to change my data plan to the more expensive data plan? I guess the question boils down to, in addition to all the IMEI's that ATT has for the SGS2's that they sell and have a record of, would they also have a record of unbraded IMEI's?

Isn't this the reason there is an AT&T SGS2 because the International one doesn't fully support AT&T? Maybe ask the question in the AT&T SGS2 forums?

Didnt know that there was an ATT forum! Thanks. And, the International SGS2 supports ATTs 3G network on the 850 band. That is why I want one....fully international on 3G...850/900 and 2100.

Found my answer on the ATT thread....I think. Looks like ATT will not know the international SGS2 is a smartphone as they wont have the IMEI's, I think!
Thanks.

Related

[Q] What Non-AT&T branded phones work on AT&T's 3G network?

I had read in a thread by azwildcat98 "We know that AT&T uses the 850/1900/2100 MHz US 3G bands, while T-Mobile uses the 1700/2100 MHz US 3G bands, therefore making each carrier's hardware incompatible with the other's 3G network"
I am looking for possibly a list of non-AT&T distributed phones that work on AT&T's 3G network. My reason is that I currently have a T-mobile HTC HD2 connected to AT&T's EDGE network and i am paying $10/month for "non-smartphone internet" (because AT&T and T-Mobile dont exchange their IMEI # database apparently) AT&T thinks i have a crap flip phone... So i dont have to pay $30/month for "smartphone internet." How can i achieve AT&T's 3G speeds while not purchasing an AT&T branded phone so i can continue paying for "non-smartphone internet'?
My problem could be solved by just buying an AT&T branded phone, but im saving $20/month my way.
The only answers I really want to see in this thread are: What non-AT&T branded Android smartphones are out with 850/1900/2100 MHz US 3G bands?
xtremetimma said:
I had read in a thread by azwildcat98 "We know that AT&T uses the 850/1900/2100 MHz US 3G bands, while T-Mobile uses the 1700/2100 MHz US 3G bands, therefore making each carrier's hardware incompatible with the other's 3G network"
I am looking for possibly a list of non-AT&T distributed phones that work on AT&T's 3G network. My reason is that I currently have a T-mobile HTC HD2 connected to AT&T's EDGE network and i am paying $10/month for "non-smartphone internet" (because AT&T and T-Mobile dont exchange their IMEI # database apparently) AT&T thinks i have a crap flip phone... So i dont have to pay $30/month for "smartphone internet." How can i achieve AT&T's 3G speeds while not purchasing an AT&T branded phone so i can continue paying for "non-smartphone internet'?
My problem could be solved by just buying an AT&T branded phone, but im saving $20/month my way.
The only answers I really want to see in this thread are: What non-AT&T branded Android smartphones are out with 850/1900/2100 MHz US 3G bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few carriers that use the same bands. None in the US though. The Closest is Canada. Just a warning, the carriers and OEMs to prevent this sort of thing. While they can't tell what phone your using they are starting to be able to tell if its a smartphone or dumbphone.
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
I finally found a non AT&T branded phone that has the 850MHz required AT&T 3G frequency! but i dont want that phone, any others?
http://pocketnow.com/hardware-1/how-to-get-an-htc-hd2-with-3g-on-att
Edit: I think i came to the conclusion that any unlocked phone will achieve AT&T 3G speeds if is has 850MHz, and i can get my "dumbphone internet" if the phone is "unbranded" or branded as a carrier other than AT&T.
HTC Sensation z710a (Unbranded) will work with AT&T 4G speeds! gonna try to get one and hope my $10/ month deal holds up... I figure im saving 12months x $20 = $240/ year without "smartphone internet" so i dont care how much i pay for the phone.

Galaxy S3 International works on Rogers?

