Coming from the SGS1, Is it just me or does the SGS3 have much less carrier branding?
By this I mean, I got no Orange UK application installed on my phone at all, and by that I mena the only reason I know my phone is from Orange is that when I boot it I get a custom Orange boot animation and also an app called Orange plus, which is the most basic of apps showing Orange UK contact details.
It seems to me that Samsung after the success of the previous Galaxy phones has now got the power to dictate a little more what carriers can install on the phone. This can only be good news for the SGS3 users, because if this is the only modification, then updates will surely be coming much quicker?
Anyone else think the same? Or do you have more carrier branding?
Logicalstep
You're correct: the SGS3 is a lot less customized by the carrier than the previous models (I come from the S2).
With the S2, all branded original ROMs where full of bloatware. They were really BRANDED! Now there is very little difference among them, and the most noticeable difference is the boot screen.
In my opinion, Samsung changed its contracts with carriers to disallow them to bloat the device with useless crap. Since the deployment is done by Samsung (per the carrier's specifications regarding customizations), the more customizations, the heavier the burden on Samsung.
Now, with very little customization to be done (and thus tested), the time-to-market for each release is drasticalyl reduced.
Related
Hey,
I am thinking of buying this phone, but I want to know whats the difference between the AT&T version and the international version or UK version?
There are so many versions, I want to know what is the difference and which one is the best one to buy?
Please let me know as I am confused.
Thanks.
UK version is the same as the international version.
The at&t version is the same as the international version but with 4 buttons rather than 3 on the international version.
The tmobile USA version is totally different soc and almost a totally different phone.
Sprint sgs2 is also different as it has a cdma radio.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
I guess I am going to get the Internation version/UK, good decision?
With the ISGS2 you get:
- No carrier-added bloatware
- Unrestricted tethering
- Updates directly from Samsung
- No carrier mandated s/w & h/w changes
- Two year warranty if bought in the UK or from Expansys-USA
- You can use the data for non-Smartphones plan and get fake-4G for $10 a month
With the ASGS2 you get:
- Insurance and warranty support from AT&T
- Hobbled tethering
- NFC (but nothing to do with it)
- Four capacitive buttons vs. the Samsung multi-function hardware home key
- Screen display mode has been removed
- Dive (phone tracking) has been removed
- No FM radio
- Dependency on AT&T for updates if you don't root and they've been known to suck
If you're buying the phone outright they're almost the same price now. The only reason to get one from AT&T is if you're concerned about insurance and/or warranty service. If the ISGS2 breaks you'll be without for a few weeks while it's repaired overseas.
I wont be using the phone in USA, I will be using it in Canada. So I guess International version is better?
I dont need NFC, and looks like AT&T removed alot of features/softwares and made the phone limited....?
Can someone tell me is this SGS2 exact same as International version: http://www.bell.ca/shopping/Samsung...MOB_shophmpg_BAN_GalaxySII_mass_071911_TM_ALL ?
Thanks.
awaisuk said:
I wont be using the phone in USA, I will be using it in Canada. So I guess International version is better?
I dont need NFC, and looks like AT&T removed alot of features/softwares and made the phone limited....?
Can someone tell me is this SGS2 exact same as International version: http://www.bell.ca/shopping/Samsung...MOB_shophmpg_BAN_GalaxySII_mass_071911_TM_ALL ?
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
Any carrier phone is going to have modifications made to it by the carrier. Although, the Canadian carriers don't seem to molest them as much as the U.S. carriers. A phone purchased from a carrier is locked to that carrier. Some provide unlock codes for phones purchased outright, others don't. You can also get an unlock code from an online service - do a search. I don't know if Bell provides warranty support for phones purchased from them and used on other carriers. It's something you should investigate.
nexus prime is coming in a couple of days from now
Hi
Thinking of getting a Galaxy S2, it will probably be simlocked as these are slightly cheaper and can be unlocked for free (?). I was wondering if anyone knew if any of the major UK networks (O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone) have branding on the phones themselves? I heard Orange might have a small logo on the back of the phone? Do they all pretty much have logo branding on bootup, but this can be easily removed by flashing a stock ROM?
Is rooting and unlocking via the app still working/doable?
