I'm in Korea for a year, and I am looking to buy a new phone. I'm looking at the Galaxy Nexus and I have a quick and simple question.
Is the Galaxy Nexus that I would buy in Korea the same phone I would get off the shelf in the US?
I have an HTC Rezound that I'm not a huge fan of, and I'm thinking about just activating it in the US when I go home for a month this winter and then using my upgrade when I get back the US next August.
thanks!
I would assume that Korea has some of their own models [edit: apparently not] however they would definitely have the standard international GSM models on sale. Similarly, in the US there are ones from Verizon and Sprint that are using totally different hardware and run on CDMA. The only difference between a GSM one bought from Korea to the one in the US would be the Android build version (I'm not sure about the one in Korean variant but there's yakju/takju and the other variants).
Yes. I live in Korea right now and here we only have the international GSM models only. However, if you're looking to only use it on a pure stock software, you probably won't get jellybean right away. Korean GNexs still haven't got OTAs of JB yet.
Its interesting because I brought my Verizon GNEX from the states and here in Korea, I do have access to 3g data services and its "roaming". I dont know which carrier its roaming off and I just turn on airplane mode anyways. I just went with the crappy used phone and picked a 3g unlimited plan from the Onestop on Yongsan (also stationed in Korea).
Well i'd say but it from google play store since its first to get the major updates, i had the korean version of Gnex and i had to format it and install US version of ICS so i can get the jellybean update OTA 1st before other countries.
qortuba said:
Well i'd say but it from google play store since its first to get the major updates, i had the korean version of Gnex and i had to format it and install US version of ICS so i can get the jellybean update OTA 1st before other countries.
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Click to collapse
is this process easy? i am planning on buying a gnex maybe some time in January, and it seems that it is very hard to find an i9250 variant of this in here. can you please post a link so i can try it once i bought my gnex. tia.
Google doesn't sell the GN on the Play Store anymore.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Related
I really want to throw my money at someone to get the Galaxy Nexus, and since I'm on AT&T, I don't think I'll be seeing it officially supported anytime soon, and I'd have to buy it off contract anyways.
Is there a difference between getting the European and Canadian versions (in terms of software)? Would one receive updates faster than another? (The European Xoom is always slower to update than the U.S. version). Also, would a Canadian version be carrier-branded?
ibejack96 said:
I really want to throw my money at someone to get the Galaxy Nexus, and since I'm on AT&T, I don't think I'll be seeing it officially supported anytime soon, and I'd have to buy it off contract anyways.
Is there a difference between getting the European and Canadian versions (in terms of software)? Would one receive updates faster than another? (The European Xoom is always slower to update than the U.S. version). Also, would a Canadian version be carrier-branded?
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Click to collapse
There's no difference between the two. And so far the only carrier branded nexus is the Verizon flavor. (Not really a nexus anymore if you ask me)
I would wait, because the Canadian Nexus will be cheaper and hopefully fix the volume bug before it ships. Also, warranty replacements will be much easier if you get a North American unit.
As far as updates, they should be the same for both units, only the LTE models will have a different update schedule.
Sent from my Sensation using XDA App
I have a friend visiting Korea next month, and I was wondering if anyone is from there that have purchased the Galaxy Nexus. I would assume given that it's Samsung, they would sell their flagship Nexus phone there, too, correct?
I know it's a world phone with pentaband, so regardless of where it comes from, it should still run on Tmobile's network and 3G data, even if it's one from Korea, correct?
My other concern is whether the phone will offer an English (USA) option. Does anyone know?
And in general, are there other reasons/concerns I should consider before I have a friend purchase it from Korea to bring back to the US for me? I'm hoping this will be a cheaper method... possibly?
Probably need a connection to get one in korea. No official release in korea that is known. On the other hand, if you have a samsung connection you should go for thenexus gold and try to get a 32gb galaxy nexus gsm version.
Sent from my samsung gt i9250 which is in the wrong country.
Its not for sale anywhere but the UK right now.
To answer your other question, yes, it will work on T-mobile US just fine.
Thanks for the replies. Interesting that it's not sold yet even in Samsung's home country...
Well, if my friend misses the release, it's not a biggie.
Would anyone know about the language? The device will have an option to have it all in English, correct? Or any other concerns, like whether I will be use apps from the US, etc?
