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[Q] compatibility

I currently live in the US, and I'm about to go back to Korea for my mandatory military service. I want to buy a Nexus S in the states and take it to Korea, because it's a little bit more cheaper here. I saw a post here saying that the i9020T from T-mobile is the same as SHW-M200K, SHW-M200S from Korea. So if I buy the i9020T here would It work in Korea?

Frequency checks out for SK Telecom, but the other 2 carriers in SKorea, I am unsure of.

CHorden said:
Frequency checks out for SK Telecom, but the other 2 carriers in SKorea, I am unsure of.
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Thanks for checking it out. I'm going to bestbuy this weekend to get the T-mobile version then. One last question - is the price of nexus s rapidly dropping everywhere except bestbuy? if so then should I look for a different place to buy it? Thanks again.

If you're gonna buy it outright, its cheaper to buy online at different websites than from best buy. BB has it for 529.99 + tax. I found some for 459.99 at other sites. Keep in mind that bc some of these sites aren't physical stores, you won't have to pay for tax. Also a lot of them have free shipping and online coupons if you look for them.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk

Please help ? Off-Contract purchase

I live in Lebanon, Middle East. My friend is currently in NY for few days, so can't have to wait for the phone to arrive in few weeks from Google. How can I basically purchase the phone unlocked from a retailer on the go? Can I buy it from Sprint or T-Mobil being unlocked and Sim Free? If not, what are the other ways? Please anyone? Only few days left for his arrival LOL !

its not in any other retailer at this time

Ensifolk said:
I live in Lebanon, Middle East. My friend is currently in NY for few days, so can't have to wait for the phone to arrive in few weeks from Google. How can I basically purchase the phone unlocked from a retailer on the go? Can I buy it from Sprint or T-Mobil being unlocked and Sim Free? If not, what are the other ways? Please anyone? Only few days left for his arrival LOL !
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The ones sold in the US are North America version, especially the LTE bands and isn't 100% compatible with the ones sold in other regions - like Asia & Europe as those bands (radios) are tuned differently.
My suggestions is that you find and ask ANOTHER friend going somewhere else in the Euro zone to buy one for you, assuming that it is not available or for sale at your location or home country.
As for trying to buy it in retail store, Sprint is supposed to have them in their local USA stores tomorrow (or later) but there could be a waiting list and you will be paying an extra surcharge for it + taxes - there's another thread about the higher prices (around $450 USD is what I recalled vs. $350 in Google Play Store) - that is if they will sell it without contract or activation.
No news yet as to whether T-Mobile USA will be selling them directly, most likely - later on, it will for a premium surcharge, similar to Sprint prices - without contract.
Nexus 5 are shipped from the LG unlocked - carriers do NOT lockup the Sim functions for their network only.

Letitride said:
The ones sold in the US are North America version, especially the LTE bands and isn't 100% compatible with the ones sold in other regions - like Asia & Europe as those bands (radios) are tuned differently.
My suggestions is that you find and ask ANOTHER friend going somewhere else in the Euro zone to buy one for you, assuming that it is not available or for sale at your location or home country.
As for trying to buy it in retail store, Sprint is supposed to have them in their local USA stores tomorrow (or later) but there could be a waiting list and you will be paying an extra surcharge for it + taxes - there's another thread about the higher prices (around $450 USD is what I recalled vs. $350 in Google Play Store) - that is if they will sell it without contract or activation.
No news yet as to whether T-Mobile USA will be selling them directly, most likely - later on, it will for a premium surcharge, similar to Sprint prices - without contract.
Nexus 5 are shipped from the LG unlocked - carriers do NOT lockup the Sim functions for their network only.
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Thanks for your valuable reply, really saves a ton of asking and research. To be honest I am willing to pay the extra charge to get my Nexus 5, since later on, when the phone arrives to my Country, it's going to match this exact price if not even more, which is like 600 USD for the 16 gb.
The only gamble is, if it's gonna work in my Country or not. My friend is going to buy two unlocked iPhones from NY already, is it almost the same gamble case? of it working in Asian/Middle East region or not ? ( Btw he works at one of the two carriers in Lebanon )

