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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Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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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Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!
Related
My "galaxy s5" came in today. Worked for one minute and died. Appear cheap made. Says made in China. Called tmobile she told me imei is unknown. Watch out if buying on ebay. I'm returning Monday
optimusv45 said:
My "galaxy s5" came in today. Worked for one minute and died. Appear cheap made. Says made in China. Called tmobile she told me imei is unknown. Watch out if buying on ebay. I'm returning Monday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to be really careful on eBay with mobile phones. So many of them are blacklisted, blocked or are about to be. You have to make sure they can prove it was paid off. S3s have been around long enough as well as some S4s so your chances of getting a blocked phone are not as great but there are very few S5s that are not under contract of some sort. There are a couple of sites where you can check the IMEI for free, but that only shows what the state is today, and does not protect you from them reporting it lost or stolen after you buy it and have it for a couple of months.
gspears said:
You have to be really careful on eBay with mobile phones. So many of them are blacklisted, blocked or are about to be. You have to make sure they can prove it was paid off. S3s have been around long enough as well as some S4s so your chances of getting a blocked phone are not as great but there are very few S5s that are not under contract of some sort. There are a couple of sites where you can check the IMEI for free, but that only shows what the state is today, and does not protect you from them reporting it lost or stolen after you buy it and have it for a couple of months.
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Click to collapse
I'm not that afraid of blocked phones. I'm planning on unlocking and using on att anyways. I'm just buying the tmobile version for the bootloader. The one I bought is straight up fake. They had a tmobile imei flashed to it.
optimusv45 said:
I'm not that afraid of blocked phones. I'm planning on unlocking and using on att anyways. I'm just buying the tmobile version for the bootloader. The one I bought is straight up fake. They had a tmobile imei flashed to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T and T-Mobile share phone blacklist data so depending on why it was blacklisted you can get it unlocked but that doesn't mean it will work on AT&Ts network. In my experience in dealing with used phones, if it's blacklisted for account or payment reasons then it will normally work on AT&T's network. But if it's reported lost or stolen and blacklisted for that reason, it normally won't work on AT&T's network.
I have a G900T I'm using on AT&T with no issues, but I've repaired and resold many blacklisted phones and have run into the issues I described earlier many times so I hijacked your thread to try and give a cautionary tale to others to help them avoid these headaches. I know how to deal with it but most ordinary Joes don't. I've seen the fake S5s and S4s and that's an issue too, but whether it's fake or not, if it doesn't work that sucks.
Sorry you ran into this issue and for hijacking your thread.
That's why I only use Swappa!
HF4L said:
That's why I only use Swappa!
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Click to collapse
Swappa just makes sellers say their devices are whatever before listing. They don't have any real means to do quality check either. No real difference
gspears said:
AT&T and T-Mobile share phone blacklist data so depending on why it was blacklisted you can get it unlocked but that doesn't mean it will work on AT&Ts network. In my experience in dealing with used phones, if it's blacklisted for account or payment reasons then it will normally work on AT&T's network. But if it's reported lost or stolen and blacklisted for that reason, it normally won't work on AT&T's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true. I have had a TMo S5 that got blacklisted after 2 days of me buying it. I had to just sell it off underpriced. Sigh.
From what I heard from multiple AT&T reps, and got done on the one I got (another TMo S5 from another person), was to take him to TMo store first to verify the account is on his name and that the phone has been paid for. And then go with him to AT&T store to register the IMEI on my name. Once AT&T registers the IMEI on a person's account in person with both parties present, black listing won't apply to that number any more.
optimusv45 said:
Swappa just makes sellers say their devices are whatever before listing. They don't have any real means to do quality check either. No real difference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But swappa does require the esn to be checked which weeds out stolen, being financed (which is still consider stolen since Tmo still owns it til paid off), cloned esn/imei which will catch you a felony if in possession of and fake devices.
ShinySide said:
But swappa does require the esn to be checked which weeds out stolen, being financed (which is still consider stolen since Tmo still owns it til paid off), cloned esn/imei which will catch you a felony if in possession of and fake devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My fake device checks fine on swappa. When I called tmobile she told me the imei is clear and the device is unknown
I'm coming from att note 3. What's you all opinion on note 3 locked bootloader vs galaxy s5 unlocked bootloader ?
