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Buying a smartphone in US

Hi,
I am from Germany and for an internship in Michigan. I was thinking of buying a Galaxy Note 4 here. My questions are:
Where can I hand it in Germany in if there is an error with the device? (assumed I bought it from Amazon or a store)
Can I set the language to German?
Will there be any (SIM) Locks or can I put every sim card in (German ones)?
Would you do it?
Where would you buy it? American Amazon or a store or somewhere else?

Kak4shiii said:
Hi,
I am from Germany and for an internship in Michigan. I was thinking of buying a Galaxy Note 4 here. My questions are:
Where can I hand it in Germany in if there is an error with the device? (assumed I bought it from Amazon or a store)
Can I set the language to German?
Will there be any (SIM) Locks or can I put every sim card in (German ones)?
Would you do it?
Where would you buy it? American Amazon or a store or somewhere else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Q:1 yes, you can hand it in Germany with nearby service centre for Samsung. And in every location Samsung service centre is there.
Q2: yes, you can set language to german in Galaxy Note 4.
Q:3 in some sim there would be sim locks but it is very simple to unlock it.
Q: you should buy it from amazon because if your product is damaged you can get it replaced.
Press thanks if help.

Suggestions
Should buy an unlocked or a locked smartphone? And why

Weird question brother love you

kelvintan133 said:
Should buy an unlocked or a locked smartphone? And why
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to root your phone then buy a unlocked phone because you can modify a unlock phone but not a locked phone and note that your warranty will not there in a unlocked phone and if you want security and warranty of your phone then buy locked phone because if your phone is locked no one can modify your phone.
Press thanks if help.

Ok and how about
the frequencies?
the battery? Is it weaker or the same battery than in German Note 4's? (concerning charging)
the duty at the airport?

*sigh* 90% of American phones are locked TO A CARRIER. That doesn't mean they can't be rooted. If a phone has a LOCKED BOOTLOADER, that might make rooting difficult. But those are two completely unrelated things. If you're going to play "gimme like if I helped" game at least know what you're talking about.
Sent from my SM-G386T1 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:32 PM ----------
Have a look here at the specs for the different note 4 variants
http://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note_4-6434.php
Sent from my SM-G386T1 using Tapatalk

Does the Moto G XT1031 (Boost Mobile edition) support unlocking of the bootloader?

I need a definite answer because I plan on purchasing one. And I'm getting mixed results when looking my question up on Google.
Thanks in advance.

I have a moto g xt1031 boost and I unlocked mine perfectly fine, actuality in the forum today looking around for answers, been messing with mine all day...lol

MotogProbs said:
I have a moto g xt1031 boost and I unlocked mine perfectly fine, actuality in the forum today looking around for answers, been messing with mine all day...lol
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Click to collapse
Awesome. So I shouldn't have any issues unlocking said bootloader if I bought one used from a reputable seller on Ebay?

I apologize for bumping. But apparently Motorla customer support says that it's not unlockable. Why is there conflicting information? There are folks who have unlocked bootloaders and others cannot get said bootloaders to unlock from what I'm reading.

From what I have read and done on my XT1031 from boost, shouldn't be a problem, because if I am correct, boost only has one version the prepaid XT1031. I would just make sure to get model number before purchase and if its the XT1031, I don't see any issues. On a side not I somehow deleted my entire rom, and only had Twrp on my phone and pc wouldn't recognize it, thank god for OTG cable, now running solid on Unlocked bootloader /twrp 2.8.6.0/ and CM 12.1, great little phone

MotogProbs said:
From what I have read and done on my XT1031 from boost, shouldn't be a problem, because if I am correct, boost only has one version the prepaid XT1031. I would just make sure to get model number before purchase and if its the XT1031, I don't see any issues. On a side not I somehow deleted my entire rom, and only had Twrp on my phone and pc wouldn't recognize it, thank god for OTG cable, now running solid on Unlocked bootloader /twrp 2.8.6.0/ and CM 12.1, great little phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's gotta be a reason they're selling them for dirt cheap though, right? The Verizon ones are being sold for very cheap. And I know for a fact that they're not unlockable.

