I'm trying to decide what model to buy. I'm not from US and I'll not use my cellphone there.
I've noticed that there are plenty of US variants. Since I'm not used to all of these, can somebody tell me what is the support for these variants out of US? I mean, OS Updates, Custom ROMs and even parts.
I'll take a GS2 to my country (Brazil) and I don't want to get there and find out that I'm stuck with a nice phone but that will not work properly, will not have updates and will not have parts for it, including nobody wanting to buy it as well.
Thanks for your advise.
gsmarena for differences
Ok, Atfish, let me add something to my first post: I ALREADY checked Gsmarena for all variants, even Wiki for that. I'm not asking about hardware specifics, I'm talking about personal experience, ROM update, parts, etc. As I said, I'm planning on buying one when I arrive in USA, but don't know what could be the problems faced after I leave the country with a US variant (band problem already checked as well).
I know that Cianogen supports AT&T, for example, but none of the others. So, accordingly to knowledge AT&T is the closest thing to the standard I9100, but it doesn't mean that I'll be able to have all the privileges of a I9100. I'm looking for the closest thing to the I9100 that I can buy, since all US variants are always 30-50% cheaper than the International version.
Thanks, though.
Get the I9100. Plenty of custom firmware. Most common variant. Should work with most networks in most parts of the world.
Parts ? What have parts got to do with anything ? Your phone breaks or doesn't work, you send it in to Samsung/an authorised repairer for warranty service or take it to a mobile repair shop if it's out of warranty.
Why would you even consider a US variant? The one for Sprint is designed for CDMA networks, and probably won't even work for any of the carriers in Brazil, and the ATT and T-mobile USA variants will both have a bunch of branding. And the T-mobile USA variant uses slightly different frequencies than the ATT one, so you would have to do your due diligence with researching which one would work with your carrier. An un-branded i9100 is your best bet.
MistahBungle said:
Get the I9100. Plenty of custom firmware. Most common variant. Should work with most networks in most parts of the world.
Parts ? What have parts got to do with anything ? Your phone breaks or doesn't work, you send it in to Samsung/an authorised repairer for warranty service or take it to a mobile repair shop if it's out of warranty.
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Mistah, you think it's not worth pay a little bit less for any of the US variants? I prefer to get the I9100, but the other are always cheaper.
Parts. Remember, I'll be outside of US, so get support for a US variant out of US could be very tricky.
ctomgee, thanks. I'm start to think that paying less now could cost me a lot more in the future.
I can't comment on that, because I don't own one of the US variants. What I do know is the I9100 is the 'most common' variant & it's easy to get help with it on places like XDA & there is plenty of custom firmware & mods for it.
We have a number of Brazilian members here on XDA who have the I9100, which suggests it works well with the networks in that country, and I'd be surprised if you didn't have repairers in the major cities at least who couldn't easily repair an I9100.
Up to you whether you want to get a cheaper US variant. Maybe ask on the specific boards on XDA devoted to those phones to get an idea from people who actually own those phones ?
hknoener said:
Mistah, you think it's not worth pay a little bit less for any of the US variants? I prefer to get the I9100, but the other are always cheaper.
Parts. Remember, I'll be outside of US, so get support for a US variant out of US could be very tricky.
ctomgee, thanks. I'm start to think that paying less now could cost me a lot more in the future.
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Click to collapse
MistahBungle said:
I can't comment on that, because I don't own one of the US variants. What I do know is the I9100 is the 'most common' variant & it's easy to get help with it on places like XDA & there is plenty of custom firmware & mods for it.
We have a number of Brazilian members here on XDA who have the I9100, which suggests it works well with the networks in that country, and I'd be surprised if you didn't have repairers in the major cities at least who couldn't easily repair an I9100.
Up to you whether you want to get a cheaper US variant. Maybe ask on the specific boards on XDA devoted to those phones to get an idea from people who actually own those phones ?
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I came here just to check the general idea of I9100 owners. Sometimes there are things pretty obvious about some variants that I, as a totally new user to Android, have no idea.
