evstyper Posted February 21, 2011 Share Posted February 21, 2011 I'm heading to BKK in the next month or so to work, and planning on staying for a couple of years. From what I've read on here, SIM free, unlocked, contract free phones are not much cheaper in BKK as the UK, so am thinking of getting one before I come out - one less thing to sort once over there, and I'll only have to find a network and sim there. I'm wanting to get a Smartphone, for phoning and texting but also for basic browsing (e-mail, facebook, etc....) I am wanting a good value for money phone. I've been looking in the UK and here I can pick up a Huawei Ideos for around £110. According to Pcadvisor (and other independant review sites), the Huawei is excellent value and is even 5th on their list of best Smartphones for 2011. From what I've read, it has everything I want, is unlocked, I can put a SIM in it easily and take an SD card for extra storage I was wondering had anyone used it, or had a play round with one? But, more importantly, does anyone know if it would work in BKK? Thanks for any advice!! http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsId=3210667 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty Posted February 22, 2011 Share Posted February 22, 2011 Never seen Huawei smartphones here yet! But yes, it'll work just fine here... I'm not sure on wanting to buy a phone for which you will not get any support here... You can get most regular phones here anyway, for example the lg optimus one with better specs (especially screen resolution) running froyo as well for under 9000 Baht. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monty Posted February 26, 2011 Share Posted February 26, 2011 Just by accident I saw an ad on Thai tv for a CAT 3G branded Ideos. Not sure it's the Huawei, and not sure if it's planned to be on the hsdpa system (with True as their new partner) or on their existing CDMA 3G network, which would exclude Bkk and Eastern Seaboard area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hmmm Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 (edited) The Huawei IDEOS (U8150) is one of the first 'cheap' smartphones. It runs Android 2.2 and has had good reviews in the markets where it has been released, where it generally sells for under US$200 unlocked. If I could sum up the reviews, they would be 'mostly as good as phones twice as expensive'. So as long as you don't expect the equivalent of a phone that costs 3 times as much (ie with a faster processor and more memory), most people are very happy. I am also thinking of bringing mine to BKK. There may be slight variants being sold in different markets, but mine supports the following networks. Someone with better knowledge of what frequencies the phone companies are running in Thailand these days can advise on whether the following range would be restrictive (eg the lack of 3G 1800GHz). 3G Network: HSDPA 900 / 2100 2G Network: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 No 3G 1800Ghz The screen is indeed small. But you can install the Gingerbread keyboard which is better than the stock 2.2 one, and use a small stylus if necessary. Huawei are releasing several more powerful devices soon. Edited February 27, 2011 by Hmmm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darrel Posted February 28, 2011 Share Posted February 28, 2011 Anyone coming from the UK/Europe would be well advised to check out the ZTE Blade (sold as the Orange San Francisco). Available from Orange stores, Orange online and also from Argos in the UK for GBP90/4500Baht. No contract, free online unlock, huge third-party ROM support. Excellent value for money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evstyper Posted March 6, 2011 Author Share Posted March 6, 2011 I've had the Huwaei Ideos for 10 days now and am impressed! It cost £99 unlocked. Does everything I want from an Android. Easy menu, easy to use....highly recommended! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackspratt Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 You can get a locked IDEOS in Oz now for A$99 + $20 to unlock. I am picking one up next week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lomatopo Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 (edited) duplicate post deleted. Edited March 13, 2011 by lomatopo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lomatopo Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Wow, that is a small screen. I guess you can buy a magnifying glass, or reading glasses with all the money you save? Seriously, which version are people buying? Do you plan to use it on a 3G network here in Thailand? If so make sure it has the right 3G radio. Also, someone please buy a ZTE Blade, Darrel apparently has a sales quota. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StateSix Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Also, someone please buy a ZTE Blade, Darrel apparently has a sales quota. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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