Japanese Vodaphones/Phones

[GokuMew2]

Anyone here know a lot about Japanese cell phones or have one? I'm looking to get one that works on both W-CDMA and GSM. Right now, my choices are: Toshiba 904T (http://www.vodafone.jp/english/products/model_3G/v904t/index.html) (first choice atm), Samsung 804SS (http://www.vodafone.jp/english/products/model_3G/v804ss/index.html), Toshiba 903T (http://www.vodafone.jp/english/products/model_3G/v903t/index.html), or Toshiba 803T (http://www.vodafone.jp/english/products/model_3G/v803t/index.html).

Anyone have experience with any of these and can tell me some pros and cons about 'em?

[Soluzar]

Vodafone is only a brand, it's not correct to use it as a generic term.

[Suiko Eiji]

Vodafone is only a brand, it's not correct to use it as a generic term.

Specifically, it's a network/carrier like Cingular, T-Mobile, Sprint here in the US (I forget what you have in the UK, though, T-Mobile might be one of them?).

My only real experience is with the networks. I don't know much about the specific models, but if they are able to be set with GSM frequencie/signals and you have a US provider's SIM chip, then I can't forsee too many problems. Every time I think of trying to buy a Japanese phone, I can't afford one, but I would have to have a GSM one.

[GokuMew2]

Vodafone is only a brand, it's not correct to use it as a generic term.
Thanks, but that doesn't answer any of my questions.
These phones that I'm looking at are for Vodafone in Japan, and that's what I meant by "Vodafones."

[KuroiKenshi]

Anyone here know a lot about Japanese cell phones or have one? I'm looking to get one that works on both W-CDMA and GSM. Right now, my choices are: Toshiba 904T (http://www.vodafone.jp/english/products/model_3G/v904t/index.html) (first choice atm), Samsung 804SS (http://www.vodafone.jp/english/products/model_3G/v804ss/index.html), Toshiba 903T (http://www.vodafone.jp/english/products/model_3G/v903t/index.html), or Toshiba 803T (http://www.vodafone.jp/english/products/model_3G/v803t/index.html).

Anyone have experience with any of these and can tell me some pros and cons about 'em?

when i used vodafone in japan (two years ago) they didnt have any GSM models worth writing home about. im concerned that the japanese models are still CDMA only, and the GSM models are manufactured for other vodafone countries (like how in the US verizon Razrs and cingular Razrs are different), so you should probably make sure before buying, because no CDMA carrier in the US will let you on with untested equipment (assuming you are in the US)

[Suiko Eiji]

Isn't it true, too, that the CDMA networks in Japan (W-CDMA, IIRC) are proprietarily different than CDMA networks (like Verizon and Sprint) here in the US?

[GokuMew2]

when i used vodafone in japan (two years ago) they didnt have any GSM models worth writing home about. im concerned that the japanese models are still CDMA only, and the GSM models are manufactured for other vodafone countries (like how in the US verizon Razrs and cingular Razrs are different), so you should probably make sure before buying, because no CDMA carrier in the US will let you on with untested equipment (assuming you are in the US)
Yeah, I've heard from many people that you can just stick in a SIM card in these G3 phones and they'll work.

Isn't it true, too, that the CDMA networks in Japan (W-CDMA, IIRC) are proprietarily different than CDMA networks (like Verizon and Sprint) here in the US?
In the U.S. I would just be using GSM (I'm on T-Mobile so GSM 1900 band), not CDMA or W-CDMA (I don't think the U.S. has any W-CDMA networks). Japan's network is exclusively W-CDMA, or so I've read.

[Suiko Eiji]

In the U.S. I would just be using GSM (I'm on T-Mobile so GSM 1900 band), not CDMA or W-CDMA (I don't think the U.S. has any W-CDMA networks). Japan's network is exclusively W-CDMA, or so I've read.

Right, IIRC, WCDMA is an NTT/KDDI proprietary network and available only in Japan. The CDMA networks available in the US, while similar, are just different enough to make sure they don't work. In the Tokyo area, there is some GSM infrasturcture but I believe that to be to service business people who are on long layovers at the airports. Anything outside of Tokyo though, I don't think there is any GSM infrastructure.

So long as the phone can access any of the TRI or QUAD band networks available on GSM in the US, I'm fairly sure it'll work.

[HSaabedra]

To answer questions, you could buy a Vodaphone handset and use it here. The only catch is, the phone needs to be unlocked and reflashed for certain features to work. Are you willing to pay $~600 for a phone that has a ton of features that are network dependent and cant be used here? I own a 903SH and its a great phone, when I feel like using it, but most of the featureset is network dependent. -->

[Suiko Eiji]

When you say most of the featureset is network dependent, could you please elaborate on that, just for my own clarification?

[Zash]

ARe these cell phones capable of working in Japan and America?

