[Q] Best place to buy gsm unlocked phones - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi i live in the u.s. and my galaxy s2 is finally starting to die on me, and i still have a year left on my contract. I was going to get a new phone with my insurance but they want to charge me 150 dollars for a refurbished phone. So, does anyone know of a good website that i can get a decently priced android phone? preferably a higher end phone (galaxy note, nexus phones, etc.)

tann3r12 said:
Hi i live in the u.s. and my galaxy s2 is finally starting to die on me, and i still have a year left on my contract. I was going to get a new phone with my insurance but they want to charge me 150 dollars for a refurbished phone. So, does anyone know of a good website that i can get a decently priced android phone? preferably a higher end phone (galaxy note, nexus phones, etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try 'ebay.com' ma8

Sun90 said:
Try 'ebay.com' ma8
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Click to collapse
haha touche

And this belongs in SGS2 Q&A why exactly ?

MistahBungle said:
And this belongs in SGS2 Q&A why exactly ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry habit to go to this forum since i have the phone

tann3r12 said:
sorry habit to go to this forum since i have the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also make the Habit of using 'GOOGLE' from now On

I got my unlocked iPhone 5 from a site that sells directly from China. Alot cheaper without the domestic mark-ups, trust me. Highly recommended: iphonedirect.mybigcommerce.com

Related

At&T yet?

Any ideas where this phone is? I am dying of boredom ova here. I also don't really want to buy the phone without a contract... as that is a lota dosh.
Edit: Yeah I realized I doubt posted
I've seen online stores selling em unlocked and was wondering if they were AT&T friendly.
androidpixar said:
I've seen online stores selling em unlocked and was wondering if they were AT&T friendly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SGS II works 100% with AT&T. Bought mine from Clove and right when I got it, I popped in my At&t SIM card and it was working right away.
Hope this helps.
im using mine on att, got from clove.co.uk
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
How long did it take to get your SGS2s from Clove
1. How long did it take for you guys to get your SGS2s from Clove after you got a confirmation that your card was shipped? Was the SGS2 box sealed?
2. Yes, androidpixar. The SGS2 has the exact matching GSM radio bands for AT&T.
AC
insurance ??
if I buy the SGS II in the web clove.co.uk, can I put a insurance?
tantan1892 said:
if I buy the SGS II in the web clove.co.uk, can I put a insurance?
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Click to collapse
Samsung provides their warranty for the phone for 2 years (correct me if I'm wrong).
What about insurance from Squaretrade?
Anyone try to get their SGS2 insured from Squaretrade? I notice that they offer insurance in the UK where the SGS2 is currently outselling the iPhone 4.
Yeah, I thought that I heard that the Samsung warranty was an international warranty.
Insurance information regarding Squaretrade
I just got off the phone with Squaretrade Insurance. They tell me that since I am in the US, that they will not cover cell phones purchased outside of the US. They also mentioned that the phone must have a US warranty. Although, the SGS2 may be applicable, since it has an supposed international warranty.
I wonder if renters insurance has a similar policy?
Thanks for the 411, guys! Just got the wife the Samsung Infuse and now am envious of it, hence the interest in the Galaxy S II.
3G, right?
Just to clarify and be certain, the unlocked international Galaxy S2 models work on the United States AT&T 3G network? I know this has probably been asked before, but I'm just looking for the hard yes or no.
Those of you using the SGS2 in the United States, you get 3G connection on AT&T's network?
rkaplan2 said:
Just to clarify and be certain, the unlocked international Galaxy S2 models work on the United States AT&T 3G network? I know this has probably been asked before, but I'm just looking for the hard yes or no.
Those of you using the SGS2 in the United States, you get 3G connection on AT&T's network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, it does. I'm using one and I am getting the same 3G speeds as I did on my Atrix
Thank you! How is the wifi btw? I was reading about any problems that the SGS2 has and it seems that the wifi is the consistent let-down. I'm really looking into getting this phone without since our own country's carriers are taking forever to release it. I'm a Captivate user now and it's got a GPS that tells me I'm over 3,000 meters away from where I actually am (considering if it even gets a lock at all sometimes) and it has some force-close issues, which seem to be fixed by CM7 anyway.
Anything I should know about the SGS2's improvements over the SGS after owning a Captivate, and what I should consider before buying?
rkaplan2 said:
Thank you! How is the wifi btw? I was reading about any problems that the SGS2 has and it seems that the wifi is the consistent let-down. I'm really looking into getting this phone without since our own country's carriers are taking forever to release it. I'm a Captivate user now and it's got a GPS that tells me I'm over 3,000 meters away from where I actually am (considering if it even gets a lock at all sometimes) and it has some force-close issues, which seem to be fixed by CM7 anyway.
Anything I should know about the SGS2's improvements over the SGS after owning a Captivate, and what I should consider before buying?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS and wifi are flawless for me (note: it appears some handsets have issues and others don't). I only really use wifi at home and I get fine reception and great speeds all over my house... even in the basement at the opposite end of the house from the router. It may depend on one's router, but I haven't had any issues.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
OK? but, the Samsung warranty don't give me a new phone if I lose it, or if the screen breaks.. I mean a insurance like at&t.. that I pay $3.99 per moth & if I lose my phone I pay like $125 and they give me a new phone..

