[Q] Looking for a highend phone from the US which works in Europe - General Topics

I will travel to New York in ten days for a week and would like to buy something awesome which works also in Europe (Germany).
I currently own the Motorola Atrix so it should be better than that which means qHD, 1GB RAM >= 4inch display, >=1Ghz DualCore.
AT&T and T-Mobile use the same network frequencies as in Germany (as far as I know) so all of their phones should work (if they aren't SIM-locked).
Thanks for help.
PS: At first I decided to buy the HTC Evo 3D but as far as I know it is only available on the Sprint network which doesn't help me in Germany

Related

Buying HTC phones / Windows Mobile in Japan

Hello xda-users:
I'm going to japan for vacations and I'm thinking to buy a phone there, I read that you need to buy the phone with a contract ? and the phone might not work overseas.
Also I heard that the phones are really expensive.
Any help in this matter wil be appreciatte
I´ve just heard that the phones will not work outside of japan as they use a different signal frequency...
Softbank or NTT Docomo just announced a bunch of new phones, which include the Toshiba TG-01 and the HTC favorites. The only problem being that you need a gaijin card to get them and some other requirements (a contract too). You'll probably know more once you get there.
You can rent a phone and they do use 2100 Mhz UMTS/HSDPA, but I don't know if an unlocked non-JP phone will work there with a rental phone's SIM.

