When and which galaxy S3 to get? - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

hi all,
I have a t mobile sim card (US) and im interested in getting an s3, but i have a few questions.
When will i be able to get the unlocked version and if so which version is the best one? Will it support sms/mms? Will it support some sort of mobile network if i plan to purchase service in the future? Which version would have the most support for rooting, custom roms etc..
thanks

vince1234 said:
hi all,
I have a t mobile sim card (US) and im interested in getting an s3, but i have a few questions.
When will i be able to get the unlocked version and if so which version is the best one? Will it support sms/mms? Will it support some sort of mobile network if i plan to purchase service in the future? Which version would have the most support for rooting, custom roms etc..
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It think that the unlocked is available for pre order if I'm not mistaken but you will be stuck on edge speeds. The us version will be available sometime in late June or July depending on how they deal with the delay problem due to faulty battery doors. Sms and mms should be supported by any version but like mentioned above, unlocked will be stuck on edge speed. The international version will always garner more support as it is sold everywhere but the us.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

vince1234 said:
hi all,
I have a t mobile sim card (US) and im interested in getting an s3, but i have a few questions.
When will i be able to get the unlocked version and if so which version is the best one? Will it support sms/mms? Will it support some sort of mobile network if i plan to purchase service in the future? Which version would have the most support for rooting, custom roms etc..
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better to be on att since almost all international unlocked phones are quadband meaning they support att's HSPA 3G network. With tmobile you only get 2g speeds since most of the phones won't have the aws 1700 band.
Planwise if you want to save money you can go with straight Talk since they use att network or if you go directly with att you can go for the nonsmartphone unlimited data plan for $15.
As far as verizon or sprint I never like them since cdma networks are closed networks and you are fully dependent on the crappy phones they release.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

Related

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.

[Q] i9300 and Straight Talk

Any US owners of the i9300 (that's the non-US/International) version of the S3 using the Straight Talk service? I've been looking into them as a way to get some 3G data access for two weeks, but their customer service folks just replied saying that my S3 won't work because it's not a US model.
Looking at the specs seems to show that my S3 will support their frequencies, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of clever device block in place.
bluebobx said:
Any US owners of the i9300 (that's the non-US/International) version of the S3 using the Straight Talk service? I've been looking into them as a way to get some 3G data access for two weeks, but their customer service folks just replied saying that my S3 won't work because it's not a US model.
Looking at the specs seems to show that my S3 will support their frequencies, but I'm wondering if there's some kind of clever device block in place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using it, it works fine. You need to choose AT&T-Compatible SIM when you buy a SIM, otherwise most of the time they'll send you a T-Mobile SIM if you choose for them to pick it automatically. Also, this wouldn't affect whether or not you get 3G/HSPA+, but make sure when you fill in the APN, you don't fill in any proxy information except for MMS proxy.
Product F(RED) said:
I'm using it, it works fine. You need to choose AT&T-Compatible SIM when you buy a SIM, otherwise most of the time they'll send you a T-Mobile SIM if you choose for them to pick it automatically. Also, this wouldn't affect whether or not you get 3G/HSPA+, but make sure when you fill in the APN, you don't fill in any proxy information except for MMS proxy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks. :good: I think their CS folks are about as good as the ones for the carriers over here - since their emailed advice contradicts what the website says:
BRING AN AT&T OR T-MOBILE COMPATIBLE GSM PHONE, OR AN UNLOCKED GSM PHONE
Make sure it operates on our compatible frequencies (850 and 1900 MHz)
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Click to collapse
And according to http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/smartphones/android/GT-I9300MBDBTU-spec the International (UK spec in my case) S3 supports "850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100".
Again, thanks for taking the time out to reply. Maybe see if I can use a local Walmart's click n' collect service to get the SIM+minutes card when I get over to Orlando.
edge
bluebobx said:
Many thanks. :good: I think their CS folks are about as good as the ones for the carriers over here - since their emailed advice contradicts what the website says:
And according to http://www.samsung.com/uk/consumer/mobile-devices/smartphones/android/GT-I9300MBDBTU-spec the International (UK spec in my case) S3 supports "850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100".
Again, thanks for taking the time out to reply. Maybe see if I can use a local Walmart's click n' collect service to get the SIM+minutes card when I get over to Orlando.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone done this with an i9300 and gotten anything othere than 2.5g edge?
electrojas said:
Has anyone done this with an i9300 and gotten anything othere than 2.5g edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Accidentally thanked you.
Yes, you have to make sure the SIM card isn't for T-Mobile's network. Until recently Straight Talk was only offering this SIM, so your best bet would be to buy an AT&T compatible SIM from their website.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
att sim.
Shakes27 said:
Accidentally thanked you.
Yes, you have to make sure the SIM card isn't for T-Mobile's network. Until recently Straight Talk was only offering this SIM, so your best bet would be to buy an AT&T compatible SIM from their website.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I did. I put an att compatible gsm sim in a locked Verizon gs3 assigned apn settings but it will at best go on edge. Never 3 or 4g
This is a stock 4.1.2 jb untouched no root nothin. I was under the same assumption that it would work. but Nada. any widom from the masters here?
electrojas said:
Thats what I did. I put an att compatible gsm sim in a locked Verizon gs3 assigned apn settings but it will at best go on edge. Never 3 or 4g
This is a stock 4.1.2 jb untouched no root nothin. I was under the same assumption that it would work. but Nada. any widom from the masters here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
<rant> Verizon and att use different networks, that will never work, especially with a LOCKED phone. Also, this is the forum for the international s3 (i9300), not the verizon s3. </rant>
Pick up the straight talk activation kit, Verizon uses CDMA signal, not GSM.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Shakes27 said:
<rant> Verizon and att use different networks, that will never work, especially with a LOCKED phone. Also, this is the forum for the international s3 (i9300), not the verizon s3. </rant>
Pick up the straight talk activation kit, Verizon uses CDMA signal, not GSM.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon S3 supports GSM though (their LTE devices from the Rezound [2010 or 11] onwards do). Their LTE devices also come factory unlocked out of the box due to a deal that Verizon made with the FCC in order to be able to use the 750 MHz LTE spectrum. Long story short, Verizon LTE devices will get EDGE and HSPA+ (no LTE) on AT&T. It supports the same bands as the i9300.
Product F(RED) said:
The Verizon S3 supports GSM though (their LTE devices from the Rezound [2010 or 11] onwards do). Their LTE devices also come factory unlocked out of the box due to a deal that Verizon made with the FCC in order to be able to use the 750 MHz LTE spectrum. Long story short, Verizon LTE devices will get EDGE and HSPA+ (no LTE) on AT&T. It supports the same bands as the i9300.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no idea, last Verizon phone I had was the OG Incredible. Thanks for the info good sir.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

