Wondering how the reception is on the Chinese version in the U.S like on T-Mobile? Can anyone share their experiences? Any dropped calls, how's the 5g and 4g lte? The Chinese version says tencent on the back of the phone.
For 5g, it only has band 41 2.5GHz. It's missing band 71 600 MHz and the other 260 and 261 bands for 5G high speed mmwave.
For 4G LTE, it's missing bands 66, 12, and 71.
There's also a guide here showing you how to enable voLTE. Maybe someone can try that and share.
I'm trying to decide between global or tencent but the tencent is like $200-$300 cheaper because of the missing bands and you can get it in lower storage capacities than the global one. Wondering how it actually performs in the U.S
Sugaaa said:
Wondering how the reception is on the Chinese version in the U.S like on T-Mobile? Can anyone share their experiences? Any dropped calls, how's the 5g and 4g lte? The Chinese version says tencent on the back of the phone.
For 5g, it only has band 41 2.5GHz. It's missing band 71 600 MHz and the other 260 and 261 bands for 5G high speed mmwave.
For 4G LTE, it's missing bands 66, 12, and 71.
There's also a guide here showing you how to enable voLTE. Maybe someone can try that and share.
I'm trying to decide between global or tencent but the tencent is like $200-$300 cheaper because of the missing bands. Wondering how it actually performs in the U.S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My buddy has the tencent version and has no signal at times, when I do on my a version. Stop being cheap, and spend the $ for the a version. No band 12,66, and 71 is a deal breaker imo.
bs3pro said:
Stop being cheap, and spend the $ for the a version. No band 12,66, and 71 is a deal breaker imo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
512gb is overkill for me. I'd be fine with 128gb. I'd only pay $1000+ for iPhone 12 pro. imo, Android over $1000 isn't worth it due to its faster depreciation. Trying to see how the Chinese one actually performs.
I'm curious what bands the lenovo legion phone is going to have on its unreleased global variant too. If that comes with volte support, and priced significantly less than than the version a rog, I'll probably go with that.
Sugaaa said:
512gb is overkill for me. I'd be fine with 128gb. I'd only pay $1000+ for iPhone 12 pro. imo, Android over $1000 isn't worth it due to its faster depreciation. Trying to see how the Chinese one actually performs.
I'm curious what bands the lenovo legion phone is going to have on its unreleased global variant too. If that comes with volte support, and priced significantly less than than the version a rog, I'll probably go with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Move along then. My buddy is sending his tencent rog back. It works terrible. That legion is terrible. Sounds like you should just but an apple.
bs3pro said:
Move along then. My buddy is sending his tencent rog back. It works terrible. That legion is terrible. Sounds like you should just but an apple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You seem pretty experienced with the rog phones. Have you owned the first or second model because I'm mostly wondering how they perform after 2-3 years. I'm trying to get a new phone that will last me around 3 years without getting buggy and slow. If you have had one of the older ones, how are they after like 2 years with the updates? I read that asus also stops updating after the first year so does that affect overall performance after 2-3 years
Sugaaa said:
You seem pretty experienced with the rog phones. Have you owned the first or second model because I'm mostly wondering how they perform after 2-3 years. I'm trying to get a new phone that will last me around 3 years without getting buggy and slow. If you have had one of the older ones, how are they after like 2 years with the updates? I read that asus also stops updating after the first year so does that affect overall performance after 2-3 years
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the rog2, but get new phones every few months. Sorry, cant help there. Like i said, just buy an apple, very good HW, and SW is very reliable with plenty of updates.
bs3pro said:
I had the rog2, but get new phones every few months. Sorry, cant help there. Like i said, just buy an apple, very good HW, and SW is very reliable with plenty of updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I'm considering the rog 3 is because of the amazing Emulator support on 3ds,psp, and ps2 which iphone lacks. Just wish there was more info out there on this phone.