Also whats the deal with 3 (three) network phones? Can they be unlocked easily and used with any simcard? (I'm going to use giffgaff - 02 network)
Thanks
dont get it mate whait for SG3 or galaxy note will be out at buymobilephones dot net soon
The phone is basically the same as the new flagship android in the galaxy nexus, the only difference is that that phone has a 720p screen (though it uses the pentile matrix system) bar that theres not much difference between the two phones, therefore you should get it, as since its been out 6 months its 450 off contract, while the nexus is 550 off contract.
Yes theres an app to sim unlock it, and yes rooting is very easy, where you can install either a custom rom or a stock rom, whatever floats your boat. So my advice is get the best carrier that is either cheapest, or gives you best service in your area.
I bought mine last week off contract for 450 from phones4U, they all come sim unlocked anyway from there.
I got mine on orange, it came with an orange logo little square on the back. And with orange software (unremovable without flashing stock using Odin). I was scared to flash a new and expensive phone, but now I'm happy without ****ty orange maps and orange all over my Internet browser etc.
Also like the other guy said, wait til the galaxy nexus comes out next month-the s2 might drop by a few quid. Galaxy note is way too big IMO.
got mine from T-mobile. No logos on the phone (white sg2). Had a few apps from t-mobile but I've rooted quite easily
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
turborider said:
dont get it mate whait for SG3 or galaxy note will be out at buymobilephones dot net soon
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Click to collapse
I'm stretching my budget with the S2, the S3 will be 2012 and will likely be 500+. I'm looking at around £320 off ebay for a S2. I was going to get an Ace, then S1, then saw that a S2 was only around the £300 mark so decided on getting it.
May wait a while, not sure, but doubt they will get much cheaper than £310?
Talkmobile
Have a look online with talkmobile they us the o2 network and at one time had the cheapest SGS2 on a 12month contract and their handsets are not locked.
Hey! This is my first post on the forums, so correct me if this is in the wrong section or anything of that nature. Anyway, I've been interested in purchasing a Galaxy S6 Edge for a while now. I currently use a Nexus 4 on the daily, and I love the Edge's similarly beautiful design. I am going to buy the phone unlocked, as I have never been and will never be locked into a service contract. Right now I use Cricket Wireless in the United States. (which operates on At&t's towers). Cricket only sells the not-so-edgy galaxy s6, but I should be able to use any gsm model on the carrier. I was wondering if there are any reasons to pick one variant over another? Could the non carrier specific ones will receive updates quicker? Or maybe US specific models will operate better in the US (reception wise)? Do some get more developer support from the community for rooting and rom development? Is there even a difference (perhaps not)? These are all just random examples that come to mind. I just want to make sure I'm not hit with any curve ball when making such a large purchase. In any case, it's sure to be an upgrade from 2012. Thanks in advance
GreatValueCereal said:
Hey! This is my first post on the forums, so correct me if this is in the wrong section or anything of that nature. Anyway, I've been interested in purchasing a Galaxy S6 Edge for a while now. I currently use a Nexus 4 on the daily, and I love the Edge's similarly beautiful design. I am going to buy the phone unlocked, as I have never been and will never be locked into a service contract. Right now I use Cricket Wireless in the United States. (which operates on At&t's towers). Cricket only sells the not-so-edgy galaxy s6, but I should be able to use any gsm model on the carrier. I was wondering if there are any reasons to pick one variant over another? Could the non carrier specific ones will receive updates quicker? Or maybe US specific models will operate better in the US (reception wise)? Do some get more developer support from the community for rooting and rom development? Is there even a difference (perhaps not)? These are all just random examples that come to mind. I just want to make sure I'm not hit with any curve ball when making such a large purchase. In any case, it's sure to be an upgrade from 2012. Thanks in advance
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Click to collapse
The unlocked, unbranded international edition will get you the fastest updates.
Although I have not personally researched it, I have heard from other users that it gets LTE connectivity on AT&T's network, so you are good there.
If you buy any other Variant, updates will be slower.
I would discourage the purchase of the AT&T variant because it is the only one that has not been updated to 5.1
Just make sure you are very careful with where you are buying.
I have heard plenty of stories of people buying the Galaxy S6 online and either it is counterfeit, was stolen, or KNOX had been tripped.
Snowby123 said:
The unlocked, unbranded international edition will get you the fastest updates.
Although I have not personally researched it, I have heard from other users that it gets LTE connectivity on AT&T's network, so you are good there.