The Boost Mobile Moto G XT1031 is absolutely bootloader unlockable. I've personally unlocked 4 of them.
https://forums.motorola.com/posts/35e4d3be5c
Sent from my XT1031

So the support rep lied to me... Don't know why they'd do that... Anywho, I placed an order and if it's not unlockable, then I'm going to return it. Thanks for the reassurance.

As already stated the boost Xt1031 is 100 percent without a doubt able to have the bootloader unlocked. As for why they are selling dirt cheap I believe its because for all intents and purposes it is being phased out. Most retailers in my area don't carry them anymore. Online is a different story but the phone is nearing 3 years old. Motorola is on the 3rd gen. of the G hence most sellers with any inventory are trying to dump it while they can get at least something for it.
Don't get me wrong I love my moto but honestly I can't remember the last time I had a phone this long before its life cycle was over.

n0ts0smart said:
As already stated the boost Xt1031 is 100 percent without a doubt able to have the bootloader unlocked. As for why they are selling dirt cheap I believe its because for all intents and purposes it is being phased out. Most retailers in my area don't carry them anymore. Online is a different story but the phone is nearing 3 years old. Motorola is on the 3rd gen. of the G hence most sellers with any inventory are trying to dump it while they can get at least something for it.
Don't get me wrong I love my moto but honestly I can't remember the last time I had a phone this long before its life cycle was over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally want a phone to tinker around with. That's all. My 2011 HTC One S is starting to show its age. I really don't get why some carriers lock down their devices *cough* Verizon . Especially if they refuse to ship out updates in light of the stagefright exploit. Any vulnerability should be taken seriously. Anywho, thanks for the reassurance, fellas. I appreciate it.

Moto G (3rd Gen.) for Consumer Cellular; is it able to be unlocked?

I just got a Moto G from Sears. It is to be used on Consumer Cellular. I have contacted many sources on eBay to get an unlock code but they all seemed to failed in getting that. Does anyone have any info on this?

It's just a normal XT1540 that they rebrand with their own name. The factory rom may have a cc designation in the version# but any features that work on the XT1540 will work on it. You will have to get the unlock code from Motorola to unlock it. Any of the unlocking and rooting threads will work on it.
My old 2nd gen came from Sears and I wish I'd gotten my G3 from there. Their extended warranty is pretty cheap and if you brick it, they'll replace it no questions asked. They did on my 2nd gen anyway.
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a

Tel864 said:
It's just a normal XT1540 that they rebrand with their own name. The factory rom may have a cc designation in the version# but any features that work on the XT1540 will work on it. You will have to get the unlock code from Motorola to unlock it. Any of the unlocking and rooting threads will work on it.
My old 2nd gen came from Sears and I wish I'd gotten my G3 from there. Their extended warranty is pretty cheap and if you brick it, they'll replace it no questions asked. They did on my 2nd gen anyway.
https://motorola-global-portal.custhelp.com/app/standalone/bootloader/unlock-your-device-a
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Click to collapse
I have noticed that on marshmallow, there are a couple of disabled apps related to consumer cellular

n2d551 said:
I have noticed that on marshmallow, there are a couple of disabled apps related to consumer cellular
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Click to collapse
The only one that I was aware of was the "My Consumer Cellular" app which I have on my phone but I don't have the CC specific rom. Now that you mention the CC stuff in Marshmallow, I recognize you from somewhere else.

