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I ordered a Nexus 5 from the Google Play Store, but it's still weeks away from shipping apparently. I'm from Canada, and on our local Kijiji page someone posted that they're selling a Nexus 5 for $375, which is really tempting as it's much quicker to get and because of no taxes it's actually decently cheaper.
He says he got it as an upgrade from Telus, a Canadian carrier, and claims it's unlocked. Are Nexus 5s from Canadian carriers unlocked? Is there a way I can check if his phone is unlocked?
Is there anything else I should be careful of? He says it's new in box.
DonutJuice said:
I ordered a Nexus 5 from the Google Play Store, but it's still weeks away from shipping apparently. I'm from Canada, and on our local Kijiji page someone posted that they're selling a Nexus 5 for $375, which is really tempting as it's much quicker to get and because of no taxes it's actually decently cheaper.
He says he got it as an upgrade from Telus, a Canadian carrier, and claims it's unlocked. Are Nexus 5s from Canadian carriers unlocked? Is there a way I can check if his phone is unlocked?
Is there anything else I should be careful of? He says it's new in box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, every Nexus 5 is unlocked.
Second, make sure it has a clean ESN/IMEI/MEID. If it was stolen or claimed on insurance, they may have disabled the phone by its unique number. Generally, this renders the phone useless on any mobile network. There are a few exceptions, but trust me, you want a clean ESN. For the Nexus 5's, they come with a sticker on the back of the phone with the IMEI number and a bar code for easy activation at the store. Just check that number on Swappa's free checker. http://swappa.com/esn If it doesn't clear, that doesn't mean it's a bad ESN, but you need to do further diligence by contacting Telus/whatever carrier you use and have them check it in their system. If it doesn't clear with your carrier, do NOT buy the phone, no matter what the guy tries to tell you.
DonutJuice said:
I ordered a Nexus 5 from the Google Play Store, but it's still weeks away from shipping apparently. I'm from Canada, and on our local Kijiji page someone posted that they're selling a Nexus 5 for $375, which is really tempting as it's much quicker to get and because of no taxes it's actually decently cheaper.
He says he got it as an upgrade from Telus, a Canadian carrier, and claims it's unlocked. Are Nexus 5s from Canadian carriers unlocked? Is there a way I can check if his phone is unlocked?
Is there anything else I should be careful of? He says it's new in box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be careful buying from this...I'm also from Canada and with tax and shipping it came out to $410...since the phone is so new I don't believe anyone would benefit from selling for cheaper than that, so be careful that it is not a stolen phone.
bobokun said:
I would be careful buying from this...I'm also from Canada and with tax and shipping it came out to $410...since the phone is so new I don't believe anyone would benefit from selling for cheaper than that, so be careful that it is not a stolen phone.
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Click to collapse
DonutJuice said:
He says he got it as an upgrade from Telus, a Canadian carrier
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Click to collapse
http://www.telus.com/wireless/devices/nexus-5/
$99 on upgrade. He can't sell it for $410+, because someone would just buy it from the Play Store. There has to be a discount in order to account for the risk the buyer is assuming. So anywhere between $99+taxes and $410 he is profiting and the buyer is saving.
Paddington said:
http://www.telus.com/wireless/devices/nexus-5/
$99 on upgrade. He can't sell it for $410+, because someone would just buy it from the Play Store. There has to be a discount in order to account for the risk the buyer is assuming. So anywhere between $99+taxes and $410 he is profiting and the buyer is saving.
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Click to collapse
Ahh true..okay that explains it.
I bought my phone from Best Buy on Friday. This morning, I decided to check out Motocare to see if it was worth it. When I plugged in my serial number and IMEI to check eligibility, it said I was out of the 30 day purchase window. I called Motorola and was first told that phones bought from 3rd parties weren't valid for Motocare. After I pressed the issue, the dude told me that I basically needed to go to Best Buy and get the phone replaced for a newer phone. Somehow, when Best Buy purchases the phones, it enacts the 30 day window.
