Hello Everyone, I'm new here to the forums, and I have a quick question that I haven't seen directly answered in the forums since the release of the Galaxy S3.
My mom is ending our 5-line plan with Verizon next month, and I believe 3 of the 5 lines will be switching to Straight Talk with prepaid monthly plans.
I was looking into getting an unlocked S3 with a plan like this, say T-Mobile, AT&T, or Straight Talk.
How should I go about doing this?
My options, I believe, would be :
Buy S3 International Version (Unlocked) and then get a SIM card with StraightTalk or similar. How will my DATA coverage be? I don't really need speeds that fast.
Buy S3 US Carrier Version for full price, pay to have it unlocked, and then get a SIM card from AT&T/T-Mobile. If I get the AT&T version and get it unlocked, will 4G LTE work, but again that's not my main priority.
I just want the cheapest and best way to get the best version of the phone to work decently with a prepaid monthly plan like Straight Talk/T-Mobile or similar.
Thanks a million!
Cheapest way would to be getting one from AT&T for 549.99 or 599.99 compared to the 650+ of the int SGS3. If you get Straight Talk (ST), you don't need to get the AT&T unlocked since they have SIMs for either TMO or AT&T.
The reason I suggested ATT is because I don't know what TMO plans to charge.
I don't believe ST supports LTE but I could be wrong but you should be able to get 3G if using the ATT w/ ST. People with ST probably can answer better than I could.
I realize your main interest is the cheapest price, but a few things to keep in mind:
-Buying from a North American carrier will mean you're getting a dual-core, as opposed to the international quad-core
-Software updates and third-party ROM options are almost always worse with the carrier version
leppo said:
I realize your main interest is the cheapest price, but a few things to keep in mind:
-Buying from a North American carrier will mean you're getting a dual-core, as opposed to the international quad-core
-Software updates and third-party ROM optionsare almost always worse with the carrier version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with your first comment but disagree with your 3rd Party ROMs almost always worst comment. While there might be not as many as Int version in the beginning but "almost always worst" isn't true. Both Int & carrier version have quality ROMs & you just have to be more patient with carrier versions.
RMXO said:
I agree with your first comment but disagree with your 3rd Party ROMs almost always worst comment. While there might be not as many as Int version in the beginning but "almost always worst" isn't true. Both Int & carrier version have quality ROMs & you just have to be more patient with carrier versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By "options" I meant "breadth of selection" -- not the quality of individual roms. Hinting at speed of official updates as well. I definitely see how my initial posting was lacking.
melemed said:
Hello Everyone, I'm new here to the forums, and I have a quick question that I haven't seen directly answered in the forums since the release of the Galaxy S3.
My mom is ending our 5-line plan with Verizon next month, and I believe 3 of the 5 lines will be switching to Straight Talk with prepaid monthly plans.
I was looking into getting an unlocked S3 with a plan like this, say T-Mobile, AT&T, or Straight Talk.
How should I go about doing this?
My options, I believe, would be :
Buy S3 International Version (Unlocked) and then get a SIM card with StraightTalk or similar. How will my DATA coverage be? I don't really need speeds that fast.
Buy S3 US Carrier Version for full price, pay to have it unlocked, and then get a SIM card from AT&T/T-Mobile. If I get the AT&T version and get it unlocked, will 4G LTE work, but again that's not my main priority.
I just want the cheapest and best way to get the best version of the phone to work decently with a prepaid monthly plan like Straight Talk/T-Mobile or similar.
Thanks a million!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thus is somewhat a duplicate thread. You really need to check out the post in my signature. That will help you make a decision.
Edit: This is the post actually
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1696025
Sent from Rooted debloated stock Galaxy S3 OG I9300
Related
Hey guys
I just bought the international version of the note N7000 a month ago and now they are available here in Toronto. Rogers and Bell has them and they seem to be the AT&T i717 version. I went to purchase the Flip Cover for the note but the AT&T cover does not fit the international one. So in order to do so I was planning on selling my International Version to get the Bell version.
Anyone got any suggestions or comments in the difference between N7000 and i717? Also can i unlock the phone to use another sim card?
or if someone has the international cover black and lives close to markham,toronto msg me too!
