[Q] looking to buy a S4 mini DUOS I9192 - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

hi, i am looking to buy my dad a S4 mini DUOS I9192, but i have a few concerns, mainly regarding samsung region lock stuff:
- i live in canada, and my dad needs to travel to china for work. so while i guess i can test the phone here in canada to make sure it works in north america region by making a 5 min call locally, i cannot guarantee that the phone will be region locked when my dad travels to china. is it possible to check beforehand (in settings etc) whether the phone is region locked without putting a foreign sim card in?
- probably will be buying the phone on ebay, most sellers are shipping from US or hong kong. how will i know which region the phone is locked to?
- i read that there is some region lock away app by chainfire available, but i cannot find the app in google play. can someone point me to the right direction regarding where i can find the app? does it actually work and future-proof if we update the firmware?
TIA

Related

[Q] Where in Europe can I buy Samsung Galaxy SII with NFC

I wanted to buy a Samsung Galaxy S II. The webshop where I would buy it, has a pre-order price of 549€: http://www.smartphoneshop.be/product/123781/samsung-galaxy-s-ii.html
However that model is without NFC chip, so I cancelled my order. They also told me that Samsung will not release an Galaxy S II with NFC for the Belgian market.
So my only remaining option is to buy one abroad. I'm not asking for generic web shops, I ask for very specific experiences with web shops that are able to deliver to Belgium.
I have also found out that there are different variations of the Galaxy S II. As far as I know, these are the main differences:
processor: Nvidia Tegra or Exynos --> for now, it's equal to me.
display: AMOLED or LCD --> I prefer one with AMOLED
NFC or not --> I really want one with NFC.
I already know that the UK is out of the question (for now), because the UK models don't have NFC. I read somewhere that models with NFC may come available for the UK in the coming months, no date confirmed yet. Maybe in June? If that is true then I can wait another month, no problem.
How about other neighboring countries? Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy,...
Of course this would have to be a phone that is not locked to one telco.
I have not found the answers of these very specific questions in the FAQ. Why am I asking this on XDA-Developers? Because I want to dive into Android development, and I have some ideas that include NFC technology. And why a Galaxy S II? I was in Barcelona at the MWC when Samsung launched it, I got to play with it, and I was really impressed.
So far .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1052105&highlight=nfc
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1074419&highlight=nfc
jje
Thanks. I overlooked those, and I guess my initial search was a bit too generic.

[Q] Will a Korean Galaxy S2 work in the UK?

Hi guys,This is my first post here, this is an excellent forum, keep up the good work2! I am living in the UAE where it looks like the SGS2 wont see the light of day till Q3 2011, I cant wait till then so I am looking at my options. I am not very comfortable with ordering it online from sites like Expansys or Handtec, so would prefer getting it from a physical store.
I will be visiting South Korea very soon and have heard that the SGS2 is already on sale there. My questions are:
1) Are the Korean models (sold exclusively through the carriers I hear) fully unlocked?
2) I will be going to study in Manchester for the next two years, so would like to use the SGS2 there. Seeing that S Korea, UK (and the UAE) use the same GSM and 3G bands - 900/1800 and 3G 2100, I understand its possible but are there any other problems that could crop up? I cant find any specs online for the Korean SGS2.
Thank you!
[EDIT]
Guess noone knows or must be thinking that I didnt search before starting a new thread. Thanks to those who did help! Found the answer from a variety of sources, just listing here in case anyone needs it:
The Korean SGS2 are not quad-band, and are physically thicker due to the inclusion of NFC and a TV tuner. Some carriers have different (non global) MMS standards as well. I have been informed that they are probably locked as well and available on contract to locals only. Also the Indian SGS2 has NFC and costs just 675$ to 700$, guess I will just get it from India!
I will tell you what i know.(it is not 100 sure.)
You are correct that there are three different models of SGS2 in korea.
If you want to use the phone in UK,
You should buy SHW-250K( from KT, one of the service provider)
it meets the mms standard of other countries.
Once again this information is not sure.
I need someone's confirmation for this.
Thanks.
If you're going in on a standard tourist visa then you will NOT be able to buy a phone, even outright. Phones are only available to locals and people on long term visas.
Yeah, get it from India.

