GSM bands

[WingsGB]

Hi all,

Iv always had the latest iPhone but I have held of getting the iPhone 6. I have started to look for a new replacement smartphone and the Sony "Z" series is at the top of my list, I most probably will go for the Z3 compact depending on the results of this topic.

I have compared the two phones (Z3/compact) at great length but there isn't much in it atall, I have some unanswered questions though.

Under the GSM bands the Z3 has a lot more than the compact but also there are what looks to be different models. I'm in the UK now but in March I will be leaving for South America were I will be traveling through 15 countries before ending up in New Zealand. Will the phone be ok in these countries.

Under GPS I noticed the compact doesn't use Beidou, from searching is this just coverage for China?

Lastly what are the benefits of rooting a sony smartphone, is this like Jailbreak or is it mealy a way to unlock the phone from its carrier.

Thanks in advance

[Uliwooly · Accepted solution]

2G and 3G should work with all the countries as it has the same 

2G GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - D6603, D6643, D6653, D6616 3G bands.

3G HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - D6603, D6643, D6653, D6616

As for LTE that's more complicated

D6603 700/800/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2600 (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 20) 

D6643 700/800/850/900/1700/1800/1900/2100/2600 (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20) 

D6653 700 / 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 (Bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40)

D6616 700 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 (Bands 2, 4, 12)

You will have to check each countrie's network and check the LTE bands. But as you can see for the most part D6603 will be the best option.