You should be able to find a flip cover for the international fairly easy online.
However, there are pros and cons to either version. The main differences are:
International has the Exynos processor, i717 has the Snapdragon. Either processor is adequate, however people seem to have more love for the Exynos.
International will recieve ICS sooner, as it is scheduled to be released within a month I'm pretty sure. Hoever, the i717 will receive it this year most likely, and being as you are in Canada, your i717 will likely receive it before the US version.
i717 has LTE, international only has HSPA+. However, if you are going to unlock it for another carrier, it is unlikely that you will be able to use LTE on the i717. Also, if you are not in an LTE area, it doesn't make any difference until your area has LTE.
You cannot use international ROMs on the i717, and vice versa. The i717 will still have a great community once things ramp up though, so you will likely be happy ether way.
If you choose the i717, you will have warranty through your carrier.
Either way, both phones are great, but you will be able to get the subsidized pricing on the i717 through your carrier with an upgrade, so it will be slightly cheaper, though you will be locked into a new plan.
From what I have heard, there is various success with which carriers you can use your device on if you carrier unlock it. Best to do some research into which other phone service you are wanting to use, just to make sure it is possible before buying. I suggest contacting the other carrier and asking if they will support the unlocked i717.
FM Radio not enabled on North American i717 version:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1521016
Wait.. you want to switch phones because you can't use the flip cover on your version..?
joshnichols189 said:
Wait.. you want to switch phones because you can't use the flip cover on your version..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right lol!!
To each his own
Sent from a rock on fire in the middle of the sea
I had the i717 and sold it and bought an N7000. LTE in Vancouver is so hit or miss that it wasn't worth having the phone set on searching for LTE and wasting battery when it wasn't available. For me, HSPA is fine in terms of data speed, and the bigger dev community was the icing on the cake. They're both excellent devices, but the N7000 satisfied my needs more than the i717.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
International devices will always be better than the US version. Because it has to go through the hands of AT$T first before it reaches the consumer. Only advantage the AT$T Note has is LTE.
My opinion, yes. Hands on experience, yes too.
Edit: Perfect example, since there so much talk about it.
International version: http://www.htc.com/www/smartphones/htc-one-x/#specs
AT$T version: http://www.htc.com/us/products/htconex-att#tech-specs
Xstop said:
International devices will always be better than the US version. Because it has to go through the hands of AT$T first before it reaches the consumer. Only advantage the AT$T Note has is LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which yields the capability to run with an AWS provider like Wind Mobile Canada.
If I were the OP i'd be selling it too, since the i717 has much more potential now that AWS 1700 can be flashed on demand
while the international version can only do NAM bands
so the switching the phone due the cover thing... that's a ver weak excuse
it's so cheap and easy to find international note covers or accessories on ebay with free shipping or even any of the local shops in the malls
Xstop said:
International devices will always be better than the US version. Because it has to go through the hands of AT$T first before it reaches the consumer. Only advantage the AT$T Note has is LTE.
My opinion, yes. Hands on experience, yes too.
Edit: Perfect example, since there so much talk about it.
International version: http://www.htc.com/www/smartphones/htc-one-x/#specs
AT$T version: http://www.htc.com/us/products/htconex-att#tech-specs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could be wrong, but the International version doesn't have NFC built in at all, while the AT&T version has it, just disabled. So there's that as another advantage. BTW, love the redirection.
Dacian said:
I could be wrong, but the International version doesn't have NFC built in at all, while the AT&T version has it, just disabled. So there's that as another advantage. BTW, love the redirection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Advantage? AT&T disabled it. How is that an advantage? Is yours enabled? Why cripple the phone when it is clearly capable of doing it.
Edit: Not trying to start anything, but my point is that ATT tends to cripple the phone one way or another. Yes you have NFC, but why disable it? If the phone came with it, don't prevent the end user to use it. Or at least give you the option to enable or disable it. It's your phone.
When I first got the Galaxy S Captivate, I was wondering how to turn on the front facing camera. But it's just two holes that looks cool there
Xstop said:
Advantage? AT&T disabled it. How is that an advantage? Is yours enabled? Why cripple the phone when it is clearly capable of doing it.
