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Hi guys,
I'm from Aus and trying to get a non-savvy US (Cali, splitting time between Sac and SF) friend set up with an unlocked phone suitable for short-term US and overseas use due to travel requirements. The Amaze 4G looks great. I've tried to find answers, but would like some knowledgable eyeballs on my proposal:
1. A US website currently has the Amaze 4G for $479.50 which is much cheaper than all other options. Is this legit? Is there only the X715M model out there, or is this a predecessor?
2. Are all unlocked 'Tmo' Amaze 4G phones able to operate on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 as well as UMTS 1700/2100, both physically and as allowed by the carrier? Any weird APN/data connectivity restrictions due to unlocked phone?
3. Can this phone connect to Tmo at 3G speeds if AWS is unavailable? I read somewhere that 3G 1900 would be required, and this phone doesn't appear to have that?
4. I want to get it on the $30/m walmart/tmo prepaid plan (5G uncapped is plenty of data) but can't see how to order just the sim via their website. should I just have my friend go into walmart? prefer not to muck around with simplemobile if possible - ironically, i want to keep this whole enterprise as simple as possible with a big carrier/theoretically good support.
5. Is this idea, for use in the US primarily but also overseas over the next 12 or so months, future-proof for a couple of years? e.g. I've read about tmo working on HSPA 1900MHz, but hopefully AT&T remains an option if Tmo ends up being unsatisfactory for any reason.
Thanks for having a read, hoping to tie this up ASAP. Much love for any responses.
resolved said:
Hi guys,
I'm from Aus and trying to get a non-savvy US (Cali, splitting time between Sac and SF) friend set up with an unlocked phone suitable for short-term US and overseas use due to travel requirements. The Amaze 4G looks great. I've tried to find answers, but would like some knowledgable eyeballs on my proposal:
1. A US website currently has the Amaze 4G for $479.50 which is much cheaper than all other options. Is this legit? Is there only the X715M model out there, or is this a predecessor?
2. Are all unlocked 'Tmo' Amaze 4G phones able to operate on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 as well as UMTS 1700/2100, both physically and as allowed by the carrier? Any weird APN/data connectivity restrictions due to unlocked phone?
3. Can this phone connect to Tmo at 3G speeds if AWS is unavailable? I read somewhere that 3G 1900 would be required, and this phone doesn't appear to have that?
4. I want to get it on the $30/m walmart/tmo prepaid plan (5G uncapped is plenty of data) but can't see how to order just the sim via their website. should I just have my friend go into walmart? prefer not to muck around with simplemobile if possible - ironically, i want to keep this whole enterprise as simple as possible with a big carrier/theoretically good support.
5. Is this idea, for use in the US primarily but also overseas over the next 12 or so months, future-proof for a couple of years? e.g. I've read about tmo working on HSPA 1900MHz, but hopefully AT&T remains an option if Tmo ends up being unsatisfactory for any reason.
Thanks for having a read, hoping to tie this up ASAP. Much love for any responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. 479 sounds legit for phone, i dont know about x715m but i do know that us tmobile version is compatible with all bands networks.
2. Yes all US tmobile amaze 4g operate on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 as well as UMTS 1700/2100, both physically and as allowed by the carrier. As far as apn you would need to set up your apn settings according to the network you are using.
3. If no AWS available then only 2g Edge will work, although I have called tmobile and asked if amaze 4g unlocked will be able to use att's hspa network and they said yes amaze and sg2 are only phones capable of that meaning they were built with future proof in mind. I also seen around that tmobile version has all 3g network bands but not sure myself.
4. Easiest would be to have friend pay and pick up the sim card at walmart but i do remind you it is 30/m- 100 min and 5gb of 4g speeds CAPPED, but 2g edge speeds after the 5gb. Simple mobile is 60/m - unltd talk unlt text and 2gb of 4g speeds capped then 2g edge speeds after just depends on your preference.
5. This is a good idea as att will stil be an option and now that att failed to buy tmobile, att has come to an agreement in a roaming contract with tmobile for 7 years.
hope this helps you a little bit more in what ever you decide, good luck!
thanks mate, helped confirmed a few things in my mind.
Negri said they're on backorder so I went ahead and ordered the phone from an Amazon seller for $500. I can only hope everything's legit - I'm not too sure what the dangers of this option are. My best idea is just to use the phone heavily in the first week after getting it and make sure everything works.
now i just need a "beginners guide to android" to help the friend work through the basics... google time.