Sugaaa said:
The only reason I'm considering the rog 3 is because of the amazing Emulator support on 3ds,psp, and ps2 which iphone lacks. Just wish there was more info out there on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
INFO? Like what? I just gave you the answers. This i why i deleted the other thread. People dont like the answers they get, so they assume its BS. The tencent is not worth the savings IF you live in the US. Plain and simple.
bs3pro said:
INFO? Like what? I just gave you the answers. This i why i deleted the other thread. People dont like the answers they get, so they assume its BS. The tencent is not worth the savings IF you live in the US. Plain and simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Sugaaa said:
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, I just told you. 12gb, 512 IS the smallest in usa. Whatever, I'm done repeating myself
Sugaaa said:
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
TehAdventurer said:
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. The Hong Kong version is a also. It's the one I have. There's also Germany A version
Thanks for the clarification but I still think the point stands for the actual specs as opposed to the region of production
bs3pro said:
Wrong. The Hong Kong version is a also. It's the one I have. There's also Germany A version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you put a link to the chinese version a you bought on ebay for 1000 if it's even still available. I'm only seeing global version a 12gb 512gb for 1200
TehAdventurer said:
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That was some solid advice. I found the taiwan version online for around $1250 with tax which was the lowest. I was going to get that and the asus kunai 3 gamepad for $200-$300 but I ended up ordering the oneplus 8 pro 12gb 256gb for $820 with tax and I'll just pick up the razer kishi gamepad for $100. I find it suits my needs better after finding out the oneplus 8 pro runs all the same games in the emulators and it's ip68 water resistant. Plus, I save $500-$600 and it has all the same tmobile bands. Just gonna miss out on that 6000mah battery.
I couldn't even find a decent case for the rog 3 let alone a water resistant one. It's a must for working out.
Sugaaa said:
Thanks. That was some solid advice. I found the taiwan version online for around $1250 with tax which was the lowest. I was going to get that and the asus kunai 3 gamepad for $200-$300 but I ended up ordering the oneplus 8 pro 12gb 256gb for $820 with tax and I'll just pick up the razer kishi gamepad for $100. I find it suits my needs better after finding out the oneplus 8 pro runs all the same games in the emulators and it's ip68 water resistant. Plus, I save $500-$600 and it has all the same tmobile bands. Just gonna miss out on that 6000mah battery.
I couldn't even find a decent case for the rog 3 let alone a water resistant one. It's a must for working out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's honestly was I was trying to get at. There's no reason to try and force yourself to like a phone that doesn't check every box for you, especially at it's price point. It's much better to get something that makes you happy and functions well than something that you forced yourself to like. Glad I could help!
Related
Where can I find one that'll work with tmobile?
You'd have to purchase an international unlocked version from a website like clove.co.uk
When you check out there is an option for them to open the box and insert a local sim card to unlock the device for use in other markets.
Looking for the same thing. Is there a reliable online US source for the 512gb black Note 9? Also what will we be losing by getting an unlocked version, I guess besides video calling on TMobile? TMobile Tuesday..?
dominick_7 said:
Looking for the same thing. Is there a reliable online US source for the 512gb black Note 9? Also what will we be losing by getting an unlocked version, I guess besides video calling on TMobile? TMobile Tuesday..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app from the Google Play Store.
It works on any phone,provided you have a T-Mobile account.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.tuesdays&hl=en_US
Same goes for T-Mobile DIGITS,just grab the app from the Play Store,log-in & set-up.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.digits&hl=en_US
As for what you'll be losing?
LTE Band71
Not sure how well an international version works as far as signal strength/WI-FI Calling/VoLTE,but,my guess would be to go with a dual SIM version that has the QUALCOMM Snapdragon chip vs the Samsung Exynos Chip:
Qualcomm SnapDragon 845 8GB RAM/256GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...2a:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521930713601
Qualcomm SnapDragon 845 6GB RAM/128GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...57:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521918316706
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Samsung EXYNOS 8 GB RAM/256GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...15:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521930711183
Samsung EXYNOS 6 GB RAM/128GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...ff:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=502408235508
KOLIOSIS said:
You can download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app from the Google Play Store.
It works on any phone,provided you have a T-Mobile account.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.tuesdays&hl=en_US
Same goes for T-Mobile DIGITS,just grab the app from the Play sSore,log-in & set-up.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.digits&hl=en_US
As for what you'll be losing?