MetroPCS vs ATT Mega on Tmobile?

I am a real newbie when it comes to most of what you guys are doing but anyway I have a few questions I wonder if someone could answer.
I was considering getting the international version of the Mega 6.3 but I really would like to get the fastest download speeds I can so the discussions on using the ATT and MetroPCS Megas on the T Mobile network really interests me.
Questions:
After unlocking the phone, is the MetroPCS Mega more compatible with T Mobile than the ATT version? Is there an advantage buying one over the other? I understand that I may have to change the network settings also to have the phone fully functional on LTE, etc.
Does unlocking the phone void the warranty?
Also, I get a lot of misinformation from cell phone stores I was wondering if this is correct; a T Mobile store in my local mall said that in order for me to get LTE I would have to get on one of there more expensive plans (I am on the $30 "Walmart" plan with my Note 2).
Thanks.
bkkcnxsi said:
I am a real newbie when it comes to most of what you guys are doing but anyway I have a few questions I wonder if someone could answer.
I was considering getting the international version of the Mega 6.3 but I really would like to get the fastest download speeds I can so the discussions on using the ATT and MetroPCS Megas on the T Mobile network really interests me.
Questions:
After unlocking the phone, is the MetroPCS Mega more compatible with T Mobile than the ATT version? Is there an advantage buying one over the other? I understand that I may have to change the network settings also to have the phone fully functional on LTE, etc.
Does unlocking the phone void the warranty?
Also, I get a lot of misinformation from cell phone stores I was wondering if this is correct; a T Mobile store in my local mall said that in order for me to get LTE I would have to get on one of there more expensive plans (I am on the $30 "Walmart" plan with my Note 2).
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After unlocking, the MetroPCS Mega is more compatible with T-mobile than ATT (MetroPCS these days uses T-mobile's network). The MetroPCS version has the compatible frequencies for T-mobile's native 3G/4G hspa and 4GLTE network while the ATT version only has support for Tmo's 4GLTE and unless you live in a refarmed area (1900mhz) you won't be getting 3G/4G hspa coverage.
Sim unlocking a phone does not void warranty and the person at the mall is wrong. I'm currently using the $30 "Walmart" plan and once you edit the APN settings, you'll get LTE on T-mobile (I tested this on an Atrix HD I own which support Tmo's LTE network).
I'm in the same boat as you, contemplating picking up the international version, but the MetroPCS version is highly tempting. Right now, if you're a new Metro customer, the price of the Mega is $349 ($499 - $100 instant rebate - $50 off new activation) - can't really beat that price. Also, supposedly, MetroPCS will unlock the phone for free after three months of using their service.
bkkcnxsi said:
I am a real newbie when it comes to most of what you guys are doing but anyway I have a few questions I wonder if someone could answer.
I was considering getting the international version of the Mega 6.3 but I really would like to get the fastest download speeds I can so the discussions on using the ATT and MetroPCS Megas on the T Mobile network really interests me.
Questions:
After unlocking the phone, is the MetroPCS Mega more compatible with T Mobile than the ATT version? Is there an advantage buying one over the other? I understand that I may have to change the network settings also to have the phone fully functional on LTE, etc.
Does unlocking the phone void the warranty?
Also, I get a lot of misinformation from cell phone stores I was wondering if this is correct; a T Mobile store in my local mall said that in order for me to get LTE I would have to get on one of there more expensive plans (I am on the $30 "Walmart" plan with my Note 2).
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2526041

