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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?
My Desire is starting to feel really outdated due to the tiny amount of internal storage so I'd like to pick up something new. I know there is a Desire HD which looks pretty good, does anyone know if they have a version of it that works with US AT&T 3G (it has to be made for Telstra or Telus since they run the same bands)?
Would you guys recommend the Desire HD? Or would you recommend something else over it? It has to be GSM, work with US AT&T 3G, have lots of internal storage space, and I need to be able to buy it unlocked online. I'm willing to spend about $600 USD or so (but feel free to suggest cheaper phones or more expensive phones if you think I'd like them better).
I'm using a Desire as well.. damn good phone, but yes, its getting very dated, even with running Cm7 and tweaking it to hell for performance lol I'm in canada, but I'm picking up a Galaxy S II next friday. I dont think it's out there yet, but it is due out soon iirc. Id seriously wait for it if you have the money. I've been looking alot, comparing several different phones, but it seems the SGS2 just leads the pack currently, and by quite a bit from the reviews. There are free easy unlock methods online (a couple right on the market) and you can use it on whatever networks you want (our version works across all networks in canada)
I just bought a galaxy s2 from amazon unlocked for 650. It works on att 3g and it's the most future proof phone on three market, but if you hold out you might get a hold of the nexus prime in a couple months. Also if you want something cheaper buy the inspire 4g on ebay or somewhere else. It is the desire hd with att branding and.att.3g bands. Also the development on that phoney is sick. I just sold mine or I would offer it to you for what I sold it for (200).
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
^ I'll check out the Inspire. If it's AT&T branded, does that mean they'll have a bunch of useless AT&T links/apps all over, and dev features locked? And will AT&T recognize it as a smart phone (because they don't recognize the Desire as smart phone so I get to use the cheap $15 unlimited internet plan).
To be honest I would like to get an HTC if possible because my last 5 phones have been HTC and I'm basically a fanboy now, lol.
rpimps said:
^ I'll check out the Inspire. If it's AT&T branded, does that mean they'll have a bunch of useless AT&T links/apps all over, and dev features locked? And will AT&T recognize it as a smart phone (because they don't recognize the Desire as smart phone so I get to use the cheap $15 unlimited internet plan).
To be honest I would like to get an HTC if possible because my last 5 phones have been HTC and I'm basically a fanboy now, lol.
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Click to collapse
AT&T will recognize it as a smart phone, you should be able to keep your data plan though. Make sure they let you keep your unlimited plan, if the associate can't help ask to talk to a manager, they won't force you to use a limited plan if you already have an unlimited plan. Just make sure you keep the plan cause once it's gone you won't get it back.
The Inspire will come with AT&T crap but that's all easily removed through custom ROM's. The Inspire supports most Desire HD ROM's and visa-a-versa. The Inspire/Desire HD has probably the best developer support of any smart phone, it's a good phone, but the battery is small (1230mAh) and has a huge, battery eating 4.3" display. A lot of people complain about the Inspire's battery life, if you need to make it past a day with moderate usage then stay away from it. Still a good phone though.
I currently have the Atrix 4G and I love it, check it out. The Samsung Galaxy S II looks to be a great phone also.
I'm looking up Inspires on eBay and they're ridiculously cheap (around $300 USD), for example http://www.ebay.com/itm/HTC-Inspire...0600720825?pt=Cell_Phones&hash=item43a92719b9
Is this right? When I bought my Desire it was around $600, even the Hero was more than 300, I can't believe the Inspire would be so cheap.
Do branded phones have any features locked, such as usb debugging, installation of non-market apps, etc. or can you do all of those things on them? I am one of those people who likes to stick to stock roms if possible, so I can live with a couple of silly AT&T ringtone apps and whatnot but I can't live with important features missing.
The Inspire is rediculously cheap because it is verging on the older side now after being out for a couple of months, and it isn't dual core. As far as I know, the only locked feature on the Inspire was the install unknown sources, but I think they have already allowed that via an ota update.
About your unlimited plan, yes. You will be able to keep it, and if the rep talking to you says that it isn't possible, ask to talk to their manager or just call back for a different rep. The thing is, your $15 Media Net Unlimited plan is not available for smartphones. They will bump you up the the $30 Unlimited Smartphone plan.
I have the Atrix 4G on AT&T's network. I bought it with a contract ($100) but IIRC they are available online unlocked for $400-600. Really great phone: Lightweight, dual-core, and it looks pretty good too. Although I heard the SGSII was the best Android phone to buy nowadays.
k0sun7eash3d said:
The Inspire is rediculously cheap because it is verging on the older side now after being out for a couple of months, and it isn't dual core. As far as I know, the only locked feature on the Inspire was the install unknown sources, but I think they have already allowed that via an ota update.
About your unlimited plan, yes. You will be able to keep it, and if the rep talking to you says that it isn't possible, ask to talk to their manager or just call back for a different rep. The thing is, your $15 Media Net Unlimited plan is not available for smartphones. They will bump you up the the $30 Unlimited Smartphone plan.
