Telkom Mobile - Samsung A5 2017 dual sim?

[JJRM]

So I went into a Telkom Mobile store today and the consultant assured me that their Samsung A5 2017 is dual sim. Can anyone verify this?

I'm moving over from a Huawei Mate 7 dual sim. Also noticed that gsmarena describes the A5 as dual standby while the Mate 7 is dual active. Can anyone explain the implications?

 

[V1985]

I did a google search for what you are enquiring about and received the below explanation between dual stand by and dual active.

"The two major types of dual-SIM phones are active and standby. Dual-SIM Standby (DSS) requires the user to specify which of the two SIMs is able to make and receive calls, while Dual-SIM Active (DSA) enables both cards to receive calls at the same time."

The Samsung A5 is a dual sim mobile device and you will need to specify which sim card to use.
The Huawei Mate 7 is also a dual sim mobile device and both sim cards remain active to receive calls.

 

[JJRM]

I wish the Telkom Mobile staff knew what they were talking about. The demo device in the shop doesn't show any indication of being a dual sim device. Very skeptical to go ahead with this.

 

[JJRM]

Just an update for those who see this post in the future. The Samsung A5 (2017) sold through Telkom Mobile is NOT the dual sim version. Confirmed it by checking out the demo in store and by checking with Telkom online agent

 

[Yasheev]

FYI - the highest spec Samsung dual sim in SA is the J7 Prime, the only phone capable of taking 2 sims plus an sd card and its the only samsung dual sim compatible with the gear s and above watches that is officially local.

i chatted to samsung staff as well as many of the isp managers and they state that samsung will not be importing dual sim phones for their stores. apparently if you want two sim contracts from different isps then you must buy 2 phones and also they dont want us to get the best deal of data and voice and be able to put them on one device. we are falling behind as a most of the world support dual and multi sim phones with the new e-sim that is being adopted i believe you can have almost 10 contract on 1 phone.

if anyone knows an importer of dual sim high end let me know as i am looking for the Samsung a7 2017 dual sim and the a9 pro dual sim urgently

 

[bob.26]

Lots of dual SIM devices here https://www.connecteddevices.co.za/ with some warranty too. I have not used them before.

I just ordered a OnePlus 3T through Aliexpress, there is a forum thread about the details. Much cheaper than using anyone locally.

It is sad that the mobile industry here is purposely keeping customers away from such conveniences to access cheaper communication services.

 

[nemo415]

I don't mean to derail the thread, but if your problem statement is that you are looking for a dual sim phone, and aim to score with cheap data and use your existing sim card alongside it, then consider a Xiaomi device from Afrihost.

 

[JJRM]

My reason for wanting dual sim is really only for separate business and personal numbers. Cheap data is a bonus but not my main reason.