I'm quite annoyed to be honest purchased what I thought was a sim free z3 from amazon UK it was a returns phone so i got it cheaper.
Switched the phone on and the default language was pointing at Netherlands, I thought straight away "here we go"
App draw full of Dutch 02 apps! Although the phone does take my 3 sim card. Deleted the ones I could and deactivated the rest.
Now I'm starting to think, will Sony warranty cover me??
What should I do guys?
gibbo82 said:
I'm quite annoyed to be honest purchased what I thought was a sim free z3 from amazon UK it was a returns phone so i got it cheaper.
Switched the phone on and the default language was pointing at Netherlands, I thought straight away "here we go"
App draw full of Dutch 02 apps! Although the phone does take my 3 sim card. Deleted the ones I could and deactivated the rest.
Now I'm starting to think, will Sony warranty cover me??
What should I do guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you do a live chat or phone Sony and find out?
If it is does take your three UK Sim card, then it is a Sim free phone...
However the dutch firmware can be flashed over with a UK one via flashtool
Just got off the phone to Sony, at first they told me it was the UK version, then it turns out to be a German z3!. they said it is covered for warranty over here till 13/3/17.
Do I need to root to flash the UK firmware??
No.. Run Flashtool as it is.
Where can I get the uk firmware from?
try the general section where there's an official thread on the first page, although due to xperifirm, a free software download allowing you to access almost any sony firmware direct from their servers, most firmwares are no longer uploaded - the UK generic on xda may not be the most up to date version, so accept that you're using an older firmware initially and simply update it via pc companion once installed, or use xperifirm direct (you will need to google how to run this with flashtool to get the software onto your phone, unless you've been there and bought the t shirt)...... and you don't need root to do any of this.
Related
Hello All,
is Vodafone Sensation 'Locked to Vodafone Sim card only? anyone can test it? thank you.
Yep is it, i was in Vodafone shop today asking about it. They said it's locked but with pay monthly customers, they can unlock it...the girl said she had done it a few times with android devices...they just need a code she said.
Barff1984 said:
Yep is it, i was in Vodafone shop today asking about it. They said it's locked but with pay monthly customers, they can unlock it...the girl said she had done it a few times with android devices...they just need a code she said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im sure i read that someone here has put a tmo sim in and it worked
cant find the post right now but would suggest its not simlocked to vf
cqms13 said:
im sure i read that someone here has put a tmo sim in and it worked
cant find the post right now but would suggest its not simlocked to vf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fair enough
I'm just going by what the vodafone girl told me. I had a play with one of the phones in the shop, she did a little personal unboxing for me haha
Sense didn't lag at all. Had Vodafone branding on turn on and off and had those crappy voda apps.
My 3 sim works, so must be unlocked.
Are they selling this PAYG as I was debating using my monthly Vodafone SIM in it?
yes it is..
im sure i read that someone here has put a tmo sim in and it worked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was me!
My HTC Sensation from Vodafone was unlocked straight out of the box.
asdfliuchen said:
yes it is..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Actually a bit surprised at that because normally they keep such new flagship devices for contract only. That's why I hadn't really looked for it on PAYG.
Thank-you all.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App
is there any way by telling whether the phone is branded or not from preferably the box? ie, so i can go to vodashop and get one on contract, but checking the box labels first to make sure i get one unbranded...the one i had a play with in the shop today had the voda logo on start up and kinds of put me off as i'd like quick updates as-and-when they release...instead of waiting for voda
there is nothing showed 'vodafone things' on box, and nothing on outside of phone.
there is vodafone flash when turn on this phone, and several vodafone software already installed, and not allowed to uninstall (just several times, hope I didn't operate wrongly).
hope this helps.
everyday48 said:
there is nothing showed 'vodafone things' on box, and nothing on outside of phone.
there is vodafone flash when turn on this phone, and several vodafone software already installed, and not allowed to uninstall (just several times, hope I didn't operate wrongly).
hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
perhaps there are different codes or something on the box.
I really hope there's a quick way without having to physically ask the assistant to turn each phone on in the hope they have an unbranded one. guessing it'll just be one of the 2 though....a batch of branded or unbranded...can't imagine it's a mix
Barff1984 said:
is there any way by telling whether the phone is branded or not from preferably the box? ie, so i can go to vodashop and get one on contract, but checking the box labels first to make sure i get one unbranded...the one i had a play with in the shop today had the voda logo on start up and kinds of put me off as i'd like quick updates as-and-when they release...instead of waiting for voda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As always if you want the quickest updates you have to go the SIM free route and I cannot see the Sensation being any different.
