Help Galaxy international version vs domestic versions. Is the I V really better?

[Thunderbird3]

I'm new to smartphones and having researched the overwhelming variety available, I've narrowed my choice to the Samsung Galaxy. Now I find a huge variety of Galaxies!
Before I part with my cash, is it worth spending more for the Galaxy international version? What are the main differences between this and the domestic (GSM) versions? I don't care about minor design differences like case size.

I plan to use Skype almost exclusively. I plan to use the phone in other countries (outside of the US) and I plan to use a mobile wifi hotspot device. Actually, does the Galaxy already have a built-in hotspot?

I can buy a branded unlocked (AT&T/Sprint/T-Mobile) phone for much less. Is an unlocked GSM domestic-market Galaxy about the same thing as having the Galaxy international version? Is there any real benefit in having the international over all others? I would really like to know the pros and cons before jumping in.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[led hed]

from what i understand, the int'l version isn't as bloated with the carrier's software as on 'their' phone. i think the carrier version also restricts some web browsing.
i opted for the int'l version. no problems at all.

 

[ironass]

If you want to use 4G/LTE for any reason, then the International version, i9100, does not support this.

 

[Russell Ng]

With LTE / 4G and tied to US carriers, it would also mean it might not be compatible with most sims in other parts of the world. Cannot just change a local sim and use a local number to save money. The international version should be able to change sims though.

 

[Thunderbird3]

With LTE / 4G and tied to US carriers, it would also mean it might not be compatible with most sims in other parts of the world. Cannot just change a local sim and use a local number to save money. The international version should be able to change sims though.

Thanks to all. If the phone is unlocked though, wouldn't that mean it will take any SIM? I would like to install a dual SIM adapter as well. I still don't see the benefit in spending the additional $200 for the international version over an unlocked domestic one.

 

[Medion]

Before I part with my cash, is it worth spending more for the Galaxy international version?

Yes.

What are the main differences between this and the domestic (GSM) versions?

T-Mobile's version supports HSPA+ 41 whereas the international version is HSPA+21. T-Mobile uses Snapdragon S3 w/Adreno 220 while the international version has Exynos w/Mali 400. This means similar system performance but superior GPU performance on the international version. T-Mobile version has a 4.5" screen.

AT&T offers three versions of the SGS2. the Captivate Glide uses Tegra 2 and is a slider w/keyboard (and lower end than the other versions but still capable). the Skyrocket is the same as T-Mobile's but with LTE. That leaves the Attain, which is the same as the international version with two key changes; addition of NFC, and removal of physical home button. Uses 4 capacitive buttons instead.

The international version will accept a sim from any compatible GSM carrier in the world. The AT&T versions are sim locked, and unless you get an unlock code, they will not accept other sims.

Actually, does the Galaxy already have a built-in hotspot?

Yes.

Is an unlocked GSM domestic-market Galaxy about the same thing as having the Galaxy international version? Is there any real benefit in having the international over all others?

The branded version, even unlocked, already has the IMEI number loaded in the carrier's system. This means that you are limited to full-priced data plans. With the international version, it shows up as a dumbphone. Data is unlimited (throttled at 3GB) for $15/month. If you have unlimited texting, then the same data plan is $10/month. I use the latter. No restrictions on mobile hotspot either. In time, this huge data discount will more than make up for the phone price difference. (The above is on AT&T, btw). Also, this only works on the black version. The white version's IMEI shows up as a Blackberry in AT&T's system and thus requires a full-priced data plan.

There is no "Best" version as some will prefer a larger screen, LTE, or better performance among other variables. I personally find the unlocked international version to be the most well rounded.

 

[Thunderbird3]

Thank you Medion for the comprehensive answers. I appreciate your time! Knowing there's a built-in hotspot already saved me about $150.

Last questions (I think): What if I root a branded Galaxy and maybe install CyanogenMod? Would this remove the carrier's IMEI number? Would I then have essentially all the features and benefits of the international version?

Sorry, I'm still on the learning curve.

 

[Medion]

Thank you Medion for the comprehensive answers. I appreciate your time! Knowing there's a built-in hotspot already saved me about $150.

Last questions (I think): What if I root a branded Galaxy and maybe install CyanogenMod? Would this remove the carrier's IMEI number? Would I then have essentially all the features and benefits of the international version?

Sorry, I'm still on the learning curve.

IMEI is unique to the handset. It won't change with a custom ROM.

 

[Thunderbird3]

I didn't know that. Thanks again Medion.

Time now to buy a Galaxy..................