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i was at BestBuy last week, and was about to get the AT&T Galaxy S II, unfortunately i haven't established my own credit, so i have to deposit $500, on top of the $199 [phone price] before they sell me the phone. that's around $750 with the activation fee and taxes.
that made me think, should i just get the International Version from Amazon, since they're only selling it for $550? then just start an account with AT&T? or with T-Mobile, becuase i heard T-Mobile won't ask for a deposit? will it be worth it? also, regarding data speeds, will the international version be slower than AT&T's Galaxy S II? or will it be just the same?
i really like the International Version, because of the fact that it's the slimmest versus the other 3 US variants, and from the 3, i like the AT&T's version better than T-Mobile's and Sprint's, just because i don't like how the edges are rounded.
also, i need your reason why the version of your choice is better.
any comments, suggestions or tips will be appreciated.
thank you
International version if you don't need warranty.
I think either way you might need to do a deposit if you're signing up with AT&T though.
hmm, so the $500 deposit is for the contract? and not for the phone?? i thought the idea was, deposit $500, so you don't run away with a $700 worth of phone.. -_-
the deposit is not for the phone, its for the line.
It's for the contract/line. You pay $199.99 for the phone + $500 deposit for the contract/line.
Yeah unfortunately its very easy to rack up crazy charges on your bill so if you have no credit to show you're credit worthy, you get hit. It sucks but it could be $1k...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
ahhh. i get it now. ok, so how 'bout which is better? AT&T or the International Version? will data speeds differ from each other?
IF you have an options, which I would assume, since you are asking, then definitely get the international. There are tiny physical differences, and some firmware. Some cases will fir both models, but not all. Some software will support both, but not all. In this case, if you want the greatest flexibility in software and accessories, go with international, as it's had a BIG head start.
sweetrobot said:
IF you have an options, which I would assume, since you are asking, then definitely get the international. There are tiny physical differences, and some firmware. Some cases will fir both models, but not all. Some software will support both, but not all. In this case, if you want the greatest flexibility in software and accessories, go with international, as it's had a BIG head start.
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thank you for your suggestion. now for the carrier? should i go for AT&T or T-Mobile? (since i heard they don't require the $500 deposit unlike AT&T) and also, is the data speed faster on the AT&T's GSII versus the International??
viciouspinoy said:
thank you for your suggestion. now for the carrier? should i go for AT&T or T-Mobile? (since i heard they don't require the $500 deposit unlike AT&T) and also, is the data speed faster on the AT&T's GSII versus the International??
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Click to collapse
If your'e going with T-Mobile, you will have to buy T-Mobile's version of Samsung Galaxy S II, otherwise you will have no "3G/4G" data. You will only get EDGE data speed if you're using International or AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II.
The $500 is for contracts. If you walk into an att store with your own phone they won't ask for any money down. The only reason for contracts is to make sure they make back the discounts they give on phones. A contract is not needed if you have your own phone. Even if you're a terrible customer they only have to worry about a month. And how they schedule payments is your bill 'pays' for the next month. Even though your bill is based off your usage for that last month, you in reality are paying for the next month. That's why when you're late on a payment they don't immediately kill your line, cause they're not out money yet.
As far as what carrier? I'd go with att just for the chance tmobile deal goes through quicker than expected.
Having a phone through a carrier that is getting bought out = lots of frustration.
Having personally dealt with that situation twice, I can confidently say it's not worth it.
But since you wouldn't be on contract you could just as easily jump from tmobile to att (would be frustrating if you couldn't take your number with you, but our google overlords make that situation much better if you get a google number from them, no need to tell anyone your number even changed)
Obviously these are points with 'price being beside the point.'
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
If you decide to get an international version, I have one for sale. I'll do $500 shipped. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1296689
@runtohell121 Wow for making my long post pointless. Too bad I didn't see your post till after I had already sent mine.
You're definitely right.
Tmobile uses both 1700 and 2100. One for upstream and one for downstream.
Unfortunately the galaxy s ii uses 850/900/1800/1900 bands for gsm.
Looks like att is the best choice, otherwise it will only be edge speeds.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
gr8hairy1 said:
The $500 is for contracts. If you walk into an att store with your own phone they won't ask for any money down. The only reason for contracts is to make sure they make back the discounts they give on phones. A contract is not needed if you have your own phone. Even if you're a terrible customer they only have to worry about a month. And how they schedule payments is your bill 'pays' for the next month. Even though your bill is based off your usage for that last month, you in reality are paying for the next month. That's why when you're late on a payment they don't immediately kill your line, cause they're not out money yet.
As far as what carrier? I'd go with att just for the chance tmobile deal goes through quicker than expected.
Having a phone through a carrier that is getting bought out = lots of frustration.
Having personally dealt with that situation twice, I can confidently say it's not worth it.
But since you wouldn't be on contract you could just as easily jump from tmobile to att (would be frustrating if you couldn't take your number with you, but our google overlords make that situation much better if you get a google number from them, no need to tell anyone your number even changed)
Obviously these are points with 'price being beside the point.'
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
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ok, so just for clarification, if i walk in to an AT&T STORE with the INTERNATIONAL Galaxy S II on hand, i won't have to pay $500 for the deposit? With that in mind, then it would be cheaper for me right? Because i'm a college student with no credit. because with what you said, i think i will definitely get the international version.
