Seeking Advice About A Purchasing A New Phone And Which Service Provider

[knod]

Hi, I've been reading threads for ages and going through the different service providers websites and its starting to give me a headache. My iphone is dead so I'm after a new phone. I'm probably going to get the Samsung Sii.

I was wondering if buying one at MBK is safe? I have a friend with an Sii that I can compare with at the shop if that helps. Would it be better to just go to an AIS or Samsung shop? Would I actually save much buying from MBK? I read in one thread if you buy a Samsung phone you can register it there and then with Samsung Thailand and if it breaks just take it to a Samsung repair centre.

Also I was looking at either the 550 baht or 799 baht package from AIS http://www.ais.co.th/12call/en/pro-Reccomended.html . Does anyone have any other recommendations? I spend most of my time in Bangkapi if that matters.

Thanks.

[Shurup]

Good choice, S2 is a good phone but maybe worth checking the S3 now? I would personally wait until Note 2 arrives (If there is one coming).

I think it doesn't matter where you buy your phone, for warranty you would have to go to Samsung anyways, unless it's a gray import. Others maybe more knowledgeable on this subject and would correct me if I'm wrong.

I can't say anything about the AIS plans, pick what's better for you and make sure you're getting 3G at where you live. I'm on AIS prepaid and can't complain about the provider but others seem to have some issues with True.

[lomatopo]

I think each individual needs to understand the product/pricing via the different channels, understand and gauge the risks and then make the most comfortable purchase.

A new SGS2 from an authorized reseller like a Samsung branded shop, or a service provider like AIS, would likely be the safest choice in that you should be getting an original sealed box unit, backed up by Samsung Thailand warranty service/repair. This MSRP is 17.500.

Box shops sell at closer to wholesale price, here you want to be dealing with a reputable seller, perhaps one you have a long-standing relationship with, or via a personal reference. In most cases this will be an original sealed box unit which will be backed up by Samsung Thailand warranty service/repair. The current box-shop price for the SGS2 is 15,500.

Many box shops also sell grey-market imports. How these products ended up here is anyone's guess - "falling off the boat at Khlongtoei Port" seems like a possibility - and diving the origin may be challenging. Some Samsung grey-market imports I have seen or heard about seem to have been manufactured in Viet-Nam and were destined for eastern European markets. Whether these are first-run product, or even stolen, is impossible to determine, except perhaps to a rained Samsung technician? You should not expect local warranty service/repair, while you only option would be to country the unit was destined for, let's say Hungary, for warranty service/repair. These units carry the most risk, and current price on the SGS2 "grey-market" is ~ 13,700.

You should choose the service provider you think is most able to deliver a quality service to you in your location(s), at a price you think is fair. AIS/One-2-Call is the leading service provider here in Thailand, they have the most customers. Some people do complain about their 3G service but then it is rare to find any service provider without complaining customers. You should choose the volume level package which you think will meet your requirements. Note that the 2 GB (550) and 3 GB (799) plans do offer unlimited WiFi which can ameliorate mobile broadband 3G usage somewhat.

Note that the 550 package appears to have a hard cap while the 799 package has a 3 GB fair-use limit speed of 384 Kbps.

http://www.ais.co.th...rnet-package/#2

Edited June 20, 2012 by lomatopo

[Shurup]

lomatopo, I've always wondered what's the unlimited WiFi? It's not like they let you use YOUR home wifi with YOUR phone unlimited amount of time.? Are there AIS WiFi hot spots all over the country where you can log in with your dedicated user name / password to connect to internet? Did I get it right?

[lomatopo]

I've always wondered what's the unlimited WiFi? Are there AIS WiFi hot spots all over the country where you can log in with your dedicated user name / password to connect to internet? Did I get it right?

Yes, that is correct.

AIS is partnered with 3BB claiming 50,000 hotspots throughout the Kingdom. http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/wifi/

True claim 20,000 hotspots, available to TreuMove and TrueMove H customers.

DTAC has very limited WiFi coverage, with tie-ins to the BTS and many Malls.