Database Info

Box is stamped UPDATED and CERTIFIED

Today, I just received what is supposed to be a "New" Samsung Galaxy SIII. However, the box looks a bit worn, it has the word UPDATED on it in the lower right corner and the top of the box says CERTIFIED. Also, on the phone itself, in the lower right hand corner, it has a label or sticker that says UPDATED. Can someone tell me what this is all about. Did I pay Verizon for a new phone but receive a Certified Pre-Owned phone.
Thanks for your help

PinzPilot said:
Today, I just received what is supposed to be a "New" Samsung Galaxy SIII. However, the box looks a bit worn, it has the word UPDATED on it in the lower right corner and the top of the box says CERTIFIED. Also, on the phone itself, in the lower right hand corner, it has a label or sticker that says UPDATED. Can someone tell me what this is all about. Did I pay Verizon for a new phone but receive a Certified Pre-Owned phone.
Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't get new replacement phones from Verizon, unless you're still in your 14 days, and go to a Verizon store.
Sent from my Maxxed Out Razr!

skater95 said:
You don't get new replacement phones from Verizon, unless you're still in your 14 days, and go to a Verizon store.
Sent from my Maxxed Out Razr!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you misunderstood. This is my first purchase of the Galaxy SIII. It is not a replacement. I am upgrading my old phone to the Galaxy. But, it has these labels on it. Could I have received a previously owned phone and not a new upgraded phone?

Certainly possible.

No you received a new phone with the updated radio. Baseband LG1. The phone original baseband is LF2
VERIZON GALAXY S 3

PinzPilot said:
Today, I just received what is supposed to be a "New" Samsung Galaxy SIII. However, the box looks a bit worn, it has the word UPDATED on it in the lower right corner and the top of the box says CERTIFIED. Also, on the phone itself, in the lower right hand corner, it has a label or sticker that says UPDATED. Can someone tell me what this is all about. Did I pay Verizon for a new phone but receive a Certified Pre-Owned phone.
Thanks for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is "updated" with the POS software update that takes away the ability to search local apps, contacts, and files.
As for certified that should be expected because they never warranty exchange old phones for new ones.
If you did get a certified pre owned it would have come wrapped in plastic, with no battery, and a sticker over the screen that said it was pre owned.
I can at least confirm that is how I got three different phones, of two different model types from verizon in the past year.

Verizon Phones
stevenjcampbell said:
Your phone is "updated" with the POS software update that takes away the ability to search local apps, contacts, and files.
As for certified that should be expected because they never warranty exchange old phones for new ones.
If you did get a certified pre owned it would have come wrapped in plastic, with no battery, and a sticker over the screen that said it was pre owned.
I can at least confirm that is how I got three different phones, of two different model types from verizon in the past year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a completely accurate statement, I've been through my share of Verizon Thunderbolts and can attest that you got a new phone with the updated software/radio. I got the same one last week.
Rob

therobzilla said:
This is a completely accurate statement, I've been through my share of Verizon Thunderbolts and can attest that you got a new phone with the updated software/radio. I got the same one last week.
Rob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
be sure to click thanks when people give completely accurate statements, my friend

stevenjcampbell said:
be sure to click thanks when people give completely accurate statements, my friend
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I certainly will. Been a very long time since I've been to this forum and everyone is always very helpful.

stevenjcampbell said:
Your phone is "updated" with the POS software update that takes away the ability to search local apps, contacts, and files.
As for certified that should be expected because they never warranty exchange old phones for new ones.
If you did get a certified pre owned it would have come wrapped in plastic, with no battery, and a sticker over the screen that said it was pre owned.
I can at least confirm that is how I got three different phones, of two different model types from verizon in the past year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just spoke with Verizon technical support about this and they said "it was just an update to add a search bar on the home screen". Does that sound right? I don't understand all of this tech stuff, but I sure don't want to lose or even notice a loss of any kind on this new phone. My brother got his Galaxy two weeks ago and it didn't have all the UPDATED labels on it. Your comment, "takes away the ability to search local apps, contacts, and files" is concerning to me. Would you be able to explain that a little more? Thanks!