Forget T-Mobile, since i work in Irvine, Ca., most of my co workers that are with AT&T, have better coverage than Verizon and T-Mobile. My only question now is if i get the International Galaxy S II, and start a plan with AT&T, will it run the same data speeds as with AT&T's Galaxy S II?
Truceda said:
If you decide to get an international version, I have one for sale. I'll do $500 shipped. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1296689
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Click to collapse
for some reason, i couldn't see your post, it says, its because im a new member. anyway, post the details here, or PM it to me. is it brand new? and where are you from? send pictures.
viciouspinoy said:
ok, so just for clarification, if i walk in to an AT&T STORE with the INTERNATIONAL Galaxy S II on hand, i won't have to pay $500 for the deposit? With that in mind, then it would be cheaper for me right? Because i'm a college student with no credit. because with what you said, i think i will definitely get the international version.
Forget T-Mobile, since i work in Irvine, Ca., most of my co workers that are with AT&T, have better coverage than Verizon and T-Mobile. My only question now is if i get the International Galaxy S II, will it run the same data speeds as with the AT&T Version?
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I'm not too sure about the contract question, but I still think you would have to pay a deposit IF you sign a contract with AT&T. I personally don't know that you're allow to get service with AT&T without a contract or I never done it before so.. yea.. I don't know.. but my guess is that if you go into an AT&T store with your international SGSII, they will say it won't work or something LOL.
As for the SGSII data speed question, it will be the same as AT&T version as long as you have the correct data settings.
thanks! but i need this clarified though. ive been watching videos of the international galaxy s ii.. i'm in love with it.
after googling and looking at at&t forum.. seems like you can do month to month with AT&T on an unlocked phone as long as it works. Just that I'm not too sure on what data package you would need.
Ok, so what does the "correct data settings" that you were saying mean? Hmm, data package? I might want a 2GB data plan. Is that what you were asking?
Sent from my DROID2 using XDA App
You will most likely have to enter the data settings to enable the 3G for the SGSII International to work on AT&T. By data pack, I mean you might be able to get the "dumbphone" unlimited since it's an unlocked phone..
I've tried to grab two (G500T) now and both refuse to connect to T-Mobile unless I'm in their store. The reps figured it was a SIM issue and didn't bother to look up the IMEI. At home I tried my and my wife's sims from a rooted S3 and a rooted Core Prime and I get the same thing.... they won't attach to T-Mobile even though the other phones do.
So when I used TMo's IMEI tool both report as being overdue on accounts. So how are supposedly "Manufacturer refurbs" coming out with this flag? Is there any way to get these G500T's and know before purchase that the IMEI is clean and that it will just work on Tmo?
-gmolds
Am i missing something here... this Amazon post for the G900T even states that the device is only partially usable on TMo. Isn't that the Tmo variant? I mean the two I receieved booted to 4.4.2 or maybe 4.4.4 with the TMo graphinc and Jingle yet wouldn't grab a TMo tower outside of their store.
Add to that if I turned on WiFi calling I was recognized as the correct number and could send and receive calls/sms just fine.
gmolds said:
Am i missing something here... this Amazon post for the G900T even states that the device is only partially usable on TMo. Isn't that the Tmo variant? I mean the two I receieved booted to 4.4.2 or maybe 4.4.4 with the TMo graphinc and Jingle yet wouldn't grab a TMo tower outside of their store.
Add to that if I turned on WiFi calling I was recognized as the correct number and could send and receive calls/sms just fine.
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There has been tons and tons of rebranded att devices people are selling as unlocked g900f and g900t devices as att has locked bootloader and nobody wants them. Could be your problem.
I wouldn't trust amazon nor eBay. Try swappa.com 100% and guaranteed to not be black listed
ShinySide said:
There has been tons and tons of rebranded att devices people are selling as unlocked g900f and g900t devices as att has locked bootloader and nobody wants them. Could be your problem.
I wouldn't trust amazon nor eBay. Try swappa.com 100% and guaranteed to not be black listed
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I'll look at swappa... but would AT&T locked ones root and take TMo kernels/ROMs becasue I was able to do exactly that and as stated, in the TMo store, it linked up instantly with full LTE (WiFi off) but outside of the stores reach it wouldn't connect. And again, the phone's IMEI according to TMo's lookup tool (both of them) had outstanding bills associated with them.
Isn't the Amazon link odd in that it is listed as a T but claims partial TMo functionality?
Or you could just buy straight from T-Mobile! I got two for $200 each. They're also eligible for T-Mobile's interest free credit system and come with a 90 day warranty which they will honour even if rooted.
invisiblewave said:
Or you could just buy straight from T-Mobile! I got two for $200 each. They're also eligible for T-Mobile's interest free credit system and come with a 90 day warranty which they will honour even if rooted.
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Currently showing $250... a bit high for this model used IMO.
Worth a bit extra for some peace of mind, imo. As the T-Mobile rep I spoke to pointed out, the CPO devices go through an 80 point check which the new phones don't, at least not by TM. Both ours look brand new, and I'm guessing that both the glass & battery, and probably the outer cover too, were replaced. There's a difference between used & CPO. And I'm guessing $250 is less than you paid for the two you bought that you can't use outside the store??
invisiblewave said:
Worth a bit extra for some peace of mind, imo. As the T-Mobile rep I spoke to pointed out, the CPO devices go through an 80 point check which the new phones don't, at least not by TM. Both ours look brand new, and I'm guessing that both the glass & battery, and probably the outer cover too, were replaced. There's a difference between used & CPO. And I'm guessing $250 is less than you paid for the two you bought that you can't use outside the store??
