Dual - SIM Android phone with US Warranty - do they exist?
Jul 24, 2016, 6:47 pm
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: between DCA and BWI
Programs: SPG Gold, Hyatt Plat, UA Premier, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,652
Thank you for all the replies.
After reading up on the way most dual sim phones work, I now have a follow up question - either I am missing something obvious, or their utility is becoming limited to fewer and fewer countries. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable would be able to clarify.
According to a number of sites (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/236535 as an example) even Dual Sim Active phones actually only support LTE on one sim at a time . The other sim is relegated to a 2G connection, even on the newest phones.
So what happens in countries which are turning off their 2G networks (such as Australia in December ( https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/...ng/ba-p/440992 )), Singapore and many others ?
Not to mention that even in many developing nations, the network build out has essentially leap-frogged 2G - 2G networks exist only in major cities while LTE is already in the most random of places.
Does the 2nd slot become completely useless in those cases?
Are there dual sim phones which actually keep both SIM cards active and connected to LTE or at least 3G networks? So far I've only been able to find one phone from Xiaomi with such a feature, but that one is mostly limited to Chinese LTE bands.
After reading up on the way most dual sim phones work, I now have a follow up question - either I am missing something obvious, or their utility is becoming limited to fewer and fewer countries. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable would be able to clarify.
According to a number of sites (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/236535 as an example) even Dual Sim Active phones actually only support LTE on one sim at a time . The other sim is relegated to a 2G connection, even on the newest phones.
So what happens in countries which are turning off their 2G networks (such as Australia in December ( https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/...ng/ba-p/440992 )), Singapore and many others ?
Not to mention that even in many developing nations, the network build out has essentially leap-frogged 2G - 2G networks exist only in major cities while LTE is already in the most random of places.
Does the 2nd slot become completely useless in those cases?
Are there dual sim phones which actually keep both SIM cards active and connected to LTE or at least 3G networks? So far I've only been able to find one phone from Xiaomi with such a feature, but that one is mostly limited to Chinese LTE bands.
Jul 25, 2016, 9:01 am
#33
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORF
Programs: Amex Plat, AA, BA Silver, Marriott Plat, Choice Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 3,749
Thank you for all the replies.
After reading up on the way most dual sim phones work, I now have a follow up question - either I am missing something obvious, or their utility is becoming limited to fewer and fewer countries. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable would be able to clarify.
According to a number of sites (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/236535 as an example) even Dual Sim Active phones actually only support LTE on one sim at a time . The other sim is relegated to a 2G connection, even on the newest phones.
So what happens in countries which are turning off their 2G networks (such as Australia in December ( https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/...ng/ba-p/440992 )), Singapore and many others ?
Not to mention that even in many developing nations, the network build out has essentially leap-frogged 2G - 2G networks exist only in major cities while LTE is already in the most random of places.
Does the 2nd slot become completely useless in those cases?
Are there dual sim phones which actually keep both SIM cards active and connected to LTE or at least 3G networks? So far I've only been able to find one phone from Xiaomi with such a feature, but that one is mostly limited to Chinese LTE bands.
After reading up on the way most dual sim phones work, I now have a follow up question - either I am missing something obvious, or their utility is becoming limited to fewer and fewer countries. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable would be able to clarify.
According to a number of sites (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/236535 as an example) even Dual Sim Active phones actually only support LTE on one sim at a time . The other sim is relegated to a 2G connection, even on the newest phones.
So what happens in countries which are turning off their 2G networks (such as Australia in December ( https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/...ng/ba-p/440992 )), Singapore and many others ?
Not to mention that even in many developing nations, the network build out has essentially leap-frogged 2G - 2G networks exist only in major cities while LTE is already in the most random of places.
Does the 2nd slot become completely useless in those cases?
Are there dual sim phones which actually keep both SIM cards active and connected to LTE or at least 3G networks? So far I've only been able to find one phone from Xiaomi with such a feature, but that one is mostly limited to Chinese LTE bands.
Jul 28, 2016, 12:00 am
#35
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 602
According to a number of sites (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/236535 as an example) even Dual Sim Active phones actually only support LTE on one sim at a time . The other sim is relegated to a 2G connection, even on the newest phones.
In general you'd have to look for the certain modems in the specs, which come with certain chipsets. For Snapdragon devices this would be the X12 (820) or the X8 (650/652). Details here: https://www.qualcomm.com/products/snapdragon/modems
It's still more convenient to switch SIM cards in the settings than to have to physically replace them, even if you don't use both at the same time. One slot is usually nano while the other is micro, so you don't need to carry an adapter. On some devices the second tray also doubles as an SD card slot. So not really that useless then.