[Q] Where to purchase and how to use unlocked S2 in the U.S.?

Hey guys. After researching many possible smartphones in the market right now, I am going to go with my first smartphone ever and possibly the best one right now (in my opinion): the Samsung Galaxy S2.
However, I live in the U.S. in which I do not think the SIM-capable unnerfed galaxy S2 will ever be coming out here.
Anyhow, I was hoping people who have bought the unlocked version of the S2 would be able to help me. My questions are as follows:
1) Which online vendor is the best place to buy an unlocked version of the S2? I have been researching many possible sites for the past few months. It seems NewEgg.com, Amazon.com, and Expansys-usa.com are most mentioned contenders. The question then becomes… which one to buy from? Who to trust? Anyone have experience in this arena?
2) From several reviews online, it seems people worldwide have been getting unlocked S2s with different starting languages/manuals. Are they all the same? Are there any fundamental differences in hardware or settings? If so, which one is best? It seems there are different versions with various configurations, such as with/without NFC. Hmm...
3) My main carrier in the U.S. is AT&T. What would I need to do to experience compatibility with this network? I would like to get HSPA+ (~ 4G speeds as claimed by AT&T, so to speak). Is there a special SIM from AT&T or tweaking within the phone I need to do to achieve this? Do I have to tell notify AT&T as well? What do I need to do to ensure compatibility with that network & the speeds I would like to achieve?
Phew. That is all. Thank you!!!!
As far as I know, the international version of i9100 is quad-brand 3G which matches AT&T. You can get 1 on amazon for around $700 USD
OR
you can get a LOCKED i9100m from Bell or Virgin Canada, then unlock it. This phone is 599.99 in Canada.
Isn't the Bell version CDMA-only? Does it offer SIM?
Anyhow, I'll try my hands on an international unlocked version. Now, the question still remains... which one to buy from? Amazon.com has many resellers. NewEgg and Expansys-USA are single resellers, but I would probably have to ask where they get theirs from.
Are there any differences in getting it via from the UK, Korea, India, etc? I would also need an adapter that can be plugged in the US.
Ok there lots of information if you used search feature
Cheapest place to buy currently is www.expansys-usa.com, you get it for 658.99 and you get additional $10 off with lsjuly10 voucher.
You get hspa+ speeds with att and you can also use $15 unlimited non smartphone plan with sgs2.
Search around and you can find lots of info on this. Hope this helps
Edit : just to answer your other question, you get us adapter along with the phone from expansys, amazon. You might mostly get a phone with uk firmware but it shouldn't really matter. Once you get the phone you can flash whatever firmware you want thru odin.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
Thank you very much for the coupon!!!
Searching around, it seems like Expansys-USA might be the best bang for the buck to purchase the unlocked version.
I also tried e-mailing NewEgg.com and some Amazon.com vendors. NewEgg.com said their S2 was "made in China." Hmm. I am unsure if it means it is a Chinese version. One vendor from Amazon.com said it was "unsure of where the device came from."
I'm assuming since there's an Expansys-UK, the Expansys-USA may be coming from UK. Is the UK version good? I guess UK (since it's in English) would be best for me...
I've also heard some versions do not have NFC. Does the UK version have NFC or working NFC in the states?
Just get the bell one from canada and save yourself some money, its full hspa+ , meaning it will work with att 3g in the states. If you buy the european ones you'll likely pay upwards of 800$ I'm thinking...
Are the Bell ones unlocked? Where would I be able to find one? Any online resellers that are selling them? I thought the Bell ones were CDMA-only? Or do they also have SIM-card capabilities?
Driving up to Canada and purchasing one is not too feasible for me.
Alazarin said:
Are the Bell ones unlocked? Where would I be able to find one? Any online resellers that are selling them? I thought the Bell ones were CDMA-only? Or do they also have SIM-card capabilities?
Driving up to Canada and purchasing one is not too feasible for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bell ones are locked. Can be easly unlocked. They are sim ones. I using the one i bought with bell on telus
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
Alazarin said:
Are the Bell ones unlocked? Where would I be able to find one? Any online resellers that are selling them? I thought the Bell ones were CDMA-only? Or do they also have SIM-card capabilities?
Driving up to Canada and purchasing one is not too feasible for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, bell has been ditching its CDMA network for well over a year... All their new phones are gsm. Well not just driving up I'm saying ordering online from canada would probably even be cheaper than buying a european phone, and they are the same phone, no nfc, same model.
I`m living in UK and I bought my SGS2 1 month ago from ebay. was sealed and is factory unlocked. It`s 100% original, not a fake. As far as I now if is factory unlocked it`s working in USA on At&t H+ speed, and you don`t need to unlock. If you want you can order from UK or wait when will be release in USA. Hope this help. Good luck!
unleashed12 said:
Nope, bell has been ditching its CDMA network for well over a year... All their new phones are gsm. Well not just driving up I'm saying ordering online from canada would probably even be cheaper than buying a european phone, and they are the same phone, no nfc, same model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any recommendations to reliable online Canadian resellers?
The hard part is that I'm still deciding whether to buy from Expansys-USA (cheaper), Clove (great reviews + most reliable), or from an online Canadian reseller (could be even cheaper + more reliable since I live in the U.S.?). My main criteria is that:
I would like to buy the phone that was made in Korea, but for the UK/CA market (thus, factory sealed) and comes with a US adapter (not add-on). That seems to be the best one, but I am unsure which one would provide that.

