I purchased a GS3 from newegg and I'm trying to work out the country of origin for warranty service. Here's the kicker: I'm trying to do this without opening the box and voiding their return policy as I haven't decided whether to keep it.
(Basically, newegg told me it was new-in-box, but later said it might have been 3rd party unlocked with no warranty other than that provided by their vendor in the US. So I'm trying to independently verify the country of origin and warranty status since newegg is no help.)
I'm still new at this, but would the Final Assembly Code portion of the IMEI tell me the country of origin?
I also tried looking up the IMEI and found the issuer was British Approvals Board of Telecommunications. I thought this might mean that it's a British handset, but that might be a bit of a leap.
Try checking the CSC. You can find it by either way:
1) By connecting to KIES and checking the code (3 alphabets).
2) By going to the dialler on the phone and pressing *#1234#.
Again, I'm trying to see if this can be determined without opening the box. I have the IMEI code, which is on the sticker outside the box. Do you know how I can determine the country of origin from the code? The FAC is 05. Thanks!
That's not possible but why don't you have warranty from the shop where you purchased it? If there is some kind weird warranty thing going on juat retutn it and invest few more bucks to the device from trusted dealer
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
http://www.numberingplans.com/?page=analysis&sub=imeinr
All you can do .
jje
beetmonger said:
I purchased a GS3 from newegg and I'm trying to work out the country of origin for warranty service. Here's the kicker: I'm trying to do this without opening the box and voiding their return policy as I haven't decided whether to keep it.
(Basically, newegg told me it was new-in-box, but later said it might have been 3rd party unlocked with no warranty other than that provided by their vendor in the US. So I'm trying to independently verify the country of origin and warranty status since newegg is no help.)
I'm still new at this, but would the Final Assembly Code portion of the IMEI tell me the country of origin?
I also tried looking up the IMEI and found the issuer was British Approvals Board of Telecommunications. I thought this might mean that it's a British handset, but that might be a bit of a leap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just call Samsung customer servic in your country, i did and they can tell you from the imei number the country of origin.
Thanks for all the advice, though I'm still hoping that someone can tell me which country is identified by the Factory Assembly Code 05.
gee2012 said:
Just call Samsung customer servic in your country, i did and they can tell you from the imei number the country of origin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've called Samsung US three times. And tried their chat bot. And tried Samsung in Australia and the UK. No luck.
JJEgan said:
http://www.numberingplans.com/?page=analysis&sub=imeinr
All you can do .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried that, too. Didn't have it in the database.
johku12 said:
That's not possible but why don't you have warranty from the shop where you purchased it? If there is some kind weird warranty thing going on juat retutn it and invest few more bucks to the device from trusted dealer
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In brief, it appears that newegg gets their phones from a third party rather than direct from Samsung. That doesn't mean the phones aren't new, but they don't know (or won't tell) the country of origin. I'm pretty sure it's somewhere in Central or South America.
Just to follow up: I called Samsung again and this time got someone with a brain who looked up the IMEI and told me the phone is of British origin. Of course, then she gave me the number for Samsung's Canada office...
Anyway, I called Samsung UK and was able to verify not only that it is a British phone, but that it has an extended warranty good through August 2014. Not sure how that happened, but not going to complain, either!
I have order one from Newegg also. HAVE YOU TRIED IT YET? Does it work? Never had problems with Newegg on warranty before.
It works and appears to be new. I've been pretty happy with it so far, but I probably wouldn't order from newegg again since they make you click through a disclaimer that phones might not be new.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 2
hmm might have to give this a try to see where my S3 came from, does this mean the country where it was meant to be sold, not where it was manufactured right?
it's just that grey market imports are rampant here in Hong Kong and you can't tell if its been repackaged with the correct adapters and language manuals etc.
Bottom Line
Bottom line, there is no guarantee of of any cell phone you buy being what is claims to be. If you buy online, realize that if you are getting a killer deal, something is amiss. Cell phones are just like perishables, they do drop as they get older, but there is little difference in price between Amazon, New Egg, etc. If you find a seller selling $100 cheaper than everyone else, something is sketchy. If someone wants to take a used phone and make it look new, you will never know the difference. Buy your cell phone from somewhere that gives you a warranty, better if it is an actual local store or someone you trust.
cellrookie said:
Bottom line, there is no guarantee of of any cell phone you buy being what is claims to be. If you buy online, realize that if you are getting a killer deal, something is amiss. Cell phones are just like perishables, they do drop as they get older, but there is little difference in price between Amazon, New Egg, etc. If you find a seller selling $100 cheaper than everyone else, something is sketchy. If someone wants to take a used phone and make it look new, you will never know the difference. Buy your cell phone from somewhere that gives you a warranty, better if it is an actual local store or someone you trust.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, that's quite a thread necro! the problem for US customers is that the international S3 isn't sold in local stores or by carriers.