Edit: disregard this one. I posted in the sticky to discuss other devices
optimusv45 said:
Swappa just makes sellers say their devices are whatever before listing. They don't have any real means to do quality check either. No real difference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true. Swappa makes sellers refund you fully if the phone stops working due to an imei issue. On eBay, if I state the device turns on and appears to function as normal but could have a blocked imei. And eBay won't make me refund the buyer due to an accurate description.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
elesbb said:
That's not true. Swappa makes sellers refund you fully if the phone stops working due to an imei issue. On eBay, if I state the device turns on and appears to function as normal but could have a blocked imei. And eBay won't make me refund the buyer due to an accurate description.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't sold on swappa. How do they make you refund ? They somehow can withdraw money from your PayPal after you get the money ?
http://swappa.com/faq/general/paypal_dispute_swappa
Plus, I don't think the powers to be here at XDA would promote a service like Swappa without doing some do diligance. Plus I've bought and sold on Swappa, and have good results each time.
HF4L said:
http://swappa.com/faq/general/paypal_dispute_swappa
Plus, I don't think the powers to be here at XDA would promote a service like Swappa without doing some do diligance. Plus I've bought and sold on Swappa, and have good results each time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. I don't try to be a pain but just for the sake of discussion, from what I read it's still vague in how they are able to promise people refunds. Just curious if they will just pay for it or somehow make the seller refund obviously without access to their PayPal. Like on ebay, if you don't get what the listing is, eBay will cover you first and go for the seller themselves
Bought my first device on swappa. From what I read on swappas FAQ, if something goes south they just have you use PayPal dispute resolution ... not great, all the refund they can promise you is the 10 bucks fee which is of course nothing
optimusv45 said:
Bought my first device on swappa. From what I read on swappas FAQ, if something goes south they just have you use PayPal dispute resolution ... not great, all the refund they can promise you is the 10 bucks fee which is of course nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange cause I had bought a phone that was reported incomplete payment and they wanted me to dispute it with them before going to PayPal. I guess it all depends on the situation.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
elesbb said:
That's strange cause I had bought a phone that was reported incomplete payment and they wanted me to dispute it with them before going to PayPal. I guess it all depends on the situation.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's what's stated on their official FAQ. After hearing so many positive things about swappa, of course I made a purchase on a seller that doesn't have much past selling history, something I would never do on ebay. Now seller doesn't reply at all, even after the staff left two messages. I guess we'll see what happens. Yes swappa just tells you to dispute with them, them being the seller, if they just don't say anything, you can't do anything about it. I feel swappa is great for sellers because you get immediate payment but not great for buyers. Of course sellers get their money FIRST lol, why would they even care about you. A couple hundred dollars phone scam is so easy you just need a unverified PayPal account, which is just an email, when someone buys you get the money right away. You don't verify your PayPal to transfer funds instead you just use the unverified PayPal to pay for online purchases. And they refund they handle is the 10 bucks lol, PayPal does the rest( what's said in this post is what I understand of swappa and currently what's going on with me. By no means it is 100% correct, feel free to comment). I'll probably sell on swappa and buy on eBay from now on
Pics of the phone?
RakumiAzuri said:
Pics of the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like this
Pic
I can't post pics for dome reason
Like the title says, I've looked in every T-Mobile store and they're not selling any since it's a "year old", just the S2. Went to Best Buy...they just sell Sprint and Verizon versions but you can't get them unless you get a contract with them. I've looked online, and I'm scared to purchase one because most just say "750" without the model at the end (for example 750T for T-Mobile). I've found a AT&T watch and was thinking of ordering it since most of you guys on here have said it's compatible with a T-Mobile sim, but you only get 2G speeds, or I can get prepaid such as Straight Talk or H20 as well. Any suggestions as to where I can purchase a T-Mobile Gear S? Can't find anything on Ebay or Amazon
Leelouster said:
Like the title says, I've looked in every T-Mobile store and they're not selling any since it's a "year old", just the S2. Went to Best Buy...they just sell Sprint and Verizon versions but you can't get them unless you get a contract with them. I've looked online, and I'm scared to purchase one because most just say "750" without the model at the end (for example 750T for T-Mobile). I've found a AT&T watch and was thinking of ordering it since most of you guys on here have said it's compatible with a T-Mobile sim, but you only get 2G speeds, or I can get prepaid such as Straight Talk or H20 as well. Any suggestions as to where I can purchase a T-Mobile Gear S? Can't find anything on Ebay or Amazon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
where are you located? I'm asking because i can't find a sprint version anywhere around me (philadelphia) and i'm going crazy trying to figure out how to get the at&t one i've purchased to work standalone when i have sprint! It could be so much easier if i could just find a sprint version!