Ensifolk said:
Thanks for your valuable reply, really saves a ton of asking and research. To be honest I am willing to pay the extra charge to get my Nexus 5, since later on, when the phone arrives to my Country, it's going to match this exact price if not even more, which is like 600 USD for the 16 gb.
The only gamble is, if it's gonna work in my Country or not. My friend is going to buy two unlocked iPhones from NY already, is it almost the same gamble case? of it working in Asian/Middle East region or not ? ( Btw he works at one of the two carriers in Lebanon )
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It is possible that they will have it at retailers tomorrow. Sprint, Best Buy and RadioShack would be good places for your friend to check. The phone will work, aside from possibly LTE. It is also available for preorder on the Best Buy website and it ships tomorrow.

lowandbehold said:
It is possible that they will have it at retailers tomorrow. Sprint, Best Buy and RadioShack would be good places for your friend to check. The phone will work, aside from possibly LTE. It is also available for preorder on the Best Buy website and it ships tomorrow.
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Alright, high hopes - Too bad his plane leaves at noon. Maybe he can snatch one for me ! Thank you

Ensifolk said:
Thanks for your valuable reply, really saves a ton of asking and research. To be honest I am willing to pay the extra charge to get my Nexus 5, since later on, when the phone arrives to my Country, it's going to match this exact price if not even more, which is like 600 USD for the 16 gb.
The only gamble is, if it's gonna work in my Country or not. My friend is going to buy two unlocked iPhones from NY already, is it almost the same gamble case? of it working in Asian/Middle East region or not ? ( Btw he works at one of the two carriers in Lebanon )
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Basically, the Nexus 5 has 2 verisons as far as the radio/band or country compatability are concerned - the Americas and the Euro-Asia models, two different SKU's - the other is whether it is a 16GB or 32 GB model, color in black or white - simple.
Both model are unlocked from the factory for quadbands (GPRS/2G/Edge Speed) including the 2100 Mhz band popularly used in Asia, so the US ones will work in your country at the "slower" data speed - but most likely not the so called 4G/LTE. For the average users, the 3G and HSPA+ compatability is more complex but depending on your cellular provider's network towers, speed can be just as fast.
In "third-world" or undeveloped countries with basic mobile networks, speed isn't your major concern - just basic coverage & a good signal.
As for the iPhone 5c and 5s, we don't use them but some of the nieces & nephews have them and use them - if your friend is buying them from the Apple store, they should be able to help him/her select the best model to bring overseas to use at your home country. There are different models and you want to match it as closely as possible. Here's a link to Apple's ITE coverage on different models sold, and the ITE bands used - you should reference it and perhaps alert your friend via email, look up a compatible carrier that you match yours. http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/
I know that the last time I was shopping & looking around for an unlocked GSM phone in Asia, the store sales people were helpful & making sure that I understood what they have & support are aimed at the local market with the proper radio bands, and that they cannot guarantee that it will work in the U.S. once I bring it back - returning it and exchanging it are out of the questions or very expensive to do. It will work but mobile data speed could & would likely be lowered.
Of course, if you are using WiFi or broadband signal at home or at work or in the universities with ultra fast connections most of the time - then you might find it acceptable given the cost savings. We have super fast fiber optics (Fios) connections and are reliable and having 4G LTE and/or HSPA+ enabled and working are just extra bonuses at our local price point - $350 USD for 16GB - with taxes & shipping, came to less than $400 still.
Good luck !

Buying Unlocked Nexus 5

Hey All,
I live outside US where Google Play Store does not sell Nexus products.
I am planing to visit US in the coming weeks, and i am looking for a place (store) where i can buy an Unlocked (Off-Contract) Nexus 5.
Any info/suggestion is appreciated.
EDIT: I guess the appropriate word is Off-Contract Nexus 5.
And I read somewhere that Sprint - T-Mobile and BestBuy are selling Off-Contract Nexus 5 for $449.99.
So the actual question became; If i buy and Off-Contract Nexus 5 from one these sellers, can i just use it with any carrier available in my country. (Neglecting the difference between US and ROW version, since all i need is 3G for now.)
Thanks.

