Is This Samsung Galaxy S20+ Truely Brand New on eBay?

gy on 13/10/2023 - 16:47

Hi guys,

I am buying a mobile phone for an elderly relative who doesn't want to spend too much. Was planning to buy a Samsung A54, but recent deals have all expired. I saw many S20+ for sale on eBay for about the similar price as A54. It claims to be brand new, but can it be true for such an old phone? Here's an example: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/394784708713

I know it's an old phone, but it's still flagship and cheap. If it's really brand new, I might consider it. What's your opinion?

Thanks guys.

Mobile Mobile Phone Samsung Android

Comments

  • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 13/10/2023 - 17:00

    It's the USA model not the International model which is what should be sold in Australia.

    • AustriaBargain on 13/10/2023 - 17:02

      Does the US model lack the required frequencies or bands or whatever to work properly in Australia?

      • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 13/10/2023 - 17:04
        +1

        Didn't look to deep as to the frequencies, but would expect it to be somewhat limited for AU use, personally I wouldn't touch it and as Scrimshaw said there are other red flags.

        I'd also be dubious about the claim they are brand new.

  • scrimshaw on 13/10/2023 - 17:01
    +3

    If you take a look at their eBay profile https://www.ebay.com.au/fdbk/feedback_profile/gutentrading?f… and scroll through their feedback, you'll notice that the majority of their positive reviews were left by people buying fairly cheap items (i.e. none of them appear to be smartphones, or anything of particularly high value).

    e.g
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/394194269776
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/394028619192

    That's your first red flag.

    The second red flag is when you look through their listings you'll see there are some listed as coming from Hong Kong, Flanders (New Jersey in the US), Granville NSW and VIC. That makes their claim of (AU STOCK) on the S20 listing quite suspect, and without any IMEI number provided you don't really know if that phone was manufactured for the aussie market.

    SM-G986U is the code for the USA model too. The aussie model SM-G985FZAAXSA

  • Drakesy on 13/10/2023 - 18:14
    +1

    Get them an iphone xr/x/11 if you want to get something that'll last,

    IMHO elderly and iphones ease of use go hand in hand.

    • jackary on 14/10/2023 - 00:02
      +1

      I do tech support for seniors and this is 10,000% true. Android vs iOS debate aside, they are painfully simple to use. The only asterisk to this is if the elderly relative already has a Samsung. Makes sense to stick to what he/she already knows.

      I’d probably be looking at the 12 and above though, the ones you’ve mentioned will stop getting iOS updates pretty soon

  • bobokingdom on 13/10/2023 - 22:23
    +1

    Have you considered Samsung A34? Even it is a A series, it will be supported for a much longer time. S20+ will be out of software support soon and will not get Android 14. A34 will get at Android 15 and even 16. You should be able to find it at around $450.

  • gy on 15/10/2023 - 21:39

    Thanks guys! All valid points, I've decided not to buy.

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