LTE Band71
Not sure how well an international version works as far as signal strength/WI-FI Calling/VoLTE,but,my guess would be to go with a dual SIM version that has the QUALCOMM Snapdragon chip vs the Samsung Exynos Chip:
Qualcomm SnapDragon 845 8GB RAM/256GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...2a:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521930713601
Qualcomm SnapDragon 845 6GB RAM/128GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...57:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521918316706
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Samsung EXYNOS 8 GB RAM/256GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...15:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=521930711183
Samsung EXYNOS 6 GB RAM/128GB ROM:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...ff:m:mFp3KmUg-oF2jvLgEK2Vr_A&var=502408235508
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thank you for clarifying. About the band, are you sure, people are reporting it has LTE band71? Also do we know which is better, the Snapdragon for the 8gb version or Exynos for 6gb? I guess there's only root for the exynos, but I haven't rooted in years and not sure I'll mess with it.
dominick_7 said:
Cool, thank you for clarifying. About the band, are you sure, people are reporting it has LTE band71? Also do we know which is better, the Snapdragon for the 8gb version or Exynos for 6gb? I guess there's only root for the exynos, but I haven't rooted in years and not sure I'll mess with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know the US Qualcomm has Band 71,but,every site,including Samsung's sites in overseas Qualcomm markets,do not show Band 71.
Perhaps once the T-Mobile US SIM Card is installed,it's activated,if that's even possible,with or without flashing T-Mobile US Firmware...... & IDK if T-Mobile US Firmware can be flashed on an international Qualcomm model.
It's still early in the game, surely someone will post here @ XDA in the coming days.
I'd like to know myself, so that I'm armed with the information for next year's Note 10.
Canada has an unlocked black model that uses the same bands as the US. Not sure about band 71, but probably the closest you'd get compatibility wise.
KOLIOSIS said:
I know the US Qualcomm has Band 71,but,every site,including Samsung's sites in overseas Qualcomm markets,do not show Band 71.
Perhaps once the T-Mobile US SIM Card is installed,it's activated,if that's even possible,with or without flashing T-Mobile US Firmware...... & IDK if T-Mobile US Firmware can be flashed on an international Qualcomm model.
It's still early in the game, surely someone will post here @ XDA in the coming days.
I'd like to know myself, so that I'm armed with the information for next year's Note 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah k. So does that mean even if I buy the 8gb 512gb unlocked version from say Best Buy in the US it won't have band 71? Otherwise it sounds like the ideal situation would be if the TMobile firmware can be flashed to the international model? I guess Im wondering, are all 512gb unlocked versions lacking that band or just ones not bought in the US like from Best Buy? I know I want the 8gb 512gb version, in black if possible, but if Im without band 71 I can deal with the stupid blue colored one as long as I have the 8gb/512gb version. They seem to be saying VoLTE and wifi calling works on the unlocked version.. does that mean it has band 71? https://forums.androidcentral.com/s...208-carrier-vs-unlocked-note-9-questions.html.
dominick_7 said:
Ah k. So does that mean even if I buy the 8gb 512gb unlocked version from say Best Buy in the US it won't have band 71? Otherwise it sounds like the ideal situation would be if the TMobile firmware can be flashed to the international model? I guess Im wondering, are all 512gb unlocked versions lacking that band or just ones not bought in the US like from Best Buy? I know I want the 8gb 512gb version, in black if possible, but if Im without band 71 I can deal with the stupid blue colored one as long as I have the 8gb/512gb version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure the US Unlocked version has Band 71,it's just not available in Black,at least for now.
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs
Edit:
@dominick_7
Band 71 is not listed on Best Buy's specs.
Looks like your best bet is to wait for others to post their experiences, or,contact Samsung/check their site.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-note9-128gb-unlocked-ocean-blue/6278210.p?skuId=6278210
EDIT #2
@dominick_7
Here's another site stating the US Unlocked version does indeed have Band 71,so you'll definitely have to do your homework before buying:
https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/
KOLIOSIS said:
I'm pretty sure the US Unlocked version has Band 71,it's just not available in Black,st least for now.
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs
Edit:
@Dominick
Band 71 is not listed on Best Buy's specs.
