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Question: Buying in the USA and using in the UK...?

hi all.
I'd like some advice. I have the chance to buy a new Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 32 GB tablet in the USA. The price is significantly better than the UK equivalent.
But what I need to know if will the device work in the UK? For example will I be able charge the device?
I'm assuming that I'd need to change the virtual keyboard settings from US to UK but that should be simple enough - I hope...
Sorry if this is an obvious question.
I'd rather not root the device if at all possible. I'm happy to buy one or two things to make the device mine since the saving is almost £250(!)
Thanks in advance for your help.

You just need to make sure that the charger works on 220V or that you are plugging it into 110V. Otherwise, I can't imagine any reason it wouldn't work for you.
You could get a 220->110 transformer pretty easily if necessary.

In case it is a 3G-version it might not work in Europe. USA has different radio-bands .......................

The US doesnt have a 3G version yet so no problems there.
Sent from my Galaxy S3 running DietICS

May need to change wifi region codes to access the correct 5 GHz frequencies, not sure.

Is buying a UK alternative charger an options...?
sonofdays said:
You just need to make sure that the charger works on 220V or that you are plugging it into 110V. Otherwise, I can't imagine any reason it wouldn't work for you.
You could get a 220->110 transformer pretty easily if necessary.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the insight. I guess I couldn't just buy a UK compatible charger...?

Wifi only
troed said:
In case it is a 3G-version it might not work in Europe. USA has different radio-bands .......................
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Click to collapse
Thanks I was planning on the Wifi only option in any event.

A configurable option?
Entropy512 said:
May need to change wifi region codes to access the correct 5 GHz frequencies, not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice.
Is this something that I can do without rooting...?
I'd appreciate it if you can point me to a guide for this this.

SpartanGrey said:
Thanks for the insight. I guess I couldn't just buy a UK compatible charger...?
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Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure you can, doesn't the charger output USB voltage? 5V 1A? If so any android charger should work

The charger is 5v and 2A, but i think it could charge at 1Amp, but it will take longer.
There is also the prob that there are 2 different wifi models EU:8010, US:8013. But i think the difference is in wifi channels numbers. Maybe you can flash a 8010 ROM and it becames an UK model. This you need to find out.

mdalacu said:
The charger is 5v and 2A, but i think it could charge at 1Amp, but it will take longer.
There is also the prob that there are 2 different wifi models EU:8010, US:8013. But i think the difference is in wifi channels numbers. Maybe you can flash a 8010 ROM and it becames an UK model. This you need to find out.
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Click to collapse
Yeah. If you flashed a UK firmware on the N8013 it would most likely work.
You would lose the ability to use the IR port.
Any Samsung Tab-compatible 2A charger will work. iPad chargers will not work unless you use a charging adapter such as http://www.dealextreme.com/p/usb-data-charging-extension-cable-for-samsung-p1000-black-91141?item=4 (If that link breaks, search DX for P1000) - Samsung hasn't changed charger design since the original Tab, so P1000 chargers/charging adapters will work.

You don't need to change the radios, they're the same. D-Link, NetGear, et. al., sell the same routers internationally that they do domestically. If there was a compatibility issue my UK devices (and I have/had many) wouldn't work in the U.S. As for the 3G the Note's quad-band worldwide (except Korea) so it'll work just about anywhere.
One thing to keep in mind about using Samsung mobile devices outside their country of intended sale is that it affects your warranty. If a U.S. sourced Note needs repair they'll only repair it in the U.S. The same holds true in reverse. Samsung U.S. won't repair a Note intended for sale outside the U.S. They take a tough stance on gray market purchases and this has been proven time and time again. So you may want to compare the initial savings vs. the cost of roundtrip shipping to the U.S. should it ever need service.