Related
ok i bought a samsung galaxy s2 from gumtree(online advertisments) phoned up met the guy at his work(so called) payed 300 cash anyway 6 weeks later i cant make calls or send texts only use web. i phoned up my network they said imei is black listed. i seen him take a three network sim out so i phoned them they said the phone belongs to three but and its not registerd to anyone so they might beable to unblock for me anyway no luck they said the person was on an 02 contract with this phone so phone them i phoned o2 they said no were not unblocking it plane and simple.
so what options do i have?? i have the guys number but it goes strate to answer message is ther away round this problem. or am i pretty much fcked
if anyone can help or advice me a solution would be really gratefull i have made
Its blocked any method of unblocking IMEI is up to the contract holder /network .
You are in effect at the mercy of the seller who looks to have defaulted on his phone contract and sold the phone to you .The network has blocked the IMEI until the balance of the contract is paid off .
Any methods of faking an IMEI would be illegal and this board does not deal in illegal stuff .
You can use the phone as is no phone no internet or sell it for spares .
jje
JJEgan said:
Its blocked any method of unblocking IMEI is up to the contract holder /network .
You are in effect at the mercy of the seller who looks to have defaulted on his phone contract and sold the phone to you .The network has blocked the IMEI until the balance of the contract is paid off .
Any methods of faking an IMEI would be illegal and this board does not deal in illegal stuff .
You can use the phone as is no phone no internet or sell it for spares .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when i phoned up they said he had reported lost or stolen. they said they cant do anything i was just wondering if ther was something that i can say that might change ther minds but obviously looks like im down £300.
thanks for your reply
wals1h said:
when i phoned up they said he had reported lost or stolen. they said they cant do anything i was just wondering if ther was something that i can say that might change ther minds but obviously looks like im down £300.
thanks for your reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you may have to report him to the police as he carrying out insurance fraud. Basically that's what he has done.
dragon546 said:
I think you may have to report him to the police as he carrying out insurance fraud. Basically that's what he has done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, but it would be your word against his, unless you have some type of paperwork, like a receipt.....
If you don't have a receipt, then the only leverage you have is the guys phone number, so phone records should show that you guys were in contact.....
Scumtree is full of scammers, and although I bought mine of there I made sure it I bought one that was sim free or PayNgo. Luckily an old mate advertised his that was bought on O2 PaynGo for £450, and although he advertised it at £350 I managed to bag it for £280
Scumtree is owned by Ebay BTW.
Hello,
I got my Lumia 800, and it's charging at the moment. But when I bought the phone from Amazon through FGS Trading, the box it came with has a sticker on it in German. It says:
"Neuwertig, gebrauchtes
Ihre Qualitätskontrolle 35"
Gebrauchtes means used...so does it mean I bought a new phone, but was given a used one?
hawc1506 said:
Hello,
I got my Lumia 800, and it's charging at the moment. But when I bought the phone from Amazon through FGS Trading, the box it came with has a sticker on it in German. It says:
"Neuwertig, gebrauchtes
Ihre Qualitätskontrolle 35"
Gebrauchtes means used...so does it mean I bought a new phone, but was given a used one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Translated: As good as new, used their quality control 35
sHaHiN786 said:
Translated: As good as new, used their quality control 35
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does that mean the phone isn't actually new? Seller said it was new...
hawc1506 said:
Does that mean the phone isn't actually new? Seller said it was new...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It means mint condition too, kind of weird, but it states it's new yeah, but used to check some sort of quality control, maybe they opened it up to check.
sHaHiN786 said:
It means mint condition too, kind of weird, but it states it's new yeah, but used to check some sort of quality control, maybe they opened it up to check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah that's interesting to hear...Pesky Germans : )
But why is Gebrauchtes also printed on the label?
For me this sounds like it's not new. Looks more like a refurbished one that has gone through quality control to assure it's like new.
Maybe Nokia support would be able to tell using the phones IMEI?
-obiwan- said:
For me this sounds like it's not new. Looks more like a refurbished one that has gone through quality control to assure it's like new.
