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Hi,
I was thinking of having my uncle buy me an unlocked Samsung Focus in USA and bringing it to me in Norway.
I've noticed many people having problems getting the Focus without a contract, but it looks to me that you can buy one from AmazonWireless without one if you click "Phone only (no service)"? Or am I wrong?
Any other things that I should be aware of before buying the phone?
Espentf said:
Hi,
I was thinking of having my uncle buy me an unlocked Samsung Focus in USA and bringing it to me in Norway.
I've noticed many people having problems getting the Focus without a contract, but it looks to me that you can buy one from AmazonWireless without one if you click "Phone only (no service)"? Or am I wrong?
Any other things that I should be aware of before buying the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, i bought mine there, but your billing address must be on US (i just put the shipping address on the billing address,the only legit data was my CC and expiration date)
it worked, but i shipped it to an US address. i dont have confirmation from my friend yet, but i got charged and the package tracking says its delivered.
i hope it helps
Great, thanks for the answer.
My uncle lives in Seattle, so I can probably just use his adress.
My plan was to get the phone shipped to him so I would bypass all the stupid taxes and fees you need to pay to import stuff to norway
So basicly, I just need my uncle's adress, and I'm good to go?
Anything else I should worry about?
The contract-free phone is locked to AT&T so you still need to get it unlocked.
Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express
djca said:
The contract-free phone is locked to AT&T so you still need to get it unlocked.
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Alright. Is this a simple process?
I've ordered an unlocked one from eBay instead. Was about 100USD more expensive, but that only brings it to around 150USD LESS than what I'd have to expect to pay for a similar phone in Norway
ill buy the unlock on ebay, but i need my phone imei first.
Bought mine online from amazon. Shipped it someone in US who was on holiday their at their relative's house. They brought it over to NZ when they finished their holiday in US.
Gave the IMEI no of the locked focus to nckzone on ebay and he gave me an unlock code. Working fine.
btw used a visa debit card on amazon which does not cares about the billing address crap.
Where can i buy one off contract? The tmo store will not sell it as of yet.
A few options:
- Non T-Mobile phone stores (In Houston, I tend to look for cell phone stores in Chinatown)
- Craigslist (Always ask for seller's ID due to the blocked IMEI scam on the rise)
- E-bay
- Market place on here (I think I've seen a few)
- Did you try calling T-Mobile directly? Also, just FYI, my friend bought her 16GB White T999 from a T-Mobile store here in Houston TX for full price (payment plan) about two weeks ago. So I'm not sure why (I'm assuming) you were told that T-Mobile store will not sell it yet or why the store wouldn't sell it to you.
belly1026 said:
A few options:
- Non T-Mobile phone stores (In Houston, I tend to look for cell phone stores in Chinatown)
- Craigslist (Always ask for seller's ID due to the blocked IMEI scam on the rise)
- E-bay
- Market place on here (I think I've seen a few)
- Did you try calling T-Mobile directly? Also, just FYI, my friend bought her 16GB White T999 from a T-Mobile store here in Houston TX for full price (payment plan) about two weeks ago. So I'm not sure why (I'm assuming) you were told that T-Mobile store will not sell it yet or why the store wouldn't sell it to you.
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please elaborate on the ID, you mean ask them for the IMEI?
I want to buy it off craigslist but it's obvious people stole bulks of these phones off somewhere.
I called the TMo stores directly, not the company. They all told me they have a memo from Tmo not to sell off contract s3's until further notice.
They are available for their value plans but you will be making payments on $599 plus tax.
.. via SGH-T999 by TT2
On craigslist make sure they give you the receipt is one way to go. Or have them meet you at a T-Mobile store (preferred) when you do the exchange. Kinda like buying a used car and meeting at the dmv to change title.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
EpicSurge said:
please elaborate on the ID, you mean ask them for the IMEI?
I want to buy it off craigslist but it's obvious people stole bulks of these phones off somewhere.
I called the TMo stores directly, not the company. They all told me they have a memo from Tmo not to sell off contract s3's until further notice.
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Click to collapse
No. Not asking for the IMEI number because the IMEI will be on the phone and on the box.
What I mean was this: A lot of people buy their phones on Craigslist and the phone will be working for a few weeks or a month before it will eventually stop working. When you call it in, you will be told that the phone was reported stolen and as such, the IMEI was blocked, rendering the phone to be useless on T-Mobile's network. What had happened was, the person selling the phone on CL would have claimed the phone to be stolen and received a replacement phone through insurance. This way, he would have your money and still own a galaxy S3.
For example of what I think is an example of such scam, click me
So, when you do a transaction on CL, take a screen shot of the CL ad, do the transaction at a T-Mobile store. Always ask for a receipt or any kind of proof of purchase, and ask for their personal ID so you can track them down in case the phone was reported stolen so you can have support for when you go to the Police (if you choose to go to the police).
belly1026 said:
No. Not asking for the IMEI number because the IMEI will be on the phone and on the box.