BarryH_GEG said:
You don't need to change the radios, they're the same. D-Link, NetGear, et. al., sell the same routers internationally that they do domestically. If there was a compatibility issue my UK devices (and I have/had many) wouldn't work in the U.S. As for the 3G the Note's quad-band worldwide (except Korea) so it'll work just about anywhere.
One thing to keep in mind about using Samsung mobile devices outside their country of intended sale is that it affects your warranty. If a U.S. sourced Note needs repair they'll only repair it in the U.S. The same holds true in reverse. Samsung U.S. won't repair a Note intended for sale outside the U.S. They take a tough stance on gray market purchases and this has been proven time and time again. So you may want to compare the initial savings vs. the cost of roundtrip shipping to the U.S. should it ever need service.
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Not true. Available 5 GHz frequencies are VASTLY different between the UK and US. See http://www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-5.htm
Similarly, Europe allows 2.4 GHz channels 12 and 13, the USA does not.

Entropy512 said:
Not true. Available 5 GHz frequencies are VASTLY different between the UK and US. See http://www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-5.htm
Similarly, Europe allows 2.4 GHz channels 12 and 13, the USA does not.
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Then the radios compensate for the variations in channels. Like I said, the Note is my fifth international device and it has no problem working in the U.S. I travel a lot and have never had a Wi-Fi issue with any of them. My OG P7500 has been to every continent.

BarryH_GEG said:
Then the radios compensate for the variations in channels. Like I said, the Note is my fifth international device and it has no problem working in the U.S. I travel a lot and have never had a Wi-Fi issue with any of them. My OG P7500 has been to every continent.
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They will if you change the region configuration - with root and/or custom firmware that is possible. But if you use it "out of the box" - it won't work without hax.

Entropy512 said:
it won't work without hax.
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None of my devices are rooted and all use OEM ROMs. Primarily because I've always had tons of issues registering on foreign 3G networks in my travels when I've used third party ROMs and radios. In all the forums for those devices I've never seen a discussion on Wi-Fi incompatibility based on region. Have you? I'd think people with U.S versions of popular phones like the SGS2 series, VZW Nexus, and HTC phones like the Vivid and Sensation would be reporting problems if they couldn't use their Wi-Fi properly when traveling overseas. I'm sure plenty of U.S. Samsung tablets have been used overseas when people travel also. And if U.S. iPhones and iPads had different radios than the international versions owners would be reporting incompatibility issues when using them abroad. So I get that there may be variations in Wi-Fi regionally but the radios must be designed to accommodate them. Otherwise this would be a much larger discussion and not just in the Note forum.

I'm from the UK, currently travelling in the US, and I just bought a 32GB note last Thursday...
The charger is compatible voltage-wise, all you need is a US->UK plug adapter...
I've also never had WiFi problems in my travels here in the US, I use an international 5.3" note, and WiFi works everywhere. I don't expect any problems.
When I switched the Note 10.1 on for the first time, it asked me what region I was in, I chose UK, and could have chosen anywhere...

BigStuart said:
The charger is compatible voltage-wise, all you need is a US->UK plug adapter...
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Actually, if you look at the charger, the piece with the prongs on it snaps out. It's the same base charger worldwide with different prongs thrown in the box based on the region its being sold in. I carry a single charger and a half-a-dozen different prongs that I use depending on where I'm traveling.

Just what I needed to hear!!
BigStuart said:
I'm from the UK, currently travelling in the US, and I just bought a 32GB note last Thursday...
The charger is compatible voltage-wise, all you need is a US->UK plug adapter...
I've also never had WiFi problems in my travels here in the US, I use an international 5.3" note, and WiFi works everywhere. I don't expect any problems.
When I switched the Note 10.1 on for the first time, it asked me what region I was in, I chose UK, and could have chosen anywhere...
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Click to collapse
Thanks!
You've answered pretty much all of my questions. :good:

Thanks for all of the advice
Thanks for all of the advice - it's very much appreciated! :good:
Frankly the warranty point is a slight worry but for almost £170 saving it's worth the risk.
btw I don't mind paying the UK taxes, but I really resent being gouged by a few hundred pounds for no discernible service or product difference.
I don't care whether it's Samsung or the UK suppliers decision.