Choosing i9000 or I897 variant - Features

Hello,
I'm a probably future owner of an i897 but I have some questions about the hardware and models variations
I like in Brazil and my 3G carrier use 2100 MHZ (Where I live) and 850 MHz on other states (3g on Roaming). I have an unlimited data plan, but with a max speed of 300 kbps (so far).
I'm looking for the best GSM android phone: Fast processor, huge screen (4" or bigger), big resolution (at least 800 x 480), TV output, Wi-Fi, Internet tethering, GPS. All roads lead to I9000 or i897.
At first I thought choose the i897, because it uses both 850 MHz and 2100 MHz, so I'll have 3g anywhere in Brazil. BUT and you can see my data plan have a speed limit of 300kbps, so I don't know if I'll use the full potential of 3G, at least for now. Eventually I'll upgrade my data plan to a 1 MBPS plan.
I can also get i9000 but it will work only in few states. Probably it work for one year (As I don't intend to travel too much in the next year), but after one year I can change my carrier and some carriers here only use 850 MHZ 3G. So choosing the i9000 I will narrow my future options.
What I trying to ask (or answer) is whether is better to have an i897 with full country 3G BUT with an extremely "locked" firmware of if I should get the i9000 with a better firmware option but with restricted 3G (3G with 70% coverage).
In order to answer that I have other 'sub-questions':
1) Does i897 have the FM radio hardware? Would a future firmware/ROM update enable it?
2) Does i897 GPS works (I recall AT&T Blocking GPS on blackberry phones)
3) I saw some comments (other phones) that some ROMs messed up with 3G band. The 3G frequency is a hardware or software configuration?
4) Some sellers are already selling, here in Brazil, unlocked i897 phones. Is possible to unlock the phone but a ROM update or I'll have to pay for unlock codes?
5) Which other features AT&T decided to lock (Removed from their ROM) on this phone?
6) Is there an I9000 variant with front facing camera?
5) One very important question: Aside from Droid x (which is not GSM) and HTC evo (which also if not a GSM phone) is the Samsung i897/i9000 the best android phone available?
I also thought about getting a Motorola XT720 but it is only US$ 50 cheaper and have a slower processor and no 850 MHZ 3G. Also thought about the HTC Desire (A8183 Australian model that have both 850 and 2100
MHZ 3G) but so far I find the i897 the best option (although I would love having front facing camera that the Desire have).
Any other options?
Thanks
Jose Morais
In answer to your question(s), the phone you want is the best one for you ...
1. No, the i897 is not supporting an FM radio at this time, and I'm not sure if the hardware is present as I refuse to open my phone to look. AT&T's specifications page does not list FM radio as a feature either, but that doesn't mean its not there and disabled.
2. Yes the GPS works, it is spotty for some and Samsung has admitted to there being an issue that will be resolved by an upcomming OTA update.
3. (For WM Phones): It's not so much the ROM as it is the Radio software, which may, or may not, be changed in the ROM. Different versions of the radio software can improve performance for some and worsen it for others. I'm am not sure how the radio software is handled by an Android device, as this is the first one I've owned, but I imagine is is very similar. Just be aware of what you are doing, and how to undo it if something is amiss.
4. There is a thread on this board about unlocking the i897, and as of my last reading yesterday, there is no known way to unlock this phone...yet. There was even a report of someone selling "unlocked" i897 phones on e-bay, which were
later found to be firmly SIM locked. I would advise you read that thread, and be very aware of what you are buying if someone is advertising an unlocked i897.
5. AT&T has blocked (or tried to anyway) non-market apps from installing, and WiFi tethering apps from displaying in the android marketplace. There are work arounds for all of this already.
6. Yes, the are Galaxy S phones with FFC. Not sure if any of them are GSM. Keep in mind that transmitting live video is bandwidth intensive and your plan, and upload speed, may not be robust enough to handle it. On that note, I can find no data that either supports or denies this phone having HSUPA capability which would go a long way towards being able to use a FFC as intended.
7. Your last question is entirely subjective to perspective and intended use.
Were I you I would get the phone that most suits my needs and my HOME network. You may want to wait a bit and see what pans out with this phone.
In Brazil the i897 should not currently be an option you should consider until AT&T has made a definitive decision about unlocking the phones, or a third party solution is possible. The Samsung Galaxy S platform is going to be releases in 110 countries. Brazil being probably one of the bigger cell phone markets, is going to get a variant of the Galaxy S lineup in the near future, you best option will be to wait on a phone like this to be released and then pick it up.
Battlehymn,
Thanks for the answers. I have an expectation when using my phone and now I'm trying to find which phones can fullfill this expectation. That's why sometimes the phone that I (think) want may not be the best for me. I hope i897 will the "the one".
I also think it's the best to think about a phone that will work with 3G on my home state. I897 will work, but as well as i9000. Maybe the best option, as you sugested, is to wait a little to see how i897 works in terms or ROM and unlock.
@rajendra82
Sure. My carrier will start selling the i897 here in few months, but I don't really want to buy it here: An iphone 3GS 16GB brought in a store cost around 3.000 Brazilian reais (around US$ 1,650) while it can be purchased for US$ 400 in the US. I asked a friend of mine to bring me a US phone but I have up to next week to decide which one he should buy.
Thanks
don't buy the captivate if you don't have att you'll be dissapointed because it won't work!
get something that does, if you must get an android device, the nexus 1 with the ATT bands (I think thats what you're looking for?) is you're best bet. they're still available online at places but you are most definitely running out of time
Telstra in Australia run on 850/2100 3G, and I'm pretty sure some networks in Canada do aswell. Keep an eye on on those carriers for a compatible Galaxy S to be released soon.
Major Clod said:
Telstra in Australia run on 850/2100 3G, and I'm pretty sure some networks in Canada do aswell. Keep an eye on on those carriers for a compatible Galaxy S to be released soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a friend of mine that will travel to US next on august 13th, so I decide which phone I'll bet before he leaves. I don't think there will be Telstra ou Canada versions of the i9000 by than. Will have to decide about buying I9000, i897 or HTC Desire in the next two weeks...

[Q] European(UK) sensation Vs Sensation 4G (US)