EDIT: I also found this link: http://www.wirelessgoodness.com/2011/11/22/the-samsung-galaxy-nexus-for-korea-hits-the-fcc/
onthecouchagain said:
Thanks for the replies. Interesting that it's not sold yet even in Samsung's home country...
Well, if my friend misses the release, it's not a biggie.
Would anyone know about the language? The device will have an option to have it all in English, correct? Or any other concerns, like whether I will be use apps from the US, etc?
EDIT: I also found this link: http://www.wirelessgoodness.com/2011/11/22/the-samsung-galaxy-nexus-for-korea-hits-the-fcc/
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Click to collapse
selling phones has nothing to do with where the manufactures headquarters is located. And to answer your question about English being an option, pretty much all Android ROMS offer English as an option for the main language
The problem might be getting to the english option though.
Sent from my samsung gt i9250 which is in the wrong country.
The Galaxy Nexus in Korea actually went on sale 11/28 along with the LTE Galaxy Note. The English option should not be a problem since on stock android you have the option of setting your default language from Korean to English or vice versa. The only problem is that by default it would come with Korean and you need to navigate to the Language/Text Input options. I can help you with that if you'd like.
Thanks for the responses, everyone.
and932 said:
The Galaxy Nexus in Korea actually went on sale 11/28 along with the LTE Galaxy Note. The English option should not be a problem since on stock android you have the option of setting your default language from Korean to English or vice versa. The only problem is that by default it would come with Korean and you need to navigate to the Language/Text Input options. I can help you with that if you'd like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you happen to know how much the Galaxy Nexus is going for in Korea? I would only ask my friend to bring me back one if the price was significantly cheaper than say importing it through expansy or handtec.
Also, if and when the time comes, I may take you up on your offer of help for navigating the menus to switch to English. =D
+ 1, a friend is there until mid December. Check this article out: http://phandroid.com/2011/11/29/gal...ah-extended-battery-and-cover-in-south-korea/
Who wouldn't want to get it from there..
I am in South Korea for a couple more days, thinking of looking for one tomorrow. Just so i dont screw myself and can double check, can anyone confirm which GSM freq's i need to make sure it has, to work with T-Mobile 3G+
Thanks,
Dave
Vandalet said:
I am in South Korea for a couple more days, thinking of looking for one tomorrow. Just so i dont screw myself and can double check, can anyone confirm which GSM freq's i need to make sure it has, to work with T-Mobile 3G+
Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-Mobile US..?
Vandalet said:
I am in South Korea for a couple more days, thinking of looking for one tomorrow. Just so i dont screw myself and can double check, can anyone confirm which GSM freq's i need to make sure it has, to work with T-Mobile 3G+
Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1700/2100 for T-mobile 3G
How much is the phone selling in S.Korea???
I want to get one if they come with extra battery!!
Vandalet said:
I am in South Korea for a couple more days, thinking of looking for one tomorrow. Just so i dont screw myself and can double check, can anyone confirm which GSM freq's i need to make sure it has, to work with T-Mobile 3G+
Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile US uses 1700/2100 (AWS) for 3G. The Galaxy Nexus is pentaband and works on pretty much any GSM network in the world.
Perfect, thanks. I'll see if i can find them. Hoping for under $700 UDS
Vandalet said:
Perfect, thanks. I'll see if i can find them. Hoping for under $700 UDS
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Please keep us posted!!
Vandalet said:
Perfect, thanks. I'll see if i can find them. Hoping for under $700 UDS
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Click to collapse
Yes, please share the price.
I am living in Seoul and have been using my GSM Galaxy Nexus for a few days (shipped from UK). It works fine.
I wouldn't recommend buying a Korean Galaxy Nexus though because:
a) I am not sure there are GSM models available for sale here
b) A Korean GSM model (if available) may not work outside Korea for things like SMS and MMS
c) Bloody expensive here. It's a captive market so the koreans get screwed.
It is best to buy an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from abroad and bring it here. Even then, it's a right pain to get a simcard. I know, I've been through it.
---------- Post added at 07:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:37 AM ----------
The SK Telecom WCDMA uses 2100MGHz.
Not to be off topic but has your friend considered a Galaxy S II HD?