Soooooo... beware.
Talk to someone else. Not true with Amazon. I have Moto care. You got a dud of an answer. Best buy is one of their partners selling the phone.
benjamminh said:
Talk to someone else. Not true with Amazon. I have Moto care. You got a dud of an answer. Best buy is one of their partners selling the phone.
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Ya. I figured as much. I'll call back later. Trying to decide if it's worth it.
Sounds like more great service from Moto. I really hope I don't need their services.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
Called Motorola back, apparently, my IMEI number is registered as being out of warranty. They have to escalate the issue and call me back. I may only have the option to go back to Best Buy and exchange it. Bull****! I already set this baby up!
I have moto care, and got from best buy. Even had to use my best buy receipt to verify that it was within 30 days
slicetwo said:
Called Motorola back, apparently, my IMEI number is registered as being out of warranty. They have to escalate the issue and call me back. I may only have the option to go back to Best Buy and exchange it. Bull****! I already set this baby up!
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Click to collapse
I picked up mine off of Amazon and when I tried to buy moto care the day after I got it my IMEI number was stating my MXPE was out of warranty. I pressed the issue and they then said they have no idea why its like that but I was able to purchase moto care after they resolved it internally.
Like 23 right now compare that to 6 AT&T and 7 Verizon branded units. What exactly is the deal with T-Mobile?
maybe people who are stuck in twrp bootloop?
Tmobile service sucks maybe
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
Sub-Negro said:
Like 23 right now compare that to 6 AT&T and 7 Verizon branded units. What exactly is the deal with T-Mobile?
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Click to collapse
A good number of All but one of 'em are unopened/New,they probably bought 'em to take advantage of the $200 Rebate & headphone offers.
As long as they have a net gain from purchase price/rebate/sale price,I suppose it's a worthwhile endeavor.........
KOLIOSIS said:
A good number of All but one of 'em are unopened/New,they probably bought 'em to take advantage of the $200 Rebate & headphone offers.
As long as they have a net gain from purchase price/rebate/sale price,I suppose it's a worthwhile endeavor.........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile is basically giving these things away. If they used the trade in thing, it makes the phone either free or less than $200. They probably have another phone they are using and don't plan on leaving T-Mobile, so they just got one and are selling it. T-Mobile, effectively, puts you in a contract doing this. They take the price of the phone and give you bill credits for the whole term of the EIP. If you terminate service, you owe the phone. Combine that with the free line promotion they had a few days prior, I am guessing this is what is happening. The contract does not say anything about using the phone. As long as they keep their bill current and keep their service, it will be able to be used (I think...). I would be careful buying one of these V20s in case you are not allowed to use the phone on a line that isn't associated with the account, but that is me being a worry wort.
EDubs11 said:
T-Mobile is basically giving these things away. If they used the trade in thing, it makes the phone either free or less than $200. They probably have another phone they are using and don't plan on leaving T-Mobile, so they just got one and are selling it. T-Mobile, effectively, puts you in a contract doing this. They take the price of the phone and give you bill credits for the whole term of the EIP. If you terminate service, you owe the phone. Combine that with the free line promotion they had a few days prior, I am guessing this is what is happening. The contract does not say anything about using the phone. As long as they keep their bill current and keep their service, it will be able to be used (I think...). I would be careful buying one of these V20s in case you are not allowed to use the phone on a line that isn't associated with the account, but that is me being a worry wort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Swappa won't let you sell a phone that still has anything owed on it. They check the IMEI.
I assume the bill credits wouldn't affect this as long as the phone is free and clear.
Sub-Negro said:
Like 23 right now compare that to 6 AT&T and 7 Verizon branded units. What exactly is the deal with T-Mobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought one unopened for $485. It was purchased with the T-mobile employee discount for $285.
Evilv2 said:
I bought one unopened for $485. It was purchased with the T-mobile employee discount for $285.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice find,congratulations! ?