Since I live in the armpit of technology, NZ, I'm in the process of looking to source this phone abroad, just sold my desire HD for a great price here ( at least there is a benefit for living here -reselling value holds good) and was looking for the best place to buy the phone.
Boils down to US or UK.
If its the UK, then Clove.co.uk will be my first choice as they have done well by me before ( though they were expensive compared to the US , I had £ there, so used that first)
If I get the sensation 4G for vodafone here (2100 and 900MHz) am I likely to run into any issues.
or should I get it from the UK.
what are the differences between the models if any... can't find nowt anywhere comparing the models for any differences.... is it just a marketing difference ??
Damn those XDA videos are getting great !!!
Pier
not 100% sure but from the box shots I've seen of the released UK version and spy shots of the T-mobile US version, the only difference is in the 3G/UTMS frequency.
UK is 900/1700/2100
US is 1700/1900/2100
plehmann said:
Since I live in the armpit of technology, NZ, I'm in the process of looking to source this phone abroad, just sold my desire HD for a great price here ( at least there is a benefit for living here -reselling value holds good) and was looking for the best place to buy the phone.
Boils down to US or UK.
If its the UK, then Clove.co.uk will be my first choice as they have done well by me before ( though they were expensive compared to the US , I had £ there, so used that first)
If I get the sensation 4G for vodafone here (2100 and 900MHz) am I likely to run into any issues.
or should I get it from the UK.
what are the differences between the models if any... can't find nowt anywhere comparing the models for any differences.... is it just a marketing difference ??
Damn those XDA videos are getting great !!!
Pier
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the phones are identical except the US version has Tmobile bloatware.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using XDA App
NardVa said:
I think the phones are identical except the US version has Tmobile bloatware.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understand T-Mobile is relatively good when it comes to bloatware. They have even released some phones with stock Android versus the version with the OEM's skin.
Not as good as the Vodafone version I'm guessing though and never as good as the sim-unlocked one but still I'm hoping it's not horrible.
I tend to get my phones from expansys.co.nz. However they don't have a price or availability yet.
1) Will there be a speed difference if used on Tmo US?
2) Will it be possible to flash the Rom from the Sensation 4G to the Sensation in the future for wifi calling?
solsearch said:
From what I understand T-Mobile is relatively good when it comes to bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, so not true. Some of the problems the G2X (O2X) are experiencing are being attributed to some of the T-Mobile apps. And that was supposed to be a "vanilla Google" phone. Their version will have a proprietary Wi-Fi Calling app that will no doubt interfere with SIP on the phone. You'll also be dependent on T-Mobile for updates which will always be slower than HTC direct. If you're going to root the phone and load custom ROMs this is of course mute.

Sensation Tmobile unlock vs factory unlock.

Hello all- I am in New Zealand and have found a local seller who has an unlocked/rooted T-Mobile Sensation which I would like to buy but am won dering if there would be any restrictions, radio difference, etc..
Is a unlocked/rooted T-Mo version Sensation differ from a factory unlocked Sensation ?
I jusy dont trust carrier branded phones and even though this is unlocked/rooted I always fear that there will be some hidden T-Mo files and programs that will restrict the phone somehow.
Cheers for any help, LL13-
I live in Belgium and allways buy my phones in America,
cause they are much cheaper there. All my phones have been debranded
an sim-unlocked. Afterwards they have exactly the same performance as
my friends devices that are bought here.
Only difference is 3g and 4g phones.
Cheers for that cdman..
I compared the 2 on GSMArena and they are identical but am always a little bit wary of branded mobiles but the seller claims to have unlocked/rooted so I imagine it will be OK and it is cheap !!
I am going for it.
Cheers, LL13-