I used a lot XDA during my Windows Mobile experience, tested several different ROMs and tools, but since 3-4 years ago I don't have any phone that actually requires my visit here (Blackberry, in that case). So I've dug up a bit to know more about the different versions in order to know where I was going into. But I couldn't decide without coming here and checking with the XDA community, since I'll use for sure the ROMs and Tools available here on this phone.
With the answers that I've got so far it's pretty clear that it would be a mistake to buy a variant, specially not being a US resident.
Thanks, again, for your help.
better to ask that in att forum as we are not using the variants.....
plus i dont know where you get that impression that us variants are cheaper....!
they are not see the full price not contract price
atifsh said:
better to ask that in att forum as we are not using the variants.....
plus i dont know where you get that impression that us variants are cheaper....!
they are not see the full price not contract price
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Where? eBay, Craiglist, Amazon... I'm not talking about phone with contract here, just carrier branded. A lot of times they are unlocked, but still branded.
I think I already bothered too much here, don't know if I want to annoy people there asking silly questions.
hknoener said:
Where? eBay, Craiglist, Amazon... I'm not talking about phone with contract here, just carrier branded. A lot of times they are unlocked, but still branded.
I think I already bothered too much here, don't know if I want to annoy people there asking silly questions.
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This is not a silly question at all.
From what I know, the ATT 3G one is closest to i9100 international. These phones are lightweight and have better screen (better clarity and contrast, not much though) than the 4.5 inch variants like Tmobile.
Tmobile has 4G and there are still a decent selection of roms.
sieudaochich said:
This is not a silly question at all.
From what I know, the ATT 3G one is closest to i9100 international. These phones are lightweight and have better screen (better clarity and contrast, not much though) than the 4.5 inch variants like Tmobile.
Tmobile has 4G and there are still a decent selection of roms.
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Thanks for your info!
I've noticed, when looking for a Windows Phone for my wife, that the AT&T version could be normally used in Brazil. The frequencies are basically the same.
From what I have found out the AT&T version was the closest one, just wanted to have a confirmation. Thanks for that.
I'm posting this here because the Note II is a prime example, but we could also look to the Galaxy Nexus, which is two software versions behind and can't really even be called a Nexus at this point.
I helped my boss set up a Note II and was showing him some features I thought he would like. The first one was the "blocking mode" (do not disturb), which my AT&T model has, as does the International model. It was absent. It first, I thought I just wasn't seeing it or it was moved, but a google search confirmed my fears. I learned later that Verizon removed this because they have a competing service.
Then, I was looking for the S Planner widget (the full screen calendar version) because, as an executive, it was a good fit for him. It was also missing. I'm still baffled by that one.
There is also the branding, including the home button. Verizon seems to treat their phones like Stock Cars these days. The bloat, the missing features (HTC Hub on HTC devices), the numerous modifications, etc.
AT&T is far from perfect. They put a lot of bloat on their phones. But out of all of the Android phones I have bought in the last few years (since they restored "unknown Sources"), I have not noticed them actually removing a lot of features. They did remove screen modes from their version of the GSIII, which was confusing, but otherwise they have just been content with adding bloat that you can disable.
I know Verizon has great coverage, but does it ever really bother you that they remove/modify so much functionality on the phone? Sound off in my poll. I'm curious if I'm the only one who hates Verizon for this. To me, it wouldn't even feel like my phone. It would feel like Verizon's.
TLDR
Removed features (blocking mode, S Planner Widget)
Nascar envy (Logos everywhere)
Severely delayed updates
It sucks but what you gonna do, you know? It's VZW.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Use to bother me until I learned to unlock and root. Had the gnex prior to the GN II and actually forgot what stock was like until I had to re lock and unroot to sell it. Forgot how limited the phone was.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
koreankabachy said:
Use to bother me until I learned to unlock and root. Had the gnex prior to the GN II and actually forgot what stock was like until I had to re lock and unroot to sell it. Forgot how limited the phone was.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
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Doesn't it say something when the first thing you have to do with your new phone is root it and install your own software, though?
