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Hi guys,This is my first post here, this is an excellent forum, keep up the good work2! I am living in the UAE where it looks like the SGS2 wont see the light of day till Q3 2011, I cant wait till then so I am looking at my options. I am not very comfortable with ordering it online from sites like Expansys or Handtec, so would prefer getting it from a physical store.
I will be visiting South Korea very soon and have heard that the SGS2 is already on sale there. My questions are:
1) Are the Korean models (sold exclusively through the carriers I hear) fully unlocked?
2) I will be going to study in Manchester for the next two years, so would like to use the SGS2 there. Seeing that S Korea, UK (and the UAE) use the same GSM and 3G bands - 900/1800 and 3G 2100, I understand its possible but are there any other problems that could crop up? I cant find any specs online for the Korean SGS2.
Thank you!
[EDIT]
Guess noone knows or must be thinking that I didnt search before starting a new thread. Thanks to those who did help! Found the answer from a variety of sources, just listing here in case anyone needs it:
The Korean SGS2 are not quad-band, and are physically thicker due to the inclusion of NFC and a TV tuner. Some carriers have different (non global) MMS standards as well. I have been informed that they are probably locked as well and available on contract to locals only. Also the Indian SGS2 has NFC and costs just 675$ to 700$, guess I will just get it from India!
I will tell you what i know.(it is not 100 sure.)
You are correct that there are three different models of SGS2 in korea.
If you want to use the phone in UK,
You should buy SHW-250K( from KT, one of the service provider)
it meets the mms standard of other countries.
Once again this information is not sure.
I need someone's confirmation for this.
Thanks.
If you're going in on a standard tourist visa then you will NOT be able to buy a phone, even outright. Phones are only available to locals and people on long term visas.
Yeah, get it from India.
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.
I'm currently a proud owner of a Virgin Mobile LG Optimus V running Android 4.0.4 It's a great little phone- I'm guessing it is virtually indestrcutible- (I dropped it. ALOT. And spilled some water. Not even a hiccup!). It's a little phone that could and for something like this- it's amazing, but I feel it's time for an upgrade. As great as it is, let's face it. It's ancient. A 600MHz ARM V6 processor, 418MB of memory, and it's screen is only 3.2". It's opnly supposed to run Froyo. /FROYO/. That's pretty ancient. I'm looking for a new phone, but here's the catch- It has to be on a reasonably inexpensive pre-paid plan. (My parents don't want me to get a contract and I don't blame them, they can be expensive.) Virgin Mobile (My current carrier; 35 dollars a month with unlimited 3G) has only two "decent" phones- A 199.99 HTC One V. A SOLID phone but seriously, 512MB RAM and a SINGLE CORE 1GHz is really not a lot. On the other hand, they have the 300 dollar Evo V 3D with 4G, though it's not really something I want and it's a bit over my prace range- (Up to 250 USD).
While searching plans, I found T-Mobile's 30 dollar Monthly 4G plan. It's wonderful for me. I don't call much but I use lots of data and text alot. T-Mobile also has better coverage, and this is 4G. Not boring old 3G. (I don't mind 3G, but 4G is just better.) While thinking of decent phones I could manage to get GSM Unlocked, I thought Galaxy SII, Galaxy Nexus, and a few others. I looked all around Craigslist NYC, Amazon, Google, and Ebay for all phones and I found that on ebay the bids for a decent SII in decent condition could reasonably be bought for under $250 (T-Mobile/GSM). I'm wondering- Do I need the GSM or the T-Mobile variant, or will either work. Is this phone good and a value for the money? I really like the design and the specs on it. It also has lots of JB ROMs and Native ICS which is a HUGE plus.
Also, is there any difference between the SII with the Capacitive buttons and the one with a huge Home button? (P.S.: I like the one with all capacitive buttons more )
Thanks for reading this.Any answers/input is greatly appreciated.