Leelouster said:
Like the title says, I've looked in every T-Mobile store and they're not selling any since it's a "year old", just the S2. Went to Best Buy...they just sell Sprint and Verizon versions but you can't get them unless you get a contract with them. I've looked online, and I'm scared to purchase one because most just say "750" without the model at the end (for example 750T for T-Mobile). I've found a AT&T watch and was thinking of ordering it since most of you guys on here have said it's compatible with a T-Mobile sim, but you only get 2G speeds, or I can get prepaid such as Straight Talk or H20 as well. Any suggestions as to where I can purchase a T-Mobile Gear S? Can't find anything on Ebay or Amazon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a guy under this subforum selling a T-Mobile Gear S. Contact him?
LunaWasted said:
where are you located? I'm asking because i can't find a sprint version anywhere around me (philadelphia) and i'm going crazy trying to figure out how to get the at&t one i've purchased to work standalone when i have sprint! It could be so much easier if i could just find a sprint version!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Purchase a prepaid sim for you att device and turn on call forwarding or use the prepaid number.
LunaWasted said:
where are you located? I'm asking because i can't find a sprint version anywhere around me (philadelphia) and i'm going crazy trying to figure out how to get the at&t one i've purchased to work standalone when i have sprint! It could be so much easier if i could just find a sprint version!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm located in the bottom of Texas lol. There's Sprint versions at my Best Buy but no T-Mobile Lol. I'm thinking of just getting it from AT&T and opening up a contract with them for 10 bucks a month. :/ I saw some on E-Bay but I rather not risk it from there.
James.Markham0757 said:
There is a guy under this subforum selling a T-Mobile Gear S. Contact him?
Purchase a prepaid sim for you att device and turn on call forwarding or use the prepaid number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did, but he never replied. As for the prepaid sim, I can't find none of what they were talking about in this forum. I've looked for H20 and StraightTalk at my Wal-Mart, but there's no H20, and with StraightTalk, I don't know what card to get. They spoke of one expiring after 90 days (maybe that was the H20?) but every card there expires after 30 days, even if you don't use all the texting and calling minutes.
Leelouster said:
I'm thinking of just getting it from AT&T and opening up a contract with them for 10 bucks a month. :/ I saw some on E-Bay but I rather not risk it from there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AT&T $10 device plan only works if you already have a family shared plan with them. You also can't use it on T-Mobile's Wearable plan because T-Mo locks this plan to IMEIs of T-Mo version Gear S or Gear S2 only.
The Gear S is already over a year old. Most places already cleared them out for Gear S2. eBay is probably your only bet for any device of this age.
Swappa website has some good deals on Smartwatches..
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
foxbat121 said:
The AT&T $10 device plan only works if you already have a family shared plan with them. You also can't use it on T-Mobile's Wearable plan because T-Mo locks this plan to IMEIs of T-Mo version Gear S or Gear S2 only.
The Gear S is already over a year old. Most places already cleared them out for Gear S2. eBay is probably your only bet for any device of this age.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn...but if I use the AT&T watch with the AT&T plan, I can still forward calls to my T-Mobile phone right?
nktwister said:
Swappa website has some good deals on Smartwatches..
Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, I'll check it out
(Offer up) great app
Can you buy an AT&T and then buy an unlock code? It's only $20-$25 online for one.
jmattick said:
Can you buy an AT&T and then buy an unlock code? It's only $20-$25 online for one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can. I read that many people did that. AT&T is supposed to supply an unlock code if you call, but I've seen that many people had different outcomes. Some were able to get it, some had to keep on calling nad persisting, and others had no luck. Although beware that in unlocking the device, when you go to another carrier (such as T-Mobile) that it will have 2g or HSPA+ speeds instead of 3G or even 4G since the bands are different or something like that.
I sold my unlocked ATT gear S last month, because I managed to grab an LG watch Urbane 2nd edition LTE before they took them off the market. For what it's worth, I bought mine from ATT, had it unlocked by ATT, and used it on Tmobile with the wearables plan for a year. (As soon as I put the sim card in my LG watch, it did something to my wearables plan and i could never get it reinstated. In general, unlocked ATT Gear s devices no longer work with the $5 Tmo wearables plan, but with any other regular Tmo sim card.)