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Actually they were $140 apiece via Woot (Amazon subsidiary) and were listed as AT&T and T-Mobile friendly. One wouldn't charge and the other had the bad IMEI. I'd go as high as $200 I think. I'll keep an eye on Swappa and maybe call a TMo rep to see if they'll come down. I'm in no hurry... just getting ready for our next phones. I can't let Shiny get too far ahead or I'll miss out on all of his great work and their derivatives
As I said, when I bought ours they were $200, they'd previously been $250, so you may get lucky if you keep your eye on T-Mobile. I did their interest-free plan, so it's $8/month each, which seems like a hell of a deal now I've seen how good the phone is. Add a $10 wireless charging coil and you've got a phone that's indistinguishable from a $700 current model.
gmolds said:
Actually they were $140 apiece via Woot (Amazon subsidiary) and were listed as AT&T and T-Mobile friendly. One wouldn't charge and the other had the bad IMEI. I'd go as high as $200 I think. I'll keep an eye on Swappa and maybe call a TMo rep to see if they'll come down. I'm in no hurry... just getting ready for our next phones. I can't let Shiny get too far ahead or I'll miss out on all of his great work and their derivatives
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Click to collapse
Those are TMo friendly phones, in that you can put a TMo SIM in them and they will work. However, that's not the same as a 900T. I bought a S5 through Woot back in January, and it was described as a 900T and it was a 900T.
rlichtefeld said:
Those are TMo friendly phones, in that you can put a TMo SIM in them and they will work. However, that's not the same as a 900T. I bought a S5 through Woot back in January, and it was described as a 900T and it was a 900T.
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It is/was (http://www.woot.com/offers/samsung-galaxy-s5-unlocked-16gb-sd-23) in fact a 900T. It reported as much. I've laid out pretty specifically what the problem was and got confirmation from TMo. The real problem is the resellers putting these phones out there as able to be used when the IMEI clearly reports as a phone in arrears on it's account.
If I had been willing to pay the account that the pay as you go phone had been bought on, it would have started working. TMo had taht IMEI blacklisted.
Maybe they're generic specs, but they don't list the AWS bands for T-Mobile, which is the usual problem with buying phones that may or may not be T-Mobile devices.
Readily admitting that I don't know what you're talking about but the fact that I connected to TMo with full bars when at the Tmo shop but dropped out as soon as I drove away and the fact that the phone is in Tmo's system seems to me to be a fairly clear indication that is was a proper model.
In any case.. got one off of swappa and watching for another in my price range and in a condition I will accept. Thanks all for the comments and pointers.
It's not an indication that it's a proper model. Speaking very generally, an AT&T phone will work on T-Mobile because they're both GSM/LTE phones. However, the GSM bands they use aren't identical. There's some overlap, but in some areas there are bands used on T-Mobile that AT&T phones can't use. What that means in practice is that in some places the AT&T phones won't get a signal on T-Mobile and may use 3G rather than LTE. AWS is GSM 1700/2100. It's the same reason why my T-Mobile phones work in the UK but the data over there is slow.
So in this case when the phone is reporting that knox hadn't been tripped and the phone info claimed to be a 900T is still may be an AT&T?
I just bought this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MF64PSK/ on Amazon. Clean IMEI and a 90 day money back guarantee. Looks brand new.
magdelaine said:
I just bought this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MF64PSK/ on Amazon. Clean IMEI and a 90 day money back guarantee. Looks brand new.
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Awesome to hear that real ones are out there... seems hit or miss on Amazon. I have gotten full refunds from W00T and now have two "good" condition phones from swappa and am happy with their conditions and the prices paid.
gmolds said:
Awesome to hear that real ones are out there... seems hit or miss on Amazon. I have gotten full refunds from W00T and now have two "good" condition phones from swappa and am happy with their conditions and the prices paid.
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I have really liked what I've purchased from Swappa too, but this time I went with Amazon. I read your post and was worried...I had to check the IMEI!
I would like to replace my Verizon flip phone with the LG G5.
Don't try to talk me out of it, I like the wide-angle camera and the native 16:9 camera sensor.
I also like the idea of getting my hands on one for under $300.
And yet I am very aware that over time this phone can develop problems with Wi-Fi, GPS, camera focusing, etc.
SO, my question is > What is the best way to get a deal on the LG G5 that will allow me to replace it or send it back to LG
for repair under warranty in case any major problems pop up during the next year or two?
Some background: I am on a Verizon unlimited plan with four lines (1 iPhone, 2 flip phones, and 1 tablet).
All devices are paid off, so no particular commitment to stay with Verizon, although it would be easier
not to have to replace each device if we moved over to T-Mobile (second choice).
The best deal I've seen was last month from Best Buy ($5 month/24 months - $120 total). I missed that,
so I keep checking Best Buy's site, hoping that same deal will be repeated. At the moment they list the Verizon LG G5
at $15/month, which is a better deal than Verizon themselves, who list it at $20/month.
