Samsung I9195 international in NZ?

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fatjoez

153 posts

Master Geek

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#148941 6-Jul-2014 11:07

Can I use an international Korean I9195 (SHV-E370K) in New Zealand 850MHZ 3G?

The ebay description says it does not have 850 but I don't believe this because this means there are different radio hardware under the i9195?

I thought it's just software differences so if I flash a rom I might be able to get 850?

Can anyone advise?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Samsung-Galaxy-S4-mini-SHV-E370K-8GB-Black-Unlocked-Smartphone-S-IV-GT-i9195-/321340156261?pt=AU_Mobile_Phones&hash=item4ad15da965&_uhb=1

Echoe

155 posts

Master Geek

#1081818 6-Jul-2014 13:18

Seems like it should be OK the same bands are listed for both models. Have a look here. http://m.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9190_galaxy_s4_mini-5375.php

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NikT

1710 posts

Uber Geek

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#1082303 7-Jul-2014 11:28

Funny you should ask, had the same question about this exact model on Vodafone Community a few days back (Perhaps this was you too?). :)

Short answer:

It will 'work', but it will be A Bad Time, and forget about 3G outside of main centres. Also a complete no-go for Telecom/Skinny. You can't flash a different modem, Korean hardware is dedicated to their unique per-operator band plans. The SHV-E370K is not an i9195.

Long answer:

Korean phones are a bit like Japanese or US-market phones, in that the networks there use combinations of frequencies that are basically used nowhere else in the world - this makes them a little less suitable for use outside of their countries of origin than most devices available globally.

I've personally used a Korean device for a while - the Pantech Vega no°6, also from KT/Korea Telecom, and while it was a fantastic piece of hardware (Love the Korean market trend of including an extra battery + external charger!), Korean devices are poorly suited to use in NZ.

Because Korean devices don't support 900MHz 3G, you will not get the best possible experience on the Vodafone network - especially as a lot of work has been done with 900MHz 3G in main centres over the past few years. If you take a look at the 3G coverage map here, the red '3G Broadband' coverage is 2100MHz, while the orange '3G Broadband Extended' coverage is 900MHz.

I ended up moving to a different device because of this. Additionally, the 2100MHz band is utilised quite differently in Korea vs. NZ, so you won't get the best 3G coverage full stop. HD Voice will also be a no-go as KT uses VoLTE & brands this as HD Voice. On the plus side, you will get 4G on 1800MHz, although, again, this may not be well tuned to the exact part of the band that is used here.

Cheers,

- Nik

Product Manager @ PB Tech

Smartphones @ PB Tech | Headphones @ PB Tech

fatjoez

153 posts

Master Geek

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#1082311 7-Jul-2014 11:39

awesome reply thanks

- vodafone guy was not me
- yeah i realised after further reading that SHV-370k is NOT A i9195
- per above flashing modem won't work

Struggling to find an I9195 international on ebay. any tips?

NikT

1710 posts

Uber Geek

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#1082359 7-Jul-2014 12:33

Looks like they can be had for a little over $400 on Trade Me, around $550 new at local retail for NZ units.

What is it about the S4 Mini that appeals? Base specs - 4.3" qHD display, dual-core 1.7GHz, cat3 LTE, 8GB internal + micro SD, 8MP camera, 1900mAh battery - should all be beatable for that price. The 1.5GB of RAM is a nice stand-out in that line-up, though. Perhaps look at an i9305 for 2GB of RAM + 720p display?

Product Manager @ PB Tech

Smartphones @ PB Tech | Headphones @ PB Tech

fatjoez

153 posts

Master Geek

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#1082371 7-Jul-2014 12:59

another informative reply thanks

I like S4 mini because it's same size as Iphone / my current Samsung S2 (bricked lol)

haven't found alternative except LG G2 Mini except it has zero developer community (cyanogenmod roms etc)

NikT

1710 posts

Uber Geek

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#1082381 7-Jul-2014 13:16

Aha, the ol' screen size conundrum! Can't blame you there (Even if I'm a lover of larger screens myself). Thankfully there's more competition in that space now than there has been historically. Something along the lines of the 720p @ 4.3" Xperia Z1 Compact & HTC One Mini, or upcoming 720p @ 4.5" Moto G 4G & Galaxy S5 Mini might do the trick. The G2 Mini is qHD @ 4.7", if memory serves, so may not be the best option.

Product Manager @ PB Tech

Smartphones @ PB Tech | Headphones @ PB Tech

fatjoez

153 posts

Master Geek

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#1082386 7-Jul-2014 13:20

Absolutely, btw

htc one mini - nice but 4/5mp camera, no sd slot
S5 mini - $$$$$
sony z1 compact - 140grams lol

list goes on. there's always a reason

NikT

1710 posts

Uber Geek

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#1082392 7-Jul-2014 13:24

Nothing's perfect, more's the pity! Had the same issue weighing up the Note 3/One max/Z Ultra/Lumia 1520 last year. I hear the One Mini wasn't the best in the battery life department either, although it is awfully pretty. Would likely go the Z1 Compact or the Moto G 4G myself, hear nothing but good things about the former (NZtechfreak's partner has one in delicious limey yellow) + have seen them go for very reasonable prices on the secondary market.

Product Manager @ PB Tech

Smartphones @ PB Tech | Headphones @ PB Tech

gsr

112 posts

Master Geek

#1082446 7-Jul-2014 14:11

If you want something that feels like an iphone in your hand, the s4 mini (maybe s5 mini as well) is better than the moto g.