Maybe Nokia support would be able to tell using the phones IMEI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm thinking. I contacted the seller and we're going to sort this out.
At this point, it doesnt even matter right now because the phone won't turn on anyway Spent eight hours yesterday doing every trick/button combination possible.
I'll take it to the Microsoft store to see if they can do something.
hawc1506 said:
That's what I'm thinking. I contacted the seller and we're going to sort this out.
At this point, it doesnt even matter right now because the phone won't turn on anyway Spent eight hours yesterday doing every trick/button combination possible.
I'll take it to the Microsoft store to see if they can do something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try a Nokia store, or you can arrange a repair if your phone has a warranty (which it should have). Check Nokia care online.
sHaHiN786 said:
Try a Nokia store, or you can arrange a repair if your phone has a warranty (which it should have). Check Nokia care online.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, the U.S. doesn't have Nokia stores. I went to the Microsoft store and they weren't able to do anything.
I've contacted both Nokia and the Amazon seller. We'll have to see how this works out. I waited all of my spring break for a phone that won't turn on!
At least I'm still very satisfied with how well it's built. It's like an Alfa Romeo. Won't work, but take one look at it and all the negatives will be forgotten.
Meanwhile, I'll live with my HD2.
hawc1506 said:
Unfortunately, the U.S. doesn't have Nokia stores. I went to the Microsoft store and they weren't able to do anything.
I've contacted both Nokia and the Amazon seller. We'll have to see how this works out. I waited all of my spring break for a phone that won't turn on!
At least I'm still very satisfied with how well it's built. It's like an Alfa Romeo. Won't work, but take one look at it and all the negatives will be forgotten.
Meanwhile, I'll live with my HD2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.nokia.com/us-en/support/troubleshooting/warranty?c=1
Here's the link to check regarding the warranty and repair services, they should have the phone or in your case a replacement back to you in around a week, as mine is coming to me on Monday. An American who knows the beauty of an Alfa, sweet.
If you bought it on Amazon, just return.
sHaHiN786 said:
http://www.nokia.com/us-en/support/troubleshooting/warranty?c=1
Here's the link to check regarding the warranty and repair services, they should have the phone or in your case a replacement back to you in around a week, as mine is coming to me on Monday. An American who knows the beauty of an Alfa, sweet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course, I'm waiting for Alfa to make its return to the U.S.
I tried doing a search, and this popped up:
"Device was not designed for the US market:
We do not have the capability to repair devices that were not designed for the US market. Please check the warranty information that was included with your device and/or please contact your point of purchase. If you purchased the device in the US and you determine that your device came with a US warranty, please contact Nokia Customer Care at 1-888-665-4228 for information. Please include a copy of your proof of purchase that confirms the device was purchased in the United States and a copy of the in box US warranty documentation when you send your device in for repair."
It makes sense, since my particular unit was imported from T-mobile in Germany by the seller. Maybe I should've shelled out the extra $50 for the Amazon-certified international one.
Itaintrite said:
If you bought it on Amazon, just return.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this might be my only solution at this point.
hawc1506 said:
Of course, I'm waiting for Alfa to make its return to the U.S.
I tried doing a search, and this popped up:
"Device was not designed for the US market:
We do not have the capability to repair devices that were not designed for the US market. Please check the warranty information that was included with your device and/or please contact your point of purchase. If you purchased the device in the US and you determine that your device came with a US warranty, please contact Nokia Customer Care at 1-888-665-4228 for information. Please include a copy of your proof of purchase that confirms the device was purchased in the United States and a copy of the in box US warranty documentation when you send your device in for repair."
It makes sense, since my particular unit was imported from T-mobile in Germany by the seller. Maybe I should've shelled out the extra $50 for the Amazon-certified international one.
I think this might be my only solution at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ouch! I should've known that, it's not out in the US yet, it's a European device, yup, sorry, that's the way to go. Hope it goes well.
sHaHiN786 said:
Ouch! I should've known that, it's not out in the US yet, it's a European device, yup, sorry, that's the way to go. Hope it goes well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
The Lumia 800 is sold in the U.S. at Microsoft Stores, but it only comes in a bundle with speakers and headphones for $800 (about £500). Amazon sells the international unlocked version for $550. As far as I know, they're the same version, except Microsoft won't sell the phone separately.
Hello folks.
I bought my SG3 via buy and sell forum. It was brand new in the box.
