Iphone 4 from Vodafone, can it be used on any carrier ?

Forums › Apple iOS and devices › Iphone 4 from Vodafone, can it be used on any carrier ?

bjb87

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Wannabe Geek

Topic # 121075 23-Jun-2013 21:10

Hi All,

I want to purchase an Apple Iphone 4 for my partners birthday.

Vodafone are $120.00 cheaper than any other place.

2 Questions.

Do they take a standard sim ? She currently has an E72 Nokia

Will the Vodafone phone work on the telecom (CDMA) network or only Vodafone.

Many Thanks

johnr

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Reply # 842084 23-Jun-2013 21:12

iPhone uses a Micro SIM which is smaller than the SIM in a Nokia E72

Telecom CDMA network! This was turned off a few years ago

bjb87

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 842087 23-Jun-2013 21:15

Whoops sorry, I am a tech n00b hence signing up to this website.

So yes/no to it working on Telecom ?

Alternatively I will purchase off apple.co.nz which I assume you could use on any network ?

scuwp

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Reply # 842088 23-Jun-2013 21:16

1. No, you will need to get a micro sim from your preferred telco provider. These are cheap if not free. She should be able to keep her current number no matter which telco you go with.

2. There is no such thing as CDMA anymore.

3. Voda have been locking selected handsets, but I don't think the iphone is one of them. Their advertising clearly states which ones are locked, or just ask.

4. The iphone will work on any nz carrier. You may just need to make a couple of minor adjustments to the settings and you will be away. The store where you get the sim/account should be able to help you with these.

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johnr

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Reply # 842090 23-Jun-2013 21:17

iPhone handsets are not SIM locked

johnr

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Reply # 842091 23-Jun-2013 21:18

Telecom NZ now only run a 3G WCDMA network

scuwp

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Reply # 842092 23-Jun-2013 21:21

Doesn't matter which store you buy it from (in NZ) or direct from Apple, they will all be the same (one of the joys of Apple products).

Watch out if buying from overseas however (other than direct from Apple) as some are locked to a certain countries network.

Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman, then always be the Batman

bjb87

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 842094 23-Jun-2013 21:24

That's great, Appreciate the quick responses and apologies for my ignorance.

I would keep it with Vodafone, however the reception is terrible in Taranaki

michaelmurfy

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Reply # 842099 23-Jun-2013 21:34

Why not try a Telecom MicroSim?

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bjb87

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 842102 23-Jun-2013 21:40

Yip I was thinking it would make sense to -

Buy the phone from vodafone as its $479 verses $589 from Telecom and then get a microsim from Telecom, get her number changed to it and away she goes.

Thoughts ?

There are a few on trademe but would rather buy from a reputable store.

scuwp

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Reply # 842104 23-Jun-2013 21:40

bjb87: That's great, Appreciate the quick responses and apologies for my ignorance.

I would keep it with Vodafone, however the reception is terrible in Taranaki

Fair enough. Definitely Telecom country in parts around there. Just get a Telecom micro sim (about 1/2 the size of a normal sim card) either from a shop or they will post one out, get the number changed over (if you want - arrange this with Telecom, a couple of minor settings on the phone and job done.

Once the phone is up and running on the new connection, ring the old company and terminate the account (if it was on a pay monthly). If she is currently on a fixed plan beware there may be early termination fees.

Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman, then always be the Batman

scuwp

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Reply # 842105 23-Jun-2013 21:42

bjb87: Yip I was thinking it would make sense to -

Buy the phone from vodafone as its $479 verses $589 from Telecom and then get a microsim from Telecom, get her number changed to it and away she goes.

Thoughts ?

There are a few on trademe but would rather buy from a reputable store.

Go with plan A at that price. Awesome amount of phone for that money, even though a couple of years old. You will also get a warranty.

Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman, then always be the Batman

michaelmurfy

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Reply # 842107 23-Jun-2013 21:50

bjb87: Yip I was thinking it would make sense to -

Buy the phone from vodafone as its $479 verses $589 from Telecom and then get a microsim from Telecom, get her number changed to it and away she goes.

Thoughts ?

There are a few on trademe but would rather buy from a reputable store.

Personally, if you're after an iPhone I'd recommend looking at an iPhone 4S since you'll soon realise that 8gb is not too much space for music, apps, videos etc and it's not like you're able to pop a memory card in it. Else there's plenty of mid-range Android phones around that price.

I'd recommend popping into a store and checking out some of the options - the iPhone 4 won't have too much life left in it after iOS 7 - In that price you've got the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini ($399) or the Sony Xperia Acro S ($599) - if you're wanting something different than Android then the Windows Phone 8S ($399) works out very well for value.

It comes down to personal preference, but all these 3 phones have greater specs for less money, the Xperia is also IP57 rated meaning it won't mind if you dump it in water or get dust all over it, and has a 12mp camera.

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coffeebaron

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Reply # 842108 23-Jun-2013 21:55

Also coverage changes, including some sites that are U900 only. The iPhone 4 supports this, so may be worth checking Vodafone coverage again with a Vodafone prepay sim in the iPhone 4.

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Reply # 842179 24-Jun-2013 09:07

In summary:

- Vodafone locks some handsets but currently only cheap prepay models. Top end smartphones aren't locked
- An iPhone bought from Vodafone will work just fine on Telecom
- You need a microSIM
- Once you buy the iPhone go to a Telecom store and ask to have the number ported. They will arrange a new SIM, and omve the number from Vodafone to Telecom. Do not cancel the number
- Only port the number if you are not in a term contract with Vodafone, otherwise you will have to pay the early termination fee in the contract in the final bill from Vodafone
- Buy a newer iPhone model only if you can afford it. If you can, it's better as it will last longer thanks to updates, etc.

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