What is the difference between PTA approved phone and normal phone?

[ftb7007]

AoA,
I want to buy S9+ plus and there are 2 versions available at the market.
1) The PTA approved phone which will cost me around 98k.
2) Cell with no PTA approval will cost me 80k.

Can anyone please explain what actually is the difference between these 2 phones and why there is so much difference in the prices??

Thanks

[anon35615524]

W.S. PTA approved is the one which has been imported through legal channel and all the formalities have been completed. So definitely, the price is higher.

On the other hand, NON-PTA approved may be the one which has come here through Grey Import and all the legalities / formalities have not been completed. So, the price is lower.

Secondly, NON-PTA would most probably be, without any warranty. PTA approved set will definitely be with at least one year warranty.

These may be the differences in my opinion.

Now, Buying and using Non-PTA approved mobile phones might not be legal or Safe. For further details, one may have a look at main PTA website, or at least, following link:
https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/about-dirbs

I hope, it all helps. Thank you.

[Moderator]

This post was flagged by the community and is temporarily hidden.

[k-four-nine]

Non-PTA approved mobile phones might not be legal or Safe.

How come it won't be legal?

It's just a phone, not a Kalashnikov!

PTA approval means that the phone has been certified by the federal government and hence will work on "ALL" bands and frequencies supported by our local cellular carriers and like @Moderator said; the brand is also obliged to cover the warranties locally.

Cell with no PTA approval will cost me 80k.

The reason non PTA approved handsets are cheaper is because for PTA's approval; you need to import the phone legally and have to pay all applicable federal taxation and duties, which tend to hike the prices.

So, here are the risks:

1. Your phone 'might' not work on some networks (Before purchasing, check if the phone supports your network's LTE Bands).
2. You won't be able to claim the warranty from Samsung Pakistan. So, if you run into a problem; you'll have to ship the phone back to the seller; which is NOT recommended for obvious reasons!

[usman_arooq2]

Non-PTA approved phones will soon be blocked network access through DIRBS though those phones that have been activated (sim of some network inserted and powered on so IMEI is registered in record) before a particular time will continue to work.

And Non-PTA approved phones are legal only in the way if someone coming from abroad carries it into country as personal luggage, those that are selling through commercial channels are illegal as these should be detained at customs if PTA Approval documentation isn't provided.

[Moderator]

This post was flagged by the community and is temporarily hidden.

[usman_arooq2]

Well DIRBS system is becoming operational ain't it? so have biometric verification of SIMs. There are stages of implementation else the same people who criticize govt. for not being able to trace terrorists would be shocked that the iPhone their relative / friend sent from abroad didn't work on local phone networks.

[dakoon]

Hamesha Chawal baat hi karna . Pta non certified phone per sim block ho jae gi . Within 2 months of use .

[qwertypoiu]

Non pta phones will not be blocked.. just that user might be asked to pay tax on it.

Since its Samsung its best to buy pta approved one as it has local warranty.
Because other phones dont have warranty

[ftb7007]

Okay so explain me this, I have more than 100 relatives abroad and whenever they come back to palistan or send a cell phone(gift) to someone i have never seen any problem while using them! They are not PTA approved so why should someone be wasting 20k more on a warranty or whatever which is not even useful?

[anon35615524]

Bro, it was not the practice previously. It has just come into force this year (I think).
To me, price matters more than warranty! (If you take good care of your cellphone, it easily lasts more than 2-3 years). However, taxes / legal formalities should also not be evaded, and grey imports for commercial use must be strongly discouraged!

[pwuser151556960121]

it easily lasts more than 2-3 years). However, taxes / legal formalities should also not be evaded, and grey imports for commercial use must be strongly discouraged!

Right. I am using my Nokia N73 hone for more than a decade. Also, the Samsung Galaxy SIII phone that my dad gave as a gift about five years ago is still functional. Prices are climbing these days - cars, TVs, mobiles. I believe it's smart to try to stick to one's possession for a long time, and save for investment etc.

[capsat]

dial *#06# your device IMEI number will be displayed note it down.

send that IMEI number to 8484 - you will receive message of device compliance and device registration over PTA database.

that is all you need to do.

KIT, bootlegged & Stolen phones will be blocked after 20.10.2018

@HanifBhatti @Spano

[anon35615524]

Source of the news: https://www.express.com.pk/images/NP_ISB/20181014/Sub_Images/1105790834-1.jpg