New unlocked phone; how to change over and keep my number.

[Karyathena]

I want to buy a new, unlocked phone, I’m wondering how I change over and keep my phone number. Ive been with Public about three years, so I don’t remember setting up my phone and have limited tech experience, so this question may seem basic, but to me it seems complicated. I’m going from Sony Xperia To Samsung Galaxy A71, if that make a difference. Will also be looking for apps/ programs to transfer contacts, etc. If that’s allowed here. If not just the logistics of changing over and keeping my number.

Thanks!!

[darlicious]

@Karyathena 

In general international versions of phones will work anywhere....the newer versions may not work in some countries that have 2G only but that is exceptionally rare. Double checking the compatibility with a providers network is always prudent and a samsung international phone will be compatible with pm. The only time there may be an issue is a poorly advertised or product description of a "foreign" phone made for another international countries domestic market. Phones from India can often be a problem because that country still relies heavily on the 2G and 3G networks and many phones are not compatible with the 4G LTE network so they would have limits are the services they could recieve.

[dabr]

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@Karyathena wrote:

Thanks,

i didn’t know how to find the model number of my current phone.

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@Karyathena    This is normally available under "settings" then find the option "device" or "about device".  You should be able to view your model number plus other info related to your phone there.

[Karyathena]

Thanks,

i didn’t know how to find the model number of my current phone.

[Spudster]

@Karyathena 

If it has these specs, yes:

Minimum recommended phone specs:

• 3G UMTS/W-CDMA/HSPA: B2 (1900) and B5 (850)
• 4G FDD-LTE: B4, B12

Currently VoLTE is not available and voice calls are only on 3G.

SMS and data can work on 3G or LTE. 

[Anonymous]

 @Karyathena : Yes. I have the international A31 based out of UAE. Works great. The limitation is Samsung Pay. But Google Pay works and is a little easier to use.

I bought it from a little vendor in Richmond BC. They said that they would handle any international warranty but I haven't had to use it.

Dual-SIM's are harder to find in the mainstream in Canada it seems so if you don't need that then there are many options.

[Karyathena]

Thanks Darlicious,

not sure if I posted in the right spot, but will international version work in canada?

i guess you are in Canada?

thanks!

[Karyathena]

Will an international version work in Canada?

thanks!

[computergeek541]

@Karyathena 

When purchasing a device meant for sale in a different region, a factor in your decision could be that you would have no manufactuer's warranty.  You'll need to decide how important that is to you.

[Anonymous]

 @Karyathena : The models will work here.

What's with all the model numbers for your Xperia? The one in your hand should just have one model number.

darlicious's previous post is about exact as you can get. She can be a little verbose sometimes but her posts are packed with info.

[Karyathena]

Thanks!

[Karyathena]

Ok thanks, I may ask you again later to explain all that, my head is swimming!

[Karyathena]

I don’t really need dual sim, unless I travel to the states (if it ever opens)

but the ones I’m looking at are international versions, is that ok? Will it work on Public?

Ive found one Canadian version, but it’s quite a bit more expensive and I’m not sure if I need it or not. What do you think?

[Spudster]

@Karyathena 

You're welcome - I hope the responses have been helpful

[Karyathena]

Thanks

[Spudster]

@Karyathena 

1. acquire new phone
2. remove SIM card from old phone, do not discard
3. insert the SIM card in new phone (removing or adding a sizing adapter as may be required)
4. power up new device
5. Click Here For Process to Transfer Apps to a New Android Device

[darlicious]

@Karyathena 

Unlike @computergeek541's opinion on dual sim phones both @Anonymous and I have samsung dual sim phones. I have the 2017 A3 and I believe @Anonymous has the 2020 A31. Coincidentally both of our phones are the UAE versions. Other than not being able to use samsung pay here in this part of the world....we are set if we ever go to Dubai and we will conveniently be able to use the free sim card/plan they give to visitors in the other sim slot in our phones!

The only regret I have with my new moto g7+ phone is it is not the international version and is only single sim. With two accounts I'm back to often carrying two phones around again. The other great thing about having dual sim phone is you can have your regular number on the $15 plan and you can activate and take advantage of promotional offers with another "burner" sim for larger data plans or a free month etc....and also get double freebie gifts from pm etc.....

[computergeek541]

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@Karyathena wrote:

SO-04H, F8131, SOV33, F8132, 502SO Are the Sony Xperia model numbers and 

SM-A715F, SM-A715F/DS, SM-A715F/DSN, SM-A715F/DSM, SM-A715W, SM-A715X

Are the Samsung model numbers.

Thanks!

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 As I said before, I highly recommend getting the Canadian version (SM-A715W) unless for some reason, you need the dual SIM card ability.

[Karyathena]

Thanks!!

[Karyathena]

SO-04H, F8131, SOV33, F8132, 502SO Are the Sony Xperia model numbers and 

SM-A715F, SM-A715F/DS, SM-A715F/DSN, SM-A715F/DSM, SM-A715W, SM-A715X

Are the Samsung model numbers.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

 @Karyathena : So it seems the Samsung is the smallest size SIM. Whatever the Xperia is won't matter because you can just snap out the smallest size from the larger size. So you won't be needing a new SIM...unless your SIM is more than a few years old that didn't have the tri-punch. Edit: it looks like you've been here about a year and a half....your SIM will be tri-punch.

It also looks like any of the A71 models should work.

[computergeek541]

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@Karyathena wrote:

Thanks so much; by compatible, do you mean with Public Mobile?

If so, does Public have a list of compatible phones?

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Unless you specifically need/want dual SIM card slots, doing it all over again, I would suggest gettting a version that was distributed by Samsung Canada for better network compatibility.  That said, you should be fine. 

When it comes to contacting support to change the SIM if you need a new one (which you probably don't), you would also first need to buy a new one before contacting them.

[Anonymous]

 @Karyathena : Then you ask the moderators to change it for you. We can help you if you post the model numbers of the old and new phones.

[Karyathena]

Sorry to keep bothering; the description of the phone says dual sim.

what if I need a new sim, how do I keep my number then?

[Anonymous]

 @Karyathena : The A71 should be fine. Post the exact SM-A... model number and we can verify it. That and the exact model of the Xperia for the SIM size.

[Karyathena]

Thanks!

[Karyathena]

Thanks so much; by compatible, do you mean with Public Mobile?

If so, does Public have a list of compatible phones?

[Anonymous]

 @Karyathena : Just remove the SIM from the old phone and put it in the new one. There may be a size difference. You can carefully snap the smaller size from the larger size. You would need those extra parts if you need to go larger.

That Samsung will have a program to transfer from the old phone to the new phone. It'll do it all wirelessly.

[computergeek541 · Accepted solution]

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@Karyathena wrote:

I want to buy a new, unlocked phone, I’m wondering how I change over and keep my phone number. Ive been with Public about three years, so I don’t remember setting up my phone and have limited tech experience, so this question may seem basic, but to me it seems complicated. I’m going from Sony Xperia To Samsung Galaxy A71, if that make a difference. Will also be looking for apps/ programs to transfer contacts, etc. If that’s allowed here. If not just the logistics of changing over and keeping my number.

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It's only a matter of making sure that the device that you buy is compatible and inserting your SIM card into it, at least when it comes to keeping your phone number.  edit/add: For transfering your contacts, you could sync them to and restore from your Google account.