smartphone unlocked to buy in US for use there and Israel -- is there?
Dec 6, 2012, 9:37 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Israel
Posts: 986
smartphone unlocked to buy in US for use there and Israel -- is there?
I am looking to take my phone experience to the next level!
Suggestions for (inexpensive?) smartphone i can buy in the US, use while on vacation there, and use with my regular SIM in Israel upon return?
Suggestions for (inexpensive?) smartphone i can buy in the US, use while on vacation there, and use with my regular SIM in Israel upon return?
Dec 6, 2012, 11:58 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: MCO/FRA
Programs: None anymore
Posts: 799
Of course there is, with out knowing your definition of 'inexpensive' we have no idea what your budget is...
Any UNLOCKED iPhone on the GSM network*, I'd imagine from $200-$700
Any UNLOCKED Android based phone on the GSM network* from $75-$700
I'd check Amazon for the Android phones and maybe even the iPhone. Locally its hit or miss, could be a local cell phone shop or a mall or craigslist or a pawn shop...
Any UNLOCKED iPhone on the GSM network*, I'd imagine from $200-$700
Any UNLOCKED Android based phone on the GSM network* from $75-$700
I'd check Amazon for the Android phones and maybe even the iPhone. Locally its hit or miss, could be a local cell phone shop or a mall or craigslist or a pawn shop...
Dec 7, 2012, 12:23 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Israel
Posts: 986
Of course there is, with out knowing your definition of 'inexpensive' we have no idea what your budget is...
Any UNLOCKED iPhone on the GSM network*, I'd imagine from $200-$700
Any UNLOCKED Android based phone on the GSM network* from $75-$700
I'd check Amazon for the Android phones and maybe even the iPhone.
Any UNLOCKED iPhone on the GSM network*, I'd imagine from $200-$700
Any UNLOCKED Android based phone on the GSM network* from $75-$700
I'd check Amazon for the Android phones and maybe even the iPhone.
I'm leaning towards iPhone just because i don't have the time to put into research (though suggestions welcome!) and Amazon has a bunch. Some say att or verizon, even when under heading of unlocked phones. Is this what i want?/will this be OK?
Thanks!
Dec 7, 2012, 1:05 am
#4
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: California
Posts: 2,731
They say AT&T or Verizon because there are two different mobile networks in the U.S., GSM and CDMA. AT&T (and T-Mobile) use GSM. Verizon (and Sprint) use CDMA. Phones made for one network will not work on the other. If you want an unlocked phone that you can use outside the U.S., make sure you get one that will work on the network that country uses. Looks like GSM for Israel--also for Europe, not sure about other places.
Last edited by fwoomp; Dec 7, 2012 at 1:13 am Reason: More data
Dec 7, 2012, 5:28 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,654
Activating an unlocked iPhone on the CDMA side can be a trick. I would avoid it. If you are going to go forward, look at beigephone which activates difficult CDMA phones on PagePlus's MVNO of Verizon. E.g. you get the Verizon network but PagePlus provides the service.
On iPhone just remember that LTE has more flavors than Baskin Robins (an ice cream chain known for its many flavors). Buying it off the net might be a chore, but the knew Google Nexus 4 is about $350 and is a pentaband worldphone with great features and completely unlocked. Unfortunately, it will be hard to get in brick and mortar stores.
http://www.google.com/nexus/4/
You can use the phone on TMobile or ATT at HSPA+ speeds (no LTE support), will support VOIP Over 3.5G, has a great navigation system, Google Now,and no carrier bloatware.
On iPhone just remember that LTE has more flavors than Baskin Robins (an ice cream chain known for its many flavors). Buying it off the net might be a chore, but the knew Google Nexus 4 is about $350 and is a pentaband worldphone with great features and completely unlocked. Unfortunately, it will be hard to get in brick and mortar stores.
http://www.google.com/nexus/4/
You can use the phone on TMobile or ATT at HSPA+ speeds (no LTE support), will support VOIP Over 3.5G, has a great navigation system, Google Now,and no carrier bloatware.
Dec 8, 2012, 10:53 am
#8
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,654
Dec 8, 2012, 11:33 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: EK Skywards Gold, Etihad Guest Gold, VS
Posts: 256
Despite the sourcing problems some have had I ordered mine via Google (239 plus delivery) on Tuesday evening, December 4th. I was quoted 4/5 weeks delivery.....however it was actually delivered Thursday lunchtime, December 6th. I am based in the UK.
Dec 10, 2012, 6:42 pm
#10
Used to be 'Travelergcp'
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: New Orleans
Programs: AA Plat, Marriott Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,827
There are tons of unlocked iPhones for sale on eBay now. I just sold a iPhone 4 for $250. If you'll settle for Android or non-smartphone the prices go down from there.