Looks like your beet bet is to wait for others to post their experiences, or,contact Samsung/check their site.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-note9-128gb-unlocked-ocean-blue/6278210.p?skuId=6278210
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah k. So safest bet for the 512gb variant is either the US carrier/tmobile for quickest updates but stupid colors and bloatware or thee US unlocked for slower updates but less bloatware..? What's the argument to get an unlocked version over carrier otherwise? I guess the price for getting it in black is no 71 band. Still looking at the canadian one to see if it has 71. https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/.
Edit.. crap. wait if these people are reporting the US unlocked has VoLTE and wifi calling doesnt that mean it has band 71 or..? https://forums.androidcentral.com/s...208-carrier-vs-unlocked-note-9-questions.html
---------- Post added at 10:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:25 PM ----------
Guyinlaca said:
Canada has an unlocked black model that uses the same bands as the US. Not sure about band 71, but probably the closest you'd get compatibility wise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, do you know what the model number is? And why go with unlocked, just for the black color and less bloat even though it may have slower updates?
KOLIOSIS said:
I know the US Qualcomm has Band 71,but,every site,including Samsung's sites in overseas Qualcomm markets,do not show Band 71.
Perhaps once the T-Mobile US SIM Card is installed,it's activated,if that's even possible,with or without flashing T-Mobile US Firmware...... & IDK if T-Mobile US Firmware can be flashed on an international Qualcomm model.
It's still early in the game, surely someone will post here @ XDA in the coming days.
I'd like to know myself, so that I'm armed with the information for next year's Note 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
International models are exynos not Qualcomm
dominick_7 said:
Cool, do you know what the model number is? And why go with unlocked, just for the black color and less bloat even though it may have slower updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-N960WZKAXAC
https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product...12854642.aspx?
TechOut said:
International models are exynos not Qualcomm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's Qualcomm powered phones in China,Japan,Latin America & North America.
The rest have Exynos.
Sent from my SM-N960U using XDA Labs
Guyinlaca said:
SM-N960WZKAXAC
https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product...12854642.aspx?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats not listed here, https://www.techwalls.com/samsung-galaxy-note-9-sm-n960-model-number-differences/ yet, and it seems thats the 128gb model though right?
The Canadian model probably has band 71. I don't know if anything has changed since T-Mobile's acquisition of band 71.
So annoying ghat the USA has odd bands compared to everyone else right?
mikey_sk said:
So annoying ghat the USA has odd bands compared to everyone else right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, I wish I could have purchased a black one without having to jump through all the hoops and risk it not working as well.
I've got the exynos 512/8 midnight black and I will be working in the USA for a few months. Wondering what network over there will be the best fit. Usually it's either T Mobile or ATT as they are GSM... But his band 71 gig means that I am effectively unable to use tmo 4g?
mikey_sk said:
I've got the exynos 512/8 midnight black and I will be working in the USA for a few months. Wondering what network over there will be the best fit. Usually it's either T Mobile or ATT as they are GSM... But his band 71 gig means that I am effectively unable to use tmo 4g?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No,T-Mobile has Bands 2/4/5/12/66/71
Band 71 deployment is sparse at best ATM.
Most of T-Mobile users are covered in the rest.
Depending on where you plan to use your phone the most is going to dictate who works best for you.
There is a lot of overlap in most densely populated markets,if you're going to be in the sparsely populated areas AT&T is probably your best bet.
Try out this site,it should give you a good indication of which carriers are best for you:
https://www.cellmapper.net/map
EDIT:
@mikey_sk
I've since edited to remove the VZW recommendation for rural areas,or,just in general,with your phone.
AT&T still likely has a slight advantage in rural areas,check the link I posted for a good indicator on which works best for you.
If you have the D/S version,then,of course you have the luxury of using both T-Mobile & AT&T,if you choose to do so.
Another BTW:
If you're going to be using a fair amount of data & are considering saving some $$$ by using pre-paid MVNOs of AT&T or T-Mobile,be aware all of them are subject to,if not outright,slower speeds vs the main carrier itself.
This is particularly true of any pre-paid option on AT&T & the MVNO's that use their network,read the fine print on any pre-paid service you choose,some have really slow speeds/throttling.
