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SGN Unlocked vs ATT version

homegeek

homegeek

Well-Known Member
I did not see a thread for this so I thought I would ask. I am looking to get this phone for AT&T but I am not sure if it is worth waiting for an AT&T branded version. I am fine with HSPA data speeds for downloads so that is not an issue. I was just wondering if anyone had an opinion.
 
In my personal opinion I would much rather buy the international version, than the AT&T version. (Which is why I did just that.) In my opinion the international version looks much more appealing with the home button, and no AT&T logo at the top. Plus the international version has the Exynos, which is much better than the Snapdragon S3, that will be inside the AT&T version. The only real advantage the AT&T version has is LTE. But in my opinion the international version is much better in every aspect. (HSPA+ is more than enough for the average user.

Plus an added bonus with the international version is not waiting for AT&T to handle the updates, or preload carrier crap on your phone.

Just thought I would say, it's nice to see another Nexus S user moving over to the Note. :)
 
B2L said:
In my personal opinion I would much rather buy the international version, than the AT&T version. (Which is why I did just that.) In my opinion the international version looks much more appealing with the home button, and no AT&T logo at the top. Plus the international version has the Exynos, which is much better than the Snapdragon S3, that will be inside the AT&T version. The only real advantage the AT&T version has is LTE. But in my opinion the international version is much better in every aspect. (HSPA+ is more than enough for the average user.

Plus an added bonus with the international version is not waiting for AT&T to handle the updates, or preload carrier crap on your phone.

Just thought I would say, it's nice to see another Nexus S user moving over to the Note. :)
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Thanks for the opinion. I really need to update my phones more in my profile but I keep changing them so often that I don't think about it. I have gone through several android and a Windows phone since the Nexus. I love the pure Google but I have to admit the size of the screen on this think really has my excited.
 
Even with the At t version having lte i dont see it as a great advantage because At t's lte service is limited to just couple dozen metropolitian areas. I live rual area and havent even got good 3g yet. And yes I own the international version for 1 month now, LOVE MY NOTE! Ya At t says it will be 90% lte covered by 2014 blah blah ....Ive got sum great swamp property forsale to!
 
One thing you may want to consider is the warranty att will be handled if your phone has a problem. For example my infuse has screen burn in and the wifi tether is now acting up. I call att and since in within the 1st year they are shipping me another phone at no charge. If you had the international version what would you do?

My opinion would be to wait for the att branded version. I don't see the huge advantages of a international version. As far as updates go this is Samsung. Don't count on much with updates. I've learned that the hard way.

Either way you are in a good position. The lack of warranty support would be a concern of mine. You never know when your phone may just go weird on you.
 
It's so funny to hear all the international users tell you they think there version is the best they have to justify there purchase I say wait for the American version just because there is no hassle no confusion having to worry about insurance buying a adapter for the charger then there's the connection having to manually input your settings to get 3G/4g then just basically having to Americanize it just wait untill feb 19th and you won't have any problems I would hate have a international note then god forbid something goes wrong and you have to replace it good luck with that oh yea did I mention our version will have LTE I think you know what to do lol
 
There's nothing wrong with buying an international version. First and foremost, it takes a whole 5 minutes to input AT&T's data network information...woop-dee-doo! In regards to LTE capability, a considerable amount of AT&T's network is still on EDGE, let alone LTE, so I don't see this as a problem. Third, Samsung provides a warranty for the Galaxy Note for 24 months (6 months for batteries)...yes you read that correctly. So just make sure you purchase the phone from a reputable business so that you can return the phone if/when you have a problem. Lastly, If you're willing to spend the money, as many (including myself) have already, then have at it.

EDIT: Also, keep in mind that the unlocked version will hold a higher resale value should you choose to sell it. Although, I'm sure some people will find ways to unlock their AT&T versions as well.
 
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I'm in an LTE area so I'm going to get the LTE version. I dunno that I'd notice the difference of not having the Exynos. Plus I prefer capacitive buttons too.
 
