|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
noky
Joined: 14 Jul 2010
Location: Yeongcheon
|
 Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 8:10 am Post subject: |
 |
|
| Quote: |
| P.S. Am I the only person that would trade phone thickness for more battery life? Just seems like a longer life would be more beneficial. |
I normally would care about battery life. Then, I remembered I live in Korea where I can plug my phone in at work and pretty much any restaurant I happen to be at therefore making it easy to have enough charge in any situation.
What I find infinitely more useful is a second battery. That allows me to just swap batteries when I get home and put the other one to charge.
| Quote: |
| im not in korea yet and just want to see if it would be feasible for me to get it at home or in korea? |
If you buy the phone anywhere outside Korea it's not going to be the same phone that you would buy here. Not only is it going to lack all the localized apps and settings but the hardware will probably not support NFC or DMB (making those features unavailable even if you manage to flash the local firmware). NFC (using the T-Money app and I'm sure a Daegu card app will follow) is nice. To add insult to injury, the suggested local price of 847k is a tad cheaper than the current EUR pre-order prices. Finally, if you're from the US the phone won't even be out until Fall where as Korea has it now.
I'm also wondering what the price options look like. Is anyone able to get the phone on a 1 year contract? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
akcrono
Joined: 11 Mar 2010
|
| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 8:50 am Post subject: |
|
|
| noky wrote: |
I'm also wondering what the price options look like. Is anyone able to get the phone on a 1 year contract? |
Found a place that has it today. Seems like you either need to pay for it outright or get a 2 year contract (the 55,000 one) and it's 15,000 a month for 2 years, which is a big discount. There's probably someone with more info on it than me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
noky
Joined: 14 Jul 2010
Location: Yeongcheon
|
| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 5:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| akcrono wrote: |
| Seems like you either need to pay for it outright or get a 2 year contract (the 55,000 one) and it's 15,000 a month for 2 years, which is a big discount. |
What carrier was this, KT? Or did it matter? Either way, that is a big discount. I'll see if I can use that information to haggle a 1 year contract. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
lalartu
Joined: 29 Apr 2008
|
| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I was watching the news today
Apparently a lot of electronic markets (Yongsan, Technomart) overcharge their customers for GS 2 phones and outright lie to them about the actual price.
So be careful
Either get it from the official source or wait a few months till it settles.
Also, you cannot get this phone if you're a foreigner on E-2, just the same way you couldn't get Galaxy S 1 for a while.
They will avoid dealing with foreigners for at least a few months.
You need to have your Korean friend/girlfriend/wife get it for you or just wait...
Finally, the phone looks absolutely amazing on paper, but I wonder if it's actually as good as it sounds in reality.
I heard from a few review sources that a bunch of apps crash too much, wonder if it's true or not.
I personally will wait a few months before switching from my GS1 to GS2..also GS1 is still an amazing phone in its own right, so if you have one already or were thinking of gettng it, now would be the best time because it's pretty cheap now! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
waseige1
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
|
| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 7:06 pm Post subject: Gio? |
|
|
Has anyone bought the Samsung Gio? How was it?
I like the size of it better than the Galaxy. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhicks99
Joined: 04 Mar 2009
Location: Seoul, South Korea
|
| Posted: Mon May 02, 2011 7:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Quick question on the Korean model.
Does anyone know the GSM frequencies supported?
The original S supported 850/1900 in Korea which is perfect for at&t and rogers/fido in North America. Can I assume the S II will be the same? Does anyone know for sure or have a link? I couldn't find it.
*edit*
This is all I could find, is this the model were getting?
If so then woohoo!
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9100_galaxy_s_ii-review-588.php |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
pixykat222
Joined: 30 Jan 2009
|
| Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 2:52 am Post subject: |
|
|
| lalartu wrote: |
Also, you cannot get this phone if you're a foreigner on E-2, just the same way you couldn't get Galaxy S 1 for a while.
They will avoid dealing with foreigners for at least a few months.
You need to have your Korean friend/girlfriend/wife get it for you or just wait... |
I do not believe this is true. I was just at a cell phone store with my boss and while KT doesn't do contracts with E2'ers, SK does. We filled out all the paperwork and they said the phone would arrive within two weeks. They actually had a handful of units in the store, but said they were only for KT customers.
I experienced the exact same thing two years ago; I didn't know KT refused E2 people so I sat there for half an hour with a coworker filling out all the paperwork just to have them say "Sorry we can't give you a contract" after the final signature and a couple phone calls to the head office. A few days later I went to an SK shop and my contract was approved no problem; in fact I got a 10-month contract since I had already been there for 2 months. It was very convenient and easy. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
lalartu
Joined: 29 Apr 2008
|
| Posted: Tue May 03, 2011 3:08 am Post subject: |
|
|
| pixykat222 wrote: |
| lalartu wrote: |
Also, you cannot get this phone if you're a foreigner on E-2, just the same way you couldn't get Galaxy S 1 for a while.
