[Q] Buying the right Arc in the US! - Xperia Arc Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Guys Newegg just posted couple Arc models claiming it works with AT&T 3G, I am not so sure about the bands so could you check this out for me?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875212166
Amazon has the same through J&R and that one is 35 bucks cheaper...
Or maybe someone can convince me to get S2?

Those 3G bands are the correct ones to work with AT&T, specifically the 850MHz and 1900MHz bands.

I have ordered this phone and it should arrive with a couple days, is there anything I need to know about software/fw updates, etc? Or just use it out of box and it should be fine?

Related

Buying TP2 from US to use in UK?

Hi, I have been looking at getting a TP2 in the UK but they seem to be gold dust at the moment (as evident by a few other posters here complaining that T-Mobile and O2 are currently not stocking the phone due to "similarity with iPhone, N97, etc".). Anyway I am thinking of buying it on eBay and as I might be heading to the states soon, I was thinking of getting the TP2 in the US, unlocked. But I am not sure if the networks are compatible for use on O2 network in the UK. Apologies in advance for the ingorance...! Any advice would be helpful. Cheers.
Go Vodafone. Far better customer service than o2. Was a loyal o2 customer for about 5 years and was sick of not being able to understand indian accents on customer support. Gave up went to vodafone, got TP2. Profit.
As for the bands I am unsure. Just my input about netwroks. Sorry if it wasnt what you wanted.
I believe that that T-Mobile US version is compatible and the AT&T Version (which isn't out yet) definitely is. None of the US versions have front cameras, though. You will also need to find someone with AT&T that will request the unlock code for you (unless you find it unlocked on eBay).
Thanks for your quick response!
I tried going via Vodafone but the TP2 is currently only available to business customers. And because I have only moved house last month they rejected my application (didn't pass their credit check, apparently, despite having not missed a single credit payment, ever, in my life...). They did say I can apply again in 3 months, but I don't think I can wait that long, as I've been eye-ing the TP2 for like 3 months, waiting for my O2 contract to end!
I hear that the TP2 in the states are getting a regular 3mm plug for audio, which is a plus, but loses the front camera... hmm, trade offs! But at the risk of them incompatibility... perhaps a UK version is in order...
http://www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk/
there you go
yep go to MPD get a unlocked unbranded with a voda contract thats what i did £25 for the phone and 750 mins 250 text unlimited internet for £33 a month
Thirding MPD, 25 quid contract 18 months + web and walk.
Paid £50 for the phone. This gets a pristine unlocked oem phone which can be invaluable later on when the roms etc start coming out!
As far as the bands go- Im pretty sure you will be fine- if you have a look at this list:
http://www.phonearena.com/htmls/com...[0]=3478&phones[1]=2879&phones[2]=1590&area=2
It compares the Euro TP2 with the US touch pro and a sidekick (which should give a fair indication of what bands are used)
This site gives the bands and coverage for a load of networks over the pond so you should be able to check if you will get service:
http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_us.shtml
The Tmobile US version will work with 2G in Europe but not 3G.
The Sprint, Verizon, and Telus ones will work with 2G and 3G. Though I don't know if you need to unlock it or not...
solsearch said:
The Tmobile US version will work with 2G in Europe but not 3G.
The Sprint, Verizon, and Telus ones will work with 2G and 3G. Though I don't know if you need to unlock it or not...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks that is very helpful. I think I will follow the advice of others and go with MPD for a new contract. Thanks again everyone! I cant wait to get my hands on the TP2.
If you are calling them, persist in re-dialing - don't bother leaving a message - it's worth it.
I dealt with Lucy - excellent service.
CuteCutie said:
Hi, I have been looking at getting a TP2 in the UK but they seem to be gold dust at the moment (as evident by a few other posters here complaining that T-Mobile and O2 are currently not stocking the phone due to "similarity with iPhone, N97, etc".). Anyway I am thinking of buying it on eBay and as I might be heading to the states soon, I was thinking of getting the TP2 in the US, unlocked. But I am not sure if the networks are compatible for use on O2 network in the UK. Apologies in advance for the ingorance...! Any advice would be helpful. Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When and where are you coming to the US? I have Euro version of phone and live in the US. If you buy US version you can not use 3G in ohter parts of the world. Same for Euro 3G can not be used in States. Maybe you can get US 3G version and then we can trade
If you come to New York City you can buy from store....mobilecityonline.com or at their actual store.
At0mAng said:
When and where are you coming to the US? I have Euro version of phone and live in the US. If you buy US version you can not use 3G in ohter parts of the world. Same for Euro 3G can not be used in States. Maybe you can get US 3G version and then we can trade
If you come to New York City you can buy from store....mobilecityonline.com or at their actual store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T's HTC phones with 3G all have 2100MHz, I am sure the Tile 2 (Touch Pro 2 for AT&T) will also. This means it will work with European 3G as well as AT&T 3G.
I don't know about the AT&T version working in Europe. According to statements here and elsewhere the AT&T band, despite being classified as 2100mhz is slightly different from the rest of the world's 2100mhz bands, making it incompatible with them (I can't testify to this, it's just what I've read).
solsearch said:
I don't know about the AT&T version working in Europe. According to statements here and elsewhere the AT&T band, despite being classified as 2100mhz is slightly different from the rest of the world's 2100mhz bands, making it incompatible with them (I can't testify to this, it's just what I've read).
Click to expand...
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Thats the T-Mobile version with the different 2100MHz. It has 1700MHz and 2100MHz, one for download and one for uplink. The European 2100MHz is 2100MHz for both downlink and uplink. The 2100MHz included on AT&T handsets is the European 2100MHz and not the T-Mobile version (which is referred to as 1700MHz to get around confusion).
The T-Mobile version's specifications list 1700MHz/2100MHz. I do not know if they are referring only to their bands where one is downlink and one is uplink or if they mean 1700MHz (1700MHz/2100MHz) AND European 2100MHz. I would bet that it includes European 3G but I am not positive.
Sorry, my bad. I get those companies mixed up
Yes I have been worried about the whole slightly different band and therefore it may or may not work in Europe!
I am having trouble with phone contracts at the moment because I have just moved home so my credit rating is completely annhilated and it just takes too long for the credit company to sort it out. In the end I have used eBay and bought a Vodafone branded TP2. I am sticking with O2 simplicity SIM at the moment as a rolling 30 day contract. I've not had too much trouble with O2 customer service, I always seem to get non-Indian, English speaking folks, but retention line was unprepared to make any offer at all which baffled me!
Anyway, onto the exciting (and somewhat scary prospect!) of getting to grips with Hard SPL and custom Roms!
PS, sorry At0mAng I got your message too late! I was thinking of California.

