Iphone 4S non contract, can it be use oversea? Calling Iphone gurus and experts

[Svnla]

Hi all,

I see Iphones 4S and 4 on sale at Virgin Mobil with no contract.

From what I read on Apple.com, it said Iphones only work on GSM network such as ATT and not CDMA network such as Verizon or Sprint. But Virgin is using Sprint network, right?

Questions:

1. Can I buy a non contract Iphone from Virgin and use it oversea as in Asia with new local SIM card in Asia when I travel for business early next year?

2. Also, are those Iphones from Virgin "unlocked"? How can you tell if a Iphone is unlocked?

3. Where are other places that I can buy "unlocked" and non contract Iphone 4S and 4?

TIA.

 

[ImDonly1]

There are GSM and CDMA iPhones.

GSM iPhones can be used worldwide if unlocked.

Sprint and Verizon iPhone 4S versions (not the regular iPhone 4) are dual CDMA/GSM. They have CDMA for use on Sprint and Verizon, but also have a locked GSM radio for international use. You would have to have look at their websites to see how to get it unlocked or if they unlock it.

Virgin Mobile is a Sprint prepaid network. I believe their iPhone 4S' GSM radio is locked and cannot be unlocked. Even though you are almost paying full price for it.

Best way to get an unlocked one is either 1.) direct from Apple store but it is pricey for a new one. 2.) buy a used ATT iPhone 4 or 4S and use an eBay unlocking service for $10 to unlock it. This will permanently factory unlock it if the phone is not stolen and eligible.
ATT iPhones can be used on prepaid networks like StraightTalk ($45/mo unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data) or other ATT prepaid.

I would not pay full price for a locked down iPhone on Virgin Mobile. Rather buy a used ATT one for cheaper and use it on Straight Talk. A used iPhone 4 for ATT costs $230 maybe. A 4S will be more, maybe $300 not sure. Just make sure it is not stolen.

 

[cheezy321]

I just sold my iPhone 4S that was unlocked. It was originally on verizon. It worked with AT&T and VZW sim cards, but I never tested a sprint SIM. I am not sure what bands sprint uses but you should take a look at an unlocked verizon iPhone 4S and see what you can find out.

 

[Svnla]

@ Donly - thanks for the information. Look like I will have to get it from Apple store because Virgin is even more expensive right now. Refer to get it new to get the mind at ease.

@ cheezy - thanks for your help.