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Click to collapse
Hmm, that's not good. So that puts the actual price of the Inspire around $500 (adding in just under 200 for 1 year of the upgraded plan). Right now since the Desire isn't available here I can use it with the cheap plan and still get 3G. Are there any other comparable phones to the Inspire that AT&T doesn't have and that I can run the cheap plan on?
if you can find an unlocked/unbranded xperia play (aka: playstation phone) you should be able to use it on at&t. the only problem is it only has like 350 MegaBytes of internal storage, but it does come with an 8 GigaByte microsd card. it's my current phone (plus it's rooted {and themed with my own custom yellow glow theme}) it's pretty fast, and with root when you delete all the bloatware it gets almost 2 times the battery life . another thing is it isn't dual core (but who gives a crap with playstation controls) heres more info http://www.sonyericsson.com/play/?cc=us&lc=en&cid=sea_xplaylaunch_us_20110206_Google
note: this is MY opinion (never said anybody else agrees). so if you don't agree, go write in your diary or post your disagreeing opinion elsewhere.
edit: nevermind, figured out what was causing the issue
I'd probably also wait for the Nexus Prime.
And you might want to think about that Xiami M1 phone, that is about to come out, you won't find one, that is able to compete price/perfomance.
We'll have to see, how this one actually turns out to be. It it's good, it will at least replayce MY Desire!
loismustdie555 said:
if you can find an unlocked/unbranded xperia play (aka: playstation phone) you should be able to use it on at&t. the only problem is it only has like 350 MegaBytes of internal storage, but it does come with an 8 GigaByte microsd card. it's my current phone (plus it's rooted {and themed with my own custom yellow glow theme}) it's pretty fast, and with root when you delete all the bloatware it gets almost 2 times the battery life . another thing is it isn't dual core (but who gives a crap with playstation controls) heres more info http://www.sonyericsson.com/play/?cc=us&lc=en&cid=sea_xplaylaunch_us_20110206_Google
note: this is MY opinion (never said anybody else agrees). so if you don't agree, go write in your diary or post your disagreeing opinion elsewhere.
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Click to collapse
I wouldn't go for the Xperia Play. There's already been talks about it going to AT&T sometime in Q4 2011, and when it does, they'll likely bump you up to a smartphone plan as well. I got caught with the X10. I picked up an unlocked Rogers version a few months before AT&T released it, and the week before it came out, it detected my IMEI and switched me over.
I currently have an ATT Captivate. I am now eligible for a new upgrade on my ATT account. I'm wondering what you guys' opinion of the SGS2 is. Is it worth spending $200 and burning my 2 yr upgrade to go from the Captivate to the SGS2?
I know both phones have S-Amoled 800x480 displays, one's 4 inch and one's 4.3. Is the dual core in the SGS2 that much better than the one in the Cappy?
I'm pretty pleased overall with the Captivate, but its been 1.5 yrs with it, itching for something new to play with. Should I go for the SGS2 or maybe hold out hoping for ATT to get the Galaxy Nexus?
Also, I live in S.C. so I'm not counting on ATT having LTE anywhere near me at least for another year, so LTE phones really arent even worth considering.
So here is the deal, I am stuck between the international version, or the at&t version. The only thing is data for T-Mobile data development. Which one has more promise in terms of breakthroughs for data. I know we already have a radio for the note that lets us connect to 1700mhz and get 5mb down.
I am thinking of selling my Sensation and getting this.
I think someone hacked Tito's account. I can't believe a "retired moderator" and someone with more than 2000 posts has started this thread.
I just vote do it man.
Kony 2012 is Propaganda.
www.Facebook.com/freeyourmindcampaign
I'm being serious lol. Just want to have a real discussion about this, not a spec war, or something like that.
Got the AT&T version 2 weeks ago. With the exception of the black pixelation issue, everything's been good. Coming from Sprint, I thought I would hate AT&T but the data speeds have been good, and sometimes insane(beyond 50 mbps). I haven't noticed much lag or anything either. You always have 30 days to return if you think you may not like it.
If T-Mobile data is important then the at&t version is the way to go..
There is still only edge speed on T-Mobile with the inter..
Sent from my GT-N7000
+1 on att. I think they have 3G/4G working on t mobile with some modem hacks like you said.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
~~Tito~~ said:
So here is the deal, I am stuck between the international version, or the at&t version. The only thing is data for T-Mobile data development. Which one has more promise in terms of breakthroughs for data. I know we already have a radio for the note that lets us connect to 1700mhz and get 5mb down.
I am thinking of selling my Sensation and getting this.
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Click to collapse
dude I've said it before and I'm saying it again. the international note will never see 3g on t mobile it's about hardware, and the hardware for that is not there to support that so it will never happen. the only way for that to happen samsung would have recall all of the international note and put in the proper chips in them lol. And we all know that will never happen. Just to show you guys that will never happen I'm putting on a bounty for 1,000,000 dollars to the dev that makes it happen and i know i will never happen. Because if it was gonna happen it would of happened already it's Been too long since the note came out we need to end this madness now.