Where can I get a Tilt2 in Canada (for use on Rogers)

Does anyone know where i can buy a Tilt2 here in Canada? I want the Tilt2 because it'll give me 3G speed on rogers whereas the TP2 from the UK won't
thanks
-j
There are Tilt 2s on eBay now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170394416368
Funny you can buy it on eBay before you can from AT&T...
make sure it is a t7381
that is the Australian model that supports Rogers 3G, HSPA
the north american ones do not, they are 7373 i believe
it needs to work on gprs 850 for use with rogers, otherwise all you get is edge
look for the australian telstra phones on ebay, i got mine from personal digital
enilkciw,
thanks for the ebay link.
goodpill,
thanks for that critical piece of info.
I actually own a HTC TP2 (purchased from the UK) and I'll i get is Edge speeds (just like you said). I'm looking to replace the one I have with one that supports 3G speeds (including simultaneous voice and data connectivity).
I assumed that since Rogers & AT&T share a common network that buying a Tilt2 would work on Rogers. Obviously i need to do much more research before buying a replacement.
-j
johnmclean said:
enilkciw,
thanks for the ebay link.
goodpill,
thanks for that critical piece of info.
I actually own a HTC TP2 (purchased from the UK) and I'll i get is Edge speeds (just like you said). I'm looking to replace the one I have with one that supports 3G speeds (including simultaneous voice and data connectivity).
I assumed that since Rogers & AT&T share a common network that buying a Tilt2 would work on Rogers. Obviously i need to do much more research before buying a replacement.
-j
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the tilt2 will work on rogers 3G because the tilt2 has 850/1900/2100 3G bands
omaralt said:
the tilt2 will work on rogers 3G because the tilt2 has 850/1900/2100 3G bands
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this seems to be the case, although you don't get the front camera (you do get a big ATT logo instead!)... i am sure there are other differences but as mentioned for rogers you need 850 umts for 3G
good news for you is prices are already cheaper than a month ago when i bought mine
Ya u get a few at&t logos and have to deal with the keyboard. Software wise i dont care because i've already flashed a cooked rom, so all is good. I would definitely prefer an unbranded device but 3g and price are quite important to me
thanks for all the feedback. i also noticed TILT2s for sale on expansys.ca. I've used them before and know that they're reliable (in case anyone was wondering).
-j
Pacific Mall
If you are in the Toronto area, you can also check out Pacific Mall. Caution, some of their vendors are questionable.
I bought the T-Mobile version, and I can not afford a data plan, so I'm good as far as 3G is concerned.
hiazle said:
If you are in the Toronto area, you can also check out Pacific Mall. Caution, some of their vendors are questionable.
I bought the T-Mobile version, and I can not afford a data plan, so I'm good as far as 3G is concerned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya but 3G is not for data only. you'll also get better reception and voice quality. even if your not using data you want 3G. there are a few places down here (florida) where i would get no reception with an edge phone, but i'll get 3g reception

Which defy to buy?