What I mean was this: A lot of people buy their phones on Craigslist and the phone will be working for a few weeks or a month before it will eventually stop working. When you call it in, you will be told that the phone was reported stolen and as such, the IMEI was blocked, rendering the phone to be useless on T-Mobile's network. What had happened was, the person selling the phone on CL would have claimed the phone to be stolen and received a replacement phone through insurance. This way, he would have your money and still own a galaxy S3.
For example of what I think is an example of such scam, click me
So, when you do a transaction on CL, take a screen shot of the CL ad, do the transaction at a T-Mobile store. Always ask for a receipt or any kind of proof of purchase, and ask for their personal ID so you can track them down in case the phone was reported stolen so you can have support for when you go to the Police (if you choose to go to the police).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. First time with tmo and was going to return my Costco s3 and try to get one on CL so Im not stuck on a contract. Now that I know this ill be more weary with phones off contract. Quick question. Besides getting their ID info which could be difficult to do, could you technically let T-Mobile know that you just bought it off craigslist and have the seller give his info to them which the seller would most likely do rather than give you his ID. Assuming ofcourse that he is also with using tmo service so his account can be noted.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
belly1026 said:
No. Not asking for the IMEI number because the IMEI will be on the phone and on the box.
What I mean was this: A lot of people buy their phones on Craigslist and the phone will be working for a few weeks or a month before it will eventually stop working. When you call it in, you will be told that the phone was reported stolen and as such, the IMEI was blocked, rendering the phone to be useless on T-Mobile's network. What had happened was, the person selling the phone on CL would have claimed the phone to be stolen and received a replacement phone through insurance. This way, he would have your money and still own a galaxy S3.
For example of what I think is an example of such scam, click me
So, when you do a transaction on CL, take a screen shot of the CL ad, do the transaction at a T-Mobile store. Always ask for a receipt or any kind of proof of purchase, and ask for their personal ID so you can track them down in case the phone was reported stolen so you can have support for when you go to the Police (if you choose to go to the police).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow thats crazy.
Here's my short story.
The family decided to start a new 2 year contract and everyone got Galaxy S2's. This was like in April. Sold the S2 because I wanted the S3.
Started looking on Ebay, then Craigs. I checked on Craigs one day and found a pretty good deal for a sealed blue 16gb (though I had to give up the micro sim in the deal). Jumped on it that same day and met locally. I get to the spot and it turned out the seller is the older brother of this dude I knew in middle school/high school (they were both there at the spot). In my head I was like oh nice, this should be easy.
Opened it up on the spot, paid the guy, and left.
I feel pretty lucky for that to happen. I mean, of all chances I was able to meet up with someone on Craigs that I know.
But hearing these stories of people scamming people through IMEI is crazy.
EpicSurge said:
Where can i buy one off contract? The tmo store will not sell it as of yet.
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I bought mine from through mytmobile it gave me no problems buying it at full retail... I am on a grandfathered even more + plan though, not sure if that changes anything though
T-Mobile stores won't sell them off contract? I bought mine full retail at a factory T-Mobile store almost 2 weeks ago. No issues what-so-ever.
Radioshack and calling T-Mobile (You have to be a client)
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
I bought mine off contract at T-Mobile store the first day it came out. I have the prepaid 30 bucks plan with the 100 min and 5 gigs of internet at 4g
..
wailord said:
Newegg has the 16gb unlocked for $600 right now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875176350
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875176348
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That's the international version. You won't get 4g on T-Mobile with that phone
Is there a way to tell the difference between a T-Mobile USA Nexus 4 sold by T-Mobile vs one that was sold directly from Google or someone else? I'm looking to buy a used Nexus 4 but with the latest trend of people buying phones from T-Mobile on payment plans and not paying then T-Mobile blocking the IMEI I'd prefer a used phone that was bought directly from Google and not from T-Mobile.
Any way to tell based on SKU, serial #? Thanks...
I can't answer your question about telling the difference, but when I sold a sprint phone on craigslist the guy wanted to meet up at a sprint store and make sure everything was in the up and up.
Maybe you could arrange a meet up at a t-mobile store
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
BrianDigital said:
I can't answer your question about telling the difference, but when I sold a sprint phone on craigslist the guy wanted to meet up at a sprint store and make sure everything was in the up and up.
Maybe you could arrange a meet up at a t-mobile store
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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That sounds like the safest way to go buying a used phone.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
LS1_01 said:
Is there a way to tell the difference between a T-Mobile USA Nexus 4 sold by T-Mobile vs one that was sold directly from Google or someone else? I'm looking to buy a used Nexus 4 but with the latest trend of people buying phones from T-Mobile on payment plans and not paying then T-Mobile blocking the IMEI I'd prefer a used phone that was bought directly from Google and not from T-Mobile.