Zhoene said:
Hey All,
I live outside US where Google Play Store does not sell Nexus products.
I am planing to visit US in the coming weeks, and i am looking for a place (store) where i can buy an Unlocked Nexus 5.
Any info/suggestion is appreciated.
Thanks.
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As far as I know they're all unlocked, even when purchased from one of the carriers, but I think you'll get hosed on the price buying from anyone other than Google.

Every single Nexus 5 (or any Nexus in fact) is unlocked. No matter where you get it from. It's just the price that pays for the convenience. You can get one outright from a carrier and say you already have a (insert that carrier's name here) SIM that you'll pop in when you get home. However carriers will charge you ridiculously more then 349/399 for the phone. You can try finding one used that somebody already received, or if you're staying long enough, order one from Google.

Zhoene said:
Hey All,
I live outside US where Google Play Store does not sell Nexus products.
I am planing to visit US in the coming weeks, and i am looking for a place (store) where i can buy an Unlocked Nexus 5.
Any info/suggestion is appreciated.
Thanks.
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If you life in europe I cant recommed buying it from the US because not all that many people know that that there are actually 2 variants of the Nexus 5, one for non-US markets and one for the US. The difference are the 4G bands you wont have LTE with the american version in other parts of the world.

TheCrazyDirectioner said:
Every single Nexus 5 (or any Nexus in fact) is unlocked. No matter where you get it from. It's just the price that pays for the convenience. You can get one outright from a carrier and say you already have a (insert that carrier's name here) SIM that you'll pop in when you get home. However carriers will charge you ridiculously more then 349/399 for the phone. You can try finding one used that somebody already received, or if you're staying long enough, order one from Google.
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thekaykev said:
If you life in europe I cant recommed buying it from the US because not all that many people know that that there are actually 2 variants of the Nexus 5, one for non-US markets and one for the US. The difference are the 4G bands you wont have LTE with the american version in other parts of the world.
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Actually my country (Turkey) does not have 4G yet, it is expected to arrive through the end of 2014. Also people expect the price to be around 800$ in my country. And LG G2 is being sold for around 700$ which puts me in dilemma. I still want the Nexus 5, but i don't think i can stay enough in US to order from Google, and i guess stores like BestBuy don't sell Nexus 5 without carriers.
Could we see non-carrier versions of Nexus 5 in stores in the near future, or would it only be Google keep providing them?

Can buy nexus 5 from Google, carriers or sim free 3rd party in uk
There are no "carrier versions". Theres a US version and a ROW version, both unlocked. That's it
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rootSU said:
Can buy nexus 5 from Google, carriers or sim free 3rd party in uk
There are no "carrier versions". Theres a US version and a ROW version, both unlocked. That's it
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I see.
So what is the best 3rd party ROW version seller in Europe?

I guess the appropriate word is Off-Contract Nexus 5.
And I read somewhere that Sprint - T-Mobile and BestBuy are selling Off-Contract Nexus 5 for $449.99.
So the actual question became; If i buy and Off-Contract Nexus 5 from one these sellers, can i just use it with any carrier available in my country. (Neglecting the difference between US and ROW version, since all i need is 3G for now.)

Zhoene said:
I guess the appropriate word is Off-Contract Nexus 5.
And I read somewhere that Sprint - T-Mobile and BestBuy are selling Off-Contract Nexus 5 for $449.99.
So the actual question became; If i buy and Off-Contract Nexus 5 from one these sellers, can i just use it with any carrier available in my country. (Neglecting the difference between US and ROW version, since all i need is 3G for now.)
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Click to collapse
Yes, assuming there are GSM carriers where you are. :good: (GSM carriers use sim cards)
If you're willing to wait, you could have one of your US friends buy the Nexus for you and then ship it over when it arrives. You might not want to wait that long (understandably,) but I just can't justify paying an extra $100 for a phone due to corporate greed.