Is this your first Android phone?
Sent from my HTC Amaze 4G using xda premium
nope, i've had a HTC Hero and currently run a SGS2. I bought the Amaze for a friend who's new to Android due to Apple's stupid GSM-only unlocked phones, and their lack of 1.7ghz for tmo.
we'll get through it, tho after 15 mins of googling, there's a distinct lack of good "idiot user's (not programmer's) guide to android" articles/books. will write something up myself, i think.
my response to you above is more fishing for people's ideas about how Amazon sellers can be dodgy, esp. when pretty much every website is still doing the Amaze for $6-700.. I wondered if there were any potential pitfalls with the $500 price.
resolved said:
nope, i've had a HTC Hero and currently run a SGS2. I bought the Amaze for a friend who's new to Android due to Apple's stupid GSM-only unlocked phones, and their lack of 1.7ghz for tmo.
we'll get through it, tho after 15 mins of googling, there's a distinct lack of good "idiot user's (not programmer's) guide to android" articles/books. will write something up myself, i think.
my response to you above is more fishing for people's ideas about how Amazon sellers can be dodgy, esp. when pretty much every website is still doing the Amaze for $6-700.. I wondered if there were any potential pitfalls with the $500 price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine from eBay. It was used for a week with everything and he gave me an Incipio case. I bought it for $445. I was happy with it.
resolved said:
Hi guys,
I'm from Aus and trying to get a non-savvy US (Cali, splitting time between Sac and SF) friend set up with an unlocked phone suitable for short-term US and overseas use due to travel requirements. The Amaze 4G looks great. I've tried to find answers, but would like some knowledgable eyeballs on my proposal:
1. A US website currently has the Amaze 4G for $479.50 which is much cheaper than all other options. Is this legit? Is there only the X715M model out there, or is this a predecessor?
2. Are all unlocked 'Tmo' Amaze 4G phones able to operate on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 as well as UMTS 1700/2100, both physically and as allowed by the carrier? Any weird APN/data connectivity restrictions due to unlocked phone?
3. Can this phone connect to Tmo at 3G speeds if AWS is unavailable? I read somewhere that 3G 1900 would be required, and this phone doesn't appear to have that?
5. Is this idea, for use in the US primarily but also overseas over the next 12 or so months, future-proof for a couple of years? e.g. I've read about tmo working on HSPA 1900MHz, but hopefully AT&T remains an option if Tmo ends up being unsatisfactory for any reason.
Thanks for having a read, hoping to tie this up ASAP. Much love for any responses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what i understand, this phone has UMTS/HSPA+ support for 850,1700/2100aws/1900mhz and 2100mhz. Pretty much anywhere in the world that uses those.
Greetings fellow forum peeps!
I am new to AT&T and the Note and have read so much that it's dizzying, LOL!
I think I am good and know what to do about changing the APN settings, however, I am not sure what to say to AT&T when I call them to set up the plan and activate. I do have an older AT&T cheapy prepaid phone that I bought for $5 late last year. I am under the impression that I should use my new SIM card w/the Note, but first activate the card in my cheap phone? Is this right?
What are the steps to take to activate the prepaid $50/Unlimited plan? Would you mind giving them to me in order of preference?
Also, I've read that some are on the $45/Unlimited Straight Talk plan. Is one better than the other? I was under the impression from talking to the guy at Worst Buy that AT&T may make you purchase a data plan, which I normally would have no problem with but they only offer the $30/500 mb plan.
Thoughts/Suggestions?
I appreciate your time and consideration.
I remember reading that AT&T won't allow smartphones on the prepaid plans. They automatically upgrade you to the lowest monthly plan.
Sent from my AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note using the XDA Premium app.
If you have an at$t branded phone on their prepaid and its a smartphone ...they make you carry some sort of a data plan....
Straight Talk is a better value at around 49 to 51 depending on taxes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
If you have the AT&T Note (four buttons on the bottom), you can't do this. If you have the International Note (One physical button, two soft buttons), you can absolutely do this! I am using it right now.
Do NOT activate the SIM card with the crappy prepaid phone. Just activate it with the International Note using the International Note's IMEI online and you will be fine.
Just curious what kind of speeds are you getting on the international Note on this unlimited ATT data plan? Thanks in advance.
joshnichols189 / ALL said:
If you have the AT&T Note (four buttons on the bottom), you can't do this. If you have the International Note (One physical button, two soft buttons), you can absolutely do this! I am using it right now.
