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Its time for me to find a new phone. Ive gone through three first gen MotoQ over the last few years and this last one is finally starting to fall apart which is quite amazing since it was announced five years ago (if it isnt broke dont fix it, and if it breaks fix it!). I've been a MetroPCS customer going on six years now and have no intention of switching providers
Help me find a phone with the following requirements -
Android OR Windows Mobile 6+
Able to be modified for MetroPCS
A full keyboard (can be a slider, flip or front facing keyboard like the MotoQ)
Price under 200$ new or used
Some nice features to have but not required would be -
Charges through standard mini usb
Extended life batteries (or brand new original batteries) available
Some type of tethering solution (currently i do this through USB)
I don't mind if the phone is old, even a model from four years ago if it works well
I am in the San Francisco bay area (LTE is available)
I often use my MotoQ to send MMS and the Google Maps application even though the speed is very slow (perhaps because of my device?).
Three times I have paid someone to add the "foreign" ESN of my phones into the MetroPCS database so it would be a definite plus (not a requirement) if the phone had the ability to directly take over for my current MotoQ without the extra fees (electronic serial number change).
You dont have to give me all the details on how to hack the phone onto metro, if you give me a model number I will do my own homework.
My girlfriend insists on getting me a phone for my birthday. I think she is tired of seeing me carry around this ratty old phone that no one still uses.
Thanks for your suggestions
Based on all your needs, the best fit would be a Sprint HTC Touch Pro 2 (Rhodium). It also runs Android now, as well as WM 6.1/6.5.
I have little experience with CDMA, but from what I understand most devices whether they have a good or a bad ESN can be flashed for any carrier other than the original. I haven't seen any CDMA Rhodiums for sale here on the forums, but you could always try eBay. They're pretty cheap these days too
Good Luck!
Thanks for the quick reply. I will have to look into that model more but so far it does seem to do what I wanted!
I was starting to lean towards the Moto Droid 2. Apparently it is not too difficult to get it functioning properly on MetroPCS and it has decent specs. The price for used models isnt bad and its running 2.2 android stock, with a 2.3.3 hack available
braschlosan said:
Thanks for the quick reply. I will have to look into that model more but so far it does seem to do what I wanted!
I was starting to lean towards the Moto Droid 2. Apparently it is not too difficult to get it functioning properly on MetroPCS and it has decent specs. The price for used models isnt bad and its running 2.2 android stock, with a 2.3.3 hack available
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also true, with the added benefit that if you ever move away from CDMA, you'll have a GSM radio in there too. I can only speak for the original Milestone, but it was a capable little phone at the time. They reworked the keyboard on the second one, so it seems to be much more user-friendly. I'm not sure how much luck they had with the bootloader on it though, so would pay to do some research there before you buy
So reading around here about the issues with Chinese versions of Mate 9's and Google Play. I am confused on a few points and thought maybe it would help others, and myself, to have a thread just for the purpose of version clarity. Can someone chime in with a yay or nay to the following:
- My understanding is there are 3 versions; Euro version, International version, and Chinese version.
- Read somewhere around here that the single sim version is Euro.
- Read around here that dual SIM version is International.
- Read around here that 128/6 GB is Chinese.
- With regard to all of the above are they mutually exclusive meaning that, for instance, any 128/6 GB Mate 9 would necessarily be a Chinese version? However, getting a 64/4 GB model might not mean you are avoiding a Chinese variant? If you get dual SIM you are avoiding Chines variant?
- Deducing from what I have read here it seems that any version other than the Chinese version is fine out of the box to work with Google Play.
- Is color in play for versions, all this color a that version or something like that.
I ordered a 128/6 GB White Mate 9 from Oppomart and just trying to see if I need to change to a 64/4 GB or what. Also read around here someone quoted Oppomart as saying they are selling International versions but figured that could change over time (also emailed Oppomart and will share their response when I get it).