[Q] New to all this!

Hi everyone,
I've been reading here on xda for a while now, especially in the GS2 section. I have no idea about unlocking and custom roms and so on, but I need a little bit of help!
I currently own a HTC Aria with ATT (upgrade eligible in Januray 2012) its a nice tiny phone but I need a bigger one, well I've been waiting for the ATT Version to come out but I don't want to pay the hefty ETF FEE and get a new 2 yr contract with ATT.
Should I just get the unlocked version and pop in my sim card from the aria ? Would this work?? I've never had an unlocked version before. Would ATT automatically renew my contract for 2 yrs?
My plan is to get the unlocked GS2 NOW, pop in the sim, and if I get bored with the GS2, I can upgrade to the iphone 5 in january... I don't know if all this is possible.
Thanks in advance for any help!
james55 said:
Hi everyone,
I've been reading here on xda for a while now, especially in the GS2 section. I have no idea about unlocking and custom roms and so on, but I need a little bit of help!
I currently own a HTC Aria with ATT (upgrade eligible in Januray 2012) its a nice tiny phone but I need a bigger one, well I've been waiting for the ATT Version to come out but I don't want to pay the hefty ETF FEE and get a new 2 yr contract with ATT.
Should I just get the unlocked version and pop in my sim card from the aria ? Would this work?? I've never had an unlocked version before. Would ATT automatically renew my contract for 2 yrs?
My plan is to get the unlocked GS2 NOW, pop in the sim, and if I get bored with the GS2, I can upgrade to the iphone 5 in january... I don't know if all this is possible.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes your sim will work and no they will not automatically renew your contract for 2 years.
Thank you, I'm also in the bay area.
Where did you order your GS2?
james55 said:
Thank you, I'm also in the bay area.
Where did you order your GS2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do go Iphone 5 you might try get a micro sim or a micro sim cutter because your existing sim might not fit Iphone. Apologies for the vagueness as I am not sure AT&T sims are full size or Micro size currently.
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
Thanks for moving the thread in the correct forum.
I'm currently on the 200mb ATT data plan. Do I have to change any settings on the gs2 or will 3g work right out of the box?
Is it possible to switch between edge aNd 3g on the gs2?
Where is the best place to order the gs2? Amazon seems the most expensive but imo is the most reliable one. And no tax for me in CA. Will it come with any warranty from amazon/samsungUS?
Thanks for all the help, the gs2 looks like my dream phone.
James
james55 said:
Thanks for moving the thread in the correct forum.
I'm currently on the 200mb ATT data plan. Do I have to change any settings on the gs2 or will 3g work right out of the box?
Is it possible to switch between edge aNd 3g on the gs2?
Where is the best place to order the gs2? Amazon seems the most expensive but imo is the most reliable one. And no tax for me in CA. Will it come with any warranty from amazon/samsungUS?
Thanks for all the help, the gs2 looks like my dream phone.
James
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also on AT&T and I bought mine from Amazon. Very fast shipping and 3G worked out of the box. However if you want HSPA+ speed you will need to visit AT&T and have them adjust your plan to a 200mb 4G plan. Also you can change your apn settings to get faster speeds. You should check out the APN thread it might help you. Hope I helped
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
King Shady said:
I'm also on AT&T and I bought mine from Amazon. Very fast shipping and 3G worked out of the box. However if you want HSPA+ speed you will need to visit AT&T and have them adjust your plan to a 200mb 4G plan. Also you can change your apn settings to get faster speeds. You should check out the APN thread it might help you. Hope I helped
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
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thank you ! It did come with an US Charger right? Just to be sure......
Gonna order this beast
your going to get the best android phone that is out at the moment. great display the best around even better than retina IMO great memory on the phone and you can insert micro sd card to boost the memory..do your research if your going to root the phone and there are loads of roms that you can play with and use to your liking..hope that helps and enjoy your new phone when you get it
I just got it, it feels so light wow !!!!
I know there are a lot of cases out there, but what are the most favorite ones?
I'm really scared that something gonna happen to that beast
james55 said:
I know there are a lot of cases out there, but what are the most favorite ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out SGP Neo Hybrid case. It's gorgeous.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
james55 said:
I just got it, it feels so light wow !!!!
I know there are a lot of cases out there, but what are the most favorite ones?
I'm really scared that something gonna happen to that beast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check out casemate cases for galaxy s2..thats what im using at the mo