It seemed a little suspicious to me that the seller dropped the price by 200$ explaining his motive by saying that he wanted a quick sale.
I fell for his trap. Bought the phone. First few days it was working fine and i was able to make calls and messages, then one morning it showed a "No service" message on the home screen and since then i wasn't able to use it as a phone. I started looking for solution to my problem, then i was advised by a friend to check the imei of my phone to see if it was reported as stolen. When i checked, it turned out that this phone was reported as lost. And im guessing that the scumbag who sold me the phone , reported it as lost to his insurance company, who reacted to this by blocking my phone. I have no way of contacting this seller anymore to sort out this issue as i am in different country, but i was wondering if it is possible to do something about the "No service" issue. Is there any way i could make my phone function as a proper phone again and not just a multimedia device ?
msgbpx said:
Hello folks.
I bought my SG3 via buy and sell forum. It was brand new in the box.
It seemed a little suspicious to me that the seller dropped the price by 200$ explaining his motive by saying that he wanted a quick sale.
I fell for his trap. Bought the phone. First few days it was working fine and i was able to make calls and messages, then one morning it showed a "No service" message on the home screen and since then i wasn't able to use it as a phone. I started looking for solution to my problem, then i was advised by a friend to check the imei of my phone to see if it was reported as stolen. When i checked, it turned out that this phone was reported as lost. And im guessing that the scumbag who sold me the phone , reported it as lost to his insurance company, who reacted to this by blocking my phone. I have no way of contacting this seller anymore to sort out this issue as i am in different country, but i was wondering if it is possible to do something about the "No service" issue. Is there any way i could make my phone function as a proper phone again and not just a multimedia device ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you will have to put this down to a learning curve, or you could simply sell it overseas, chances are you can sell it to someone in another country for the same price, imei's aren't blocked globally,
Or you could do the right thing and contact the police and have it returned, if the person has reported it stolen and you can prove by any means that you bought it then maybe they can prosecute him / her for selling it to you and then reporting it stolen, i believe that is fraud.
Going down that route will mean that you miss out on all angles, besides getting the satisfaction of knowing that that person will be getting a very suspect phone call from the plod.
unlucky buddy. I would agree with the above post and report it to the police
And installing a new Rom won't help ? Like there is absolutely nothing that can be done about it ?
msgbpx said:
And installing a new Rom won't help ? Like there is absolutely nothing that can be done about it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what carrier do you have? check your IMEI...is it a generic IMEI starting with 00? if so...just repair your EFS and it should work fine
What country are you in?
I know changing the imei number is possible in certain cases but in the UK it is a criminal offence if I'm not mistaken.
-JOSH-
-josh- said:
What country are you in?
I know changing the imei number is possible in certain cases but in the UK it is a criminal offence if I'm not mistaken.
-JOSH-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Illegal pal
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Report a fraud. With some luck you can have it extended to Interpol and thus have an international search warrant against him (it's not as uncommon as it sounds)
Should the seller be got hold of, you might (or rather should) be able to get your money back.
Selling stolen goods is illegal, additionally noone would buy it if you told them it was stolen.
I don't no how but there is a way to fix this....
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
I don't no how but there is a way to fix this....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is NOT that the efs folder is corrupt but that the device has been reported stolen.
So no there is no fix.
The phone was bought from Ireland. I am located in Norway right now . Phone's imei starts from 353 which is an irish mobile phone calling code.
I contacted few friends in Ireland to see if they can do something about it for me. They went to the police but police said the couldn't do anything about it without actual proof of sale.
Imei isn't blocked globally, you should be able to use the phone in Norway.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
kofiaa said:
Imei isn't blocked globally, you should be able to use the phone in Norway.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is. When i insert a sim card , it works for about 24 hours fine but then the next day it gives me NO SERVICE , i tried with 3 sim cards and same thing happened but then again i was using sim cards of the same network.
Afaik it's just random chance that your IMEI starts with the prefix code for the country it was bought in.
Does it work again for a short time when removing hhe battery for a few minutes or changing the Sim to one you already tried? If no, then it simply takes some time for hhe carrier to actually recognize you're on the bad-people list.
Countries often work closely together to block stolen goods so you're more or less out of luck if that's true.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
In EU all the countries are working together and the database is general. How you bought the phone ? On internet ? If so, don't you have any receipt ? If you bought directly from that idiot, why don't you made a hand made proof with scanned ID and signed, so you could had something.
