Basic Dual sim phone

Cork

I am looking for a pretty basic dual sim phone - any recomendations?

Random

theres a samsung one available in cpw at the moment for less than 50 quid.
its the gt-e2222 also known as the ch@t 222 i think
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_ch@t_222-3993.php

i got one. its basic but seems to do the dual sim thing well

Cork

Thanks - I have a 02 golden sim but they won't allow me to transfer over my number.

kilsmum

The Samsung chat phone is €29.99 including a €10 top up in the Carphone Warehouse in Mahon Point

Kilsmum

Kenny Logins

My O/H uses a Samsung C6112, it's around €100 on ebay but has both SIMs live and can switch primary card with a dedicated button on the side. Works really well, and perfect for use with a golden SIM.

BostonB

kilsmum wrote: »

The Samsung chat phone is €29.99 including a €10 top up in the Carphone Warehouse in Mahon Point

Kilsmum

Which samsung chat phone, theres more than one of them. Only the ch@t 222 is dual sim though.

BostonB

Random wrote: »

theres a samsung one available in cpw at the moment for less than 50 quid.
its the gt-e2222 also known as the ch@t 222 i think
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_ch@t_222-3993.php

i got one. its basic but seems to do the dual sim thing well

I actually was looking at that in the shop, was thinking thats a decent keypad for a cheap (its sim free obviously) phone. Does it charge off Micro USB or just the proprietary samsung charger that I can see in this video

http://welectronics.com/gsm/Samsung/SAMSUNG-Gt-E2222-Chat222.HTML

BostonB

Cork wrote: »

Thanks - I have a 02 golden sim but they won't allow me to transfer over my number.

Same here. I was thinking of switching my existing sim/number from bill to prepay and sticking in an old phone (something like the samsung cobble) and just check it every now and then for missed calls. Then switch my main phone to the golden sim. Eventually, most people would have your new number and you could throw the old sim away. This chat duo looks far better than the cobble though.

Discodog

I thought that none of the networks would sell a proper dual sim because it would cost them a fortune in lost call charges. I know someone who got a Chinese dual sim & set it up so that it used the cheapest PAYG network depending on the time.

Most of them require you to manually change sims. The good ones run two sims simultaneously without switching but I don't know if they would work on our networks. You can also get dual sim adaptors for some mobile phones.

BostonB

I think a lot of the more recent dual sim phones, keep both sims active.

One I was looking at before was the X1-01. Or the Nokia 101 or the C2-00.

Sponge Bob

Fonez sell the X1-01 cheap. I bought one for dear wife so she could use 48months to yabber away when the mood takes her.

http://www.fonez.ie/nokia/218-nokia-x1-01-dual-sim.html

If you want a filthy cheap dual sim then try one of these ( no real warranty but usually works ok)

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/l601-3-5-android-2-2-dual-sim-dual-network-standby-quadband-gsm-tv-cell-phone-w-gps-wi-fi-72031

BostonB

Those both seem expensive.

Discodog

BostonB wrote: »

I think a lot of the more recent dual sim phones, keep both sims active.

One I was looking at before was the X1-01. Or the Nokia 101 or the C2-00.

I thought that was a network problem in having one IMEI linked to two networks simultaneously. I would want a dual sim to be able to receive a call on either sim without me switching over.

Saint_Mel

Random wrote: »

theres a samsung one available in cpw at the moment for less than 50 quid.
its the gt-e2222 also known as the ch@t 222 i think
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_ch@t_222-3993.php

i got one. its basic but seems to do the dual sim thing well

How does the sim switching work? Are both live at the same time?

BostonB

you can read up about it on GSM Arena but they don't have a review of the samsung.

http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_x1_01-review-629.php
http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_c2_00-review-627.php

kilsmum

Sorry Boston B - The Samsung Ch@t 222

Kilsmum

BostonB

Seems odd that its cheaper than the other shops in the chain and their own website. Perhaps its a pricing mistake. Good deal so.

kilsmum

Just had a look at my receipt. The phone was coming up as €19.99 and the top up €10 - I had a look at the Carphone Warehouse website and your right! Its priced at €49.99 and that doesn't include any top up!

Kilsmum

BostonB

Top up with who? Its a sim free phone not on any network. So you couldn't get a top up. If you get a top up, it suggests it might be locked to a network. or maybe the shop is a bit confused about what its is. Might not be aware its a dual sim.

Sponge Bob

The Samsung is here

http://www.carphonewarehouse.ie/Product/strong-Samsung-strong-Cht-222-Black/238444/1.8

Good spot Random

kilsmum

Boston B - I was told in the shop the phone had to be bought with a top up. They were aware it was dual sim and Meteor was written on the end of the box even though I got 02 credit.

Kilsmum

BostonB

Very confusing. Once it works happy days, you got a great deal!

kilsmum

Cheers!

Discodog

Does that Samsung feature simultaneous dual sim. In other words can it accept incoming calls on either sim without you manually switching it ?.

