Chinese phone and carrier compatibility - USA - General Topics

Okay to kick things off this thread is specifically for Chinese Android phones, please leave popular phones (Nexus 4) as well as Huawei out of it.
I've been looking into Chinese phones and they're awesome. Great specs at a third of the cost. But as you may know most Chinese phones will not have working 3G with US carriers.
What I'm looking to do is make a list of phones that will have working 3G with US carriers.
So let's establish what carriers allow you to bring your own unlocked phone. So far I only know of Simple Mobile and T Mobile. PLEASE tell us what other carriers let you used unlocked phones and what bands they use.
These phones are VERY rare and VERY hard to find, that's why I'm here. I want other people to be able to share their work and hopefully save some time for those interested.
So this is about how you should post:
Blu Quattro 5.7 HD - $340 - Compatible with Simple Mobile and most other carriers (850/900/1700/1900/2100)
Blu Quattro 4.5 HD - $339 - Compatible with Simple Mobile and most other carriers (850/900/1700/1900/2100)
Blu Quattro 4.5 - $225 - Compatible with Simple Mobile and most other carriers (850/900/1700/1900/2100)
Meizu MX (dual core) - $270 - Compatible with Simple Mobile and most other carriers (850/900/1700/1900/2100)
Meizu MX 4 core - $355 - Compatible with Simple Mobile and most other carriers (850/900/1700/1900/2100)
Oppo Find 5 - $500 - Compatible with Simple Mobile and most other carriers (850/1700/1900/2100)
Alcatel One Touch Scribe X - $??? - Apparently released but I can't find it online? - Compatible with Simple Mobile and most other carriers (850/900/1700/1900/2100)
I have links to all these phones that include full specs but can not post them as I am a noob! Aggravating to say the least. But if you're curious about them I can point you in the right direction.
There are many other phones that offer more than just the 850/2100 combo but as I don't know what carriers use what (yet) I haven't bothered to post them.
Please help build the list guys! So many great phones being overlooked simply because it's a real pain to find out about them.

I think this thread definitely deserves a bump, I've just started peeking into the fascinating world of Chinese phones and it'd really help to know which ones have been tested on US networks.

Yes, I am another who is interested. But not only are the specs important. Any verifiable evidence that any Chinese phone works on 3G and 4G bands. I am also interested in T-Mobile which utilizes 1700, 1900 & 2100.

Related

Is there a reason why HTC is developing 2 band HSDPA devices and triband?

Hi,
I made a search on the website and couldn't find anything related to the question abve. I am wondering why HTC is developing two band HSDPA devices as opposed to triband ones? It makes sense to have them world phone and not targeting certain areas!!! anyone can help on this. I sincerely apologize if this was discussed but I couldn't find anything about it. If it has been discussed, I apologize for doubling the effort/.
Thanks,
Gilbert
A reason why - this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands
Hi. Many thanks for your reply. I saw the chart but since I am not a techy, are you able to please tell me plain English what this all means? If I get it right, I see comapnies producing devices that are worldwide HSDPA ready but for some reason, HTC has been developing their recent devices to be targetted HSDPA. I know the chart explains the difference in frequency but why can't they cater to all of the bands in one device? Kaiser was worldwide for example. hwat happened apart from the introduction of 1700 band?
Thanks,
Gilbert
it' all about greed!
they want to sell it wholesale to bestbuy or wireless carriers and to make them happy!
Yes I think so. But can you image what a killer phone the HTC HD would be (the new one with a long screen similar to the iphone screen) with quad or tri band hsdpa!! these people at htc are really dumb to think narrow. In my opinion, even if i was living in Asia or Europe and I travel alot I would have a hesitation to buy it when I cannot make use of the technology when I am in USA or Canada. Simply not business friendly.
Gilbert
i lost all interests on touch hd after they annonced with no usa 3g! buy sony x1 !
htc wont give u everything at once! else what they have left to sell you in the future?