Bought mine from T-Dimension on Ebay. Very happy with my purchase!
Shipped from Hong Kong and got it 5 days later. The D821

soltheman said:
If you're willing to wait, you could have one of your US friends buy the Nexus for you and then ship it over when it arrives. You might not want to wait that long (understandably,) but I just can't justify paying an extra $100 for a phone due to corporate greed.
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Right, but the main problem is that i don't think the customs would let the device in. In my country it is forbidden to ship things that cost more than $100, and if they catch it, they are likely to seize the device or just send it back.

Zhoene said:
Right, but the main problem is that i don't think the customs would let the device in. In my country it is forbidden to ship things that cost more than $100, and if they catch it, they are likely to seize the device or just send it back.
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Trojan horse.

soltheman said:
Trojan horse.
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Yea, looking for a seller who will make a Trojan horse for me then.

I just bought mine from a very well known seller on eBay, had it shipped to me in 2 days while I was in the US and it cost 355$ including shipment.

[Q] Where to Buy Nexus 5 in USA?

Guys My Brother is coming to India on 24th, so obviously today I asked him to bring Nexus 5. but he told that it takes around 10-15 days to deliver. we don't have that much time. can you guys suggest where to buy nexus 5 online for a fast delivery?
if it may help he lives in Texas.
Thank you.

Best Buy should have it but it would be a bit more.

Any idea how much it would be?

mynameisvineeth said:
Any idea how much it would be?
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It's $450. But you can price match it at their best buy. Just print out the google play store price (make sure it says it is in stock) and then print out their policy. Ask them to match it for $350. It should work. I got mine matched at that price at bestbuy

Keep in mind it MAY NOT WORK in India. There are TWO models. An American Model and a international model.
I suggest you MAKE SURE your carrier supports it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

S7 unlocked

I was wondering about retailers in the US that will sell the S7 unlocked from day 1 that aren't resellers on amazon/ebay. I know BestBuy sells unlocked phones now but I believe some of them are overpriced, and amazon/ebay resellers sometimes aren't trustworthy so I really don't want to deal with that extra hassle. Plus I need to buy it unlocked cause I'd like to try it for a couple weeks and sell it if I don't like it very much.

daLareid said:
I was wondering about retailers in the US that will sell the S7 unlocked from day 1 that aren't resellers on amazon/ebay. I know BestBuy sells unlocked phones now but I believe some of them are overpriced, and amazon/ebay resellers sometimes aren't trustworthy so I really don't want to deal with that extra hassle. Plus I need to buy it unlocked cause I'd like to try it for a couple weeks and sell it if I don't like it very much.
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I would like to know this also.

anyone know about this for Canada?

nolook said:
anyone know about this for Canada?
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PhoneArena claims availability from the following:
AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular stores, Best Buy, Car Toys, Sam’s Club, Staples, Target and Walmart
If I'm not mistaken Best Buy is also available in Canada so maybe there. However Best Buy doesn't seem to be offering the S7 unlocked atm.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/samsung-smartphones-151359

I don't think best buy Canada sells unlocked phones but I could be wrong... I'm on public mobile (telus) so I'll try to buy from telus or kodoo

I would love an unlocked one in a Canada also, but not holding my breath for that. I just assume Samsung will make us go through the carrier.
Now will Bell let me by one outright? That's what I'm wondering.

daLareid said:
I was wondering about retailers in the US that will sell the S7 unlocked from day 1 that aren't resellers on amazon/ebay. I know BestBuy sells unlocked phones now but I believe some of them are overpriced, and amazon/ebay resellers sometimes aren't trustworthy so I really don't want to deal with that extra hassle. Plus I need to buy it unlocked cause I'd like to try it for a couple weeks and sell it if I don't like it very much.
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EBay is very safe, just buy it from a reputable seller. And you're protected by PayPal.
Sent from my VIVO XL using Tapatalk

barondebxl said:
EBay is very safe, just buy it from a reputable seller. And you're protected by PayPal.
Sent from my VIVO XL using Tapatalk
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Yeah, I buy frequently from Ebay. I'm just guessing since it'll be a reseller they'll probably sell it for higher prices than MSRP.