LG G Pro 2 announcement and name get confirmed

Hey members,
Good News for those waiting to get Update. G Pro just got first Update with KitKat as GPro2. Problem is We have to buy this update for around 600$ again.
:highfive: for one who will buy this update from LG.
Anyway News here:
LG spilled the beans on the announcement and the name of the successor of the LG Optimus G Pro. The upcoming phablet will go official in February (MWC in Barcelona is likely) as the LG G Pro 2.
Unsurprisingly, LG removed the ‘Optimus’ moniker from the name of the yet to be seen handset. Like the latest batch of high-end smartphones from the Korean manufacturer, the device will launch as simply a member of the 'G' lineup.
In case revealing only the name of an upcoming device appears to be an odd move by LG, we must point that this isn’t the first time the company pulls such a trick. Last year, the manufactuer revealed the name of its current flagship, the LG G2 in a similar fashion.
Source: http://www.gsmarena.com/lg_g_pro_2_announcement_and_name_get_confirmed-news-7666.php
New Images of leaked pics:

We have great devs! someone will figure out how to port this over to our phone after they look over all the specs and such

Great news, however LG has a history of not supporting their phones for very long, however if it has Dev support and is what the G2 was to the S4 then I might have to get it regardless

Damn you beat me to it @NaveenKumarXDA I just read about this over at Engadget. Seems like they "promise" to release it next month but what I want to know is how the future of that phone will look on Us carriers hopefully it isn't single carrier variant.
Sent from my C6603 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Damn LG same as Samsung.....
Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk

New Leaked images added.

I saw from a news feed somewhere that this is a 5.9" screened device. Too big for my taste. 5.5" is my limit, and our LG OGP fits the bill.

I'm leaving my beloved ogp as my daily driver and picking up an xperia z ultra
Sent from my LG-E980 using Tapatalk

jrtancinco said:
I saw from a news feed somewhere that this is a 5.9" screened device. Too big for my taste. 5.5" is my limit, and our LG OGP fits the bill.
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Yep good choice......I picked it up for $50 with a new contract on amazon in like november and sadly its just $0.01 now....agh my 50 dollars

any news about UK release ?
been trawling the net, but cant seem to find out any information when the LG G2 PRO will be released in the UK .. i know i can buy the Korean version of the phone on e bay .. but not sure if that will work in UK . just cant wait to get my hands on this beast :good:

Wait! Best advice I can give..!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app

ekerbuddyeker said:
Wait! Best advice I can give..!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
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Looking forward for the confirmation of my order. I would like to know what else can we do for now. waiting time starts.

strommy1966 said:
been trawling the net, but cant seem to find out any information when the LG G2 PRO will be released in the UK .. i know i can buy the Korean version of the phone on e bay .. but not sure if that will work in UK . just cant wait to get my hands on this beast :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the Korean version in the UK and it works fine.
You can delete all the Korean apps that come pre installed so that's good.
There are a few tweaks I made myself to make the phone better such as removing the Korean roaming clock from the lockscreen etc... just to make the phone a bit more English friendly. You do need root for that which is easy enough to do.
The phone will work on EE and Three's 4G networks only. It won't work on O2 or Vodafone 4G but will work on every network 3G and 2G fine.

ahmadcentral said:
I have the Korean version in the UK and it works fine.
You can delete all the Korean apps that come pre installed so that's good.
There are a few tweaks I made myself to make the phone better such as removing the Korean roaming clock from the lockscreen etc... just to make the phone a bit more English friendly. You do need root for that which is easy enough to do.
The phone will work on EE and Three's 4G networks only. It won't work on O2 or Vodafone 4G but will work on every network 3G and 2G fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the number of your Korean version? Is it a D838 (the "International" version, I was told) or something else?
Am a bit concerned as have ordered a D838 and I'm on O2...
And does your G Pro 2 have the TV aerial built in??? I've seen some models which do...
-StuPC

stupc said:
What's the number of your Korean version? Is it a D838 (the "International" version, I was told) or something else?
Am a bit concerned as have ordered a D838 and I'm on O2...
And does your G Pro 2 have the TV aerial built in??? I've seen some models which do...
-StuPC
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Click to collapse
The Korean Version has the model number F350.
The Asian version (Hong Kong) has the model number D838 and was released after the Korean version.
Unfortunately the D838 only supports 1800Mhz and 2600Mhz and not the 800Mhz that O2 use for 4G. So the phone will work fine on 3G and 2G but it will not work on 4G at all.
You'll probably want to wait for the European model to launch if you want to use O2. Otherwise only EE and Three will work with both the D838 and F350 on 4G in the UK.
And yes, the Korean version (F350) is the one with the aerial. The Asian version does not have an aerial and is the same look as the European/American variants will be.