Just bought my LG G Pro 2 D838

I have just bought my LG G Pro 2 off eBay for £320 from a UK stocked supply so hopefully will be getting it tomorrow. I am on the Three network so 4G should work fine, although the 800 band 4G won't be supported when they roll it out in the rural areas, but I don't mind that. I currently have an iPhone 5S and iPad, and having previously had all android devices I have just never been able to get into the Apple products, I think they are way over rated, so the iPhone and iPad I have are going on eBay next week, and this LG G Pro 2 will be a compromise over having 2 different devices ). I have read so many positive things about the G Pro 2 and they aren't loaded with stupid technology you don't need, and they are cheaper than Samsung phones. I was looking at the Sony Z Ultra as they are selling them for £250 on Expansys, but I felt it was too big, and many reviewers said the screen wasn't bright enough and the battery isn't removable. So what are your opinions for those of you who already have this phone?
Kieran1981 said:
I have just bought my LG G Pro 2 off eBay for £320 from a UK stocked supply so hopefully will be getting it tomorrow. I am on the Three network so 4G should work fine, although the 800 band 4G won't be supported when they roll it out in the rural areas, but I don't mind that. I currently have an iPhone 5S and iPad, and having previously had all android devices I have just never been able to get into the Apple products, I think they are way over rated, so the iPhone and iPad I have are going on eBay next week, and this LG G Pro 2 will be a compromise over having 2 different devices ). I have read so many positive things about the G Pro 2 and they aren't loaded with stupid technology you don't need, and they are cheaper than Samsung phones. I was looking at the Sony Z Ultra as they are selling them for £250 on Expansys, but I felt it was too big, and many reviewers said the screen wasn't bright enough and the battery isn't removable. So what are your opinions for those of you who already have this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratulations on your purchase. You're going to love this phone. The screen might be on the bigger side but I find it perfect for reading on the go and playing games. The minimal bezels and the amazing battery life are such a treat to have. and it has a much slimmer profile than I had expected. All the best for using the phone. Do feel free to reach out to the community if you have any queries or issues :good:
hello there
congratz on your new phone,hope you enjoy it and also hope it gets dev support it deserves
dont mean to crash in or anything but if the phone arrived and since you have the D838 does it have FM Radio?im planning on getting this phone but FM kinda deal breaker to me and some websites are saying that D838 does indeed have FM Radio
Evil Slayer said:
hello there
congratz on your new phone,hope you enjoy it and also hope it gets dev support it deserves
dont mean to crash in or anything but if the phone arrived and since you have the D838 does it have FM Radio?im planning on getting this phone but FM kinda deal breaker to me and some websites are saying that D838 does indeed have FM Radio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there everyone the phone arrived today, am very impressed, I think the screen is better than my iPhone 5s which is going on eBay next week lol. It blows my iPad air out of the water too, I have always been disappointed with the display on the iPad air. It reminds me of a TN panel on a budget laptop.
I can see this LG G Pro 2 serving me well, its easy to use and I love the UI, which am surprised about as I normally like vanilla stock android. It just seems to work. I can't believe LG hasn't released this phone in the UK. I think it would do very well as far as phablets go. I'll update more as the day goes on.
I haven't seen any FM radio by the way. If you have unlimited data plan just stream it on one of the many radio streaming sites.
Kieran1981 said:
Hi there everyone the phone arrived today, am very impressed, I think the screen is better than my iPhone 5s which is going on eBay next week lol. It blows my iPad air out of the water too, I have always been disappointed with the display on the iPad air. It reminds me of a TN panel on a budget laptop.
I can see this LG G Pro 2 serving me well, its easy to use and I love the UI, which am surprised about as I normally like vanilla stock android. It just seems to work. I can't believe LG hasn't released this phone in the UK. I think it would do very well as far as phablets go. I'll update more as the day goes on.
I haven't seen any FM radio by the way. If you have unlimited data plan just stream it on one of the many radio streaming sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice!,seems like a great phone
unfortunately data plans where i live is a bit expensive,so that's why i find myself using my optimus 3d FM radio alot since i walk for a very long distance everyday.but thanx for answering my question
Kieran1981 said:
Hi there everyone the phone arrived today, am very impressed, I think the screen is better than my iPhone 5s which is going on eBay next week lol. It blows my iPad air out of the water too, I have always been disappointed with the display on the iPad air. It reminds me of a TN panel on a budget laptop.
I can see this LG G Pro 2 serving me well, its easy to use and I love the UI, which am surprised about as I normally like vanilla stock android. It just seems to work. I can't believe LG hasn't released this phone in the UK. I think it would do very well as far as phablets go. I'll update more as the day goes on.
I haven't seen any FM radio by the way. If you have unlimited data plan just stream it on one of the many radio streaming sites.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratulations to your new phone. It's beautiful. I am thinking about buying this phone too. But I need to know if you can select the Dutch language (Nederlands) as phone language. Would please have a look and let me know?