Edit: Not trying to start anything, but my point is that ATT tends to cripple the phone one way or another. Yes you have NFC, but why disable it? If the phone came with it, don't prevent the end user to use it. Or at least give you the option to enable or disable it. It's your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it can be enabled. Have fun with that on the international version.
johnus said:
Because it can be enabled. Have fun with that on the international version.
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Click to collapse
Yea, huge deal breaker. And NFC is so much fun.
BTW, I have both. So don't know why you guys are getting so defensive. I'm just saying... Which is an opinion from my experience.
It already has been...the mod with the .xml files for the I717 already available and working!
No NFC is moot.
Sent from a phone suffering from an identity crisis!
erad1 said:
It already has been...the mood to enable the.xml files is already available!
Sent from a phone suffering from an identity crisis!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but I have no reason to enable it. It's not a deal breaker for me like I said, I'm just saying ATT shouldn't of disable it in the first place.
You guys need to relax. So quick to defend.
Xstop said:
Yes but I have no reason to enable it. It's not a deal breaker for me like I said, I'm just saying ATT shouldn't of disable it in the first place.
You guys need to relax. So quick to defend.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree...just wanted to share about the mod for those who didn't already know about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
nfc is something i dont really care bout. same with lte..
And atm the dont really care to root etc.
So those 3 things are what made me sell my att note, and get the int note.
int for me
better battery life
home button
no lag
everyone is diff and has diff tastes and needs..but that doesnt mean one note is better than the other. lol
spiritcrusher33 said:
nfc is something i dont really care bout. same with lte..
And atm the dont really care to root etc.
So those 3 things are what made me sell my att note, and get the int note.
int for me
better battery life
home button
no lag
everyone is diff and has diff tastes and needs..but that doesnt mean one note is better than the other. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what haven't you heard the news? now that the at&t note can do tmobile fast data which covers 1000 people or so haha
now the at&t note is the bestest!!
who cares people...buy phone+play with phone=happy
First off, it's great to see so many familiar faces here in the Note section. I am wanting to upgrade from my Telus Desire HD to a Samsung Note. I am on ATT here in the USA, although I prefer non-ATT phones for personal reasons. I prefer rooted unbranded stock ROMs. Are there any advantages or disadvantages between the Telus, Rogers, and Bell versions? If my understanding is correct, the Bell version comes unbranded and sim unlocked? Any advice before I take the plunge?
Agoattamer said:
First off, it's great to see so many familiar faces here in the Note section. I am wanting to upgrade from my Telus Desire HD to a Samsung Note. I am on ATT here in the USA, although I prefer non-ATT phones for personal reasons. I prefer rooted unbranded stock ROMs. Are there any advantages or disadvantages between the Telus, Rogers, and Bell versions? If my understanding is correct, the Bell version comes unbranded and sim unlocked? Any advice before I take the plunge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Bell version is full of bloatware and sim-locked. I don't think there's any difference between each version of the device exept maybe the bloatwares and the modem.
Thanks for the reply. I have been doing some heavy searching and have been getting mixed results. One person says Bell has no carrier branding and another claims Telus while another claims Rogers. I would like to keep the options available on the Canadian ROM versions. I don't see any rooted unbranded Canadian carrier ROMs on XDA and would like the easiest approach while I get used to Samsung.
DaGr8 is a well know developers on the GNote and he owns the i717R (Rogers). As far as I know, right now he's working on a i717 (AT&T) leak of ics with this device and I also flashed the leak without any trouble. Every LTE Galaxy Note seems to share the same specs, so don't worry about that.
I use my i717R on Fido (Rogers sub-brand) and I didn't had to sim-unlock it even if Fido don't sell this phone. Still, I've been told that the phone is still locked to Rogers network.
Also Rogers and AT&T share nearly the same network technologies since the beginning, yes Rogers just like AT&T were the first to have the iPhone in Canada. That's something to concider.
Hi Agoattamer. I know you from the Inspire\HD threads. I too am making the change to Note. I was simply planning on getting the ATT version just because it was the cheapest way to go. Now your post is making me wonder if I should consider other options. I can't really offer a lot of info to answer your question of which way to go. Just wanted to say hi. (We are both fellow Pennsylvanians, too.)
Rooted is easy, as I am sure you know.
