Yup but it's technically not an Alcatel. This particular model is manufactured by a different subsidiary of TCL to the one that manufactures the Alcatel/One-Touch line of handsets (TCL owns the Alcatel/One-Touch brand for phones).
TCT Mobile International manufactures the Smart Prime, so the IMEI numbers aren't included in the TCL/Alcatel unlock database.
Handsets that have "TCL" written on the label are usually easy and cheap to unlock using a generic Alcatel unlocking service. "TCT" handsets are very difficult to unlock without getting the unlock code directly from the network.
chancooluk
10 Apr 164#11
I work in the mobile phone industry, and have some contacts at Alcatel/TCL.
TCL/TCT/Alcatel handsets are all manufactured in the same plants by the same people (which is why the Smart Prime looks just like a generic Alcatel phone), it's just that the handsets are processed differently, which means separate unlocking databases are used.
Good price. These can be a pain to unlock though. Codes are available on eBay, but they often fail for this model, requiring a 30-60 day wait for the IMEI to be added to the unlock database.
seaniboy to chancooluk
9 Apr 16#3
Unusual for a Alcatel that, cheers though, handy for others to consider :smiley:
Funsam to chancooluk
10 Apr 16#12
you can get unlocked direct from vodaphone for a few pounds more and guaranteed to work.
master10 to chancooluk
11 Apr 16#18
Had a few of these unlocked in a few mins at local mobile shop. No problems whatsoever.
kkthomask
9 Apr 16#4
£9.99-£10.99 to unlock though
YouDontWantToKnow
9 Apr 16#5
Hot
If you live/work in a good vodafone area then why not?
chancooluk
9 Apr 165#6
Yup but it's technically not an Alcatel. This particular model is manufactured by a different subsidiary of TCL to the one that manufactures the Alcatel/One-Touch line of handsets (TCL owns the Alcatel/One-Touch brand for phones).
TCT Mobile International manufactures the Smart Prime, so the IMEI numbers aren't included in the TCL/Alcatel unlock database.
Handsets that have "TCL" written on the label are usually easy and cheap to unlock using a generic Alcatel unlocking service. "TCT" handsets are very difficult to unlock without getting the unlock code directly from the network.
seaniboy
9 Apr 16#7
Damn Voda!
raj75
10 Apr 16#8
Wow.. How do you know this?.. Very Good Info.
Does TCT also do the Smart Turbo, another one difficult to unlock?.
seaniboy
10 Apr 16#9
TCT own the Alcatel mobile brand rights for a few more years.
little_green
10 Apr 16#10
Wanted t9 get this but nightmarebto unlock think has to be donw by voda themselvesu need 20 xredit and an active used sim for 60 days
chancooluk
10 Apr 164#11
I work in the mobile phone industry, and have some contacts at Alcatel/TCL.
TCL/TCT/Alcatel handsets are all manufactured in the same plants by the same people (which is why the Smart Prime looks just like a generic Alcatel phone), it's just that the handsets are processed differently, which means separate unlocking databases are used.
The Smart 4 Turbo is manufactured by "Yulong".
little_green
10 Apr 16#13
20 pounds in the form of credit and need to have an active SIM for 60 days... At least according to their site as I was looking at getting this
seaniboy
10 Apr 16#14
V have been quite flexible in dropping the 60 days where no signal at home exists, obviously to buy a V handset you cannot return as no V signal is damaging and they do allow the unlock without set period :wink:
little_green
10 Apr 16#15
Pretty sure they can quite easily check network coverage though and would know I'm lying. I live in a city with pretty good coverage on most networks
seaniboy
10 Apr 16#16
Coverage maps are not indoor, only indicative of outdoor.
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Top comments
TCT Mobile International manufactures the Smart Prime, so the IMEI numbers aren't included in the TCL/Alcatel unlock database.
Handsets that have "TCL" written on the label are usually easy and cheap to unlock using a generic Alcatel unlocking service. "TCT" handsets are very difficult to unlock without getting the unlock code directly from the network.
TCL/TCT/Alcatel handsets are all manufactured in the same plants by the same people (which is why the Smart Prime looks just like a generic Alcatel phone), it's just that the handsets are processed differently, which means separate unlocking databases are used.
The Smart 4 Turbo is manufactured by "Yulong".
All comments (18)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00XJRHP18/ref=twister_B00XRPI4LW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you live/work in a good vodafone area then why not?
TCT Mobile International manufactures the Smart Prime, so the IMEI numbers aren't included in the TCL/Alcatel unlock database.
Handsets that have "TCL" written on the label are usually easy and cheap to unlock using a generic Alcatel unlocking service. "TCT" handsets are very difficult to unlock without getting the unlock code directly from the network.
Does TCT also do the Smart Turbo, another one difficult to unlock?.
TCL/TCT/Alcatel handsets are all manufactured in the same plants by the same people (which is why the Smart Prime looks just like a generic Alcatel phone), it's just that the handsets are processed differently, which means separate unlocking databases are used.
The Smart 4 Turbo is manufactured by "Yulong".