[Q] - Looking to upgrade from my HTC HD2/Leo

Hey guys, I got t-mobile and it's time to upgrade. Now I already have an HD2 and loved it since launch but I think it's time to move on, and this seems to be the most updated phone they are offering. So how is it?
Does this phone have any os options like the leo or anything neat about it?
About os options we have boot2geko(very pre-alpha),blacktrack 5,android ofcourse(ics and gb)
sahibunlimited said:
About os options we have boot2geko(very pre-alpha),blacktrack 5,android ofcourse(ics and gb)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay so I have to give up all the openess of the Leo then? Which I guess is fine, I only really used android. Was fun to test all the other ones and see them work.
If you are into development then go for galaxy nexus
But if you want the beast then buy sgs2
But make sure you are buying i9100 and not other i9100G or i777 or some other
You can also wait for sgs3 or other new phones
sahibunlimited said:
If you are into development then go for galaxy nexus
But if you want the beast then buy sgs2
But make sure you are buying i9100 and not other i9100G or i777 or some other
You can also wait for sgs3 or other new phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the Leo since launch, I am kind of tired of it. It's showing it's age lately with newer stuff and it's starting to have hardware issues from massive use. Why that model number?
I "wanted" one of those samsung notes but tmob doesn't get them.
RiffyDivine said:
I've had the Leo since launch, I am kind of tired of it. It's showing it's age lately with newer stuff and it's starting to have hardware issues from massive use. Why that model number?
I "wanted" one of those samsung notes but tmob doesn't get them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get t-mobile one then you won't have international sgs2
i9100 is international one
So get this unlocked international one
sahibunlimited said:
If you get t-mobile one then you won't have international sgs2
i9100 is international one
So get this unlocked international one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he plans on staying with T-Mobile USA as his carrier, than if he gets the I9100, he will only be able to get Edge data speeds on T-Mobile's network.
OP, you should probably be aware of that. This is the reason T-Mobile USA has their own variant of the Galaxy S II, which is the SGH-T989. (which, incidentally, has a separate forum)
I switched from HD2 to SGS2 and i love it... My Sgs2 run perfect only what i miss are the many customs roms... But indie and rgui make perfect roms...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Kaffee4Eck said:
I switched from HD2 to SGS2 and i love it... My Sgs2 run perfect only what i miss are the many customs roms... But indie and rgui make perfect roms...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see someone else made the change, I feel bad since it's been a bad ass phone but it's just getting old.
ctomgee said:
If he plans on staying with T-Mobile USA as his carrier, than if he gets the I9100, he will only be able to get Edge data speeds on T-Mobile's network.
OP, you should probably be aware of that. This is the reason T-Mobile USA has their own variant of the Galaxy S II, which is the SGH-T989. (which, incidentally, has a separate forum)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I plan to stay with them because as it is I pay I think 60ish a month for unlimited everything. So I am happy with that setup. I still laugh when verizon trys to sell me because we get a discount with them, for the same deal on there network it's 130 dollars a month after the discount. WTF.
Yes being stuck on just edge would kill me, I use my phone for skype A LOT.
RiffyDivine said:
Yes I plan to stay with them because as it is I pay I think 60ish a month for unlimited everything. So I am happy with that setup. I still laugh when verizon trys to sell me because we get a discount with them, for the same deal on there network it's 130 dollars a month after the discount. WTF.