*edit*. Adding info that answers my questions so, hopefully, others questions as well. Thanks to all here and elsewhere for the clarity:
The Chinese model is MHA-AL00, and two international models are MHA-L29 and MHA-L09. The MHA-AL00 and the MHA-L29 both support the same bands, basically almost all bands. The MHA-L09 supports all of the bands of the other two models except Band 41 (so bad news for Sprint and China/India if my research is correct). The MHA-L09 is single sim while the MLA-AL00 and MHA-L29 are dual-sim (the hybrid kind so second SIM slot is SD slot). Only the MHA-AL00 now comes in the 128 or 256 and 6 GB variant. Some, not many, MHA-AL00 phones will have the B109SP01 firmware but maybe not many - if it does then you basically got the same thing as an International version in terms of Google Play working (just don't do system update until word here is the Play issue is fixed in the ROM they are pushing out), SIM slots, etc and in future it is likely with unlocked bootloader it could be flashed to become an International version. In short, it seems MHA-AL00 (Chinese) and MHA-L29 (International) are the same hardware phone with the former have the 128/256 and 6 GB option out there and the MLA-L09 is the same but missing the aforementioned band and second SIM slot.
100% you have the Chinese version. There is no MHA-L29 (international) or MHA-L09 in that format...yet...sorry . A lot of these Chinese retailers will lie to fool you into a sale. Only some of them really know their stuff and list it all correctly with the right information/product.
MHA-AL00:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=device..._9_dual_sim_td-lte_mha-al00__huawei_manhattan
MHA-L09:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=device&id=10917&c=huawei_mate_9_td-lte_mha-l09__huawei_manhattan
MHA-L29:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=device...e_9_dual_sim_td-lte_mha-l29__huawei_manhattan
I can't comment on software capabilities of each version in terms of LTE etc (I was pretty damn sure that was always limited to hardware). I've coded BMWs so I know hardware limitations for Europe vs USA, and they are there (most notably in tail lights and headlights - orange vs red, glare free LEDs vs regular LEDs due to DOT regulations).
@duraaraa knows more on development on our Mate 9s though since he has tinkered a bit and helped Chinese Mate 9 owners already in the google play/version thread. The phone is still brand new, so hard to say what's true without real world users actually doing tests in each region on select carriers, etc.
So 128/6 GB is going to be useless Chinese brick without Google Play. Why even ship such a pointless device? Not sure it is worth even trying to find right one somewhere.
Starting to see why not bothering with these Chinese phones is probably smart. Thanks for the info. Just so sick of Samsung and that new Pixel iPhone with bigger bezels are no real choices. Ugh.
Back to looking.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using XDA Labs
SWBgHz said:
So 128/6 GB is going to be useless Chinese brick without Google Play. Why even ship such a pointless device? Not sure it is worth even trying to find right one somewhere.
Starting to see why not bothering with these Chinese phones is probably smart. Thanks for the info. Just so sick of Samsung and that new Pixel iPhone with bigger bezels are no real choices. Ugh.
Back to looking.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your not alone, Hang in there till there's some better information & legitimate details...
Saw the guy who figured out how to work around and downgrade them, but can't spend that kind of money for a device from a company that would ship a useless brick like that. Really sad to me the so called tech press doesn't lambast a company for doing this kind of stuff. Lapdogs, sadly.
So here is the gist of it:
MHA-AL00:
Useless crap
MHA-L09 & MHA-L29
Usable smartphones
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using XDA Labs
SWBgHz said:
Saw the guy who figured out how to work around and downgrade them, but can't spend that kind of money for a device from a company that would ship a useless brick like that. Really sad to me the so called tech press doesn't lambast a company for doing this kind of stuff. Lapdogs, sadly.
So here is the gist of it:
MHA-AL00:
Useless crap
MHA-L09 & MHA-L29
Usable smartphones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, they can't really slam them for adhering to the Chinese market. You're buying a Chinese variant with all that entails. That's just how these things work. Huawei can't ship a device with play services in China.
Why don't you buy from a more local shop with better credibility? I assume it's because you are in a location where it hasn't launched (yet).
So, why bringing out a MHA-L09 and a MHA-L29?
I checked the database (thanks opasha) and the difference seems to be the number of bands they support. L09 seems to be a subset off L29.
Any ideas? I'm in the Netherlands and I would have expected the 09 but I received the 029.
Trixanity said:
Well, they can't really slam them for adhering to the Chinese market. You're buying a Chinese variant with all that entails. That's just how these things work. Huawei can't ship a device with play services in China.