[HSaabedra]

The handsets listed are prime examples of carrier lockdown of hardware/software. I also own a handset that runs on CDMA 1xEVDO, albeit on different frequencies.

[HSaabedra]

When you say most of the featureset is network dependent, could you please elaborate on that, just for my own clarification?Email, video calling, gps, internet access, messaging.

[Zash]

I was thinking of buying a cell phone that works in America and In Japan..does anyone know where i can find such phones?

[HSaabedra]

Japan does not use GSM. They use PDC/PHS, W-CDMA (UMTS/FOMA), CDMA 1xRTT/1xEVDO, and just launched HSDPA.

[Soluzar]

You didn't think to maybe add this question to the other thread that's already going on about Japanese phones? You might get more answers there...

http://animenation.net/forums/showthread.php?t=193660

[HSaabedra]

There are various places on the net to buy these handsets, provided you are prepared to live with no direct customer support from your carrier and high prices.

[HSaabedra]

If anyone has anymore questions, go ahead and PM me, I run a cellphone shop and would be happy to answer questions relating to Japanese handsets in the US.

[GokuMew2]

To answer questions, you could buy a Vodaphone handset and use it here. The only catch is, the phone needs to be unlocked and reflashed for certain features to work. Are you willing to pay $~600 for a phone that has a ton of features that are network dependent and cant be used here? I own a 903SH and its a great phone, when I feel like using it, but most of the featureset is network dependent. -->
It surprisingly doesn't cost too much. An unlocked Japanese handset from the Vodafone carrier is around $300, including shipping. Of course, if you want higher end stuff, it can be much more. True you can't use all the cool features that are only available from Vodafone Live!, but hey, it costs around $300 for a decent phone over here so why not spend that same amount for a higher end phone that not many people have? .^^

(I'm on a prepaid plan from T-Mobile, btw, so no discounted upgrades for me.)

ARe these cell phones capable of working in Japan and America?
These particular ones I'm looking at are. They work with any U.S. carrier that uses a SIM card. The handsets from the 3G line from Vodafone are all dual-mode and tri-band.

I was thinking of buying a cell phone that works in America and In Japan..does anyone know where i can find such phones?
Check out auctions.


Oh, and right now, I'm leaning more towards the Toshiba 803T since the 804T is HUGE (almost 4.5" in height!), the 804SS only has a 1.3MP camera compared to the 803T's 2.26MP, and the 904T's height is almost the same as the 804T's (= big).

Actually, a friend of mine living in Japan just so happens to use an 803T and she was telling me how much she loves it.

[HSaabedra]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but those prices you mentioned are not accurate. Vodaphone Japan does not sell handsets outright and are hardware/software locked to the network. Go to howardforums.com and the other manufacturers board for info.

[Zash]

...so now I'm confussed..maybe I'll just not buy a cell for Japan since there's soo much confusion...

[HSaabedra]

...so now I'm confussed..maybe I'll just not buy a cell for Japan since there's soo much confusion... What is confusing?

[Zash]

Lol I'm not even sure what kind of a cell I should be buying anymore..should it be a triband? or?..idk

[HSaabedra]

Lol I'm not even sure what kind of a cell I should be buying anymore..should it be a triband? or?..idk
In the US, GSM is deployed on the 850/1900 Mhz bands. Japanese phones with support for GSM roaming support 900/1800/1900 Mhz bands. Both Cingular and T-Mobile use the GSM 1900 band but Cingulars deployment relies heavily on GSM 850 for rural areas and additional coverage.

[Haro!]

But why would someone get vodafone in Japan? I hear it sucks over there.

[KuroiKenshi]

But why would someone get vodafone in Japan? I hear it sucks over there.


i had it. it wasnt bad. i got it because for my situation at the time it was the cheapest option (all my friends had it so it made things easier. plus NTT is soooo expensive). will i get it again when i go to japan at the end of the month? maybe, maybe not.

[HSaabedra]

They are transitioning to Softbank Mobile, but are keeping all infrastructure in place. Vodaphone sold off to Softbank early this year and are slowly easing away from models with intl. roaming until they figure out what to do. It looks like the end of the line for unlocked Japanese handsets for now.

[GokuMew2]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but those prices you mentioned are not accurate. Vodaphone Japan does not sell handsets outright and are hardware/software locked to the network. Go to howardforums.com and the other manufacturers board for info.
Of course it's not direct from Vodafone. They're just Vodafone branded and unlocked by someone else. I believe the bulk of Japanese phones put on eBay are shipped from Hong Kong.

Anyway, I just bought the 803T yesterday. Hopefully I'll get it next week.

[fujyoshi]

hmm....that's rather interesting. I wonder if you can get Japanese installed in your phone if you don't already.