As for MVNO's/prepaid,your best bet is likely MetroPCS,which is actually part of T-Mobile US & most customers are genuinely pleased with the service/speeds & ovearll value.
KOLIOSIS said:
No,T-Mobile has Bands 2/4/5/12/66/71
Band 71 deployment is sparse at best ATM.
Most of T-Mobile users are covered in the rest.
Depending on where you plan to use your phone the most is going to dictate who works best for you.
There is a lot of overlap in most densely populated markets,if you're going to be in the sparsely populated areas AT&T is probably your best bet.
Try out this site,it should give you a good indication of which carriers are best for you:
https://www.cellmapper.net/map
EDIT:
@mikey_sk
I've since edited to remove the VZW recommendation for rural areas,or,just in general,with your phone.
AT&T still likely has a slight advantage in rural areas,check the link I posted for a good indicator on which works best for you.
If you have the D/S version,then,of course you have the luxury of using both T-Mobile & AT&T,if you choose to do so.
Another BTW:
If you're going to be using a fair amount of data & are considering saving some $$$ by using pre-paid MVNOs of AT&T or T-Mobile,be aware all of them are subject to,if not outright,slower speeds vs the main carrier itself.
This is particularly true of any pre-paid option on AT&T & the MVNO's that use their network,read the fine print on any pre-paid service you choose,some have really slow speeds/throttling.
As for MVNO's/prepaid,your best bet is likely MetroPCS,which is actually part of T-Mobile US & most customers are genuinely pleased with the service/speeds & ovearll value.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Yes I know they provide slower speeds to MVNOs over there. In Europe they dont really do this so pre paid is as quick as a contract sim. I am on Three UK and I can use my data (I have 100gb allowance per month) in the USA for free so will only be using the pre paid for receiving calls. I am therefore able to pick either T Mobile or ATT when I am over there depending which one is best etc.
So I've been browsing around XDA and I have concluded that the best version of the s10 is the snapdragon variant, but I also want an unlocked boot loader and dual sim so I'm considering this one that is a Chinese version:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-Ga...hash=item3405ba151d:m:m-IqwLrG6T3v2zoeCJ4lo0A
It is a SM-G9700
But because it is Chinese I'm not sure if it has google on it (and I don't want to go out of my way to install it) but it also might be a Hong Kong model with google? any information on this would be appreciated, thank you!
Many people here who got it from that seller, confirmed that it has Google services preinstalled. Carrier aggregation may not work however as someone said on US T-mobile at least. The phone also lacks band 66 and band 71 both LTE bands, 71 being more important as T-mobile expands coverage.
honestly, unless youre some kind of heavy/advanced user, I doubt youd see SO much difference in everyday usage that makes all this hassle worth it.
I'd just buy whatever is available locally for an average user.
evo85210 said:
honestly, unless youre some kind of heavy/advanced user, I doubt youd see SO much difference in everyday usage that makes all this hassle worth it.
I'd just buy whatever is available locally for an average user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also if he plays heavy games and emulators, that's where he may prefer to choose the Snapdragon variant (Talking from my own experience, not coming back to a non snapdragon/adreno device never again).
Not to mention that the Snapdragon bootloader is unlocked in China ironically. And further if you need dual-sim functionality your choices are that one or the 97xF/DS. Which unless he lives in Mexico or Central America is not available locally.
I've made my decision it's going to be the 9700 series but there is some questions I have around the dual-sim functionality and how that may vary between models.
Lets start listing places to buy from at good prices so other can benefit
Ali Express (Eteam) - $550 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000106113494.html free shipping available
Giztop - $549 https://www.giztop.com/asus-rog-phone-2.html 4% off with code gtre4
Banggood $549 https://www.banggood.com/custlink/GmGmj1HOTP
With code BGASROG28
Hi mate. I’m in the UK too and ordered it from Giztop. I ordered the 512GB model and it came to roughly £930 with shipping and 2 free gifts - the Aero Cooler and the official case. Pretty expensive but I doubt the phone will actually launch in the UK on 4th September as earlier mentioned so I can’t be bothered to wait another month.
You can also try out Aliexpress or Liaow. Both have it in stock and sometimes there are ones on eBay too.
Cheers.
