Hey,
A friend that's down from the UK wanted to buy a phone here in the US, but I was wondering: will the international version (or the tmobile version) work fine there? His carrier is specifically Orange. I couldn't find specific information on what frequencies they use, so I thought it'd be better to ask. Thanks
If it's International it will work
kennypu said:
Hey,
A friend that's down from the UK wanted to buy a phone here in the US, but I was wondering: will the international version (or the tmobile version) work fine there? His carrier is specifically Orange. I couldn't find specific information on what frequencies they use, so I thought it'd be better to ask. Thanks
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Click to collapse
Your title says "can I use the international version in the UK?", but your question seems to ask "can I use the international version in the US?"
The answer to both questions is yes.
I have the international version (i9100), and live in the US and have been using it on AT&T for quite some time.
It can also work on T-Mobile USA's network, but will only get Edge data speeds on that network due to T-Mobile USA using the AWS band for high speed mobile data. (the AWS band requires a band the i9100 doesn't receive)
Edit to add: I just re-read the line that says "A friend that's down from the UK wanted to buy a phone here in the US, but I was wondering: will the international version (or the tmobile version) work fine there?"... Does this mean he wants to buy a T-Mobile USA phone and try to take it back to Europe? I don't think I'd recommend that for the reason I cited above for why the i9100 doesn't work for high speed data on T-Mobile USA's network. T-Mobile USA's Galaxy S II variant is the SGH-T989, which is a totally different phone, that works on different frequencies. So I guess; can you ask your question a bit more clearly?
ctomgee said:
Your title says "can I use the international version in the UK?", but your question seems to ask "can I use the international version in the US?"
The answer to both questions is yes.
I have the international version (i9100), and live in the US and have been using it on AT&T for quite some time.
It can also work on T-Mobile USA's network, but will only get Edge data speeds on that network due to T-Mobile USA using the AWS band for high speed mobile data. (the AWS band requires a band the i9100 doesn't receive)
Edit to add: I just re-read the line that says "A friend that's down from the UK wanted to buy a phone here in the US, but I was wondering: will the international version (or the tmobile version) work fine there?"... Does this mean he wants to buy a T-Mobile USA phone and try to take it back to Europe? I don't think I'd recommend that for the reason I cited above for why the i9100 doesn't work for high speed data on T-Mobile USA's network. T-Mobile USA's Galaxy S II variant is the SGH-T989, which is a totally different phone, that works on different frequencies. So I guess; can you ask your question a bit more clearly?
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sorry for the confusion, but yes your edit is correct: a friend wants to buy a phone here, and take it back to the UK for use.
kennypu said:
sorry for the confusion, but yes your edit is correct: a friend wants to buy a phone here, and take it back to the UK for use.
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Click to collapse
Hmm. Again, I wouldn't recommend it. From what I know, GSM carriers in the US tend to favor different frequencies (850/1900 on AT&T, 1700/2100 on T-mobile) than GSM carriers in Europe. (GSM 900/1800)
Some phones have enough band cross-over that they can be bought and used on the network he wants, but without doing extensive research into whatever model phone he is interested in, and also what band frequencies his carrier specifically uses, it would be a guessing game.
For example, I did about 2 weeks worth of heavy research before I bought an unlocked I9100 to use in the US on AT&T's network.
I've seen plenty of people buy the same phone to use on T-mobile USA, only to find out they can only get Edge data speed, and wonder why.
ctomgee said:
Hmm. Again, I wouldn't recommend it. From what I know, GSM carriers in the US tend to favor different frequencies (850/1900 on AT&T, 1700/2100 on T-mobile) than GSM carriers in Europe. (GSM 900/1800)
Some phones have enough band cross-over that they can be bought and used on the network he wants, but without doing extensive research into whatever model phone he is interested in, and also what band frequencies his carrier specifically uses, it would be a guessing game.
For example, I did about 2 weeks worth of heavy research before I bought an unlocked I9100 to use in the US on AT&T's network.