Anyhow, in New England, I was getting 3G speeds sometimes, if I recall correctly.
To get the ATT Gear S unlocked, you need to have been an ATT postpaid cell customer at some point, and provide that respective phone number to them. If you have a friend who is a customer, they could submit the unlock request for you as well.
Otherwise, ATT forces you to "wait 90 days" during which time you have to pay for a plan with them.
There was also an Ebay seller who was selling unlock codes for around $10 if memory serves me well.
By the way, the regular retail price for the ATT version is cheaper by $50 than Tmo's, so definitely worth going that route.
It would be unbelievably helpful if you'd let us know how much you love it =), on a side note I does anybody have a bricked Gear S? I'll buy it =)
xendula said:
Otherwise, ATT forces you to "wait 90 days" during which time you have to pay for a plan with them.
There was also an Ebay seller who was selling unlock codes for around $10 if memory serves me well.
By the way, the regular retail price for the ATT version is cheaper by $50 than Tmo's, so definitely worth going that route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, AT&T's stupid 90 days plan. Way too much. I don't wanna be paying 50 dollars a month for a watch. I found a friend who has a watch that is 1 month old and was selling it so I brought it, and it's from T-Mobile too so it's a win, win. It's only 5 dollars a month (plus an addition 10 for insurance). AT&T is selling the watch right now for $199 outright. T-Mobile isn't selling it at all, but before they took it down it was going for $250. I went with T-Mobile because $199 plus tax comes out to $220. Then I got to put 30% down for AT&T's stupid plan plus an additional $20 or $30 dollars extra (forgot for what) which comes out to $76 dollars total. So add that to the $220. Then the following month I'm going to have to pay a one-time activation fee of $15 dollars, PLUS the service which is $50 dollars (but if you're already a customer with them it's $10 a month), PLUS if you haven't already finished paying off the watch, you're going to have to put down money for that before the 3 months is over. Too costly in my opinion. I just payed my friend $120 (cause he has $80 left due in his account so I'm paying off that) and then just the $15 bucks a month so I'm good.
I think my friend has a bricked Gear S, but he has to send that back since they gave him the one that I have right now lol.
GOIGIG said:
It would be unbelievably helpful if you'd let us know how much you love it =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean the Urbane, it's mindblowingly awesome, with a battery life that's out of this world. My Gear S was great for the year I had it, but the Urbane is so much better; I've been using it daily for almost 3 months now.
The only updates Google needs to make is allow voice calls over BT and a way to manually update APN settings, both possible with the Gear S.
Don't buy an att gear s if you plan to use the android rom on it. Att locked the bootloader on their gear s and so far there is no way to unlock it so no rom for us.
I have a T-Mobile version and I shopped for it on my local Craigslist. You just have to be careful yet persistent. Ask for better photos and definitely take a copy of the ad with you when you go to check it out for hopefully your purchase. My seller had a warranty replacement and it is in near pristine condition. I have replaced his original watch band, thanks to eBay. And I do have a broke clip on the charger cradle that I will eventually replace as well.
Also, Swappa is an excellent place to purchase items. There's 2 sides, there's the Swappa.com and then there's Boneyard where you purchase stuff not able to be sold on regular Swappa like broken glass, missing parts and devices for parts. Google both. Hope this helps!! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Now, I did in fact have an AT&T branded Gear S that I tried, unsuccessfully, to get to operate on T-Mobile. I wanted the wearables sim card and I put T-mobile's in it. It would NOT work for me as I was told by many support levels (twitter, email, and phone) that the T-Mobile wearables sim card was not provisioned for the AT&T branded Gear S. I gave up and sent that version Gear S back, getting a full refund and purchased what I described in my opening of this post.
ladydi102 said:
I have a T-Mobile version and I shopped for it on my local Craigslist. You just have to be careful yet persistent. Ask for better photos and definitely take a copy of the ad with you when you go to check it out for hopefully your purchase. My seller had a warranty replacement and it is in near pristine condition. I have replaced his original watch band, thanks to eBay. And I do have a broke clip on the charger cradle that I will eventually replace as well.
