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.
Related
so looking online I seem to only find the Chinese version and the L29 I think it is, which is limited to 3 gb only. where can I purchase the other L version that has 4 gb ram and 64gb internal? Selling my note 5 to get this bad boy. can't wait!!
thanks
afaik there are no 4gb international versions... also, there arent any hardware differences between the AL10 and L29 phones aside from the differing support for a few LTE bands. and by a few were talking about like 1-3 here, so nothing to write home about....the rest of the hardware is absolutely identical, u can even crossflash the firmwares, sooo....why not just get the AL10 and call it a day?
Sent from my Huawei Mate 8 using Tapatalk
issacm206 said:
so looking online I seem to only find the Chinese version and the L29 I think it is, which is limited to 3 gb only. where can I purchase the other L version that has 4 gb ram and 64gb internal? Selling my note 5 to get this bad boy. can't wait!!
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can find here: https://www.ibuygou.com/search/
interesting! it doesnt specifically say which version they have there but the listed lte bands point to the L29 international version good find!
Sent from my Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10 using Tapatalk
Its there
Who said no 4gb international versions !! also there is difference..
FYI
http://www.axiomtelecom.com/huawei/...12344-cat.html#variant_id=8687242-15450262455
https://uae.jadopado.com/product/JM00089313/huawei-mate-8-6-0-16mp-dual-sim-4g-lte-smartphone
hm unclear which version the second link offers, but the first looks like the L29, not sure though since they mixed up LTE and UMTS bands.
in any case, i did say there was a very slight difference in supported LTE bands, but thats it. everything else is 100% the same, so nothing to make a fuss about if u ask me
Sent from my Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10 using Tapatalk
http://m.huawei.com/enmobile/consumer/mobile-phones/detail/mate8-en.htm
I just want the versions that comes pre installed with Google play. I don't want to have to root and flash the international version. it looks like there is a 4gb ram and 64gb international version. now I just need to figure out if it has AT&T bands.
thabks guys
jbmc83 said:
hm unclear which version the second link offers, but the first looks like the L29, not sure though since they mixed up LTE and UMTS bands.
in any case, i did say there was a very slight difference in supported LTE bands, but thats it. everything else is 100% the same, so nothing to make a fuss about if u ask me
Sent from my Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
except one is a Chinese version no Google play and the others are not.
i was talking about the hardware
sure, not everyone likes to play around with software, i understand that. but seeing as roms are interchangeable between the chinese and international model, there is really no fixed hardware-based difference between the two thats what i meant
NXT-L29 with 64gb/4gb ram hasn't been released yet, only 32 in silver and grey is available in few countries. 64/4 in gold and mocha (NXT-L29) will be released next month in EU
interesting info! where did u get that from?
My Chinese handset 64gb version came with Google play installed. You can download it from the huawei store that comes installed as well....
Sent from my NEXT using Tapatalk
judging from ur signature, uve got the international rom installed on a chinese model @manook
Sent from my Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10 using Tapatalk
jbmc83 said:
judging from ur signature, uve got the international rom installed on a chinese model @manook
Sent from my Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've converted to the international Rom as its a lot better than the Chinese Rom for me. Bought mine from wonda mobile and came in under a week.
Sent from my NEXT using Tapatalk
I got mine from Wanda mobile to they was good
Sent from my HUAWEI NXT-AL10 using Tapatalk
Does anyone know where you can even get the 3/32gb international version (NXT-L29)? For the last few days vmall has just kept saying it will be available in 2 days?
whats your country of residence? id suggest to just check local electronic stores, they should have the mate 8 in stock by now or the usual places like amazon, ebay, etc.
jbmc83 said:
whats your country of residence? id suggest to just check local electronic stores, they should have the mate 8 in stock by now or the usual places like amazon, ebay, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Ireland so it will probably never be in shops here. I will need to buy online. Do you have the international version, if so where did you get it?
why is it never going to be in shops there? in any case, id suggest checking out UK sites, they should have the mate 8 in stock
i got the AL10 chinese version through aliexpress
Does anyone know, really, what are the differences between the versions NXT-AL10 and NXT-AL29?
It has to do with the regions where they are sold?
The software is different from one version to another?
