iPhone 4 from overseas - what if it bricks?

[M@tthew]

I have friends coming from overseas in a few months. I was thinking of saving up (on my 3 student jobs i work) a d purchasing an iPhone 4 from the states.

What happens if this phone bricks?? (i mean hardware not software issues). My only concern with getting one from the states is if I need it sorted and it has no warranty in south africa?

Any input? I think the price it will be released over here is going to be too expensive.

 

[Vegeta]

With awesome android phones available locally for much cheaper like the HTC Desire, Sony Xperia X10, Samsung Galaxy S(if its available yet) etc
Why spend more and get less without a warranty?

I know with the iPhone 3 when it came out you couldn't just buy one in the US and use it here you needed special sims and unlocks and things. But i think i read somewhere that the iPhone 4 wont be like that.

I'm not saying android is better or worse i'm just saying its a much cheaper local alternative no?
Btw how much will it be to get it here all inclusive?

 

[M@tthew]

Not sure on import tax, but the 16gb 4G is $599 = 4*352,60 excl tax

 

[Vegeta]

Not sure on import tax, but the 16gb 4G is $599 = 4*352,60 excl tax

Well if thats the price and a buddy brings it for you so you'll have no shipping or import duty then its cheap! Screw the warranty just send is to the US if you have hardware problems which shouldn't happen these days bar the reception thing which apple has given the middle finger.

I do think you're going to have to jailbreak to use it here but i'm no expert.

 

[MikeCTZA]

I have friends coming from overseas in a few months. I was thinking of saving up (on my 3 student jobs i work) a d purchasing an iPhone 4 from the states.
What happens if this phone bricks?? (i mean hardware not software issues). My only concern with getting one from the states is if I need it sorted and it has no warranty in south africa?
Any input? I think the price it will be released over here is going to be too expensive.

I would be reluctant to get one from US as they are ALL (if someone says it isn't then they are wrong, even if you buy the phone outright, ie not on contract, it is still network locked) AT&T network locked and you are then reliant on the JailBreak and Unlock, which are both out and work, but for how long ..... probably until there is a new iOS update and then the cat and mouse game starts all over.
Vodacom won't touch the device if it isn't bought locally so if you have a hardware issue you are screwed.
I know people who have got iPhone4's from UK and are willing to take the risk.
Yes, I agree the price here is going to be high .... sigh .... my contract comes for renewal in Dec so that is when I start seeing what route I will take to get one.

 

[Synaesthesia]

There is now a carrier unlock for the iPhone 4.

But I highly suggest you get your iPhone 4 from a country which sells them unlocked already, NOT the USA.

If you get it from the UK, Europe, Hong Kong, or any of the many countries which sell them unlocked you can be certain it will never be bricked. (which can happen potentially during unlocking). As for hardware going wrong, I don't know.

 

[rapidblue]

True, DON'T GET ONE FROM THE STATES!!!
I ordered my iPhone 4 16GB online in Australia (unlocked) over the weekend. Works out to about R5700 It's shipping to my mom's house there and I'll collect it when I head down the end of the month
(Ordered an iPad too - he he)

 

[DuckieZA]

I would be reluctant to get one from US as they are ALL (if someone says it isn't then they are wrong, even if you buy the phone outright, ie not on contract, it is still network locked) AT&T network locked and you are then reliant on the JailBreak and Unlock, which are both out and work, but for how long ..... probably until there is a new iOS update and then the cat and mouse game starts all over.
Vodacom won't touch the device if it isn't bought locally so if you have a hardware issue you are screwed.
I know people who have got iPhone4's from UK and are willing to take the risk.
Yes, I agree the price here is going to be high .... sigh .... my contract comes for renewal in Dec so that is when I start seeing what route I will take to get one.

Little risk on the UK ones, they are sold unlocked.

However, if they break you may have issues getting them fixed, although I have heard that Core Group are obligated to fix Apple gear provided you bought it from a recognised Apple store/reseller overseas.

Stay AWAY from US iPhones, they are *ALL* network locked, even if you pay full (non-contract) price.