$29 Nokia 521

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72andsunny

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#142911 28-Mar-2014 11:28

I was going to buy a Moto G (at $180 US), but came across a MetroPCS Nokia 521 for $29 (US)...$20 of that is an instant rebate that I probably would not be able to claim, but $49 still seems like a screaming deal.
I spend part of each year in the US; assuming I can get the phone unlocked, how well will it work in New Zealand?

[Sorry, I'm not allowed to post links yet. See metropcs(dot)com for more info.

NikT

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#1014493 28-Mar-2014 11:39

The 521 is a variant built explicitly for T-Mobile US, so it will be A Bad Time on NZ networks with regard to 3G connectivity as it does not support the full range of NZ 3G bands. Given the 520 is all of ~$150 locally, save yourself the headache of importing and unlocking, and pick up one intended for this market. :)

Product Manager @ PB Tech

Smartphones @ PB Tech | Headphones @ PB Tech

billgates

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#1014514 28-Mar-2014 12:08

The T-Mobile Lumia 521 if unlocked will work with Telecom in NZ fine. You might or might not get a 3G signal with 2Degrees or Vodafone depending on which location are you standing at.

Do whatever you want to do man.

NikT

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#1014517 28-Mar-2014 12:11

billgates: The T-Mobile Lumia 521 if unlocked will work with Telecom in NZ fine. You might or might not get a 3G signal with 2Degrees or Vodafone depending on which location are you standing at.

I have had conflicting experiences with the AWS 'band' working with local 2100MHz, so would be careful around this.

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nathan

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#1015078 29-Mar-2014 14:57

It certainly doesn't work with the AWS 2100 in Europe.