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
I'm curious, too. Except for the vanilla android experience, I would seriously consider the Galaxy S II HD LTE in Korea.
Carne_Asada_Fries said:
Not to be off topic but has your friend considered a Galaxy S II HD?
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
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Click to collapse
samizad said:
I am living in Seoul and have been using my GSM Galaxy Nexus for a few days (shipped from UK). It works fine.
I wouldn't recommend buying a Korean Galaxy Nexus though because:
a) I am not sure there are GSM models available for sale here
b) A Korean GSM model (if available) may not work outside Korea for things like SMS and MMS
c) Bloody expensive here. It's a captive market so the koreans get screwed.
It is best to buy an unlocked Galaxy Nexus from abroad and bring it here. Even then, it's a right pain to get a simcard. I know, I've been through it.
---------- Post added at 07:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:37 AM ----------
The SK Telecom WCDMA uses 2100MGHz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell us how much it is in Korea?
Hello everyone,
I'm currently with Videotron and I'm using a HTC Panache (CM7).
I bought the Panache August 2011 thinking it was the last high end phone by HTC (was what Videotron was saying...).
But now, most of us knows we will not get ICS because the HTC Panache is nothing more than the old MyTouch 4G available in the US since 2010.
My ideas was to buy a GNex, use my current videotron SIM card and keep my Panache to test ROM, dev, etc...
I tried to get one on amazon.com but they are not shipping the Gnex to Canada.
I could probably buy one from Videotron but I want to be sure :
1- I will get Google update quickly (forget Videotron to get update...)
2- Easy to root (the Panache was a challenge to root)
Any experience with Videotron GNex ?
Is there any place in Canada I could get a GNex unclock at a fair price (Videotron == 599,95) ?
Thanks for your help.
Regards.
SprigganMaster said:
1- I will get Google update quickly (forget Videotron to get update...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The update isn't dependent on the carrier you're on. Its dependent on the version of software it has. 99% chance it won't have a stock Google (yakju) build. You can flash it to yakju if getting those updates quickly matters to you. If you don't, you'll get them a few weeks slower.
2- Easy to root (the Panache was a challenge to root)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a Nexus, of course its easy to root.
Is there any place in Canada I could get a GNex unclock at a fair price (Videotron == 599,95) ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plenty of places selling for about the same price or possibly a touch cheaper. Most importers are selling it in the $550USD range. Other retailers and "daily deals" sites are selling it for around $450USD depending on the day you find it.
Thanks martonikaj.
Any suggestions for a trusted reseller? I usually do business with website like ncix but they don't sell the gnex without a carrier contract...
Sent from my HTC Panache / CyanogenMod 7.2 using xda premium.
SprigganMaster said:
Thanks martonikaj.
Any suggestions for a trusted reseller? I usually do business with website like ncix but they don't sell the gnex without a carrier contract...
Sent from my HTC Panache / CyanogenMod 7.2 using xda premium.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could look at negrielectronics (got mine there) or expansys.
Negri just cut the price of theirs to like $550. Get the "CAN" version. Its cheaper but comes with non-yakju firmware. You can just wipe it and put yakju on it.
31/05/2012:
The official specs for the Canadian Samsung Galaxy S3:
Processor:
Snapdragon S4 Dual Core 1.5 GHz
Qualcomm MSM8960 Chipset
OS (Shipping): ICS 4.0.4
Data: LTE (SGH-i747 variation) and HSPA+ 42 (SGH-iT999 variation)
Memory: 2 GB RAM
Dimensions: 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm
Weight: 133g
Memory: 16/32GB internal memory (SGH-i747)/ 16GB internal memory (SGH-iT999)
Expandable microSD up to 32GB
Display: 4.8 HD Super AMOLED 1280x720 (306ppi)
Connectivity: NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, DLNA, WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, MHL Video Out
Camera: 8MP Rear-facing, 1.9MP Front-facing
Battery: 2100 mAh
Other features:
TouchWiz with Motion UX
S Beam
AllShare Play enhance functionality
MP3/ACC+/WAV audio player
DivX/Xvid/MP4/WMV/H.263/ H.264 Video Player
Release Information:
"Beginning June 20th, the Samsung GALAXY S III will be available through leading Canadian wireless carriers and authorized national retailers." (Source)
It'll be carried by the following carriers: WIND Mobile, Videotron, SaskTel, Virgin Mobile, Bell, Rogers, and TELUS, as well as the following retailers: GLENTEL, Best Buy, and Future Shop. (Source)
Bell also has a sign up page for the GS3. They too are getting the lte version.