Why don't you buy from a more local shop with better credibility? I assume it's because you are in a location where it hasn't launched (yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, in US. As for slamming them ... not installing Google Play in understand but no capability for it to run? That is pretty messed up. Got a mi mix and easy to install and use Play store and Google services.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
SWBgHz said:
Yes, in US. As for slamming them ... not installing Google Play in understand but no capability for it to run? That is pretty messed up. Got a mi mix and easy to install and use Play store and Google services.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two reasons for not being able to do it: Chinese market banning Google products and to avoid people buying devices cheaper from China - instead buying them locally.
If you have a Mi Mix, why would buy another phone?
The US is very restrictive towards Huawei and particularly the Kirin SoCs and the brand isn't particularly strong in the US, so that's why they're hesitant to launch the Mate 9 or Mate 9 Pro in the US.
Trixanity said:
If you have a Mi Mix, why would buy another phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-mix/help/mi-mix-google-voice-issue-t3506686/page1
That is why I got rid of the Mi Mix, everything worked great but Google Voice could not make calls and my home area was problematic with the limited bands.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
So I found a guy on eBay (yes, I know - but I do fine in eBay and know how to use the protections it affords) that has Chinese version with the B109SP01 firmware that will run Google Play services. This solves the issues, right? It is dual SIM and 128/6 GB (has other sizes too) so question is will this work or just not worth bothering with it?
Oops, yes I know - should have edited previous post instead of adding another.
Adding info that answers my questions so, hopefully, others questions as well. Thanks to all here and elsewhere for the clarity:
The Chinese model is MHA-AL00, and two international models are MHA-L29 and MHA-L09. The MHA-AL00 and the MHA-L29 both support the same bands, basically almost all bands. The MHA-L09 supports all of the bands of the other two models except Band 41 (so bad news for Sprint and China/India if my research is correct). The MHA-L09 is single sim while the MLA-AL00 and MHA-L29 are dual-sim (the hybrid kind so second SIM slot is SD slot). Only the MHA-AL00 now comes in the 128 or 256 and 6 GB variant. Some, not many, MHA-AL00 phones will have the B109SP01 firmware but maybe not many - if it does then you basically got the same thing as an International version in terms of Google Play working (just don't do system update until word here is the Play issue is fixed in the ROM they are pushing out), SIM slots, etc and in future it is likely with unlocked bootloader it could be flashed to become an International version. In short, it seems MHA-AL00 (Chinese) and MHA-L29 (International) are the same hardware phone with the former have the 128/256 and 6 GB option out there and the MLA-L09 is the same but missing the aforementioned band and second SIM slot.
Will edit original post with this info too so easy for anyone to see. Thanks all.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
I just received the MHA-L00 Mate 9 couple of days ago and I was able to install google play without any issues after installing GMSinstaller from Huawei app, I received a firmware OTA as soon as I connected to my wifi B165SP01 which has been working fine. I will keep you posted once I do more tests on it and using it on a daily basis.
I have the international L29 with B158 and 64gb. Dual.
Runs exactely like any other phone vis-a-vis Google / Facebook / Whatsapp
kolembo said:
I have the international L29 with B158 and 64gb. Dual.
Runs exactely like any other phone vis-a-vis Google / Facebook / Whatsapp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get B158? Regular OTA or some kind of black magic? Mine is still on B126 with nothing to update...
Is that really B158, or B138?
received OTA B167 update on my MHA-AL00 working fine using T-mobile, google apps installed using GSM from HiApp. Only annoying thing is not able to use stock audio controls (Everything is in chinese) and notification bugs considering to rebrand to international verison whenever I have time
I ordered the Mate 9 from a local supplier (Switzerland) 6 months ago. They sent me the MHA-AL00 which - intriguingly - already had Google Play installed. There was no sign of the phone having been set up before to allow the supplier to install Google Play.... Anyway, everything worked as expected and they only thing I noticed that a few obscure menus were in Chinese as well as some text on the lock screen. Last month I broke the screen and since I liked the phone so much (the battery life is a-ma-zing!) I ordered a new one. This time they sent me the MHA-L29 and the only difference I noted is that all the traces to Chinese were gone. Other than that the phones look, feel and act exactly the same. If you figure out how to tweek the very aggressive power management features, this phone is easy to love.