Also, Swappa is an excellent place to purchase items. There's 2 sides, there's the Swappa.com and then there's Boneyard where you purchase stuff not able to be sold on regular Swappa like broken glass, missing parts and devices for parts. Google both. Hope this helps!! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Now, I did in fact have an AT&T branded Gear S that I tried, unsuccessfully, to get to operate on T-Mobile. I wanted the wearables sim card and I put T-mobile's in it. It would NOT work for me as I was told by many support levels (twitter, email, and phone) that the T-Mobile wearables sim card was not provisioned for the AT&T branded Gear S. I gave up and sent that version Gear S back, getting a full refund and purchased what I described in my opening of this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought an AT&T branded gear S from swappable a couple of months ago and I am using it with my wearable sim card without a problem. I already had the plan though with a tablet and cut down the sim put it in the gear and called tmobile and they turned it into a data and phone line for me as it was only a data line.
izakura said:
I bought an AT&T branded gear S from swappable a couple of months ago and I am using it with my wearable sim card without a problem. I already had the plan though with a tablet and cut down the sim put it in the gear and called tmobile and they turned it into a data and phone line for me as it was only a data line.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NIce. I found a really good deal on a AT&T Gear S but not sure I want to get it because my luck isn't that good. lol So your AT&T Gear S works exactly the same on T-Mobile then? I don't have a tablet plan so not sure what I would have to do to go the route you did.
sweets55 said:
NIce. I found a really good deal on a AT&T Gear S but not sure I want to get it because my luck isn't that good. lol So your AT&T Gear S works exactly the same on T-Mobile then? I don't have a tablet plan so not sure what I would have to do to go the route you did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far it's been working great. But I already had the plan so I don't know if it would work. Call tmobile and see if it could work. I mean they turned my data only plan into a phone line
izakura said:
So far it's been working great. But I already had the plan so I don't know if it would work. Call tmobile and see if it could work. I mean they turned my data only plan into a phone line
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know a T-Mobile manager. I called him today but he was off. He's worked his magic before. So let me get this straight your watch has it's own number and you get 4G speeds?
So I am ready to get a new phone to replace my 3+ year old Galaxy S4.
Replaceable batteries and expandable storage are must have features for me there aren't a lot of options out there.
Being rootable is also a must have feature and an unlocked/unlockable bootloader is a very strong preference.
I'm currently on Cricket (which is owned by AT&T and uses the AT&T network), the coverage and pricing are good but I may want to switch to T-Mobile in the next couple years. If I'm going to go T-Mobile that means I need a phone that supports T-Mobile Band 12 (I've used T-Mobile before without Band 12 and would not ever consider that again due to abysmal coverage).
I have searched both on XDA and on Google and I've found conflicting information about whether I could use the European H850 and have it work with T-Mobile Band 12, specifically I've seen several places where it's listed that the H850 supports LTE Band 12 but I don't trust T-Mobile to find some way to block their implementation of Band 12 for non TMO devices.
Does anyone here know for sure that I can use the European model LG G5 (H850) on T-Mobile and use T-Mobile Band 12?
Thanks in advance.
I have H850 on metro pcs, which uses T-Mobile network.
I forget which LTE band they use, but my LTE is faster than my WiFi...and yes it does have band 12 available as shown on the box my phone came in.
The H850 supports every band T-Mobile h830 supports plus like ten more.
I've had no dropped calls or any other problems in regards to my service.
Also T-Mobile doesn't care enough to block non T-Mobile customers from using every band they are paying for...
I use metro so I don't have access to the full T-Mobile network, just as cricket doesn't access full AT&T network...but my internet is beyond fast
Pphish20 said:
I have H850 on metro pcs, which uses T-Mobile network.
I forget which LTE band they use, but my LTE is faster than my WiFi...and yes it does have band 12 available as shown on the box my phone came in.
The H850 supports every band T-Mobile h830 supports plus like ten more.
I've had no dropped calls or any other problems in regards to my service.
Also T-Mobile doesn't care enough to block non T-Mobile customers from using every band they are paying for...
I use metro so I don't have access to the full T-Mobile network, just as cricket doesn't access full AT&T network...but my internet is beyond fast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean you don't have access to the full network? You're just prioritized lower than T-Mobile users, meaning you'll get throttled if the network is under heavy load, nothing else.
OK guys follow up question I'm ready to get an H850 where is the best place to buy one? Want an EU model that's bootloader unlockable and needs to come SIM unlocked obviously.
raitchison said:
OK guys follow up question I'm ready to get an H850 where is the best place to buy one? Want an EU model that's bootloader unlockable and needs to come SIM unlocked obviously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clove is where I got mine they shipped from UK to Colorado in 2 days via DHL personal courier. They now have all colors besides pink in stock with b&o headphones and u get H850 unbranded fully unlockable UK edition from trusted seller. I use with MetroPCS and amazing.