I've seen plenty of people buy the same phone to use on T-mobile USA, only to find out they can only get Edge data speed, and wonder why.
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Click to collapse
ironically, I did exactly did what you mentioned (tmo + international version). From what I gathered, It looks like europe does support GT-i9100, just the P varient, which seem to have the same exact hardware + NFC. So I think I can safely assume it will work, but I would rather get an answer from someone with more knowledge.
kennypu said:
ironically, I did exactly did what you mentioned (tmo + international version). From what I gathered, It looks like europe does support GT-i9100, just the P varient, which seem to have the same exact hardware + NFC. So I think I can safely assume it will work, but I would rather get an answer from someone with more knowledge.
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Click to collapse
Um... I don't think you get it.
The I9100 is sold pretty much everywhere BUT the US. It's sold in the UK, in fact. Mine came from the UK.
The only difference between the I9100 and the I9100P is the I9100P has NFC hardware built into it, and the I9100 does not. Otherwise, the I9100 and I9100P operate on the same frequencies.
The US variants of the Galaxy S II are completely different hardware.
The AT&T variant is the SGH-I777.
The T-Mobile USA variant is the SGH-T989.
The Sprint variant is the SPH-D710.
The US Cellular variant is the SCH-R760.
(those last two are CDMA variants, and may not even work in Europe)
You can see nearly all the variants on the wikipedia page.
so it's safe to assume it will work, got it. thank you very much.
kennypu said:
so it's safe to assume it will work, got it. thank you very much.
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Well, if he buys an i9100, yes.
If he buys any of the US variants, not so much.
Related
I'm leaving for hong kong in a month and I plan to call tmobile to get an unlock code for my phone. I was wondering if our phones would worth there if I picked up a sim card? Would out work with their cell frequency?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I've an unlocked Vibrant and it works just fine here in Jordan, as it did with many countries' sim cards I used when traveling on this phone. So I suppose you wouldn't have a problem.
I'm going to china also. (have a US vibrant)
But what I'm concerned about is :
NOTE: I plan to live in Guangzhou , China.
1) The ability to make phone calls
2) data plans work there? If not, how can I check?
3) So wifi should work (Be universally compatible)?
4) Any other issues? or potential issues?
Jhnboy said:
I'm going to china also. (have a US vibrant)
But what I'm concerned about is :
NOTE: I plan to live in Guangzhou , China.
1) The ability to make phone calls
2) data plans work there? If not, how can I check?
3) So wifi should work (Be universally compatible)?
4) Any other issues? or potential issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol completely irrelevant but at least now I know I'm probably not the only Cantonese speaking person on the vibrant forums lol.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Unlock your phone and check what bands carriers use there. I would guess you will be okay.
pvspencer22 said:
Unlock your phone and check what bands carriers use there. I would guess you will be okay.
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+1 this is correct you may need to go in and lock the band to whatever they are using over there. Also, it may be cheaper to buy a Hong Kong sim
(prepaid kind) not sure if they do that there but that is often much cheaper look on the net.....
oka1 said:
+1 this is correct you may need to go in and lock the band to whatever they are using over there. Also, it may be cheaper to buy a Hong Kong sim
(prepaid kind) not sure if they do that there but that is often much cheaper look on the net.....
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What do you mean by checking what brands they use?
do you mean to check if china mobile service providers use Samsung galaxy s phones? But couldn't they be just using a different version of the phone with differing hardware specs ( as to mins compatible)?
Because, unless im mistaken, the vibrant is unique to America and the rest of the world uses the i9000 galaxy s ? In other words, even if thet use a Samsung smartphone in china, that doesn't guarantee my vibrant to be fully compatible there though right?
Thanks
Jhnboy said:
What do you mean by checking what brands they use?
do you mean to check if china mobile service providers use Samsung galaxy s phones? But couldn't they be just using a different version of the phone with differing hardware specs ( as to mins compatible)?
Because, unless im mistaken, the vibrant is unique to America and the rest of the world uses the i9000 galaxy s ? In other words, even if thet use a Samsung smartphone in china, that doesn't guarantee my vibrant to be fully compatible there though right?