Do NOT activate the SIM card with the crappy prepaid phone. Just activate it with the International Note using the International Note's IMEI online and you will be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi JoshNichols189,
What do you mean by Int'l version? Setting up on AT&T Prepaid? I was told that H20 (an AT&T MVNO) is easy to activate on the AT&T Note.
I also read (on this forum) that it's easy to unlock this device. I was planning on possibly using on Tmobile but I was told by TMO that this device will only work on 2G or Edge, 3G/4G doesn't work on non-TMO phones.
So, it sounds like I am stuck w/AT&T or H20 (BUMMER, unless there are other alternatives???).
So, with that, should I unlock and pray for the best with an Edge connection? I'm looking to spend about $50-$60/month.
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Thanks so much for your advice.
I'll be more than happy to pay small reward/fee (via Paypal) to get some strong/solid advice on setting this up, APN settings and all (PM me).
MrJinx said:
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out my recent post all about setting up straight talk with at&t galaxy note for just 45$ unlimited with 3G data.
PM me if you need more info or specific help as I am glad to share my knowledge
vince2398 said:
Just curious what kind of speeds are you getting on the international Note on this unlimited ATT data plan? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About 1.5-3 mbps down in Dayton, Ohio.
MrJinx said:
Hi JoshNichols189,
What do you mean by Int'l version? Setting up on AT&T Prepaid? I was told that H20 (an AT&T MVNO) is easy to activate on the AT&T Note.
I also read (on this forum) that it's easy to unlock this device. I was planning on possibly using on Tmobile but I was told by TMO that this device will only work on 2G or Edge, 3G/4G doesn't work on non-TMO phones.
So, it sounds like I am stuck w/AT&T or H20 (BUMMER, unless there are other alternatives???).
So, with that, should I unlock and pray for the best with an Edge connection? I'm looking to spend about $50-$60/month.
I may also try Straight Talk --- if I do, do I have to order the SIM card, or can I simply walk into a Walmart, buy a cheap phone and use that SIM card?
Thanks so much for your advice.
I'll be more than happy to pay small reward/fee (via Paypal) to get some strong/solid advice on setting this up, APN settings and all (PM me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The International Note is from Europe, which is what I have and am using on the $50 AT&T prepaid unlimited everything plan. I don't think the AT&T Note will work on the prepaid plan, because AT&T can tell what your IMEI number is and force you to upgrade to another smartphone plan. The only reason what I"m doing works is because it is a European IMEI, so AT&T doesn't know it's a smartphone. You won't be able to get T-Mobile 3/4G, but H20 should work just fine if you get an unlock code for the phone and unlock it to work I think Straight Talk is a T-Mobile MVNO, so that won't work either. You should get 3/4G on H20 since it is an AT&T MVNO.
joshnichols189 said:
About 1.5-3 mbps down in Dayton, Ohio.
I think Straight Talk is a T-Mobile MVNO, so that won't work either. You should get 3/4G on H20 since it is an AT&T MVNO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, Straighttalk uses ATT network and so att.mvno.
shaolinx said:
Nope, Straighttalk uses ATT network and so att.mvno.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight talk uses both ATT network and T-mobile network, they give you a choice to pick a sim card and which MVNO service suits your needs.
I have used both Sim's Tmobile as well as ATT, and i found that speeds on Tmobile network are superior than ATT network when when using Straight Talk sims.
But then again it will depend upon your location.
Get original iphone 2g and activate with your number on at&t which will give you $20 unlimited plan.
Use it couple of days then purchase at&t smartphone from craigslist and goto at&t store, tell them it's gift and you want to use it with your unlimited plan.
You will have $30 unlimited plan on lte, 4g, 3g whatever.
Enjoy.
If you want original iphone 2g, i can rent you one or you can buy one.
I did this and this still works.
Moved To Q&A
Please post questions in the Q&A section
So I have UK GSM EVO 3D, and whilst I know that all my previous phones have 'roamed' in the USA, obviously that would get VERY expensive very fast. Can you buy SIM cards in the states from AT&T etc so I can use my UK phone over there without a massive bill? (I realise I won't get 4G)
Scougar said:
So I have UK GSM EVO 3D, and whilst I know that all my previous phones have 'roamed' in the USA, obviously that would get VERY expensive very fast. Can you buy SIM cards in the states from AT&T etc so I can use my UK phone over there without a massive bill? (I realise I won't get 4G)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup!