Bilhouse said:
Hi mate. I’m in the UK too and ordered it from Giztop. I ordered the 512GB model and it came to roughly £930 with shipping and 2 free gifts - the Aero Cooler and the official case. Pretty expensive but I doubt the phone will actually launch in the UK on 4th September as earlier mentioned so I can’t be bothered to wait another month.
You can also try out Aliexpress or Liaow. Both have it in stock and sometimes there are ones on eBay too.
Cheers.
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Click to collapse
I've not seen anything on eBay at all. Have you seen any good deals for the 128/8GB model?
Lets start listing places to buy from at good prices so other can benefit
Ali Express (Eteam) - $550 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000106113494.html free shipping available
Giztop - $569 https://www.giztop.com/asus-rog-phone-2.html 4% off with code gtre4
Ebay - $585 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Asus-ROG-P...114647?hash=item3652d7e557:g:DO4AAOSwMwVdX5xo
I'm really curious how much the real global variant is going to cost.
I was considering the 512GB version from giztop and enjoying the global ROM they would load, but I don't mind waiting another few weeks for the official one with a locked bootloader so I can get OTA's and what not.
AhsanU said:
I'm really curious how much the real global variant is going to cost.
I was considering the 512GB version from giztop and enjoying the global ROM they would load, but I don't mind waiting another few weeks for the official one with a locked bootloader so I can get OTA's and what not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't you still manually flash updates? Global will definitely be expensive going by Rog 1 prices.
Who bought Asus ROG Phone II/Elite version 12GB/512GB from Aliexpress
Hello Everyone,
I'm Thinking to buy this as there is no global version yet here in USA, I was hoping some one might have bought this version.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000128227373.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.59e83c00ixRC7Z&mp=1
if anyone have bought this version, can you share the ROM version whether its WW or CN,TW. I know this isn't much of a big deal for some.
any suggestions or screen shots will be helpful.
Also i've consideration to go with Tencent Edition, but wanted to get the highest spec one.
Thanks
suresh1391 said:
Hello Everyone,
I'm Thinking to buy this as there is no global version yet here in USA, I was hoping some one might have bought this version.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000128227373.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.59e83c00ixRC7Z&mp=1
if anyone have bought this version, can you share the ROM version whether its WW or CN,TW. I know this isn't much of a big deal for some.
any suggestions or screen shots will be helpful.
Also i've consideration to go with Tencent Edition, but wanted to get the highest spec one.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally think you're crazy if you pay almost double the price for that upgrade. The RAM you won't need and to pay $400 more for the storage is nuts. Get the 128GB version and save yourself some money
SantinoInc said:
I personally think you're crazy if you pay almost double the price for that upgrade. The RAM you won't need and to pay $400 more for the storage is nuts. Get the 128GB version and save yourself some money
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do make sense, but honestly Its not big of deal for me as i bought Note 9 last year for the same price, i have been a sam/apple guy for years. I know 900~1000 $ for a phone sounds ludicrous for many. That's where the high spec phone NA market exists.
The Tencent edition is promising as its 545USD in ebay, but there is a lot of discussions regarding 4G bands not supported, so i was skeptical with thought.
my only confusion is aliexpress selling global version WW(Elite Version) 12GB/512GB or its Chinese Version or other.
SantinoInc said:
I personally think you're crazy if you pay almost double the price for that upgrade. The RAM you won't need and to pay $400 more for the storage is nuts. Get the 128GB version and save yourself some money
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to giztop and many other sources, the 128GB version lacks important LTE bands.
Personally, it's worth it for the storage, but the bands can be very important.
I pre-ordered Tencent version 8gb 128gb from Banggood for 497€. Good price.
giztop is the best
ship very fast 12 days on italy
no taxes
paid with paypal a little bit more but high quality service
They sell the global model (ZS660KL-1A012EU) in some Asus stores like Belgium, Poland, Sweden but they don't send to other countries like Netherlands where i live.
https://eshop.asus.com/nl-BE/rog-ph...-zs660kl-1a012eu-6-6-12-512-gb-hdd-black.html
https://eshop.asus.com/pl-PL/rog-phone-ii-zs660kl-1a012eu-6-6-12-512-gb-hdd-black.html
https://eshop.asus.com/sv-SE/rog-phone-ii-zs660kl-1a012eu-6-6-12-512-gb-hdd-black.html
It's not in the NL store, because i think they have some lawsuits here.