Edit! I was looking at the ebay link again and found a website called Wirefly where they are offering a SII 4G for 100 bucks if I make a new account. Does this count with a Prepaid account? And if so, is the SII 4G compatible with normal SII roms?
http://www.wirefly.com/eCommerce/Sp...da9ca042dbbe0118305fb0d033&showcustblock=true
TauSigmaNova said:
I'm currently a proud owner of a Virgin Mobile LG Optimus V running Android 4.0.4 It's a great little phone- I'm guessing it is virtually indestrcutible- (I dropped it. ALOT. And spilled some water. Not even a hiccup!). It's a little phone that could and for something like this- it's amazing, but I feel it's time for an upgrade. As great as it is, let's face it. It's ancient. A 600MHz ARM V6 processor, 418MB of memory, and it's screen is only 3.2". It's opnly supposed to run Froyo. /FROYO/. That's pretty ancient. I'm looking for a new phone, but here's the catch- It has to be on a reasonably inexpensive pre-paid plan. (My parents don't want me to get a contract and I don't blame them, they can be expensive.) Virgin Mobile (My current carrier; 35 dollars a month with unlimited 3G) has only two "decent" phones- A 199.99 HTC One V. A SOLID phone but seriously, 512MB RAM and a SINGLE CORE 1GHz is really not a lot. On the other hand, they have the 300 dollar Evo V 3D with 4G, though it's not really something I want and it's a bit over my prace range- (Up to 250 USD).
While searching plans, I found T-Mobile's 30 dollar Monthly 4G plan. It's wonderful for me. I don't call much but I use lots of data and text alot. T-Mobile also has better coverage, and this is 4G. Not boring old 3G. (I don't mind 3G, but 4G is just better.) While thinking of decent phones I could manage to get GSM Unlocked, I thought Galaxy SII, Galaxy Nexus, and a few others. I looked all around Craigslist NYC, Amazon, Google, and Ebay for all phones and I found that on ebay the bids for a decent SII in decent condition could reasonably be bought for under $250 (T-Mobile/GSM). I'm wondering- Do I need the GSM or the T-Mobile variant, or will either work. Is this phone good and a value for the money? I really like the design and the specs on it. It also has lots of JB ROMs and Native ICS which is a HUGE plus.
Also, is there any difference between the SII with the Capacitive buttons and the one with a huge Home button? (P.S.: I like the one with all capacitive buttons more )
Thanks for reading this.Any answers/input is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your profile says you're in the US, so I'm assuming your talking about T-Mobile USA.
The Galaxy S II for T-Mobile is massively different than the "one with the huge home button", as you refer to it. They have completely different hardware, including SoC/CPU/GPU.
The "one with the huge home button" is the I9100, and this post is currently in the forum for that device.
The one for T-mobile USA that has the 4 capacitive buttons is the SGH-T989, and that device has its own forum.
There are also other variants for US carriers AT&T, Sprint, and US Cellular. The one for US Cellular doesn't have its own forum but is somewhat closely related hardware wise to the Sprint variant, so there are posts concerning it within that forum. But the AT&T, Sprint, and T-mobile USA variants are all different from each other, and they are all different from the I9100.
---------- Post added at 03:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:04 PM ----------
TauSigmaNova said:
Edit! I was looking at the ebay link again and found a website called Wirefly where they are offering a SII 4G for 100 bucks if I make a new account. Does this count with a Prepaid account? And if so, is the SII 4G compatible with normal SII roms?
http://www.wirefly.com/eCommerce/Sp...da9ca042dbbe0118305fb0d033&showcustblock=true
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's still the SGH-T989.
Uhuh.... I'm getting a bit confused. Should I simply repost this thread in the other forum?
TMobile USA has like 2 diffent SIIs? Im so confused..
TauSigmaNova said:
Uhuh.... I'm getting a bit confused. Should I simply repost this thread in the other forum?
TMobile USA has like 2 diffent SIIs? Im so confused..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure they only have one.
If you have questions about the T-mobile version, you should post in the T-mobile forum. This device does work on T-mobile USA's network, but only gets Edge, as it doesn't fully work to get "4G" on that network.
ctomgee said:
Pretty sure they only have one.
If you have questions about the T-mobile version, you should post in the T-mobile forum. This device does work on T-mobile USA's network, but only gets Edge, as it doesn't fully work to get "4G" on that network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I thought this would be the forum to post it in since i was considering either a GSM Unlocked one or TMobile.
