Country Versions (Buyer Beware)

[Twotems]

Lately some websites have been promoting one day sales at great prices for the 4GB version of the Zenfone 2. Be careful which version you buy. I've copied this from Android Authority comments:

"China/India version. Do not buy unless you live in those countries. The Taiwan, Global and US versions are the ones everyone else should buy. All are pretty much globally compatible depending on your specific carrier. For example, the Taiwan version doesn't work on AT&T Band 17 LTE but works on other AT&T LTE bands. It works flawlessly on all T-Mobile USA LTE bands. All versions work worldwide on UMTS (3G/H+)."

[GizBeat]

Good point, and its often one that is missed by new overseas purchasers - That is, check frequencies.

Android authority is a bit off here, but thats understandable given this isn't the type of phone they usually deal with. You mentioned AT&T example, I'll also mention that the CN/IN version will work fine in countries besides just CN and India. Check carrier frequency before purchasing any phone.

It also should be mentioned that there's no MTK Americas LTE phones available yet, so the Zenfone 2 is no different in this regard. 3G is worldwide in all versions.

[Twotems]

I know it's covered in your review and clearly stated on most vendor websites but people still make the mistake. So I wanted to give it it's own thread since I've made the same mistake on Chinese brands. The 4GB model is in such high demand that many may grab whatever they can find without checking.

To be clear the Chinese and Indian versions will work everywhere, I'm referring only to the LTE frequencies for those models. In addition the Chinese version does not have GAPPS factory installed. Beware.

[GizBeat]

I agree, its good to have a specific thread reminding people of this.

Couple of notes, the Zenfone 2 comes from Gearbest with WW ROM and gapps installed. The latest rooted WW version can be easily flashed onto the CN/IN versions and is compatible with OTA updates. *This will not change available frequencies.

My point is that this is effectively no different than purchasing an MTK LTE phone for most Americans. And CN/IN *LTE* will work in areas other than just CN/IN. Always check carrier frequency before purchasing. With this phone especially if requiring LTE.

[GizBeat]

Also want to note, I'm in no way advocating purchasing a Zenfone 2 that doesn't have LTE for your region. If you can get one with LTE for your region, this is the way to go. @twotems has made an excellent point here regarding being careful when buying.

[EugeneR]

Hi.
Thanks for explanation, it is very helpful.
One question. You mentioned the TW version does not support AT&T LTE channel 17.
As far as I understand, this phone's Intel CPU supports them all. Is there anything that will make support for this channel possible? Will flashing of US firmware (as I understand the hardware for TW, US and WW is identical) make this possible?
Thanks!

[Twotems]

Hi.
Thanks for explanation, it is very helpful.
One question. You mentioned the TW version does not support AT&T LTE channel 17.
As far as I understand, this phone's Intel CPU supports them all. Is there anything that will make support for this channel possible? Will flashing of US firmware (as I understand the hardware for TW, US and WW is identical) make this possible?
Thanks!

Thanks. Unfortunately no. There is no way to swap firmware or anything else. Only the US version will work when it's available. If you live in an AT&T area that doesn't use Band 17 then you're ok, but that's doubtful since I understand they use that band extensively. I'm on T-mobile and have no issues. But I'm always on H+ because it's very fast anyway. I only use 4G when I need an extremely fast connection. LTE chews up bandwidth (not needed on standby) and eats up battery.