I ask this questions is because I've read almost all of the post on this forum, and frankly, I could not understand what the differences are...
IMHO I think the answer to this question is the key in order to install the different versions that are not yet available, but certainly in the near future will be.
By the way, my Mate 8 has the NXT-AL10C00B156 version. It is the Chinese or international version?
As others have said, I am also impressed with the overall performance of this machine, and my only disappointment results from the pre-installed software that has huge Chinese junk (of course, no offense to the Chinese people I greatly respect).
Thanks a lot
AL10 = chinese version, unlocked
TL00, DL00, CL00 = chinese versions, locked to chinese carriers
L29 = international version, unlocked, dual sim
L09 = international version, unlocked, single sim, only available in 3/32 GB
only differences between AL10 and L29 are in the preinstalled software (AL10 has "chinese junk" on it and no preinstalled google apps & services, opposite is the case with L29 & L09 models)
also, they differ in one single supported LTE band: http://www.anandtech.com/show/9878/the-huawei-mate-8-review
scroll down for the specs table, differences are listed there
thats it! and exactly because theyre so similar we can crossflash roms between the two models
cheers
Do you guys think we'll be able to flash the Chinese models into fully thinking they're L29?
good question, no idea. in principle, wed only need to manipulate the device name in about phone, so as to fool future OTA´s
I had the 10, returned for the 29 with preloaded Google Apps. I was having an issue on the Chinese version with Google Apps and my Google account. The Chinese language on some apps was annoying as well. Now with the International version all is good. Plus it was cheaper.
Sent from my HUAWEI NXT-L29 using Tapatalk
AL10.... you can get 128gb version, l29 you cant.
ALL THAT SPACE.
DaffyOnLSD said:
AL10.... you can get 128gb version, l29 you cant.
ALL THAT SPACE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of you guys have any idea if briefly there will be a European version of the L29 ,as to L10 this will never happen ...
That would be ideal as we would be with 64 (which is my case ) or 128GB and the fully functional mobile phone !
Hi All,
I bought TL00 (China Mobile). Can I root it? And flash international rom?
hm, where are u located? have u made sure that it works with sim cards from carriers other than china mobile? just wondering
aside from that, some others have already flashed the international rom on their carrier locked china devices. although it didnt seem to help in terms of sim card functionality, the firmwares did seem to work. no promises though!
Huawei mate 8 NXT-AL10C00B156
Hi all,
Got my phone with all kind of chinese apps which ofcourse where of no use for me, as i do not speak Chinese. It came with google play store though so i was able to not only get rid of the apps they allowed me to delete and inhabilitated others. Installed all I wanted and more or less I am happy. The phone is absolutely great with 128GB and do not feel any yearning to the many samsungs I had in the past and got fed up about, and which I always bought in Asia with Dual sim i need for my double geaographical life. Would only wish to get the European version if their is guarantee that it works. I am far from an expert but have installed several times in the past different IOS via ODIN with good result. If anybody has tried this change with succes from the chinese IOS to the European variant, kindly indicate.
Thanks in advance,
Br
Tonardus
just read through the mate 8 subforums here, there is all the info u need in order to install the international rom on the chinese model
Sent from my Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10 using Tapatalk
jbmc83 said:
just read through the mate 8 subforums here, there is all the info u need in order to install the international rom on the chinese model
Sent from my Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, will do that.
Thanks a lot.
jbmc83 said:
AL10 = chinese version, unlocked
TL00, DL00, CL00 = chinese versions, locked to chinese carriers
L29 = international version, unlocked, dual sim
L09 = international version, unlocked, single sim, only available in 3/32 GB
only differences between AL10 and L29 are in the preinstalled software (AL10 has "chinese junk" on it and no preinstalled google apps & services, opposite is the case with L29 & L09 models)
also, they differ in one single supported LTE band: http://www.anandtech.com/show/9878/the-huawei-mate-8-review
scroll down for the specs table, differences are listed there
thats it! and exactly because theyre so similar we can crossflash roms between the two models
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the L09 interchangeable with L29 roms?
And what is UL00 version?
dredre2017 said:
Is the L09 interchangeable with L29 roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think so. at least ive seen L29 users successfully installing L09 roms and vice versa
NXT-DL00 - Locked?