Unbranded, stock ROMs is also not an issue. There are several ROMs already in the Dev thread and more are coming all the time. Most, if not all, seem to be ICS so I hope that is to your liking.
As of now unlocking is going to cost you. Only the paid services option is available, so far. I saw an option that unlocks other Samsung phones but so far I haven't been able to get anyone to try it for me so it is one of the things I plan to do once I get my new Note.
Get the AT&T version
Get the AT&T version I'm trying to get WildChild to this also but he really likrs HTC
Don't want the ATT version.
Actually we are from the same town kimtyson. I don't want to give up my dumbphone unlimited plan. Not sure if we will get LTE here in the next 2 years. And the money I will save by paying $10 a month for trully unlimited internet will overshadow the around $500 price tag.nd won't be stuck in a 2 year contract in case something great does come up. I am guessing I can get any of the three to suit my needs.
Maybe I am blind but I haven't seen any stock unbranded and bloatfree ROMs available. Do they exist?
Ordered a Roger's version. Can't wait to play with it.
I''m considering switching from Verizon to AT&T, and buying a phone off-contract.
1. Having been on these forums for a while, I am under the impression that AT&T phones, in general, both get Android updates sooner than Verizon phones, and have root methods discovered sooner. Are these accurate impressions?
2. I'm considering buying an off-contract phone from GSM Nation. Is this the cheapest/best option? If not, where?
That would be the best option IMO. Im with att and considered buying unlocked from gsm nation, instead I went with buying a T-Mobile variant
Sent from my XT1095 using XDA Free mobile app
As far as rooting goes. I'm not sure AT&T is the best way to go. AT&T always requests that OEMS lock down the phones. I'd get the tmobile variant and get an unlock code from somewhere online if possible.
Pure+ said:
As far as rooting goes. I'm not sure AT&T is the best way to go. AT&T always requests that OEMS lock down the phones. I'd get the tmobile variant and get an unlock code from somewhere online if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the T-Mobile variant a better option than the "International" version from GSM Nation? Wouldn't the International version be unlocked?
beleynn said:
Is the T-Mobile variant a better option than the "International" version from GSM Nation? Wouldn't the International version be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot say which of those two are better as I do not know, though I'd assume an int. version would support a broader spectrum of bands than a carrier specific version, I simply meant that an AT&T branded sgs6e would have a locked BL and there is no option to root. Though I could be mistaken about the root. An AT&T version will probably never see any development and rom support. at least not in any near future.
beleynn said:
I''m considering switching from Verizon to AT&T, and buying a phone off-contract.
1. Having been on these forums for a while, I am under the impression that AT&T phones, in general, both get Android updates sooner than Verizon phones, and have root methods discovered sooner. Are these accurate impressions?
2. I'm considering buying an off-contract phone from GSM Nation. Is this the cheapest/best option? If not, where?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your first question..no...AT&T is generally several months behind Verizon and all the others for that matter.
In May I purchased new S6 edge for my wife outright to keep Verizon Unlimited data. In August we switched to T-mobile due to the need to have Wi-Fi Calling to get any.... yes any.... service at my new house. The phones functionality is at best limping along at this time we have done several factory resets. All APN settings have been verified by T-Mobile. The phone is just handicapped now and worst of all No Wi-Fi calling due to non T-mobile rom. My son has a Nexus 5 and I have a Nexus 6 so I just threw stock t-mobile roms on them and all is well everything works as perfect as one would expect. These piece of **** branded garbage Samsung phones my wife loves leave me confused about what is possible.
Question 1: Can I flash a T-mobile Stock rom to a Verizon S6 edge or will it brick this thing?
Question 2: Does anyone know what benefit having 6 different model numbers for each of the carriers provided Samsung? There couldn't have been a cost savings! Making one phone that works on all carriers seems like the most cost effective option, hence the benefit of my 2 nexus devices.
Thanks in advance for any help guys.
coachskinner said:
In May I purchased new S6 edge for my wife outright to keep Verizon Unlimited data. In August we switched to T-mobile due to the need to have Wi-Fi Calling to get any.... yes any.... service at my new house. The phones functionality is at best limping along at this time we have done several factory resets. All APN settings have been verified by T-Mobile. The phone is just handicapped now and worst of all No Wi-Fi calling due to non T-mobile rom. My son has a Nexus 5 and I have a Nexus 6 so I just threw stock t-mobile roms on them and all is well everything works as perfect as one would expect. These piece of **** branded garbage Samsung phones my wife loves leave me confused about what is possible.