I can get a full 40+ hrs of battery life out of this phone with heavy use and 7hrs SOT this is a true gem don't GiB yourself by going through unreliable vendor like I almost did.
That being said here is there link:
https://m.clove.co.uk/lg-g5
Pphish20 said:
Clove is where I got mine they shipped from UK to Colorado in 2 days via DHL personal courier. They now have all colors besides pink in stock with b&o headphones and u get H850 unbranded fully unlockable UK edition from trusted seller. I use with MetroPCS and amazing.
I can get a full 40+ hrs of battery life out of this phone with heavy use and 7hrs SOT this is a true gem don't GiB yourself by going through unreliable vendor like I almost did.
That being said here is there link:
https://m.clove.co.uk/lg-g5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You recommend that site to buy the phone? no scamming nor anything like that? cause im thinking on buying one all the way from Florida.
CyrusX1 said:
You recommend that site to buy the phone? no scamming nor anything like that? cause im thinking on buying one all the way from Florida.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely. There are others on here who pointed me in their direction. They are well established with tons of great reviews. I almost got scammed on with a bait and switch on eBay then somebody told me to go with Clove. They are legit. Use PayPal and enjoy your phone. My device from them had had no build quality issues and I've been nothing but pleased with my purchase
Clove have been around for a long time and are a respected retailer. Though they aren't the cheapest though.
I just bought one sim free from EE on the high street for £399 including taxes. I had to buy a payg sim for £10 though.
On my box it says B12 so no reason why it wont work.
scote said:
Clove have been around for a long time and are a respected retailer. Though they aren't the cheapest though.
I just bought one sim free from EE on the high street for £399 including taxes. I had to buy a payg sim for £10 though.
On my box it says B12 so no reason why it wont work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Following up on this, I did end up buying from Clove, ordered on 6/16. it shipped on 6/20 but did not arrive until 7/9.
Bigger problem than the long shipping time was that there was very poor information on the status of my delivery. When they shipped (dispatched) they sent me a Royal Mail tracking number but whenever I checked it the only thing the Royal Mail web site said was that shipment was "on it's way" with no detail or progress let alone an estimated delivery day. What's worse was that about a week into the shipping time the Royal Mail site stopped providing any status at all, saying that they had no reference of my shipment. After a few days of this I was getting really worried that my phone was lost in the mail but eventually the tracking number started returning a result in the USPS system.
It took 2 weeks for the phone to get from the U.K. to the U.S. and another 5 days to get the last 25 miles to my house.
raitchison said:
Following up on this, I did end up buying from Clove, ordered on 6/16. it shipped on 6/20 but did not arrive until 7/9.
Bigger problem than the long shipping time was that there was very poor information on the status of my delivery. When they shipped (dispatched) they sent me a Royal Mail tracking number but whenever I checked it the only thing the Royal Mail web site said was that shipment was "on it's way" with no detail or progress let alone an estimated delivery day. What's worse was that about a week into the shipping time the Royal Mail site stopped providing any status at all, saying that they had no reference of my shipment. After a few days of this I was getting really worried that my phone was lost in the mail but eventually the tracking number started returning a result in the USPS system.
It took 2 weeks for the phone to get from the U.K. to the U.S. and another 5 days to get the last 25 miles to my house.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats odd as clove are a good fast shipper. usually shipments into the USA are held up by lengthy customs clearance on the US end. most USA mobiles unfortunately are a waste of time as they are pre loaded with crazy carrier bloat and the network restrictions are absurd. steer clear of the h830 etc like the plague.
sorry you had to wait
---------- Post added at 11:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:42 PM ----------
scote said:
Clove have been around for a long time and are a respected retailer. Though they aren't the cheapest though.
I just bought one sim free from EE on the high street for £399 including taxes. I had to buy a payg sim for £10 though.
On my box it says B12 so no reason why it wont work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah got mine from EE. RIDICULOUSLY low price for a flagship. got it unlocked using the £10 credit you have to buy. Do that too if you haven't.
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.
Click to expand...
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:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to hear Patrick - it gives one confidence in the LG G5 - Thanks!
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"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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.
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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!
Click to expand...
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.