14 DAY TRIAL // We reported earlier today that Samsung Galaxy S5 should be available for purchase in 125 countries beginning April 11. Well, it looks like the South Korean company can’t fulfill all orders and some UK-based retailers have been informed that the handset will not be arriving today, as previously announced.
According to Clove UK, “stock was expected to arrive from Samsung and begin shipping today. However Samsung have delayed the arrival of the SIM free stock to online retailers including Clove Technology.”
This means that those who wish to purchase a SIM-free Galaxy S5 should try at the nearest Samsung Store and hope the smartphone has been stocked.
Even more bad news is the fact that Samsung did not mention when exactly UK online retailers can expect to receive the first batch of SIM-free Galaxy S5 units.
Clove UK claims they have been told that the first devices may arrive next week, but a clear date hasn’t been specified: “at this time we do not have a confirmed arrival date for the stock, but have been told we can expect units next week – week commencing April 14.
“Due to the unfortunate turn of events “any order placed with Clove will not be shipping today and will do so when stock arrive.” Other online retailers may be in the same boat, so ask around before making your purchase.
The safest place to shop for the SIM-free Galaxy S5 today would be the brick and mortar stores of some UK-based retailers that haven’t been hit by this delay, but for the moment we do not know which ones have been able to stock the product.
In the same piece of news, keep in mind that Samsung Galaxy S5 is subject to region lock, so make sure you get the right model. Here is what the label on the UK version of the phone’s package says:
“European Model: This product should be activated with a SIM card issued from a mobile operator within Europe. (as defined EU/EEA, Switzerland and the following Non-EEA countries Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M), Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino, Serbia and Vatican City.)
“To use SIM cards from other regions, a cumulative call over five minutes must first be made with the SIM card from European operators.”
Even if you buy a region-locked Galaxy S5 unit that doesn’t match your country, you will still be able to use the phone if you remove it. Stay tuned for more details on the Galaxy S5’s delay.