The model I’m seeking is cheaper in my home country. Would it be usable without any issue? Is there anything to check before buying? It’s a Samsung and I don’t care about the camera sound in Japan. I already have my Japanese SIM and subscription.
Probably no. I’m no pro but I can tell you that this is way too unspecific to get a better answer from a real one.
You won’t be able to use mobile Suica. Also check band compatibility.
Yeah I use my overseas iPhone no probs here. Everything works. Same with Apple Watch.
Depends. You need to look up the exact model of the phone. Not the “brand model” like S12 or whatever, but the reference model of the specific phone. Then cross check that with the bands it can use with Japan’s wireless bands.
In short, Samsung has never had a good foothold in Japan and very few models are compatible here. They make things far worse because of chip differences and country differences. Even further, they could only allow for specific bands, like AU’s frequencies because they sell Samsung phones. Other brands like Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, and Chinese phones use as many wireless bands as possible to simplify selling international. For this reason, iPhones have the greatest foothold in Japan because they’ve always have been able to be used here.
Iphone, yes. Android is hit or miss. As per other answers you’ll need to verify wireless bands.
My UK Samsung works fine on a DoCoMo SIM. I miss out on seifukeitai (not a problem) and a few bands but it works for me. I’ve never understood the camera sound issue – you take a picture and it makes a sound or it doesn’t. Who cares?
If you use Docomo line, you might experience signal loss in country side because of Japan specific frequencies being used, Au is even worst. If you use Softbank related line it would be much better.
7 comments
Probably no. I’m no pro but I can tell you that this is way too unspecific to get a better answer from a real one.
You won’t be able to use mobile Suica. Also check band compatibility.
Yeah I use my overseas iPhone no probs here. Everything works. Same with Apple Watch.
Depends. You need to look up the exact model of the phone. Not the “brand model” like S12 or whatever, but the reference model of the specific phone. Then cross check that with the bands it can use with Japan’s wireless bands.
In short, Samsung has never had a good foothold in Japan and very few models are compatible here. They make things far worse because of chip differences and country differences. Even further, they could only allow for specific bands, like AU’s frequencies because they sell Samsung phones. Other brands like Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, and Chinese phones use as many wireless bands as possible to simplify selling international. For this reason, iPhones have the greatest foothold in Japan because they’ve always have been able to be used here.
Iphone, yes.
Android is hit or miss. As per other answers you’ll need to verify wireless bands.
My UK Samsung works fine on a DoCoMo SIM. I miss out on seifukeitai (not a problem) and a few bands but it works for me. I’ve never understood the camera sound issue – you take a picture and it makes a sound or it doesn’t. Who cares?
If you use Docomo line, you might experience signal loss in country side because of Japan specific frequencies being used, Au is even worst. If you use Softbank related line it would be much better.