Hi, I've read that the international quad core version of the Galaxy S3 can be used on Rogers.
I know absolutely nothing about phones so I was wondering how this can be done?
Do I just buy the international version without contract and take it to a Rogers service store and add a plan on it? What type of plan should I be using with the international version? I don't need LTE or 4G. I'm fine with the 3G network as long as the phone works without any issues. Is there any trustworthy sites where can I buy the unlocked international version of the S3?
blazin419 said:
Hi, I've read that the international quad core version of the Galaxy S3 can be used on Rogers.
I know absolutely nothing about phones so I was wondering how this can be done?
Do I just buy the international version without contract and take it to a Rogers service store and add a plan on it? What type of plan should I be using with the international version? I don't need LTE or 4G. I'm fine with the 3G network as long as the phone works without any issues. Is there any trustworthy sites where can I buy the unlocked international version of the S3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not super familiar with how things work in the US for mobile phones, but here are a few threads that might help you:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1696025
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722690
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1683261
daviddema said:
I am not super familiar with how things work in the US for mobile phones, but here are a couple of threads that might help you:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1696025
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1722690
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rogers is in canada not US :angel:
@OP I am 99% sure that international GSIII will work on Rogers. I had GSII with me and I used it on rogers with a prepaid plan
watsa said:
Rogers is in canada not US :angel:
@OP I am 99% sure that international GSIII will work on Rogers. I had GSII with me and I used it on rogers with a prepaid plan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From a little bit of research, everyone is saying the international GSIII will work as long as it's on a 3G data plan. Is there any downsides to using the international version other than being limited to 3G? Is it as simple as buying the unlocked GSIII int'l phone and using a 3G plan on it?
blazin419 said:
From a little bit of research, everyone is saying the international GSIII will work as long as it's on a 3G data plan. Is there any downsides to using the international version other than being limited to 3G? Is it as simple as buying the unlocked GSIII int'l phone and using a 3G plan on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think there is any downside apart from not being on LTE. Yes it should be as simple as buying an unlocked phone, putting the sim card in it with a 3G plan. In case if your data does not work check if APN is added. I remember it was added automatically for me on GSII
I'm on rogers with the 9300, works fine. Obviously no LTE, but the HSPA+ is fast enough. Not to mention Canadian bandwidth restrictions making LTE a huge turn-off for me. 6GB a month for $60+, no thanks
EDIT: I could be wrong but I don't see a problem with what you mentioned in the OP. Get the phone and just buy a regular smartphone data plan, or whichever plan you want. As for myself, I kept the same plan as my X10 and just cut my sim up because it wouldn't fit and it works fine, no change of plan or anything.