Random

Saint_Mel wrote: »

How does the sim switching work? Are both live at the same time?

both sims are live at the same time
when you want to dial out you can press button to select which sim you call with

Discodog wrote: »

Does that Samsung feature simultaneous dual sim. In other words can it accept incoming calls on either sim without you manually switching it ?.

yes

Discodog

I wonder of something has changed. I am sure that I read somewhere, maybe here, that you can't connect one IMEI to two networks. Does the phone have dual IMEI's ?

Random

Discodog wrote: »

I wonder of something has changed. I am sure that I read somewhere, maybe here, that you can't connect one IMEI to two networks. Does the phone have dual IMEI's ?

it has 2x imei

Sponge Bob

Deadly, lot cheaper than the Nokia X1-01 which also has two IMEI Numbers or the C2-00

In Nokia speak a Dual Sim has 2 IMEI and a Two Sim has one IMEI number which could cause bother if both sims were connecting to one network, eg the Nokia C1-00 is a Two sim and one IMEI phone.

Discodog

One online criticism of the Samsung is that you have to select the sim when you reply to a text. In other words it doesn't remember what sim the text came in on. Does anyone know if this is the case ?

Does it store texts in separate folders for each sim or combine them in one list ?

Random

from my limited usage of the phone so far then when you click reply to will reply with the number it came to.

the msgs all show in one list but it has the sim number next to it so you know which number it came to. there may be an option to use separate folders but ive not looked.

Discodog

Is there a 3g equivalent dual sim ?

Adrian4

Has the Samsung chat 222 wi-fi?

I have a pc & I don't need to get facebook on mobiles - can you just just use the phone to make and get calls?

What is the battery life on the phone like?

BostonB

No Wifi

kilsmum wrote: »

Just had a look at my receipt. The phone was coming up as €19.99 and the top up €10 - I had a look at the Carphone Warehouse website and your right! Its priced at €49.99 and that doesn't include any top up!

Kilsmum

I picked one up myself, to use as a backup, to catch any calls on retired sims, and use up credit on old sims. Charged the same as yourself. 19 + 10 credit. For a €20 phone its well featured compared to the Samsung Cobble which has almost no features. That said the Cobble is so basic and small you can't but love it.

3.5mm jack, SQ is ok, not brilliant but not woeful either. Good reception on radio, charger and charges MicroUSB. MicroSD slot, plays MP3 and shows album art. Bluetooth, and VGA camera, the later is not good, but useful for remembering something etc. Sim Free and Dual Sim. Like the way the keys work, all logical and easy to use. Only thing I dislike about it, is the screen itself, (at least my one) is quite poor, not sharp and poor viewing angles. If you don't use it much, just for the occasional call and text you won't mind. But if you look at your phone a lot, like a heavy texter, the screen might annoy you. The screen is dire on the cobble too. I think most cheaper phones are the same though. I just picky about screens.

Cork

I saw the phone the other night. It would be great for 2 sims.

I only use phones to make and recieve calls - Is it a bit bulky?

What is the battery life like?

BostonB

Battery life I dunno. It had 2 bars when I bought it, on Thurs and its still working now. I haven't charged it yet. Haven't used it really though, other than to test it. I wouldn't say its bulky at all, not like touch screen phones.

kilsmum

Ok - heads up re this phone.

It doesn't recognize a 3 Ireland sim. Even with an 02 and 3 sim I get a message on the phone to insert a sim. The phone doesn't work at all with one incompatible sim and one compatible sim.

When I put in two 02 sims no problem at all.

Tried putting in the 3 sim on its own and get the message to insert a sim.

This is despite the fact that the manager of the Carphone Warehouse swore to me that the phone was unlocked and accepted all sims (a lesson learned).

Just a warning in case you buy this phone and think it will accept any sim from other european countries.

Just as well it didn't break the bank!!!

Kilsmum

Davy

kilsmum wrote: »

Ok - heads up re this phone.

It doesn't recognize a 3 Ireland sim. Even with an 02 and 3 sim I get a message on the phone to insert a sim. The phone doesn't work at all with one incompatible sim and one compatible sim.

When I put in two 02 sims no problem at all.

Tried putting in the 3 sim on its own and get the message to insert a sim.

This is despite the fact that the manager of the Carphone Warehouse swore to me that the phone was unlocked and accepted all sims (a lesson learned).

Just a warning in case you buy this phone and think it will accept any sim from other european countries.

Just as well it didn't break the bank!!!

Kilsmum

Three are slightly different than all other networks. Its the same with older non 3G compatible handsets, the three sim wont work in most (odd exception). Any other sim will work though.

You could return it, as it isn't as described by the retailer so not fit for purpose.

BostonB

Its a 2G phone. 3 is a 3G only AFAIK. Any 3 sim I every had never worked in any of my old 2G phones.

kilsmum

Thanks Davy and Boston B for the replies.

I wouldn't bother bringing it back it didn't exactly break the bank.

Just out of interest when I went into the network selection in the settings and manually select the networks you only get the option for 02 Ireland, Meteor and Vodafone Ireland.

I just assumed the lad in CPW knew what he was talking about. I wonder then would you be able to use it with sims from other countries?