I yesterday moved from O2 to Vodafone and got the Sensation on a monthly contract. It is UNLOCKED and I still use my O2 SIM with it, waiting for my O2 number to port to Vodafone. As menntioned above. the Vodafone logo shows when power is turned on. I assume this means that it is branded and we will need to wait for software updates from Vodafone ruther than the general update.
It is unlocked and branded - but minimally.
Apart from the fugly Vodafone boot screen there were at least 3 Vodafone apps installed initially - the first one is visible as soon as you turn the phone on as it puts a nasty red icon in the notification bar!
First thing I did was load the "Vodafone 360 updates" program and disable automatic updates. I then ran the one outstanding update it was showing. The update downloaded and ran and then the other handful of Vodafone apps suddenly self-destructed! They all disappeared from the application drawer (for example there was initially a ****ty Vodafone Shop and Vodafone Music app). Now only the updates program is left and is set to be invisible.
I guess the Vodafone crapware was so crap that the self-update deleted all the apps! Excellent
Oh and I forgot to say. My last phone was the HTC Legend. When the froyo update came out for Legend, Vodafone had bribed HTC to release it on Vodafone branded handsets first and to hold back to unbranded handsets for a month's exclusivity! I suppose another benefit to branded handsets is that they should be correctly configured for the network - I never did manage to get O2 MMS working on my unbranded Legend.
Super Chimp said:
Thanks. Actually a bit surprised at that because normally they keep such new flagship devices for contract only. That's why I hadn't really looked for it on PAYG.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They sell it PAYG or I misunderstood it?
Because I really want to buy it without any contract o-o
DSensation said:
They sell it PAYG or I misunderstood it?
Because I really want to buy it without any contract o-o
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the Vodafone eforum a Voda mod stated that it will be contact only to start with, at a guess while they have it exclusive. Also all Vodafone contract phones are sent out unlocked apart from iphones and fully exclusive phones like the first blackberry storm was.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA Premium App
The branding is VERY minimal on this. Quick Vodafone icon on boot up and shutdown, but it doesn't stay for long thankfully
how much does it cost at vodafone? and is it available on all of their shops?
So, Seeing that I couldnt get the Moto here in Brazil, I went for the Sony XL.
I had an Xpoeria mini X10 before and loved it, loads of great roms and a great phone.
I am British, but live in Brazil, so the best option was to buy it from Wallmart, carrier unlocked.
When the phone arrived, it was branded to the local operator Claro, however, it accepted any sim I put in there.
I checked the bootloader, and it said it could be unlockled - OK
I decided to use stock for a few weeks, to see if I was happy with the device, but there are a few features I miss, and I especially miss being able to underclock.
I can't remember what firmware it came on, but it was quite outdated, so I decided to update through Sony PC companion.
latest firmware and a few days later, I decided it was time to check out all the hard work that the Dev's here have been doing.
Having already backed up the TA as soon as I had bought the phone, I got my boot unlocker code from sony and excitedly fired up flashtool, installed the drivers in unsigned mode and was ready to go.
to my horror - FAILED OPERATION with both flashtool and the android SDK to unlock.
Checking again the bootloader status, there is no longer and OK next to it, it is blank!!!
The latest update to 1.14 with Claro Brazil has locked my bootloader.
Wether this is some freak accident, or if an operator can lock the bootloader with an update, I have no idea, but i just wanted to warn people in case this is a new thing !!
For now, I've happily installed dextrodroid, but If Sony doesn't update us officially to KitKat, than this purchase has been an absolute waste of my time and money. Brazil has an insane markup of nearly 100% on foreign imports, so phones arent fair prices, and the stock that we receive is limited in brand and selection.
Keep your eyes open people!!!
So I bought my daughter a new LG E975 from China, it is running 4.1.2 and is apparently a Hong Kong Version.
Now, I've done firmware updates before on Samsung and not a problem, even on HTC a while ago, but this is the first time I've had a foreign phone so I'm stumped.
First problem is that FOTA is not available, in fact, the option for software check on the phone is simply not there. I've tried googling but can't find an explanation of why and how to enable it. I've tried LG PC suite, whilst it detects the phone without issue, it says "can not check software unavailability, please try later". Also tried the Mobile Support tool, but on launching it says my PC isn't connected to the internet, but of course it is.