PinzPilot said:
I just spoke with Verizon technical support about this and they said "it was just an update to add a search bar on the home screen". Does that sound right? I don't understand all of this tech stuff, but I sure don't want to lose or even notice a loss of any kind on this new phone. My brother got his Galaxy two weeks ago and it didn't have all the UPDATED labels on it. Your comment, "takes away the ability to search local apps, contacts, and files" is concerning to me. Would you be able to explain that a little more? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has to do with an apple lawsuit saying that a patent if theirs was violated having search be able to search phone contents like apps contacts and whatnot
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

PinzPilot said:
I just spoke with Verizon technical support about this and they said "it was just an update to add a search bar on the home screen". Does that sound right? I don't understand all of this tech stuff, but I sure don't want to lose or even notice a loss of any kind on this new phone. My brother got his Galaxy two weeks ago and it didn't have all the UPDATED labels on it. Your comment, "takes away the ability to search local apps, contacts, and files" is concerning to me. Would you be able to explain that a little more? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not much to say.
Because apple has a small penis, they are choosing to sue the heck out of Samsung and several others.
One such patent, which has not actually had any legal action yet which apple holds, is the ability to search local applications, contacts, data.
That is, lets say you have the app "mapmyrun" on your phone.
You also have "maps" and a contact for someone called "mary"
By typing "ma" only you will see results for all three until you narrow it down.
But since apple is suing the world now, samsung pushed an update a few weeks ago that disabled the ability to do what I just described above.
When you start to get say, 100s of contacts, dozens of apps, this begins to be a very useful feature to you...
Its annoying, and it really makes me reject apple which is sad because I used to love their products and nearly follow the cult of mac.
Here is an article on it:
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18980115

Ok now what the hell is my phone?

Hi,
This thread will probably die unanswered, but if you think you can help me identify my phone, you're amazing.
I got this phone by buying it from a friend of a friend. Not a good way to start off, I know.
The reason I first wanted to identify it was to find a custom ROM. But I've now understood that this may never happen.
Things I know for sure about the phone:
It has 4G
It has 2 SIM slots
Charge is done through normal micro USB
There is 1 micro SD slot
It has "3D Sound" (if that's any helpful)
It has 1 back and 1 front camera
It has an audio jack (definitely not the iPhone 7)
It runs Android 4.4.4
Things that don't really help
The brand: "Zuka" -> didn't give many results on Google. I did a reversed search by taking a picture, a Chinese reselling website showed up. I can't post links yet.
The sticker behind the phone's battery. It displays 2 IMEIs. I've checked both but it turns out they're probably fake, because the results corresponded to old LG flip phones. I'm not sure what to trust at this point!
I cannot post the Chinese website link unfortunately. It gives info about the processor, memory etc. (1.66GHz eight-core, 2GB RAM, 4800mAh power...)
Anyway, that's probably all the info I can give. If I forgot something, ask me! Sorry if my English is bad, I'm French!
If you have an hypothesis of what this phone is, post it below!
Thanks!

You could try to get more info by installing some hardware identification app from play. If you're rooted you can also check the build.prop for more info.

tys0n said:
You could try to get more info by installing some hardware identification app from play. If you're rooted you can also check the build.prop for more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! I am currently exploring those
Do you know why the displayed IMEI doesn't match the phone?

Spirale001 said:
Thank you! I am currently exploring those
Do you know why the displayed IMEI doesn't match the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There should be a model number to identify it but from what you're describing it sounds like a clone, which means it actually can't truly be identified as "that" or "this" device.
The reason why it has misleading IMEI information is probably because, as I said, it's a clone which means it was not manufactured by a typical manufacturer(where it would get its own IMEI and model number), it has probably had the IMEI from another device written to it.
You're right, you'll probably never find anything to get a clear picture of what it is or what you can do with it.
In my opinion, I'd put in a junk drawer and get another device that CAN be identified.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk

Droidriven said:
There should be a model number to identify it but from what you're describing it sounds like a clone, which means it actually can't truly be identified as "that" or "this" device.
The reason why it has misleading IMEI information is probably because, as I said, it's a clone which means it was not manufactured by a typical manufacturer(where it would get its own IMEI and model number), it has probably had the IMEI from another device written to it.
You're right, you'll probably never find anything to get a clear picture of what it is or what you can do with it.
In my opinion, I'd put in a junk drawer and get another device that CAN be identified.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer
That's close to what I was thinking of. This phone has nothing official. On the sticker where I found those 2 misleading IMEIs was a line saying "S/N: Zuka". That's it... No serial number whatsoever.
Not to mention I don't have any package coming with that phone, of course
Anyway, I'll keep using it for now because it works, has 4G, a decent battery life, and is rooted! :good:

Chinese to Global ROM?

I'm in China, and am getting a 7 Pro, but they don't have the global firmware for sale.
Is it possible to flash the Chinese phone with the global firmware?
If so, how?

Out of curiosity, isn't that illegal as a Chinese citizen?
(Honest question. I don't know.)

Elnrik said:
Out of curiosity, isn't that illegal as a Chinese citizen?
(Honest question. I don't know.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I heard something about that, but I'm not a chinese citizen, and am planing to bring the phone back.

If nothing changes from previous generations:
Download OOS, full ROM, not OTA file
Put the zip file in internal storage (/sdcard aka. /storage/emulated/0)
Settings - System - System updates - Gear icon on top right corner - Local upgrade
Factory reset if GApps FC
They made it so H2OS and OOS can be easily converted, so it doesn't make sense if they changed the policy.

liweichen6 said:
If nothing changes from previous generations:
Download OOS, full ROM, not OTA file
Put the zip file in internal storage (/sdcard aka. /storage/emulated/0)
Settings - System - System updates - Gear icon on top right corner - Local upgrade
Factory reset if GApps FC
They made it so H2OS and OOS can be easily converted, so it doesn't make sense if they changed the policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so no need to unlock bootloader, root, etc?

rockuman_ex said:
so no need to unlock bootloader, root, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct, no need to unlock bl or anything.
I'm not sure how their warranty works overseas (but I assume no cover). If you have enough time in China, you can try to flash it and, if anything goes wrong, mail the device back so they can get it fixed, should be with no charge.
The availability is more a problem, I've heard something like, you need a voucher code in order to purchase (sometimes there's no inventory even with the code), or you need to wait for a certain time period. The CEO says they've started sending some inventory for foreign countries back to mainland China, so things could get better over time.
BTW they didn't seem to expect the 12G variant to be this popular (in fact I was talking to my friend during the announcement, saying 8G is more than enough, who needs 12G; then in the end I was like, screw it, I'll buy the 12G )

liweichen6 said:
That's correct, no need to unlock bl or anything.
I'm not sure how their warranty works overseas (but I assume no cover). If you have enough time in China, you can try to flash it and, if anything goes wrong, mail the device back so they can get it fixed, should be with no charge.
The availability is more a problem, I've heard something like, you need a voucher code in order to purchase (sometimes there's no inventory even with the code), or you need to wait for a certain time period. The CEO says they've started sending some inventory for foreign countries back to mainland China, so things could get better over time.
BTW they didn't seem to expect the 12G variant to be this popular (in fact I was talking to my friend during the announcement, saying 8G is more than enough, who needs 12G; then in the end I was like, screw it, I'll buy the 12G )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks! :good:
I might get the 12G as well

liweichen6 said:
That's correct, no need to unlock bl or anything.
I'm not sure how their warranty works overseas (but I assume no cover).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If nothing changed since Oneplus 5, you're covered internationally, meaning you can send in your OP for repair in e.g. Germany despite having bought it in China.
Would be nice if anyone could confirm OP kept this up?