TauSigmaNova said:
Ah, I thought this would be the forum to post it in since i was considering either a GSM Unlocked one or TMobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to consider what network you're intending on running the device on before you get the device itself.
The i9100 gets high speed data on AT&T's network, but only gets Edge on T-mobile USA's network. There's nothing that can be done about this; the phone antenna hardware just doesn't receive one of the two necessary frequencies to make it happen.
I've heard rumors that the T-mobile variant can be modified to get high speed data on AT&T's network, but it doesn't work that way out of the box.
The LTE variant that AT&T sells (the Skyrocket) can reportedly be modified to get high speed data on T-mobile USA's network, but it doesn't work that way out of the box.
EDIT: BTW, the Skyrocket has its own separate forum from the AT&T variant as well.
ctomgee said:
You need to consider what network you're intending on running the device on before you get the device itself.
The i9100 gets high speed data on AT&T's network, but only gets Edge on T-mobile USA's network. There's nothing that can be done about this; the phone antenna hardware just doesn't receive one of the two necessary frequencies to make it happen.
I've heard rumors that the T-mobile variant can be modified to get high speed data on AT&T's network, but it doesn't work that way out of the box.
The LTE variant that AT&T sells (the Skyrocket) can reportedly be modified to get high speed data on T-mobile USA's network, but it doesn't work that way out of the box.
EDIT: BTW, the Skyrocket has its own separate forum from the AT&T variant as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to buy the TMobile or International device and use it on TMobiles Monthly 4G service. Prefferably from the wirefly link if I can use it.
TauSigmaNova said:
I want to buy the TMobile or International device and use it on TMobiles Monthly 4G service. Prefferably from the wirefly link if I can use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, the i9100 (which is the international device) will only get Edge speeds on T-mobile USA's network. As long as you know this going in...
Any questions pertaining to the device actually sold by T-mobile should go to the forum for that device.
ctomgee said:
As I said, the i9100 (which is the international device) will only get Edge speeds on T-mobile USA's network. As long as you know this going in...
Any questions pertaining to the device actually sold by T-mobile should go to the forum for that device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I posted this thread there and hope to get replies soon.
TauSigmaNova said:
Yeah, I posted this thread there and hope to get replies soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTW - the implication in your first post is that 4G is VERY important to you. You DO realize that this eliminates the I9100 as a possible choice for your device to use on T-mobile's network, right?
ctomgee said:
BTW - the implication in your first post is that 4G is VERY important to you. You DO realize that this eliminates the I9100 as a possible choice for your device to use on T-mobile's network, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, no, it's not VERY important to me, but it's a very nice plus.
Just get a brand new galaxy nexus from the play store. You won't be disappointed.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
obtained said:
Just get a brand new galaxy nexus from the play store. You won't be disappointed.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I know I wont be. (Aside from the camera) but 350 is still more then i can spare..
samsung galaxy s3 to use all the roms!
TauSigmaNova said:
I'm currently a proud owner of a Virgin Mobile LG Optimus V running Android 4.0.4 It's a great little phone- I'm guessing it is virtually indestrcutible- (I dropped it. ALOT. And spilled some water. Not even a hiccup!). It's a little phone that could and for something like this- it's amazing, but I feel it's time for an upgrade. As great as it is, let's face it. It's ancient. A 600MHz ARM V6 processor, 418MB of memory, and it's screen is only 3.2". It's opnly supposed to run Froyo. /FROYO/. That's pretty ancient. I'm looking for a new phone, but here's the catch- It has to be on a reasonably inexpensive pre-paid plan. (My parents don't want me to get a contract and I don't blame them, they can be expensive.) Virgin Mobile (My current carrier; 35 dollars a month with unlimited 3G) has only two "decent" phones- A 199.99 HTC One V. A SOLID phone but seriously, 512MB RAM and a SINGLE CORE 1GHz is really not a lot. On the other hand, they have the 300 dollar Evo V 3D with 4G, though it's not really something I want and it's a bit over my prace range- (Up to 250 USD).