Big decision on whether to get the international or US Samsung Galaxy S3

Note: Posting this here because...this kinda concerns this version, tmobile, AT&T, and the US version. Not sure if this is the best place to post this topic though. If it isn't, please move it. Anyway
Edit: Dammit, maybe this thread is more appropriate for the Tmobile section. I guess I posted this in the wrong place then.
For the past two days, I've been undecided on whether or not I should get the International Samsung Galaxy S3, or the USA Samsung Galaxy S3. To the point where it's stressing me out.From what I've read, its a pretty debatable subject..and its tiring having to go through "lolz quad core owns all" or "2gb ram is the best. Lol international". I looked at some videos, and they seemed even, more or less.
1. Here is my issue. I have Tmobile.Right now I'm under a prepaid type of plan(as in, I pay for minutes whenever. If I'm out of minutes, I can buy some more at any time. I'm under no type of contract. And the only thing that obviously happens to me if I run out of minutes is that I cant call/text anyone until i add more ). But I would like the option to go to 3g/4g in the future. I don't have the money to do 3g/4G right now , but atleast the option is still there for the future. So for now , I'm on a prepaid "pay whenever I want" thing.
From what I've heard the international version does not support 3g/4g(?) regarding Tmobile. All I will get is edge. Now here is the question. Will this always be the case for the International version? Meaning that the international version will never support 3g and 4g under Tmobile?(if I wanted to get a 3g plan) ?
2. If thats the case, what about the USA version? If I decide to stick under Tmobile, and get the US version, I will still have the option of upgrading to 3G/4g on Tmobile, right ? If so, does it matter which US Samsung Galaxy phone I get?(ignoring Verizon and Sprint)
For example, I heard that the AT&T locks the user from disabling LTE for the USA version. As well as locks other things in general. Even if unlocked. Is this true? Or was the person who said this full of crap?
2.5 Also, lets say I do get The AT&T SGS3. And I unlock it and put my Tmobile sim card in it. Now in the future, If I wanted to upgrade to LTE, would I be able to get LTE on this unlocked AT&T phone under a Tmobile Plan? Or would I need an AT&T SGS3, along with an AT&T plan in order to get LTE? And would the reverse be true(as in, If I get a Tmobile SGS3, and wanted to switch carriers . I would never get LTE because of the change of plan). Should I only get a Tmobile USA Samsung Galaxy S3?
3.What about "rooting"? Would that be a way around #2.5 or any of the above questions?
4. Does AT&T have a good prepaid plan as well?(as in, I can pay for minutes whenever. I'm not under any contract or $30 a month type of thing)
5.In my situation, would you recommend I get the US, or international version? Is it worth getting the international version, or USA version when concerning Tmobile? Should I switch carriers in the future, or am I fine the way I am now?
?
6. IYO, if I were to get the USA version, what would be the best place to get it? Without any type of contracts. Again, I assume that buying it locked(and them me manually unlocking it) is the safest option?
7. In my situation, would you recoomend I get the USA, or international version?
Cliffs.
- Deciding between international SGS3, or USA SGS3.
- I'm under Tmobile(prepaid for now)
- Is it true that the International version of the SGS3 will never support 3g or 4g for Tmobile?
- If that's the case, I will at least have the option of upgrading to 3g/4g/on a USA SGS3 under Tmobile, right?
- If the above is true, would it matter which USA Samsung Galaxy S3 I get?(AT&T, or Tmobile). Ex: Is it true that AT&T locks/prevents the user from disabling LTE(which apparently drains a lot)pa, and other apps on the specific AT&T SGS3? Even if it's unlocked? Or was the person who said this full of crap?)
- If I do get a USA AT&T SGS3, unlock it, and put my Tmobile sim card in it. And in the future, wanted to upgrade to LTE, would I be able to get LTE on this unlocked ATT phone, under a Tmobile plan? If not, does the reverse hold true as well?(as in, If I get a Tmobile SGS3, and wanted to switch carriers . I would never get LTE because of the change of plan)
- Would rooting solve the above issues?
- Does AT&T have a good prepaid plan as well?(as in, I can pay for minutes whenever. I'm not under any contract or $30 a month type of thing)
- What would you guys do in my situation?
- IYO, if I were to get the USA version, what would be the best place to get it? Without any type of contracts
- In my situation, would you recommend I get the US, or international version?
destroyer8888 said:
Note: Posting this here because...this kinda concerns this version, tmobile, AT&T, and the US version. Not sure if this is the best place to post this topic though. If it isn't, please move it. Anyway
For the past two days, I've been undecided on whether or not I should get the International Samsung Galaxy S3, or the USA Samsung Galaxy S3. To the point where it's stressing me out.From what I've read, its a pretty debatable subject..and its tiring having to go through "lolz quad core owns all" or "2gb ram is the best. Lol international". I looked at some videos, and they seemed even, more or less.
1. Here is my issue. I have Tmobile.Right now I'm under a prepaid type of plan(as in, I pay for minutes whenever. If I'm out of minutes, I can buy some more at any time. I'm under no type of contract. And the only thing that obviously happens to me if I run out of minutes is that I cant call/text anyone until i add more ). But I would like the option to go to 3g/4g in the future. I don't have the money to do 3g/4G right now , but atleast the option is still there for the future.
From what I've heard the international version does not support 3g/4g(?) regarding Tmobile. All I will get is edge. Now here is the question. Will this always be the case for the International version? Meaning that the international version will never support 3g and 4g under Tmobile?(if I wanted to get a 3g plan) ?
2. If thats the case, what about the USA version? If I decide to stick under Tmobile, and get the US version, I will still have the option of upgrading to 3G/4g on Tmobile, right ? If so, does it matter which US Samsung Galaxy phone I get?(ignoring Verizon and Sprint)
For example, I heard that the AT&T locks the user from disabling LTE for the USA version. As well as locks other things in general. Even if unlocked. Is this true? Or was the person who said this full of crap?
2.5 Also, lets say I do get The AT&T SGS3. And I unlock it and put my Tmobile sim card in it. Now in the future, If I wanted to upgrade to LTE, would I be able to get LTE on this unlocked AT&T phone under a Tmobile Plan? Or would I need an AT&T SGS3, along with an AT&T plan in order to get LTE? And would the reverse be true(as in, If I get a Tmobile SGS3, and wanted to switch carriers . I would never get LTE because of the change of plan). Should I only get a Tmobile USA Samsung Galaxy S3?
3.What about "rooting"? Would that be a way around #2.5 or any of the above questions?
4. Does AT&T have a good prepaid plan as well?(as in, I can pay for minutes whenever. I'm not under any contract or $30 a month type of thing)
5.What would you guys do in my situation? Is it worth getting the international version, or USA version when concerning Tmobile? Should I switch carriers in the future, or am I fine the way I am now?
6. IYO, if I were to get the USA version, what would be the best place to get it? Without any type of contracts. Again, I assume that buying it locked(and them me manually unlocking it) is the safest option?
Cliffs.
- Deciding between international SGS3, or USA SGS3.
- I'm under Tmobile(prepaid for now)
- Is it true that the International version of the SGS3 will never support 3g or 4g for Tmobile?
- If thats the case, I will atleast have the option of upgrading to 3g/4g/on a USA SGS3 under Tmobile, right?
- If the above is true, would it matter which USA Samsung Galaxy S3 I get?(AT&T, or Tmobile). Ex: Is it true that AT&T locks/prevents the user from disabling LTE(which apparently drains a lot)pa, and other apps on the specific AT&T SGS3? Even if it's unlocked? Or was the person who said this full of crap?)
- If I do get a USA AT&T SGS3, unlock it, and put my Tmobile sim card in it. And in the future, wanted to upgrade to LTE, would I be able to get LTE on this unlocked ATT phone, under a Tmobile plan? If not, does the reverse hold true as well?(as in, If I get a Tmobile SGS3, and wanted to switch carriers . I would never get LTE because of the change of plan)
- Would rooting solve the above issues?
- Does AT&T have a good prepaid plan as well?(as in, I can pay for minutes whenever. I'm not under any contract or $30 a month type of thing)
- What would you guys do in my situation?
- IYO, if I were to get the USA version, what would be the best place to get it? Without any type of contracts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Germany on T-Mobile and have the International version. I recently travelled back to the US (PA/WV/OH area). T-Mobile only gave me a roaming Edge connection, no 3G (at least in the Columbus OH area). I went to the local AT&T shop to get one of the prepaid SIM's. They sold me one, but no-go on the data. They don't do "4G" data on the prepaid plan, the phone was too cool for them. I was only there for a couple of weeks, so I dealt with it. As for which is better, 2 core or 4 core, flip a coin. They are both good. Use GSM Arena's specs pages along with http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_frequencies for carrier frequencies to figure out which phone supports the data connection you want.
michaeljwestii said:
I live in Germany on T-Mobile and have the International version. I recently travelled back to the US (PA/WV/OH area). T-Mobile only gave me a roaming Edge connection, no 3G (at least in the Columbus OH area). I went to the local AT&T shop to get one of the prepaid SIM's. They sold me one, but no-go on the data. They don't do "4G" data on the prepaid plan, the phone was too cool for them. I was only there for a couple of weeks, so I dealt with it. As for which is better, 2 core or 4 core, flip a coin. They are both good. Use GSM Arena's specs pages along with [link] for carrier frequencies to figure out which phone supports the data connection you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh I see. Thanks for the input man Now that I think about it, i'm starting to lean more towards the US version.
also, are there any good guides on how to disable LTE on a US ATT SGS3?