ipredatorv said:
If nothing changed since Oneplus 5, you're covered internationally, meaning you can send in your OP for repair in e.g. Germany despite having bought it in China.
Would be nice if anyone could confirm OP kept this up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be nice

ipredatorv said:
If nothing changed since Oneplus 5, you're covered internationally, meaning you can send in your OP for repair in e.g. Germany despite having bought it in China.
Would be nice if anyone could confirm OP kept this up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I contacted support and they said:
(1) I would need to send the phone to the service center to change the OS
(2) Warranty is only valid in the region of purchase.a
Not sure if the OS change is really impossible to be done by the user alone, but the warranty thing sounds like a firm no.

eternal-flame-AD said:
I contacted support and they said:
(1) I would need to send the phone to the service center to change the OS
(2) Warranty is only valid in the region of purchase.a
Not sure if the OS change is really impossible to be done by the user alone, but the warranty thing sounds like a firm no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have the Chinese HOS 9.5.3GM21, i was able to install Gapps with Aptoide and it´s all working well. Still i would like to install the international OS in this phone. Any news about how to do it without rooting or losing warranty?

So, you can use MsmDownloadTool to change area.(But op7pro didn't have it yet)

brightmbsh said:
So, you can use MsmDownloadTool to change area.(But op7pro didn't have it yet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
)))))

Question Bought a Watch4 on eBay...model R890X...has Retail Mode installed and can't do much?

So got it cheap on eBay...I get it and notice it's the SM-R890X...which is apparently a version made for Russia and the Caribbean? Anyways, trying to get it to go into connect mode for my phone (Fold 3) only to notice I can't get it working.
Long story short...it's locked into retail mode (even under Bluetooth settings it's visible as "wisebl") and I can't get it out. I can open the Retail Mode app (passcode 5444) and can turn it on or off, but can't delete it or permanently disable it.
Factory Reset under the Retail Mode app also doesn't seem to get rid of it upon rebooting.
If I remove OR disable the app via ADB nothing seems to change, still can't connect to it.
Any thoughts? Seems it might just need a full firmware flash but considering there are none out yet I'm willing to try my options.

I wonder if Samsung would swap you a good one for that one. More than likely that was stolen from a store and I'm willing to bet Samsung wants it back possibly? Idk?

Oh wow I didn't know it had a retail mode, you can't disable it via the galaxy wearable app?

adj998 said:
Oh wow I didn't know it had a retail mode, you can't disable it via the galaxy wearable app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's probably some kind of Samsung tool they use to enable/disable it that a customer will never have on their PC/phone.
I'd go as far to bet that those few watches in retail mode might not even have the full tech in the watch it's supposed to since it's supposed to be just a demo

spart0n said:
It's probably some kind of Samsung tool they use to enable/disable it that a customer will never have on their PC/phone.
I'd go as far to bet that those few watches in retail mode might not even have the full tech in the watch it's supposed to since it's supposed to be just a demo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't you take it to a Samsung retail place and provide proof of purchase so they can disable that if able to?

adj998 said:
Couldn't you take it to a Samsung retail place and provide proof of purchase so they can disable that if able to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could but at the same time they could accuse you of stealing it and have the cops called... That's why I suggested contact them first and ask.

spart0n said:
You could but at the same time they could accuse you of stealing it and have the cops called... That's why I suggested contact them first and ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh okay I get what you're saying. You can verify the IMEI orserial number to make sure it wasn't reported stolen and then go about asking them

Live Demo Unit...
Not for Sale...
SM-R890X
Latest LDU firmware for this is:
R890XXXU1AUH2/R890XOXA1AUH2
No Stock Firmware leaked yet...
Only as info...
Best Regards

spart0n said:
I'd go as far to bet that those few watches in retail mode might not even have the full tech in the watch it's supposed to since it's supposed to be just a demo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it seems to have everything hardware wise. Sensors, mic, speaker, Wifi, Bluetooth...software all works surprisingly for a "retail unit". Developer mode, Recovery, ADB Debug, etc. Like, if could just connect to my phone it would be, I'd say, 100% functional...IF I could get it to connect.
No harm no foul though, I'll just return it, sucks cause I got it cheap and if there was a firmware I'd certainly give it a go!