Assuming your device supports the same GSM freq as either TMO or ATT, you'd be able to buy no contract SIMs. Generally, TMO prices are cheaper than ATT, but you can visit their web sites to see their No Contract plans.
Hope that helps!
joeykrim said:
Yup!
Assuming your device supports the same GSM freq as either TMO or ATT, you'd be able to buy no contract SIMs. Generally, TMO prices are cheaper than ATT, but you can visit their web sites to see their No Contract plans.
Hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup! Excellent, thank you very much
Scougar said:
Yup! Excellent, thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, as an after thought, there are some cheaper third party retailers for no contract SIMs which operate on the same networks as TMO and ATT.
Simple mobile seems to be popular and very affordable. I think they're mostly on the TMO network.
H20 is also another option. I think H2O is mostly on ATT network.
Also, Straight Talk seems to be affordable and might provide SIMs for both ATT and TMO networks ...
Hope that helps add another altnerative to the two larger provides which might not price as competitively.
joeykrim said:
Also, as an after thought, there are some cheaper third party retailers for no contract SIMs which operate on the same networks as TMO and ATT.
Simple mobile seems to be popular and very affordable. I think they're mostly on the TMO network.
H20 is also another option. I think H2O is mostly on ATT network.
Also, Straight Talk seems to be affordable and might provide SIMs for both ATT and TMO networks ...
Hope that helps add another altnerative to the two larger provides which might not price as competitively.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes actually that's really great In the UK we have 3rd party operators as well, and the best by far is 'giff gaff' which is unlimited internet and calls/texts for about £10 a month. Insane
Blimey... those prices are nuts in the USA!
H2O wireless is great. Uses ATTs towers with tmobiles prices. Even cheaper in my opinion.
Via My HTC Evo 3D On The Now Network From Sprint.
Data seemed VERY expensive to use over there, or am I missing something? Allowance as standard is only about 80MB which is totally useless. Our smallest (generally speaking) over here is 500MB a month.
Struggling to understand the H20 packages.
My family will be taking a trip to Costa Rica this coming February. You can buy a prepaid SIM card from Kölbi (ICE) at the airport. I've done a little research and it appears that an unlocked phone should work for both voice and 3G data so long as the phone supports Costa Rica's bands, 1800 on GSM and 850 on UMTS.
I've come across an inexpensive Android phones, the Pantech Crossover, that seem to fit the bill. Do you guys think that this phone will work? Other than requesting 3G data and setting the APN, is there anything else I need to do to get 3G data to work?
Thanks!
gm2racer said:
My family will be taking a trip to Costa Rica this coming February. You can buy a prepaid SIM card from Kölbi (ICE) at the airport. I've done a little research and it appears that an unlocked phone should work for both voice and 3G data so long as the phone supports Costa Rica's bands, 1800 on GSM and 850 on UMTS.
I've come across an inexpensive Android phones, the Pantech Crossover, that seem to fit the bill. Do you guys think that this phone will work? Other than requesting 3G data and setting the APN, is there anything else I need to do to get 3G data to work?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it should work but make sure that the phone is SIM unlocked first before you leave on your trip. Then once you get the SIM card put it in the phone and activate it, making sure to request 3g data and setting the APN properly. If you do these things you should be all set.
shimp208 said:
Yes it should work but make sure that the phone is SIM unlocked first before you leave on your trip. Then once you get the SIM card put it in the phone and activate it, making sure to request 3g data and setting the APN properly. If you do these things you should be all set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shimp208, thanks for the response. Anybody know how well Google Maps (especially Navigation) works in Costa Rica? Can it create routable directions based on address or POI?
Thanks!
gm2racer said:
shimp208, thanks for the response. Anybody know how well Google Maps (especially Navigation) works in Costa Rica? Can it create routable directions based on address or POI?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google maps should work just fine, unfortunately Costa Rica isn't know for having blazing fast mobile data speeds so finding the map routes might take a while to load. That being said yes it can create directions based on address or others points of interest. Overall, it should work fine you just might have to be a little patient with waiting for map directions.