So I thought fine, I'll go the manual path, but my concern then is what firmware to choose, do I choose a UK provider or a Hong Kong one, to be fair, the phone is unlocked, so I just want a non UK provider firmware, i.e. a standard LG 4.4.2 update not locked to a provider, is that possible?
Or am I going to have to apply a rooted firmware? As it is my daughters phone I just wanted simple vanilla version built for this phone.
I wish I'd not bothered now, I didn't envisage these sort of problems when getting the phone.
Any help appreciated.
Hi,
in some tests and reviews they are talking about devices with 64GB internal storage capacity. But if i search for it, it's almost impossible to find offers. I found two offers. Both sellers present phones with EAN 8801643085445. Can somebody confirm this capacity?
Thanks in advance
*edit*
After a long search i found it. Samsung sells the Galaxy A8 with 64 GB in middle east. I have no clue why it's restricted to this region.
Here's the number: SM-A530FZKGXSG
Here's the samsungpage: (i am not allowed to post as new member)
There are some sellers which import it to europe. But i have no experiences in warranty. 4G shall work...
I ordered one piece with crossed fingers and hope it works. At least, I hope the post will help somebody, who is searching for it too
Hi there!
I was looking for the same model and have realized the same thing you've found.
About availability, I found it on eBay. Where did you find it?
About warranty, if you need local warranty, you have to buy it into your country.
If you're ok with European warranty, it has to be sold by an European entity with rights to do so.
If you don't care about warranty, well you can get it whenever you like it.
I'm seriously thinking in trying to understand in how to keep it under the 32Gb
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Hi Pirata, Here are my experiences:
I ordered it on ebay. There are some sellers which are specialized in grey imports Some of them offer a one year warranty. I paid 345€.
As opportunity there's a onlinestore called techinthebasket. They deliver from GB. But you have to pay a fee of 20 €, if you want send the phone back.
No import fee as long as they deliver from european country. Most of them deliver from GB as long as GB is part of EU ^^
At least, every A8 with 64GB is imported from Middle East I bet. Its working with european simcards. I readed to start the phone without simcards (also to install updates and doing resets). If the phone is resetting with simcards, the country ID (MID/MID/MID) will be changed and as a result you don't get updates anymore.
I am very happy with this phone. Its a big boost in compilation to my old Honor 5X
It's unique here... and it's mine ^^
BotoxxotoB said:
Hi Pirata, Here are my experiences:
I ordered it on ebay. There are some sellers which are specialized in grey imports Some of them offer a one year warranty. I paid 345€.
As opportunity there's a onlinestore called techinthebasket. They deliver from GB. But you have to pay a fee of 20 €, if you want send the phone back.
No import fee as long as they deliver from european country. Most of them deliver from GB as long as GB is part of EU ^^
At least, every A8 with 64GB is imported from Middle East I bet. Its working with european simcards. I readed to start the phone without simcards (also to install updates and doing resets). If the phone is resetting with simcards, the country ID (MID/MID/MID) will be changed and as a result you don't get updates anymore.
I am very happy with this phone. Its a big boost in compilation to my old Honor 5X
It's unique here... and it's mine ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there and thank you for sharing your experience.
I have some questions regarding your post. Please let me know.
You say that the shop you mention imposes you to pay €20 in case you need to send back phone for any reason.
Do you know why about that?
You say that they deliver from GB. Can you tell me if the invoice is from GB or from some other EU county or worldwide country?
Where have you read about the fact of not turning on the device for the first time, or reset to default, or wipe, or update the device with the ota updates with the local European sim card inserted?
Which should be the correct procedure for using a 64Gb A8 in Europe? Simply do those four things I mentioned all without any sim inside?
Do you know why about that? What are the precise consequences of doing that with the sim inside? Only not receiving otas updates? Is there a return back possibility, or if I forget to remove the sim card and do one of those things the phone ends up in not receiving any ota updates, not even if I wipe everything away with no sim inserted and start all over again??
Thank you very much.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
it seems, the online store techinthebasket provides a german and an english page. The return-fee of 20€ is noticed at the german page only. I don't know the reason. At least I didn't bought it there.