Thanks
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Click to collapse
It should work on everything (calls, texts, everything).
The only problem you might have is 3G. Unless the carrier you are using has the AWS bands (1700/2100), you won't get 3G. You also need BOTH bands to get 3G, not just one.
Although, I suppose if they use AT&T like bands, you would get 3G, as long as they have 1900 support.
Longcat14 said:
It should work on everything (calls, texts, everything).
The only problem you might have is 3G. Unless the carrier you are using has the AWS bands (1700/2100), you won't get 3G. You also need BOTH bands to get 3G, not just one.
Although, I suppose if they use AT&T like bands, you would get 3G, as long as they have 1900 support.
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Click to collapse
Yeah i think 3g is only compatible in the north where they use 1900 band
I used a G1 in China and Honk Kong last summer with my T-mobile SIM. Cellular calls, text and GPRS data worked. I'm not sure if EDGE would work or not (probably have better luck with a local SIM) since I was trying not to use any cellular data at all. I'm pretty sure 3G would not work. I would imagine you would have a similar experience with the Vibrant since it uses the same frequencies as the G1.
So if i'm understanding everything correctly, there are TWO types of compatibilities for phones (mainly):
- Cell network for CALLING (ex: quad band )
- Data frequencies
So the vibrant is QUAD BAND right? so calls for sure will work.
For data:
Do you guys know what frequencies the providers use for data in china and whether the vibrant supports them? (what data bands the vibrant uses?)
Thanks!
I just dont know which one. Its for my girl. These will be tmobile phones in this decision which will be on simple mobile.
Right now i have the lg g2x which is unlocked/rooted/running hellfire 2.2 Rom GB 2.3.3 and i love it, battery life sucks though.
What do you guys think about htc 1s vs galaxy s2? Or should we get galaxy s3?
TheKid1 said:
I just dont know which one. Its for my girl. These will be tmobile phones in this decision which will be on simple mobile.
Right now i have the lg g2x which is unlocked/rooted/running hellfire 2.2 Rom GB 2.3.3 and i love it, battery life sucks though.
What do you guys think about htc 1s vs galaxy s2? Or should we get galaxy s3?
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Click to collapse
Since you're asking for a comparison to the HTC One S, seems you're asking about phones for T-mobile USA?
This particular model of Galaxy S2 is not the model for T-mobile USA, and will only get Edge mobile data speeds on that network.
I'm guessing you want to know about the SGH-T989 .
ctomgee said:
Since you're asking for a comparison to the HTC One S, seems you're asking about phones for T-mobile USA?
This particular model of Galaxy S2 is not the model for T-mobile USA, and will only get Edge mobile data speeds on that network.
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Click to collapse
The galaxy s2 that i am referring to is in fact a tmobile phone. Im not sure why you are saying i will only get edge? Please explain, or can someone else confirm this?
TheKid1 said:
The galaxy s2 that i am referring to is in fact a tmobile phone. Im not sure why you are saying i will only get edge? Please explain, or can someone else confirm this?
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Click to collapse
As I said, the T-mobile USA Galaxy S2 is a different model. I linked the forum for that model above.
See wikipedia.
The i9100 (which this is the forum for: look at the top of the page) doesn't have the required antenna hardware to receive 1700 mhz UTMS, which is a required band for AWS. (the other frequency bring 2100mhz) T-mobile USA uses AWS for high speed mobile data.
So, the i9100 will only get Edge on T-mobile USA's network.
But if you don't believe me, just type "i9100 t-mobile edge" into google.
ctomgee said:
As I said, the T-mobile USA Galaxy S2 is a different model. I linked the forum for that model above.
See wikipedia.
The i9100 (which this is the forum for: look at the top of the page) doesn't have the required antenna hardware to receive 1700 mhz UTMS, which is a required band for AWS. (the other frequency bring 2100mhz) T-mobile USA uses AWS for high speed mobile data.