I should have asked this earlier. Are there any other inexpensive Android phones that might fit the bill? I'm looking to spend as little money as possible.
gm2racer said:
I should have asked this earlier. Are there any other inexpensive Android phones that might fit the bill? I'm looking to spend as little money as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The LG Thrive P506 Black 3G Unlocked Cell Phone should fit the bill for you. Its only $105 and has the required wireless bands, is unlocked, and should be more then enough for a cheap phone to be used for getting some gps directions, making a couple calls, or looking up some points of interest.
shimp208 said:
The LG Thrive P506 Black 3G Unlocked Cell Phone should fit the bill for you. Its only $105 and has the required wireless bands, is unlocked, and should be more then enough for a cheap phone to be used for getting some gps directions, making a couple calls, or looking up some points of interest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shimp208, thanks for the suggestion. Since I've got some time before the trip, I'm weighing my options. Currently I'm considering the following:
A used AT&T phone (assuming that I can unlock it) off eBay - under $100
A new unlocked Pantech Crossover - under $70
A new unlocked LG Thrive from NewEgg - $105
A Zopo ZP500 cheap Chinese Android phone, but appears to work on AT&T's frequencies - $170
The reason why I'm sticking the ZP500 into the mix is that it's specs are better than the low end Android phones that I'm also considering. Does anybody have any experience with this phone? Does it do 3G on AT&T's 850Mhz band?
Thanks!
BTW, I posted a question on the TripAdvisor forum for Costa Rica regarding buying a prepaid sim card when I get in country and somebody suggested that I acquire the sim card through costaricacellularconnection before I go and activate the sim/phone when I get in country. Has anybody used this service?
gm2racer said:
shimp208, thanks for the suggestion. Since I've got some time before the trip, I'm weighing my options. Currently I'm considering the following:
A used AT&T phone (assuming that I can unlock it) off eBay - under $100
A new unlocked Pantech Crossover - under $70
A new unlocked LG Thrive from NewEgg - $105
A Zopo ZP500 cheap Chinese Android phone, but appears to work on AT&T's frequencies - $170
The reason why I'm sticking the ZP500 into the mix is that it's specs are better than the low end Android phones that I'm also considering. Does anybody have any experience with this phone? Does it do 3G on AT&T's 850Mhz band?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I haven't used it personally it seems to have good reviews with people being really happy with the performance you get for the price. And to answer your question about 3G on the 850Mhz band yes that should work.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
shimp208, I wound up getting a used LG Phoenix (the postpaid version of the Thrive) off ebay. Should be arriving tomorrow.
gm2racer said:
shimp208, I wound up getting a uses LG Phoenix (the postpaid version of the Thrive) off ebay. Should be arriving tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just looked at this phone seems like a good choice enjoy your trip
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Unfortunately the Phoenix arrived and had a busted microSD slot as it would not recognize any of my cards. So I wound up getting a new Pantech Burst. Worked out in my favor as the Burst seems to be (at least on paper) a significantly more powerful device (1.5Ghz dual core Snapdragon CPU, 1GB RAM, & 16GB flash).
gm2racer said:
Unfortunately the Phoenix arrived and had a busted microSD slot as it would not recognize any of my cards. So I wound up getting a new Pantech Burst. Worked out in my favor as the Burst seems to be (at least on paper) a significantly more powerful device (1.5Ghz dual core Snapdragon CPU, 1GB RAM, & 16GB flash).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that is a much more powerful device compared to the Phoenix dual 1.2 Ghz (From what I read) vs 800 mhz and 1 GB vs 512 RAM, plus bigger and better screen is the better choice.
Ordered a ZOPO ZP500+
gm2racer said:
A Zopo ZP500 cheap Chinese Android phone, but appears to work on AT&T's frequencies - $170
The reason why I'm sticking the ZP500 into the mix is that it's specs are better than the low end Android phones that I'm also considering. Does anybody have any experience with this phone? Does it do 3G on AT&T's 850Mhz band?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered a ZOPO ZP500+. I've read it is identical to the ZP500 with the exception that the single core MTK6575 CPU was swapped out with the pin-for-pin-compatible dual core MTK6577. In addition to the dual SIM functionality, I like the fact it is dual core and a quad band where both 2G and 3G should work in Asia, Europe, and North America.
It purports to have 850MHz 3G, and I have read of an Australian user using this phone's 3G with 850MHz and also a Canadian with 3G at 850MHz. It reads to be reasonably popular amongst Russian users. Can't say I know the specifics of AT&T's 850 MHz implementation so I can't comment.
I anticipate delivery of the phone in a week's time, when I am keen to get a good look at it then.
oldcpu said:
I ordered a ZOPO ZP500+. I've read it is identical to the ZP500 with the exception that the single core MTK6575 CPU was swapped out with the pin-for-pin-compatible dual core MTK6577. In addition to the dual SIM functionality, I like the fact it is dual core and a quad band where both 2G and 3G should work in Asia, Europe, and North America.
