Will this work? Straight Talk w/New Samsung Galaxy S3 from ATT?

**maestroteague** · 07-08-2012, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by ec334500

I'm looking to do that same thing except with the locked s3 att phone (glad to see someone up above said that it's not necessary to unlock an att gsm phone - as long as I'm getting the att sim card!) I feel it's so much easier getting the US version just from the att store, but what makes the international version better? Other than the updates factor which was posted above, should I buy the unlocked or international version instead of the locked att s3?!

The Are differences in the processor of the phone, and may be others as well. I'm sure you could google to find a chart somewhere of all the exact differences. The international version has a faster/better processor that seems to be incompatible with US LTE, so they use a different processor with the US model, and other components that "go with" the processor. On ST, LTE isn't an issue since we don't get it, so international is fine. But could make a difference in resale down the road if someone wants to buy it to use on LTE. But truthfully, with it being such a new phone, I wouldn't worry about that. Maybe some of the folks with the international version can chime in on what other advantages it has.

**prof68** · 07-08-2012, 06:00 AM

Here is a link to a comparison with the global version (i9300) and the AT&T version (i747).

http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/com...&id%5B%5D=3768

I understand why you want it unlocked and if unlocking was offered to me buy AT&T I would accept also. But for anyone else, the only difference between a locked phone and an unlocked phone on ST is that ST chooses either the AT&T or T-Mobile sim for you depending on the zip code you enter when ordering.

http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/com...&id%5B%5D=3768

Sent from my unlocked SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using HowardForums

**alphamale-b** · 07-08-2012, 07:11 AM

i have read of radio problems on the S3 international version. requires love and care to overcome.

**ec334500** · 07-08-2012, 08:48 AM

thanks guys, I wanna just go right into an att store and buy the s3 with their no contact price, it seems to be the cheapest that way, but do you think they'd let me buy one of their att phones even though i dont have a contract or anything with them?

EDIT: just went to the att store to try and purchase it right from them and they said I cant get it, even no contract price, unless I'm an att customer, looks like I have to find one online that's close t othe att price of $550!

**ec334500** · 07-08-2012, 12:01 PM

I tried to post a link but since I'm new I cant yet. if anyone can go to Amazon wireless and search for the s3, would it work if i bought it under the option "phone only (no contract charges)" and just got it shipped to me set it up with the ST att sim?

**prof68** · 07-08-2012, 06:52 PM

How about signing up for one month of service at the store then cancelling it when you get home? Since you aren't buying it on contract this shouldn't be a problem. Just verify you get a refund for the unused portion of the paid month.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using HowardForums

**samansh** · 07-08-2012, 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by ec334500

thanks guys, I wanna just go right into an att store and buy the s3 with their no contact price, it seems to be the cheapest that way, but do you think they'd let me buy one of their att phones even though i dont have a contract or anything with them?

EDIT: just went to the att store to try and purchase it right from them and they said I cant get it, even no contract price, unless I'm an att customer, looks like I have to find one online that's close t othe att price of $550!

Why don't you get it from Amazon Wireless? They have it for $549 and also you won't pay tax. Plus free shipping. I have it in my cart, getting ready to click on order button...

**samansh** · 07-08-2012, 11:32 PM

btw other topics on this forum (Samsung Galaxy S3 w/ST - very UNSTABLE Data?) makes me worry to swtich to ST and ATT. I really like to stay with my tmo but don't know why the flying f*** tmo's galaxy s3 costs $629 off contract...

**ec334500** · 07-09-2012, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by samansh

Why don't you get it from Amazon Wireless? They have it for $549 and also you won't pay tax. Plus free shipping. I have it in my cart, getting ready to click on order button...

Actually think I'm gonna do this! Just didnt wanna wait for it - the white is on backorder - but its a better deal

**ec334500** · 07-09-2012, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by samansh

btw other topics on this forum (Samsung Galaxy S3 w/ST - very UNSTABLE Data?) makes me worry to swtich to ST and ATT. I really like to stay with my tmo but don't know why the flying f*** tmo's galaxy s3 costs $629 off contract...

I saw that too and it scared me - but most of those ppl are using international unlocked versions of their phones, that's why Im getting the locked att phone, cause Im hearing less problems. Dont worry, its making me worry for switching to ST too :P

**lsutigers03** · 08-09-2012, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by ec334500

I saw that too and it scared me - but most of those ppl are using international unlocked versions of their phones, that's why Im getting the locked att phone, cause Im hearing less problems. Dont worry, its making me worry for switching to ST too :P

Maybe the AT&T version will work better. I have an international S3 with ST and my data is very sketchy. The same APN worked flawlessly with my Galaxy Nexus.

**amyjolai** · 08-29-2012, 11:34 AM

Do you think that T-Mobile's sim will work in ATT's Samsung S3? Since its GSm and all...
Currently on Straight Talk but I can't seem to use their 3G anywhere, so thinking of switching to a T Mobile BYO sim package.
I need a GSM phone (I need it to work in Europe) but I would really like to get the red Samsung Galaxy s3 from ATT!

**ndtv88** · 08-29-2012, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by ec334500

I saw that too and it scared me - but most of those ppl are using international unlocked versions of their phones, that's why Im getting the locked att phone, cause Im hearing less problems. Dont worry, its making me worry for switching to ST too :P

The locking or unlocking of the phone has got very little to do with the data issues beuing faced by a good number of ATT/ST customers. this is anetwork issue and has got nothing to do with the phone. Tmobile is doing well. Hold off on switching to ATT/ST till this is resolved. Data is lost intermittently, this is NOT throttling, this is just something ATT did for all of their prepaid MVNO's.

**GTwannabe** · 08-29-2012, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by ec334500

I'm looking to do that same thing except with the locked s3 att phone (glad to see someone up above said that it's not necessary to unlock an att gsm phone - as long as I'm getting the att sim card!) I feel it's so much easier getting the US version just from the att store, but what makes the international version better? Other than the updates factor which was posted above, should I buy the unlocked or international version instead of the locked att s3?!

The AT&T version will have an AT&T specific ROM with carrier bloat and certain features disabled/crippled (tethering, etc.) You don't have to worry about that with a gray market International model from a reputable vendor.

**OhCarol** · 04-21-2013, 03:35 PM

Unless you have your heart set on the S3, needing to spend hundreds of dollars more for the S3, the Straight Talk Samson Galaxy S2 purchased through walmart.com for $349 will fill all your needs as Straight Talk is the lowest cost provider with no contract,
so there is no need to have or pay for an unlocked cell. Also, keep in mind that the S2 has been Sampson`s most popular cell phone and still is in high demand.
Though ST doesn't`t allow tethering, you may not need it as you states you don^ t