Jul 30, 2016, 4:55 pm
#37
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 460
I got the BLU R1 HD, 16GB+2GB ad supported version from Amazon for $60 as a travel phone. Feels very responsive and the price is great but I've read it is LTE+2G on the dual SIMs.
Last edited by unmesh; Jul 30, 2016 at 5:18 pm
Jul 31, 2016, 5:33 am
#38
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: FLL/MIA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 138
ZTE Axon 7 will be released on July 27 (gold only). If you want the silver-ish color, you'll have to wait until August 12.
https://www.amazon.com/ZTE-Axon-unlo.../dp/B01FUF1EL8
https://www.amazon.com/ZTE-Axon-unlo.../dp/B01FUF1EL8
Jul 31, 2016, 8:09 am
#39
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,652
I am an iOS guy but unless Apple announces a dual SIM iPhone (which is rumored), I will probably jump to Android.
First, here is a picture of the leaked dual sim part:
http://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/20/...m-trays-weibo/
Looking carefully at the part, it looks like only one of the SIMs may be tray accessible which makes me wonder whether it will be an Apple SIM on the motherboard.
Assuming Apple doesn't "save" this sale, I've at this point focuses on the Axon, OnePlus 3, or Samsung S7 (Edge). In addition to the other things we want in a smart phone (great camera, good audio, good battery life, plenty of memory, no bloatware), I want at least quadband HSPA on tray two. I too think 2g is dying. I have an ATT international data SIM which will be in my data tray and a ProjectFi SIM in the other try which might get replaced with a local prepaid. I have downgraded my ATT to 900 minutes shared with my wife and use the voice only as a backup.
I would like band 12, a good collection of global LTE bands, and a US warranty (or third purchasable warranty). Factory support of wifi calling would be nice, but Hangouts gets me 95% of what I need without it.
The Axon sounds the most appealing to me so far because of the CDMA bands built into the phone. The CDMA stuff I know is temporarily turned off:
http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/26/11...s-price-launch
but it looks like that will change either through a ZTE patch or the folks at XDA.
First, here is a picture of the leaked dual sim part:
http://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/20/...m-trays-weibo/
Looking carefully at the part, it looks like only one of the SIMs may be tray accessible which makes me wonder whether it will be an Apple SIM on the motherboard.
Assuming Apple doesn't "save" this sale, I've at this point focuses on the Axon, OnePlus 3, or Samsung S7 (Edge). In addition to the other things we want in a smart phone (great camera, good audio, good battery life, plenty of memory, no bloatware), I want at least quadband HSPA on tray two. I too think 2g is dying. I have an ATT international data SIM which will be in my data tray and a ProjectFi SIM in the other try which might get replaced with a local prepaid. I have downgraded my ATT to 900 minutes shared with my wife and use the voice only as a backup.
I would like band 12, a good collection of global LTE bands, and a US warranty (or third purchasable warranty). Factory support of wifi calling would be nice, but Hangouts gets me 95% of what I need without it.
The Axon sounds the most appealing to me so far because of the CDMA bands built into the phone. The CDMA stuff I know is temporarily turned off:
http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/26/11...s-price-launch
but it looks like that will change either through a ZTE patch or the folks at XDA.
Aug 4, 2016, 1:45 am
#40
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Perth, AU (PER)
Programs: Qantas FF
Posts: 42
An interesting alternate option to dual SIM that will suit some people (but not others)... there's a new company "FlexiroamX" that I recently signed up for. It sticks on top of your existing SIM card and you can switch between them on the phone using a "SIM Application" (works on iPhone, Android, or anything else). Never seen anything like it before... shot of me applying it to my sim below.
The double kicker is that it works in 100+ countries with a rate of only USD$30 per GB and USD$10 per year which includes your sim starter pack - and data has *12* months expiry. That's a pretty good data rate for most countries (though not all), but given 12 months expiry and the ability to use the same recharge over multiple countries I imagine in many cases it would edge out other services.
It is sadly data roaming only (no calls+sms) but that's fine if you just use iMessage/Facetime/Facebook Messenger/Whatever other messenger/voice calling you want. I would just software-switch back to my normal sim every couple of days to check for any SMS messages (which thankfully Australian carriers in modern times no longer charge for! They still charge an arm and a leg to send sms, make/receive calls or use data though.)