It purports to have 850MHz 3G, and I have read of an Australian user using this phone's 3G with 850MHz and also a Canadian with 3G at 850MHz. It reads to be reasonably popular amongst Russian users. Can't say I know the specifics of AT&T's 850 MHz implementation so I can't comment.
I anticipate delivery of the phone in a week's time, when I am keen to get a good look at it then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What specifically are you trying to figure out about AT&T's 850 MHz implementation? Here is a map of where AT&T has 850 MHz 3G coverage in the U.S, if you follow the link and scroll up there should also be a map of AT&T's 1900 MHz spectrum coverage.
3G 850MHz coverage in North America
shimp208 said:
What specifically are you trying to figure out about AT&T's 850 MHz implementation? Here is a map of where AT&T has 850 MHz 3G coverage in the U.S, if you follow the link and scroll up there should also be a map of AT&T's 1900 MHz spectrum coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those are great maps of AT&T's 850MHz (and 1900 MHz coverage).
I'm not looking for AT&T coverage myself, but rather interested in coverage in Canada (specifically Saskatchewan and also Ontario). I only mentioned AT&T in this thread because of this post in the thread:
gm2racer said:
The reason why I'm sticking the ZP500 into the mix is that it's specs are better than the low end Android phones that I'm also considering. Does anybody have any experience with this phone? Does it do 3G on AT&T's 850Mhz band?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, AT&T is not of interest to me.
Reference my interest in Saskatchewan's and Ontario's coverage, the best I have been able to find so far is this site: http://maps.mobileworldlive.com/index.php
oldcpu said:
Those are great maps of AT&T's 850MHz (and 1900 MHz coverage).
I'm not looking for AT&T coverage myself, but rather interested in coverage in Canada (specifically Saskatchewan and also Ontario). I only mentioned AT&T in this thread because of this post in the thread:
Again, AT&T is not of interest to me.
Reference my interest in Saskatchewan's and Ontario's coverage, the best I have been able to find so far is this site: http://maps.mobileworldlive.com/index.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your looking to get coverage in those Canadian areas I would use the website you looked at to find out which carriers have 3G 850 MHz coverage in the areas you want. Then once you know what carriers have coverage in the areas you want, I'd go out and buy a prepaid SIM from among the the carrier that offers the coverage your looking for and then go with whatever carrier has the best value for the money in terms of data usage, etc. and use that.
oldcpu said:
I ordered a ZOPO ZP500+. I've read it is identical to the ZP500 with the exception that the single core MTK6575 CPU was swapped out with the pin-for-pin-compatible dual core MTK6577. In addition to the dual SIM functionality, I like the fact it is dual core and a quad band where both 2G and 3G should work in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know how the Zopo works out. I'm interested in knowing how well these Chinese MTK6575/6577 phones work. Had I not gotten a great deal on a new Burst on eBay I would have really been considering one of these. An interesting development (at least in the GSM space) is that the Nexus 4 is within $100 US of most of the currently available Chinese dual core phones. That will put a real price squeeze on the next gen quad core phones...
gm2racer said:
Let us know how the Zopo works out. I'm interested in knowing how well these Chinese MTK6575/6577 phones work. Had I not gotten a great deal on a new Burst on eBay I would have really been considering one of these. An interesting development (at least in the GSM space) is that the Nexus 4 is within $100 US of most of the currently available Chinese dual core phones. That will put a real price squeeze on the next gen quad core phones...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure will, to me unless your really on a tight budget it seems like a no brainer to invest the extra $100 or so for not only significantly more powerful hardware but also a lot better community support due to the very open nature of nexus devices.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Maybe it's just my games talking, but the Xperia Play is pretty cheap unlocked now.
Note: Posting this here because...this kinda concerns this version, tmobile, AT&T, and the US version. Not sure if this is the best place to post this topic though. If it isn't, please move it. Anyway
Edit: Dammit, maybe this thread is more appropriate for the Tmobile section. I guess I posted this in the wrong place then.
For the past two days, I've been undecided on whether or not I should get the International Samsung Galaxy S3, or the USA Samsung Galaxy S3. To the point where it's stressing me out.From what I've read, its a pretty debatable subject..and its tiring having to go through "lolz quad core owns all" or "2gb ram is the best. Lol international". I looked at some videos, and they seemed even, more or less.
