Unlocked Handsets

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gnfb

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#233442 16-Apr-2018 14:33

I needed another Android handset that would run all the networks, carriers, providers? (not sure what we call them) vodafone skinny etc

So I went on trusty Noel Leemings and typed in Unlocked no result Sent email in feedback to ask why

So I went to trusty 2 Harvey Normans "No Result" Asked why and was told they dont provide that information online

Pbtech Yadaa yadaa ! no result in search

Pricespy no filter for unlocked

Went to TM Heaps of results

The conclusion I am sure HN and NL etc sell unlocked phones, I assume they don't want to sell them for all the obvious reasons

Maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill suddenly not sure where I am going with this?

I guess the point is am I the only one who wants to buy an unlocked phone from a reputable distributor online?

So anyway I am off to buy a handset on TM from one of the reputable sellers there.

Is an English Man living in New Zealand. Not a writer, an Observer he says. Graham is a seasoned 'traveler" with his sometimes arrogant, but honest opinion on life. He loves the Internet!.

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Linux

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#1997113 16-Apr-2018 14:37

If the handset is not advised as SIM Locked then open to all networks

Linux

gehenna

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#1997118 16-Apr-2018 14:40

Pretty much all handsets are unlocked these days. Any time they're not it's usually when they're heavily subsidised and packaged into a telco specific prepaid offering like those super cheap phones you can get at supermarkets.

Oblivian

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#1997124 16-Apr-2018 14:45

Probably better looking at it the other way. They normally specifically mention the LOCKED handsets. Been that way since they started to charge a premium for handset that wasn't and discount ones that were.

Most Samsungs appear to be global mode now and not SIM locked (ok, the cheaper ones can be spark only..) However the firmware can be specifically massaged (still deployed with TNZ and VNZ CSCs) for each provider so experiences can vary.

Only the likes of Motos, OPPO and non familiars will likely be open. The way to be sure is look at the particular model string or CSC for a XSA or similar generic.

This is where Australian marketing use to work wonders. Buy Outright or Unlocked was used as part of the sales pitch to get them moving.

jamesrt

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#1997181 16-Apr-2018 16:08

JBHiFi have a category called "Outright Phones".

Not specific to any carrier, and therefore won't be locked.

https://www.jbhifi.co.nz/phones/Outright-Mobile-Handsets/

sbiddle

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#1997189 16-Apr-2018 16:58

They don't advertise "unlocked" handsets because most are unlocked.

They do clearly tell you which handsets are locked, an the screenshot below shows.

Stu1

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#1997202 16-Apr-2018 17:15

I was in Vodafone today the rep was saying anything under 300 is locked and anything over 300 is unlocked . The cost was 30 to unlock a phone which is cheap compared to Aussie

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gnfb

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#1997702 17-Apr-2018 11:48

Linux:

If the handset is not advised as SIM Locked then open to all networks

Linux

Thanks good to know

Is an English Man living in New Zealand. Not a writer, an Observer he says. Graham is a seasoned 'traveler" with his sometimes arrogant, but honest opinion on life. He loves the Internet!.

I have two shops online allshop.nz patchpinflag.nz
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gnfb

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#1997706 17-Apr-2018 11:49

jamesrt:

JBHiFi have a category called "Outright Phones".

Not specific to any carrier, and therefore won't be locked.

https://www.jbhifi.co.nz/phones/Outright-Mobile-Handsets/

Thanks for the info interesting term "outright" for unlocked

Is an English Man living in New Zealand. Not a writer, an Observer he says. Graham is a seasoned 'traveler" with his sometimes arrogant, but honest opinion on life. He loves the Internet!.

I have two shops online allshop.nz patchpinflag.nz
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gnfb

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#1997708 17-Apr-2018 11:50

Stu1: I was in Vodafone today the rep was saying anything under 300 is locked and anything over 300 is unlocked . The cost was 30 to unlock a phone which is cheap compared to Aussie

Interesting

Is an English Man living in New Zealand. Not a writer, an Observer he says. Graham is a seasoned 'traveler" with his sometimes arrogant, but honest opinion on life. He loves the Internet!.

I have two shops online allshop.nz patchpinflag.nz
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gnfb

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#1997709 17-Apr-2018 11:51

sbiddle:

They don't advertise "unlocked" handsets because most are unlocked.

They do clearly tell you which handsets are locked, an the screenshot below shows.

Good point

Is an English Man living in New Zealand. Not a writer, an Observer he says. Graham is a seasoned 'traveler" with his sometimes arrogant, but honest opinion on life. He loves the Internet!.

I have two shops online allshop.nz patchpinflag.nz
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gnfb

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#1997712 17-Apr-2018 11:52

Thanks one and all for the comments

Is an English Man living in New Zealand. Not a writer, an Observer he says. Graham is a seasoned 'traveler" with his sometimes arrogant, but honest opinion on life. He loves the Internet!.

I have two shops online allshop.nz patchpinflag.nz
Email Me