Alright guys I know I am late to the party but I am considering buying a chinese version with 128GB and 6GBRAM from Ebay. My only question is, now that the phone has been out for a while, is it possible to unlock the bootloader and install the international ROM on the chinese 128/6 mate 9?
Or is it safer to stick with the 64GB/4GB RAM MHA-L29?
Btw I am from Australia
i have the international version, mha-l29c185...works great with google installed...also they do have google play store and all the apps on huawei app market...i seen the 128gb mate 9 6gb ram runing play store in videos....not sure whats all the if are about...can easily install a rom with google in it...
s8plususer said:
Alright guys I know I am late to the party but I am considering buying a chinese version with 128GB and 6GBRAM from Ebay. My only question is, now that the phone has been out for a while, is it possible to unlock the bootloader and install the international ROM on the chinese 128/6 mate 9?
Or is it safer to stick with the 64GB/4GB RAM MHA-L29?
Btw I am from Australia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. It is possible. Even it will detect that you have 6 / 128 specs on world ROM.
Maximum you will have some troubles with unlock bootloader. In strange cases Chinese models get wrong unlock code via official way. Also, you have to register Huawei account and use phone with it in 14 days to approve your legitimate reason to unlock.
Hey guys, so I was exploring purchasing a Mi Mix 3 on Aliexpress for use in the United States. However, I had some concerns about usage in the United States, especially with the international version. Could someone please tell me about their experience with this phone in the United States, including carrier signal (preferably T Mobile), any issues you've come across using this phone in the United States, and other similar dilemmas. Thanks!
Its name Global Version for a reason, so i think it will work fine all around the world, IF its a true Global Edition.
Check carefully, many seller flash the global/eu rom on CN variant and sell them as "Global Edition".
It will work internationally whether it's a global edition or not, there's no difference in the bands between the Chinese and Global variants. The software is different, however. The Chinese software works fine in the US, but you have a bit of work to do to get the Google apps on it. The other issue is if the seller is buying the Chinese variant then loading the Global software and relocking the bootloader, because if you subsequently install an official update, you will hard-brick your device. Having said that, I can't think of any reason why sellers would be bothering with that now that the Global version is readily available, at least the more reputable ones. Gearbest always clearly mark their devices on the website as either Chinese or Global. I suppose if you wanted to be absolutely sure, you could buy from a European retailer, assuming you don't want the 8/256 model. The other option, of course, is to unlock the bootloader and (optionally) install an unofficial rom, that way you also get regular Android security updates.
I would recommend spending the extra to get the 8/256 if there is any chance you are going to get a "chinese" version. The "global" version is *supposed* to have all the bands enabled on all storage/ram configurations. However, the chinese version only has full band support on the 8/256 device. It is possible that we may be able to find a way to use QXDM and stuff to enable additional bands regardless, but I wouldn't count on that. I spent the extra to get an 8/256 which now has the leaked global rom on it. The global software works great and I have atleast equivalent coverage to my work Pixel 2 XL, usually with slightly better signal levels.
I have no complaints about this device, the only thing I have noticed is it seems that the glass is not as hard on some units. I bought my wife an 8/256 device and she is not exactly gentle on her device. Her screen has no scratches, but mine has many already after about 2 months, and I'm pretty careful with my devices. And to be clear, these are light surface scratches that are only visible when tilting the device with the screen off, not something you can see with the screen on.
I have T Mobile. I get better reception on Mi Mix 3 than I got on both my Note 8 and my iPhone 7. I know this because there's a spot I park every day and the MiMix works there when the others didn't.
I got 96mbps on 4G LTE when I tested it.
Of note: I did have an original MiMix 1 and it was not good for reception. At all. But the 3 has something like 42 bands in, and it has the best reception of any phone I've had.
PWn3R said:
I would recommend spending the extra to get the 8/256 if there is any chance you are going to get a "chinese" version. The "global" version is *supposed* to have all the bands enabled on all storage/ram configurations. However, the chinese version only has full band support on the 8/256 device. It is possible that we may be able to find a way to use QXDM and stuff to enable additional bands regardless, but I wouldn't count on that. I spent the extra to get an 8/256 which now has the leaked global rom on it. The global software works great and I have atleast equivalent coverage to my work Pixel 2 XL, usually with slightly better signal levels.