They will avoid dealing with foreigners for at least a few months.
You need to have your Korean friend/girlfriend/wife get it for you or just wait... |
I do not believe this is true. I was just at a cell phone store with my boss and while KT doesn't do contracts with E2'ers, SK does. We filled out all the paperwork and they said the phone would arrive within two weeks. They actually had a handful of units in the store, but said they were only for KT customers.
|
Well from what I've heard so far, it all depends on the place you go to, but the majority of stores refuse to deal with foreigners.
I tried to get Galaxy S 1 a few months back and they kept saying no until my wife went in and got me one. I did have a regular phone before and had no trouble getting it from the same type of places, but with smartphones they just don't want extra trouble I guess...
I've heard from a few foreigners they were able to convince the salesmen, but they had to show their contracts and come back several times to sign further paperwork.
Getting Galaxy S 1 now should be much easier, but with the popularity of GS2, I think it will be extremely hard to get one by yourself if you're on E-2
Also, since you went with your boss, I'm going to assume that he either used his/her name or possibly co-signed as your sponsor, in which case he/she took a lot of responsibility.
But going back to the original post from someone who's about to arrive to Korea, I highly doubt you would be able to get this phone until a few months later. Stick with Iphone/galaxy s 1 for now.
PS I'm sort of hyped about this phone as well, especially when I heard it has a 5x more powerful graphics card from the previous model...5x?!?! if only Android had more games to use these features |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhicks99
Joined: 04 Mar 2009
Location: Seoul, South Korea
|
| Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 6:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I had no problems getting a Galaxy S soon after it came out and I just received a text that my Galaxy S II has arrived, and I'm on an E2 Visa. In both cases I just had to pony up the full amount of the phone. Why wouldn't SK be willing to sell the phone outright to ANYONE? It's not like you have any contractual obligations other than paying your previous bill, there's really no risk involved for SK since they're not subsidizing the hardware. I just texted my rep at SK and asked for the Galaxy II last week and she said I can go pick it up now, just have to bank transfer them the money. Heck SK even sent me a text telling me my new hardware has been setup for my account (although since it's completely unlocked out of the gate I don't know what exactly they had to do to set it up).
Anyway, now I'm psyched! I'm not looking forward to spending a few hours setting up my phone again, configuring my widgets and apps, transferring everything over and trying to get it to synch with my google account without loading up 10,000 useless contacts into my contact list - that was the only nightmarish part of getting the first one. I'll let you guys know how smooth the transition is. I already have backed up all my contact info on Kies, so I'm hoping it will just transfer it all hassle free to the new device. I'm also curious how Kakao talk will handle it. I'm assuming since it's the same # it will just run like it always has without any chat history. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sticks
Joined: 13 Mar 2011
Location: Seoul, Korea
|
| Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 8:45 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I think if you're on an E2 (and a few other ones...can't remember off the top of my head) you have to pay for the entirety of the phone upfront, then they'll stick you onto a monthly rate plan. Then they'll apply the phone subsidy discount onto your rate plan, the amount will depend on how long your stay is? It's most likely to stop you from running when you get the phone. 
I'm on an F-4 with a 24 month contract, so i'm paying off the cost of the phone in installments plus the rate plan per month instead of paying for the phone up front.
Hell, I could technically do a runner but since i'm on an F-4 there's probably more legal complications if I decide to come back. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
SeoulNate
Joined: 04 Jun 2010
Location: Hyehwa
|
| Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 9:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| lalartu wrote: |
| pixykat222 wrote: |
| lalartu wrote: |
Also, you cannot get this phone if you're a foreigner on E-2, just the same way you couldn't get Galaxy S 1 for a while.
They will avoid dealing with foreigners for at least a few months.
You need to have your Korean friend/girlfriend/wife get it for you or just wait... |
I do not believe this is true. I was just at a cell phone store with my boss and while KT doesn't do contracts with E2'ers, SK does. We filled out all the paperwork and they said the phone would arrive within two weeks. They actually had a handful of units in the store, but said they were only for KT customers.
|
Well from what I've heard so far, it all depends on the place you go to, but the majority of stores refuse to deal with foreigners.
I tried to get Galaxy S 1 a few months back and they kept saying no until my wife went in and got me one. I did have a regular phone before and had no trouble getting it from the same type of places, but with smartphones they just don't want extra trouble I guess...
I've heard from a few foreigners they were able to convince the salesmen, but they had to show their contracts and come back several times to sign further paperwork.