1. Here is my issue. I have Tmobile.Right now I'm under a prepaid type of plan(as in, I pay for minutes whenever. If I'm out of minutes, I can buy some more at any time. I'm under no type of contract. And the only thing that obviously happens to me if I run out of minutes is that I cant call/text anyone until i add more ). But I would like the option to go to 3g/4g in the future. I don't have the money to do 3g/4G right now , but atleast the option is still there for the future. So for now , I'm on a prepaid "pay whenever I want" thing.
From what I've heard the international version does not support 3g/4g(?) regarding Tmobile. All I will get is edge. Now here is the question. Will this always be the case for the International version? Meaning that the international version will never support 3g and 4g under Tmobile?(if I wanted to get a 3g plan) ?
2. If thats the case, what about the USA version? If I decide to stick under Tmobile, and get the US version, I will still have the option of upgrading to 3G/4g on Tmobile, right ? If so, does it matter which US Samsung Galaxy phone I get?(ignoring Verizon and Sprint)
For example, I heard that the AT&T locks the user from disabling LTE for the USA version. As well as locks other things in general. Even if unlocked. Is this true? Or was the person who said this full of crap?
2.5 Also, lets say I do get The AT&T SGS3. And I unlock it and put my Tmobile sim card in it. Now in the future, If I wanted to upgrade to LTE, would I be able to get LTE on this unlocked AT&T phone under a Tmobile Plan? Or would I need an AT&T SGS3, along with an AT&T plan in order to get LTE? And would the reverse be true(as in, If I get a Tmobile SGS3, and wanted to switch carriers . I would never get LTE because of the change of plan). Should I only get a Tmobile USA Samsung Galaxy S3?
3.What about "rooting"? Would that be a way around #2.5 or any of the above questions?
4. Does AT&T have a good prepaid plan as well?(as in, I can pay for minutes whenever. I'm not under any contract or $30 a month type of thing)
5.In my situation, would you recommend I get the US, or international version? Is it worth getting the international version, or USA version when concerning Tmobile? Should I switch carriers in the future, or am I fine the way I am now?
?
6. IYO, if I were to get the USA version, what would be the best place to get it? Without any type of contracts. Again, I assume that buying it locked(and them me manually unlocking it) is the safest option?
7. In my situation, would you recoomend I get the USA, or international version?
Cliffs.
- Deciding between international SGS3, or USA SGS3.
- I'm under Tmobile(prepaid for now)
- Is it true that the International version of the SGS3 will never support 3g or 4g for Tmobile?
- If that's the case, I will at least have the option of upgrading to 3g/4g/on a USA SGS3 under Tmobile, right?
- If the above is true, would it matter which USA Samsung Galaxy S3 I get?(AT&T, or Tmobile). Ex: Is it true that AT&T locks/prevents the user from disabling LTE(which apparently drains a lot)pa, and other apps on the specific AT&T SGS3? Even if it's unlocked? Or was the person who said this full of crap?)
- If I do get a USA AT&T SGS3, unlock it, and put my Tmobile sim card in it. And in the future, wanted to upgrade to LTE, would I be able to get LTE on this unlocked ATT phone, under a Tmobile plan? If not, does the reverse hold true as well?(as in, If I get a Tmobile SGS3, and wanted to switch carriers . I would never get LTE because of the change of plan)
- Would rooting solve the above issues?
- Does AT&T have a good prepaid plan as well?(as in, I can pay for minutes whenever. I'm not under any contract or $30 a month type of thing)
- What would you guys do in my situation?
- IYO, if I were to get the USA version, what would be the best place to get it? Without any type of contracts
- In my situation, would you recommend I get the US, or international version?
destroyer8888 said:
Note: Posting this here because...this kinda concerns this version, tmobile, AT&T, and the US version. Not sure if this is the best place to post this topic though. If it isn't, please move it. Anyway
For the past two days, I've been undecided on whether or not I should get the International Samsung Galaxy S3, or the USA Samsung Galaxy S3. To the point where it's stressing me out.From what I've read, its a pretty debatable subject..and its tiring having to go through "lolz quad core owns all" or "2gb ram is the best. Lol international". I looked at some videos, and they seemed even, more or less.
1. Here is my issue. I have Tmobile.Right now I'm under a prepaid type of plan(as in, I pay for minutes whenever. If I'm out of minutes, I can buy some more at any time. I'm under no type of contract. And the only thing that obviously happens to me if I run out of minutes is that I cant call/text anyone until i add more ). But I would like the option to go to 3g/4g in the future. I don't have the money to do 3g/4G right now , but atleast the option is still there for the future.