ahmadcentral said:
The Korean Version has the model number F350.
The Asian version (Hong Kong) has the model number D838 and was released after the Korean version.
Unfortunately the D838 only supports 1800Mhz and 2600Mhz and not the 800Mhz that O2 use for 4G. So the phone will work fine on 3G and 2G but it will not work on 4G at all.
You'll probably want to wait for the European model to launch if you want to use O2. Otherwise only EE and Three will work with both the D838 and F350 on 4G in the UK.
And yes, the Korean version (F350) is the one with the aerial. The Asian version does not have an aerial and is the same look as the European/American variants will be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it today and all I can say is that this is too amazing. perfect grip, perfect apps. just my type of device.

[Q] International or AT&T Model

Hi guys. I am a huge fan of Android, especially when It's LG. I am currently using the LG G2 with CM12 and all.
I'm really interested in the G Flex 2 and have been waiting for more than a month now for AT&T to sell it. I use AT&T with straight talk, and have been for 3 years now. So I'm down to a major decision
1: Buy international unlocked G Flex 2, and continue to use it with straight talk
2: continue waiting for AT&T to sell the phone, and buy it off contract for Straight Talk.
What should I do? Do international phones support LTE in USA? From what I hear there is no LTE in other countries, so does that mean it will lack the radio?
Please help with with the Pros and Cons of getting the International version.
One pro is that, International models may include FM radio band, like the International G2.
_____
I plan on rooting and flashing the G Flex 2. Do you think the AT&T model will have better support from the Cyanogen and dev communities?

I have the H955 (European) model and live in the UK.
I'm not sure where this talk of no LTE outside the US is coming from, almost all phones and networks in the UK offer LTE these days and the flex 2 is no exception.
Since the US and European versions both have LTE I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that all versions do.
As for development, in my experience international models tend to get a bit more attention.
International models are available to a much wider community than the US variants, allowing people from all backgrounds to help out.
This also, sometimes, leads to mods and tweaks that you never thought you'd need.
I would recommend the international model, as long as it's compatible with your carrier of choice.
I wish I could be more help with your decision but this is the extent of my knowledge on these issues.

Thanks for the Insight, I went ahead and purchased the H959 (HK) Model.

@Traceguy does any model G flex 2 work here in the USA on AT&T LTE? I thought some models are missing certain bands / frequencey?

CCJ22 said:
@Traceguy does any model G flex 2 work here in the USA on AT&T LTE? I thought some models are missing certain bands / frequencey?
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The model I used (H959) did work on LTE in the USA. I cannot say for certain about other international versions. It was a great phone throughout my usage.
I recently switched over the a Nexus 6P. Great phone. I had to cut my sim card down though. We now have nano card sizes. The Nexus 6P seems to be doing a good job. I have no interest in replacing it with a Pixel. I'll probably keep my N6P for another year.

What's the best unclocked GS6 to buy?

I have the AT&T version which is locked but I want to get an unlocked version of the GS6. Which one is the best to get? International? T-Mobile? I want the one that has the most support on the development side.

I think the G920F (s6Flat) or G925F (s6Edge) would be the best, because I've seen some kernels just for the international variant and no other. Plus, it's compatible with all if not, most roms. made for the S6. It' s (I think) the cheapest too. Although, I'm not too sure about network bands and compatibility with AT&T.

I have a g-925f, the edge unlocked. Works great on AT&T. Just keep in mind that you aren't going to get samsung pay on an international unlocked model. Learned that the hard way.

Jonny_Whitey said:
I have a g-925f, the edge unlocked. Works great on AT&T. Just keep in mind that you aren't going to get samsung pay on an international unlocked model. Learned that the hard way.
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I don't care about Samsung pay. I will get the regular 920F since it's got the most support.

Capt said:
I don't care about Samsung pay. I will get the regular 920F since it's got the most support.
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Click to collapse
If I'm right, most G920F roms, kernels, and recovery's should work the the G925F. So both have equal support.

