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Cheap prepay android phone(samsung europa) 39€

24567…16

Comments

  • #52
    Onikage
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,451 ✭✭✭Onikage


    That sounds more plausible but a bit worrying that he doesn't mention what version of fw he is running - could be patched in later upgrades.


  • #53
    Simi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,879 ✭✭✭Simi


    I've been reading through the thread that guide originated from. Seems the "SAFE METHOD" is very hit or miss.

    It either works perfectly or erases the efs (imei, mac address etc.) or completely bricks the phone (has to be sent to samsung for motherboard replacement).

    One person tried it on two identical phones, worked on the first one, bricked the second. I'm almost up to date on the posts. It's not looking promising though :-/


  • #54
    Amalgam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭Amalgam


    I would flash and unlock as two separate processes.

    Plenty of the Moore street traders will unlock this phone for €10. There's a friendly Chinese shop as you walk down Moore Street,on the left hand side of the street as you walk down towards Parnell Street, open arch, with a hair/nail along the opposite wall, to the phone counter. Nice and friendly pair in there.

    ---

    Great phone if you want solid Google services access.

    I had no grand ideas, I knew it was an ARM6 device, so.. no chance of in-browser Flash support. There's also no 3D Panoramic streetview.

    Internal storage memory is exactly the same as the Samsung Ace. 192MB.

    There is an official 2.2 manual upgrade that leaked in April last year, totally unbranded and neutral. Available at> Sams*ngUniverse.c*m or S*mFirmwareWorld.c*m

    I'm not sure if it has turned up on (Samsung) Kies yet.

    Much easier to turn Mobile Network on\off with 2.2.

    Very easy to root the phone, if you wish to do so.

    There is only one alternative Samsung Europa ROM currently active, as far as I am aware.

    Just about everything works. Facebook, Twitter, PayPal, IMDB, Trillian..

    The low resolution of the screen, 320x240, mght prevent some games and Apps from working, but I haven't been restricted at all, to be honest. Angry Birds, Cut The Rope, Fruit Ninja, Bubble Blast, all the usual suspects run happily enough on it.

    The fixed focus, so so performance camera prevents some barcode applications from working, but QR codes and similar work. The only issues were with Apps that clone Tesco Clubcards and similar, for use on the phone screen, at a checkout scanner. The camera just isn't up to the task of cloning those cards.

    Battery lasts a day and a half, with moderate to heavy use. Two days with light online use, at a push. The wifi could have better reception too.

    The phone, with the default 2.2 Android, can act as a hotspot. I don't know if Three make this feature available on their phones, probably not.

    No issues using bluetooth. Full headphone socket. Some of the popular audio media players for Android need a higher resolution than 320x240.

    Nice radio, with station identification. Radio needs to use the headphones as an antenna.

    Samsung have installed Swype on this phone, so inputting SMS and similar is quite tolerable, even though the screen is small.

    Hardware (physical) buttons are a treat to use. I hate screen call and call end icons. The hardware buttons also make it a breeze to zip around the OS, when holding the phone in landscape mode. Android phone with all four physical buttons along the bottom are in the minority now, sadly.

    The phone charges through a MicroUSB.

    I love this phone, despite the so so camera and low battery capacity. It is discreet and nippy if you have a realistic expectation of what it can do.


  • #55
    Zascar
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 12,778 Mod ✭✭✭✭Zascar


    I just got one of these for my gf. Want to unlock it asap - anyone know a good online service that will work??


  • #56
    54kroc
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,376 ✭✭✭54kroc


    Just in case anyone can't make it to a three shop to buy the phone theres a fruitcake selling one for a €100 on adverts.
    http://www.adverts.ie/771682


  • #57
    Simi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,879 ✭✭✭Simi


    Zascar wrote: »
    I just got one of these for my gf. Want to unlock it asap - anyone know a good online service that will work??

    This is the cheapest one I've found so far.
    http://www.fastgsm.com/en/samsung/samsung/galaxy-i5500/unlock-code/network-unlocker

    The youtube video makes it look legit, similar to the attempts to find a safe free solution on the xda thread. I'd see what I could learn about the crowd offering the service before I'd risk it though.

    Had a browse through the android development forum on xda & there's a very promising looking port of cyanogen mod 7.1 in active development :)


  • #58
    patrickpc
    Registered Users Posts: 188 ✭✭patrickpc


    rustyregan wrote: »
    Setting > About Phone > Android Version > 2.2


    Can anyone else confirm the Android version on this - according to the guy in Three shop on Grafton Street it is 2.1 ?

    Has anyone tried tethering this phone as a WIFI hotspot - just want to know if this feature is enabled or not?

    Thanks.


