US vs NZ version of mobile phones

Forums › Mobile handsets › US vs NZ version of mobile phones - any incompatibility

Digikiwi

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#289625 18-Sep-2021 08:38

I'm looking at purchasing a refurb Samsung S9+. What is the difference between the NZ version and the US version, other than the processor and potentially the adapter plug. Is there anything in terms of our mobile network that would not be compatible with a US phone?

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#2780108 18-Sep-2021 08:51

The overseas model may not have all features enabled, depending on the firmware installed. Seeing this is a four-year-old model it probably doesn't make much difference.

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#2780130 18-Sep-2021 10:29

The US phone good chance will support the wrong 700Mhz for 4G for a start as they use a different band plan

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#2780141 18-Sep-2021 11:12

I've had short periods of hands-on time with US Galaxy S7, S8 & S9. They're ok, I didn't see anything that stood out as being wrong or sub-standard. The Qualcomm processor in US versions benchmarks higher than the Exynos that we get here.

If you're planning on rooting & installing an aftermarket ROM, I'm not sure but IIRC the Qualcomm chipsets don't do that.

Personally, I think that the S9+ is about as good a phone as Samsung ever made, build quality & reliability has gone downhill since then. A refurbed S9+ is a wise purchase.

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#2780143 18-Sep-2021 11:33

If the handset does not support the correct 4G bands the next thread will be why do I only get 4G in the cities

Just cause it supports 700Mhz does not mean it will support the Asia / pacific band plan

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#2780156 18-Sep-2021 12:08

The ultra-handy device checker at frequencycheck.com gives this report SM-G965U NZ compatibility - you're in luck according to them - 100% compatible.

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#2780163 18-Sep-2021 12:31

1024kb: The ultra-handy device checker at frequencycheck.com gives this report SM-G965U NZ compatibility - you're in luck according to them - 100% compatible.

You mean the site that even lists Spark as having a 2G network?

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#2780216 18-Sep-2021 12:48

... yup rather dubious site given it only takes into account two LTE bands as well. Aside from and support (which I would personally want all bands used in NZ to be supported to ensure best performance), features such as VoLTE etc are unlikely to work as well.

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Digikiwi

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#2780253 18-Sep-2021 14:49

Wow, thanks for all the replies. It seems that it's not a straightforward yes or no, but more like "it depends". Lack of connection outside of urban centres would be a concern.

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#2780257 18-Sep-2021 15:08

Lack of 4G connection the 3G I am sure would be fine

Digikiwi

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#2780265 18-Sep-2021 15:24

So a "global" handset with Exynos chip should be fine then, right?

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#2780271 18-Sep-2021 15:41

Digikiwi: So a "global" handset with Exynos chip should be fine then, right?

Flip coin heads or tails but you want the handset supporting band 28 4G 700Mhz

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#2780305 18-Sep-2021 16:48

I'm not right up with the full naming specs for 4G. Is B28 LTE 700 the same as 28 4G 700? Or is that a whole different thing?

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#2780308 18-Sep-2021 16:59

1024kb: I'm not right up with the full naming specs for 4G. Is B28 LTE 700 the same as 28 4G 700? Or is that a whole different thing?

Same thing band 28 4G 700Mhz is the Asia pacific band plan

Digikiwi

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#2780463 18-Sep-2021 20:13

Thanks for your helpful replies, that really assists in demystifying the arcane arts of mobile network technology :)

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#2780471 18-Sep-2021 21:03

Buying an imported handset, and especially one so old really doesn't stack up these days.

On many phones even if you have the correct bands you may not have working VoLTE and with another 200ish RCG sites still to be deployed in the next 18 months anybody with a non VoLTE handset is going to find lots of issues using their phone in rural areas.

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