So, the i9100 will only get Edge on T-mobile USA's network.
But if you don't believe me, just type "i9100 t-mobile edge" into google.
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Ok i get what you are saying now. You scared me for a second there. I thought you meant "this model" as in the one i was referring to. Ok well while we are on the subject, isnt there something that can be done to the phones to switch the antennas like installing a new radio or something, or is it an actual physical piece of hardware that runs off different mhz to get 2g/3g/or 4g?
TheKid1 said:
Ok i get what you are saying now. You scared me for a second there. I thought you meant "this model" as in the one i was referring to. Ok well while we are on the subject, isnt there something that can be done to the phones to switch the antennas like installing a new radio or something, or is it an actual physical piece of hardware that runs off different mhz to get 2g/3g/or 4g?
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Click to collapse
It's hardware. There is nothing you or anyone can do to the i9100 to get high speed on the T-mobile USA network with that phone.
If you want a Galaxy S2 model that gets high speed on T-mobile USA's network, you want the SGH-T989. I linked the forum for it above.
And back to your original question......
Get one S
Or S3..
do make sure one S is the Qualcomm S4 not the S3 with 1.7 GHz model.
HTC making one S with older processor after S4 shortage.
Do these two phones have identical hardware but different firmware, so that flashing for example the CM9 mod would make them identical, or do their hardware differs from each other, considering different band support and lack of LTE on T-Mobile?
Thank you.
For the most part hardware seems yo be same... you may have to switch the modems though. Expect a common Cm9 base and then a zip flash for each service provider.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Hopefully there will be some good collaboration between the ATT/Tmo (and possibly some parts from Sprint/Verizon) devs since the hardware is so similar.
It opens up the possibilities for a lot more ROMs!
Actually my question was more about the possibility to use the devices across the networks using custom mods (e.g. to use the I747 on the T-Mobile network).
Thank you.
mikhailmv said:
Actually my question was more about the possibility to use the devices across the networks using custom mods (e.g. to use the I747 on the T-Mobile network).
Thank you.
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Click to collapse
You can do this without mods but you won't have access to the 3g band on TMo just like TMo won't have access to the LTE 4g ATT Band...flashing a diff modem/radio won't give you the missing bands unless the hardware actually supports them and its just locked out...which currently isnt known.
djkinetic said:
You can do this without mods but you won't have access to the 3g band on TMo just like TMo won't have access to the LTE 4g ATT Band...flashing a diff modem/radio won't give you the missing bands unless the hardware actually supports them and its just locked out...which currently isnt known.
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That is what my question was about. So the answer is unknown.
Thank you.
mikhailmv said:
That is what my question was about. So the answer is unknown.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a very valid question… the AT&T Galaxy S III is $550 out of contract; the T-Mobile version, $630.
If you're paying out of pocket, $80 less for what amounts to the same device (arguably, the AT&T one is better since it has an LTE radio) is nothing to sneeze at.
I am having the same question as well.
The situation here is the same to what I have as Rogers/Bell/Telus vs Wind/Mobilicity
I'd like the flexibility to use the phone across the network since the new carriers charge way cheaper than the big 3....
I suppose the hardware between the two model are identical. All support the same band 850 900 1700 2100 (AWS/LTE). Only the AWS version has the LTE radio disabled and HSPA 42 enabled???
It should work, the phone is locked to att thou. You will have to have it unlocked. But the skyrocket and the hercules were interchangeable between networks. But the international will not work on lte or Hspa.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Micronads said:
It should work, the phone is locked to att thou. You will have to have it unlocked. But the skyrocket and the hercules were interchangeable between networks. But the international will not work on lte or Hspa.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
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So you are saying that that radio modules of these two phones are identical. Meaning that T989 supports LTE, and I747 supports the 1700 band (they just have to be unlocked).
I'm gettin mine unlocked and using it on straight talk t mobile. I need to get that hspa 42 workin. It's just software. From what I gather, once t mobile rolls out their LTE they may just release a firmware update enabling LTE on the t mobile galaxy sIII's. This phone is a seven band monster world phone. To such an extent that carriers are turning features off.