Yes being stuck on just edge would kill me, I use my phone for skype A LOT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't want to be stuck on edge, then you DON'T want this phone. (GT-I9100) This phone simply doesn't have the hardware to get the right frequencies to get a faster mobile data connection on T-Mobile USA's network. You are probably looking at getting the T-Mobile USA Galaxy S II variant. (SGH-T989)
While many general questions about the phone may apply to both models, you really should be asking your questions in the SGH-T989 forum. I linked it above.
EDIT to add: You may ask why I'm referring you to that forum... well, the hardware on the two phones are COMPLETELY different. They receive different frequencies, and they have different SoC/chipset/GPU. So firmwares, kernels, rooting methods - all different.
Since yesterday I switched too,from HTC HD2 to SGSII.I bought the ceramic white version of GT-I9100 and it looks awesome,I`m very happy with it.The HD2 is still working fine(it has hundreds of flashes I guess..haha),but its getting old.Now I coming with a question,where I can find a tutorial of rooting,installing custom ROMS procedure for SGSII.The HD2 forums has tutorials to start from zero.
gabilondo said:
Since yesterday I switched too,from HTC HD2 to SGSII.I bought the ceramic white version of GT-I9100 and it looks awesome,I`m very happy with it.The HD2 is still working fine(it has hundreds of flashes I guess..haha),but its getting old.Now I coming with a question,where I can find a tutorial of rooting,installing custom ROMS procedure for SGSII.The HD2 forums has tutorials to start from zero.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the stickies in the General section. There are tons of links in a roll up sticky post.
I think you shouldn't buy the T-mo variant as there is a lot less development on those variants as most of the devs have the international variant which is the I9100.
But then again that's what I think.
Make you'r decision carefully.
frankimm said:
I think you shouldn't buy the T-mo variant as there is a lot less development on those variants as most of the devs have the international variant which is the I9100.
But then again that's what I think.
Make you'r decision carefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the dude said he is staying with T-Mobile. So AGAIN, if he buys the I9100, he will be stuck with Edge speeds on T-Mobile. Which he also said he doesn't want. So if he wants a Galaxy S II that works with high speed on T-Mobile USA's network, he HAS to get the T-Mobile USA variant.
Edit to add: OR I've heard he could get an unlocked AT&T Galaxy S II Skyrocket and flash T-Mobile's modems to it. But why the heck would you want to do that? Those two phones are essentially the same (hardware-wise) anyways. And it's still not the I9100.
I completely get you'r point, but if he is a flashaholic then going for the T-Mo one wouldn't be a very good choice.
Perhaps not. But it's up to him. We can only give him the facts.
RiffyDivine said:
Hey guys, I got t-mobile and it's time to upgrade. Now I already have an HD2 and loved it since launch but I think it's time to move on, and this seems to be the most updated phone they are offering. So how is it?
Does this phone have any os options like the leo or anything neat about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not recommend you sgs2. I want to sell mine and buy galaxy nexus instead. For sgs2 there isn't fully working aosp ROM and it seems it never will be. I think pure Android nexuses are best choice and not by touchwiz destroyed phones like sgs2. It's my personnal opinion, someone may have different
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA
But if you want the beast then buy sgs2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SG2 is the beast !