The update policy of Samsung is pretty annoying. If they don't sell officially a phone in a country, they don't provide software updates. When you insert the simcard before you start the phone first, it will recognize its a different simcard and ask you to restart for configuration. This "configuration" will change the language and countrysettings. Once it's changed, theres only the opportunity to flash a stockrom.
There are several german threads because it's not selled official here.
greetz
BotoxxotoB said:
it seems, the online store techinthebasket provides a german and an english page. The return-fee of 20€ is noticed at the german page only. I don't know the reason. At least I didn't bought it there.
The update policy of Samsung is pretty annoying. If they don't sell officially a phone in a country, they don't provide software updates. When you insert the simcard before you start the phone first, it will recognize its a different simcard and ask you to restart for configuration. This "configuration" will change the language and countrysettings. Once it's changed, theres only the opportunity to flash a stockrom.
There are several german threads because it's not selled official here.
greetz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So wait a minute...if I start the phone for the first time without sim, once I insert it, it changes configuration and since that time on I will no longer ota updates????
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
When you start the phone first time with inserted simcard, it will ask for a restart. You can skip and ignore it.
If you allow the restart / configuration, then you are in danger to not get Ota-updates anymore. That's why it's recommended to remove simcards when you reset or update
BotoxxotoB said:
When you start the phone first time with inserted simcard, it will ask for a restart. You can skip and ignore it.
If you allow the restart / configuration, then you are in danger to not get Ota-updates anymore. That's why it's recommended to remove simcards when you reset or update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So first boot, reset or update better to do without sim cards inserted, and every time I get an ota update, remove all sim before applying the update.
Is this correct?
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
That's right
I bought in eBay the 64 gb model and I've got 2 OTA updates with the SIM inserted, one of them oreo. I live in Spain.
Enviado desde mi SM-A530F mediante Tapatalk
I have the middle east version and it's globally unlocked, has original warranty, supports LTE/4G, has 64/4 gb, and just received the latest oreo update.
If you have any questions I'll be glad to help you.
BaraaModallal said:
I have the middle east version and it's globally unlocked, has original warranty, supports LTE/4G, has 64/4 gb, and just received the latest oreo update.
If you have any questions I'll be glad to help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somewhere over the rainbow
Literally, you can only get it in one country and i think that is china
Ehm, no. The last time I searched for this phone I found it in online stores of the middle east. Also my phone software version is tagged with MID/MID/MID
Hi all,
I have just ordered an S10e, US model, from Aliexpress and am trying to understand if it will get OTA updates or if I am going to have to flash it. I live in the UK.
Does the update server determine whether to issue the update based on the SIM card that is installed in the phone? If so, will the US model only permit updates to be installed if a SIM card from a supported US carrier is installed, or will any supported carrier do (my carrier in the UK also sells the S10e, although presumably the UK version).
Finally, if it's as simple as having the right SIM card, if I happen to be in the US and borrow or buy a SIM card for a supported network, could I just temporarily install that SIM and wait for the update to be delivered?
Apologies for the newbie questions, any help appreciated.
Thanks
You will probably need to flash it but it's not a big deal. However it's not a good idea to buy Samsung from Aliexpress, it will be 99% some refurbished phone without water resistance, with used battery etc. Non-chinese genuine goods on Ali are rare and so the only reason they sell US phones in China is because they repair or restore cheap broken or used phones and then sell them as new in box with fake seal. Rating doesn't matter as most buyers cannot tell if the phone is new or not. Once you receive the phone try to install Phone Info app from Store and do a refurbishment check + check battery cycles. But even if the phone won't be new you will have hard time making a dispute with the seller because some of them are stating on their pages that the app is not from Samsung and therefore shows "incorrect information".
Thanks for the great advice. I should have known that the price was too good to be true - I've cancelled the order as it hasn't shipped yet.
I don't suppose you happen to know where I can get an S10e at a good price in the UK? Most places are sold out.
Sorry, I'm not from UK, but it seems S10e is being sold out almost everywhere...
Thanks anyway, appreciate all your help.
For future reference for those who might be wondering the same thing, I ended up ordering it from Laptops Direct in the UK for £550.
I got a "renewed" Samsung Galaxy S10e from Amazon.
It was a T-Mobile carrier-unlocked phone that arrived with no SIM card.
As soon as I connected it to my home WiFi, it downloaded and updated itself twice, with the 2 major Android updates, all with no SIM card inserted and no phone number!
Sent using Tapatalk