[Q] About to buy GS2, Please Help

Im about to buy the Samsung Galaxy S2 Unlocked from Expansys USA for 656
http://www.expansys-usa.com/samsung-galaxy-s-ii-android-smartphone-unlocked-16gb-209554/#unlocked
But I have a couple questions.
First of all:
Is there any difference in this phone model i9100BKEU that any other? Like as far as flashing ROMs, and flashing back to stock?
Secondly:
Have any of y'all ordered from Expansys, any reviews?
Thanks! Hopefully If I order this I can make my DlevROM for the Galaxy S2
There's tons of posts on purchasing the phone for use in the U.S. Expansys-USA provides warranty support so by buying it from them you retain the two-year global warranty and they'll ship it back to the UK for you if necessary. EU means it's a European phone I don't know what specific country that code references. You can flash any ROM you want once you get the phone and they all provide U.S. English support. Most Expansys phones are UK but some have come from Poland and Chile too.

Wifi calling on S9 Plus G965FD 256GB

Hi
1. I am looking at purchasing two Samsung Galaxy S9+ Plus (256 GB) G965FD Dual Sim (SIM-Free / Unlocked) phones from a UK company in Leeds UK called Empire Hut. They are imports and are sourced from the UAE and are brand new sealed boxed. The company (Empire Hut) give a two year warranty but if there is a problem it is handled by them who send to/from Samsung. I have no problem with that.
I will be putting them on the a BT SIM only (4GB) contract because I am already with them and can get a good family deal at £10 monthly for the 1st SIM and £8 for second SIM.
Some questions if I may!
a). I live in a very poor signal area and will be using Wifi calling always in the house. Both phones we have at present are Samsung S7's and work successful in this mode in my house. Also looking at the BT site they list many phones that do support wifi calling and list the S9+
I asked Empire Hut if they knew if these imports (G965FD Dual Sim)(different supporting configuration) would work using Wifi calling, because it is important to my wife and myself that they do. The operative did not know the answer and would not commit herself in chat. I also asked the new guy in the new Samsung shop just opened in Reading Berkshire and he is fairly sure it does. Does anyone on this forum know for certain because they already do it?, Perhaps I am being overcautious with this question? Belt and braces so to speak.
b). Browsing the internet (as one does), I did read somewhere that the ROM versions are different (region specific) and certain payment systems (samsung pay) will not work. This is not important to me and is not a show stopper.
c). Also searching I saw mentioned (sorry no link) that I may not be able to update this android system (regional differences) with the latest patches. Has anyone any information on whether this is true or false?
I would be most grateful if anyone can advise on these 3 questions and also if anyone has knowledge of any other potential pitfalls (if any) operating this UAE version of the S9+ in the UK. Extensive searching reveals nothing.
I look forward gratefully to any replies.
Kind regards and Thank you.
Peter
Broadmarsh said:
Hi
1. I am looking at purchasing two Samsung Galaxy S9+ Plus (256 GB) G965FD Dual Sim (SIM-Free / Unlocked) phones from a UK company in Leeds UK called Empire Hut. They are imports and are sourced from the UAE and are brand new sealed boxed. The company (Empire Hut) give a two year warranty but if there is a problem it is handled by them who send to/from Samsung. I have no problem with that.
I will be putting them on the a BT SIM only (4GB) contract because I am already with them and can get a good family deal at £10 monthly for the 1st SIM and £8 for second SIM.
Some questions if I may!
a). I live in a very poor signal area and will be using Wifi calling always in the house. Both phones we have at present are Samsung S7's and work successful in this mode in my house. Also looking at the BT site they list many phones that do support wifi calling and list the S9+
