Shop in Pattaya to buy cheap, secondhand mobile phones?

[Centigrade32]

5 minutes ago, simon43 said:

Because connection speed over wi-fi is slower than via a USB cable tether.  Also, if I use 2 pocket wi-fis, then I have to use a 'dongle' to provide second channel wi-fi capability on my laptop. When I have done this previously, Speedify seems to get confused over the 2 connections!  So I prefer to use only 1 wi-fi connection (maybe from my hotel), and then USB and ethernet cabled connections.

 

I previously used hotel wi-fi connections in Mandalay, but I'll be renting a condo in Yangon this time, so probably there won't be a nearby hotel wi-fi connection, so I'll use my pocket wi-fi with one of the mobile networks.

 

I'm slightly confused. Are you assuming that the 'new' MiFi is incapable of USB Tethering? I'm not familiar with Speedify, so am just following along with your description of your configuration. So bear with me 🙂

Is there some impediment to using the second MiFi tethered via USB?

 

[Centigrade32]

AFAIK the SMART1 is a version of the ZTE MF971

https://manuals.plus/zte/zte-mf971r-manual#documents_resources

 

It supports USB tethering according to the manual(Page 9).

[simon43]

10 minutes ago, Centigrade32 said:

 

I'm slightly confused. Are you assuming that the 'new' MiFi is incapable of USB Tethering? I'm not familiar with Speedify, so am just following along with your description of your configuration. So bear with me 🙂

Is there some impediment to using the second MiFi tethered via USB?

 

No, there would be no impediment.  But all the MiFi units that I've tried in Tukcom did not support USB tethering 🙂 So my mind would be reassured if I just buy a cheap Android phone that I can see (from its menu) does support USB tethering.

 

One comment about the mobile networks in Myanmar.  I've stated that Thailand and Myanmar use the same system - GSM, UMTS, LTE.  But that doesn't mean that those systems are available nationwide in Myanmar. 5G is only available at certain locations in Yangon and Mandalay.  No problem for me - 4G is enough for video connections 🙂

 

I don't want to order online - I leave for Yangon in a day or two from now

[Centigrade32]

1 minute ago, simon43 said:

No, there would be no impediment.  But all the MiFi units that I've tried in Tukcom did not support USB tethering 🙂 So my mind would be reassured if I just buy a cheap Android phone that I can see (from its menu) does support USB tethering.

 

One comment about the mobile networks in Myanmar.  I've stated that Thailand and Myanmar use the same system - GSM, UMTS, LTE.  But that doesn't mean that those systems are available nationwide in Myanmar. 5G is only available at certain locations in Yangon and Mandalay.  No problem for me - 4G is enough for video connections 🙂

 

I don't want to order online - I leave for Yangon in a day or two from now

 

Next day delivery is likely if you move quickly and I KNOW that USB tethering is possible. It even states it in the manual. Now if you buy some no-name generic it might be incapable. But this is a Brand name MiFi. ZTE MF971 made to TRUE's specification. 

Follow up with the vendor to double check if you wish, whilst you are looking at other options. Always good to have a fall-back position. 

Bangkok-Pattaya buses also act as couriers. Even same delivery is possible. 

 

I wasn't referring to 5G, 4G, 3G or whatever, but the specific bands. if there is only 1800 MHz UMTS or LTE in a particular location, but the phone doesn't support it, then that phone is useless in that scenario. So you want a phone that covers ALL possible frequencies there. 5G/4G/3G is not a frequency.

Chances are that it will, but don't just assume. 

 

But it seems you have your mind made up to find an Android phone. Good luck with your endeavour.

 

[connda]

3 hours ago, simon43 said:

I'm returning to Myanmar next week.  In order to obtain reliable internet connection over there, I use 4 mobile phones, each with a data SIM from Ooredoo, ATOM, MPT and Myantel mobile networks, (because the military often switch off mobile networks). I use Speedify software to bind all 4 internet connections together.  1 mobile phone is configured as a wi-fi hotspot, and I tether the other 3 phones using USB cables.

 

I'm 2 phones short! (One broke and t'other is not available).  So I need to buy 2 more mobile phones that support USB tethering (most do).

 

The cheapest phones at Tukcom are about 2,800 baht, which I don't consider to be cheap!  I don't have time to buy online... (delivery time will be after I've flown to Yangon).

 

Is there a mobile phone shop in Pattaya that sells cheap, used phones?  All the shops that I've visited either only sell new phones or sell used iphones at inflated prices 🙂  I'm looking to pay around 1,000 baht per phone, looks not important, so long as it can operate as an internet connection via USB tether.  Thanks!

I consider 2800 to be dirt cheap.  You can find cheap phones on Lazada and Shopee.  Ditto - I'd never opt for either a second hand phone or PC.  Even if you reinstall the OS you have no idea what you're getting.  Just ask Hezbollah.

[scubascuba3]

This one will have USB tethering, just listed in Pattaya, 1500 baht, Redmi Note9, i have Note 9, has USB tethering but I don't use it

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/18W6qE529V/

[Centigrade32]

42 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

This one will have USB tethering, just listed in Pattaya, 1500 baht, Redmi Note9, i have Note 9, has USB tethering but I don't use it

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/18W6qE529V/

 

Beware that they might be selling this phone due to problems caused by an update to MIUI 14.

https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_note_9s-reviews-10147.php

[Centigrade32]

1 hour ago, connda said:

I consider 2800 to be dirt cheap.  You can find cheap phones on Lazada and Shopee.  Ditto - I'd never opt for either a second hand phone or PC.  Even if you reinstall the OS you have no idea what you're getting.  Just ask Hezbollah.

 

I use second hand phones almost exclusively. Just bought an iPhone for 1200 baht. Of course people go to great expense to modify old phones and put them on the market in the hope that someone buys one. (sarcasm alert)

[thesetat]

On 2/13/2025 at 11:41 AM, potless said:

Isnt there a risk that a second hand phone may have malware on it?

and that it was previously stolen

[potless]

12 minutes ago, thesetat said:

On 2/13/2025 at 4:41 AM, potless said:

 

and that it was previously stolen

good point.

[scubascuba3]

3 hours ago, thesetat said:

and that it was previously stolen

Doesn't matter, factory reset away you go