Choosing i9000 or I897 variant - Features

Hello,
I'm a probably future owner of an i897 but I have some questions about the hardware and models variations
I like in Brazil and my 3G carrier use 2100 MHZ (Where I live) and 850 MHz on other states (3g on Roaming). I have an unlimited data plan, but with a max speed of 300 kbps (so far).
I'm looking for the best GSM android phone: Fast processor, huge screen (4" or bigger), big resolution (at least 800 x 480), TV output, Wi-Fi, Internet tethering, GPS. All roads lead to I9000 or i897.
At first I thought choose the i897, because it uses both 850 MHz and 2100 MHz, so I'll have 3g anywhere in Brazil. BUT and you can see my data plan have a speed limit of 300kbps, so I don't know if I'll use the full potential of 3G, at least for now. Eventually I'll upgrade my data plan to a 1 MBPS plan.
I can also get i9000 but it will work only in few states. Probably it work for one year (As I don't intend to travel too much in the next year), but after one year I can change my carrier and some carriers here only use 850 MHZ 3G. So choosing the i9000 I will narrow my future options.
What I trying to ask (or answer) is whether is better to have an i897 with full country 3G BUT with an extremely "locked" firmware of if I should get the i9000 with a better firmware option but with restricted 3G (3G with 70% coverage).
In order to answer that I have other 'sub-questions':
1) Does i897 have the FM radio hardware? Would a future firmware/ROM update enable it?
2) Does i897 GPS works (I recall AT&T Blocking GPS on blackberry phones)
3) I saw some comments (other phones) that some ROMs messed up with 3G band. The 3G frequency is a hardware or software configuration?
4) Some sellers are already selling, here in Brazil, unlocked i897 phones. Is possible to unlock the phone but a ROM update or I'll have to pay for unlock codes?
5) Which other features AT&T decided to lock (Removed from their ROM) on this phone?
6) Is there an I9000 variant with front facing camera?
5) One very important question: Aside from Droid x (which is not GSM) and HTC evo (which also if not a GSM phone) is the Samsung i897/i9000 the best android phone available?
I also thought about getting a Motorola XT720 but it is only US$ 50 cheaper and have a slower processor and no 850 MHZ 3G. Also thought about the HTC Desire (A8183 Australian model that have both 850 and 2100
MHZ 3G) but so far I find the i897 the best option (although I would love having front facing camera that the Desire have).
Any other options?
Thanks
Jose Morais
In answer to your question(s), the phone you want is the best one for you ...
1. No, the i897 is not supporting an FM radio at this time, and I'm not sure if the hardware is present as I refuse to open my phone to look. AT&T's specifications page does not list FM radio as a feature either, but that doesn't mean its not there and disabled.
2. Yes the GPS works, it is spotty for some and Samsung has admitted to there being an issue that will be resolved by an upcomming OTA update.
3. (For WM Phones): It's not so much the ROM as it is the Radio software, which may, or may not, be changed in the ROM. Different versions of the radio software can improve performance for some and worsen it for others. I'm am not sure how the radio software is handled by an Android device, as this is the first one I've owned, but I imagine is is very similar. Just be aware of what you are doing, and how to undo it if something is amiss.
4. There is a thread on this board about unlocking the i897, and as of my last reading yesterday, there is no known way to unlock this phone...yet. There was even a report of someone selling "unlocked" i897 phones on e-bay, which were
later found to be firmly SIM locked. I would advise you read that thread, and be very aware of what you are buying if someone is advertising an unlocked i897.
5. AT&T has blocked (or tried to anyway) non-market apps from installing, and WiFi tethering apps from displaying in the android marketplace. There are work arounds for all of this already.
6. Yes, the are Galaxy S phones with FFC. Not sure if any of them are GSM. Keep in mind that transmitting live video is bandwidth intensive and your plan, and upload speed, may not be robust enough to handle it. On that note, I can find no data that either supports or denies this phone having HSUPA capability which would go a long way towards being able to use a FFC as intended.
7. Your last question is entirely subjective to perspective and intended use.
Were I you I would get the phone that most suits my needs and my HOME network. You may want to wait a bit and see what pans out with this phone.
In Brazil the i897 should not currently be an option you should consider until AT&T has made a definitive decision about unlocking the phones, or a third party solution is possible. The Samsung Galaxy S platform is going to be releases in 110 countries. Brazil being probably one of the bigger cell phone markets, is going to get a variant of the Galaxy S lineup in the near future, you best option will be to wait on a phone like this to be released and then pick it up.
Battlehymn,
Thanks for the answers. I have an expectation when using my phone and now I'm trying to find which phones can fullfill this expectation. That's why sometimes the phone that I (think) want may not be the best for me. I hope i897 will the "the one".
I also think it's the best to think about a phone that will work with 3G on my home state. I897 will work, but as well as i9000. Maybe the best option, as you sugested, is to wait a little to see how i897 works in terms or ROM and unlock.
@rajendra82
Sure. My carrier will start selling the i897 here in few months, but I don't really want to buy it here: An iphone 3GS 16GB brought in a store cost around 3.000 Brazilian reais (around US$ 1,650) while it can be purchased for US$ 400 in the US. I asked a friend of mine to bring me a US phone but I have up to next week to decide which one he should buy.
Thanks
don't buy the captivate if you don't have att you'll be dissapointed because it won't work!
get something that does, if you must get an android device, the nexus 1 with the ATT bands (I think thats what you're looking for?) is you're best bet. they're still available online at places but you are most definitely running out of time
Telstra in Australia run on 850/2100 3G, and I'm pretty sure some networks in Canada do aswell. Keep an eye on on those carriers for a compatible Galaxy S to be released soon.
Major Clod said:
Telstra in Australia run on 850/2100 3G, and I'm pretty sure some networks in Canada do aswell. Keep an eye on on those carriers for a compatible Galaxy S to be released soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a friend of mine that will travel to US next on august 13th, so I decide which phone I'll bet before he leaves. I don't think there will be Telstra ou Canada versions of the i9000 by than. Will have to decide about buying I9000, i897 or HTC Desire in the next two weeks...