I asked Empire Hut if they knew if these imports (G965FD Dual Sim)(different supporting configuration) would work using Wifi calling, because it is important to my wife and myself that they do. The operative did not know the answer and would not commit herself in chat. I also asked the new guy in the new Samsung shop just opened in Reading Berkshire and he is fairly sure it does. Does anyone on this forum know for certain because they already do it?, Perhaps I am being overcautious with this question? Belt and braces so to speak.
b). Browsing the internet (as one does), I did read somewhere that the ROM versions are different (region specific) and certain payment systems (samsung pay) will not work. This is not important to me and is not a show stopper.
c). Also searching I saw mentioned (sorry no link) that I may not be able to update this android system (regional differences) with the latest patches. Has anyone any information on whether this is true or false?
I would be most grateful if anyone can advise on these 3 questions and also if anyone has knowledge of any other potential pitfalls (if any) operating this UAE version of the S9+ in the UK. Extensive searching reveals nothing.
I look forward gratefully to any replies.
Kind regards and Thank you.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the S9+ 256GB Dual SIM in Dubai. Thing is that you'll have to flash any Official ROM from your region that supports VoLTE/WiFi calling, because the ROM from UAE (XSG) has VoLTE and WiFi calling disabled by software.
I've tried everything and only flashing Indian (INS) ROM solved it (I live in Argentina and here Samsung sells Snapdragon version, instead of Exynos one).
My case flashing INS Official ROM didn't trip Knox, and flashing official ROMs without any customization shouldn't trip it. But have in mind it can happen (read a couple of people had that). So do it at your own risk and only flash it with ODIN.
I think you'll have to flash BTU ROM in order to have your region stuff (VoLTE, WiFi calling, Samsung Pay)
Oh, about updates don't worry, unless you root your phone ot flash any custom ROM, you'll continue getting updates for your phone via OTA.
Sent from S.G. S9+ Duos
Broadmarsh said:
Hi
1. I am looking at purchasing two Samsung Galaxy S9+ Plus (256 GB) G965FD Dual Sim (SIM-Free / Unlocked) phones from a UK company in Leeds UK called Empire Hut. They are imports and are sourced from the UAE and are brand new sealed boxed. The company (Empire Hut) give a two year warranty but if there is a problem it is handled by them who send to/from Samsung. I have no problem with that.
I will be putting them on the a BT SIM only (4GB) contract because I am already with them and can get a good family deal at £10 monthly for the 1st SIM and £8 for second SIM.
Some questions if I may!
a). I live in a very poor signal area and will be using Wifi calling always in the house. Both phones we have at present are Samsung S7's and work successful in this mode in my house. Also looking at the BT site they list many phones that do support wifi calling and list the S9+
I asked Empire Hut if they knew if these imports (G965FD Dual Sim)(different supporting configuration) would work using Wifi calling, because it is important to my wife and myself that they do. The operative did not know the answer and would not commit herself in chat. I also asked the new guy in the new Samsung shop just opened in Reading Berkshire and he is fairly sure it does. Does anyone on this forum know for certain because they already do it?, Perhaps I am being overcautious with this question? Belt and braces so to speak.
b). Browsing the internet (as one does), I did read somewhere that the ROM versions are different (region specific) and certain payment systems (samsung pay) will not work. This is not important to me and is not a show stopper.
c). Also searching I saw mentioned (sorry no link) that I may not be able to update this android system (regional differences) with the latest patches. Has anyone any information on whether this is true or false?
I would be most grateful if anyone can advise on these 3 questions and also if anyone has knowledge of any other potential pitfalls (if any) operating this UAE version of the S9+ in the UK. Extensive searching reveals nothing.
I look forward gratefully to any replies.
Kind regards and Thank you.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Peter,