Sent from my Xiaomi Mi Mix using XDA Labs
KOLIOSIS said:
Nice find,congratulations!
Sent from my Xiaomi Mi Mix using XDA Labs
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Click to collapse
I assume lot of the unopened were bought with significant discounts. They are being sold for $500 +/- $15.
Watch out t-mobile is the carrier that's gets the lg partner purchase program phones. They can not be carrier unlocked. That's why there up and cheap.
aknotts415 said:
Watch out t-mobile is the carrier that's gets the lg partner purchase program phones. They can not be carrier unlocked. That's why there up and cheap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing you can use a paid SIM Unlock service to override this........................
KOLIOSIS said:
I'm guessing you can use a paid SIM Unlock service to override this........................
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Click to collapse
Won't work. When they go to get the unlock code from T-Mobile the imei isn't in their system so they can't get it and it can't be done. Trust me. I've seen this happen on the v10 and g5. Just look it up.
aknotts415 said:
Won't work. When they go to get the unlock code from T-Mobile the imei isn't in their system so they can't get it and it can't be done. Trust me. I've seen this happen on the v10 and g5. Just look it up.
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Click to collapse
If that's the case, I'd think the sellers would know better than to post a listing on Swappa.
Guess we'll find out soon enough how many of the listings are fraudulent.....
KOLIOSIS said:
If that's the case, I'd think the sellers would know better than to post a listing on Swappa.
Guess we'll find out soon enough how many of the listings are fraudulent.....
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Click to collapse
There not fraudulent. Not sure why u think that. Theres nothing wrong with selling lg partner purchase program phones. They just can't be carrier unlocked and the sellers don't go out of their way to tell you. They just say their not sure.
aknotts415 said:
There not fraudulent. Not sure why u think that. Theres nothing wrong with selling lg partner purchase program phones. They just can't be carrier unlocked and the sellers don't go out of their way to tell you. They just say their not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Full disclosure is a given when selling on Swappa,anything less would be fraudulent,if not to the letter of the rules,it certainly would be in spirit/practice.
This is some good information though,glad you brought it up. :good:
I'm betting a lot of folks have never heard of such a thing.
Yeah ur right. Lol I wast trying to buy a v10 and g5 earlier this year and ran into this situation. Very difficult to deal with. Most sellers selling them do t really understand them selves and they blame T-Mobile. It probly is T-Mobile fault since it's branded T-Mobile. Just want everyone to be aware they can't be unlocked, even a third party unlock service can't. Having it on ur account for 40 days doesnt matter either. It's a crappy situation lol
aknotts415 said:
Yeah ur right. Lol I wast trying to buy a v10 and g5 earlier this year and ran into this situation. Very difficult to deal with. Most sellers selling them do t really understand them selves and they blame T-Mobile. It probly is T-Mobile fault since it's branded T-Mobile. Just want everyone to be aware they can't be unlocked, even a third party unlock service can't. Having it on ur account for 40 days doesnt matter either. It's a crappy situation lol
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Click to collapse
I'd heard of employee deals/mfg-partner phones/etc..,but,I didn't know about the SIM Unlocking issue.
Again,many THX for bringing this up,you've no doubt saved some people a lot of trouble. :highfive:
FWIW,here's Swappa's policy on clean ESN's:
https://swappa.com/faq/sell/share_esn_numbers
Bulletproof,no,but,it sounds as if they're doing their due dilligence w/researching the ESN/IMEI,perhaps w/more tools than the general public is armed with.
Some sharp individuals here on XDA/Swappa running the show,I'm guessing/hoping they have this scenario covered,enough to ensure the buyers are protected in a worse-case scenario.