While searching plans, I found T-Mobile's 30 dollar Monthly 4G plan. It's wonderful for me. I don't call much but I use lots of data and text alot. T-Mobile also has better coverage, and this is 4G. Not boring old 3G. (I don't mind 3G, but 4G is just better.) While thinking of decent phones I could manage to get GSM Unlocked, I thought Galaxy SII, Galaxy Nexus, and a few others. I looked all around Craigslist NYC, Amazon, Google, and Ebay for all phones and I found that on ebay the bids for a decent SII in decent condition could reasonably be bought for under $250 (T-Mobile/GSM). I'm wondering- Do I need the GSM or the T-Mobile variant, or will either work. Is this phone good and a value for the money? I really like the design and the specs on it. It also has lots of JB ROMs and Native ICS which is a HUGE plus.
Also, is there any difference between the SII with the Capacitive buttons and the one with a huge Home button? (P.S.: I like the one with all capacitive buttons more )
Thanks for reading this.Any answers/input is greatly appreciated.
Edit! I was looking at the ebay link again and found a website called Wirefly where they are offering a SII 4G for 100 bucks if I make a new account. Does this count with a Prepaid account? And if so, is the SII 4G compatible with normal SII roms?
http://www.wirefly.com/eCommerce/Sp...da9ca042dbbe0118305fb0d033&showcustblock=true
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link you posted, is for customers who create a new post paid (contract) account through us for T-Mobile. We do offer T-Mobile pre-paid phones and accounts, but the prices are usually different. I am happy to help you with any questions you have about Wirefly - I work at our HQ. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk plan specifics.
Wirefly_Kim said:
The link you posted, is for customers who create a new post paid (contract) account through us for T-Mobile. We do offer T-Mobile pre-paid phones and accounts, but the prices are usually different. I am happy to help you with any questions you have about Wirefly - I work at our HQ. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk plan specifics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its fine, really. I simply do not like any of the T-Mobile prepaid phones. Bad dev support/specs. I'd gladly get a postpaid but they're expensvce , contracts are a hassle, and my parents won't let me get a contract: prepaid only. I live 4 blocks from a TMobile phone, I can just buy the plan there.
Also, I think the S3 is out of my price range. Plus, the s2 is still a great phone and I kinda like the design more.
So, I see Best Buy are going to be selling this for $600 SIM-free, a good £100 cheaper than the UK.
What sort of issues will I see using the device in the UK if I buy it in the US? Will HSPA+ work? What about LTE?
Careful there: if it's the AT&T model, full price doesn't mean it's unlocked; it's just the price without the 2 year contract.
It is still alot cheaper buying it this way if you want a SIM free phone, the only issue is whether it will be possible to unlock it. I have found 1 site where they 'claim' to be able to unlock it for $79.99!!!
Im considering this as I really really want the cyan version, how likely do you think it will be that there will be a hack to unlock this?
psalmu said:
Careful there: if it's the AT&T model, full price doesn't mean it's unlocked; it's just the price without the 2 year contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's just terrible.
Oh well, back to the drawing board.
edgedemon said:
It is still alot cheaper buying it this way if you want a SIM free phone, the only issue is whether it will be possible to unlock it. I have found 1 site where they 'claim' to be able to unlock it for $79.99!!!
Im considering this as I really really want the cyan version, how likely do you think it will be that there will be a hack to unlock this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is like Lumia 900 of AT&T, you will have to wait 6 to 8 months to get any unlock code from anyone, regardless how much you paid.
Also, AT&T itself is selling 920 for $449 without contract. 3rd party retailer will always sell for higher prices than AT&T because they don't get paid otherwise for contract free phones. But there is a slight chance that Best Buy can price match AT&T price for you.
On the other hand, Rogers version of 920 from Canada is selling for not much more and is known to be unlocked.
Both probably won't work with EU's LTE bands.
foxbat121 said:
If it is like Lumia 900 of AT&T, you will have to wait 6 to 8 months to get any unlock code from anyone, regardless how much you paid.
Also, AT&T itself is selling 920 for $449 without contract. 3rd party retailer will always sell for higher prices than AT&T because they don't get paid otherwise for contract free phones. But there is a slight chance that Best Buy can price match AT&T price for you.
On the other hand, Rogers version of 920 from Canada is selling for not much more and is known to be unlocked.