From what I've heard the international version does not support 3g/4g(?) regarding Tmobile. All I will get is edge. Now here is the question. Will this always be the case for the International version? Meaning that the international version will never support 3g and 4g under Tmobile?(if I wanted to get a 3g plan) ?
2. If thats the case, what about the USA version? If I decide to stick under Tmobile, and get the US version, I will still have the option of upgrading to 3G/4g on Tmobile, right ? If so, does it matter which US Samsung Galaxy phone I get?(ignoring Verizon and Sprint)
For example, I heard that the AT&T locks the user from disabling LTE for the USA version. As well as locks other things in general. Even if unlocked. Is this true? Or was the person who said this full of crap?
2.5 Also, lets say I do get The AT&T SGS3. And I unlock it and put my Tmobile sim card in it. Now in the future, If I wanted to upgrade to LTE, would I be able to get LTE on this unlocked AT&T phone under a Tmobile Plan? Or would I need an AT&T SGS3, along with an AT&T plan in order to get LTE? And would the reverse be true(as in, If I get a Tmobile SGS3, and wanted to switch carriers . I would never get LTE because of the change of plan). Should I only get a Tmobile USA Samsung Galaxy S3?
3.What about "rooting"? Would that be a way around #2.5 or any of the above questions?
4. Does AT&T have a good prepaid plan as well?(as in, I can pay for minutes whenever. I'm not under any contract or $30 a month type of thing)
5.What would you guys do in my situation? Is it worth getting the international version, or USA version when concerning Tmobile? Should I switch carriers in the future, or am I fine the way I am now?
6. IYO, if I were to get the USA version, what would be the best place to get it? Without any type of contracts. Again, I assume that buying it locked(and them me manually unlocking it) is the safest option?
Cliffs.
- Deciding between international SGS3, or USA SGS3.
- I'm under Tmobile(prepaid for now)
- Is it true that the International version of the SGS3 will never support 3g or 4g for Tmobile?
- If thats the case, I will atleast have the option of upgrading to 3g/4g/on a USA SGS3 under Tmobile, right?
- If the above is true, would it matter which USA Samsung Galaxy S3 I get?(AT&T, or Tmobile). Ex: Is it true that AT&T locks/prevents the user from disabling LTE(which apparently drains a lot)pa, and other apps on the specific AT&T SGS3? Even if it's unlocked? Or was the person who said this full of crap?)
- If I do get a USA AT&T SGS3, unlock it, and put my Tmobile sim card in it. And in the future, wanted to upgrade to LTE, would I be able to get LTE on this unlocked ATT phone, under a Tmobile plan? If not, does the reverse hold true as well?(as in, If I get a Tmobile SGS3, and wanted to switch carriers . I would never get LTE because of the change of plan)
- Would rooting solve the above issues?
- Does AT&T have a good prepaid plan as well?(as in, I can pay for minutes whenever. I'm not under any contract or $30 a month type of thing)
- What would you guys do in my situation?
- IYO, if I were to get the USA version, what would be the best place to get it? Without any type of contracts
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Click to collapse
I live in Germany on T-Mobile and have the International version. I recently travelled back to the US (PA/WV/OH area). T-Mobile only gave me a roaming Edge connection, no 3G (at least in the Columbus OH area). I went to the local AT&T shop to get one of the prepaid SIM's. They sold me one, but no-go on the data. They don't do "4G" data on the prepaid plan, the phone was too cool for them. I was only there for a couple of weeks, so I dealt with it. As for which is better, 2 core or 4 core, flip a coin. They are both good. Use GSM Arena's specs pages along with http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_frequencies for carrier frequencies to figure out which phone supports the data connection you want.
michaeljwestii said:
I live in Germany on T-Mobile and have the International version. I recently travelled back to the US (PA/WV/OH area). T-Mobile only gave me a roaming Edge connection, no 3G (at least in the Columbus OH area). I went to the local AT&T shop to get one of the prepaid SIM's. They sold me one, but no-go on the data. They don't do "4G" data on the prepaid plan, the phone was too cool for them. I was only there for a couple of weeks, so I dealt with it. As for which is better, 2 core or 4 core, flip a coin. They are both good. Use GSM Arena's specs pages along with [link] for carrier frequencies to figure out which phone supports the data connection you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh I see. Thanks for the input man Now that I think about it, i'm starting to lean more towards the US version.
also, are there any good guides on how to disable LTE on a US ATT SGS3?