Tel864 said:
It's just a normal XT1540 that they rebrand with their own name. The factory rom may have a cc designation in the version# but any features that work on the XT1540 will work on it. You will have to get the unlock code from Motorola to unlock it. Any of the unlocking and rooting threads will work on it.
My old 2nd gen came from Sears and I wish I'd gotten my G3 from there. Their extended warranty is pretty cheap and if you brick it, they'll replace it no questions asked. They did on my 2nd gen anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I meant unlock code as in for using the device on another carrier.

vnlatn65 said:
Sorry, I meant unlock code as in for using the device on another carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK sorry. That's a good question, since you can bring pretty much any compatible AT&T or T-Mobile phone over to Consumer Cellular without unlocking why shouldn't it go the other way. Assuming that it is locked to CC have you contacted your carrier? If they're on the CTIA Consumer Code for Wireless Service list then they are required by law to unlock the phone.

vnlatn65 said:
Sorry, I meant unlock code as in for using the device on another carrier.
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Click to collapse
So did an alternative AT&T or T-Mobile SIM not work in your phone?

MrTooPhone said:
So did an alternative AT&T or T-Mobile SIM not work in your phone?
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Click to collapse
No. When inserting my T-Mobile SIM in, it asks for the unlock code. I contacted Consumer Cellular for the unlock code but they did not fulfill my request because I do not have an account with them. But I do have the device paid off in full.

vnlatn65 said:
No. When inserting my T-Mobile SIM in, it asks for the unlock code. I contacted Consumer Cellular for the unlock code but they did not fulfill my request because I do not have an account with them. But I do have the device paid off in full.
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Click to collapse
Did you contact your provider?

Tel864 said:
Did you contact your provider?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My provider is T-Mobile. I doubt they will unlock a Consumer Cellular phone.

vnlatn65 said:
My provider is T-Mobile. I doubt they will unlock a Consumer Cellular phone.
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Click to collapse
I wonder if they will unlock it if you took out one of their $10 plans. There's no contract or sign up so it would cost at least 10 bucks plus those taxes that get added on.

Tel864 said:
I wonder if they will unlock it if you took out one of their $10 plans. There's no contract or sign up so it would cost at least 10 bucks plus those taxes that get added on.
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Click to collapse
Yes. I will definitely give it a try. They also have the "30 Day Money Back Guarantee" so I can probably get my money back. Thanks!

vnlatn65 said:
Yes. I will definitely give it a try. They also have the "30 Day Money Back Guarantee" so I can probably get my money back. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had them for service going on 4 years and I've always found them good to work with.

vnlatn65 said:
No. When inserting my T-Mobile SIM in, it asks for the unlock code. I contacted Consumer Cellular for the unlock code but they did not fulfill my request because I do not have an account with them. But I do have the device paid off in full.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And Sears would not provide an unlock code?
I use Consumer Cellular and now glad I did not buy my Moto from them.

MrTooPhone said:
And Sears would not provide an unlock code?
I use Consumer Cellular and now glad I did not buy my Moto from them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Sears sales people wouldn't be any help at all. Even the people that answer the phones are clueless. I found out that's good in a way, they ask no questions when you brick the phone and return it. I found that out twice when I bricked two 2nd gen Motos'. I also think it could be a roll of the dice on what you get from them. The 2nd gen I got from them worked fine with an AT&T Sim in it. All I ever did to it was flash it back to stock from the custom rom I had on it and give it to a friend.

I know this is an old post but, I used this seller and got my code pretty dang quick....http://www.ebay.com/itm/331492872180?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Where i can find an A8 (2018) with 64 GB capacity

Hi,
in some tests and reviews they are talking about devices with 64GB internal storage capacity. But if i search for it, it's almost impossible to find offers. I found two offers. Both sellers present phones with EAN 8801643085445. Can somebody confirm this capacity?
Thanks in advance
*edit*
After a long search i found it. Samsung sells the Galaxy A8 with 64 GB in middle east. I have no clue why it's restricted to this region.
Here's the number: SM-A530FZKGXSG
Here's the samsungpage: (i am not allowed to post as new member)
There are some sellers which import it to europe. But i have no experiences in warranty. 4G shall work...
I ordered one piece with crossed fingers and hope it works. At least, I hope the post will help somebody, who is searching for it too