Both probably won't work with EU's LTE bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are saying it will not support LTE 1800Mhz?
Tsury said:
So you are saying it will not support LTE 1800Mhz?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Att here only uses 700Mhz for lte. Att phones typically come with 700Mhz and 1700Mhz bands. Even my dev version of 920 which supports more bands than att version only has 700/850/1700/2100 lte bands.
The RM820 (North American model) also has support for LTE 1900 (doesn't help anyone in Europe though).
so... is unlocking a cell phone tough?
the price is really very low.
pay extra 79.99$ is still cheaper than buying one in Europe. (but i hate the logo ._. )
but as edgedemon said, they just CLAIM that they can.
unlocking a phone must do this way?
or can jb the phone and install something to unlock?
or.. flashing the ROM?
Any idea how I'd go about getting a Rogers phone when I'm in the US? They're Canadian, right?
I'm not so concerned about LTE if it does HSPA+ on European frequencies.
What about flashing a US Device with a EU's Rom ?
I'm a real noobie in that domain !
In France LTE bands are 800 and 2600 ...
thx for advices !
Well, the rumour goes that all the 920s have all the bands available, but only the certain ones for that region are activated in software.
If that's true, then some day someone might work out how to flash the Radio ROM. But I doubt flashing the software ROM (which you can do just now) will make any changes to the radio ROM, so we'll need to wait until/if someone cracks it.
That goes for the 3G bands... I don't know if the phones come with all LTE bands available (and it's still a rumour that they even have all 3G bands)
elyl said:
Well, the rumour goes that all the 920s have all the bands available, but only the certain ones for that region are activated in software.
If that's true, then some day someone might work out how to flash the Radio ROM. But I doubt flashing the software ROM (which you can do just now) will make any changes to the radio ROM, so we'll need to wait until/if someone cracks it.
That goes for the 3G bands... I don't know if the phones come with all LTE bands available (and it's still a rumour that they even have all 3G bands)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for your answer... I think I'm gonna buy it into my country ...
Slaybz said:
What about flashing a US Device with a EU's Rom ?
I'm a real noobie in that domain !
In France LTE bands are 800 and 2600
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T device (a) can't be unlocked, so you can't use it with anything other than an AT&T SIM and (b) won't have European LTE frequencies.
I have been buying the AT&T versions for years now, extending my contract term and trying the NEXT plan. But with the bigger carriers locking the software down I want to buy an international version, but I'm unsure where to get one.
interesting, I was looking at us version of Samsung site and realize they do not sell latest smartphones provider free and unlocked;
you have to try the Canada site, looks like up north here, we can buy Samsung phones unlocked, even the newest ones
There are a number of sites that deal with overseas international phones. You can also find them on Amazon.com quite easily. Here is one http://welectronics.com/gsm/SAMSUNGSMPHONES.shtml take note they are selling a 32GB & 64GB only version, not sure if they can't get the 128GB option, or it will come later.
Order Directly from Samsung or Use eBay Amazon Walmart Best buy or this super place swappa.com
Buying an international version sounds like a good idea.
biggstkk said:
I have been buying the AT&T versions for years now, extending my contract term and trying the NEXT plan. But with the bigger carriers locking the software down I want to buy an international version, but I'm unsure where to get one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat. Just need to make sure the international version will support AT&T's LTE bands. If they do, I'll be going this route as well.
Try GSM Nation. Thet have the unlocked and at&t compatible version. Pre-Ordered mine.
Do not even try Canada. Yes we have stuff that work on pretty much all GSM carriers, but never can you buy an unlocked phone unless it's Google, Chinese made or bought overpriced on Sony's website. Samsung Nevers sells unlocked here. Got to use typical methods
Canada is not really international per se, Its networks are set up almost if not identical to those in the US, hence almost all devices are identical to those available in the US market.
There are however, few retailers that sells international versions of devices here in Canada. NCIX.com and Expansys Canada are the first 2 that come to mind. Its just a little more tougher to find as some retailers either don't post the complete information or don't even know their own inventory as some may carry the international versions without even knowing it.
Any other suggestions?
Buy an unbranded one off eBay.