I'm considering purchasing the Defy. (completely in love with the idea of a waterproof phone)
I live in US and have AT&T. Seen topics about the T-Mobile version working on AT&T's 3G bands.
I plan on purchasing one from eBay and my question is, should I get the american "T-Mobile" version or should I get a European version. Which one has more/better roms available? Does the European version work on AT&T 3G? I'm a fan of the all black UK version as well. Are there any other hardware differences besides color of the phone?
Thanks alot! Hope to be visiting these defy forums more often!
Ok, if you buy the American (T-Mo?) you should be able to use it on AT&T 3G through the 850 freq, and of course, on T-Mo.
http://androidforums.com/t/217819-t-mo-motorola-defy-working-t-3g-850-band-only.html
You will also be able to use it on the most common international freq, 2100. Looked at the Euro spec phone on the Moto site and they do not appear to be able to work on any USA 3G.
The USA T-Mo branded phone seems to be far less likely to developed the "failed earpiece", if that is even still an issue with current production.
Also, there is a thread with people complaining that the all black phone is structurally "cheaper". Maybe it's an appearance thing. Of course, the T-mo branded phone comes with wifi calling which you cannot use on AT&T... but should you ever switch...
Awesome! Thank you very much for the information.
lospulpo said:
Awesome! Thank you very much for the information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember, I'm only passing on info on the 850 band but have never tried myself.

I'm scared should i keep my pre order with handtec?

I have a pre order that is supposed to ship on Wednesday but now after reading about the issue with the volume turning down on its own and that it might be a hardware problem it really scares me to keep my pre order since i am in canada and it would probably be a pain in the a$$ if samsung/google issued a recall.
What would you guys do?
Thanks
Kris
so far it looks like it is only affecting users that have SIM cards that use the 900MHz frequency band, so if you are with any of the following:
O2
Vodafone
giffgaff
Tesco Mobile
or any network that piggybacks on O2 or Vodafone frequencies
then you will have an issue.
if you're on Orange, 3 or T-Mobile, you should be fine.
Like i said i am in canada so i won't be using any of those, i will be using bell mobility and i am not sure what bands they use.
It should be OK then on Telstra's 850MHz NextG network. I'm not cancelling my order. Worst case scenario is selling it unopened on ebay if issue not solved within a week.
atomic_dude said:
It should be OK then on Telstra's 850MHz NextG network. I'm not cancelling my order. Worst case scenario is selling it unopened on ebay if issue not solved within a week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And on eBay you will probably make a profit
@OP...Also, you have to understand while reading forum sites, you are most likely to hear more complaints and issues than the "everythings great" thread. Im importing too, but no matter who, where and when you order there will always be a risk. Think positive and just enjoy your GN, dont be scared!
If you're in Canada, why not just wait a couple weeks and get it locally?
They're going to be selling a HSPA+ version in Canada.. Bell and Rogers are both going to get it..
http://www.intomobile.com/2011/11/14/bell-confirms-samsung-galaxy-nexus-early-december-release/
That way you'll be able to return it locally if you encounter a problem.
I certainly understand being impatient, but in your case it has already been announced for your carrier and should be available in the next 2-3 weeks..
Just something to think about.
atomic_dude said:
It should be OK then on Telstra's 850MHz NextG network. I'm not cancelling my order. Worst case scenario is selling it unopened on ebay if issue not solved within a week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Next G is 850 MHz but Telstra's 2G is 900 MHz (and also 1800 MHz but that is being phased out).
Next G coverage is pretty good but if you find yourself in an area with poor coverage you may drop back to 2G 900 MHz and get hit by SAV.
yup it only looks like it affects 900mhz. Im on fido which only uses 850 and 1900 so should be good!!!
Bummer, I just cancelled my Amazon pre-order for Handtec and changed from T-Mobile to GiffGaff...

need help

Hi im wondering if Sony Ericsson XPERIA PLAY R800i works on tmobile usa 3g ? i wanna make shure before i buy it since they have one in my local pawn shop for 50 brand new and i dont wanna pass out on a good deal please some one help
3G workd on the XPlay,
and be shure, that its not sim-locked, then youre good
The R800i do not support T-Mobile 1700MHz, so technically no. However, the might be a chance, because T-Mobile recently leased(?) the 1900MHz from ATT after the failed buyout. However, I don't know exactly how the coverage on that is. All I know is I got it working on South Florida area.
Also $50 sound too good, just make sure it has clean IMEI and not a stolen item, which sometimes can happen. Ask them if you can insert the sim card and make a call.
FYI. The 3G T-Mobile band is 1700/2100. The ATT 3G band is 850+1900/2100. Xperia Play do not support 1700mhz so technically it should not work.
Not sure about the network thing but a new xperia play 800i for $50?
Hell buy it for me and ill PayPal you the money plus pay for shipping!

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