A little bit off topic, can you get square trade insurance for phones purchased at swappa?
aknotts415 said:
Yeah ur right. Lol I wast trying to buy a v10 and g5 earlier this year and ran into this situation. Very difficult to deal with. Most sellers selling them do t really understand them selves and they blame T-Mobile. It probly is T-Mobile fault since it's branded T-Mobile. Just want everyone to be aware they can't be unlocked, even a third party unlock service can't. Having it on ur account for 40 days doesnt matter either. It's a crappy situation lol
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Click to collapse
Um I'm not trying to be a pain but I bought my G5 from Tmobile and had it unlocked in 24 hours as I was traveling out of the country. I used the app on the phone and the code the rep gave me. I've traveled to 7 countries since then and used sim cards from each one no problem.
seanmfield said:
Um I'm not trying to be a pain but I bought my G5 from Tmobile and had it unlocked in 24 hours as I was traveling out of the country. I used the app on the phone and the code the rep gave me. I've traveled to 7 countries since then and used sim cards from each one no problem.
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Click to collapse
Ur probly wasn't a lg partner purchase program one then lol.
Hey guys, now that the pixel 3 is $500, i think i'm ready.
I figure it should hold me over until 5g is ready in my area. I don't feel they need right now to drop $1300 on a 5g phone that won't get any 5g for a long time.
During internet searches i find conflicting info on whether or not an the unlocked pixel 3 at best buy is unbranded and unlocked or just unlocked.
I use ATT and prefer my phone not be branded to any carrier.
Which if i'm reading right is the way google sells them.
But some say the unlocked one at best buy is really a verizon version, just unlocked.
I'm going on vacation in a week, so just driving over and buying it would speed things up. I'd like to have a week to make sure all as good as for i'm not bringing 2 phones with me. Also time to get silicone case to protect it.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks,
Joe
BTW, if this has been covered before and you know where to find the thread, just please link me.
I keep coming up with pixel and pixel 2 answers, not the 3.
jcar302 said:
Hey guys, now that the pixel 3 is $500, i think i'm ready.
I figure it should hold me over until 5g is ready in my area. I don't feel they need right now to drop $1300 on a 5g phone that won't get any 5g for a long time.
During internet searches i find conflicting info on whether or not an the unlocked pixel 3 at best buy is unbranded and unlocked or just unlocked.
I use ATT and prefer my phone not be branded to any carrier.
Which if i'm reading right is the way google sells them.
But some say the unlocked one at best buy is really a verizon version, just unlocked.
I'm going on vacation in a week, so just driving over and buying it would speed things up. I'd like to have a week to make sure all as good as for i'm not bringing 2 phones with me. Also time to get silicone case to protect it.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks,
Joe
BTW, if this has been covered before and you know where to find the thread, just please link me.
I keep coming up with pixel and pixel 2 answers, not the 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy it from Google. Save yourself a lot of aggravation in the long run. If you can't get it in time then either have it shipped to where you'll be or wait until you get home.
bobby janow said:
Buy it from Google. Save yourself a lot of aggravation in the long run. If you can't get it in time then either have it shipped to where you'll be or wait until you get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can live with the waiting if need be. (although it would be nice to take pics of the kids with something alot less beat than my s7)
But out of curiosity, any particular reason you feel this way?
jcar302 said:
Hey guys, now that the pixel 3 is $500, i think i'm ready.
I figure it should hold me over until 5g is ready in my area. I don't feel they need right now to drop $1300 on a 5g phone that won't get any 5g for a long time.
During internet searches i find conflicting info on whether or not an the unlocked pixel 3 at best buy is unbranded and unlocked or just unlocked.
I use ATT and prefer my phone not be branded to any carrier.
Which if i'm reading right is the way google sells them.
But some say the unlocked one at best buy is really a verizon version, just unlocked.
I'm going on vacation in a week, so just driving over and buying it would speed things up. I'd like to have a week to make sure all as good as for i'm not bringing 2 phones with me. Also time to get silicone case to protect it.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks,
Joe
BTW, if this has been covered before and you know where to find the thread, just please link me.