Getting Galaxy S 1 now should be much easier, but with the popularity of GS2, I think it will be extremely hard to get one by yourself if you're on E-2
Also, since you went with your boss, I'm going to assume that he either used his/her name or possibly co-signed as your sponsor, in which case he/she took a lot of responsibility.
But going back to the original post from someone who's about to arrive to Korea, I highly doubt you would be able to get this phone until a few months later. Stick with Iphone/galaxy s 1 for now.
PS I'm sort of hyped about this phone as well, especially when I heard it has a 5x more powerful graphics card from the previous model...5x?!?! if only Android had more games to use these features |
This isnt true. Any of the global stores will sell it to you, provided that they have it in stock, which seems to be the main sticking point.
My buddy just got one over the weekend from the KT global store in Itaewon on an E-2, no problems.
The problem if that if you just walk into many of the KT stores in your neighborhood, they may not be familiar with what to do with an E-2 registration, as it is a bit different, and turn you away. Go to the global stores and you will not have a problem. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhicks99
Joined: 04 Mar 2009
Location: Seoul, South Korea
|
| Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 6:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
Got my Galaxy 2!
As expected, it took a few hours to get everything up and running as I like. The contacts transferred over just fine from my old Galaxy using Kies. Kakao was a snap to get going again as well.
My initial impressions are... WOW. I never even bothered to explore touchwiz, I went straight to Launcher Pro. This thing is F A S T. Apps launch instantly (although strangely the home button lags ever so slightly, more than my original S). The flash on the camera is a real treat too. I don't know how many photos I lost out on because there was no flash on the original.
I had some trouble finding the good subway app I like and I forgot I added a lot of apps using applanet (I actually dropped $2.50 for beautiful widgets, my first paid app). Overall I'm impressed. Although it's made of cheap flimsy plastic it doesn't really feel like it at all. The plastic also helps keep it ultra light (really impressive considering its size) and I'm convinced it's the best choice for a phone since it's the most shock absorbent material being used.
I'm sure my impressions will change in the days ahead. Basically I was in love with my Galaxy S and now I'm falling in love all over again. Sadly I did a factory reset and put my old phone back in the box where it will await its new owner (whoever that may be).
My only complaint, if there is one is that the screen seems a bit softer than the original. I'm sure that's due to it being a larger screen while maintaining the same resolution as the old one. Still text doesn't seem as sharp or vibrant (especially when texting, in kakao talk or the browser it's not so bad). I'm sure I'll adjust, and it's a small price to pay for the added screen real estate. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sticks
Joined: 13 Mar 2011
Location: Seoul, Korea
|
| Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 6:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
| The honeymoon period lasts a while with this phone, brace yourself. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
t1m1ty
Joined: 24 May 2009
Location: Bundang
|
| Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 7:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
| jhicks99 wrote: |
Got my Galaxy 2!
As expected, it took a few hours to get everything up and running as I like. The contacts transferred over just fine from my old Galaxy using Kies. Kakao was a snap to get going again as well.
My initial impressions are... WOW. I never even bothered to explore touchwiz, I went straight to Launcher Pro. This thing is F A S T. Apps launch instantly (although strangely the home button lags ever so slightly, more than my original S). The flash on the camera is a real treat too. I don't know how many photos I lost out on because there was no flash on the original.
I had some trouble finding the good subway app I like and I forgot I added a lot of apps using applanet (I actually dropped $2.50 for beautiful widgets, my first paid app). Overall I'm impressed. Although it's made of cheap flimsy plastic it doesn't really feel like it at all. The plastic also helps keep it ultra light (really impressive considering its size) and I'm convinced it's the best choice for a phone since it's the most shock absorbent material being used.
I'm sure my impressions will change in the days ahead. Basically I was in love with my Galaxy S and now I'm falling in love all over again. Sadly I did a factory reset and put my old phone back in the box where it will await its new owner (whoever that may be).
My only complaint, if there is one is that the screen seems a bit softer than the original. I'm sure that's due to it being a larger screen while maintaining the same resolution as the old one. Still text doesn't seem as sharp or vibrant (especially when texting, in kakao talk or the browser it's not so bad). I'm sure I'll adjust, and it's a small price to pay for the added screen real estate. |
Did you transfer over from your original Galaxy S? I'm still paying off my GS1 and won't be able to get the GS2 because of that. What did you end up doing to get the GS2 from the GS1? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhicks99
Joined: 04 Mar 2009
Location: Seoul, South Korea
|
| Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 7:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| Did you transfer over from your original Galaxy S? I'm still paying off my GS1 and won't be able to get the GS2 because of that. What did you end up doing to get the GS2 from the GS1? |
I bought my Galaxy 1 outright and I bought the Galaxy 2 outright as well. Sounds like yours is subsidized. You'd have to pay the penalty on it if you wanted to upgrade before you've paid it off. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