  • #59
    TheDriver
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,578 ✭✭✭✭TheDriver


    its 2.1 on mine, bought last Nov.


  • #60
    PurplePrincess
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 600 ✭✭✭PurplePrincess


    patrickpc wrote: »
    Can anyone else confirm the Android version on this - according to the guy in Three shop on Grafton Street it is 2.1 ?

    Mines 2.2. bought it online on wednesday


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  • #61
    54kroc
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,376 ✭✭✭54kroc


    I'm 2.2 as well, bought on Thursday.

    I'm after playing around with a few different roms and found the stock one to be the best for me, my only problem is I'm after deleting it, could anyone give me the stock rom for it?


  • #62
    patrickpc
    Registered Users Posts: 188 ✭✭patrickpc


    PurplePrincess wrote: »
    Mines 2.2. bought it online on wednesday

    Great - thanks. It sounds like they are shipping ver 2.2.

    Can anyone confirm if WIFI tethering is enabled on this phone ?


  • #63
    54kroc
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,376 ✭✭✭54kroc


    patrickpc wrote: »
    Great - thanks. It sounds like they are shipping ver 2.2.

    Can anyone confirm if WIFI tethering is enabled on this phone ?

    It is indeed, I had my ipad connected with no trouble.


  • #64
    iPhone.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,104 ✭✭✭iPhone.


    I bought one of these for my wife a few months ago. She's happy enough with it, few niggles with the size of the on screen keyboard for typing, but in general she likes the phone.
    The version she got came with 2.1 eclair but I upgraded it to 2.2 for her.(seems to be shipping with 2.2 as standard now, but is easy to flash the rom if required).
    For anyone wanting to unlock their I5500 Europa - I used this crowd

    http://www.mobile2mobile.net/unlock/RemoteunlockingSamsung.htm

    I Opted for the software unlock - cheaper at £9.99 than the code unlock which costs £19.99
    They email you the code, you need to download some software from their site, connect your phone via usb to your pc and input the code and Roberts your Fathers brother!
    All worked without a hitch for me anyway.


  • #65
    noodler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,498 ✭✭✭✭noodler


    iPhone. wrote: »
    I bought one of these for my wife a few months ago. She's happy enough with it, few niggles with the size of the on screen keyboard for typing, but in general she likes the phone.
    The version she got came with 2.1 eclair but I upgraded it to 2.2 for her.(seems to be shipping with 2.2 as standard now, but is easy to flash the rom if required).
    For anyone wanting to unlock their I5500 Europa - I used this crowd

    http://www.mobile2mobile.net/unlock/RemoteunlockingSamsung.htm

    I Opted for the software unlock - cheaper at £9.99 than the code unlock which costs £19.99
    They email you the code, you need to download some software from their site, connect your phone via usb to your pc and input the code and Roberts your Fathers brother!
    All worked without a hitch for me anyway.


    Thanks for that dude - kind of want to stay with Meteor to use this (don't ask me why, have no idea why Meteor would be preferable to 3!) and your post just reassured me that I can get it unlocked if I want.


  • #66
    TheDriver
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,578 ✭✭✭✭TheDriver


    i used kies there and upgraded to 2.2. also.


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  • #67
    PurplePrincess
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 600 ✭✭✭PurplePrincess


    Just unlocked mine with this crowd. $9.99
    https://www.fastgsm.com/en/samsung/samsung/galaxy-europa/unlock-code/network-unlocker


  • #68
    Daniel S
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,533 ✭✭✭Daniel S


    I've been nagging my dad to get let me get this for a few days now, just for flash so I can stream F1 and other sports. It's the additional Micro usb cable and charger that sold it to him :D We both have LG Optimus 7's (brother has one too) and we never have enough cables/chargers :)


  • #69
    Mimikyu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,945 ✭✭✭✭Mimikyu


    This post has been deleted.


  • #70
    Daniel S
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,533 ✭✭✭Daniel S


    Captain Morgan wrote: »
    This post has been deleted.
    I know in browser flash isn't supported, but isn't there SkyFire or an app like that?


  • #71
    Amalgam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭Amalgam


    It isn't just the clock speed that is a hurdle, the ARM6 processor means it is quite likely there will never be official Flash support. There is hacking\bodging taking place, by a group on XDA and various other forums, but that may take a while, if ever..

    One of the browsers (I forget which one, sorry), does allow you to play YouTube, on the full YouTube site page, if you get me.. but that's quite probably just streaming .mp4

    The stand alone YouTube application works fine otherwise.


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  • #72
    Daniel S
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,533 ✭✭✭Daniel S


    But skyfire should still work shouldn't it?


  • #73
    Amalgam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭Amalgam


    mtb_kng wrote: »
    But skyfire should still work shouldn't it?