>> Does getting a potentially troubled phone from a carrier offer more protection for replacement or repair
over buying one from Best Buy, Amazon, or even Swappa, or will LG's warranty be just as good from any of these options?
Just trying to get the best deal and protection on a new LG G5. Any thoughts?
VonDrake2 said:
I would like to replace my Verizon flip phone with the LG G5.
Don't try to talk me out of it, I like the wide-angle camera and the native 16:9 camera sensor.
I also like the idea of getting my hands on one for under $300.
And yet I am very aware that over time this phone can develop problems with Wi-Fi, GPS, camera focusing, etc.
SO, my question is > What is the best way to get a deal on the LG G5 that will allow me to replace it or send it back to LG
for repair under warranty in case any major problems pop up during the next year or two?
Some background: I am on a Verizon unlimited plan with four lines (1 iPhone, 2 flip phones, and 1 tablet).
All devices are paid off, so no particular commitment to stay with Verizon, although it would be easier
not to have to replace each device if we moved over to T-Mobile (second choice).
The best deal I've seen was last month from Best Buy ($5 month/24 months - $120 total). I missed that,
so I keep checking Best Buy's site, hoping that same deal will be repeated. At the moment they list the Verizon LG G5
at $15/month, which is a better deal than Verizon themselves, who list it at $20/month.
>> Does getting a potentially troubled phone from a carrier offer more protection for replacement or repair
over buying one from Best Buy, Amazon, or even Swappa, or will LG's warranty be just as good from any of these options?
Just trying to get the best deal and protection on a new LG G5. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all, overall the LG g5 is actually a good phone. Yes, there can be some issues, but overall if you get a decent one you'll be happy. Now, are you looking to be able to root and / or use custom ROMs? If so either get the T-Mobile h830 and switch to T-Mobile as it had root and custom ROMs available or the RS988 from b&h photo as it works on Verizon (just pop in an already activated Verizon sim card and it works without issues) if you're wanting to stay on Verizon and get root (only root is available currently for rs988). Also, b&h photo has a really decent warranty they they offer when you buy from them. Other benefit of RS988 is that if you decide to change to T-MOBILE or at&t at a later time, you can do that as it has the correct bands for all 3 carries. If you don't care about root / custom ROMs and are 100% sure you want to stay on Verizon you could go with Verizon itself although you would want to get insurance and that's a monthly charge and big deductible and you'll only get a refurbished version of they can't fix it instead of paying a one time fee for warranty and much smaller deductible with b&h. So, will depend on what you're truly looking for. I had the RS988 and used it on Verizon and T-MOBILE without any issues although I returned it as I really needed root and custom ROMs and at the time it wasn't possible except on international h850 and T-Mobile h830, so I got the T-Mobile version. Oh and other thing, as far as warranty goes, it's the same no matter if you go through Verizon, T-MOBILE, b&h or best buy as warranty is from LG for 1 year. Hopefully this helps
Thanks jeffsga88 for all that info. It sounds like it's better to rely on LG's free year-long warranty
rather then paying a carrier an extra insurance fee.
Is it correct that if I got a used phone on Swappa, the warranty would only be good for a year from
when the phone was originally purchased?
For the LG G5, I am not particularly interested in rooting. I am fully aware that this is a rooting site,
but it seems people on XDA forums really know their stuff, which is why I'm seeking out help here.
I am mostly interested in getting a model that will work with Verizon here in the US,
and also work in Western Europe on their GSM network. T-Mobile works with GSM,
so no problem there, which I why I might consider switching.
However, my research shows that even an LG G5 Verizon CDMA model should work on
European GSM networks. I hope this is correct.
VonDrake2 said:
Thanks jeffsga88 for all that info. It sounds like it's better to rely on LG's free year-long warranty
rather then paying a carrier an extra insurance fee.
Is it correct that if I got a used phone on Swappa, the warranty would only be good for a year from
when the phone was originally purchased?
For the LG G5, I am not particularly interested in rooting. I am fully aware that this is a rooting site,
but it seems people on XDA forums really know their stuff, which is why I'm seeking out help here.
I am mostly interested in getting a model that will work with Verizon here in the US,
and also work in Western Europe on their GSM network. T-Mobile works with GSM,
so no problem there, which I why I might consider switching.
However, my research shows that even an LG G5 Verizon CDMA model should work on
European GSM networks. I hope this is correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. If you buy off of swappa, you'll most likely not have warranty for two reasons. Number one is because the warranty is most likely past and number two is for warranty you need original proof of purchase which you probably won't get. I recommend getting from Best buy or b&h. As far as being able to use all the networks, I'd say you're better off getting the RS988 from b&h photo. It will have coverage on all the bands and will have a brand new 1 year warranty plus you could buy a warranty for $50 / 1 year or $80 / 2 year one time fee when you buy it and it covers spills and drops Oh, and you don't pay sales tax when you buy from them
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1239314-REG/lg_lgrs988_ausasv_g5_h850_32gb_smartphone.html
See attached screenshot for the bands this version has.
jeffsga88 said:
No problem. If you buy off of swappa, you'll most likely not have warranty for two reasons. Number one is because the warranty is most likely past and number two is for warranty you need original proof of purchase which you probably won't get. I recommend getting from Best buy or b&h. As far as being able to use all the networks, I'd say you're better off getting the RS988 from b&h photo. It will have coverage on all the bands and will have a brand new 1 year warranty plus you could buy a warranty for $50 / 1 year or $80 / 2 year one time fee when you buy it and it covers spills and drops Oh, and you don't pay sales tax when you buy from them
See attached screenshot for the bands this version has.