Got mine from JD.com. tencent version. 8/128gb through a friend from China.
Will check ND update.
From Bangladesh.
rOman2205 said:
Got mine from JD.com. tencent version. 8/128gb through a friend from China.
Will check ND update.
From Bangladesh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much did you pay?
ermacwins said:
How much did you pay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3499 yuan for phone
Converted to global/ww rom for 45 yuan(I didn’t ask but my friend asked)
Found a new website from Canda
Hi Everyone,
I found a link for Asus ROG II Global Variant - 12GB/512GB from Canada, for 987 CAD$ ~ 740 USD$, Its showing they ship to USA with EMS Canada for 65 CAD$, total of 1049CAD$ ~ 789USD$, surprisingly low considering Aliexpress & Giztop.
I'm not sure about any taxes it did not show up even in the payment page just 1049 CAD$ only PayPal as payment option.
https://pdaplaza.ca/products/asus-rog-phone-ii-dualsim-zs660kl-512gb-black-glare-factory-unlocked-global?variant=29958885245000
Have anyone from Canada provide reviews for this site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buying option
Is there any website which ships to India ? I need 12/512gb variant.
Edit: I found giztop ships to India. This is the first time I am placing an order from a unknown site. Are they reliable and trustworthy ?
suresh1391 said:
Hi Everyone,
I found a link for Asus ROG II Global Variant - 12GB/512GB from Canada, for 987 CAD$ ~ 740 USD$, Its showing they ship to USA with EMS Canada for 65 CAD$, total of 1049CAD$ ~ 789USD$, surprisingly low considering Aliexpress & Giztop.
I'm not sure about any taxes it did not show up even in the payment page just 1049 CAD$ only PayPal as payment option.
https://pdaplaza.ca/products/asus-r...actory-unlocked-global?variant=29958885245000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful from the looks of this it looks like the Chinese version with the global version flashed on-top. Why? Because in the specs it has 2x2mimo while the global should be 4x4mimo
So I have owned the Tencent version of ROG Phone 2 for a week now and I am in love with it. I contacted Asus today just to make sure that there is warranty on it. They said that the warranty is only for China, not for NA (I am in Canada). So, that's a bad news for me. I have a few questions, if I keep this device:
1. How can I make sure what version of ROM is installed? Global or CN?
2. Will I ever be able to update the device? I am not just talking about OTA, if possible can I update by flashing the updated version of ROM?
3. What do you think about the hardware? I mean, do you think this hardware can last for long without issues as there is no warranty?
I really don't want to return this device. If there are only going to be troubles later, I should still just return the device. What do you think?
I would personally return the device, but it's my personal preference to only buy what's released for my country (the U.S. In my case). Not just for warranty, but you may have issues getting tech support, it's lower spec than the global options, less frequency bands, and I just don't want to deal with the extra headaches that can come of grey market products. I know that cheap price is tempting, but it's not worth it in my opinion.
1. The firmware version will say CN or WW on it
2. Yes manually by putting the rom file from https://www.asus.com/Phone/ROG-Phone-II/HelpDesk_BIOS/ into the root directory. It is very easy as the OS will detect the update file.
3. I've never had to RMA any phone so to me, that one year of warranty is not very useful. Asus is a good brand as they're a big brand in the computer industry so I have more confidence in them especially their ROG brand.