Any way to tell based on SKU, serial #? Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they are exactly the same, from tmobile and the play store. theres nothing differing between the phones. the only thing different is where you buy it. tmobile could block the imei if you bought it from the play store too, if they had reason. when your phone goes onto the tmobile network, the imei number registers.
The T-Mobile Nexus 4 is the exact same phone as the phone purchased through the play store... They are both Unlocked and can be used on any gsm network... I would guess the only difference is that T-mobile can block the IMEI from being used on their network.. So if you buy one I would check with T-mobile and verify the IMEI or serial number with them to see if it is purchase through them... Same with the google phone.. I would think you could verify the IMEI through them
It's the same phone. However, T-Mobile only sells the 16gb model.
I'd actually say it is safer to buy a tmo model and check in store that there are no negative marks on the account before purchasing, with a google play model you can try calling ATT/Tmo to check the IMEI but who knows how long it takes for a stolen phone to show up in the database.
Buy it directly from Google play store. It's cheaper than tmobile.
Buying from a person doesn't fulfill your warranty either. Warranty is for the person who bought the device (there are ways around it but it's not worth the risk). No difference between tmo and the one from play store except tmo only offers 16gb whereas play store offers 8 and 16
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Thanks all! I'm looking at the 8GB one so I guess that won't be from T-Mobile...they told me IMEI was not blocked on their end (at this point at least) and I'll check with AT&T...I think for any provider to block it if the phone was purchased from elsewhere other than the carrier someone would have to report it stolen but I'm looking to buy one off ebay so I should have documentation if anything happened?
My main concern was it gets blocked for someone not making their payments if they bought it right from T-Mobile...but I suppose one could report it stolen and if they have insurance they could get another phone and the one they sold would get blocked?
LS1_01 said:
Thanks all! I'm looking at the 8GB one so I guess that won't be from T-Mobile...they told me IMEI was not blocked on their end (at this point at least) and I'll check with AT&T...I think for any provider to block it if the phone was purchased from elsewhere other than the carrier someone would have to report it stolen but I'm looking to buy one off ebay so I should have documentation if anything happened?
My main concern was it gets blocked for someone not making their payments if they bought it right from T-Mobile...but I suppose one could report it stolen and if they have insurance they could get another phone and the one they sold would get blocked?
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Click to collapse
If they bought the phone from T Mobile then it wouldn't be the 8GB version. T Mobile ONLY OFFERS the 16GB variant.
Like I said before, I recommend that you do not buy it from any random user off of eBay or Craigslist. I've seen posts on the N4 forum where someone bought from Craigslist in person and then BAM! a couple weeks later, their phone was IMEI blacklisted and they just put down +$200 on a phone that is now a brick when it comes to having any cellular connectivity.
Only Play Store or through a friend/family member that you can trust are the viable sources I would go for when it comes to buying a phone from a third-party. Play Store is the safest way on getting your device.
umm googles is carrier unlocked right, T mobiles is surely not
aaronrw said:
umm googles is carrier unlocked right, T mobiles is surely not
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Click to collapse
T Mobile Nexus 4 is carrier unlocked. Its not worth getting from T-Mobile. Their new plan, you still end up paying more for the Nexus 4 when compared to getting it from the Google Play Store.
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2008238
Lets do the math:
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/Phones/cell-phone-detail.aspx?cell-phone=Nexus-4
Down Payment:$ 49.99
Monthly Payment: +$17.00 for 24 months
Down payment$49.99
Or pay in full today at checkout$457.99
Learn more about our pricing options
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T-Mobile (2 Year): $49.99 + $17 * 24 months = $457.99 (end of 24 months)
Google Play Store (Unlocked): $299.99 (8GB), $349.99 (16GB) not incl. taxes & shipping. Depending on where you will live 16GB will round out to be ~$405 or so (most likely less in other states as I live in NY and it was $405ish for me). You save yourself ~$60+ T Mobile N4 is a scam.
i got mine from Google, it's the ONLY way to go unless you need to pay for it month to month. Which I understand too.
I got mine for 199 from T-Mobile so that's why I got it from them (I paid for it up front, I don't do the installment payments). That's better then 349 at Google. But I had to use my upgrade. I'm glad I did cause now I don't have any upgrades anymore since the new plans kicked in. I'm on a classic 1000 min plan.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
s10shane said:
I got mine for 199 from T-Mobile so that's why I got it from them (I paid for it up front, I don't do the installment payments). That's better then 349 at Google. But I had to use my upgrade. I'm glad I did cause now I don't have any upgrades anymore since the new plans kicked in. I'm on a classic 1000 min plan.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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it is carrier locked right?
aaronrw said:
it is carrier locked right?
