Hello all,
I'm currently up for a new upgrade from my Iphone 3gs on AT&T and I have been doing some mucho reading on the Samsung Galaxy S2. I have even almost ordered one from newegg.com but did not when I learned that my carrier MIGHT have one out with the name of the Attain sometime in August.
Problem is I don't know if I'm better off getting an unlocked version of this masterpiece of a phone or waiting for the AT&T version. What should I do? I'm so confused I'm beating my head against the wall on this one.
Thank you so much.
AJ
Thank you for getting rid of Iphone
That kind of questions you are the only one who can make the right decision. Don't depend too much on what others would buy.
I would love to have the phone now but I read about how there are screen problems and how the U.S. Version will have a better audio chip. Is all of this true? I don't make much money and that's a lot of dough for a phone. Plus with Newegg there is no real warranty and I can't just take it into the store.
asjdwf said:
Hello all,
I'm currently up for a new upgrade from my Iphone 3gs on AT&T and I have been doing some mucho reading on the Samsung Galaxy S2. I have even almost ordered one from newegg.com but did not when I learned that my carrier MIGHT have one out with the name of the Attain sometime in August.
Problem is I don't know if I'm better off getting an unlocked version of this masterpiece of a phone or waiting for the AT&T version. What should I do? I'm so confused I'm beating my head against the wall on this one.
Thank you so much.
AJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some things to think about:
- AT&T's version was first rumored to have a keyboard, then not, then it was said AT&T's going to get both. So god knows what they'll end up with. Regardless, it'll be molested, have AT&T demanded hardware and software changes and you'll be forever dependent on AT&T for updates.
- The international version is as Samsung intended and you'll receive updates (which have been frequent) from them. Also, you can use it on the unlimited data for Non-Smartphones plan and get fake-4G speeds for $10-15 a month.
- The AT&T version will support LTE making it faster as their network rolls out over the next 18 months. LTE is expensive, has no roaming capabilities, and sucks battery.
- The international version comes with a two year Samsung warranty if you buy it from an authorized reseller in the country of origin (EG: UK) or from Expansys-USA. Otherwise you're on your own. You can get a SquareTrade warranty for $94 for two years but that doesn't include loss or theft. If it breaks (in or out of warranty) you have to send it overseas to be repaired leaving you without it for two weeks. Obviously, AT&T's would be fully covered.
- If you want the international version you can do a couple of things. Instead of getting another subsidized phone, you can convert your contract to a SIM-only plan which means you can terminate at any time you want without penalty. You could also go subsidized again as some point in the future if you get bored with the SGS2, sell it on eBay, and get whatever premium phone AT&T's offering at the time.
- You could re-up your contract and get an iP4 or Infuse and sell it on eBay for between $400-500 and apply that to the price of an international SGS2. With the additional data for Non-Smartphone savings the international SGS2 would eventually pay for itself.
Good luck...
asjdwf said:
I would love to have the phone now but I read about how there are screen problems and how the U.S. Version will have a better audio chip. Is all of this true? I don't make much money and that's a lot of dough for a phone. Plus with Newegg there is no real warranty and I can't just take it into the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The screen problems effect a minority of phones and the U.S. versions will use the same screens as Samsung manufactures all their own displays. I highly doubt they'd change the audio chip from one market to another on what's essentially the same phone. If you're concerned about price, go with what AT&T ends up offering. It'll be safer and you won't have to pay expensive shipping or for out of pocket repairs if you buy one without a warranty.
I am in the same position that you are. I am waiting to see what AT&T is going to do. I am getting real bored with the iphone 3gs. Hopefully they will come out with this phone this month.
This is where I read about the audio chip.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-1069259.html
What is LTE? Is is faster than 3G? Do I need it? I thought the SGS2 was faster than my 3gs. If I get the unlocked version it won't be LTE? I'm confused. Sorry just so new to this smartphone stuff. I mean the REAL smartphone (NON APPLE) stuff.
Also, what is the time line for AT&T to release there phone? Anyone have an idea?
Thank you.
LTE= 4G?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3GPP_Long_Term_Evolution
Or something something...
asjdwf said:
This is where I read about the audio chip.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-1069259.html
What is LTE? Is is faster than 3G? Do I need it? I thought the SGS2 was faster than my 3gs. If I get the unlocked version it won't be LTE? I'm confused. Sorry just so new to this smartphone stuff. I mean the REAL smartphone (NON APPLE) stuff.
Also, what is the time line for AT&T to release there phone? Anyone have an idea?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE, Long term evolution, the tech beyond "3G"
the SGS2 supports HSDPA and HSUPA, high speed Uplink/Downlink packet access, this is what most US carriers are calling "4G", when in fact its actually 3.5G.
In the SGS2 it can do upto 21mbps down and 6mbps up if the network supports it.
LTE uses even more battery than H does over 3G does over G.
In the long term, yeh, you want it, for the next 2-3 years, you should be fine with H/H+.
