Sony Xperia Play TP Hdmi Prototype model R800a

[hanzho]

I recently accquired myself a sony xperia play the TP Hdmi prototype model R800a. I'm confused so I hope someone can help me out. In settings option it states that the sony xperia play I have is the model R800a. It has a sim card slot. When I take out the back cover and battery, on the sticker it also shows that it's the model R800a. However when I connect it in flashtool it doesn't show that the model is a R800a, but just R800. Regardless if it's the model R800a or R800 would anyone know if I can unlock the device and use it to make phone calls and send text messages? I tried putting a sprint sim card in the phone and nothing happens. However when I took it to a wireless phone mobile shop, the sales personel took a GSM simcard and put it in the sony xperia play, and a screen pop up stating that I need to input an unlock code. This is my first time owning an android device and I'm really confused. The sony xperia play that I have has an HDMI connector on it, so i'm sure I have a prototype, because all the sony xperia plays that was released to carriers didn't have the HDMI connector on it. Because it's a prototype model does anyone know if I can even make calls and send text messages on it? Or do I simply just have a PSP-Go system like device on my hand? Please Help.

[Uliwooly]

@hanzho

This device its a GSM phone not CDMA, which means that it won't work with neither Sprint nor Verizon, it will work with AT&T and T-mobile, the a states that its the american version. With that said, the phone was probably locked to Rogers canada but its hard to tell. 

Indeed you have a developer unit

http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/02/does-this-xperia-play-have-hdmi-output/

It will be hard to tell if the phone its capable of making calls or if it was just a dev version to test games w/o radio 

[Uliwooly]

@hanzho

Test this 

open the phone app >  dial > *#*#7378423#*#* > wait > wait > service info > check the frequencies that its compatible with, firmware version, etc. 

[hanzho]

I typed in those number and in service info it doesn't really show anything, so at most I believe I have a developer model without the working radios.

[Uliwooly]

@hanzho

You just have to input those numbers not actually dialing 

[hanzho]

I punch in those numbers in the phone app and this is what I come up with as shown in the attach pictures. I'm not a tech-savy person, so I don't know what any of those information means. If you could maybe you can interpret them and tell me if it's possible for the device to make phone calls and send text messages on it.

[Uliwooly]

@hanzho

I can't see the pictures just yet, we have to wait for a moderator to approve them 

[hanzho]

can I have your email and email you the pictures directly?

[Uliwooly]

@hanzho

private info it's not allowed on the forum, but you could upload the pictures to box, dropbox, drive, etc and post the link here.

[psxpetey2]

Hey do you still have this ? I have one but the HDMI is malfunctioning and I need some help !  Also if you’d like to sell it let me know