Moto G US or Global?

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72andsunny

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#142741 23-Mar-2014 10:16

Hi all, I spend part of each year in the US, but am mostly in New Zealand. I was about to purchase a Moto G, but am unsure if I'm better off with the global version (which won't get 3G with T-Mobile), or the US version (which apparently works in fewer countries).

I am not too worried about countries other than New Zealand and the US. I would prefer to have the option of using it on the T-Mobile backbone, but not if it comes at the expense of it not working on Telecom, Vodafone, etc.

Anyone have advice? I see the US version works on at least one of Telecom's frequencies, but I really don't understand what all these numbers mean.

$180 US, not too bad: http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Moto-Global-Unlocked-16GB/dp/B00GWR373M

Mike

sbiddle

30853 posts

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Biddle Corp

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#1011259 23-Mar-2014 10:22

To be completely honest you really need to buy two - whatever model you buy will be a compromise on networks and capabilities.

You need both 1700 and 1900 support to use T-Mobile as they are moving their 3G from AWS to 1900Mhz. If you buy the US model you'll only be able to use Telecom here in NZ, and won't be able to take advantage of their 2100Mhz infill sites.

72andsunny

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1015991 31-Mar-2014 13:26

Went ahead and bought the Global version. 16 gb $199 (US) including shipping from Amazon. I figure it will work well enough in the US for shorter trips, and should I end up their long term, I'm probably better off with a CDMA phone anyway.

old3eyes

9119 posts

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#1016191 31-Mar-2014 19:45

72andsunny: Went ahead and bought the Global version. 16 gb $199 (US) including shipping from Amazon. I figure it will work well enough in the US for shorter trips, and should I end up their long term, I'm probably better off with a CDMA phone anyway.

You would have problems getting a non carrier purchased CDMA fone activated. The GSM / UMTS version that you bought is a better choice..

Regards,

Old3eyes

72andsunny

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1016238 31-Mar-2014 21:29

The bargain, bargain prepaid plans in the US all seem to be on CDMA phones. If I lived there full time, I would probably go with Freedom Pop...their free plan is better than my $16/month Skinny plan...or Republic Wireless if I needed more data.