Question 1: Can I flash a T-mobile Stock rom to a Verizon S6 edge or will it brick this thing?
Question 2: Does anyone know what benefit having 6 different model numbers for each of the carriers provided Samsung? There couldn't have been a cost savings! Making one phone that works on all carriers seems like the most cost effective option, hence the benefit of my 2 nexus devices.
Thanks in advance for any help guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will hard brick if you attempt to flash a tmobile rom. The only smartphone I am aware of that works on all carriers is the iPhone. My suggestion for you is sell your phone on swappa and buy one in similar condition for a similar price that is compatible with T-Mobile. For that I also suggest swappa
Hello guys,
I did see 5hat the Galaxy s9 plus is cheaper through Samsung or through Best Buy Friday. The phone that is cheaper is the unlocked version that works with any carrier including Verizon which I get. My question is will the unlocked version work with, or have a way to download Verizon Visual Voicemail, and will it work? Appreciate the feedback.
mdonnelly1127 said:
Hello guys,
I did see 5hat the Galaxy s9 plus is cheaper through Samsung or through Best Buy Friday. The phone that is cheaper is the unlocked version that works with any carrier including Verizon which I get. My question is will the unlocked version work with, or have a way to download Verizon Visual Voicemail, and will it work? Appreciate the feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To piggy back off of this question (since I am in similar boat with AT&T) - Is it possible to flash the phone with the carrier version after purchasing unlocked version? Unfortunately, WiFi calling is a must where I live.
Thanks
I'm also in the same situation with Verizon. I want to get the unlocked version, but will everything work just like the verizon branded device? Also does anyone know if the Samsung trade in offer will work with a Verizon phone that's on payment plan?
Also wondering if sideloading the app will work for this purpose.
LgG2-Ttrain said:
I'm also in the same situation with Verizon. I want to get the unlocked version, but will everything work just like the verizon branded device? Also does anyone know if the Samsung trade in offer will work with a Verizon phone that's on payment plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why they shouldn't take it. I've sold phones on Verizon payment plan and haven't had any problems. The carriers only care that you continue to make payments and fire that they bill you monthly.
Bxrider117 said:
I don't see why they shouldn't take it. I've sold phones on Verizon payment plan and haven't had any problems. The carriers only care that you continue to make payments and fire that they bill you monthly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I just finished reading the fine print in Samsung's trade in offer. So the only phones they will not accept as trade ins are leased phones.
Just went through this at Best Buy on Friday, also.
Was strongly considering the unlocked S9+ and porting it to the VZW network. I inquired with the blue-shirt if there would be any loss of functionality should I make such a choice. The answer was "no".
The Samsung representative was in attendance, so I put the question to him as well. After glazing over while he went into an analogy of how your IMEI and SIM card are like licensing a car - and how they all can drive on the same road - I directed him back to the issue at hand, and his response was "no difference".
Then I called VZW, waited for the obligatory 15 minutes on hold, and asked the representative the same question. The answer was "No. None. Exactly the same."
Did a few searches on the feature I was specifically concerned about - that being Wi-Fi calling - and it appeared, from an historical perspective, there would be the potential for that functionality to be absent unless one purchased the branded device.
The VZW store was across the street, so I brought my question to them. In an experience that is as unique as it was surprising, I was lucky enough to get a salesperson who genuinely seemed to want to know the definitive answer as much as I did. He researched his on-line documentation for a few minutes before calling what he claimed to be their "network engineer".
The answer came back that VoLTE would work but Wi-Fi calling would not, on an unlocked S9+ ROM in the VZW network.
I've subsequently read contradicting indications but, considering the self-assigned importance of that capability, I decided not to chance it and find out the hard way that it would not work - should that be the case.
While this does not address your Visual Voice Mail concern, it does demonstrate exactly how many differing answers one can get from supposedly knowledgeable resources.
