Will this work with 3G speeds in the DR? Or only EDGE?

[amdhunter]

Will this phone work with 3G speeds or only EDGE? Amazon Link.

From what I can gather, Claro frequencies are as follows:
CDMA 1xEV-DO in 800/1900 MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE in 850/1900 MHz
UMTS/HSDPA service in the 850 MHz band

This phone shows:
Network Frequency
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900Mhz
- 3G: WCDMA 850/2100Mhz

It doesn't show anything for UMTS, which a friend is insisting is needed for anything better than EDGE speeds. Is this true? I am buying as a gift and the current phone the guy is using is capable of 3G speeds there. I wouldn't want to give him something slower, as he uses Whatsapp and stuff like that a lot.

Thanks for any help, I searched for about an hour before I gave up and decided to ask.

 

[cronos]

It's probably 3G. But even if not, if it's just WhatsApp I wouldn't worry about it. It's streaming stuff that's going to be a problem.

Having said that, I wouldn't buy that, especially for a gift. Stick with what's known to be good. If you want budget stuff, there are others that are more mainstream and don't use Mediatek. Nothing against it specifically, but there must be a reason why no top manufacturers are using it (or only use it for their bottom offerings). Did you look at Moto G or Moto E? I'm not sure with their compatibilities with that carrier either, but if they check out, go with those.

 

[amdhunter]

It's probably 3G. But even if not, if it's just WhatsApp I wouldn't worry about it. It's streaming stuff that's going to be a problem.

Having said that, I wouldn't buy that, especially for a gift. Stick with what's known to be good. If you want budget stuff, there are others that are more mainstream and don't use Mediatek. Nothing against it specifically, but there must be a reason why no top manufacturers are using it (or only use it for their bottom offerings). Did you look at Moto G or Moto E? I'm not sure with their compatibilities with that carrier either, but if they check out, go with those.

Trying to save a few dollars, but I guess you are right. I'll splurge for the Moto E and be sure. He is pretty much my driver for the entire time he is there and takes a week off of work. An extra $50 isn't bad I guess for his time.

 

[amdhunter]

Arrgh. Moto E lacks front camera.
Any idea if the original phone will work in 3G?

 

[ElFenix]

WCDMA basically is UMTS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W-CDMA_(UMTS)

 

[amdhunter]

WCDMA basically is UMTS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W-CDMA_(UMTS)

Thank You! :thumbsup:
I just checked and one is part of the other. Whatever, if the phone works on Edge only...so be it. I'll update with results in a few weeks.