Samsung Focus from AT&T

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ScottFerguson

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Topic # 72396 25-Nov-2010 11:57

After months of being on the fence between acquiring an iPhone 4, and a Windows Phone, I'm finally teetering towards getting a Windows Phone.
I'm a bit underwhelmed by the HTC Trophy 7 available on Vodafone, and am very keen to look at importing a Samsung Focus from the US.

Questions.

Will this phone work on either Vodafone or 2degrees?

Will it be unlocked?

If it's locked, will I be able to unlock it?

There seems to be reasonable availability from multiple vendors in the US now for this item, so I'd love to get it for Christmas.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

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Reply # 409440 25-Nov-2010 13:09

If this info is correct http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_focus-3453.php then yes. 3G on the 2100 band... I have an x AT&T fone with the same bands and have no problems on any carrier.

Regards,

Old3eyes

ScottFerguson

43 posts

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Reply # 409456 25-Nov-2010 13:49

Thank you for that link, that's reassuring. Initially I just assumed it would work here, but before starting this thread, I browsed this forum and found a post that made it look like the Focus would work only on XT, and that got me worried!

So all I need to know now is will it be locked / can I unlock it if it is? (and how?!)

Thanks

albadry

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Reply # 409466 25-Nov-2010 14:10

Hi,

First of all, you are a reflection of my situation! Been on the fence tossing between an iPhone 4 and a WP7 device for a while, settled for a WP7 device in the end but wanted the super AMOLED screen from Samsung, so I was looking at the Omnia or the Focus.

Expansys (www.expansys.co.nz) have it on preorder. I have ordered mine a week ago, but they have had trouble with suppliers which has meant a delay for another week or so. The current estimated shipping arrival date on mine is 8 days. They're an international company, they'll give you the warranty etc. and the phone you get will be unlocked (albeit carrying an AT&T logo).

If you buy it from the US direct, it would most probably be locked on to AT&T.

Cheers
Husain

ScottFerguson

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Reply # 409486 25-Nov-2010 14:43

Nice! It's reassuring to see someone else with the same thought patterns as I!

ok, so if Expansys are offering an 'unlocked' Focus, that implies it's otherwise locked when bought direct.

That also implies that it is possible to unlock them. :)

So for me, the final piece of the puzzle is, how do I unlock it when I get it?

albadry

11 posts

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Reply # 409501 25-Nov-2010 15:15

Well I think you should consider asking yourself, is it worth getting it from the US and trying to unlock it, or is it cheaper to just get it from expansys?

There are a few people selling their HTC Trophy phones on trademe - unwanted prizes. It's very tempting, some going as low as $750!

ScottFerguson

43 posts

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Reply # 409521 25-Nov-2010 16:06

The HTC Trophy's on Trademe are tempting at that price, but I really have my heart set on the AMOLED screens that the Samsung's have.

So perhaps I'll put this question out to the Geekzone community.

Are there any unlockable phones out there?
Or is it inevitable that all phones can be unlocked, so I should buy with confidence?

NonprayingMantis

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Reply # 409529 25-Nov-2010 16:24

ScottFerguson: Thank you for that link, that's reassuring. Initially I just assumed it would work here, but before starting this thread, I browsed this forum and found a post that made it look like the Focus would work only on XT, and that got me worried!

So all I need to know now is will it be locked / can I unlock it if it is? (and how?!)

Thanks

Yes it will work on vodafone and 2Degree. However, the 3G will only work in he areas where Vodafone have 2100 coverage, which is most main cities and towns (70% population coverage I think) Similar numbers apply for 2Degrees but remember their pricing changes outside Auckland/wellington/chch/Queenstown.

On XT you will get 3G everywhere XT has coverage – 97% of population.

billgates

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Reply # 409537 25-Nov-2010 16:33

If you are going to source an AT&T locked Samsung focus from U.S then the only confirmed unlock codes service working is in the link below.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140482107888&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

If you need an unlocked Samsung focus right out of the box then expansys.co.nz will fullfill that but they don't have the phone in stock yet and don't know when they will recieve some.

I am getting my samsung focus directly from US now via someone.

Do whatever you want to do man.

ScottFerguson

43 posts

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Reply # 409555 25-Nov-2010 17:13

Outstanding, thanks everyone!

billgates: I am getting my samsung focus directly from US now via someone.

As a matter of interest, are you buying an unlocked phone, or will you be unlocking yours yourself?

ScottFerguson

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Reply # 409563 25-Nov-2010 17:23

NonprayingMantis:
On XT you will get 3G everywhere XT has coverage – 97% of population.

Thanks, that's worth thinking about for sure. I've been on Vodafone so long (since Bellsouth), I hadn't really even considered Telecom!

billgates

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Reply # 409589 25-Nov-2010 18:43

ScottFerguson:
As a matter of interest, are you buying an unlocked phone, or will you be unlocking yours yourself?

My phone will be locked to AT&T. Will unlock it myself using the ebay link.

Do whatever you want to do man.

ScottFerguson

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Reply # 410608 29-Nov-2010 11:03

ok, Focus ordered and on the way.
Will report back to this forum with progress.

Thanks for everyones help.

freitasm

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Reply # 410615 29-Nov-2010 11:23

ScottFerguson: After months of being on the fence between acquiring an iPhone 4, and a Windows Phone, I'm finally teetering towards getting a Windows Phone.
I'm a bit underwhelmed by the HTC Trophy 7 available on Vodafone, and am very keen to look at importing a Samsung Focus from the US.

Questions.

Will this phone work on either Vodafone or 2degrees?

Will it be unlocked?

If it's locked, will I be able to unlock it?

There seems to be reasonable availability from multiple vendors in the US now for this item, so I'd love to get it for Christmas.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

1.With limited coverage. AT&T uses 850 MHz, like Telecom XT. The handset also supports 2100 MHz. It will work on Vodafone and 2degrees 3G but only in the main centres. Remember, Vodafone's extending its 3G coverage with 900 MHz 3G, which this handset won't support. So it will limit your 3G usage.

2.If AT&T branded probably locked

3.Maybe

Mauricio Freitas (Geekzone Admin, Devil's Advocate, my blog, technology disclosure)

albadry

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Reply # 410775 29-Nov-2010 17:07

Where did you buy it from? A shop or an ebay trader? How much if you don't mind me asking?

ScottFerguson

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Reply # 410780 29-Nov-2010 17:14

ScottFerguson:
I'm a bit underwhelmed by the HTC Trophy 7 available on Vodafone

I said this back when I'd evaluated it only by looking at the spec sheet. In the weekend however I had a hands on with the Trophy 7, and I was considerably more impressed.

Just wanted to clear that up in case I had alienated any HTC Trophy 7 owners here. Your phone is snappy and a pleasure to use. The Metro UI is even better than I was anticipating, and I look forward to having a Windows Phone 7 of my own.

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