I have no complaints about this device, the only thing I have noticed is it seems that the glass is not as hard on some units. I bought my wife an 8/256 device and she is not exactly gentle on her device. Her screen has no scratches, but mine has many already after about 2 months, and I'm pretty careful with my devices. And to be clear, these are light surface scratches that are only visible when tilting the device with the screen off, not something you can see with the screen on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I just want to confirm. If I buy a mix 3 in China and then flash itd to a global ROM (e.g. EU) then I should have no issues using it in the US (I'll be on T-Mobile).
There is a serious problem to me not sure if it's because of Mi MIX or TMobile combination (Los Angeles area)
Same problem on my wife's MIX 2S and my MIX 3, both official global version and latest firmware.
When the phone is on wifi, even though the mobile connection looks connected, it might have been disconnected actually.
No call and message will come through. People's calls will go to voice mail.
You will not know that until someone tell you they can't call you on the phone, or when turning off wifi suddently all missing text/MMS messages will arrive.
I'm still searching on more information on this and if some others have the same issue.
One of you friends used to have similar issues using a Samsung Galaxy on TMobile before he switched to iPhone.
Working great here in MN on T-Mobile no issues at all. I have the global edition.
It works for the most part on Verizon (a carrier which doesn't technically support it), the only issues I have are with MMS messaging (which is fixed in another thread) and my mobile hotspot which Verizon seems to be unable to turn on properly. Other than that I haven't had any issues. I would imagine on a GSM carrier like T-Mobile you would see even fewer problems, if any.
Rockmadeofrock said:
It works for the most part on Verizon (a carrier which doesn't technically support it), the only issues I have are with MMS messaging (which is fixed in another thread) and my mobile hotspot which Verizon seems to be unable to turn on properly. Other than that I haven't had any issues. I would imagine on a GSM carrier like T-Mobile you would see even fewer problems, if any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get it to work with Verizon? I entered my IMEI and it isn't compatible.
Matt0817 said:
How did you get it to work with Verizon? I entered my IMEI and it isn't compatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you need to do is pop in a Verizon SIM card and change the APN settings and it'll work. Sometimes the SIM card won't let you change them (because Verizon locks them down), but that didn't happen to me. If that's the case, grab someone else's SIM card that has like T-Mobile, put it in your phone, add a new APN, then put the Verizon one back in and select the APN you made. I detailed the settings you need to set in these posts: _1_, _2_. If you need any additional help let me know.
Also, if you want to enable VoLTE check out this thread.
Hi all,
I am planning to get my P7P, but a little confused which variant to get. There are 2 variants available in my country: US (Model GE2AE) and Japan (Model GFE4J). The Japanese variant is around 100 USD cheaper than the US one. Anyone has experience handling both variants? What are the main differences? How about network signal reception on both variants? I heard a lot of complaints about network issues, etc.
Google Pixel 7 just tipped to have four models — here's the proof
Possible FCC listings for the Google Pixel 7 may have revealed how many models there are
www.tomsguide.com
Details in there. Hardware wise they seem the same.
According to these listings, there are four total models. Two (GP4BC and GVU6C/G03Z5) offer sub-6GHz 5G connectivity only, and the other two (GE2AE/GFE4J and GQML3) also have mmWave 5G too.
I haven't had any problems, cell signal or otherwise, with my GE2AE in the United States.
The only issue is the warranty
I'd go so far as to say you might be able change either of them to think it's the other with a bit of creative flashing.
Beefheart said:
I'd go so far as to say you might be able change either of them to think it's the other with a bit of creative flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, another user reported success changing from one hardware version to another (it won't give mmWave to a non-mmWave capable model but in this case, it's the same hardware capability) - I have a link to his post about it here:
June 20, 2023 TQ3A.230605.012.A1 Verizon/MVNOs / June 13, 2023 TQ3A.230605.012 Global - Unlock bootloader / Root Pixel 7 Pro [Cheetah] / SafetyNet
Pixel 7 Pro [Cheetah] Updated May 13, 2023 Note that more than three users have said that 34.0.1 (even May 10, 2023's binary update of 34.0.1) did not work correctly for them. I recommend sticking with 33.0.3 (just below these quotes) Someone...