daLareid said:
Yeah, I buy frequently from Ebay. I'm just guessing since it'll be a reseller they'll probably sell it for higher prices than MSRP.
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Not necessarily. I bought the G4 and S6 within a few days after launch for the same price and a little less than other sites
Sent from my VIVO XL using Tapatalk

wifesabitch said:
I would love an unlocked one in a Canada also, but not holding my breath for that. I just assume Samsung will make us go through the carrier.
Now will Bell let me by one outright? That's what I'm wondering.
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just realized they have Samsung stores in Canada. some are in best buy and there are some standalone ones - not sure if they would both sell unlocked s7s

barondebxl said:
Not necessarily. I bought the G4 and S6 within a few days after launch for the same price and a little less than other sites
Sent from my VIVO XL using Tapatalk
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Guess I'll just have to wait and see, thanks! Btw I noticed you're using a VIVO phone, never heard of them but I just happened to stumble upon an announcement about the XPlay 5 with Snapdragon 820 and 6gb RAM, how are they?
nolook said:
just realized they have Samsung stores in Canada. some are in best buy and there are some standalone ones - not sure if they would both sell unlocked s7s
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I read on Android Authority if I'm not mistaken the Samsung won't be selling unlocked phones directly.

DAMN! $899 from the carriers for the 32GB non-Edge.
I don't know if I can shell out over $1000 (with tax) for a carrier locked phone that gets OS updates 6 months late. Disappointed I won't be getting a new toy.

in canada we dont see unlocked phones because the big three dont like it. like the nexus 5 was sold unlocked for 399 and at fido for 500. (not sure about the price)
we are really screwed right now in canada. exchange rate is so bad. i think the S7 will be 249-299 on contract and the S7 plus 120$ more.

I called the Samsung store at Sherway Gardens in Toronto. The guy said, they DO sell unlocked phones. They are taking pre-orders and you have to go to the store for a deposit. It also comes with the free VR headset!
Certainly good news if you live close to a Samsung store. I wasn't expecting this.
So can I safely assume updates should hit these faster than carrier phones since they are straight from Samsung?

wifesabitch said:
I called the Samsung store at Sherway Gardens in Toronto. The guy said, they DO sell unlocked phones. They are taking pre-orders and you have to go to the store for a deposit. It also comes with the free VR headset!
Certainly good news if you live close to a Samsung store. I wasn't expecting this.
So can I safely assume updates should hit these faster than carrier phones since they are straight from Samsung?
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Is that one of those stores inside a bestbuy or a full fledged samsung only store?

peachpuff said:
Is that one of those stores inside a bestbuy or a full fledged samsung only store?
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Full fledged.
I went to a Best Buy/Samsung one too, they told me they only do contracts.

wifesabitch said:
Full fledged.
I went to a Best Buy/Samsung one too, they told me they only do contracts.
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Good to hear.

wifesabitch said:
I called the Samsung store at Sherway Gardens in Toronto. The guy said, they DO sell unlocked phones. They are taking pre-orders and you have to go to the store for a deposit. It also comes with the free VR headset!
Certainly good news if you live close to a Samsung store. I wasn't expecting this.
So can I safely assume updates should hit these faster than carrier phones since they are straight from Samsung?
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That's really lucky for you. I already asked BB about the unlocked version, they hinted it might be available when the phone is released but definitely not available for preorder meaning unless it's a carrier phone no way to take advantage of the preorder bonus, unfortunately there's no local Samsung store down here. If you do go and preorder the unlocked version at a Samsung Store, mind getting the prices for us please? (s7 and s7 edge).

Had an unlocked Note 5 from the Samsung store. I don't see why they would stop selling unlocked phones.

daLareid said:
That's really lucky for you. I already asked BB about the unlocked version, they hinted it might be available when the phone is released but definitely not available for preorder meaning unless it's a carrier phone no way to take advantage of the preorder bonus, unfortunately there's no local Samsung store down here. If you do go and preorder the unlocked version at a Samsung Store, mind getting the prices for us please? (s7 and s7 edge).
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I did it today.
It's $899 for the 32GB S7, didn't ask about the Edge. It DOES come with the bonus VR with no contract or carrier sign-up nonsense.