[Q] tmobile in att area, which sgs3 to get?

I've been wanting an upgrade from my G2x for a while and what I want, which is what everyone else wants, is the Samsung Galaxy S3. I don't know which model to get, being that there are so many models of the S3 depending on the service provider. Here's the situation: I'm on a t-mobile value plan, living in West Virginia (I'm a student) with the only service here is roaming on AT&T, thus I only get edge. Can I use a different model, like an unlocked AT&T, and then be able to use more than 2G? Then be able to get full 4G when I do go to t-mobile service area? (From the chart by forum moderator, it shows AT&T shares 1900 mHz, 2100mHz, HSPA+, so it should technically work with tmobile, correct line of thought?)
*I already know that unlocked international version won't be able to get on anything more than 2G in US, it having different radios.
Also, read somewhere that I could buy the AT&T model and be able to use international LTE networks. Is that true? Could someone here enlighten me about the issues with the radios/frequencies (for US) for S3?
Much appreciated. Tried to find this question answered somewhere, and couldn't so posting now.

Will my Korean S2 be able to use 3G on T-Mobile in the USA?

I just recently bought a Korean Galaxy S2 (SHW-M250K) on eBay. It's unlocked and in great condition. I've been thinking of switching from Verizon to T-Mobile for a long time now because I don't do a whole lot of calling, and I'm paying $70 a month for a flip phone from Verizon with only 450 minutes and no type of data access at all. With that said, I'm pretty sure this new phone will work in the states with a local SIM, but I wasn't aware that some phones are only able to achieve 2G speeds (can't remember why exactly). Does anyone know specifically if this model will be capable of 3G or not? Thanks in advance.

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