forum.xda-developers.com
roirraW edor ehT said:
Yep, another user reported success changing from one hardware version to another (it won't give mmWave to a non-mmWave capable model but in this case, it's the same hardware capability) - I have a link to his post about it here:
June 20, 2023 TQ3A.230605.012.A1 Verizon/MVNOs / June 13, 2023 TQ3A.230605.012 Global - Unlock bootloader / Root Pixel 7 Pro [Cheetah] / SafetyNet
Pixel 7 Pro [Cheetah] Updated May 13, 2023 Note that more than three users have said that 34.0.1 (even May 10, 2023's binary update of 34.0.1) did not work correctly for them. I recommend sticking with 33.0.3 (just below these quotes) Someone...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, that makes sense.
In the case of the two models the OP mentions, it looks like the hardware is identical so he could buy the cheaper Japanese model, flash it to a GE2AE and save 100 notes. Warranty wise he might have an issue if something goes wrong, mind.
Beefheart said:
Yup, that makes sense.
In the case of the two models the OP mentions, it looks like the hardware is identical so he could buy the cheaper Japanese model, flash it to a GE2AE and save 100 notes. Warranty wise he might have an issue if something goes wrong, mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if indeed the GE2AE has a longer warranty, I would be tempted to spend the extra $100, but there's also a decent chance nothing will go wrong with the "cheaper" model. If anything went wrong within 30 days, I'd return it and get the GE2AE, though.
Last I checked, the Japanese model has extra NFC modes and forces camera sounds.
LLStarks said:
Last I checked, the Japanese model has extra NFC modes and forces camera sounds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any other difference aside from extra NFC mode and forced camera sounds, especially on software side and cellular signal reception, VoLTE or VoWifi, etc?
Thank you all friends for giving your valuable advice so far. I have not decided yet which variant to get. I am not a technical guy on flashing and other technical things, and I am still worried about software differences and compatibility with mobile operators in my country such as VoLTE and VoWifi.
I don't mean to thread hijack, but I saw this thread and hoping previous posters can offer relevant advice/feedback.
I have the US rooted/bootloader/sim unlocked Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro. To the best of my knowledge, Japan has 4 major carriers: Softbank, Docomo, Rakuten, and AU. Does the Pixel 6/7 Pro have the hardware to roam on any of those networks?
I am planning on bringing both phones to have a backup device, in case one gets lost or damaged--I nearly lost my Pixel 2, when I left it in a French Uber on the same day I was flying home, so it can happen...LOL.
Would I gain anything by flashing either device with the Japanese-specific firmware before I leave?
I know I could also rent a pocket wifi router, but I am traveling solo, so I am leaning toward getting a prepaid sim that can use NTT the Docomo and Softbank network.
diesteldorf said:
Would I gain anything by flashing either device with the Japanese-specific firmware before I leave?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only address this part of your question. If you go to Factory Image and Control-F JP there have been only 17 total monthly firmware releases specifically geared towards users in Japan on the Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a (5G), 5, 5a, 6a, and 7 / 7 Pro. Note that there weren't any for the 6 and 6 Pro - even the December 2021 Factory Image that was later pulled didn't have any specifically for Japan. All the months there weren't Japan-specific images - which is almost all the time, users in Japan would use the Global firmware.
There have been tons of users over the years who experiment and flash firmware that technically isn't optimized for where they use their phone, just to see if they get a better signal. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't. Sometimes you can just flash the radio.img from one firmware over top of the radio partition in whatever firmware you're currently using to see if there's a difference.
Japanese phone models must contain NFC-F not NFC-B. As previously mentioned camera apps must make a shutter sound. Gcam mods can prevent this.
I have the Japanese model but I'm in Japan. Nfc-f is backwards compatible but a NFC-B phone cannot pay or use train touch gates etc
TrustAugustus said:
Japanese phone models must contain NFC-F not NFC-B. As previously mentioned camera apps must make a shutter sound. Gcam mods can prevent this.
I have the Japanese model but I'm in Japan. Nfc-f is backwards compatible but a NFC-B phone cannot pay or use train touch gates etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for pointing that out. It sounds like my US Pixel Pro may have issues at the train gates, tap to pay, etc.
TrustAugustus said:
Japanese phone models must contain NFC-F not NFC-B. As previously mentioned camera apps must make a shutter sound. Gcam mods can prevent this.