AndroidVageta said:
So got it cheap on eBay...I get it and notice it's the SM-R890X...which is apparently a version made for Russia and the Caribbean? Anyways, trying to get it to go into connect mode for my phone (Fold 3) only to notice I can't get it working.
Long story short...it's locked into retail mode (even under Bluetooth settings it's visible as "wisebl") and I can't get it out. I can open the Retail Mode app (passcode 5444) and can turn it on or off, but can't delete it or permanently disable it.
Factory Reset under the Retail Mode app also doesn't seem to get rid of it upon rebooting.
If I remove OR disable the app via ADB nothing seems to change, still can't connect to it.
Any thoughts? Seems it might just need a full firmware flash but considering there are none out yet I'm willing to try my options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am in the same boat, i bought two, one of the watch 4 and one of the watch 4 classic, i don't even see that retail mode app you mentioned, i will keep it until i find a firmware for it,

987rafiq said:
i am in the same boat, i bought two, one of the watch 4 and one of the watch 4 classic, i don't even see that retail mode app you mentioned, i will keep it until i find a firmware for it,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any one considerd that samsung can lock every device that has knox on it.????????
so in case of that the watches are stolen or indeed samples for retail this coold be the case

AndroidVageta said:
So got it cheap on eBay...I get it and notice it's the SM-R890X...which is apparently a version made for Russia and the Caribbean? Anyways, trying to get it to go into connect mode for my phone (Fold 3) only to notice I can't get it working.
Long story short...it's locked into retail mode (even under Bluetooth settings it's visible as "wisebl") and I can't get it out. I can open the Retail Mode app (passcode 5444) and can turn it on or off, but can't delete it or permanently disable it.
Factory Reset under the Retail Mode app also doesn't seem to get rid of it upon rebooting.
If I remove OR disable the app via ADB nothing seems to change, still can't connect to it.
Any thoughts? Seems it might just need a full firmware flash but considering there are none out yet I'm willing to try my options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any news on the subject?
I bought the watch second-hand and I think I got a demo watch ...
I'm desperate, I don't know what to do.
Do we have to wait for a firmware to come out and flash with net odin?

gurtu95 said:
Any news on the subject?
I bought the watch second-hand and I think I got a demo watch ...
I'm desperate, I don't know what to do.
Do we have to wait for a firmware to come out and flash with net odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought it on EBay, and it wasn't as described, you have all of the EBay protections available to you; if it was as described, then I don't think anyone here should help you make a stolen watch functional.

jtOttawa said:
If you bought it on EBay, and it wasn't as described, you have all of the EBay protections available to you; if it was as described, then I don't think anyone here should help you make a stolen watch functional.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was not stolen.
I bought it from a secondhand deal app that deals with local people. I have no doubt that it is not stolen because the seller blocked me instantly.
I am simply looking for a solution to my problem. I think moral ethics can be set aside.

gurtu95 said:
It was not stolen.
I bought it from a secondhand deal app that deals with local people. I have no doubt that it is not stolen because the seller blocked me instantly.
I am simply looking for a solution to my problem. I think moral ethics can be set aside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't the seller blocking you instantly indicate that it was stolen? And no, I don't think 'moral ethics' should be set aside so you can enjoy your dubiously procured watch - this is why stuff gets stolen, because some people set 'moral ethics' aside when they see what they think is a deal too good to pass up.
You took a chance; you lost. Suck it up.

Even thinking that the previous post is a bit rude, still I have to agree with the main message - you should ask for local police rather than the forum for help in your situation.

I don't think @jtOttawa post was rude at all, he pointed out the problem really well.
It is quite simple : if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is !

goodwin_c said:
Even thinking that the previous post is a bit rude, still I have to agree with the main message - you should ask for local police rather than the forum for help in your situation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not rude - angry. He knew what he was buying (or he should have, for a nearly new watch in a second hand marketplace at an unusually low price) - that's why he doesn't go to the police. I have no sympathy for people who buy stolen goods, and it makes me angry when they come here asking for us to help them (this is not the first time I have seen this here).