I am using this in Canada, it has all the important bands which is 4 and 7 for the major carriers. It's not worth spending double. in my opinion just to get bands and warranty. I got the phone for $680 cad which I call a bargain, the global version easily costs double that after taxes. There is no way I would even consider the global version ROG 2 at price it's selling in north america. I've owned many many flagship phones and this one is definitely at the very top of list of the best phones I have ever owned.
i bought it for $500 directly in China. Don't waste money with the global version. 12gb or ram are totally useless there is no game designed to use that amount of ram. I personally kept the CN firmware to get OTA updates and I got rid manually of all chinese crap connecting the ROG to a pc (you can find a post in this forum about that). Now the phone is totally in English. The reception is flawless under T-Mobile. Save these extra $500 compared to the Global version, you will have already the budget next year to buy another ROG III CN
AdamxDesolator said:
i bought it for $500 directly in China. Don't waste money with the global version. 12gb or ram are totally useless there is no game designed to use that amount of ram. I personally kept the CN firmware to get OTA updates and I got rid manually of all chinese crap connecting the ROG to a pc (you can find a post in this forum about that). Now the phone is totally in English. The reception is flawless under T-Mobile. Save these extra $500 compared to the Global version, you will have already the budget next year to buy another ROG III CN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can give us the URL of the thread to rid the Chinese crap and make it totally English , thanks.
AdamxDesolator said:
i bought it for $500 directly in China. Don't waste money with the global version. 12gb or ram are totally useless there is no game designed to use that amount of ram. I personally kept the CN firmware to get OTA updates and I got rid manually of all chinese crap connecting the ROG to a pc (you can find a post in this forum about that). Now the phone is totally in English. The reception is flawless under T-Mobile. Save these extra $500 compared to the Global version, you will have already the budget next year to buy another ROG III CN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Waste of money" is a matter of personal opinion. The 8//128 Tencent version has a Chinese market focused radio that covers a very small set of bands for North American carriers. Just because it works for you in your particular area, doesn't mean he will have coverage in his area on his carrier. Also, Android will use more RAM if there is more RAM available (so it can speed things up by caching more things in RAM).
The extra $400, you are getting most importantly an official warranty and a wider-coverage radio for North America with legit OTA updates. Of course, the 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, 30W charger, Aero fan, case is all part of the package. Whether that is worth it to someone is dependent on their personal circumstances (disposable income, location of band coverage, etc.)
FYI....note pre order looks kinda strange?
OnePlus 10 Pro global launch officially scheduled, US pre-orders live right now
The highly anticipated global launch of the OnePlus 10 Pro is finally right around the corner, and the company is teasing some kind of a surprise.
www.phonearena.com
Considering the US versions had the physical second SIM slot removed in the 9's. I wonder if OnePlus is going to continue that with the 10's. JerryRig's video of the Chinese version breaking easily during his bend test really doesn't inspire me to want to pre-order it, even with only a dollar down.
jcsww said:
Considering the US versions had the physical second SIM slot removed in the 9's. I wonder if OnePlus is going to continue that with the 10's. JerryRig's video of the Chinese version breaking easily during his bend test really doesn't inspire me to want to pre-order it, even with only a dollar down.
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Good question about dual SIM. I bought a dual SIM tray for my 9 Pro but never managed to get it fully working. It'd be nice if the 10 Pro at least has a way to enable it.
No 12G/256G variant in the US for now. I'll pass!
Reading reviews it seems worse than the 9 Pro in alot of ways and better in a couple. I don't think it's worth getting it especially with Oxygen being basically Color OS now.
All of the cameras are the same as the 9 Pro with the exception of the ultra-wide. For the US market, it's a downgrade in terms of RAM with only the 8GB/256GB version being released currently. I doubt we will see any bend tests on it until close to the Easter launch date in the US. OnePlus is definitely pulling a Samsung here, in my opinion. New model, same old hardware from the previous device for the most part. US models will more than likely not be possible to convert to dual-SIM just like with the 9/9 Pro's. The b/s marketing speak about not being able to deliver 80W fast charging in US models is purely a crock!
Personally, to get me to buy a new device from OnePlus. I want 16GB/512GB variant T-Mobile US model that is possible to convert to dual-SIM. Why? I need to domestically roam on to the US Cellular network as a T-Mobile customer and only devices purchased directly from T-Mobile are permitted to roam on US Cellular (US Cellular roaming requirement). I also carry a Canadian SIM that roams in the US and I don't like carrying two phones. All of the cameras need to be significantly improved and no more stupid holes in the screen. A larger 6.8" screen or maybe even a 6.9" would be something I would hope to eventually see. They have pretty much been using the same screens since the 7 Pro's for the Pro devices. The SnapDragon Gen 1 throttles due to excessive heat on almost all devices using it.