Which unlocked models will work on Verizon?

[Mike20878]

I'm not eligible for upgrade yet so I want to get an unlocked S3 (recommended by VZW store associate).  Which models will work on Verizon's network?  I heard that international versions will work but from what I saw they don't support the 4G LTE network (GT-i9300).  Am I stuck only looking at SCH-i535 models?  Is the i9305 an international model?

Thanks.

[Ann154 · Accepted solution]

For the Galaxy S3, you need to purchase a Verizon Wireless branded model to be able to activate it on their network.

[cfitz]

Verizon is CDMA. GSM is for AT&T and Sprint, just remember GSM is for sim card which is what AT&T and Sprint use.

[Mike20878]

I'm confused. Verizon uses a SIM card too.

Sent from my iPad

[Ann154]

Mike20878 wrote:

I'm confused.  Verizon uses a SIM card too.

Sent from my iPad

The SIM card in Verizon Wireless phone are used to access their 4G LTE network. This is a GSM based network. However they still use CDMA for their voice network. Therefore the phone has to be certified by Verizon Wireless to be allowed to work on their network. The two technologies (GSM & CDMA) are incompatible.

As long as you purchase a Verizon Wireless branded device with a clean ESN, you can activate it on Verizon Wireless.

[Mike20878]

Ok, so it looks like I'm limited to the i535 then.

Thanks.

[breezex]

Ann just provided a good answer.  I'm confused why a Verizon Rep would recommend an unlocked GS3.  Did he mean a SIM unlocked SCH-i535 so that you can use it internationally for voice by installing a non-North American SIM?   Even with a global SIM use of non-Verizon data/internet connections may not (will not) be possible without modifying the phone in ways not discussed here.  Yes, the i9305 is an international model and will not work on Verizon's network.

Bottom line: If you want a GS3 and want it to work on Verizon's wireless network, then buy a Verizon branded SCH-i535.

[Mike20878]

Well, he wasn't specific at all, unfortunately. I'm not eligible for

upgrade yet and the full price at Verizon is way too expensive. So he

recommended looking for an unlocked version online. My current Motorola

Razr Maxx is horrible and out of warranty. I just got a refund through

Amex's extended warranty program.

[budone]

Tmobile , not Sprint