And goodness knows about the audio, my sgs2 sounds fine and I only got it a few weeks ago
You all know a lot about phones, lol. Is this phone coming out soon in the U.S. on AT&T? Like within the next few weeks? I don't know if I can wait. The 3GS is getting quite boring.
asjdwf said:
This is where I read about the audio chip.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/archive/index.php/t-1069259.html
What is LTE? Is is faster than 3G? Do I need it? I thought the SGS2 was faster than my 3gs. If I get the unlocked version it won't be LTE? I'm confused. Sorry just so new to this smartphone stuff. I mean the REAL smartphone (NON APPLE) stuff.
Also, what is the time line for AT&T to release there phone? Anyone have an idea?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link for the audio chip is ancient. The Wolfson DAC was in the original SGS and people thought it would be in the SGS2 also. Especially with the statements made by Wolfson (which were later retracted). Anything's possible but there's nothing to indicate Samsung would change the audio hardware in the phone mid-stream. I use the SGS2 with Shure SE530's, via A2DP in my car, and through a Yamaha YSP4000 via Bluetooth. I think it sounds great - good separation, decent bass, not too bright. But, I'm no audiophile. Some that are were pissed when the Wolfson DAC was replaced by Yamaha. So depending on your ears/needs YMMV.
Yeah I am not stressing too much over the audio to tell you the truth. I am just worrying about having to wait too long for it to be released.
a bunch of good points have been made here. What kind of bloatware does AT&T put on these phones that would make buying it unlocked a better deal?
Also, I just read something about how all the other carriers are renaming their models....what gives?
i was at BestBuy last week, and was about to get the AT&T Galaxy S II, unfortunately i haven't established my own credit, so i have to deposit $500, on top of the $199 [phone price] before they sell me the phone. that's around $750 with the activation fee and taxes.
that made me think, should i just get the International Version from Amazon, since they're only selling it for $550? then just start an account with AT&T? or with T-Mobile, becuase i heard T-Mobile won't ask for a deposit? will it be worth it? also, regarding data speeds, will the international version be slower than AT&T's Galaxy S II? or will it be just the same?
i really like the International Version, because of the fact that it's the slimmest versus the other 3 US variants, and from the 3, i like the AT&T's version better than T-Mobile's and Sprint's, just because i don't like how the edges are rounded.
also, i need your reason why the version of your choice is better.
any comments, suggestions or tips will be appreciated.
thank you
International version if you don't need warranty.
I think either way you might need to do a deposit if you're signing up with AT&T though.
hmm, so the $500 deposit is for the contract? and not for the phone?? i thought the idea was, deposit $500, so you don't run away with a $700 worth of phone.. -_-
the deposit is not for the phone, its for the line.
It's for the contract/line. You pay $199.99 for the phone + $500 deposit for the contract/line.
Yeah unfortunately its very easy to rack up crazy charges on your bill so if you have no credit to show you're credit worthy, you get hit. It sucks but it could be $1k...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
ahhh. i get it now. ok, so how 'bout which is better? AT&T or the International Version? will data speeds differ from each other?
IF you have an options, which I would assume, since you are asking, then definitely get the international. There are tiny physical differences, and some firmware. Some cases will fir both models, but not all. Some software will support both, but not all. In this case, if you want the greatest flexibility in software and accessories, go with international, as it's had a BIG head start.
sweetrobot said:
IF you have an options, which I would assume, since you are asking, then definitely get the international. There are tiny physical differences, and some firmware. Some cases will fir both models, but not all. Some software will support both, but not all. In this case, if you want the greatest flexibility in software and accessories, go with international, as it's had a BIG head start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your suggestion. now for the carrier? should i go for AT&T or T-Mobile? (since i heard they don't require the $500 deposit unlike AT&T) and also, is the data speed faster on the AT&T's GSII versus the International??
viciouspinoy said:
thank you for your suggestion. now for the carrier? should i go for AT&T or T-Mobile? (since i heard they don't require the $500 deposit unlike AT&T) and also, is the data speed faster on the AT&T's GSII versus the International??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your'e going with T-Mobile, you will have to buy T-Mobile's version of Samsung Galaxy S II, otherwise you will have no "3G/4G" data. You will only get EDGE data speed if you're using International or AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II.
The $500 is for contracts. If you walk into an att store with your own phone they won't ask for any money down. The only reason for contracts is to make sure they make back the discounts they give on phones. A contract is not needed if you have your own phone. Even if you're a terrible customer they only have to worry about a month. And how they schedule payments is your bill 'pays' for the next month. Even though your bill is based off your usage for that last month, you in reality are paying for the next month. That's why when you're late on a payment they don't immediately kill your line, cause they're not out money yet.
As far as what carrier? I'd go with att just for the chance tmobile deal goes through quicker than expected.
Having a phone through a carrier that is getting bought out = lots of frustration.
Having personally dealt with that situation twice, I can confidently say it's not worth it.
But since you wouldn't be on contract you could just as easily jump from tmobile to att (would be frustrating if you couldn't take your number with you, but our google overlords make that situation much better if you get a google number from them, no need to tell anyone your number even changed)
Obviously these are points with 'price being beside the point.'