    Taken from a support forum.
    Android phones with qVGA resolution, such as the GT-i5500, are not supported in the current release of Skyfire. Support for qVGA devices is planned for a future release.

    You can probably sideload it.. but I wouldn't chance paying for the video plugin until you're sure it works.


  • #74
    kc66
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,267 ✭✭✭kc66


    mtb_kng wrote: »
    I've been nagging my dad to get let me get this for a few days now, just for flash so I can stream F1 and other sports. It's the additional Micro usb cable and charger that sold it to him :D We both have LG Optimus 7's (brother has one too) and we never have enough cables/chargers :)

    Loads of micro usb cables on ebay for 99p delivered. Got one myself and it works fine.


  • #75
    Alter-Ego
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,324 ✭✭✭Alter-Ego


    How long does it take for the phone to arrive? The order status is "Dispatched" on the website since 3pm yesterday. Just wondering if I should be expecting it today?


  • #76
    danjo-xx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,393 ✭✭✭danjo-xx


    Alter-Ego wrote: »
    How long does it take for the phone to arrive? The order status is "Dispatched" on the website since 3pm yesterday. Just wondering if I should be expecting it today?

    If ordered b4 four then it should be delivered the next day.


  • #77
    Daemos
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,645 ✭✭✭Daemos


    Ordered mine over the weekend, was dispatched yesterday and courier arrived with it this morning


  • #78
    Jonathan
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 8,216 Mod ✭✭✭✭Jonathan


    Anyone else having trouble with delivery?

    I'm not at home, but there is someone at home to accept delivery.

    Couriers won't release the package to anyone but the named person which means I've to go to the depot on Saturday morning. :mad:


  • #79
    wait4me
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,053 ✭✭✭wait4me


    Jonathan wrote: »
    Anyone else having trouble with delivery?

    I'm not at home, but there is someone at home to accept delivery.

    Couriers won't release the package to anyone but the named person which means I've to go to the depot on Saturday morning. :mad:
    I was worried about this as I got the following in my confirmation:
    "Your mobile can only be delivered to you in person and you will need to show the courier the payment card you used to place your order as proof of identity. "

    Anybody know which courier firm is delivering?


  • #80
    ch750536
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,736 ✭✭✭ch750536


    Had mine yesterday, flashed it, unlocked it. Is a steal at €39, a very nice phone. One of my best BA purchases.


  • #81
    noodler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,498 ✭✭✭✭noodler


    ch750536 wrote: »
    Had mine yesterday, flashed it, unlocked it. Is a steal at €39, a very nice phone. One of my best BA purchases.

    I assume you had to pay as well to get it unlocked?

    I really want to make it an even better BA by unlocking it for free.


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  • #82
    Jonathan
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 8,216 Mod ✭✭✭✭Jonathan


    wait4me wrote: »
    Anybody know which courier firm is delivering?
    Nightline Delivers


  • #83
    ch750536
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,736 ✭✭✭ch750536


    noodler wrote: »
    I assume you had to pay as well to get it unlocked?

    I really want to make it an even better BA by unlocking it for free.

    It is possible to unlock for free but I wouldn't bother. Basically you have to flash the entire thing twice with specific roms. Double the chance of bricking it. I used the Odin method to remove all the branding, get 2.2 on there etc then paid €7 odd to get an unlock code.


  • #84
    Alter-Ego
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,324 ✭✭✭Alter-Ego


    Mine just arrived. Very nifty wee phone. The onscreen keyboard will take a bit of getting used to with my massive thumbs.


  • #85
    noodler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,498 ✭✭✭✭noodler


    ch750536 wrote: »
    It is possible to unlock for free but I wouldn't bother. Basically you have to flash the entire thing twice with specific roms. Double the chance of bricking it. I used the Odin method to remove all the branding, get 2.2 on there etc then paid €7 odd to get an unlock code.

    Cheers.

    Is there any tangible reason to remove the branding?

    I am happy enough for a simple unlock.

    EDIT:

    By the way, why to these third-party sites have the unlock codes but 3 and Samsung do not? Seems like they are kind of missing a trick here?


  • #86
    Daemos
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,645 ✭✭✭Daemos


    wait4me wrote: »
    I was worried about this as I got the following in my confirmation:
    "Your mobile can only be delivered to you in person and you will need to show the courier the payment card you used to place your order as proof of identity. "

    Anybody know which courier firm is delivering?
    I didn't have to do any of that, no ID, no payment card, no nothing. Just signed for the package and that was it.


  • #87
    Zascar
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 12,778 Mod ✭✭✭✭Zascar


    Guys if you want to spend an extra €10 you can get this in CarphoneWarehouse - no delivery worries


  • #88
    martyoo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 872 ✭✭✭martyoo


    I didn't have to do any of that, no ID, no payment card, no nothing. Just signed for the package and that was it.