Hi there!
I was looking for the same model and have realized the same thing you've found.
About availability, I found it on eBay. Where did you find it?
About warranty, if you need local warranty, you have to buy it into your country.
If you're ok with European warranty, it has to be sold by an European entity with rights to do so.
If you don't care about warranty, well you can get it whenever you like it.
I'm seriously thinking in trying to understand in how to keep it under the 32Gb
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Hi Pirata, Here are my experiences:
I ordered it on ebay. There are some sellers which are specialized in grey imports Some of them offer a one year warranty. I paid 345€.
As opportunity there's a onlinestore called techinthebasket. They deliver from GB. But you have to pay a fee of 20 €, if you want send the phone back.
No import fee as long as they deliver from european country. Most of them deliver from GB as long as GB is part of EU ^^
At least, every A8 with 64GB is imported from Middle East I bet. Its working with european simcards. I readed to start the phone without simcards (also to install updates and doing resets). If the phone is resetting with simcards, the country ID (MID/MID/MID) will be changed and as a result you don't get updates anymore.
I am very happy with this phone. Its a big boost in compilation to my old Honor 5X
It's unique here... and it's mine ^^

BotoxxotoB said:
Hi Pirata, Here are my experiences:
I ordered it on ebay. There are some sellers which are specialized in grey imports Some of them offer a one year warranty. I paid 345€.
As opportunity there's a onlinestore called techinthebasket. They deliver from GB. But you have to pay a fee of 20 €, if you want send the phone back.
No import fee as long as they deliver from european country. Most of them deliver from GB as long as GB is part of EU ^^
At least, every A8 with 64GB is imported from Middle East I bet. Its working with european simcards. I readed to start the phone without simcards (also to install updates and doing resets). If the phone is resetting with simcards, the country ID (MID/MID/MID) will be changed and as a result you don't get updates anymore.
I am very happy with this phone. Its a big boost in compilation to my old Honor 5X
It's unique here... and it's mine ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there and thank you for sharing your experience.
I have some questions regarding your post. Please let me know.
You say that the shop you mention imposes you to pay €20 in case you need to send back phone for any reason.
Do you know why about that?
You say that they deliver from GB. Can you tell me if the invoice is from GB or from some other EU county or worldwide country?
Where have you read about the fact of not turning on the device for the first time, or reset to default, or wipe, or update the device with the ota updates with the local European sim card inserted?
Which should be the correct procedure for using a 64Gb A8 in Europe? Simply do those four things I mentioned all without any sim inside?
Do you know why about that? What are the precise consequences of doing that with the sim inside? Only not receiving otas updates? Is there a return back possibility, or if I forget to remove the sim card and do one of those things the phone ends up in not receiving any ota updates, not even if I wipe everything away with no sim inserted and start all over again??
Thank you very much.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

it seems, the online store techinthebasket provides a german and an english page. The return-fee of 20€ is noticed at the german page only. I don't know the reason. At least I didn't bought it there.
The update policy of Samsung is pretty annoying. If they don't sell officially a phone in a country, they don't provide software updates. When you insert the simcard before you start the phone first, it will recognize its a different simcard and ask you to restart for configuration. This "configuration" will change the language and countrysettings. Once it's changed, theres only the opportunity to flash a stockrom.
There are several german threads because it's not selled official here.
greetz

BotoxxotoB said:
it seems, the online store techinthebasket provides a german and an english page. The return-fee of 20€ is noticed at the german page only. I don't know the reason. At least I didn't bought it there.
The update policy of Samsung is pretty annoying. If they don't sell officially a phone in a country, they don't provide software updates. When you insert the simcard before you start the phone first, it will recognize its a different simcard and ask you to restart for configuration. This "configuration" will change the language and countrysettings. Once it's changed, theres only the opportunity to flash a stockrom.
There are several german threads because it's not selled official here.
greetz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So wait a minute...if I start the phone for the first time without sim, once I insert it, it changes configuration and since that time on I will no longer ota updates????
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