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Its not. I posted this before
T Mobile Nexus 4 is carrier unlocked. Its not worth getting from T-Mobile. Their new plan, you still end up paying more for the Nexus 4 when compared to getting it from the Google Play Store.
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2008238
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Click on the source ^^ someone asked that question
zephiK said:
Its not. I posted this before
Click on the source ^^ someone asked that question
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wow that's crazy....I surely thought it was locked to T mobile....good info thanks
aaronrw said:
it is carrier locked right?
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I don't think it is. Its a nexus, so I would say no. Lol but at the moment I don't have a another sim card for another carrier to test it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
s10shane said:
I don't think it is. Its a nexus, so I would say no. Lol but at the moment I don't have a another sim card for another carrier to test it.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
You said you used your upgrade, so you paid subsidized price. Which is absurd. $200 subsidized is the same for both the Nexus 4, HTC One, and Galaxy S4. While full price for the HTC and Samsung is around 600, while the Nexus is $299... And T-Mobile rips you off. It's cheaper from Google Play. I thought T-Mobile was trying to "change the game". Stop with the carrier bull****..
Let's think this through, Tmobile only blacklists IMEI's in 2 instances
1) The phone was insured, and reported lost/stolen.
- You can only insure the phone if it was purchased through tmobile. Anything purchased from the playstore is uninsurable
2) You are on a payment plan FOR THE PHONE and it is not being paid.
- For playstore the phone is purchased outright. There is no payment plan. The only way to have a payment plan is if you purchased the phone from tmobile.
If the phone was purchased via playstore, and the TMOBILE phone plan was not being paid, they would just suspend your account, but NOT blacklist your phone.
That said, if you can guarantee that the original owner purchased from the playstore (receipt with IMEI?) then you should be safe.
Does Tmobile only provide the black version? Maybe purchasing a white 16GB guarantees that it's from the playstore?
if i were to buy a note 3 off ebay because of unpaid bill can i sim unlock it to use it with a gsm carrier?
thanks
en11gma said:
if i were to buy a note 3 off ebay because of unpaid bill can i sim unlock it to use it with a gsm carrier?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When buying from places like ebay you should always assume the seller knows more than you and already tried that, so obviously no.
Consider the phone strictly for parts.
Is the phone from the UK? If so, carriers don't block the phone, they just block the sim. So if it's a bad esn it's more than likely stolen. If it's not from UK, I'm not too sure of the procedures in other European countries.
sorry
forgot to mention from usa
This may be more of a carrier question but,...
I have a Nexus 6 that i bought with my last At&t contract back in May. I wanted to buy a new 6P however At&t said i would have to pay a $250 early termination fee in order to switch devices.
My alternative is to reporting my Nexus 6 as lost or stolen which essentially means i can't sell it to recover the roughly $200 that it's worth.
I explained to the At&t rep that i don't want to cancel my contract, I simply want to swap devices.
Anyone have a similar experience? Any way around this?
Can I just swap the SIM cards?
I've heard of people that are unable to use the LTE speeds after swapping SIM's so i wanted to be sure this would not be an issue.
Thanks a Million!
-Murder-
HighSun_Murder said:
This may be more of a carrier question but,...
I have a Nexus 6 that i bought with my last At&t contract back in May. I wanted to buy a new 6P however At&t said i would have to pay a $250 early termination fee in order to switch devices.
My alternative is to reporting my Nexus 6 as lost or stolen which essentially means i can't sell it to recover the roughly $200 that it's worth.
I explained to the At&t rep that i don't want to cancel my contract, I simply want to swap devices.
Anyone have a similar experience? Any way around this?
Can I just swap the SIM cards?
I've heard of people that are unable to use the LTE speeds after swapping SIM's so i wanted to be sure this would not be an issue.
Thanks a Million!
-Murder-
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MY GS5 was still under contract when I got my 6P. Just pop in the sim card from your 6 to your 6P (since they are the same size). Perhaps call ATT to clear the IMEI issues since they have some sort of weird obsession with IMEI numbers
abraxo said:
MY GS5 was still under contract when I got my 6P. Just pop in the sim card from your 6 to your 6P (since they are the same size). Perhaps call ATT to clear the IMEI issues since they have some sort of weird obsession with IMEI numbers
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the speedy reply
What kind of IMEI issues are we talking about? did you have any QOS issues after the swap?
HighSun_Murder said:
Thanks for the speedy reply
What kind of IMEI issues are we talking about? did you have any QOS issues after the swap?
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Click to collapse
Nope but I did need a new sim since the gs5 uses micro instead of nano. I had to call att to activate the new card and deactivate the old one