Database Info

Mate 9 version clarity...

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.

S8+ HK

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 want to buy the Mi Mix 3 standard or Forbidden City Edition. General questions..

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Device differences

Hello all,
I need to upgrade my current phone and I will probably be buying a OP8T, for my daily needs the 8/128 version is more then enough.
So i have a question about the differences between this version and the 12/256 regarding rooting/unlocking bootloaders/installing new roms.
Are the devices considered equal regarding the procedures for rooting/installing new roms, etc?
Im trying to find out if theres is more support for one version then the other so i can choose what to buy.
Thank you for the help.

systemcarrotpt said:
Hello all,
I need to upgrade my current phone and I will probably be buying a OP8T, for my daily needs the 8/128 version is more then enough.
So i have a question about the differences between this version and the 12/256 regarding rooting/unlocking bootloaders/installing new roms.
Are the devices considered equal regarding the procedures for rooting/installing new roms, etc?
Im trying to find out if theres is more support for one version then the other so i can choose what to buy.
Thank you for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no difference for rom support or unlocking/rooting between the 8/128 or 12/256 models from the same regions. Every device can easily be unlocked and converted between different rom versions as well.
Only difference is the TMobile locked version from USA that are more difficult to unlock and convert (need to be sim unlocked from T-Mobile first).
The only other hardware difference between models from various regions is that they support different LTE /5G bands and that can't be changed by the user in anyway. So might be worth looking into if you consider buying from another region. But for the same region there shouldn't be a difference between 8/128 or 12/256 versions the phones have the same hardware except ram and memory storage

Hi.
Thank you for the reply.
I was looking at the Chinese version 12/256 that is quite cheapper than the European version. But i found out about the LTE/5G bands as you say and i decided to go with the European version (or the version that Amazon sells in Europe).
I will be going with the 8/128 then.
Again, thank you for the help.

systemcarrotpt said:
Hi.
Thank you for the reply.
I was looking at the Chinese version 12/256 that is quite cheapper than the European version. But i found out about the LTE/5G bands as you say and i decided to go with the European version (or the version that Amazon sells in Europe).
I will be going with the 8/128 then.
Again, thank you for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to be of help.
I bought a 8/128 GB EU version directly from oneplus before Christmas and haven't regretted it.
Right version is probably a more safe choice but I know people that have bought Chinese versions as well and is very happy with that. The phone will still work but you probably won't get the same coverage and speed if all band your provider used isnt supported.
I would compare the bands and see what suits you best.

Question Pixel 6a Japanese version

Hello. I am from Europe and thinking about getting Pixel 6a phone in this black Friday sales.
Are there any problems using Japanese version in Europe?.
Also I saw in the Google developers webpage the firmware version since 3 updates like there are no differences in released versions for different phones.

Should be no problem at all. I don't see the Japanese version, maybe that's the international? But there is a slight difference in bands between versions. https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_6a-ampp-11229.php