Or should I get the nexus 6p?

I bought the S6 from B and H Photo online store. The phone is carrier and region unlocked which means it will work anywhere in the world. It came with no bloat except ANT radio which I disabled. It's a G920i from Australia and came with Australian wall charger but I called the store and they sent me a US travel charger for free. B and H is good for customer satisfaction.

T-mobile Wi-fi calling and Samsung Pay on Samsung Galaxy S7 Unlocked International?

I have a Samsung Galaxy s7 Edge international version g935f from Europe, I want to not root it and be able to get tmobile wifi calling and samsung pay, I saw there were forums on changing the csc code or adding a few files into the device but none were clear on how to do it, so how can do it without putting the tmobile firmware on and junk and having to go through a lot of hassle thanks

I've been trying too figure this out since I got my phone. If you have any luck please let me know
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I don't know about the Tmobile wifi calling, but I have a G930F, I use a fireware(CSC code: XSG) , installed the latest Samsung Pay and Samsung Pay Frame from Apkmirror.com. I have made a couple of purchase by Samsung Pay with my BOA debit card.

Has anyone found an answer since this thread was made?
Looking to upgrade from my S6 and I'd like to know if I can get WiFi calling on the international model.

Why not buy the unlocked SM-G930U where samsung pay, wifi calling and VoLTE all works instead of SM-G930F?
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

Apparently the only way to wifi call is flash the tmobile rom which allows samsung pay, however if u want samsung pay u just change the Csc but it's easier to just go ahead and flash it with the entire rom for another country, i used to use wifi calling on my old phone, however, I don't plan on doing anything with my new p now but I can say it's worth it to buy international version over the T-Mobile, if it's only wifi calling you are about then it's not worth it, samsung pay will be available to all international versions soon, you may be lucky and get a phone from a country that has it allowed (I know newegg sells the us unlocked international version for 699 and it allows samsung pay) so far it's in 5 countries. The international version is faster, almost no bloatware (samsung makes u choose to install most apps that used to make bloatware). U can use any app that has calling over wifi. Also samsung added a feature that substitutes for wifi calling called enhanced messaging that's basically I message for Android so u can text over wifi.

EncryptedCurse said:
Has anyone found an answer since this thread was made?
Looking to upgrade from my S6 and I'd like to know if I can get WiFi calling on the international model.
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Click to collapse
Check my latest reply get my answer, but in short the unlocked international (g935f and g 930f) is better

kirdroid said:
Why not buy the unlocked SM-G930U where samsung pay, wifi calling and VoLTE all works instead of SM-G930F?
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk
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The unlocked international has a different processer (the Samsung built exynos chip which is basically made for it) and it outperforms the snapdragon counterpart in the us carrier versions. Also over a GB more of storage due to no carrier bloatware. No contract or ugly logos on the back, there are a few downsides to international unlocked but it overall is better and usually cheaper a bit

zakmza123 said:
The unlocked international has a different processer (the Samsung built exynos chip which is basically made for it) and it outperforms the snapdragon counterpart in the us carrier versions. Also over a GB more of storage due to no carrier bloatware. No contract or ugly logos on the back, there are a few downsides to international unlocked but it overall is better and usually cheaper a bit
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Click to collapse
You didn't read my post .. did you? The unlocked US model is the G930U/G935U which is the non carrier version, it's not the useless carrier crap version with carrier logos and their bloat.
Only thing I agree was the exynos portion which is obviously better than the SD 820.
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

kirdroid said:
You didn't read my post .. did you? The unlocked US model is the G930U/G935U which is the non carrier version, it's not the useless carrier crap version with carrier logos and their bloat.
Only thing I agree was the exynos portion which is obviously better than the SD 820.
Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Oops I read it but didn't know that the u was different I thought it was a carrier, got it confused with the x which is Verizon. I'm pretty sure it has everything but the volte and wifi calling I think that's different for each carrier, I agree with u then buy either the u or f, it's just sometimes u find the f cheaper a bit like on Amazon the edge f is 655 but the u is for 700 at newegg (cheapest) or 800 at bestbuy