    Me too.

    Thanks BA!!


  • #89
    pigck29
    Registered Users Posts: 42 ✭pigck29


    ch750536 wrote: »
    It is possible to unlock for free but I wouldn't bother. Basically you have to flash the entire thing twice with specific roms. Double the chance of bricking it. I used the Odin method to remove all the branding, get 2.2 on there etc then paid €7 odd to get an unlock code.

    Can I ask where did you lock the phone please? the cheapest I can find online is €16.

    thanks:)


  • #90
    Simi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,879 ✭✭✭Simi


    pigck29 wrote: »
    Can I ask where did you lock the phone please? the cheapest I can find online is €16.

    thanks:)

    https://www.fastgsm.com/en/samsung/samsung/galaxy-europa/unlock-code/network-unlocker

    ~7euro. You're not going to find any cheaper than that. Just used it to unlock one there. Straight forward and instant. There's even a step by step youtube video to guide you through it.


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  • #91
    Maia Lively Rodeo
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭ Maia Lively Rodeo


    ch750536 wrote: »
    It is possible to unlock for free but I wouldn't bother. Basically you have to flash the entire thing twice with specific roms. Double the chance of bricking it. I used the Odin method to remove all the branding, get 2.2 on there etc then paid €7 odd to get an unlock code.

    I'm new to all this. Can you provide a link to this "Odin method" and maybe even explain what it is please?
    pigck29 wrote: »
    Can I ask where did you lock the phone please? the cheapest I can find online is €16.

    thanks:)

    This post says you can unlock it for only $10 so I'm going with them.


  • #92
    Alter-Ego
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,324 ✭✭✭Alter-Ego


    Did anybody else who got it with a new sim get €38 credit on it already?


  • #93
    HorseRadish
    Registered Users Posts: 936 ✭✭✭HorseRadish


    Alter-Ego wrote: »
    Did anybody else who got it with a new sim get €38 credit on it already?

    Really? If thats the case I might get one for sure! Did you buy instore or online?


  • #94
    EI111
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 527 ✭✭✭EI111


    mawk wrote: »
    500mb is still quite a lot on a mobile. I browse a lot and use a few push notification apps but wouldn't hit 500 most months. I do use wifi at home though, since its faster so maybe if wifi was not available it might be tight.

    Still its quite a lot


    500MB really isnt much in my opinion. browsing and the odd bit of multimedia (normally low quality youtube videos).

    If all you want to do is read pages fine, but if you want to listen to news snippets or anything else you need at least 1gb


  • #95
    Alter-Ego
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,324 ✭✭✭Alter-Ego


    HorseRadish wrote: »
    Really? If thats the case I might get one for sure! Did you buy instore or online?

    Online. Not sure if it's a mistake but, I'm able to make calls and texts. There was no mention of that much free credit when I bought it.:confused:


  • #96
    danjo-xx
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,393 ✭✭✭danjo-xx


    cant wait to see what's on mine tomorrow and what its like. My first smart phone/touchscreen, I'll either love it or hate it.:D

    Either way at €39 less €9.70 disc from fatcheese and now a possible €38
    phone credit as well....how bad!


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  • #97
    martyoo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 872 ✭✭✭martyoo


    Did anybody else who got it with a new sim get €38 credit on it already?


    Yes! :)

    Nice surprise.


  • #98
    blackplum123
    Registered Users Posts: 266 ✭✭blackplum123


    Just got my phone today, used the internet a few times and used up over 6 euro credit on the internet,
    Anyone know the story .... unlimited internet ??????
    Is there some settings I am missing...

    Any suggestions before I contact them in the morning


  • #99
    HorseRadish
    Registered Users Posts: 936 ✭✭✭HorseRadish


    danjo-xx wrote: »
    cant wait to see what's on mine tomorrow and what its like. My first smart phone/touchscreen, I'll either love it or hate it.:D

    Either way at €39 less €9.70 disc from fatcheese and now a possible €38
    phone credit as well....how bad!

    Keep us posted on what you get buddy....this will be the dealbreaker for me :D


  • #100
    Zimmerframe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,666 ✭✭✭Zimmerframe


    blackplum123 wrote: »
    Just got my phone today, used the internet a few times and used up over 6 euro credit on the internet,
    Anyone know the story .... unlimited internet ??????
    Is there some settings I am missing...

    Any suggestions before I contact them in the morning

    did you topup by €20 ???


  • #101
    blackplum123
    Registered Users Posts: 266 ✭✭blackplum123


    yes, payed 20 euro with order for phone


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