If you buy any other Variant, updates will be slower.
I would discourage the purchase of the AT&T variant because it is the only one that has not been updated to 5.1
Just make sure you are very careful with where you are buying.
I have heard plenty of stories of people buying the Galaxy S6 online and either it is counterfeit, was stolen, or KNOX had been tripped.
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Click to collapse
Oh thanks a lot. I didn't even think about counterfeit or stolen devices. But it sounds like international is the way to go
In India, 99% of mobile phones fall into the "unlocked" and "international" version. Carrier based phones are extremely rare.
Since you are from a different country, I suggest you email and ask Samsung about it, because like the others said, could be counterfeit, stolen or KNOX tripped.
Sent from my SM-G925I using XDA Free mobile app
I switched from Verizon to AT&T a few months ago. I have used Motorola (droid2, droid4) and Samsung (GS5) phones in the past. I rooted all in the past primarily for filtering ads, but am now unlimited so it's less critical in a way, but still a primary concern (not worried about exceeding my 4Gb anymore, but hate the screen being filled). The issue is, I have a Galaxy A10e now and it is apparently not rootable on my carrier. I am looking for recommendations for a new handset.
I want a small phone (142mm or less tall, typically <5" screen) and something that can be rooted on AT&T. Modern would be preferable obviously. I know removable battery ship has sailed, but SD is a must.
I don't know about root, but the phones I have looked at on GSMArena are:
GS5
GS7
S10e
A40
A10e
J5
Sony Xperia XZ2 compact (probably my top pick but can't find anywhere)
Any thoughts?
Perhaps I posted this question in the wrong place. I can repost or it could be moved. Either way, this seems like a simple question: what small Android phones are rootable on AT&T network?
Due to my current phone breaking down, I'm now searching for the cheapest phone available that is able to run a custom ROM, has a fingerprint scanner, and most importantly, is sold at a major store in my country (Costa Rica). The vast majority of phones I can find are either Huawei, which is notorious for being practically unhackable and therefore are a no-go, or Samsung, which is a 50/50 chance. From what I've gathered, the Samsung devices whose chipsets are compatible with modding (Exynos) are typically not available officially in Latin America (which usually carries the Snapdragon version instead) and so the Exynos versions must be imported from Europe, which might take months of shipping and end up overpriced. Despite of everything, however, after checking in several stores in my country, the Galaxy A10 seems to be the only phone I could find that lands in the sweetspot for capability and price - if only there was a way to mod it, that is. My question is, is it possible to know beforehand which models of the A10 are rootable and/or moddable in any way, and which ones are not? (Remember, my current phone is broken and so I must jot the compatible models down in order to compare before paying)
No 30-day money back guarantee? No CoD's? 1-800...
So basically not the us version a102u (the u is the start of the country code in the device f/w # ie.A102USQS5ATA7)
BUT I don't know if your internet shopping listing will provide you with that before purchasing. They may just say yes to get the sale. (Don't ask the barber if you need a haircut)
TLL
Get a unlocked LG k10 or Aristo series w/ the features
You require. Please wash your hands and disinfect all new phones and packages ?
Sent from my a10e using XDA Labs
ArkBlitz said:
Due to my current phone breaking down, I'm now searching for the cheapest phone available that is able to run a custom ROM, has a fingerprint scanner, and most importantly, is sold at a major store in my country (Costa Rica). The vast majority of phones I can find are either Huawei, which is notorious for being practically unhackable and therefore are a no-go, or Samsung, which is a 50/50 chance. From what I've gathered, the Samsung devices whose chipsets are compatible with modding (Exynos) are typically not available officially in Latin America (which usually carries the Snapdragon version instead) and so the Exynos versions must be imported from Europe, which might take months of shipping and end up overpriced. Despite of everything, however, after checking in several stores in my country, the Galaxy A10 seems to be the only phone I could find that lands in the sweetspot for capability and price - if only there was a way to mod it, that is. My question is, is it possible to know beforehand which models of the A10 are rootable and/or moddable in any way, and which ones are not? (Remember, my current phone is broken and so I must jot the compatible models down in order to compare before paying)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buy an a20, the a10 is extremely useless for developers
unfortunately
usa variants are not unlockable. its simple. every other variantshould be bl unlockable