Chinese Phone Thread

I have gotten fascinated by several Chinese phones lately, and plan to own one with Straighttalk or simpletalk soon.
I want to use this thread discussing the top Chinese phones by price/budget. I have added some names below - please suggest more. I also intend to put the supported bands, so people looking to use it on specific carriers will have best luck with these phones.
(Copied from a different thread For AT&T, the band is 850/1900 MHz for both GSM and WCDMA 3G. For T-Mobile 850/1900 MHz GSM and 1700 MHz for WCDMA 3G. If your phone is WCDMA 900/2100, 3G will not work for both AT&T and T-mobile. You must have at least one band that matches with your network. For best 3G coverage, both bands must be supported by the phone.
For under $200
Jiayu G3 - not yet release - MTK6577 chipset, 1GB RAM, Android 4.1
Star ule v12 - MTK6577 chipset, 512MB RAM, Android 4.0.3
HDC Star One - MTK 6577 chipset, 512MB RAM, Android 4.0.3
For over $200
Meizu M2
Good places to buy
AliExpress.com
DHGate.com
365Gate.com
FastCardTech.com
walletless said:
I have gotten fascinated by several Chinese phones lately, and plan to own one with Straighttalk or simpletalk soon.
....
Good places to buy
AliExpress.com
DHGate.com
365Gate.com
FastCardTech.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, did you ever get any of the chinese phones? If so, wher did you buy your phone?
I'm fairly settled on the upcoming 1GB RAM version of G2, but I'm having trouble deciding where to actually make the purchase. I've been in talks with etotalk, and while they don't seem to be out to scam people, it has become apparent that specs on pre-release devices are totally unreliable and should be triple-checked with their salespeople prior to purchase.
On XDA, it's apparent that FCT has some very bad rep and only people with single-digit post-count come to their defense. (Yeah.. totally trustworthy. )
So, have you any experience to share?
I wouldn't trust my money with those phones it's much better to save up and buy an official, 'real' phone for the security and support
jman2131 said:
I wouldn't trust my money with those phones it's much better to save up and buy an official, 'real' phone for the security and support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jman, you're entitled to your opinion. I value your input. I'm not looking at the chinese phones because of the money, and would in fact gladly pay up to twice their price if they were on purchase here, with EU-mandated consumer protection and warranties.
The reason I'm looking at them is because I have looked at the offerings from the brands established-in-the-western-world and they're all pathetic. Show me a dual-core dual-SIM phone with screen no larger than 4.0", and a battery with a capacity at least 1.7 Ah.
Goophone Y5, soon launching Goophone I5 are great. Also S3 clones are quite trustworthy.
johhu12 said:
Goophone Y5, soon launching Goophone I5 are great. Also S3 clones are quite trustworthy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Joh, thanks for the suggestions, but I'm asking about which e-shop to choose. Have you made a purchase at any?