I just bought an Optimus G from AT&T. It had a lot of bloat, but I disabled it all and I'm happy with it otherwise. At least all of the intended features are there.
greyhulk said:
I'm posting this here because the Note II is a prime example, but we could also look to the Galaxy Nexus, which is two software versions behind and can't really even be called a Nexus at this point.
I helped my boss set up a Note II and was showing him some features I thought he would like. The first one was the "blocking mode" (do not disturb), which my AT&T model has, as does the International model. It was absent. It first, I thought I just wasn't seeing it or it was moved, but a google search confirmed my fears. I learned later that Verizon removed this because they have a competing service.
Then, I was looking for the S Planner widget (the full screen calendar version) because, as an executive, it was a good fit for him. It was also missing. I'm still baffled by that one.
There is also the branding, including the home button. Verizon seems to treat their phones like Stock Cars these days. The bloat, the missing features (HTC Hub on HTC devices), the numerous modifications, etc.
AT&T is far from perfect. They put a lot of bloat on their phones. But out of all of the Android phones I have bought in the last few years (since they restored "unknown Sources"), I have not noticed them actually removing a lot of features. They did remove screen modes from their version of the GSIII, which was confusing, but otherwise they have just been content with adding bloat that you can disable.
I know Verizon has great coverage, but does it ever really bother you that they remove/modify so much functionality on the phone? Sound off in my poll. I'm curious if I'm the only one who hates Verizon for this. To me, it wouldn't even feel like my phone. It would feel like Verizon's.
TLDR
Removed features (blocking mode, S Planner Widget)
Nascar envy (Logos everywhere)
Severely delayed updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Going off of your list, because yeah it was tl;dr:
Splanner widget might just be broken (its in the rom). Blocking mode doesn't work on Verizon (afaik).
Logos do suck. Samsung is slow on updates already.
Also, I compiled 4.2.1 for my Gnex. I still call it a Nexus.
You know what, I use to be a strong and proud supporter of VZW. I've been with this company for over 10 years now and over the last 5 years i have progressively become more and more displeased with my service. Yes there coverage is the best in the nation. However, in my case i live in NJ, all 4 major cell phone providers cover the entire state of NJ. I hardly ever leave this state unless its going to one of the surrounding cities (NYC PHL DC) and those places are all covered by all major cellphone providers.
With all the limitations VZW puts on the phones, I do believe I will be changing carriers in 2 years (as i just upgraded both my lines tot he note 2). As of now, i want to kick my own butt for upgrading/extending my contract i should of switched when i had the chance.
I get what your saying and it pissed me off on those same exact points. I decided to live with it because I would have rooted for other mods anyway eventually, but probably not as fast. I couldn't wait to get the note 2 and decided to upgrade instead of waiting a few months and going to another carrier. Since this phone is worldwide I'm not worried about updates. I just won't be waiting for Verizon. I think I'll be content for longer with this phone and when I want the next big thing I'll wait till my contract is completely up and switch carriers. Sprint just got lte here so maybe it will be mature in a couple years.
Sent from my Note2 running cleanrom 4
Do you hate what AT&T does to your phones? My phone came with multi-window and didn't need to wait for an update to enable it. Maybe you should go complain to AT&T for not giving you multi-window at launch.
S-Planner, as mentioned is in the ROM, but not functional, and blocking mode, even when enabled, doesn't work. It's entirely possible that with an OTA, S-Planner will be fixed. Blocking mode may be network related. You know, since AT&T is GSM and Verizon is CDMA, but I doubt you've given that any thought.
Also, delayed updates? Yes, the Nexus has delayed updates, but it is still ahead of most other devices. Also, how long does AT&T take to update phones? You don't have a lot of room to talk there because they aren't so great in that department themselves. How long did the Infuse 4G take to get Gingerbread?
Does it suck, a little bit, but it's nothing to go and create a whining post about, especially if you don't even own the phone.
imnuts said:
Do you hate what AT&T does to your phones? My phone came with multi-window and didn't need to wait for an update to enable it. Maybe you should go complain to AT&T for not giving you multi-window at launch.
