Tab S3 AT&T vs international version.

[AngusBlood]

I've been waiting for the AT&T version but with AT&T and Samsung both still claiming they have no idea when or if it will be hitting US any time soon I have started considering getting the international version.

I have read debates that in international versions of cell phones things like Samsung Pay (not a problem on my tablet), and in tablets AT&T number-sync and wifi calling won't work (I do use those). Seen debate whether the international version supports Band 12, and wonder whether as an AT&T user that makes any difference? Also read in one place that the S8 international is getting updates Slower than the carrier versions in the USA, which is the opposite of the way it has been before. But then others dispute some of these things, but its never clear who is speaking from actual 'I have one' experience and just speaking...

So, other than the CPU and warranty differences, does anyone know what else is/would actually be different.

 

[LordAndroid]

I have the US version of the Tab S3 but it's the wifi model

 

[afblangley]

I don't have the Tab S3, but over the years I've owned the international versions of several Samsung tablets (Tab 7.7, Note 8, Tab A) and used them on AT&T. If the past is indicative, the cellular equipped international variant of the S3 will have full telephony capabilities- dialer APK, messaging app, microphone, ear speaker, etc. It won't have the appropriate LTE bands, so it'll be limited to HSPA+ speeds. It will have hotspot capability baked into the OS.

Samsung Pay is on select phones and watches, it doesn't work on any tablets. As a Google Voice user, I've no need for NumberSync or wifi calling, but my guess is they probably won't work either. I think those features are only enabled on approved devices not BYOD.

The international version of the S3 will likely register as a cell phone in AT&T's database so it will accept the SIM from a smartphone without problem. This means putting it on a tablet data only plan will likely require a manual override. I've been able to talk my way into getting an employee to do this by playing clueless-it's obviously a tablet, something must be wrong with your system...

The S3 seems like a great tablet, and if/when it's released in an 8" form factor, I'll be the first in line!

 

[gottria]

If the international s3 registers as a cell phone couldn't just add another "phone" line to your account for it and use it like that with unlimited data?

 

[afblangley]

If the international s3 registers as a cell phone couldn't just add another "phone" line to your account for it and use it like that with unlimited data?

Yes. They're basically huge smartphones. I've been doing it for the past 6 years. Normal phones are just too small

 

[BarryH_GEG]

I got a UK Tab S3 LTE last week and am using it on AT&T. I also have a UK S8+. Neither are in AT&T's IMEI database and both were limited to HSPA when I first added them to my account even though they support AT&T's LTE bands.

To get the phone working, an AT&T level two tech went in to my account and used the IMEI number of the S8+ I bought from AT&T and returned to get my UK S8+ working. For the tablet, a store rep who I've come to know had to scan the IMEI of an S8+ in to my account to get it the Tab S3 to work. They both work flawlessly now that they're on the network impersonating S8+'s.

EU devices support all of AT&T's LTE bands except for band 30. It's a high frequency band (poor distance and poor penetration) used to relieve congestion in saturated markets which mine isn't. My UK S8+ actually gets better LTE download speeds than the AT&T S8+ I returned. The tablet performs similarly.

And yes, the tablet's a phone and cost $15 to add to my plan because of the telephony features vs. $10 if I added it as a tablet.

 

[afblangley]

Since the prospects aren't looking good for an 8" version, I'm thinking about getting this one. I'm thrilled to hear that the tablet has the appropriate LTE bands for AT&T's network, as that was not the case with Samsung's previous international variants. I have a couple of questions for you.

Do you have model SM- T825C or T825C?

Can calls be heard via speakerphone or does it have an ear speaker so that it can be held up to your head for private conversations?

Now that you've had it for awhile, what are your thoughts about it?

 

[BarryH_GEG]

Since the prospects aren't looking good for an 8" version, I'm thinking about getting this one. I'm thrilled to hear that the tablet has the appropriate LTE bands for AT&T's network, as that was not the case with Samsung's previous international variants. I have a couple of questions for you.

Do you have model SM- T825C or T825C?

Can calls be heard via speakerphone or does it have an ear speaker so that it can be held up to your head for private conversations?

Now that you've had it for awhile, what are your thoughts about it?

Mine's a SM-T825. The EU Wi-Fi model number is SM-T820. Anything after the number is a regional thing applied to Latin American and Asian variants. I'd be wary of them supporting different LTE bands.

I love it. I went from using an LTE Tab A 8.0 with S Pen and a NotePRO 12.2. The Tab A was a great little tablet but had 160 PPI and made my eyes bleed. The NotePRO was a great laptop replacement but a bit long in tooth.

The Tab S3 is a great size and the display is absolutely gorgeous. It's responsive and has 90% of the Nougat features my S8+ has so it's a similar experience bouncing between them. The OEM Book Cover is completely magnetic, thin, and light so the tablet's protected but doesn't look orthopedic in its case. The Keyboard Cover's neat too and surprisingly usable for being so compact. Battery life is fantastic. It's been off the charger since 7:00AM this morning and mostly idle and is still at 97% at 5:20PM. That's being connected to LTE all day long.

My only gripe is a small one. I wish it had a built in holder for the S Pen like previous Note tablets. I have to fumble looking for the pen and tablet when I want to write something now where the built-in pen avoided that.

Calls are speakerphone or BT headset only. But the speakerphone is exceptionally load and clear.

 

[afblangley]

We share a similar device history (P355 and NT 5100) though my use case is a bit different than yours. I typically don't use a smartphone, splitting those duties between a watch with telephony and the aforementioned tablets. For me the S3 has three marks against it- too large, no housing for S Pen, and lack of an ear speaker.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

 

[wildta2000]

For those with the Tab S3, how are phone calls on it? Just as good as a regular cell phone? I had the 10" Sony tablet from several years ago and it finally died on me. I loved it a lot but hated taking calls on it because it was like using a speakerphone since it didn't have a proper ear speaker and mouth mic.