---------- Post added at 09:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:43 PM ----------
mikhailmv said:
So you are saying that that radio modules of these two phones are identical. Meaning that T989 supports LTE, and I747 supports the 1700 band (they just have to be unlocked).
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Click to collapse
All the radio modules on this phone are integrated in the S4 processor. And the processor is identical. One would have to conclude, that yes, that is the case.
From a strictly electrical background the modem is software running on transistors which can handle being pushed to the frequencies T-mobile requires, so I would think that it would be doable with the right software. When a transistor has the ability to handle the current and frequency the rest would be a matter of software, I assume.
As for LTE I have no knowledge as to the hardware or if there its something missing in non LTEs.
noahattic said:
I am having the same question as well.
The situation here is the same to what I have as Rogers/Bell/Telus vs Wind/Mobilicity
I'd like the flexibility to use the phone across the network since the new carriers charge way cheaper than the big 3....
I suppose the hardware between the two model are identical. All support the same band 850 900 1700 2100 (AWS/LTE). Only the AWS version has the LTE radio disabled and HSPA 42 enabled???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have unlocked (Sim Unlocked) my SGSIII I747 from Bell and it works with Rogers and all... however i do not have a micro sim from Wind or Mobilcity to test it... however i wiill go to a few stores to test it out... if it works... which i assume it should.... but there are so many factors that it might not....
However, if someone like tomin.... i cant rememebr his id can provide an interchangable flashable modem for the two phones i747 could be used on aws 1700 using the radio from t999.
See the chart on Wikipedia
Samsung Galaxy S III Model variants
I've looked at the specs sheet from samsung.com and it's the same thing.
Weve been arguing in the other thread about how t999 has msm8260 instead of a msm8960Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk 2
Unlocked as in correect combination of software loaded on the phone to correspond with the carrier, not simply unlocking the phone. More like unleashing its potential.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
It is interesting as its normally a possibility with Galaxy devices. This is a bit different since they have used slightly different models. We won't know until we get flashable radios and someone is brave enough to try to flash it on their device. I know with the Skyrocket I was able to flash a T-Mobile radio and get a 3G signal on wind (same type of network but in canada). The only limit was that you couldn't take a t-mobile version, flash at&t's radio and get LTE.
y2whisper said:
It is interesting as its normally a possibility with Galaxy devices. This is a bit different since they have used slightly different models. We won't know until we get flashable radios and someone is brave enough to try to flash it on their device. I know with the Skyrocket I was able to flash a T-Mobile radio and get a 3G signal on wind (same type of network but in canada). The only limit was that you couldn't take a t-mobile version, flash at&t's radio and get LTE.
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Click to collapse
It would be great if we ca use the same technique to make i747 work with Wind & Mobilcity and make it just like T999
Any Luck>>>
it's good finally there's not that big of a difference in hardware and looks vs the Galaxy s2. too many variants makes it difficult to buy any accessories
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?
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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.
I've been wanting an upgrade from my G2x for a while and what I want, which is what everyone else wants, is the Samsung Galaxy S3. I don't know which model to get, being that there are so many models of the S3 depending on the service provider. Here's the situation: I'm on a t-mobile value plan, living in West Virginia (I'm a student) with the only service here is roaming on AT&T, thus I only get edge. Can I use a different model, like an unlocked AT&T, and then be able to use more than 2G? Then be able to get full 4G when I do go to t-mobile service area? (From the chart by forum moderator, it shows AT&T shares 1900 mHz, 2100mHz, HSPA+, so it should technically work with tmobile, correct line of thought?)
*I already know that unlocked international version won't be able to get on anything more than 2G in US, it having different radios.
Also, read somewhere that I could buy the AT&T model and be able to use international LTE networks. Is that true? Could someone here enlighten me about the issues with the radios/frequencies (for US) for S3?
Much appreciated. Tried to find this question answered somewhere, and couldn't so posting now.