Any computer or tech guys here?

Question for you guys. I ordered a Samsung Galaxy Tab A Wi-fi only tablet from Amazon. When it arrived, it was the international version. Can someone explain what that means when it comes to wifi tablets. I am considering returning it and trying to find a seller that has the US version. The description did not state that it was the international version.

 

Are you sure it’s wifi only? I see that tablet listed as wifi + GSM. My guess is that the wifi is the same (802.11n) and it uses different LTE bands with GSM on a cellular connection.

 

It is the SM-T510 10.1 inch and should be wifi only. It came with the European wall plug.

 

If it’s indeed WiFi only you should be good on the tablet itself. However the charging plug is 220 and you would need to source a US charging plug.

 

I’m unable to pull up the manual on my phone, but it’s most likely just the plug. The DC input should be the same as it wouldn't make sense to make them different other than the AC adapter.

 

I have a charging plug from my previous tablet (US version of the same model). I was trying to replace it due to a digitizer crack. It just passes me off that Amazon listed it incorrectly. What is the difference between the US and international version?

 

The differences should be in charging cable and cellular communication (if applicable). WiFi standards are global. You may also see some differences in default apps, default settingS and such, but not sure. The mistake could be with the vendor who is actually selling it and Amazon is simply fulfilling the orders.

 

You might see a variation in the ROM installed and what apps come preloaded. The charging plug will be different, but the USB power to the actual tablet is standard. As others have said, in cellular versions the LTE bands supported would differ, but WiFi is universal. You may also find it easier to root the ROM on the international version, if you’re into running custom ROMs, though it’s been 6 years or so since I really followed that scene

 

The old tablet is still operational. Should I just compare them screen by screen? Now i dont know if I should return it or not.

 

I did just send a message to the Amazon seller as well stating what I received.

 

Sounds like you're fine. Why return it?

 

Was it supposed to be new? Or used? One concern with the international version in the US if it is new and you're expecting a warranty is that it may not have a valid warranty.

They used to call those "grey market" devices. Someone would import devices from other countries because they were cheaper there (or a more favorable exchange rate) and sell them in US at a lower price, but then the manufacturer wouldn't honor the warranty due to it not being intended to be sold in US.

 

Wireless LAN radio channels are different between the USA and Europe. There should be a setting for the locality (this should be set for US in your case).

 

I think international version has Samsung chip. And US version has Qualcomm chip. If it’s WiFi you should be ok as the standards are global. LTE version will have different bands enabled depending upon the region.

 

Yes it was supposed to be new. My concern was the differences between software, hardware, software updates, etc.

 

Sellers reply. I just emailed back and asked what the difference is between the 2 versions to see what he says.

 

Was that Prime? Send it back. That’s a b.s. answer from the seller.

And, you won’t know ‘til you activate it if it had functionality differences. An “easy” example that could screw you up would be language. Start that up and it’s something you don’t recognize, and supposed to be read right to left, what will you do?

All my in-laws are English so I’ve several trips over the years. It’s difficult to buy anything there and have it be a direct substitute for anything here... and they speak the same language! Blankets are different sizes; power 220 vs. 110; CD’s from there won’t play here (I know that’s not a good tech comparison, but it’s to show the point: it may be more different than you think).

 

Oh yeah, I forgot that they read from right to left in England.

 

I meant languages non “Classical” based languages.

 

Yeah, I know. I was just thinking that if it's in another language, the direction its read will be the least of his problems!

 

Seller messaged back and said only difference is charging plug and warranty I may send it back anyway. I can order the US version through the base exchange.