You're in luck since the UAE S9+ is NOT region locked, which means as soon as you insert a British SIM card, the device will prompt you to reset it, which will change the devices CSC (Carrier Specific Customization) to UK Unlocked, once the phone restarts and you set it up, it will function as if it was an S9+ bought directly from Samsung UK.
Question 1) The S9+ sure does support both VoLTE and WiFi calling, as long as you activate the phone with a British SIM card, and then do a factory reset right after, you'll get WiFi calling.
Question 2 and 3) Yes, they are technically different. Since the UK and UAE have a slightly different update schedule, you will have to manually flash your device to the latest UK firmware to continue getting software updates as they are released for the UK.
After converting your devices CSC to UK as I mentioned in the answer to your first question, you'll have to flash this UK firmware:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=11410963190603871251
The tutorial for which can be found in my thread here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ficial-stock-firmware-thread-samsung-t3764479
Let me know if you didn't understand any part of my post, and I'd be happy to clarify anything.
MeltdownSpectre said:
Hi Peter,
You're in luck since the UAE S9+ is NOT region locked, which means as soon as you insert a British SIM card, the device will prompt you to reset it, which will change the devices CSC (Carrier Specific Customization) to UK Unlocked, once the phone restarts and you set it up, it will function as if it was an S9+ bought directly from Samsung UK.
Question 1) The S9+ sure does support both VoLTE and WiFi calling, as long as you activate the phone with a British SIM card, and then do a factory reset right after, you'll get WiFi calling.
Question 2 and 3) Yes, they are technically different. Since the UK and UAE have a slightly different update schedule, you will have to manually flash your device to the latest UK firmware to continue getting software updates as they are released for the UK.
After converting your devices CSC to UK as I mentioned in the answer to your first question, you'll have to flash this UK firmware:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=11410963190603871251
The tutorial for which can be found in my thread here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ficial-stock-firmware-thread-samsung-t3764479
Let me know if you didn't understand any part of my post, and I'd be happy to clarify anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply. You have covered all my questions that has made me review my thinking.
I was not specifically wanting a dual SIM card option phone, it was just that the larger storage of 256gb for the S9 Plus from UAE came with that option and was a reasonable price.
Going through all the hoops is not appropriate for myself and my wife when a single SIM phone will do nicely and fits our needs, so I have decided not to go forward with getting one from UAE, but get a 64gb European version one (G965FZKADBT) that is sold by Debenhams UK and fit it with a Samsung Mobile UK 128 GB 100 MB/s Class 10 U3 Memory Evo Plus MicroSD card, or even a 256gb card.
Taking this route is only £20 more per phone. Hardly worth worrying about, given that I get the full support from Samsung UK where it is sourced from. Samsung do not make a 64gb version for the UK market, only a 128gb version. They know that anyone in the whole of the EU can source that smaller 64gb size (with the german code ADBT) from the EU and fit with the appropriate size memory card. I spoke to debenhams who spoke to Samsung to confirm.
As a matter of interest the prices for the S9+ are as follows:
From UAE are £569 (128gb) and £599 (256gb). (no Samsung support) (I can sell my phone on ebay for £140)
From Samsung with UK firmware £769 (128gb) Can get £150 cash back for S7 phone = £619). (with UK support).
From Debenhams UK with EU software (identical software as UK) it is £599 (64gb). I can fit this with a 128gb card at £20 (totals £619) or £41 for a 256gb card (total £640). Also I can get £140 for my S7s.
Do you have any comments on this? How about micro SD cards for 4k recording or 1080p?
Thanks again.
Peter
Broadmarsh said:
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply. You have covered all my questions that has made me review my thinking.
