Which unlocked Samsung Galaxy S5 model should I purchase and from where?

[sekaceinna]

After deliberating by myself for weeks, I've decided to enlist the help and opinions of others.

I want a new Samsung Galaxy S5. The S6 is just a little bit out of my price range and doesn't seem all that much better than the S5 (correct me if I'm wrong, though!). I currently use AT&T, but I am moving to France for about 8 months. Thus, I need one that both offers 4G LTE capabilities here in the states and is unlocked. This has presented me with a few options:

1 - Purchase an unlocked AT&T model (G-900A) from an Amazon seller (probably Breed Products unless someone recommends something else) for around $407
2 - Purchase an international model (G-900M) directly from Amazon.com for around $423
3 - Purchase an unlocked AT&T model (G-900A) from Newegg for around $440
4 - Purchase a locked model from AT&T (G-900A) for around $570 and then have them unlock it

I have talked with Samsung and AT&T and discovered that the only way to guarantee a one year US manufacturer warranty is to go with the fourth option. This is considerably pricier than the other ones, and I am not sure if it is that important anyway since the device will be outside of the US. My other concern is buying a phone from an Amazon seller (it is fulfilled by Amazon) as opposed to a seller I really trust, such as Amazon.com or Newegg. However, Newegg appears to have a terrible return policy for unlocked phones, even if the device is defective. I like the guarantee that the G-900A will work with AT&T for before and after France, but will these models truly be brand new in their original packaging or do I run the risk that they have been used in order to be unlocked by the seller? It is my understanding that the G-900M is however manufactured unlocked (as they all are, I guess?) and promptly sold that way. It is also advertised as being for South America, but does it use the proper bands to work for AT&T in the US and then whichever company in France?

Anyone have experience buying supposedly new, unlocked phones from Amazon and had any issues? Is there any reason I should get the G-900A over the G-900M or vice versa? Are there other buying options that I'm not considering? Should I look into a warranty? If so, should I be worried about loss and theft as I will be in a place unfamiliar to me? From what I can tell, warranties basically offer you a buy one get one half off deal if you break your phone after the cost of the warranty and the deductible, and those never really feel like a good deal to me.

Thank you; any help or advice would be appreciated!

 

[ironass]

Hello and welcome to Android Central sekaceinna!

Gosh! Lets see if I can put it into a nutshell.

You want a model of Galaxy S5 that can be used, updated, warrantied, etc; for the USA but can also be used on one of the unspecified French networks for 8 months on a local sim card that will require an unlocked phone.

You are quoting either the AT&T, G900A, carrier branded model for the U.S. or the Samsung regional model, (not the international, F), for South America the G900M.

Both of these models, along with the other 38 Galaxy S5 models, are described in 40 Galaxy S5 models - Dummies Guide

I have checked and both the G900A and the G900M will work on 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE on the main 4 French networks... Bouygues, Free France, Orange and SFR.

You can use this website checker to see if a particular model will function on a given network, worldwide...

Will My Phone Work?


On a purely personal note, unless there is a compelling reason to go for the AT&T model, I would choose a different one such as T-Mobile (USA), G900T, which has less restrictions on rooting, updating and a lot less bloatware and is also compatible with the French networks.

I would recommend grabbing a cup of coffee and reading through those links I have posted.

 

[sekaceinna]

Thanks for the response and the links! I had seen the first one before, but hadn't discovered such an easy site for checking to see if the phone version will work.

So at this point I think I'm just interested in whichever version (edit: that also fits my needs) has the lowest price, which thus far is the G900M. For some reason I'm hesitant to purchase one that wasn't made for the States (G900A or G900T), out of fear that I won't get 4G LTE (I'm not even sure I'd notice if I didn't!). Is there any downside to getting the G900M? I'm just trying to make sure there's not a reason it's cheaper

 

[ironass]

Is there any downside to getting the G900M? I'm just trying to make sure there's not a reason it's cheaper

Warranty and repairs could prove a tad difficult for the G900M outside of its region.

Updates for the G900A are only possible if you are connected and registered on the AT&T network.

 

[sekaceinna]

That last bit is good to know! I had a lot of trouble finding a new G900T (I guess I could go in store, but I'm also guessing that the price would be high, especially with taxes) so I did go with the G900M. I've kind of given up on having a warranty anyway and will have my current one as a backup phone.

I mostly just wanted to say thank you so much for your responses and help!