Hello
I have Huawei Mate 8 NXT-DL00. What it means is locked for Chinese carriers. And if anyone tried to unlock it? I use this phone from 01.10.2016 in Poland. I think it works well but I can not change the language in the application Hiapp to any other without bushes nor register - server always busy, try later. I thought me change the software on the other, and everything will be fine.
Regards
MJ
jbmc83 said:
AL10 = chinese version, unlocked
TL00, DL00, CL00 = chinese versions, locked to chinese carriers
L29 = international version, unlocked, dual sim
L09 = international version, unlocked, single sim, only available in 3/32 GB
only differences between AL10 and L29 are in the preinstalled software (AL10 has "chinese junk" on it and no preinstalled google apps & services, opposite is the case with L29 & L09 models)
also, they differ in one single supported LTE band: http://www.anandtech.com/show/9878/the-huawei-mate-8-review
scroll down for the specs table, differences are listed there
thats it! and exactly because theyre so similar we can crossflash roms between the two models
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you able to get group text messaging functions like you would on a US based phone? for example a galaxy s7 that was bought in a Verizon store.
i bought the international redmi 3pro and i cannot get normal group messaging functions, i cannot see the group messaging all together in 1 single group text. it sends all responses to me as individual messages instead of a group. i dont want to buy the mate8 if it does that as well. i want my old group messaging functions back
depends on the app youre using i guess... also check and see if the app settings include anything about group messages.
Sent from my Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10
I got L29 andI have problem connecting to TMobile network. My have another L10 and has no problem connecting to tmobile.
Any idea ?
Can we use dual sim on AL10 ?
Hello,
I am planning to buy an S8+ but I am hesitating on the version, between European, international dual SIM, HK or even China (seems USA unlocked would have me pay customs necessarily importing to France).
I have an LG G6 HK version and I can't root it since there's no bootloader unlock mod and I miss it a bit.
I believe every S8+ version is rootable but I was wondering if some versions would have sub par hardware, especially HK and Chinese version like in camera or else?
Anybody has HK version and happy or unhappy with it?
I have to say my G6 HK has great screen and camera, it's just I can't root it and screen is a little small for me but I was wondering if Samsung made cost savings thus less top range component?
Sent from my LG-H870DS using XDA-Developers Legacy app
EMJI79 said:
Hello,
I am planning to buy an S8+ but I am hesitating on the version, between European, international dual SIM, HK or even China (seems USA unlocked would have me pay customs necessarily importing to France).
I have an LG G6 HK version and I can't root it since there's no bootloader unlock mod and I miss it a bit.
I believe every S8+ version is rootable but I was wondering if some versions would have sub par hardware, especially HK and Chinese version like in camera or else?
Anybody has HK version and happy or unhappy with it?
I have to say my G6 HK has great screen and camera, it's just I can't root it and screen is a little small for me but I was wondering if Samsung made cost savings thus less top range component?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you even tried reading up the reviews on different varinats?
I know that USA and China have Snapdragon and other have Exynos, the latter bring a little quicker and better for battery but I haven't read anything about camera.
I know that Huawei have outrageously modifyed there specs on the Mate 10 for example but that is all I know. That's why I am asking (I know about memory differences also).
I wanted real consumers experience return.
Sent from my LG-H870DS using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I haven't decided between the standard edition or forbidden city. Leaning more towards standard because 10gb ram isn't needed and the mythical Lion looking picture isn't worth the few extra hundred. As far as I know, those are the only differences.
However, I do want 8GB Ram. Preferably 256gb storage. Preferably the blue color.
I'm not a tech guy.
Question A: Does anyone know where I can buy it? I found it on ebay, but only the black is available with the specs I want. Shipping also seems to take rather long. I would prefer to get the Mi Mix 3 5g for the better processor. But as far as I know doesn't have 8gb ram so i might pass on it.
Question B: Is it safe to buy the 8gb/256gb global "rom" version? Will it perform just as well? Will i have google play(with apps/games performing normally)? And will it get updates? Will I have to do anything?
Question C: From what I understand, any version of the Mi Mix 3 or Forbidden city will work with all the needed T-Mobile bands. Will it work with all the needed AT&T bands? Again, will I have to do anything?