Any thing to look out for using the I-9300 in the US on AT&T?

I'm considering picking up this phone. I know it won't have LTE but that's not really an issue for me. Any thing else to worry about? Does Samsung honor the warranty on this device in the USA?
Thanks for any help.
Does Samsung honor the warranty on this device in the USA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should always contact the seller for warranty claims, not Samsung directly. The seller has a legally binding obligation to you to fulfill warranty claims, not the manufacturer. (Manufacturers only have that obligation to their direct clients - the retail shops)
Ok well I'd be buying it second hand. Thanks for the information.
Second hand as in from CL? if you buy it from somewhere like Expansys, they will honor the warranty by sending it to Samsung UK for you.
Sent from my GT-I9300
joshnichols189 said:
Second hand as in from CL? if you buy it from somewhere like Expansys, they will honor the warranty by sending it to Samsung UK for you.
Sent from my GT-I9300
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You guys got it all wrong If you live in the USA go to Best Buy they sell international phones I got my GT-I9300 for 600$ bucks cause they will price match amazon or new-egg and the phone have a big A$$ Sticker that says UNLOCKED in Bold letters coming from a guy who had a i747 i love the i9300 as it has way more support yes i do miss LTE but the way i see it majority of the time I have WIFI where ever I go my SGH-1747 would get hot after gaming or intense use and wasnt as snappy/responsive as the international version but im on ATT and dont have any issues at all .:good:
Thanks for all the advice.
jasonren29 said:
If you buying from cl make sure the phone is not stolen. Carrier block stolen phone by imei number now. And you are screw it the phone is stolen.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carriers can't block international unlocked phones.
Sent from my HTC One S

[Q] Bricked Chinese Galaxy S3 LTE. Can Samsung Europe (France) fix it for me ?

I ****ed up with a custom rom and the screen is bricked (touchpad won't work at all no matter what rom I install).
I bought the phone during a trip to China, but I live in France right now and I would like to pay for a new motherboard.
On the Samsung France website, it says they don't accept phones bought outside Europe for warranty. I don't have a warranty so, I don't really care. I just want to pay for a new motherboard and get this damn phone fixed.
Is it possible in your opinion ? Thank you very much for your insight!
masahirodono said:
I ****ed up with a custom rom and the screen is bricked (touchpad won't work at all no matter what rom I install).
I bought the phone during a trip to China, but I live in France right now and I would like to pay for a new motherboard.
On the Samsung France website, it says they don't accept phones bought outside Europe for warranty. I don't have a warranty so, I don't really care. I just want to pay for a new motherboard and get this damn phone fixed.
Is it possible in your opinion ? Thank you very much for your insight!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if it is not a chinese copied GS3, you have the chance of getting a new mother board. but if it is, just buy a genuine GS3.
sriram231092 said:
if it is not a chinese copied GS3, you have the chance of getting a new mother board. but if it is, just buy a genuine GS3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It definitely isn't a fake GS3, double checked that before buying!
However they should do a paid for repair no problem if not then use another repair centre .
jje
masahirodono said:
It definitely isn't a fake GS3, double checked that before buying!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do u want to replace yr mobo when yr digitizer(touchscreen) is not working??? The touch screen comes together with the LCD and the frame as well its easy to change makes yr phone brand new again I changed mine. Don't try to just replace the glass although some has succeeded albeit a small percentage. Goodluck
ndmuni said:
Why do u want to replace yr mobo when yr digitizer(touchscreen) is not working??? The touch screen comes together with the LCD and the frame as well its easy to change makes yr phone brand new again I changed mine. Don't try to just replace the glass although some has succeeded albeit a small percentage. Goodluck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah well, I'll give it to Samsung and get it repaired so, I don't know too much about the details. If it's the screen then perfect!

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