Sent from my Unlocked SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using T-mobile 4G hack. xda premium
No get an iPhone, stay away from the note.
Lol, its your choice get the one that suits you. What do you want to hear
Sent from my SGH-I717R using Tapatalk
Well, data is important, but I do see development on both sides. Which one seems like it would be the right choice in terms of how it looks and the type of support there is to be expected with it? I know that the international version already has AOKP and ICS things because of the fact that it has the Galaxy Nexus internals...
How is the battery life? My sensation gets terrible battery life like max around 8 hours.
Is the modified Adreno 220 up to par, it being over clocked and such?
~~Tito~~ said:
Well, data is important, but I do see development on both sides. Which one seems like it would be the right choice in terms of how it looks and the type of support there is to be expected with it? I know that the international version already has AOKP and ICS things because of the fact that it has the Galaxy Nexus internals...
How is the battery life? My sensation gets terrible battery life like max around 8 hours.
Is the modified Adreno 220 up to par, it being over clocked and such?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get 12-14 with moderate usage on the ATT version and 18-20 with same usage patterns on the International GNote. I have been using my International this week while on spring break and I love the increased battery life!
Double Post
Hmm, my mom has an upgrade available to her so I could get a note and find her a good at&t phone from my work. The issue would be the monthly rate plan and contract she would be stuck with. Since the price wont change only the data plan, she has unlimited, and it would be 3gb. Amazon has the device for 250, but I don't want her to get stuck in another contract with that expensive of a monthly cost. She was planning on switching to T-Mobile but hasn't because of ETF.
What would be the best option? Get an international, or at&t version? I know the international one is basically having a new modem being written for it so it can potentially be compatible with T-Mobile, and that is wonderful. From someone elses standpoint though which option would be best?
I think the samsung note is one of the best devices for now, also I'd prefer Android instead the Iphone OS (last one sucks).
~~Tito~~ said:
Hmm, my mom has an upgrade available to her so I could get a note and find her a good at&t phone from my work. The issue would be the monthly rate plan and contract she would be stuck with. Since the price wont change only the data plan, she has unlimited, and it would be 3gb. Amazon has the device for 250, but I don't want her to get stuck in another contract with that expensive of a monthly cost. She was planning on switching to T-Mobile but hasn't because of ETF.
What would be the best option? Get an international, or at&t version? I know the international one is basically having a new modem being written for it so it can potentially be compatible with T-Mobile, and that is wonderful. From someone elses standpoint though which option would be best?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the N7000 version & it's awesome. The only thing that it's missing is LTE. Since your girl is on AT&T & has unlimited data, I would recommend she get the int model or you could get the AT&T & trade for the N7000 model.
N7000 has awesome support for ICS right now, AOSP/AOKP & imilka's ICS are pretty awesome & stable.
Get the LTE. So much faster
So I'm planning on getting the international version and using it on AT&T because I want the quad core and no bloat. Right now, I have a regular sim card and I know I will have to get a micro sim when I get my phone. Does anyone know if I can go into an AT&T store and have them swap it for me or will they be a$$es about it? I saw AT&T micro sims on Amazon and thought about ordering one and calling AT&T at that point and have them switch it over the phone. Any insight?
AT&T will swap it out without issue... Or at least should the one by me does
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
I've had my SIM swapped over 6 times in 2 years. Just.got a microSIM 3 days ago from the ATT store. It's always free @ an ATT store. Other stores may charge you though. They'll ask for your phone #, photo ID, what device you are using it in, and if you want to change your data plan
Cool, thanks guys. I don't like having to go to them to do a sim switch but I have no choice! No worries on the data plan, they already shafted me last year on that one. Switched me without notice or warning, god I LOVE THEM!
can i just say.. AT&T SGSIII is prob coming out June 20th. thats in like 2 weeks, itll take you that long to get an impossible to find SGSIII imported in. so youre not gonna be getting it any faster ordering it from uk.
as far as bloat.. you can remove it yourself once youre rooted, and there will be custom roms that do it for you..
as for the quadcore, the dualcore AT&T is using is just as fast, and clocked higher, so no noticeable performance differences there.
AT&T's SGSIII will have 2GB of ram, instead of 1GB.
and we just got LTE here in cleveland on AT&T.. im getting over 50kbps dl speeds.. thats not a typo, FIFTY!!! with the international version, youre looking at 4-6kbps MAX
the SGSIII on AT&T will be considerably less, (think 400 dollars less with contract).
these are all things you want to consider before getting the international version. its true in the past importing was always the best way to go, but this year seems like it may be different. id really suggest holding out a few days and seeing what AT&T's official moch up looks like
AT&T doesn't just add bloat...they remove useful or extra features in 90% of the smartphones that are sold for their network & overseas....fm radio, video editor, photo editor, phone tracking/ringing/remote wipe. Those are a few that they removed from the Note & Galaxy S II. And lets not forget that they haven't released ICS updates for those or any smartphone with the exception of the HTC Vivid.
Lol. "That's not a typo." I think you meant Mbps not Kbps.