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
If you decide to get an international version, I have one for sale. I'll do $500 shipped. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1296689
@runtohell121 Wow for making my long post pointless. Too bad I didn't see your post till after I had already sent mine.
You're definitely right.
Tmobile uses both 1700 and 2100. One for upstream and one for downstream.
Unfortunately the galaxy s ii uses 850/900/1800/1900 bands for gsm.
Looks like att is the best choice, otherwise it will only be edge speeds.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
gr8hairy1 said:
The $500 is for contracts. If you walk into an att store with your own phone they won't ask for any money down. The only reason for contracts is to make sure they make back the discounts they give on phones. A contract is not needed if you have your own phone. Even if you're a terrible customer they only have to worry about a month. And how they schedule payments is your bill 'pays' for the next month. Even though your bill is based off your usage for that last month, you in reality are paying for the next month. That's why when you're late on a payment they don't immediately kill your line, cause they're not out money yet.
As far as what carrier? I'd go with att just for the chance tmobile deal goes through quicker than expected.
Having a phone through a carrier that is getting bought out = lots of frustration.
Having personally dealt with that situation twice, I can confidently say it's not worth it.
But since you wouldn't be on contract you could just as easily jump from tmobile to att (would be frustrating if you couldn't take your number with you, but our google overlords make that situation much better if you get a google number from them, no need to tell anyone your number even changed)
Obviously these are points with 'price being beside the point.'
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok, so just for clarification, if i walk in to an AT&T STORE with the INTERNATIONAL Galaxy S II on hand, i won't have to pay $500 for the deposit? With that in mind, then it would be cheaper for me right? Because i'm a college student with no credit. because with what you said, i think i will definitely get the international version.
Forget T-Mobile, since i work in Irvine, Ca., most of my co workers that are with AT&T, have better coverage than Verizon and T-Mobile. My only question now is if i get the International Galaxy S II, and start a plan with AT&T, will it run the same data speeds as with AT&T's Galaxy S II?
Truceda said:
If you decide to get an international version, I have one for sale. I'll do $500 shipped. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1296689
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for some reason, i couldn't see your post, it says, its because im a new member. anyway, post the details here, or PM it to me. is it brand new? and where are you from? send pictures.
viciouspinoy said:
ok, so just for clarification, if i walk in to an AT&T STORE with the INTERNATIONAL Galaxy S II on hand, i won't have to pay $500 for the deposit? With that in mind, then it would be cheaper for me right? Because i'm a college student with no credit. because with what you said, i think i will definitely get the international version.
Forget T-Mobile, since i work in Irvine, Ca., most of my co workers that are with AT&T, have better coverage than Verizon and T-Mobile. My only question now is if i get the International Galaxy S II, will it run the same data speeds as with the AT&T Version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not too sure about the contract question, but I still think you would have to pay a deposit IF you sign a contract with AT&T. I personally don't know that you're allow to get service with AT&T without a contract or I never done it before so.. yea.. I don't know.. but my guess is that if you go into an AT&T store with your international SGSII, they will say it won't work or something LOL.
As for the SGSII data speed question, it will be the same as AT&T version as long as you have the correct data settings.
thanks! but i need this clarified though. ive been watching videos of the international galaxy s ii.. i'm in love with it.
after googling and looking at at&t forum.. seems like you can do month to month with AT&T on an unlocked phone as long as it works. Just that I'm not too sure on what data package you would need.
Ok, so what does the "correct data settings" that you were saying mean? Hmm, data package? I might want a 2GB data plan. Is that what you were asking?
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App
You will most likely have to enter the data settings to enable the 3G for the SGSII International to work on AT&T. By data pack, I mean you might be able to get the "dumbphone" unlimited since it's an unlocked phone..
Galaxy S 4g broke today... To get a replacement would be $130 but if I'm paying that much I'd rather get another phone. Like the topic title, what's the best phone to get for rooting? My budget on a phone is $200 and I'd like to get a phone that is in active development on the xda forums.
Best phone for rooting is definitely the Galaxy Nexus. It is my understanding that (for U.S. customers) it can be purchased directly from the Play Store for a very reasonable price. Just make sure you get the T-Mobile (AWS) version.
Whether T-Mobile carries it as a subsidized phone I don't know.
Tomaxda said:
Best phone for rooting is definitely the Galaxy Nexus. It is my understanding that (for U.S. customers) it can be purchased directly from the Play Store for a very reasonable price. Just make sure you get the T-Mobile (AWS) version.
Whether T-Mobile carries it as a subsidized phone I don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, Nexus-series devices should certainly be the first choice if you're interesting in rooting and hacking and whatnot. The Galaxy Nexus is available straight from Google, though at $400 it may be a bit beyond your budget. There is no AWS version; the GSM version is pentaband (supporting HSDPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100 bands) so it will work on any GSM carrier.
And no, the GSM Galaxy Nexus is not available at a subsidized price (or really at all) from T-Mobile.