JunBringer said:
I'm in an LTE area so I'm going to get the LTE version. I dunno that I'd notice the difference of not having the Exynos. Plus I prefer capacitive buttons too.
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wise choice my friend dont be fooled the us version is the one to get nothing can beat being able to just walk into bestbuy and get your phone replaced as opposed to shipping away your phone in case of replacement oh yea the lte thing aint too shabby lol
 
I just got the international one. Going from a phone with only capacitive buttons, this thing is a god send with at least one hardware home button.

Get what you want though. Both aren't hard to buy. I personally hate stores like Best Buy so I always got it online.

Though I do live in Taiwan now. But when I lived in America god was best buy (and store like it) such a rip off.
 
bucsfan said:
It's so funny to hear all the international users tell you they think there version is the best they have to justify there purchase I say wait for the American version just because there is no hassle no confusion having to worry about insurance buying a adapter for the charger then there's the connection having to manually input your settings to get 3G/4g then just basically having to Americanize it just wait untill feb 19th and you won't have any problems I would hate have a international note then god forbid something goes wrong and you have to replace it good luck with that oh yea did I mention our version will have LTE I think you know what to do lol
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Personally I am not impressed with LTE. I am one of the few to have it in my location and currently use it on my SG Skyrocket but I am not impressed. I would do just fine with HSPA+.
 
I thank everyone for their opinions. I did not mean to start an argument but I guess that is what you get when you ask for opinions.

The way I see it is, LTE is no big deal for me. I do like the ideal of the Exynos processor and the fact the phone is unlocked which yes would lead to a higher resale value. My only concern with the UK version is the warranty. That can be a big deal. I have never had a warranty issue on any of my phones yet but you never know. Is there anyone here who has experience using the out of country warranty? I am curious as to the amount of hassle and time frame to get your phone fixed or replaced.
 
I'd rather have the unlocked version for the simple fact that I'd be able to keep my unlimited $15/mo MediaNet data plan. That, and being able to avoid any of AT&T's feature or service blocking/locking/removal.
 
I have the international ver of the note. And a Squaretade warrenty on top of my samsung warrenty. Cost 110$ for 2 yrs, of complete accidentental handling water stolen, what ever. For 15 cents a day insurance that my note will be repaired or replaced in 5 days or less or i get the full purchase price of my note back to buy another. Try that with At t Time will tell but, Lte is the battery vampire, when the At t Note comes out the "My note battery sucks" threads will too.
 
homegeek said:
I thank everyone for their opinions. I did not mean to start an argument but I guess that is what you get when you ask for opinions.

The way I see it is, LTE is no big deal for me. I do like the ideal of the Exynos processor and the fact the phone is unlocked which yes would lead to a higher resale value. My only concern with the UK version is the warranty. That can be a big deal. I have never had a warranty issue on any of my phones yet but you never know. Is there anyone here who has experience using the out of country warranty? I am curious as to the amount of hassle and time frame to get your phone fixed or replaced.
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I bought mine from Negri Electronics. If there ever is an issue that is covered under the warranty, they will send it into Samsung for me in the region where the warranty is located. So yes it will likely take a week or two longer to get the device fixed. But overall, having the international version was worth the trade off in my opinion, and I can still be comfortable with it covered under the warranty.
 
B2L said:
I bought mine from Negri Electronics. If there ever is an issue that is covered under the warranty, they will send it into Samsung for me in the region where the warranty is located. So yes it will likely take a week or two longer to get the device fixed. But overall, having the international version was worth the trade off in my opinion, and I can still be comfortable with it covered under the warranty.
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I would not mind Square Trade for a warranty.
 
Unbranded unlocked always, all the mobile phone companies cripple/lockdown their offerings to some extent...
 
only way to find out is to get it cuz either side will tell you there reasons for there purchase you just have to find out what you really want i know i cant wait for this sunday so i can finally reserve mines
 
I personally like the look better of the international version, reason why I bought the GSII international and wife got AT&T version. But for the select few cities that have LTE, it would be quite a bit faster with downloads but might not necessarily be a deal breaker. I live in a city with LTE, so I thought about buying it off contract but i'm not sure if the note is the phone for me.
 
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