When you start the phone first time with inserted simcard, it will ask for a restart. You can skip and ignore it.
If you allow the restart / configuration, then you are in danger to not get Ota-updates anymore. That's why it's recommended to remove simcards when you reset or update

BotoxxotoB said:
When you start the phone first time with inserted simcard, it will ask for a restart. You can skip and ignore it.
If you allow the restart / configuration, then you are in danger to not get Ota-updates anymore. That's why it's recommended to remove simcards when you reset or update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So first boot, reset or update better to do without sim cards inserted, and every time I get an ota update, remove all sim before applying the update.
Is this correct?
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

That's right

I bought in eBay the 64 gb model and I've got 2 OTA updates with the SIM inserted, one of them oreo. I live in Spain.
Enviado desde mi SM-A530F mediante Tapatalk

I have the middle east version and it's globally unlocked, has original warranty, supports LTE/4G, has 64/4 gb, and just received the latest oreo update.
If you have any questions I'll be glad to help you.

BaraaModallal said:
I have the middle east version and it's globally unlocked, has original warranty, supports LTE/4G, has 64/4 gb, and just received the latest oreo update.
If you have any questions I'll be glad to help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somewhere over the rainbow
Literally, you can only get it in one country and i think that is china

Ehm, no. The last time I searched for this phone I found it in online stores of the middle east. Also my phone software version is tagged with MID/MID/MID

Any way to carrier unlock the Sprint version?

Hello all,
I'm looking to buy a V50 on eBay since it looks like we're getting some good development here, but I am unsure if I should buy one that specifically states it's carrier unlocked or just the Sprint version. Is there a way to carrier unlock this phone?
Thanks in advance.

TPMJB said:
Hello all,
I'm looking to buy a V50 on eBay since it looks like we're getting some good development here, but I am unsure if I should buy one that specifically states it's carrier unlocked or just the Sprint version. Is there a way to carrier unlock this phone?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On ebay,there are a few sellers that selling Sprint unlocked V50.
Mine is from one of them,unlocked,seemed to be all new,as the seller advertised it as new,open box.
It came with original box and all the original stuff inside.
The box was not sealed of course,because as he stated,these boxes were opened in order to carrier unlock them.
After more than 6 months,mine is working without any issue,just without the ability to connect to 5g because i live in Europe,and Sprint's firmware support different 5g bands.
If you want pm me and i can give you the name of the seller i bought mine from.
Also i forgot to mention,that despite the fact that there is the Sprint firmware,you can get every single update from LG.
I bought it with android 9,and right away after i set it up,it started downloading all the follow updates and android 10 of course.

granazias said:
On ebay,there are a few sellers that selling Sprint unlocked V50.
Mine is from one of them,unlocked,seemed to be all new,as the seller advertised it as new,open box.
It came with original box and all the original stuff inside.
The box was not sealed of course,because as he stated,these boxes were opened in order to carrier unlock them.
After more than 6 months,mine is working without any issue,just without the ability to connect to 5g because i live in Europe,and Sprint's firmware support different 5g bands.
If you want pm me and i can give you the name of the seller i bought mine from.
Also i forgot to mention,that despite the fact that there is the Sprint firmware,you can get every single update from LG.
I bought it with android 9,and right away after i set it up,it started downloading all the follow updates and android 10 of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean, main reason I want V50 is to install custom firmware. I'm currently on V30. Also, phones I'm lookin at are $130-170

TPMJB said:
I mean, main reason I want V50 is to install custom firmware. I'm currently on V30. Also, phones I'm lookin at are $130-170
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh sorry i didn't exactly understand that.
I am not personally interested in rooting my V50,so i am not able to help with this part.
Maybe someone else who reads your post can help.

granazias said:
Oh sorry i didn't exactly understand that.
I am not personally interested in rooting my V50,so i am not able to help with this part.
Maybe someone else who reads your post can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries. Wish we could root the V60 because that phone is like $20 more. I only use rooted phones.