Question to owners.

Is there any software difference between att and tmo versions. I plane to get one and use it on tmo network. Is that cost effective to get att version for full price, pay for unlock service and use it on tmobile or buy one straight from tmo?
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
darekz said:
Is there any software difference between att and tmo versions. I plane to get one and use it on tmo network. Is that cost effective to get att version for full price, pay for unlock service and use it on tmobile or buy one straight from tmo?
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry it took so long, but VERY minor differences. Icons and little things like that. Software updates show up faster on Tmo vs ATT and if you are looking to root...well go for the Tmobile version. Also, technically when you buy a device at full cost, they have to give you the unlock code. But it all depends what provider you are going to use it with.
cipherswitch said:
Sorry it took so long, but VERY minor differences. Icons and little things like that. Software updates show up faster on Tmo vs ATT and if you are looking to root...well go for the Tmobile version. Also, technically when you buy a device at full cost, they have to give you the unlock code. But it all depends what provider you are going to use it with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If both have root why go with T-mobile I see the at&t version can be rooted as well just asking because around me they are in Stock at at&t and not t-mobile
Sent From The EDGE
IMHO, software updates always seem to be faster on Tmobile. and to avoid an unlocking headache, just get the Tmobile one. I ordered online and had it in 2 days.
cipherswitch said:
IMHO, software updates always seem to be faster on Tmobile. and to avoid an unlocking headache, just get the Tmobile one. I ordered online and had it in 2 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would I be able to pair the T-mobile gear with T-mobile service to my vzw phone?
Sent From The EDGE
Only if verizon unlock your phone. Usually vzw phones are gms unlocked for international travelers but they dont want to accept US sim cards.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
darekz said:
Only if verizon unlock your phone. Usually vzw phones are gms unlocked for international travelers but they dont want to accept US sim cards.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK , the verizon and sprint variants dont even have sim slots. someone correct me if im wrong.... samsung has made it a PITA for the international traveller and this watch, the hardware supports all the bands but for whatever reason they split up all the variants and made each watch support different bands.
cipherswitch said:
AFAIK , the verizon and sprint variants dont even have sim slots. someone correct me if im wrong.... samsung has made it a PITA for the international traveller and this watch, the hardware supports all the bands but for whatever reason they split up all the variants and made each watch support different bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All i want to do is pair it for like music and what not I could care less if it supports the phone service or bands
Sent From The EDGE

Carrier Unlock Tab S3 Verizon for TMobile

Hey. Are there any Tutorials of how to GSM Unlock a Galaxy Tab S3 LTE to be able to use a T Mobile SIM Card with a Mobile Internet Data Plan?
EpiphanyofMusic said:
Hey. Are there any Tutorials of how to GSM Unlock a Galaxy Tab S3 LTE to be able to use a T Mobile SIM Card with a Mobile Internet Data Plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why wouldn't you just buy an international LTE Tab S3? The VZW version is going to have their crap and modifications on it and most likely will be updated 6 months behind an international version if at all. Do you know if the VZW version supports T-Mobile's band 12? The international version doesn't and folks on T-Mobile get 8MB down in those markets that rely on band 12 heavily.
While all of the above is true, VZW devices should be SIM unlocked out of the box due to their block C agreement. The primary band for TMO is band 4 so you should be fine but yes, it is missing band 12 so if you live in a band 12 area, you're possibly giving up some coverage, particularly indoors. I'm in Chicago and since we don't have band 12... Doesn't matter to me.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Does anyone know if they come out of the box unlocked through Verizon? As I also want to use it on my T-Mobile unlimited plane to replace another tablet but buy the tablet through Verizon as it is not offered at T-Mobile.
Postpay Device Unlocking Policy
We do not lock most phones or tablets that are activated with our postpay service, either during or after the term of your service contract or Device Payment Plan installment sales agreement.
We do not lock our 4G LTE devices, and no code is needed to program them for use with another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In case anyone else was wondering. Found this on Verizons website.
Not to bring up an old post, but the US Cellular S3 is also fully unlocked. I have it running on ATT with just apn modifications
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

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