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Click to collapse
Thanks again jeffsga88 - that B&H RS988 model seems like the one to get.
At the moment B&H's price is $399. I might wait until the price gets closer to $299.
Don't know if this sounds crazy or not, it's just that I know there's that $120 Best Buy deal out there,
(or was out there), so a lower price seems preferable.
VonDrake2 said:
Thanks again jeffsga88 - that B&H RS988 model seems like the one to get.
At the moment B&H's price is $399. I might wait until the price gets closer to $299.
Don't know if this sounds crazy or not, it's just that I know there's that $120 Best Buy deal out there,
(or was out there), so a lower price seems preferable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the price will drop eventually. Not sure how long it will take but it will eventually drop. Was checking best buy and they have the rs988 too for $375 with a free battery and charging dock, but even at $375 it will be more then b&h with tax. If you're ok waiting a couple months I'd guess price will drop. Especially as more flagships come out this year and as LG gets closer to V30 release time.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-g5-4g-lte-with-32gb-memory-cell-phone-unlocked-silver/5199300.p?skuId=5199300#bonus-content
Edit: Also on b&h photo you can buy used for $249.95 with no tax. They say it won't be under manufacturer warranty but is covered by their warranty. You would need to email their support to get more details on what is covered and how long as I don't know. Here's the link for used one:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801549589-USE/lg_lgrs988_ausatn_g5_rs988_32gb_smartphone.html
jeffsga88 said:
Yeah, the price will drop eventually. Not sure how long it will take but it will eventually drop. Was checking best buy and they have the rs988 too for $375 with a free battery and charging dock, but even at $375 it will be more then b&h with tax. If you're ok waiting a couple months I'd guess price will drop. Especially as more flagships come out this year and as LG gets closer to V30 release time.
Edit: Also on b&h photo you can buy used for $249.95 with no tax. They say it won't be under manufacturer warranty but is covered by their warranty. You would need to email their support to get more details on what is covered and how long as I don't know. Here's the link for used one:
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I'll wait as long as I can, which may not be very long.
However, according to comments on the B&H and Amazon pages, this unlocked model RS988 won't work with Verizon Wi-Fi calling,
which I suppose I could live without. Just hoping it works with European GSM networks.
It's seems my best choices are either this LG G5 RS988, or waiting to see if that $5/month Best Buy deal comes up again.
VonDrake2 said:
I'll wait as long as I can, which may not be very long.
However, according to comments on the B&H and Amazon pages, this unlocked model RS988 won't work with Verizon Wi-Fi calling,
which I suppose I could live without. Just hoping it works with European GSM networks.
It's seems my best choices are either this LG G5 RS988, or waiting to see if that $5/month Best Buy deal comes up again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may or may not, I never tested it while I had it As far as compatibility with EU GSM networks just Google search what network bands they use and check against the screenshot I posted earlier.
I just picked up a used AT&T g5 unlocked for $230.oo. I love it.
:highfive:
patrick73csun said:
I just picked up a used AT&T g5 unlocked for $230.oo. I love it.
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That's good to hear Patrick - it gives one confidence in the LG G5 - Thanks!
I ordered an unlocked S9+ from Samsung for my wife last night since it was cheaper, and the articles I was reading said it was the way to go as the US carriers were screwing everyone over with their price increases. Unfortunately, I started looking into it more after I bought it, and I'm concerned that I'll regret this. It sounds like things like WiFi calling, video calling, HD voice, Visual Voicemail, etc. don't work on the unlocked version. Additionally, it sounds like updates are even slower than Verizon.
Basically, these are going to be non-starters with my wife. She doesn't care about the VZW bloat and would much rather have those features. Is it possible to flash the unlocked firmware to be VZW stock firmware? I think I saw this done on the S8, but I'm not sure if that was available on release day or if she is going to have to wait months for the VZW stock firmware to be leaked or something. Should I just return this and pay more for the Verizon version, or can I get this to work without pulling my hair out? Thanks for any help!
Probably, but not immediately
I face the same dilemma - I have pre-ordered the unlocked version from Samsung, because it really annoys me to be gouged by VZW, but I would like the VZW features you mention. As you say, the GS8/GS8+ unlocked could be flashed to the VZW firmware, so I expect that it will also be possible to flash the VZW firmware to unlocked GS9/GS9+. The catch is that that's not likely to be day 1. And if you do it later, it will probably be a hassle, because you may lose settings, etc. I.e. your wife will not be happy.
Frankly, for the $90 difference, it's probably not worth the hassle. If you value your time more than burger-flipping hourly pay, you'll probably do better holding your nose and paying the VZW gouge. Of course, you could just be patient and wait a couple of months for the price to come down/BOGO deals to emerge, etc. and/or the VZW firmware to be available to flash, but that's un-American - we want gratification NOW, dammit!
