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How can I get an S10 5g for Cash in U.S.?
- Thread starter Eugene_C
- Start date
you can buy it on amazon:
Samsung Galaxy S10 128GB+8GB RAM SM-G973F/DS Dual Sim 6.1" LTE Factory Unlocked Smartphone (International Model) (Prism Black)
i'm not sure how you can pay it in cash. maybe buy a amazon gift card from target and put that much onto a card?
Samsung Galaxy S10 128GB+8GB RAM SM-G973F/DS Dual Sim 6.1" LTE Factory Unlocked Smartphone (International Model) (Prism Black)
i'm not sure how you can pay it in cash. maybe buy a amazon gift card from target and put that much onto a card?
Eugene_C
Lurker
Will the international model work here? I thought they used a different modem?
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Eugene_C
Lurker
They won't sell it without a Verizon number. I just want to do some development with the 3D camera, and I like the bigger battery. Plus, who wants to drop a 1,000 plus on a phone that's obsolete in a year with no 5g?
As for the international model, I thought it used a different modem and wouldn't work here?
I don't think that's the 5G model though: the 5G is the SM-G977.
Here in the UK it's only on pre-order, so I can't say how easy it will be to buy without a contract once released (Samsung are only showing pre-orders for carrier models, but it's very unusual here for a "carrier exclusive" to exclude buying outright without a contract for more than a few weeks). But before looking for an import you should make sure you don't get caught by Samsung's "region lock" policy (there are stores here that know about this and will handle it before exporting).
As for "international" models, they'll work fine on the GSM-based networks but won't support CDMA. I'd advise checking the actual bands supported against those your desired network uses before buying, in case there's a particular omission which might matter in your area, but I've use UK spec phones fine in the States many times. If you were a Verizon or Sprint customer though I'd definitely stay away. That said the S10 5G may work better, because it might be using the Qualcomm SoC everywhere (most early 5G phones are using Qualcomm's 5G modem chip, which means they're using the s855 as well, and that's the SoC in the regular US S10 models).
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Eugene_C
Lurker
There's a $350 early termination fee.
Just to clarify, I specifically want the s10 5g. It's the only model with 4500 mah battery and 3D camera, and 5g and the latest gen memory. It has a lot more battery life . I could take or leave 5g, but I figure if I'm going drop over a thousand on a phone anyway, why get something with no 5g that will be obsolete even sooner?
I suspect it will only have a lot more battery life if you don't use 5G 
.
I've not seen any tests, but this is first generation 5G technology, with a separate 5G modem chip in addition to the regular SoC, so I'm sure it will draw more power than the more established bands. In fact I expect that's the reason for the larger battery.
(Personally I'm staying away from 5G phones this year, and will wait and see whether I do the same next year. I don't want to drop money on a first generation device that will be inferior to what comes later, and anyway 5G coverage is going to be very limited this year, and I expect them to charge a premium for the privilege of using it (it's not actually launched here yet so I've not seen the tarrifs, this is just based on past experience).
. I've not seen any tests, but this is first generation 5G technology, with a separate 5G modem chip in addition to the regular SoC, so I'm sure it will draw more power than the more established bands. In fact I expect that's the reason for the larger battery.
(Personally I'm staying away from 5G phones this year, and will wait and see whether I do the same next year. I don't want to drop money on a first generation device that will be inferior to what comes later, and anyway 5G coverage is going to be very limited this year, and I expect them to charge a premium for the privilege of using it (it's not actually launched here yet so I've not seen the tarrifs, this is just based on past experience).
Eugene_C
Lurker
Sure but if you don't use 5g, which I probably won't, with the new battery and more efficient memory I've heard some pretty good battery stats. I think you want a US modem for best flexibility. If you use one of the 3rd party data suppliers they're switching around between carriers looking for the lowest cost in an area.
Makes sense,
Afraid I can't help, beyond hoping that they will sell it unlocked after an introductory exclusive. I had hoped that it would be like the Galaxy Fold, one model worldwide (or one for the rest of the world and one for China), rather than the usual mess, because of the 5G addition, but most of what I've been able to find suggests that it will be like the rest, i.e. different chipsets for North America and elsewhere. If so that would definitely make an import less attractive.
Afraid I can't help, beyond hoping that they will sell it unlocked after an introductory exclusive. I had hoped that it would be like the Galaxy Fold, one model worldwide (or one for the rest of the world and one for China), rather than the usual mess, because of the 5G addition, but most of what I've been able to find suggests that it will be like the rest, i.e. different chipsets for North America and elsewhere. If so that would definitely make an import less attractive.
I agree about avoiding the international versions.
5G is still a work in progress and buying a '5G' phone today doesn't guarantee it will be future-proof. That said, if you're set on picking one up without the financing I'd suggest waiting until they are officially released and then check Swappa regularly to see if any show up there.
5G is still a work in progress and buying a '5G' phone today doesn't guarantee it will be future-proof. That said, if you're set on picking one up without the financing I'd suggest waiting until they are officially released and then check Swappa regularly to see if any show up there.
For information, international S10 uses Exynos SoC that don't have CDMA modes. If you're on Verizon or Sprint, it must be the US Qualcomm Snapdragon S10 AFAIK.
Eugene_C
Lurker
As I said, I have to get a verizon number to finance and pay off the phone. I don't use Verizon. I use Google FiFor a financing plan? That sounds more like a phone carrier plan.