I have the Japanese model but I'm in Japan. Nfc-f is backwards compatible but a NFC-B phone cannot pay or use train touch gates etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that if the hardware is the same and the differences are only in NFC-F (supports the opening of smart gates on the train) versus NFC-B, which does not support it, for me it is very minor.
Let's not talk about the notification ring when taking a photo with the camera, I don't have it on my Galaxy S20 Ultra, on the other hand My wife's OP9PRO does have the alert sound when shooting which is also minor.
I wrote a quick module to enable the shutter sound toggle on the Japanese SKU for the Pixel 7 Pro (but should work on other Pixels as well) which should be easier than converting to the global version altogether if removing the sound is someone's goal.
Release v1 · tonylizj/enable_shutter_sound_option
Enable Shutter Sound Option on Japanese SKU Pixel 7 Pro (GFE4J) - Release v1 · tonylizj/enable_shutter_sound_option
github.com
Thanks for the module to disable the shtter sound of camera in Japan variant.
This works.
Personally, this was the only problem I found in Japan variant.
The monthly update of Japan variant is just the same with US variant, and as a bonus in Japan variant, I have a Felica NFC so I can use Osaifu keitai in Japan (e.g. Suica, to pay for the train etc).
While this variant also includes another NFC so I am also able to pay by google pay in other countries too (e.g. HK) without any problem.
If Japan variant is cheaper in your country, I think it would be a good choice.
Google delivers Android 13 December 2022 update for Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
Google has announced a major feature update for Pixel smartphones running Android 13. As of the December 2022 update, the likes of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro support a dedicated reader mode and can share digital car keys with other compatible smartphones, among other changes.
www.notebookcheck.net
I put mine on the beta channel release. Coming from a P6P, using straight talk, it would not accept the sim.
Called Straight talk, which was useless. They said I had to buy a new sim card. Saw on a thread here that the
beta channel rom fixed it. Sure enough! After reboot, the sim card worked!
I was expecting 5g update, disappointing...
Nothing here. UK Sim free.
eagledipesh said:
I was expecting 5g update, disappointing...
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I wouldn't hold your breath. They either chose horrible hardware, don't know how to fix it, or won't because we will buy a new Pixel. With that being said, I actually think that the 7 Pro is an improvement over the 6 pro. My battery and performance is dramatically improved because of the updated Tensor chip and I don't have the cell standby bug that plagued me in the 6 pro.
eagledipesh said:
I was expecting 5g update, disappointing...
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This isn't the full release notes.
That article from notebookcheck.net referencing the Google Blog only concerns the "Android Feature Update", which is for GMS Android users. There is also a "Pixel Feature Drop" which Pixel users will likely get tomorrow. Plus there will likely be other "fixes" and whatnot.
biggiesmalls657 said:
I wouldn't hold your breath. They either chose horrible hardware, don't know how to fix it, or won't because we will buy a new Pixel. With that being said, I actually think that the 7 Pro is an improvement over the 6 pro. My battery and performance is dramatically improved because of the updated Tensor chip and I don't have the cell standby bug that plagued me in the 6 pro.
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Unfortunately for me the bug still exists P7P. I am not sure if different hardware release have different modems. But my phone is useless at the moment.
xpact said:
Unfortunately for me the bug still exists P7P. I am not sure if different hardware release have different modems. But my phone is useless at the moment.
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What's your setup? I'm rooted custom kernel and 1 ESIM using Xfinity Mobile. I also didn't restore settings with 6 pro backup. I flashed BL and modem before clean flashing stock to root
biggiesmalls657 said:
What's your setup? I'm rooted custom kernel and 1 ESIM using Xfinity Mobile. I also didn't restore settings with 6 pro backup. I flashed BL and modem before clean flashing stock to root
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I am in 5G unsupported country and I am using physical SIM I have tried to disable DSDS but it didn't seem to stick. I have tried with stock and beta QPR1 same result. Which custom kernel would you recommend? I think the issue is with the radio and the Samsung Shannon 5300G. I am not sure if there is a radio firmware I could try.
"I am in 5G unsupported country"
I fail to understand the complaints from people who live in "unsupported" countries!
Why would you even consider buying ANY phone that is unsupported in any way?