While I didn't get the unlocked one I did save money by getting in on the Best Buy deal for $100 off the phone! Verizon at the time was listed at $915 on the site, got $100 off so $815 out the door Beat Samsung's price from the get go... awesome. Verizon version of the 9+.
Same here
firefox15 said:
I ordered an unlocked S9+ from Samsung for my wife last night since it was cheaper, and the articles I was reading said it was the way to go as the US carriers were screwing everyone over with their price increases. Unfortunately, I started looking into it more after I bought it, and I'm concerned that I'll regret this. It sounds like things like WiFi calling, video calling, HD voice, Visual Voicemail, etc. don't work on the unlocked version. Additionally, it sounds like updates are even slower than Verizon.
Basically, these are going to be non-starters with my wife. She doesn't care about the VZW bloat and would much rather have those features. Is it possible to flash the unlocked firmware to be VZW stock firmware? I think I saw this done on the S8, but I'm not sure if that was available on release day or if she is going to have to wait months for the VZW stock firmware to be leaked or something. Should I just return this and pay more for the Verizon version, or can I get this to work without pulling my hair out? Thanks for any help!
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I am having the same issue with my unlocked s9+ i got directly from samsung. besides duo, is there another workaround for video calling?
galaxys9plus said:
I am having the same issue with my unlocked s9+ i got directly from samsung. besides duo, is there another workaround for video calling?
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I believe that people have had success flashing it to VZW if you want to go that route.
Deathman20 said:
While I didn't get the unlocked one I did save money by getting in on the Best Buy deal for $100 off the phone! Verizon at the time was listed at $915 on the site, got $100 off so $815 out the door Beat Samsung's price from the get go... awesome. Verizon version of the 9+.
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Don't forget the upgrade fee though if you did it on device payments
geoff5093 said:
Don't forget the upgrade fee though if you did it on device payments
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Oh yeah lovely upgrade fee/line activation fee. I think its waved on the phone I upgraded, my new line I got nailed with it... wahooo.
Deathman20 said:
Oh yeah lovely upgrade fee/line activation fee. I think its waved on the phone I upgraded, my new line I got nailed with it... wahooo.
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The only way to escape that stupid fee is to buy an unlocked phone and swap SIM from an old phone. They should waive that fee if you buy at full cost from them or if you don't need to have a Verizon employee switch your SIM for you.
firefox15 said:
I ordered an unlocked S9+ from Samsung for my wife last night since it was cheaper, and the articles I was reading said it was the way to go as the US carriers were screwing everyone over with their price increases. Unfortunately, I started looking into it more after I bought it, and I'm concerned that I'll regret this. It sounds like things like WiFi calling, video calling, HD voice, Visual Voicemail, etc. don't work on the unlocked version. Additionally, it sounds like updates are even slower than Verizon.
Basically, these are going to be non-starters with my wife. She doesn't care about the VZW bloat and would much rather have those features. Is it possible to flash the unlocked firmware to be VZW stock firmware? I think I saw this done on the S8, but I'm not sure if that was available on release day or if she is going to have to wait months for the VZW stock firmware to be leaked or something. Should I just return this and pay more for the Verizon version, or can I get this to work without pulling my hair out? Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
firefox15 said:
I believe that people have had success flashing it to VZW if you want to go that route.
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Click to collapse
Flashing for the most part has been only partially successful. Most can not get Video Calling to work all other features seem to work. 1 guy in the these forums claims everything works on his. I haven't been sucessful with getting the integrated Video Calling to work, My account blocks it and won't let me unblock it for the Galaxy S9 my other lines with carrier phones the don't have blocks when I switch SIMS the block switches to whichever line the Galaxy S9 is on.
I would say this, save yourself the hassle and keep the wife happy, buy the VZW version from Samsung Directly. If you buy it outright just make sure VZW releases your IMEI since the phone is paid off. Then if you want to leave VZW or sell the phone everything is good to go and your not handing the money directly to those greedy blood suckers at VZW. For myself I'm willing to go without their features, besides the service I won't buy anything from them anymore I last bought a phone through them 4 years ago, and now that Tmob has got real 4G I'm gonna port my number out.
So it looks like this will be my second time buying from eBay where someone tries to scam me.
Turn on the phone, realize it's google locked, and spend about an hour researching how to get around it. Maybe the guy forgot to remove it from his account?
I look it up on Swappa and see that the IMEI is clear yet it was FINANCED! (not eligible for resale.)
To ask what is probably a stupid question, I don't have any options, do I?
This has been previously discussed in the Q&A section. I also bought a Google locked V30+ intentionally and was able to work around it. Search for "bypass FRP LG V30/G6 Android 8.0 2018"
grob971 said:
This has been previously discussed in the Q&A section. I also bought a Google locked V30+ intentionally and was able to work around it. Search for "bypass FRP LG V30/G6 Android 8.0 2018"
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I went through that whole long process. But now it won't activate on my network. I think since it was financed I can't use it.
TPMJB said:
I went through that whole long process. But now it won't activate on my network. I think since it was financed I can't use it.
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Then maybe the IMEI is not clean. I recommend contacting the seller or get eBay involved if the seller didn't disclose that the phone was financed.
grob971 said:
Then maybe the IMEI is not clean. I recommend contacting the seller or get eBay involved if the seller didn't disclose that the phone was financed.
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Actually, it's a Sprint phone and I'm using an ATT MVNO card, so I imagine that's why.
