Does the carrier varient matter?

Forums › Android › Does the carrier varient matter?

solaybro

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#296113 22-May-2022 16:38

I'm looking to buying the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE from PB Tech and I notice that the same phone is listed multiple times. The difference appears to be carrier variant.

The models are:

SM-G990E Grey SM - I assume SM is Samsung
SM-G990E Grey VF
SM-G990E Grey SP

What is the difference of each variant? Does it even matter what one I get?

RunningMan

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#2917169 22-May-2022 16:47

Skinny mobile / Vodafone / Spark?

Might have different band support.

MaxineN

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#2917173 22-May-2022 16:57

Certainly not band support, more like preloaded carrier stuff. Most Samsungs are agnostic so wouldn't worry about it too much.

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Linux

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#2917174 22-May-2022 17:01

I would not worry about it with Samsung S21 FE

ANglEAUT

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#2917330 22-May-2022 18:52

solaybro: ... What is the difference of each variant? Does it even matter what one I get?

I kind of does matter. Some of the phones are network locked, i.e. you can only use them with that network operator.

it reduces resale value
it makes it more difficult to switch operators

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solaybro

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#2917333 22-May-2022 18:57

I messaged PB Tech to ask. I am hoping they can get back to me quickly as the sale ends tomorrow.

Oblivian

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#2917336 22-May-2022 19:06

ANglEAUT:
I kind of does matter. Some of the phones are network locked, i.e. you can only use them with that network operator.

it reduces resale value

it makes it more difficult to switch operators

Previously yes, or with cheap provider rebranded ones. But with android OS changes and management ease (ala android one too) now, believe not so much

Flagshipish models like huawei and samsung appear to run same core OS/fw stuff, will detect the sim and configure during boot. (Some require factory reset when swapped)

The 2D one prob has their annoying get off your phone software included? :) And the standard tools for topping up etc I presume.

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KiwiSurfer

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#2917339 22-May-2022 19:18

The S21 was exactly the same regardless of carrier with no carrier preloaded stuff. The one I bought from 2degrees certainty had no extra stuff included, it was 100% stock Samsung as you would get from any other official NZ retailer. I would be surprised if the S21 FE was any different.

If they don't get back it may be worth calling or visiting in store.

solaybro

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#2917723 23-May-2022 19:05

This is the response I got from PB Tech.

Our phones come from a number of sources in this case the model tagged 'VF' for example will have come from Vodafone and would typically come with a free Vodafone SIM card in the sale but it will not be a locked device by any means, doing tis allows us to get competitive pricing where Vodafone may sell us a cheaper model than 2 Degrees but with the same base phone.

I hope this clears it up but do be certain although they are different models the phone will work globally and with any SIM.

NikT

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#2917739 23-May-2022 21:27

The team gave you the right steer, NZ-new S21 FE SM-G990E is the same software and hardware regardless of operator. 👍

The same is true of the entire 2022 Samsung lineup. You can get anything from a Galaxy A03 through to an S22 Ultra, and as long as it's NZ-new, it's the exact same kit inside and out. How times have changed.

Product Manager @ PB Tech

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