They give you a bit of free data when you sign up, I think 50MB for signing up, 60MB to watch a video on how it works and 50MB to share onto facebook or something like that. So for USD$10 you can try it out before spending the USD$30 on your next 1GB of data.
You also get a promo code if you get your friends to sign up that gives both of you 100MB... mine is YXBBCJ so if you use that you should end up with something like 250MB to start out. I managed to get 600MB free but I think that was a special the other month.
The double kicker is that it works in 100+ countries with a rate of only USD$30 per GB and USD$10 per year which includes your sim starter pack - and data has *12* months expiry. That's a pretty good data rate for most countries (though not all), but given 12 months expiry and the ability to use the same recharge over multiple countries I imagine in many cases it would edge out other services.
It is sadly data roaming only (no calls+sms) but that's fine if you just use iMessage/Facetime/Facebook Messenger/Whatever other messenger/voice calling you want. I would just software-switch back to my normal sim every couple of days to check for any SMS messages (which thankfully Australian carriers in modern times no longer charge for! They still charge an arm and a leg to send sms, make/receive calls or use data though.)
They give you a bit of free data when you sign up, I think 50MB for signing up, 60MB to watch a video on how it works and 50MB to share onto facebook or something like that. So for USD$10 you can try it out before spending the USD$30 on your next 1GB of data.
You also get a promo code if you get your friends to sign up that gives both of you 100MB... mine is YXBBCJ so if you use that you should end up with something like 250MB to start out. I managed to get 600MB free but I think that was a special the other month.
Aug 4, 2016, 5:56 am
#41
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: FLL/MIA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 138
Here is an Axon review. Reviews are mostly good so far for the Axon.
This review or another I saw says that text/call is active on both SIMs but data is only active on one at a time.
If you buy from an authorized seller, the best part is the Passport 2.0 warranty. Two years of Axon warranty with a $79 deductible for accidental damage.
https://www.zteusa.com/passport/
http://www.androidauthority.com/zte-...review-704039/
This review or another I saw says that text/call is active on both SIMs but data is only active on one at a time.
If you buy from an authorized seller, the best part is the Passport 2.0 warranty. Two years of Axon warranty with a $79 deductible for accidental damage.
https://www.zteusa.com/passport/
http://www.androidauthority.com/zte-...review-704039/
Oct 11, 2016, 12:20 am
#42
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,303
Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe is now available to order in the USA
Direct from Asus http://store.asus.com/us/category/A47161
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ZenFone-Delux...U6?tag=at88-20
Ships in late October
Announcements:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/10740/...zenwatch-3-etc
http://www.androidauthority.com/zenf...ing-us-720583/
Zenfone 3 is a 4G/3G phone where you can have LTE data & 3G voice+sms. The sim tray seems clever. The tray accepts micro sim, nano sim, and micro SD card (choose 0-2, not 3) which is nice if the closest retailer has a micro only or nano sim cutting "service"
I'm still waiting to see the the Ultra will be released in the States. I've been pretty happy with my Xperia Z Ultra as a tablet and occasional phone w/ headset but it stopped receiving Android updates. Dual sim slot for a local sim is also handy to supplement T-Mobile/Project Fi.
Direct from Asus http://store.asus.com/us/category/A47161
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ZenFone-Delux...U6?tag=at88-20
Ships in late October
Announcements:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/10740/...zenwatch-3-etc
http://www.androidauthority.com/zenf...ing-us-720583/
Zenfone 3 is a 4G/3G phone where you can have LTE data & 3G voice+sms. The sim tray seems clever. The tray accepts micro sim, nano sim, and micro SD card (choose 0-2, not 3) which is nice if the closest retailer has a micro only or nano sim cutting "service"
I'm still waiting to see the the Ultra will be released in the States. I've been pretty happy with my Xperia Z Ultra as a tablet and occasional phone w/ headset but it stopped receiving Android updates. Dual sim slot for a local sim is also handy to supplement T-Mobile/Project Fi.
Last edited by freecia; Oct 11, 2016 at 12:26 am
Oct 11, 2016, 6:57 am
#44
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,369
zenfone 3 still dual standby (gsmarena says dual active, but the page for ZS570KL explicitly says dual standby only, data only on one sim)
i wonder if this mod would work
http://www.noreplied.com/how-to-inse...alaxy-s7-edge/
i wonder if this mod would work
http://www.noreplied.com/how-to-inse...alaxy-s7-edge/
Oct 11, 2016, 8:19 am
#45
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE100K MM
Posts: 588
I have the One Plus 3. Full US warranty and the quick charge is useful as a traveller.
https://oneplus.net/3
https://oneplus.net/3