S3 Mini Phone Query

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › S3 Mini Phone Query

CB_24

366 posts

Ultimate Geek

#138549 8-Jan-2014 13:20

(I'm pretty sure the answer is going to be "the phone will work on any network" but seeking confirmation)

This phone is labeled as a 2Degrees phone but they aren't locked, I got one for my wife for Xmas and she's on Vodafone, the phone, her SIM and her connection are working fine.

My brother-in-law is keen for one now for his wife (she's on Telecom) and was told by DSE that "they won't work that well with a Telecom SIM"
http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-siii-mini-white-2degrees-dsnz-em0110

Interesting on their site that the 'Telecom' version of this phone is $50-60 more expensive.

mrgsm021

1471 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#963256 8-Jan-2014 13:49

One quick look at the S3 mini's spec on GSM Arena: http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i8190_galaxy_s_iii_mini-5033.php

It looks like the S3 min supports 3G/HSPA 900/1900/2100, which would explain why it works fine on both Vodafone and 2Degrees and not so well on Telecom since it lacks the 850 band. So you are probably safe to buy one from Telecom.

scheduler

264 posts

Ultimate Geek

#963258 8-Jan-2014 13:52

Hi,
My understanding is that the S3 mini is triband GSM rather then quad band GSM. this apears confirmed by GSM Arena. Accordingly the S3 Mini will support either 850MHZ (Telecom) or 900 MHZ(2degrees/Vodafone) so will work on one or the other but not both. The support for 2100 MHZ on Telecom is extremely limited. I would say what the Dick Smith salesperson told you is correct.

Laurie