is the iPhone 4S a global phone???

[krass]

Hello,

I saw a couple posts regarding the same question, but not specific enough and with little or no response. I hope this doesn't count as spam.

I have heard rumors that the iPhone 4S is a global phone, meaning it can be used internationally without having to be hardware unlocked. A hardware unlock differs from a carrier unlock differs in that a carrier unlocked phone purchased in the U.S. can be used through any carrier while still in the states, but if taken out of the country, in my case South Korea, the phone will be unusable unless the hardware itself is unlocked. Well, this is just my understanding of the concept. If this is wrong feel free to correct me .

Does anyone here know, definitely, whether or not an iPhone 4S purchased in the states can be used in South Korea?

If you're wondering why I don't just purchase one in South Korea, note that there are heavy restrictions on foreigners for buying certain phones and the asking price is upwards of $1000.

Any and all responses are much appreciated!

 

[thewitt]

Wait for a few more days and buy an unlocked phone from the Apple store.

You want a carrier unlock. This will let you use your phone with any local SIM card on any GSM network in the world.

The iPhone 4S is being called a world phone because it contains both a CDMA and GSM radio. It can be used on a limited number of CDMA networks today, and while still carrier locked to a CDMA carrier, can roam on an included SIM on any GSM network.

That's not what you want...

Be sure you need a GSM phone however, and not a CDMA phone. The iPhone dies not ye work on South Korea's CDMA carriers.

There are reports of the current carrier locked phones shipping unlocked, however I would wait until you can order an official factory unlocked phone before taking the risk that your AT&T no contract phone won't be locked down in the future

 

[krass]

Thanks thewitt. I am a bit confused with your response, and if you don't mind, I could use some clarification.

Basically, you're saying an official factory unlocked iPhone from the Apple Store will work in South Korea. Correct?

So if I were to perhaps, buy an iPhone 4S with a contract, then had it unlocked afterwards, it would not work.

thanks again, you've been very helpful!

 

[Thomasjtsi]

Thanks thewitt. I am a bit confused with your response, and if you don't mind, I could use some clarification.

Basically, you're saying an official factory unlocked iPhone from the Apple Store will work in South Korea. Correct?

So if I were to perhaps, buy an iPhone 4S with a contract, then had it unlocked afterwards, it would not work.

thanks again, you've been very helpful!

There's definitely quite a bit of confustion still rolling around as to what is unlocked when it comes to the 4S. When purchasing the "Unlocked" 4S, the only thing unlocked is the GSM radio. It allows users to place a sim card from any GSM carrier and be good to go. However... the CDMA radio is not unlocked. What Carrier are you using in S. Korea and is it a GSM or CDMA provider?

 

[thewitt]

The carrier must unlock any phone you purchase under contract. AT&T will not unlock phones at all. I don't know about Sprint or Verizon.

 

[Thomasjtsi]

The carrier must unlock any phone you purchase under contract. AT&T will not unlock phones at all. I don't know about Sprint or Verizon.

AT&T definitely will not unlock their iPhones. There is, however, still talk of Verizon and/or Sprint offering to unlock the GSM slot on their iPhones. The only trick that I see to this deal... they will only unlock the GSM slot after "X" amount of days under contract. Even then you'll still need to keep Verizon or Sprint CDMA service in good standing on that phone to keep the GSM slot unlocked. Hmmm... hope that makes sense. LOL!!

 

[krass]

There's definitely quite a bit of confustion still rolling around as to what is unlocked when it comes to the 4S. When purchasing the "Unlocked" 4S, the only thing unlocked is the GSM radio. It allows users to place a sim card from any GSM carrier and be good to go. However... the CDMA radio is not unlocked. What Carrier are you using in S. Korea and is it a GSM or CDMA provider?

Thank you guys for the help!

The carrier I currently use in South Korea is SK Telecom. I believe they are on a CDMA network. From the way things look it seems I'll have to bite the bullet and buy one here. Thanks again thomasjtsi and thewitt!