S-Planner, as mentioned is in the ROM, but not functional, and blocking mode, even when enabled, doesn't work. It's entirely possible that with an OTA, S-Planner will be fixed. Blocking mode may be network related. You know, since AT&T is GSM and Verizon is CDMA, but I doubt you've given that any thought.
Also, delayed updates? Yes, the Nexus has delayed updates, but it is still ahead of most other devices. Also, how long does AT&T take to update phones? You don't have a lot of room to talk there because they aren't so great in that department themselves. How long did the Infuse 4G take to get Gingerbread?
Does it suck, a little bit, but it's nothing to go and create a whining post about, especially if you don't even own the phone.
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Click to collapse
Okay, you need to chill out. This isn't a "Verizon vs AT&T" thread. I acknowledged that AT&T was far from perfect. It is my opinion, however, that Verizon has been much worse in this area lately. My experience being based on several years of service with both providers.
My role in my company puts me in a unique position to use phones from all of the carriers, so yes, I do have room to talk. I also have years of experience in mobility. I'm not "whining". I was asking for feedback from the community.
I suggest you check your attitude. This thread wasn't a personal attack against you or any other Verizon customer.
greyhulk said:
Okay, you need to chill out. This isn't a "Vegas rizon vs AT&T" thread. I acknowledged that AT&T was far from perfect. It is my opinion, however, that Verizon has been much worse in this area lately. My experience being based on several years of service with both providers.
My role in my company puts me in a unique position to use phones from all of the carriers, so yes, I do have room to talk. I also have years of experience in mobility. I'm not "whining". I was asking for feedback from the community.
I suggest you check your attitude. This thread wasn't a personal attack against you or any other Verizon customer.
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Click to collapse
At least Verizon has never disabled sideloading. Carriers suck. All of them.
My post wasn't a personal attack, and really has the same basic tone as your OP. Your OP is essentially "VZW sux, let's all go to AT&T", I'm pointing out that AT&T isn't really all that much better, but you don't see people coming into AT&T forums and saying "AT&T sux, lets go to VZW". You pointed out a bunch of faults with Verizon, but seem to forget issues with AT&T. Their track record for OTA updates isn't that much better than VZW, significantly worse in some instances. How about network coverage? They do a good job of screwing their users on plans and plan features too. Your phone supports video chat over cellular, but your data plan doesn't. How is that different from removing/limiting software? Maybe I'll go create a thread in the AT&T Note 2 forum to voice all my complaints with AT&T service then...
imnuts said:
My post wasn't a personal attack, and really has the same basic tone as your OP. Your OP is essentially "VZW sux, let's all go to AT&T", I'm pointing out that AT&T isn't really all that much better, but you don't see people coming into AT&T forums and saying "AT&T sux, lets go to VZW". You pointed out a bunch of faults with Verizon, but seem to forget issues with AT&T. Their track record for OTA updates isn't that much better than VZW, significantly worse in some instances. How about network coverage? They do a good job of screwing their users on plans and plan features too. Your phone supports video chat over cellular, but your data plan doesn't. How is that different from removing/limiting software? Maybe I'll go create a thread in the AT&T Note 2 forum to voice all my complaints with AT&T service then...
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Click to collapse
No, YOU INTERPRETED my thread as "VZW sux, let's all go to AT&T". You should probably take a moment to recognize that.
I'm not advocating for any carrier. I would prefer unlocked devices, if not for the lack of LTE. When AT&T had side-loading blocked, I hated them for it and yes, the Facetime over Cellular was a dik move, too.
But I also love Smartphones and these days, AT&T does much less damage to the device than Verizon (T-Mobile and Sprint treat them the best) and it's something I'm hoping that AT&T doesn't suddenly decide is okay (again).
Getting my hands on the Verizon Note II really drove it all home for me, thus my post here in the Verizon Note forums asking how other users felt about it.
greyhulk said:
Removed features (blocking mode, S Planner Widget)
Nascar envy (Logos everywhere)
Severely delayed updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In regards to this list
Dont care cause I wouldnt use these things.
the home button logo is annoying
AOSP roms are better than stock anyway.
