Southeast Asian Model Phone

[J-Squared]

I ordered a Samsung Galaxy S10e unlocked, dual SIM mobile from HDEW Cameras, based in the UK. When it arrived, the packaging clearly states that it is a Southeast Asian model, NOT a UK model. The label also says "To use SIM cards from other regions, a cumulative call over five minutes must first be made with the SIM card from Southeast Asian operators."

Should I reject the phone, leaving the sealed box intact and ask for a refund?

Is there a way to avoid this 5-minute call issue?

If I do accept the phone, will it work correctly with a UK SIM inserted?

I am concerned that the phone's firmware may be different to a UK model.

Any comments and advice would be welcome, but please bear in mind that I am not technically-minded.

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @J-Squared 

Unfortunately with what's known as Grey Import model what can happen is the phone is indeed unlocked to All Network's but it has a different csc on it that can mean updates can be delayed or in some extreme case non existent.

Unfortunately you would only be able to check the csc by powering it up and downloading the phoneinfo app from the Playstore.

So for example BTU is a phone supplied directly by Samsung unlocked. 

XEU is a phone supplied by a reseller that is unlocked to all network's.

There are many more that can be Google Searched to see what the phones history is.

Yes it may have different firmware on it.

You're reliant on the country of origin releasing updates and then reliant on them getting to your phone.

Credits to  @AntS  "All current Samsung phones come with an active regional lock when first bought. 

Assuming it's not also locked to a specific network, using a SIM from the same regional origin as the phone for at least 5 minutes of total talktime will disable the regional lock and allow you to use a SIM from any other region from then on."

Samsung phone's are typically Region Locked to curb grey imports.

A Samsung Experience Store or Samsung Service Centre maybe able to help remove the region lock but I can't promise that as the phone is from another country.

Also sometimes features such as Samsung Pay won't work.

Also I'd advise to check the Manufacturing warranty as you maybe declined support in your country due to the phone being released to use in another country  / region.

You ask  "Should I reject the phone, leaving the sealed box intact and ask for a refund?"

If this was my situation then Yes that would be my choice.

I want everything to work and have the full 24 month manufacturing warranty and ge software updates and Security updates from Samsung in my country which is the Uk too.

I wish you all the best with this situation. 

🌈 Stay Safe  🌈 

[J-Squared]

Hello BandOfBrothers,

Your reply was most welcome and informative.

I have decided to return the phone with the box remaining sealed and ask for a full refund.

This is a pain, having to pay for tracked/insured delivery service for the return. But it's better than being stuck with a phone that may not work properly and may not be covered by Samsung warranty.

Thanks for your help.

[BandOfBrothers]

You're very welcome @J-Squared 

Of course the final decision was yours to make but hope my viewpoint helped.

Perhaps in time let us know what you purchased instead when you've been refunded.

Take care and 🌈 Stay Safe  🌈