Its interesting that in 2011 Samsung bring out 2G phones and my trusty old unlocked Nokia 6630 launched in 2004 can handle my 3 sim. When I looked into it more a lot of the dual sim phones are only 2G. Must be a cost factor.

The phone itself is nice and light switching between the sims to send texts is easy enough. I would definitely consider buying a more expensive higher end android dual sim phone.

Kilsmum

Discodog

kilsmum wrote: »

I would definitely consider buying a more expensive higher end android dual sim phone.

Kilsmum

So would I but I don't think that there are any.

Sponge Bob

Discodog wrote: »

So would I but I don't think that there are any.

There are. Mainly in Asia and from noname manufacturers for round €200

BostonB

kilsmum wrote: »

...Just out of interest when I went into the network selection in the settings and manually select the networks you only get the option for 02 Ireland, Meteor and Vodafone Ireland.

I assume it can't pick up a 3G only network.

kilsmum wrote: »

I just assumed the lad in CPW knew what he was talking about.

In my experience most people working in mobile phone stops know very little about what they sell. Its just a shop.

kilsmum wrote: »

I wonder then would you be able to use it with sims from other countries?


Its interesting that in 2011 Samsung bring out 2G phones and my trusty old unlocked Nokia 6630 launched in 2004 can handle my 3 sim. When I looked into it more a lot of the dual sim phones are only 2G. Must be a cost factor.

Most network have a fall back to 2G. 3G uses more battery life on the phone, but I dunno why they'd leave 3G off a phone. But considering most budget phones, especially in poor countries are 2G only I doubt a 2G phone is that much of a limitation. Also in poorer countries people might share mobiles and swap sims. Which is why these dual phones often have multiple phone books etc.

Its a sim free phone for €19, and its much better than most other budget phones.

kilsmum

Boston B,

The phone doesn't appear to be able to pick up a 3G network.

I agree with you about the price and its a handy little phone. Samsung recently launched a few more dual sim versions but all to the Indian market so what your saying makes sense.

http://www.crazyengineers.com/samsung-launches-5-dual-sim-phones-in-india-includes-3-galaxy-duos-1815/

Pity they don't launch some of them here - the Samsung Galaxy Ace duos would be something I'd consider.

Kilsmum

keithclancy

I got this:

http://www.belsimpel.nl/Alcatel/Alcatel-OT-918-Dual-Sim-Black

Does all I need, Podcasts, music, voip, Whats App.

Capacitive screen and charges off Micro USB.

Perfect for me and its a decent recognised brand.

1 Sim is 3g and the other is 2.5g.

Selecting sims for messaging, calls and data is easy too.

All in all good value.

kilsmum

Keith, did you buy it from the site you put up the link for?

Kilsmum

keithclancy

kilsmum wrote: »

Keith, did you buy it from the site you put up the link for?

Kilsmum

Yes, but I live in the Netherlands, really good service though, came 2 days after ordering.

Reason I got it is becuase I work over the German border and its handy having a Dutch and German (work sim) in one phone and not having to pay a fortune for the wife to ring.

Also works as a Wifi hotspot so I have Internet on the laptop pretty easily too.

But you can also get the same phone on Amazon etc.

kilsmum

Thanks for the info Keith. My interest would be in particular for the 3 Ireland sim.

I'm on Vodafone as is my husband and a good number of friends etc. My four children having being with various networks all moved to 3 because the deal here is great for the teenagers. My plan only gives me 300 texts a month. It would be great for me to have a dual sim phone so I could always have the option for the 3 to 3 calls where they could ring me without using up their credit.

I'll have a look at the Amazon site.

Thanks for the heads up.

Kilsmum:)

Discodog

Sponge Bob wrote: »

There are. Mainly in Asia and from noname manufacturers for round €200

I have seen those but it's a bit risky with no guide to quality etc.

Random

kilsmum wrote: »

Ok - heads up re this phone.

It doesn't recognize a 3 Ireland sim. Even with an 02 and 3 sim I get a message on the phone to insert a sim. The phone doesn't work at all with one incompatible sim and one compatible sim.

When I put in two 02 sims no problem at all.

Tried putting in the 3 sim on its own and get the message to insert a sim.

This is despite the fact that the manager of the Carphone Warehouse swore to me that the phone was unlocked and accepted all sims (a lesson learned).

Just a warning in case you buy this phone and think it will accept any sim from other european countries.

Just as well it didn't break the bank!!!

Kilsmum

sim1 - three
sim2 - o2
it shows an invalid sim and does not detect o2 sim

sim1 - o2
sim2 - three
it detects the o2 sim fine and just acts as though there is no second sim

my phone is definitely unlocked though. ive used meteor/o2/vodafone combos without issue.
as others have said i think its just the 3 issue with their sims not working in some 2g only phones.

BostonB

Random wrote: »

s...
as others have said i think its just the 3 issue with their sims not working in some 2g only phones.

Have you ever had a 3 sim work in any 2g only phone?

Random

BostonB wrote: »

Have you ever had a 3 sim work in any 2g only phone?

yes, ive used it in a 6230 to name one