Need some help finding my first keitai...

**inkynotebook** · 05-01-2012, 09:05 PM

So I'm very new to Japanese phones, not that I haven't looked into them before.

I was considering a Docomo Sharp Aquos SH-10C 16MP

But I want to know for sure what is going to work in the US in terms of the phones capabilities.

Also, will the phone work with a Verizon Wireless sim card?

Thanks.

Also I am open to suggestions of other japanese phones that might work better for me / etc.

**SuperSZ** · 05-01-2012, 11:34 PM

That phone is unlocked so you won't have any problem with GSM. The thing is that basicly all flip phones keitai are triband: that means that if you travel a lot, and go in rural areas you probably won't have signal (because in that areas they use the 850Mhz band, which keitais don't have).

About 3G .... I don't know. You shouldn't have any problem with an unlocked docomo phone, but I'll let the other forum users to confirm that. ... same goes with your carrier, I have no idea how well it would work with Verizon Wireless. If it's a normal SIM card, in theory it should work fine.

Other model you can be interested in is the F-02D, which is the most high-end unlocked keitai flip phone (it has 1,2Ghz processor)

**inkynotebook** · 05-02-2012, 12:55 AM

Originally Posted by SuperSZ

That phone is unlocked so you won't have any problem with GSM. The thing is that basicly all flip phones keitai are triband: that means that if you travel a lot, and go in rural areas you probably won't have signal (because in that areas they use the 850Mhz band, which keitais don't have).

About 3G .... I don't know. You shouldn't have any problem with an unlocked docomo phone, but I'll let the other forum users to confirm that. ... same goes with your carrier, I have no idea how well it would work with Verizon Wireless. If it's a normal SIM card, in theory it should work fine.

Other model you can be interested in is the F-02D, which is the most high-end unlocked keitai flip phone (it has 1,2Ghz processor)

I think Verizon runs off of 850mhz band...

**inkynotebook** · 05-02-2012, 12:58 AM

Also... where can I find keitai relatively cheap?

Everywhere I look they seem to be upwards of 700 dollars...

Is that normal?

**SuperSZ** · 05-02-2012, 01:08 AM

Originally Posted by inkynotebook

Also... where can I find keitai relatively cheap?

Everywhere I look they seem to be upwards of 700 dollars...

Is that normal?

The price depends on the model. I think kyoto-exports have the best prices. The F-02D, for example, he sells it at 625 dollars (not bad, considering it's the most powerful flip phone). Google it up. Also he is a user in this forum (kyoex).

Another option is canadaJphone (although it's more expensive).

**yamanote** · 05-02-2012, 01:31 AM

Originally Posted by inkynotebook

Also... where can I find keitai relatively cheap?

Everywhere I look they seem to be upwards of 700 dollars...

Is that normal?

I've got a 007SH for $500 if you're interested.

**daikirai** · 05-02-2012, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by inkynotebook

So I'm very new to Japanese phones, not that I haven't looked into them before.

I was considering a Docomo Sharp Aquos SH-10C 16MP

But I want to know for sure what is going to work in the US in terms of the phones capabilities.

Also, will the phone work with a Verizon Wireless sim card?

Thanks.

Also I am open to suggestions of other japanese phones that might work better for me / etc.

SH-10C is good for a starter keitai. It is software unlocked, that means you don't need to mess up with hypersims. Phone calls and SMS do work, but not 3G/carrier internet. It does not work with Verizon though (and virtually no keitai works with VZW, as VZW is CDMA and keitais use GSM).

**inkynotebook** · 05-02-2012, 01:33 PM

Ah I see....

what sim will work with the phone then? Will t-mobile prepaid work?

**IonNuke** · 05-02-2012, 08:37 PM

T-Mobile prepaid or AT&T prepaid

**inkynotebook** · 05-03-2012, 12:22 PM

And this phone will absolutely work in the US?

I just don't want to drop like $500 and have a brick...

**IonNuke** · 05-03-2012, 08:14 PM

I think a couple people around here has 10C in the US. I don't have the phone myself, but if I had one I could test it on the bajillion SIMs that I have. But then again that probably won't help you b/c the reception and call quality is area dependent. I'm usually within a line of sight to a cell tower so I'll have really good conditions in my favor. I can't say that is the same situation for everyone else.

**Kyoex** · 05-08-2012, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by inkynotebook

And this phone will absolutely work in the US?

I just don't want to drop like $500 and have a brick...

Will work in the USA, if it didn't...I would have alot of angry angry people destroying my feedback on Ebay

Recommend you go with AT&T if possible, as I have had 0 customers complain about keitai's or smartphones not working on AT&T

One of my best friends in CA uses both a SH-12C (Smartphone) and a SH-03D (Keitai) with his AT&T simcards and its no problem