Either way, not disclosing it was financed AND google locked is a **** move
If I can fix it I at least want 50 bucks back. Cost me $230. It's otherwise mint, however.
TPMJB said:
Actually, it's a Sprint phone and I'm using an ATT MVNO card, so I imagine that's why.
Either way, not disclosing it was financed AND google locked is a **** move
If I can fix it I at least want 50 bucks back. Cost me $230. It's otherwise mint, however.
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Mine also was a LS998. Works perfectly on Straight Talk (ATT) after the Google bypass and converting to US998. Try the conversion and see if that resolves the network issue. Good luck.
grob971 said:
Mine also was a LS998. Works perfectly on Straight Talk (ATT) after the Google bypass and converting to US998. Try the conversion and see if that resolves the network issue. Good luck.
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It seems to recognize my SIM card now, but in Oreo US998 I can't change the APN settings (mine are wrong). Just stuck on the default ATT apn settings. No way to test it...
Edit: Sent myself a text ( I use google voice). It works!
Now I'm going to finish bootloader unlock and installing Pie...
...tomorrow lol. Also gonna try to get money back from eBay douchebag
TPMJB said:
So it looks like this will be my second time buying from eBay where someone tries to scam me.
Turn on the phone, realize it's google locked, and spend about an hour researching how to get around it. Maybe the guy forgot to remove it from his account?
I look it up on Swappa and see that the IMEI is clear yet it was FINANCED! (not eligible for resale.)
To ask what is probably a stupid question, I don't have any options, do I?
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Click to collapse
You can get a refund from eBay due to seller dishonesty.
Next time, buy from eBay pro dealer who stands behind their products. Like this one:
LG V30 LS998- 128GB - Titan Black (Sprint) Smartphone A Mint - $299
I've bought from that guy several times or had others buy from him. Just make sure you get the "mint" one. Use Frankenstein to convert to US998.
OR if you want BRAND NEW IN BOX -- with 2-year LG warranty:
LINK REMOVED AS SELLER IS NOT RELIABLE
ChazzMatt said:
You can get a refund from eBay due to seller dishonesty.
Next time, buy from eBay pro dealer who stands behind their products. Like this one:
LG V30 LS998- 128GB - Titan Black (Sprint) Smartphone A Mint - $299
https://www.ebay.com/itm/LG-V30-LS998-128GB-Titan-Black-Sprint-Smartphone-A-Mint/192609345150
I've bought from that guy several times or had others buy from him. Just make sure you get the "mint" one.
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I mean, it's working now I just had dicking around to do. Not thrilled, but it did only cost me $230 and is otherwise a mint V30+.
Still annoyed.
Though I think if someone gave me a V40 for free but I had to use it on Sprint's networks, it would be worse than my current situation :laugh:
Edit: Also your guide helped me out a TON! Thanks!
TPMJB said:
I mean, it's working now I just had dicking around to do. Not thrilled, but it did only cost me $230 and is otherwise a mint V30+.
Still annoyed.
Though I think if someone gave me a V40 for free but I had to use it on Sprint's networks, it would be worse than my current situation :laugh:
Edit: Also your guide helped me out a TON! Thanks!
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You paid $230 for a $350+ phone (even if it's used) and didn't expect problems? Why'd you think it was so cheap? That's why I use Swappa almost exclusively now.
Not to be a shill, I've got no connection to this listing. But if your'e fine with silver and 64gb base:
LG V30 US998 64GB US Cellular Smartphone-Silver-Mint
https://www.ebay.com/itm/173602248812
I just bought one at $319 less than two weeks ago and it was new in box, had the screen protector on it, etc. manufactured june of 2018 and it successfully qualified for 2nd year warranty. Legit. Best price I've seen shopping a ton on ebay and swappa.
Just bought another today, for my wife, the price is now $299. Super solid.
ldeveraux said:
You paid $230 for a $350+ phone (even if it's used) and didn't expect problems? Why'd you think it was so cheap? That's why I use Swappa almost exclusively now.
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Where the hell are you still finding the V30 for $350? Retail? Why would you buy a phone from retail?
I just picked up another one for $200 even. I'm giving it to a friend at cost after I unlock it so it can be used wherever (she is going back to Colombia in a month for good.) Colombia uses the same LTE bands we do, but this phone is Verizon Locked.
water- said:
Not to be a shill, I've got no connection to this listing. But if your'e fine with silver and 64gb base:
LG V30 US998 64GB US Cellular Smartphone-Silver-Mint
https://www.ebay.com/itm/173602248812
I just bought one at $319 less than two weeks ago and it was new in box, had the screen protector on it, etc. manufactured june of 2018 and it successfully qualified for 2nd year warranty. Legit. Best price I've seen shopping a ton on ebay and swappa.
Just bought another today, for my wife, the price is now $299. Super solid.
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Click to collapse
Still more than I'd spend on a phone. First Apple jacked up the prices of phones because its followers are incredibly stupid. Capitalizing on this, Samsung did the same for no reason whatsoever and those sheep followed. Then Google released the first pixel for 3 times the price of the Nexus 6P (which is barely any better than the 6P, aside from hardware issues,) so on and so forth. I refuse to buy into this trend. People leasing phones like you would a car is a problem.