I keep coming up with pixel and pixel 2 answers, not the 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon deal for $499.99 is only if activated on Sprint. They sell an "activate later" phone that should be unbranded since it is not available on an installment plan, but that is $599.99. The one with in-store AT&T activation may or may not be branded and is $549.99 Notice the "starting at" $499.99 disclaimer on the main phone page. Either way, if branding (or lack of) is important to you I would want to see it come out of the box in person. Also keep in mind that none of these are definitely the same as the Google version with unlockable bootlader. They might be, but only way to find out for sure is to try unlocking or to at least see the imei number to get an idea.
https://www.bestbuy.com/wireless/tr...aseType=FULL_SRP&numberOfPayments=1#/carriers
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/google...e-unlocked-just-black/6319226.p?skuId=6319226
You are looking at the xl.
No big deal, but I just want the 3. (i was starting to wonder if i was crazy, since my page said $399 activated now and $499 no activation)
Regardless, if there is confusion or a chance i won't get an unmolested pixel 3, i'll order straight from google.
Any clue how fast google gets you a phone? I'd hope they have regional distributors.
Thanks,
Joe
jcar302 said:
You are looking at the xl.
No big deal, but I just want the 3. (i was starting to wonder if i was crazy, since my page said $399 activated now and $499 no activation)
Regardless, if there is confusion or a chance i won't get an unmolested pixel 3, i'll order straight from google.
Any clue how fast google gets you a phone? I'd hope they have regional distributors.
Thanks,
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not buy from Best Buy if you care about a "clean" unbranded phone. That's all there is to it. Get it from Google for $499 and wait for it and forget the pics if you can't get it in time. Unless you can have them send it to your vacay location depending on your travel plans. Don't bother looking at a device in BB before you buy it. They are each and every one branded with restrictions across the board. Not sure about local distributors most are sent from Illinois.
bobby janow said:
Do not buy from Best Buy if you care about a "clean" unbranded phone. That's all there is to it. Get it from Google for $499 and wait for it and forget the pics if you can't get it in time. Unless you can have them send it to your vacay location depending on your travel plans. Don't bother looking at a device in BB before you buy it. They are each and every one branded with restrictions across the board. Not sure about local distributors most are sent from Illinois.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the advice, i ordered through google this morning.
Says delivery 14-15th so that's not too bad.
I'm also not feeling real guilty about $500. Phones have gotten so expensive, but the reality is that i only go on the internet, make phone calls and use apps that control other devices. Not really some kind of power user and i'd bet any phone feels good coming from a 3+ year old s7.
Just didn't want something $1000+
I bought from Best Buy, it's the same as the one sold from Google. It's unlocked with an unlockable bootloader and I use it on VZW. There's a lot of misinformation in this thread.
jakdillard said:
I bought from Best Buy, it's the same as the one sold from Google. It's unlocked with an unlockable bootloader and I use it on VZW. There's a lot of misinformation in this thread.
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Click to collapse
That's entirely possible but, unfortunately, BB sales people are basically clueless when it comes to those issues. What about the eSim is that available as well on the device you bought?
There have been too many horror stories coming out of the BB buying experience so unless you know exactly what you're looking for and can look at the device before purchase then it is best to avoid the possibility of failure. I'm also not sure about the RMA experience at BB. I know if you buy it from Google and something goes wrong they will advance ship you a replacement. Then you can transfer and send back your old phone with no downtime. Does BB offer that as well if you don't buy the $9/month warranty service? If BB says you have to replace it through Google then the device is not the same since you have to send back the old one before they ship you a replacement. If you're buying an unlocked phone I don't see any reason to buy it from any place other than Google.
The Google devices have an IMEI that begins with 99. If yours is that then you have a Google device. If not then it's not the same.
bobby janow said:
That's entirely possible but, unfortunately, BB sales people are basically clueless when it comes to those issues. What about the eSim is that available as well on the device you bought?