I'll wait and see how development is for the bell version. If international roms are compatible, sans radio, I might get it, even though lte coverage here is f*** all, or I might just get the international version regardless.
Can't wait to play with one when they hit Canadian stores.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Knowing how Canadian variants are never compatible/has a tiny dev community, I simply have decided to buy the international version instead.
eXecuter.bin said:
Knowing how Canadian variants are never compatible/has a tiny dev community, I simply have decided to buy the international version instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Bell/Virgin version for the Galaxy S I & II was the international version though.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
eXecuter.bin said:
Knowing how Canadian variants are never compatible... I simply have decided to buy the international version instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, unless the Canadian version is the international, it usually coincides with it's American counterpart. Thus, I have a lot of ROMs I can flash to my Rogers Captivate, because the AT&T Captivate has a lot of ROMs as well.
But you can't go wrong with the international version. I personally don't mind getting the S4 chip in lieu of the Exynos, because I'm upgrading from my Cappy, so the increase in performance will be substantial regardless of whether the Exynos outperforms the S4 or not.
Plus I want to experience LTE. I have 6 GBs of LTE data that my non-LTE phone hasn't been able to make use of.
Damn. The HST is killing the price for the S3. I'm in Vancouver. I might have to settle with getting it at mobileDNA in Richmond. Cash, no tax.
June 20th?? First Day of Summer!!!
Samsung did say in time for the summer at their London Event.
Samsung’s Galaxy S III is one of the most anticipated Android devices ever made. It’s coming to Canada on basically every carrier ”this Summer,” TELUS, Bell, WIND, Videotron, SaskTel, Mobilicity, Virgin Mobile and Rogers. We reported last week that Samsung will start a Canadian trek on May 30th to give employees and retail outlets the “Galaxy S III interactive training sessions.”
We’ve been hearing several launch dates, such as the June 20th date that’s listed in the above screenshot. The first day of Summer is June 20th and would ever so smoothly fall in line with what Samsung’s official press release quoted “in time for the summer.” Future Shop and Best Buy also confirmed that they will have the GS III available when it launches and we’re also hearing that pre-orders will go live on May 30th.
From Mobilesyrup
Won't let me most post link but there is an ad that has all the major carriers in Canada and the Galaxy S III of course.
desilla said:
June 20th?? First Day of Summer!!!
Samsung did say in time for the summer at their London Event.
Samsung’s Galaxy S III is one of the most anticipated Android devices ever made. It’s coming to Canada on basically every carrier ”this Summer,” TELUS, Bell, WIND, Videotron, SaskTel, Mobilicity, Virgin Mobile and Rogers. We reported last week that Samsung will start a Canadian trek on May 30th to give employees and retail outlets the “Galaxy S III interactive training sessions.”
We’ve been hearing several launch dates, such as the June 20th date that’s listed in the above screenshot. The first day of Summer is June 20th and would ever so smoothly fall in line with what Samsung’s official press release quoted “in time for the summer.” Future Shop and Best Buy also confirmed that they will have the GS III available when it launches and we’re also hearing that pre-orders will go live on May 30th.
From Mobilesyrup
Won't let me most post link but there is an ad that has all the major carriers in Canada and the Galaxy S III of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the link if anyone wants to read it: http://mobilesyrup.com/2012/05/24/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-launching-june-20th/
OP updated with article and image.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
hbk19 said:
OP updated with article and image.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice find.
Time to call in to Telus to talk about contract renewal.
Now to decide between white and blue... which are you guys leaning towards and why?
Virgin Mobile register page is up. Might get one on release day since i have 0 balance on my tab
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2
Wond3r said:
Now to decide between white and blue... which are you guys leaning towards and why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blue, because I've already had a white phone before. I also do a lot of browsing in bed with the lights off, so the blue will blend in with the night.
And trust me, this was not an easy decision to make, because the white S3 is a gorgeous device, and it looks better than the blue in pictures. But a lot of people have said the blue looks better in real life than in the pictures.
