Issues buying foreign GNex HSPA+ or G Note Unlocked?

[Neon01]

I'm currently considering buying one of these two phones from a european source (or US source that has already imported). Are there any issues with a. operating the phones on ATT in the states at full HSPA+ speeds, b. getting OEM repairs under warranty for defects and the like, or c. compatibility with google accounts and products?

I'm really waffling about this decision. From a specs/features standpoint, the Note is pretty much head and shoulders above the Nexus (once it gets ICS), but it's just so damn big... One other thing I've considered is that the resale of the Note might be better here in the states in a year or so, since we very likely won't get it at all, whereas at least 1 or more carriers will get a US GNex.

Anyone ever bought a foreign phone before? Your experience/input is appreciated.

 

[1088933]

There won't be an issue with radios, the radios for Europe are the ones that ATT and T-Mobile use, nor with accounts. Buying the international phone will be like buying an international phone. Doesn't work just for Europe, or the US. Just works everywhere (for the most part).

 

[dan1431]

There is no issue per say, but there is anecdotal evidence that to enjoy the fastest 3G speeds (aka Faux4 G or 4G HSPA+) possible on a device not sold by at&t Mobility officially one has to ensure that a 4G SOC code is added to the account and ensure that the proper APN is configured on the phone.

With regards to the proper SOC code, that depends on the type of plan that you have, if you have a Grandfathered Unlimited DATA plan (3G SOC is DPPB) the 4G SOC code is HSDPPB.

I do not know the proper 4G SOC code for the capped DATA plans though I imagine one could Google around for them.

The correct APN is: PHONE

However, I should point out that this is anecdotal evidence and there are posters even on the Androidcentral.com forums who claim that they are receiving the same higher 3G (aka 4G) speeds who did not change the SOC code on their account, nor did they change the APN on their phone.

at&t Mobility has not officially explained what is required to experience the higher data speeds, partly because there are not many people who purchase foreign unlocked devices (full retail) and activate them on at&t and partly because at&t wants you to purchase phones directly from them and then there are automatic processes which configure the phone and your account properly for the higher speeds.

Dan