Coverage and reliability of the network far outweigh the downside of an annoying logo. I wanted to switch to Tmobile cause of their pricing but tried a month and coverage was simply not good enough. Friends in my area that have ATT and Sprint complain about coverage all the time. In the end I agree with Adryn. All the carriers blow donkey. For me the least of the evils is VZW.
greyhulk said:
No, YOU INTERPRETED my thread as "VZW sux, let's all go to AT&T". You should probably take a moment to recognize that.
I'm not advocating for any carrier. I would prefer unlocked devices, if not for the lack of LTE. When AT&T had side-loading blocked, I hated them for it and yes, the Facetime over Cellular was a dik move, too.
But I also love Smartphones and these days, AT&T does much less damage to the device than Verizon (T-Mobile and Sprint treat them the best) and it's something I'm hoping that AT&T doesn't suddenly decide is okay (again).
Getting my hands on the Verizon Note II really drove it all home for me, thus my post here in the Verizon Note forums asking how other users felt about it.
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Click to collapse
I interpreted your post to be the same as Imnuts mentioned.
So either your worded it poorly, or there is something in the water.
Clearly you are angry at Verizon and felt the need to vent. Yeah, I am not too pleased with them as well, but so be it. You make it sound like everything is a constant measured response to screw people. Blocking Mode wasn't blocked because of a competing service. It just doesn't work. Do you ask Samsung to recode it to be removed, or just hide it? I doubt they cared. They just told Samsung to deal with it. You can bring it back. It doesn't work on Verizon though. Splanner widget is probably an oversight, and time will tell.
HTC Hub isn't on devices because they SHUT DOWN THE SERVICE. https://www.htcsense.com/
Otherwise, who knows, maybe it would be there on future devices. That service too didn't entirely work right on Verizon and was very limited to the devices it supported everywhere else.
greyhulk said:
No, YOU INTERPRETED my thread as "VZW sux, let's all go to AT&T". You should probably take a moment to recognize that.
I'm not advocating for any carrier. I would prefer unlocked devices, if not for the lack of LTE. When AT&T had side-loading blocked, I hated them for it and yes, the Facetime over Cellular was a dik move, too.
But I also love Smartphones and these days, AT&T does much less damage to the device than Verizon (T-Mobile and Sprint treat them the best) and it's something I'm hoping that AT&T doesn't suddenly decide is okay (again).
Getting my hands on the Verizon Note II really drove it all home for me, thus my post here in the Verizon Note forums asking how other users felt about it.
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Click to collapse
Sorry bro but I'm not sure this thread was necessary, and it was obviously not well received. Stick to the forums that have to do with your device.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
iphoneislame said:
Sorry bro but I'm not sure this thread was necessary, and it was obviously not well received. Stick to the forums that have to do with your device.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
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I'm not sure your post was necessary, either. How about if I just post where I want, mmkay?
Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2
greyhulk said:
I'm not sure your post was necessary, either. How about if I just post where I want, mmkay?
Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2
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I'm reminded of a book....
How to Win Friends & Influence People
I'm thinking about going vzw and get a note 2... Or should I go att? :/
Sent from my EVO LTE using CMX
greyhulk said:
I'm not sure your post was necessary, either. How about if I just post where I want, mmkay?
Sent from my LG-E970 using Tapatalk 2
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I think his post did seem necessary since you don't seem to get it. You point out good things about Att and trashed VZW. So others did the opposite. Everyone seems to have read your post that way. Perhaps you need to learn how to articulate your thoughts better.
OldManJames said:
I think his post did seem necessary since you don't seem to get it. You point out good things about Att and trashed VZW. So others did the opposite. Everyone seems to have read your post that way. Perhaps you need to learn how to articulate your thoughts better.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, because the way everyone READ my post (I'm pretty sure you mean "interpreted") is my fault. I can't control when Verizon fanboys decide to be defensive. I posted a neutral poll with feedback from my experiences. I'm not the one trolling here. I suppose it's just easier to troll than to actually read my post and think for yourself.
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