The fault is yours not Googles! YMMV
jaseman said:
"I am in 5G unsupported country"
I fail to understand the complaints from people who live in "unsupported" countries!
Why would you even consider buying ANY phone that is unsupported in any way?
The fault is yours not Googles! YMMV
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Probably because they wanted a pixel but Google only officially sells phones in like 4 countries (exaggerating but probably not by much). I want phones available outside of the USA all the time but my wonderful carrier (verizon) and to a degree the other carriers as well suck and want big money to certify the ability to use their towers (bands). Stuck mainly with iSheep, Samdung, One Plus (already settled) and Google (constant hardware problems).
It will be difficult for me to make you understand anything since you fail to understand simple things like why anyone would pick a Google phone instead of another brand. Anyway I had Nexus and Pixel phones in the past and they have worked just fine. I was very well aware 5G and VoLTE don't work and I was not after these features. I would be perfectly fine with just 4G. Mine Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 2 XL worked flawlessly. I might have a faulty hardware I am not sure at this point. If you could not help me at least don't blame me for my choices, the money I have spent are mine not yours. Like I have said I know since the beginning some of the feature would not work and this was a risk I was willing to take since I wanted a "clean" android and rootable + unlocked bootloader (there are not many phone manufacturers offering such features). I was not expecting the Pixel to not support any well established telecom standards. Aside from that I live in Europe and I bought the phone from neighboring country. It is not from Japan or US/Canada with different bands.
@xpact , it might be your phone or possibly faulty modem hardware. I am in the US using the 7P7 (rooted, unlocked) without any issues (I keep 5G off) 99% of the time. Once in a while I have to restart my phone or turn airplane mode on and off because I would randomly lose service. Its pretty rare though and even less now after the November update.
Question for the group and I hope I'm in the right spot. I got my 7 pro last week. So I went to the Factory image page. I'm on Verizon so I took the verzon update. Now I see a update just for global. Should I wait on the Verizon or can I just install the global one? I'm new to Pixel experience.
foamerman said:
Question for the group and I hope I'm in the right spot. I got my 7 pro last week. So I went to the Factory image page. I'm on Verizon so I took the verzon update. Now I see a update just for global. Should I wait on the Verizon or can I just install the global one? I'm new to Pixel experience.
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You can install the global one.
foamerman said:
Question for the group and I hope I'm in the right spot. I got my 7 pro last week. So I went to the Factory image page. I'm on Verizon so I took the verzon update. Now I see a update just for global. Should I wait on the Verizon or can I just install the global one? I'm new to Pixel experience.
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I bought the unlocked P7P from Google and Verizon is my carrier. I have only been flashing the generic firmware to avoid VZW bloatware as much as possible. I haven't had any issues.
xpact said:
It will be difficult for me to make you understand anything since you fail to understand simple things like why anyone would pick a Google phone instead of another brand. Anyway I had Nexus and Pixel phones in the past and they have worked just fine. I was very well aware 5G and VoLTE don't work and I was not after these features. I would be perfectly fine with just 4G. Mine Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 2 XL worked flawlessly. I might have a faulty hardware I am not sure at this point. If you could not help me at least don't blame me for my choices, the money I have spent are mine not yours. Like I have said I know since the beginning some of the feature would not work and this was a risk I was willing to take since I wanted a "clean" android and rootable + unlocked bootloader (there are not many phone manufacturers offering such features). I was not expecting the Pixel to not support any well established telecom standards. Aside from that I live in Europe and I bought the phone from neighboring country. It is not from Japan or US/Canada with different bands.
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I'm in Europe too and have the p7p from Germany, all works fine, no faulty hardware at all. Where did you buy your phone? I'm on stock firmware but had rooted it and there was also no problems, I often think to myself wtf you are always doing with your phones?
Thanks guys. I'm off to see the Wizard.
Gerr1 said:
I'm in Europe too and have the p7p from Germany, all works fine, no faulty hardware at all. Where did you buy your phone? I'm on stock firmware but had rooted it and there was also no problems, I often think to myself wtf you are always doing with your phones?
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I bought it from Germany as well ) The previous pixel I had I bought it from UK and the Nexus 6P from UK as well. But the ones from UK I did not bought on first date but few months after they might had different hardware modem revisions.