[Q] top dual sim phones on XDA

hi
Some of the Samsung lead phones have excellent support here on XDA... I have a GSII etc...
I was wondering which of the "dual sim" phones have almost equally excellent support on the forum here.
I admit dual sim phones are not available every where, and also as not as popular..
BUT I still have the question....
I would like to buy a dual-sim phone which I can easily install a custom rom, and a custom kernel...
G
ghatothkach said:
hi
Some of the Samsung lead phones have excellent support here on XDA... I have a GSII etc...
I was wondering which of the "dual sim" phones have almost equally excellent support on the forum here.
I admit dual sim phones are not available every where, and also as not as popular..
BUT I still have the question....
I would like to buy a dual-sim phone which I can easily install a custom rom, and a custom kernel...
G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple. Non. Dual sim phones are still too rare and not supported by any of the major US carriers. No Dual Sim phones have any real support here.
zelendel said:
Simple. Non. Dual sim phones are still too rare and not supported by any of the major US carriers. No Dual Sim phones have any real support here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought there were a number of folks here from Europe India and China here...
I guess its a common idea in those countries to use a dual sim phone, where one sim is your
personal sim and the other on is provided by your workplace/job...
Which is why Samsung/HTC and alll the major players have dual-sim or multi-sim phones...
G
Oh there are. Many of our greatest developers are in Europe but very few use dual similar phones. No one has picked up development for them so they never get a forum. XDA is a US based site so I think that is why we see less of this really.
Wayne Tech S-III
zelendel said:
Simple. Non. Dual sim phones are still too rare and not supported by any of the major US carriers. No Dual Sim phones have any real support here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
interestingly the Galasy SII-i9100 is NOT a US phone....
yet it has so much support on the forum here
the same goes for the Galaxy Note-II i7100 and various other phones which are not really US phones...
My next upgrade will be the S4, but I want the Exonys version, which wont be available here in the US and may be not in Europe too...
I wish T-moble with its new plans brings the Exonys version here, but thats still a dream...
Dont know if that is a problem or Qualcomm is blackmailing Samsung with Patents in not selling the Exonys here...
Samsung went head-head with Apple, but I bet they dont want to do that with Qualcomm..
G
ghatothkach said:
interestingly the Galasy SII-i9100 is NOT a US phone....
yet it has so much support on the forum here
the same goes for the Galaxy Note-II i7100 and various other phones which are not really US phones...
My next upgrade will be the S4, but I want the Exonys version, which wont be available here in the US and may be not in Europe too...
I wish T-moble with its new plans brings the Exonys version here, but thats still a dream...
Dont know if that is a problem or Qualcomm is blackmailing Samsung with Patents in not selling the Exonys here...
Samsung went head-head with Apple, but I bet they dont want to do that with Qualcomm..
G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It maybe the fact that alot of devs have threatened to leave samsung because of that exynos chip

[Q] China Mobile TD-LTE device and international ROMs

i am currently using a nexus 5 on the china mobile 2G network. now that china mobile is rolling out their TD-LTE (aka LTE TDD), i would like to use it. the american nexus 5 (D820) does support one single band that china mobile is using (band 41). but this only works "occasionaly" (like, 30% of the time, and that's in beijing, which should have rather good coverage).
there are, however, a couple of devices available that do support this - but they all come in the "china mainland" version, i.e. no google apps, no google accounts and so on.
samsung - galaxy note 3 (n9008v and n9008s)
oppo - find 7 - x9007
htc - one m8t
htc - one max 8088
sony - xperia z1 - l39t
sony - xperia t2 - x50t
lg - E985T
my question now is this:
does anyone have an informed opinion on how possible it is to flash international ROMs on any of these phones - especially the few that are comparaively small-screened (in this lineup, 5" would go be "small"), and with a extra special eye on the htc m8t.
rm_2 said:
i am currently using a nexus 5 on the china mobile 2G network. now that china mobile is rolling out their TD-LTE (aka LTE TDD), i would like to use it. the american nexus 5 (D820) does support one single band that china mobile is using (band 41). but this only works "occasionaly" (like, 30% of the time, and that's in beijing, which should have rather good coverage).
there are, however, a couple of devices available that do support this - but they all come in the "china mainland" version, i.e. no google apps, no google accounts and so on.
samsung - galaxy note 3 (n9008v and n9008s)
oppo - find 7 - x9007
htc - one m8t
htc - one max 8088
sony - xperia z1 - l39t
sony - xperia t2 - x50t
lg - E985T
my question now is this:
does anyone have an informed opinion on how possible it is to flash international ROMs on any of these phones - especially the few that are comparaively small-screened (in this lineup, 5" would go be "small"), and with a extra special eye on the htc m8t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, I have the M8t and have so far managed to unlock and root using a variety of instructions and a 'special' CWM modified for the CHinese version - which is unfortunately only Chinese, but the commands are the same, so it was simple enough to flash superSU. I went through MANY different twrp and CWM recovery images that did not work before finally getting my hands on the one that did. I am not confident enough yet to try either the Google play or other international ROMs out there - as I need the phone to work! However, rooting was my aim and this CAN be done. Not sure yet what a new ROM would offer over and above the HTC one - it is easy enough to remove the CHinese blaotware with Titanium backup - anad it is wise to keep the Chinese browser, as Google and the stock browser are well filtered over here! Good luck with your choice - I would advise using a China Mobile LTE rather than an American one as they now default to 3G/2G automatically on the China Mobile network without the need for a separate number (two years ago you needed a change of phone number to get 3G!!- - not good when you want to keep your number) you also get seemless transition rather than a jump from 4g to 2g

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