I agree with you entirely. The days of subsidized phones is over. Though I've seen the V30 go on sale for half of MSRP back in august on verizon for a few days. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL were buy one get one free for a week or so on Verizon. That's about $400~ for a new phone, which is reasonable.
When you paid $200, are you getting a new phone? I have my doubts about that. But link please if you're finding that.
Of course $300 is more than I'd like to spend. In 2015 early 2015 I got the LG G4 for $199 with a promo through Verizon, I wasn't changing carriers so had no problem with the 2 years contract. But for the tech I'm getting today compared to 2015, $100 more isn't terrible.
At the end of the day you certainly can choose not to lease but the MSRP of phones is crazy high. If you're getting a modern phone for cheap it's either really shady black market china/etc stuff (liable to get scammed), used, at least a year or more old model, or a flash deal that isn't something you can reliably bank on. I don't know how you can say you're opting out of high prices, you're not, you're compromising on something or have happened to get lucky in a way that isn't something everyone can plan on. $299 for a truly NEW, with mnfg warranty V30 is a pretty solid deal.
TPMJB said:
Where the hell are you still finding the V30 for $350? Retail? Why would you buy a phone from retail?
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I'm not trying to weed through the same scams that you fell prey to on EBAY so I can find a phone that will maybe be as described, in decent condition, clean IMEI, etc. So if you want reputable; retail or Swappa or similar. Never EBAY. I was lucky to find a nice V30+ on Swappa, but there are no more for sale. I'm not talking about a V30. A V30+, like you said in the title. You know, the better one.
Bottom line is you found a deal that was literally too good to be true. Use discretion next time, especially if the device isn't even for you, but some mysterious Columbian 3rd party. Or whatever your story is now. :good:
ldeveraux said:
I'm not trying to weed through the same scams that you fell prey to on EBAY
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Click to collapse
Some scam. I got a working V30+ for $230. Google locked ones that have good IMEIs but the owner didn't pay his dues still go for around $200.
Is an hour of my time worth $100? I'd say so.
Also, it's "Colombian."
water- said:
Not to be a shill, I've got no connection to this listing. But if your'e fine with silver and 64gb base:
LG V30 US998 64GB US Cellular Smartphone-Silver-Mint
https://www.ebay.com/itm/173602248812
I just bought one at $319 less than two weeks ago and it was new in box, had the screen protector on it, etc. manufactured june of 2018 and it successfully qualified for 2nd year warranty. Legit. Best price I've seen shopping a ton on ebay and swappa.
Just bought another today, for my wife, the price is now $299. Super solid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same exact one I bought - first was at $319 for my wife... then I got jealous and she bought me the same one at $299 yesterday. Great deal for a BNIB phone, and I can certainly recommend the seller, as the device is exactly what was listed!
water- said:
Not to be a shill, I've got no connection to this listing. But if your'e fine with silver and 64gb base:
LG V30 US998 64GB US Cellular Smartphone-Silver-Mint
https://www.ebay.com/itm/173602248812
I just bought one at $319 less than two weeks ago and it was new in box, had the screen protector on it, etc. manufactured june of 2018 and it successfully qualified for 2nd year warranty. Legit. Best price I've seen shopping a ton on ebay and swappa.
Just bought another today, for my wife, the price is now $299. Super solid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
schwinn8 said:
Same exact one I bought - first was at $319 for my wife... then I got jealous and she bought me the same one at $299 yesterday. Great deal for a BNIB phone, and I can certainly recommend the seller, as the device is exactly what was listed!
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Click to collapse
I'll add this to the WTF thread later tonight. That way there's a good selection of mint 128GB V30+ ($299), new 64GB V30 ($299) for same price, and then new 128GB V30+ ($378) -- first from trusted seller, latter two with warranty.
The V30+ is an awesome device but I can't justify paying $300 for any phone. I got mine for under $200 on eBay back in August. Mint condition, clean IMEI but was Google locked. A little research and effort and I was able to bypass the lock and convert to US998 (thanks to the awesome guides in this forum). You can still find these on eBay if you're willing to put in the effort. Definitely worth the $100+ savings. At least to me.
A bit late to the party, but if it hasn't already been said:
Clean IMEI means that the device has never been network blacklisted. Usually blacklisting happens because it's reported stolen or lost, and is irreversible as far as the consumer is concerned; it permanently blocks activation for the network.
Clean IMEI and no other flags means good to go.
Financed means it's still attached to an account and is still owed money on. You might be able to contact the carrier and pay off the balance; this would release the phone for reactivation, but will probably increase the cost to the point where you would be better off just buying a clear phone.
A financed phone is a ticking time bomb. At the point that the carrier decides that the original customer has no intention of paying the phone off, they'll blacklist the IMEI so it can never be activated on that network again (this includes MVNOs using solely that network).
Don't buy phones that are financed unless you know you'll never use it on its home network. If you have a decent feedback score, ask private sellers for the IMEI so you can check it before buying. Or, as others have said... just spend a bit more and buy from a reputable seller.
Septfox said:
Don't buy phones that are financed unless you know you'll never use it on its home network. If you have a decent feedback score, ask private sellers for the IMEI so you can check it before buying.
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Agree 100%. That's where you have to do your research and put in a little effort before hitting the buy button. Do this and you can certainly get yourself an incredible deal on these incredible phones.