If you have nothing, try to check the databases who reported it as lost or stolen. A shop could help you. Try to check who reported the phone as stolen or lost and who added the phone on the blacklist. This way you can find the idiot or, better, the insurance company and report the fraud. Keeping the phone can attract you problems. Don't forget, Google is keeping all the IMEI when you add a phone, they can track you, Samsung Dive can find you...and some day you can have the police at your door. In Spain, for example, stealing something over 500 euros is considered criminal act and your chance to share a room with others for the next 3 years increases a lot.
Via XDA Portal .
IMEI code
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1857054
The first two numbers is RBI (Reporting Body Identifier)
next four numbers is TAC (Type Allocation Code)
So its not a location code at the beginning .
jje
demlasjr said:
In EU all the countries are working together and the database is general. How you bought the phone ? On internet ? If so, don't you have any receipt ? If you bought directly from that idiot, why don't you made a hand made proof with scanned ID and signed, so you could had something.
If you have nothing, try to check the databases who reported it as lost or stolen. A shop could help you. Try to check who reported the phone as stolen or lost and who added the phone on the blacklist. This way you can find the idiot or, better, the insurance company and report the fraud. Keeping the phone can attract you problems. Don't forget, Google is keeping all the IMEI when you add a phone, they can track you, Samsung Dive can find you...and some day you can have the police at your door. In Spain, for example, stealing something over 500 euros is considered criminal act and your chance to share a room with others for the next 3 years increases a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, it's better you report the incident or you remove your Gmail and use the phone as a media player.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
kofiaa said:
Exactly, it's better you report the incident or you remove your Gmail and use the phone as a media player.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
report it,,,, and assume the lesson it wont work again at least in a legal manner
firomero said:
report it,,,, and assume the lesson it wont work again at least in a legal manner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me, if you act first is always better than being the last. In this case everybody, including the police and mobile providers will know your intentions and that somebody phished you. Being silent and searching for ways "to hide" the phone only will give you problems, unless you want to use the phone as an ipod. Trust me, an police and providers can help you. Phishing is a crime too, so that idiot can be caught before doing the same thing to others.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Does anyone know how to go about using the warranty if needed from the States? Ordered my Z2 and I was in the Sony Store the other day and they told me that they can't do anything about it cause the phone isn't released here yet. I just wanted to know in case my device is either DoA or has one of the issues everyone keeps talking about. Hope everything is all good though.
xAjCx said:
Does anyone know how to go about using the warranty if needed from the States? Ordered my Z2 and I was in the Sony Store the other day and they told me that they can't do anything about it cause the phone isn't released here yet. I just wanted to know in case my device is either DoA or has one of the issues everyone keeps talking about. Hope everything is all good though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could go with 3rd party warranty.
Sony US would most likely not warrant it anyways because the phone not from Sony US. It will need to be sent back to the country from where the phone was purchased from. For example, if the phone was from Sony Canada (since they sell the phone now), it will have to be sent back to them for warranty.
Sango2 said:
You could go with 3rd party warranty.
Sony US would most likely not warrant it anyways because the phone not from Sony US. It will need to be sent back to the country from where the phone was purchased from. For example, if the phone was from Sony Canada (since they sell the phone now), it will have to be sent back to them for warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds like a hassle to me.. I ordered from swappa so tbh idk where its coming from
xAjCx said:
sounds like a hassle to me.. I ordered from swappa so tbh idk where its coming from
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a way it is, that is one of the things to keep in mind if you get a product which is sold in another country, unless the manufacturer said they will warranty it in other countries.
That is the reason why I mentioned, you could get a 3rd party warranty, so this way you can get some coverage.
I think you can find out where the product came from by looking at the product box and the menu contents inside once you receive it. For mine, when I got my Z2, I thought mind was going to be the UK. After looking at the box on one of the sides, it said "EN, ZH" and Chinese writing translation for the Black color; and the quick user guide and support information had Hong Kong contact information which let me know that this unit is from Sony HK.
Well I called today to get some help with my Z2, which I posted about, they told me they can't help because the service department doesn't have the parts yet (due to it not being available in the US yet). They said they don't know when they would get any, but it being from another country wasn't the reason they couldn't help. They suggested calling the UK or Taiwan, which will be a hassle.
Clove.co.uk sells the 64GB and 128GB version of the SM-G965F, but they don't seem to sell the 256GB version.
Are there any *trusted* vendors who do?
