iMobile istyle 8.3 - is it unlocked?

[bazza40]

The topic of whether a smart phone is locked or unlocked is always confusing to those not technically savvy.

Current pricing on special of the iMobile 8.3 is 3990 baht, quite cheap. It has a very good voice activated translator app, 40 languages.

Questions:

Is this product locked or unlocked?

It has WiFi and 3G capability. Can I use it anywhere in the world?

If I take it from Thailand to Hong Kong, would I need a Hong Kong SIM card? If so, is that for the WiFi or 3G component?

I don't want to use my current SIM card in my dumb phone, want to keep that as a standby. Would a 7/11 SIM card be OK?

Just information please - I already know my level of knowledge in this area is deficient.

[CharlieH]

Wrong forum

MOVED Ato mobiles

[RichCor]

Has already been mentioned on other similar topics, Mobile Phones sold for the Thailand market are not LOCKED (ie: locked to a specific Carrier/Operator)

WiFi on 2.4 GHz is pretty standard worldwide.

The GSM (voice/sms)/ 3G DATA Internet component is the one you to pay attention for compatibility. You'll need to make sure the phone matches both Frequency (Band) and radio technology in the other countries you want to use it in.

Frequency Band

Thailand Carriers/Operators use 850/2100 or 900/2100 (and 1800 sometime in the future)

see UMTS and GSM Frequency/Bands used in other counties

Data Technology

EDGE, UMTS, HSPA (HSUPA/HSDPA), HSPA+ are the usual 3G Data Technologies.

As for SIMs,

You can check your current SIM operator and see if they allow ROAMING in the country you'll be visiting. With roaming you keep your current mobile number so people can continue to reach you, but you WILL incur astronomical costs when making or taking calls, or using Data Internet.

The CHEAPER option, if your phone is compatible with the foreign mobile service, is to acquire a local SIM and subscribe to a package of services that suit your needs.

[bazza40]

Thank you, a most informative and useful post.

[Puyai]

I mobile. Stay away from them, there crap. Bought myself and girlfriend one. Mines packed up, hers is on the way.

Edited April 4, 2015 by Puyai

[casualbiker]

I mobile. Stay away from them, there crap. Bought myself and girlfriend one. Mines packed up, hers is on the way.

Take it to a service centre for repair if it's still under warranty!

[hullupullo]

Has already been mentioned on other similar topics, Mobile Phones sold for the Thailand market are not LOCKED (ie: locked to a specific Carrier/Operator)

.

Are You sure about that? I heard true phones are locked to true sim. And this website shows on truephones "green light" just for true

http://specphone.com/True-Smart-4.0.html

If You look AIS Lava phone, green all operator in 2100 range

http://specphone.com/AIS-LAVA-4.5.html

[casualbiker]

Has already been mentioned on other similar topics, Mobile Phones sold for the Thailand market are not LOCKED (ie: locked to a specific Carrier/Operator)

.

Are You sure about that? I heard true phones are locked to true sim. And this website shows on truephones "green light" just for true

http://specphone.com/True-Smart-4.0.html

If You look AIS Lava phone, green all operator in 2100 range

http://specphone.com/AIS-LAVA-4.5.html

I also heard true branded phones were locked BUT that was just one report. Honestly they are not worth the money anyways!