I really appreciate this. Thank you.
If you're going to run the stock MIUI, then you need the global version. However, if you're going to flash it, there seem to be some advantages with the Chinese firmware, which is able to run the currently-available non-gsi roms without any problems. 6gb/8gb, I wouldn't sweat it over, but if I remember correctly, the 6gb versions have a couple of bands missing, which may or may not make a difference, depending on which carrier you're on. AFAIK, there's no 8gb global version. If you want it fast, the best place to source it is probably either Canada or the UK. If you get the 8gb Chinese version, you'll need to become a tech guy to make it useable. Assuming you buy the global device, you should get the updates without a problem.
invisiblewave said:
If you're going to run the stock MIUI, then you need the global version. However, if you're going to flash it, there seem to be some advantages with the Chinese firmware, which is able to run the currently-available non-gsi roms without any problems. 6gb/8gb, I wouldn't sweat it over, but if I remember correctly, the 6gb versions have a couple of bands missing, which may or may not make a difference, depending on which carrier you're on. AFAIK, there's no 8gb global version. If you want it fast, the best place to source it is probably either Canada or the UK. If you get the 8gb Chinese version, you'll need to become a tech guy to make it useable. Assuming you buy the global device, you should get the updates without a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On Ebay there's the black one 8gb 256gb and the blue one 8gb 128gb. It says "Unlocked (Global Rom)". Would I be ok? I know I can ask the ebay seller, but i don't trust them.
jkrc717 said:
On Ebay there's the black one 8gb 256gb and the blue one 8gb 128gb. It says "Unlocked (Global Rom)". Would I be ok? I know I can ask the ebay seller, but i don't trust them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Double check, but I don't think the phone was sold by Xiaomi with 8gb and a global rom. Unlocked may be the clue, it may be a Chinese device with the global rom flashed. Having run MIUI, eu-MIUI, and vanilla Android on this hardware, the best option appears to be the Chinese firmware anyway, but only if you're willing to flash. The Pixel Experience rom runs fantastically well on mine, giving the perfect combination for me of stupendous hardware and clean, fast software.
invisiblewave said:
Double check, but I don't think the phone was sold by Xiaomi with 8gb and a global rom. Unlocked may be the clue, it may be a Chinese device with the global rom flashed. Having run MIUI, eu-MIUI, and vanilla Android on this hardware, the best option appears to be the Chinese firmware anyway, but only if you're willing to flash. The Pixel Experience rom runs fantastically well on mine, giving the perfect combination for me of stupendous hardware and clean, fast software.
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Do you know where I can buy it at a good reputable company? I'm not a tech guy, but I guess I can follow some instructions and flash it.
However, If the global rom is already flashed then wouldn't that mean I'm good to go? Basically as if I bought the global version without me having to do anything? And get regular updates?
I honestly don't care. I want the original OS global or chinese. As long as I can set the language to english, it works flawless with my carrier, has google play and I can get and run all the apps perfectly. Like an other android phone.
I have been using the Forbidden City model for a few months now. The phone itself is very impressive, beautiful, fast, etc. I did a lot of research on this model before I purchased it because I did not want to run into the same issue I had with the Mi Mix 2 Special Edition model. I was only able to get 3G to work on it! Unfortunately, with all the research I have done with the Forbidden City version, I am unable to get LTE with AT&T.
I have been on the phone, been into a few stores, and so far I am still unable to get LTE. Most of the time I am on 3G but once in a while, I get 4G. Such a disappointment!
This phone came with a Chinese ROM but I did flash it with the Global ROM. You lose a few features when you do that so make sure to research first. You can get the facial unlock to work if you change the region in settings. Why that has to be done seems a bit silly. I wish I would have waited and purchased the Black Shark 2 or one of the 5G models now.
I've come to the conclusion that I probably should not purchase unlocked phones anymore and go with a carrier model if I want LTE speeds.
jkrc717 said:
I haven't decided between the standard edition or forbidden city. Leaning more towards standard because 10gb ram isn't needed and the mythical Lion looking picture isn't worth the few extra hundred. As far as I know, those are the only differences.