Planet X said:
Congratulations to your new phone. It's beautiful. I am thinking about buying this phone too. But I need to know if you can select the Dutch language (Nederlands) as phone language. Would please have a look and let me know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the d838 Taiwanese version and The Nederlands is most definitely in my system language selection.
Planet X said:
Congratulations to your new phone. It's beautiful. I am thinking about buying this phone too. But I need to know if you can select the Dutch language (Nederlands) as phone language. Would please have a look and let me know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can. there is your netherlands.
skate4life said:
you can. there is your netherlands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes yes yes. Thank you. I will order it on eBay.
hi guys,
just ordered my LG G Pro2 in India and awaiting the delivery. Its the D838 model that we get here in India...
Got the Titan colour. How is the performance of the phone. This will be my second phone from LG after Nexus 5
kailashnj said:
hi guys,
just ordered my LG G Pro2 in India and awaiting the delivery. Its the D838 model that we get here in India...
Got the Titan colour. How is the performance of the phone. This will be my second phone from LG after Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have received mine yesterday evening and it's gorgeous. What a beautiful screen. As I have a G2 as well the speed seems the same, may be sometimes a little faster.
B.t.w. I cannot select "swype" from keyboard. I could on my G2. Is that normal? Okay I have installes Swype for now but the G3 keyboard wolud have been nicer.
Planet X said:
I have received mine yesterday evening and it's gorgeous. What a beautiful screen. As I have a G2 as well the speed seems the same, may be sometimes a little faster.
B.t.w. I cannot select "swype" from keyboard. I could on my G2. Is that normal? Okay I have installes Swype for now but the G3 keyboard wolud have been nicer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root: - https://towelroot.com/ (click on lambda + install + make it rain(open apk and press on that) + install supersu from google play or else + reboot)
install g3 keyboard:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2767660
backup old keyboard from g3 keyboard options , than hit install and reboot.
for more info and ...etc..feel free to join our g pro 2 facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lggpro2/
enjoy.
I already rooted my D838 and have installed the G3 keyboard as well. But that doesn't give you the trace function on the D838. I searched a bit further and found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2531417 where is described how to enable the swipe/trace function. After edit my build.prop swipe is working fine with the LG G3 keyboard. Also G2tweakbox xposed addon works really well on our D838.
Does this phone support exfat formatted ext SDCard ?
mobile88 said:
Does this phone support exfat formatted ext SDCard ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes.. I am using 64gb exfat format card
Hello all
Does any of you know about the availability of the D837 version in Europe (particularly UK) all I can see on eBay is the D838. My concern is that the D838 only supports 1800 / 2600 on 4G. I am with "Three Mobile" which as I understand mainly uses 800. I can see that the D837 has better frequency support on 2G and 4G which is more useful to me as Three user and also because I travel quite often.
I don't have much information about the F350 model but I can see on eBay being sold from Korea or China (I rather buy from a UK seller), does any one know which frequencies this version supports.
And the last question to the OP (or anyone in a similar situation). I can see that you have bought the D837 and using Three mobile, have you had any issues so far, how does the 4G performs?
Your help would be much appreciated.
LTE bands
I have the F350s, and in the hidden service menu you can choose other LTE bands, and other GSM frequency's then what is listed in the phone spec. For example I'm in the the US on AT&T and LTE band 17 is a option and works great.
this phone is a hidden gem....
I've had my LG G Pro 2 32GB for a couple of months now, it's the best phone I've had since my Sony Xperia Z Ultra 16GB. But now it's time to move on to another device so put it up for sale. It's a shame LG messed up the D83810F update, looking forward to G Pro 3 if LG bother with it.
maixoro said:
Hello all
Does any of you know about the availability of the D837 version in Europe (particularly UK) all I can see on eBay is the D838. My concern is that the D838 only supports 1800 / 2600 on 4G. I am with "Three Mobile" which as I understand mainly uses 800. I can see that the D837 has better frequency support on 2G and 4G which is more useful to me as Three user and also because I travel quite often.
I don't have much information about the F350 model but I can see on eBay being sold from Korea or China (I rather buy from a UK seller), does any one know which frequencies this version supports.
And the last question to the OP (or anyone in a similar situation). I can see that you have bought the D837 and using Three mobile, have you had any issues so far, how does the 4G performs?
Your help would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
D837 is rare. i wanted to buy one in HK (the seller advertised it) but it was just a sales tactic to get people in the door. most phones from here will be the F350 or D838.
i use GiffGaff in the UK which is on the O2 network so i'll be on 3G when I come over later this month.
While 3 does use some 800MHz, the official line from them is your device needs to support 1800MHz.

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