Samsung UK it them direct, and Currys PCWorld sell it from what I can see.
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
Incarniac said:
Samsung UK it them direct, and Currys PCWorld sell it from what I can see.
Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I can tell, even if I buy a prepaid UK SIM card, using it in the US wouldn't let me deactivate the region lock. So unless that's incorrect, or there's another good option, I have no choice but to use a dealer who will activate the phone before shipping it. I don't think either Samsung UK or PCWorld would do this.
In addition, I'd be surprised if Samsung UK would sell and ship to an international address, and the Delivery section on PCWorld's site doesn't list international as an option.
Didn't realise you were in the US and this was a requirement. I don't have any personal experience from working around the region lock in this manner, so can't offer any definite help on whether it needs to be in the region or whether a SIM from the region will do the trick.
Clove's option of pre-activating (and breaking seals in the process) is one that I don't know anyone else do, this to me sounds like a very specialised niche they have targeted and I wouldn't expect most, if any, other retailers would do this (technically, once opened, it can no longer be sold as 'new').
Incarniac said:
Didn't realise you were in the US and this was a requirement. I don't have any personal experience from working around the region lock in this manner, so can't offer any definite help on whether it needs to be in the region or whether a SIM from the region will do the trick.
Clove's option of pre-activating (and breaking seals in the process) is one that I don't know anyone else do, this to me sounds like a very specialised niche they have targeted and I wouldn't expect most, if any, other retailers would do this (technically, once opened, it can no longer be sold as 'new').
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish a SIM card by itself was a guarantee - I hate getting opened box goods. And I've seen *way* too many sales/tech reps be casually careless with cell phones. I hate the possibility that I'm going to be paying $1k to get a brand new(ish) scratched phone.
That being said, I found one other dealer that does the activation - KickMobiles.com. They do have the 256GB version (only in Titanium) - but the reviews are very mixed for them. Clove has a much better reputation, but they don't stock the 256GB at all.
Haphim said:
I wish a SIM card by itself was a guarantee - I hate getting opened box goods. And I've seen *way* too many sales/tech reps be casually careless with cell phones. I hate the possibility that I'm going to be paying $1k to get a brand new(ish) scratched phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. I don't know how accurate this article from TechAdvisor is, but it implies you do need to be in the region to remove the region lock, or alternatively apparently a Samsung Support/Repair Centre can do so for you. The latter may be an avenue worth investigating if there is one near you, maybe call them and ask and see what they say.
Haphim said:
That being said, I found one other dealer that does the activation - KickMobiles.com. They do have the 256GB version (only in Titanium) - but the reviews are very mixed for them. Clove has a much better reputation, but they don't stock the 256GB at all.
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Never heard of or used KickMobiles myself. I have used Clove in the past (it is quite a few years ago now) and would use them again if opportunity arose (right pricing, etc).
Incarniac said:
Indeed. I don't know how accurate this article from TechAdvisor is, but it implies you do need to be in the region to remove the region lock, or alternatively apparently a Samsung Support/Repair Centre can do so for you. The latter may be an avenue worth investigating if there is one near you, maybe call them and ask and see what they say.
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I've looked into this. Apparently, local support centers won't do it - they refer you to the support centers in the phone's intended region. And I've seen numerous reports from people who say that when people call the support centers of the home region, they couldn't care less and while some of them have helped, others have told them that they have to get on a plane and fly back to make the local call that disables the region lock.
I can't risk having a $1000 brick.
There are websites that claim to sell you an unlock code for $50, although I don't know how trustworthy they are nor do I know how they're able to do this unless they're run by disgruntled Samsung techs. If xda had a keygen for the unlock codes, that would be sweet, but I haven't seen any sign of that.
Haphim said:
There are websites that claim to sell you an unlock code for $50, although I don't know how trustworthy they are nor do I know how they're able to do this unless they're run by disgruntled Samsung techs. If xda had a keygen for the unlock codes, that would be sweet, but I haven't seen any sign of that.
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I didn't think you could unlock the region lock via codes. Don't know for sure mind, but be wary.
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Incarniac said:
I didn't think you could unlock the region lock via codes. Don't know for sure mind, but be wary.
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You can - that's how the Samsung support centers do it. But I appreciate the note of caution - will do.
I found a site that has a lot of good reviews, so I've got some hope on that front, at least.
Good luck If you're so inclined, updating your thread here with how it goes would be of interest even if it's not something I personally am looking to do. Sharing the information is good