I was not specifically wanting a dual SIM card option phone, it was just that the larger storage of 256gb for the S9 Plus from UAE came with that option and was a reasonable price.
Going through all the hoops is not appropriate for myself and my wife when a single SIM phone will do nicely and fits our needs, so I have decided not to go forward with getting one from UAE, but get a 64gb European version one (G965FZKADBT) that is sold by Debenhams UK and fit it with a Samsung Mobile UK 128 GB 100 MB/s Class 10 U3 Memory Evo Plus MicroSD card, or even a 256gb card.
Taking this route is only £20 more per phone. Hardly worth worrying about, given that I get the full support from Samsung UK where it is sourced from. Samsung do not make a 64gb version for the UK market, only a 128gb version. They know that anyone in the whole of the EU can source that smaller 64gb size (with the german code ADBT) from the EU and fit with the appropriate size memory card. I spoke to debenhams who spoke to Samsung to confirm.
As a matter of interest the prices for the S9+ are as follows:
From UAE are £569 (128gb) and £599 (256gb). (no Samsung support) (I can sell my phone on ebay for £140)
From Samsung with UK firmware £769 (128gb) Can get £150 cash back for S7 phone = £619). (with UK support).
From Debenhams UK with EU software (identical software as UK) it is £599 (64gb). I can fit this with a 128gb card at £20 (totals £619) or £41 for a 256gb card (total £640). Also I can get £140 for my S7s.
Do you have any comments on this? How about micro SD cards for 4k recording or 1080p?
Thanks again.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go with whatever route is cheapest for you, since all the phones are the same.
I went with the 64 GB S9+ and I've got a 64 GB SDCard in it. Plenty of storage for me and I'm not even close to occupying all of it.
I'm not sure if Samsung allows 4K recording to SDCards, however 1080p should be fine. You can record 4K to internal storage and then shift to SDCard after you're done.
Sent from my SM-G965F
MeltdownSpectre said:
Go with whatever route is cheapest for you, since all the phones are the same.
I went with the 64 GB S9+ and I've got a 64 GB SDCard in it. Plenty of storage for me and I'm not even close to occupying all of it.
I'm not sure if Samsung allows 4K recording to SDCards, however 1080p should be fine. You can record 4K to internal storage and then shift to SDCard after you're done.
Sent from my SM-G965F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
1. When you say this, are you saying the path/route is fixed by internal coding or is it down to the detection of the type of memory or the flash memory speed?
2. Once shifted to a microsd card, presumably it play it from there?
3. I have experience of a microSD UHS memory card, because I purchased a larger one( to V30 standard) from DELKIN to use on my Dashcam because I saw errors with a lower standard card.
4. On the subject of memory types, do you have any recommendations for memory types/standards? I would be after the fastest. I do understand the differences and classes?
Kind regards and thanks again.
Peter
Broadmarsh said:
Thanks!
1. When you say this, are you saying the path/route is fixed by internal coding or is it down to the detection of the type of memory or the flash memory speed?
2. Once shifted to a microsd card, presumably it play it from there?
3. I have experience of a microSD UHS memory card, because I purchased a larger one( to V30 standard) from DELKIN to use on my Dashcam because I saw errors with a lower standard card.
4. On the subject of memory types and so forth, presumably there is an online .pdf for the S9+ that I can download? If so could you point me in that direction.
Kind regards and thanks again.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) I believe fixed by internal coding. Don't think the phone can detect the type of SDCard inserted, although I could be wrong.
2) Yes.
4) Not that I know of. Most newer class 10 and UHS-1 cards should work fine. To rule out any compatibility issues, grab yourself a Samsung EVO SDcard and use that.
Sent from my SM-N960F
MeltdownSpectre said:
1)
4) Not that I know of. Most newer class 10 and UHS-1 cards should work fine. To rule out any compatibility issues, grab yourself a Samsung EVO SDcard and use that.