[GokuMew2]

hmm....that's rather interesting. I wonder if you can get Japanese installed in your phone if you don't already.
I think it depends on what version firmware your phone has. If it's got Japanese firmware then it will support Japanese. The phone I bought has Japanese firmware so I should be able to read and write Japanese on it. Yay!

[GokuMew2]

PICTURES!
Here are pictures of the Vodafone 803T by Toshiba that I bought. Click here (http://www.vodafone.jp/english/products/model_3G/v803t/index.html) for its specs.

Anyway, onto the pics. Sorry they're not the great. All the "scratches" you see on the screen are actually on the screen protector thingy that I never took off. I'm waiting for my BLEACH mail block to come in before I take off the screen protector. Mail blocks make it so you can only see the screen if looking straight at it. If you look at it from an angle, you'll just see the design on the mail block and not the screen. Aside from privacy, they also work as good screen protectors.

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7069/p7210001fw7.th.jpg (http://img209.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p7210001fw7.jpg) http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/2755/p7210002lb6.th.jpg (http://img45.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p7210002lb6.jpg) http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/6551/p7210003ke5.th.jpg (http://img45.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p7210003ke5.jpg) http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/3554/p7210004xz4.th.jpg (http://img45.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p7210004xz4.jpg) http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/234/p7210005jx6.th.jpg (http://img391.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p7210005jx6.jpg)

I love the phone so far but the one thing I really don't like is all the restrictions on music. As you can imagine, Japan is very strict on copyright and stuff. It took me forever to get ringtones onto the phone. (Which is currently UVERworld's Colors of the Heart for the main tone and D-tecnoLife for when family calls.) Basically you can't put music onto the phone unless it's DMR protected. I might be doing something wrong, but so far I haven't been able to transfer any music besides my ringtones. Ah well, I carry around my iPod wherever I go so it doesn't really matter too much. (The 803T is supposed to be considered the iPod of cell phones.)

Still a great phone though! Consider making your next phone an unlocked 3G phone from Vodafone! Depending on the model, they're about the same price as American phones, only a few years ahead, hehe. (Of course to reap all the benefits of it, you would have to be on Vodafone's 3G network.)

Oh ya, the only prob I had with getting the phone to work was with my SIM card. I'm on T-Mobile and I had to get a new SIM card cuz my old SIM would give me a "please insert valid USIM" error when starting up the phone. Cards by Gemplus seem to work fine.

[Char Aznable]

Alls i know is i have the 70 dollar vodaphone thats got the picture, video with sound, and the flashlight... and its Red.

Quite an awesome phone... i wish itde work when i go back to the states.

[HSaabedra]

You have to encode all your music to .aac using either iTunes or another encoder and you have to use an external memory card reader unless you can find the Beat Engine software for your phone, which also includes PC drivers.

[GokuMew2]

You have to encode all your music to .aac using either iTunes or another encoder and you have to use an external memory card reader unless you can find the Beat Engine software for your phone, which also includes PC drivers.
I've tried encoding the music to aac with iTunes, and I added the file to my card using Beat Engine, but it still didn't work.

*shrugs* I'll just convert my ringtones into .mmf instead, and since I don't use the phone as a music player, it's not too big a concern now.

[HSaabedra]

You have to format the card first using the phone, then use the USB cable with Beat Engine. For ringtones you, of course are stuck with .mmf

[GokuMew2]

You have to format the card first using the phone, then use the USB cable with Beat Engine. For ringtones you, of course are stuck with .mmf
Oh really? I didn't know that.... But if I do that, would I lose the dictionary files and such?

[HSaabedra]

Backup everything first before formatting of course.

[BLACKANGEL32076]

What is W-CDMA and GSM for the record guys?

[HSaabedra]

W-CDMA is the evolution of GSM with a more secure transmission interface for voice and data, which allows for compatibility with GSM networks when a W-CDMA network is not present. GSM is an access standard as defined by the ITU and invented by the French in an attempt to standardize cellular communications. GSM=OLD,
W-CDMA=NEW.

[Suiko Eiji]

W-CDMA is also propriety between NTT, KDDI, and some other company, right?

[HSaabedra]

W-CDMA (FOMA) which is NTT DoCoMo's version was commercially launched before the 3GPP could finalize standards for Europe, Middle East, Australasia (excluding Japan) and Africa.
As a result, NTT DoCoMo submitted their version to the ITU for consideration as the basis for 3G networks worldwide. The ITU modified the standard to enable backwards compatibility between new 3G networks and older more established GSM networks by using the same slot for the more secure USIM, and just lowering voltage for GSM sims. At this point the ratified international standard became known as W-CDMA UMTS, while DoCoMo continued developing their own standard known as FOMA.
KDDI is one of the few carriers in the world to use CDMA 1xRTT/EVDO Rev. A outside of the US. DoCoMo and Qualcomm share patents on W-CDMA.