So, my solution was to lease the branded device with the understanding that I will need to deal with all of the pre-loaded stuff that I (or for that matter, just about anyone) do not need, want or use.
I have seen this questions asked hundreds of times, and I have seen both answers regarding WiFi calling. I know I have purchased unlocked phones right from Google in the past and never had an issue with any feature on VZW. I guess I will find out soon if anything has changed, as I ordered the 9+ unlocked from Samsung (they offered $100 more in a trade and a cheaper base price = no brainer). Will the confusion ever end?
Having had a unlocked s8+ and a Note 8 with VZ I can say VVM does not work. I've tried various applications and am not a fan of using google voice so I reached out and had standard messaging applied to my account and basic VVM removed. I'll get a notification but have to call in to check my voicemail which is no biggie. Never tried wifi calling but HD Voice does work ok. I preordered an unlocked S9+ so I'm sure it'll be the same boat
Verizon had the demo for the s9 plus in their store today, and the model of the phone is IDENTICAL to the unlocked US model. Also kinda wishing I'd stuck to the purple one I'd ordered by accident and cancelled, as it looks amazing in person.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
With the S7, you could flash the any of the carrier or unlocked firmware on the phone. This would give you access to verizon VVM, WiFI calling, etc if you flashed that firmware. I heard the S8 was the same since the hardware in them are the same between carriers. Here's to hoping that the S9 is the same.
MaddnessX said:
To piggy back off of this question (since I am in similar boat with AT&T) - Is it possible to flash the phone with the carrier version after purchasing unlocked version? Unfortunately, WiFi calling is a must where I live.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want WiFi Calling on Att - you MUST buy an ATT phone. ATT WiFi calling will only work with Branded ATT Phones - NOT unlocked ones. Sorry.
Geekser said:
If you want WiFi Calling on Att - you MUST buy an ATT phone. ATT WiFi calling will only work with Branded ATT Phones - NOT unlocked ones. Sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. If you want wifi calling (which I do), you need an AT&T phone. You can't flash anything on the phone to make it work. A few extra AT&T apps is not a big deal on a phone like this to get the features they provide. If you pay for their service you should get all the benefits but that's not how it is for now.
dmb219 said:
This is true. If you want wifi calling (which I do), you need an AT&T phone. You can't flash anything on the phone to make it work. A few extra AT&T apps is not a big deal on a phone like this to get the features they provide. If you pay for their service you should get all the benefits but that's not how it is for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that is very unfortunate. I am hoping that one day they will open up WiFi Calling to non carrier phones - but I doubt it will happen any time soon if at all.
Is it the same for tmobile?
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
tcabrino said:
Is it the same for tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GS8 Unlocked worked with both VoLTE and Wifi Calling on TMO so there is no reason for the GS9+ unlocked not to support these features.
---------- Post added at 01:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:08 PM ----------
tcabrino said:
Is it the same for tmobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem with VZW is support for integrated video calling thru the phone app which is different from the Samsung default. On VZW the unlocked USA version will support VoLTE but not WIfi Calling, VVM, Video Calling.
my 2 cents.
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're wrong. I tested a Verizon model in stores, and it's literally the exact same model number as the unlocked one I've got on order from Samsung. But of course they want you to buy the Verizon one, the mark up in the price is pure profit for them, and they probably get a commission for selling it to you.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
raejr78 said:
Just got off the phone with a Tier 2 Tech Coach with VZW and they said that they can only "guarantee the VZW branded phones will work with their features." I specifically asked about VVM and WiFi calling. They suggested I stick to the VZW branded model. I explained that their model was virtually $100 more than the unlocked version from Samsung and I wasn't sure why that was on "basically the same phone." She was kind and courteous, but certainly it's another way for Big Red to make more money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget their useless $30+ "activation fee" they charge when you buy a device through them. I shouldn't have to pay $30 to take the SIM out of my old phone and put it in my new phone. I'm going with the unlocked version because I'm considering switching to T-Mobile due to all this type of crap Verizon pulls.
LgG2-Ttrain said:
Yes I just finished reading the fine print in Samsung's trade in offer. So the only phones they will not accept as trade ins are leased phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I'm curious what happens if you have a leased phone. Do they just not accept it and then charge your card for what you weren't charged at time of checkout?