However, I do want 8GB Ram. Preferably 256gb storage. Preferably the blue color.
I'm not a tech guy.
Question A: Does anyone know where I can buy it? I found it on ebay, but only the black is available with the specs I want. Shipping also seems to take rather long. I would prefer to get the Mi Mix 3 5g for the better processor. But as far as I know doesn't have 8gb ram so i might pass on it.
Question B: Is it safe to buy the 8gb/256gb global "rom" version? Will it perform just as well? Will i have google play(with apps/games performing normally)? And will it get updates? Will I have to do anything?
Question C: From what I understand, any version of the Mi Mix 3 or Forbidden city will work with all the needed T-Mobile bands. Will it work with all the needed AT&T bands? Again, will I have to do anything?
I really appreciate this. Thank you.
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Hi all,
I am going to buy a new Mate 20 X.
Apart from the used ones, the only brand new I can find are on Aliexpress, like this one
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32970338476.html
There is the option of adding the global Rom as they say
"
if you need global firmware, please order the bundle" add global firmware". then we will install global firmware EVR-L29 to the phone
"
Will this mean that i'll have the AL00 as it was a L29?
Will OTA updates work out of the box?
Will I have problems with bank apps for example?
The rebrand to L29 is something I could do home with the help of XDA community ?
Thanks all
I was able to find a new L29 in the UK from a established vendor recently, but it wasn't cheap. I previously owned a AL00 for a couple of weeks, as it was sold to me in error (a Chinese version sold as global). When I owned that I did find a few independent phone shops online that would change the firmware remotely. So that's probably still an option. All found through Google.
Nothing is guaranteed of course but I would expect that most things on the phone would work ok, if you get it from your AliExpress vendor. But who knows. That's why I paid more, from a known vendor, with a proper guarantee. You pay your money and make your choice
Simply buy the Chinese version, that's by far the best option!
Definitely do NOT pay that extra money for changing AL00 to L29! It will NOT make it a proper L29, they just load a firmware which says L29... and you get absolutely NO benefits (actually, you may get just issues with updates, etc.)
With the Chinese version you get some advantages like enabled call recording, earlier and more frequent updates of built-in apps, or the Harmony OS upgrade.
The Chinese version works absolutely normal, all languages are available, etc.
I found a seller that showed me a EVR-L29 but imported from CHina (in fact the Huawei warranty is for HK and China only).
Since L29 global version is the same everywhere...This one should work ok, I guess, right?
The label on the package says L29 and they said they've just put the firmware with other languages (I didn't get this part, but maybe the one I was talking to isn't a specialist)
As I said, Chinese version simply WORKS without any problems. Plus, has even some advantages.
Absolutely no reason hunting for global version.
EvzenP said:
As I said, Chinese version simply WORKS without any problems. Plus, has even some advantages.
Absolutely no reason hunting for global version.
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What advantages? I heard EVR-L29 is the one to get because you have access to google play store
All versions of Mate 20 X have Google Services... they always had.
Mate 20 X was released BEFORE the sanctions, i.e. Mate 20 X never had any problem with GMS whatsoever.
I own the EVR-L29 global version, which I imported from Singapore a few years ago. I love the phone and have been looking for a second one for my wife. I have some questions about buying the Chinese version rather than the global version. With previous Chinese version phones from Oppo and Vivo, although they came with the Google Framework and Google Play Services, there were some differences between them and the global versions I couldn't get used to. For example, I could use the Google Assistant by tapping its icon, but the phones wouldn't respond to voice activation "OK Google", because that conflicted with their own baked in Chinese voice assistant app. Android Auto wouldn't work, because it conflicted with their built in app, and there were several Chinese apps I couldn't uninstall and some Chinese text in submenus. Is this the case with the Chinese version of the Mate 20 X? The Chinese version has the advantage of more RAM and storage than the global version, and like the post above, I'm tempted to have one of the AliExpress vendors flash the global ROM on the Chinese version, but I have a concern updates won't work, as the Huawei servers will know it is a Chinese version. Thanks for any advice.
I have the EVR-L00 and I need to downgrade to Android 9 so I can unlock the bootloader. How do I do that? I got the special Harmony cable that I needed. Now I'm not sure what to do next.