Sent from my SM-N960F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I have been looking at that!
Thanks.
Broadmarsh said:
Thank you very much for the comprehensive reply. You have covered all my questions that has made me review my thinking.
I was not specifically wanting a dual SIM card option phone, it was just that the larger storage of 256gb for the S9 Plus from UAE came with that option and was a reasonable price.
Going through all the hoops is not appropriate for myself and my wife when a single SIM phone will do nicely and fits our needs, so I have decided not to go forward with getting one from UAE, but get a 64gb European version one (G965FZKADBT) that is sold by Debenhams UK and fit it with a Samsung Mobile UK 128 GB 100 MB/s Class 10 U3 Memory Evo Plus MicroSD card, or even a 256gb card.
Taking this route is only £20 more per phone. Hardly worth worrying about, given that I get the full support from Samsung UK where it is sourced from. Samsung do not make a 64gb version for the UK market, only a 128gb version. They know that anyone in the whole of the EU can source that smaller 64gb size (with the german code ADBT) from the EU and fit with the appropriate size memory card. I spoke to debenhams who spoke to Samsung to confirm.
As a matter of interest the prices for the S9+ are as follows:
From UAE are £569 (128gb) and £599 (256gb). (no Samsung support) (I can sell my phone on ebay for £140)
From Samsung with UK firmware £769 (128gb) Can get £150 cash back for S7 phone = £619). (with UK support).
From Debenhams UK with EU software (identical software as UK) it is £599 (64gb). I can fit this with a 128gb card at £20 (totals £619) or £41 for a 256gb card (total £640). Also I can get £140 for my S7s.
Do you have any comments on this? How about micro SD cards for 4k recording or 1080p?
Thanks again.
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are buying it too expensive. Look around, s9 should not be more than 500 gbp and s9+ 579.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
omeryounos said:
You are buying it too expensive. Look around, s9 should not be more than 500 gbp and s9+ 579.
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really. I am not interested in the S9 and I have misquoted for th S9+. It should read, £589 from 3 separate vendors. I consider within £10 is OK when I can pick up the phone and ask relevant question. Anyway at no time was I was asking forum members where I could get it cheaper.
Thank you very much for your interest in my financial circumstances.
Have a nice day.
sentinelvdx said:
I bought the S9+ 256GB Dual SIM in Dubai. Thing is that you'll have to flash any Official ROM from your region that supports VoLTE/WiFi calling, because the ROM from UAE (XSG) has VoLTE and WiFi calling disabled by software.
I've tried everything and only flashing Indian (INS) ROM solved it (I live in Argentina and here Samsung sells Snapdragon version, instead of Exynos one).
My case flashing INS Official ROM didn't trip Knox, and flashing official ROMs without any customization shouldn't trip it. But have in mind it can happen (read a couple of people had that). So do it at your own risk and only flash it with ODIN.
I think you'll have to flash BTU ROM in order to have your region stuff (VoLTE, WiFi calling, Samsung Pay)
Oh, about updates don't worry, unless you root your phone ot flash any custom ROM, you'll continue getting updates for your phone via OTA.
Sent from S.G. S9+ Duos
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Do you mean to say that the Indian ROM fixes VoLTE with an Argentine SIM card? Very interesting!
duraaraa said:
Do you mean to say that the Indian ROM fixes VoLTE with an Argentine SIM card? Very interesting!
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Yes, but ensure mobile carrier enables it for your number. It not ensbled by default
Sent from S.G. S9+ Duos
duraaraa said:
Do you mean to say that the Indian ROM fixes VoLTE with an Argentine SIM card? Very interesting!
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Forgive me, what has this got to do with my original question? Gone off topic I would say.

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