Hopefully, Rogers will have both colors in stock when it launches. If they only have one, I'll get whichever is available.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using xda premium
I'm getting the dark one because I'm not racist
Send from the Noteorious BIG 5.3" Bell Canada
I ordered the unlocked blue GS3 online but I'm from Canada, does that count?
I'm done with locked, subsidized phones and contracts. Can't wait till my current contract is finally done.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
I'm getting the unlocked blue one as well. And yes it does count.
The reason I decided to get the international version is because there's a possbility that the North American version will have the four capacitive keys. I want the international version with the one hard key. I love it on the S2. I just love that you have two options to wake up the phone.
Here's the article on the AT&T and T-Mobile version. If AT&T and T-Mobile are getting a different look, you can bet the Canadian carriers will get it as well.
The same happened to the Note.
http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s_iii_confirmed_for_at_t_and_tmobile_usa-news-4277.php
hansonator said:
I ordered the unlocked blue GS3 online but I'm from Canada, does that count?
I'm done with locked, subsidized phones and contracts. Can't wait till my current contract is finally done.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where'd you order it from and how much was it ??
noneabove said:
Where'd you order it from and how much was it ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered from clove.co.uk
$725 CAD with the 2.5% foreign currency charge from td visa + 5% gst. I think the gst will be only applied to the purchase price of $704 at the time of delivery.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
I dread hardware keys ...
Wirelessgirl said:
I'm getting the unlocked blue one as well. And yes it does count.
The reason I decided to get the international version is because there's a possbility that the North American version will have the four capacitive keys. I want the international version with the one hard key. I love it on the S2. I just love that you have two options to wake up the phone.
Here's the article on the AT&T and T-Mobile version. If AT&T and T-Mobile are getting a different look, you can bet the Canadian carriers will get it as well.
The same happened to the Note.
http://www.gsmarena.com/galaxy_s_iii_confirmed_for_at_t_and_tmobile_usa-news-4277.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, how I dread hardware keys. I'm the opposite of you. I hate them. I much prefer all capacitive. It makes the face of the phone look so much better ... like my current Nexus.
Peter
My wife has just reached Canada, she has a wind mobile connection, so i want to confirm if wind uses the international frequencies or its like Tmobile??
If it uses the same then there is no point waiting till 20th, i can send her one from India..
They both use the AWS band ...
brar.arsh said:
My wife has just reached Canada, she has a wind mobile connection, so i want to confirm if wind uses the international frequencies or its like Tmobile??
If it uses the same then there is no point waiting till 20th, i can send her one from India..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both Wind and T-Mobile use the same AWS frequency band.
Peter
P.S. You can check the following link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Wireless_Services
Scroll down under the heading "Operators"
I'm receiving a 5x this weekend, its the international version. Does anyone have experience with this version in the US on T-mobile? I know it doesnt have band 12, so thats my only concern.
Please share your experience, so I know if I should buy the US model instead
(got the 32gb for $250 during an ebay sale).
I got the international one on ebay for the same price. I'm on Cricket (AT&T network) in the US and it works great. I have had no issues at all.
tlxxxsracer said:
I'm receiving a 5x this weekend, its the international version. Does anyone have experience with this version in the US on T-mobile? I know it doesnt have band 12, so thats my only concern.
Please share your experience, so I know if I should buy the US model instead
(got the 32gb for $250 during an ebay sale).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got the same deal at the same time. I'm on AT&T and it's perfect.
awesome! glad to hear this. Im excited, i feel i should have bought 2 though lol
Looking into this for a friend, does LTE work in general on the international version in the US? Tmo bands 2 and 4 should be supported according to the spec however I've seen a couple of comments indicating no luck with LTE the US.
did your 5x end up working ok for you on t-mobile? i'm making the same consideration of using the international version for US.
I'm using the international version in Florida on MetroPCS (Tmobile) and have had zero issues, despite the radio not supporting band 12. I had the same concern as well and decided to take a gamble with it. Glad I did!
Thanks for the feedback on this. The international version can be had for $100 less. I bought one for my kid and will be using it on US Mobile (T mobile). LTE would be nice but he gets a limited data plan of 250MB so it doesn't matter. $12/mo.
No more locked bootloader phones for us, ever; now that MM requires it for root. My US G4 will be stuck on LP...