There have been too many horror stories coming out of the BB buying experience so unless you know exactly what you're looking for and can look at the device before purchase then it is best to avoid the possibility of failure. I'm also not sure about the RMA experience at BB. I know if you buy it from Google and something goes wrong they will advance ship you a replacement. Then you can transfer and send back your old phone with no downtime. Does BB offer that as well if you don't buy the $9/month warranty service? If BB says you have to replace it through Google then the device is not the same since you have to send back the old one before they ship you a replacement. If you're buying an unlocked phone I don't see any reason to buy it from any place other than Google.
The Google devices have an IMEI that begins with 99. If yours is that then you have a Google device. If not then it's not the same.
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Click to collapse
Man look esim✓ unlocked phone✓ unlockable bootloader✓ IMEI 990✓ SKU GA00457-US✓ it's the same phone. I don't post much anymore, but at one point in time I used to be a ROM developer. I know phones very well. Also just as to see the box, all the info you need is on it.
jakdillard said:
Man look esim✓ unlocked phone✓ unlockable bootloader✓ IMEI 990✓ SKU GA00457-US✓ it's the same phone. I don't post much anymore, but at one point in time I used to be a ROM developer. I know phones very well. Also just as to see the box, all the info you need is on it.
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Click to collapse
That's good information for us, thanks. I'd not seen that posted here before, at least not in the entirety like you just did.
I am from Nigeria, I bought a Google pixel 7 pro from eBay after signing the bid for 500$
I contacted the seller if the phone was under contract, and his respond was "no".
I have been trying to unlock the phone, I called T-Mobile but they refuse to unlock the phone.
I cannot refund the phone because I already shipped it to Nigeria where I live and I am no longer able to contact the seller as the business seems concluded.
Please, I really need help to unlock this phone because the phone will be useless in my hand if not unlocked.
I spent a total of 620$ after tax and shipping.
I will be supper grateful if I can be helped.
Thank you .
Sounds like the phone was not paid off by the seller or it was stolen which would explain why T-Mobile refuses to help you.
If thats the case the phone is most likely blacklisted in which case there is nothing you can do.
Paul_Deemer said:
Sounds like the phone was not paid off by the seller or it was stolen which would explain why T-Mobile refuses to help you.
If thats the case the phone is most likely blacklisted in which case there is nothing you can do.
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Click to collapse
I did a search using the imei number, kindly find attached.
princejeadi said:
I did a search using the imei number, kindly find attached.
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Click to collapse
Two Key things I see there are Plan ID and Loan ID.
Is there anything I can do ?
I have the eBay receipt that is verifiable...
If there is a way to make this phone work, I will be grateful.
princejeadi said:
Is there anything I can do ?
I have the eBay receipt that is verifiable...
If there is a way to make this phone work, I will be grateful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the only option would be for the seller to pay off the loan at T-Mobile, which they're never gonna do, or to return it.
Those are your two options. There is nothing more that can be done. You're screwed as far as the phone is concerned.
However, you can open a case with eBay.
Open ebay or PayPal case
If item was advertised as unlocked you should get your money back.
mackdacre said:
I believe the only option would be for the seller to pay off the loan at T-Mobile, which they're never gonna do, or to return it.
Those are your two options. There is nothing more that can be done. You're screwed as far as the phone is concerned.
However, you can open a case with eBay.
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Click to collapse
Thank you very much, let me do that
Thank you very much, I have contacted eBay, they wade into the issue and thereafter refunded me the complete money that I used for purchase, however, they left the phone with me.
Nothing lost, I got my money back and I have the locked phone for taking pictures and videos.
Thanks
princejeadi said:
Thank you very much, I have contacted eBay, they wade into the issue and thereafter refunded me the complete money that I used for purchase, however, they left the phone with me.
Nothing lost, I got my money back and I have the locked phone for taking pictures and videos.
Thanks
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Click to collapse
Fantastic. Glad to hear it. Thanks for updating us.