Ultimately this watch screens stolen.
The reason why I state this is because I've worked with Samsung in retail before. They generally have there retail models and separate demo ones for display.
The retail boxes are white and state the product and state it's for retail only.
looks like you purchased a stolen product. Your best bet is to file for a refund on eBay.
failing maybe Odin might help however I feel that this won't work. As mentioned by previous posters if a offer is to good to be true than it probably is.
a long shot but if you were to report this to Samsung they will probably say you shouldn't have it and provide no further support. You take it into store I would expect the police to be involved

I'm in the same situation, should we wait till a custom firmware is coming up?

Question Tradingshenzhen caution!

Finally Xiaomi 12S Ultra Arrived.
To my surprise I noticed a quite a few fingerprints on the camera. Anyway, maybe it was a pre purchase inspection I tought.
The I noticed some dirt inside the speakers... hmm I this a used phone?
Anyway I proceeded to set it up and see what all the fuss is about with the camera.
Going troughs initial set up steps, I get a message. " This phone was previously factory reset" Please use your Mi account or Gmail account associated with this device to unlock it!!
So basically TRADINGSHENZHEN set an expesive and used piece of worthless brick!
Currently awaiting their reply.. I honestly expected more then this crowed, but really Chinese are just not trustworthy.. Be carefull out there!!

Evo400 said:
Finally Xiaomi 12S Ultra Arrived.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you order it in EEA or Global Rom?

NOSS8 said:
did you order it in EEA or Global Rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I didnt. Order a standard CN rom

See the condition.Also it contains a blue screen cover and the outer clear case has been used and greasy

Not normal, surely a phone that has been returned.

And I just powered the phone in fastboot and TWRP is already installed>

Evo400 said:
And I just powered the phone in fastboot and TWRP is already installed>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It confirms that this phone is not new.

See here

Evo400 said:
See here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP version 2022/08/12
Yet this company provides and is well rated, nothing to do with Ali.
Surely a mistake on their part.

Is there even a way to unlock the phone if associated with a different google account?

Evo400 said:
Is there even a way to unlock the phone if associated with a different google account?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't bother with that, send it back.
Maybe this phone has a problem, if you keep it will be your problem, don't bother.

I had exactly the same thing when I bought the thing in Singapore. But somehow I managed to log into my gmail account and set it up.
There were still issues though, unable to sideload apps. I couldn't take it back as I don't live in singapore though. So I did a new factory reset, and all was good. Got the 'setup your new phone screen' . And all was perfect afterwards. On CN rom.
I guess they login before they sell it to install play store....
Good luck!

if you ordered a version with eu flashed it will have twrp and the rom flashed.
You could ask for a sealed box when purchasing.
but they are usually careful with that.
i've been buying there for ages and never got any issues.

SirTAVARES said:
if you ordered a version with eu flashed it will have twrp and the rom flashed.
You could ask for a sealed box when purchasing.
but they are usually careful with that.
i've been buying there for ages and never got any issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the thing. I specifically ordered for CN version in the check box.
But this phone is 100% used.You can tell by all the dust inside the speaker vents and also the clear case is covered in greasy finger prints and wipe marks.
Still no reply from TradingShenzhen tho..

This company does not reply whatsoever! I will now start a credit card fraud proceedings and I will do a YT video and review them on trust pilot.Over €1000 is not small amount to be taken the piss!
Careful who you buy your phones off

TradingShenzhen responded: engineering error they check all their devices before dispatch.
Advised to do a fastboot FRP removal which erases the google account lock. This did the trick and the phone is now working!
But::!! This phone is a used phone.
Its had its firmware tampered with, despite the fact I ordered a new CN version and to top it off, the phone had already 37 Battery Cycle. This was a cleary used phone!

Evo400 said:
TradingShenzhen responded: engineering error they check all their devices before dispatch.
Advised to do a fastboot FRP removal which erases the google account lock. This did the trick and the phone is now working!
But::!! This phone is a used phone.
Its had its firmware tampered with, despite the fact I ordered a new CN version and to top it off, the phone had already 37 Battery Cycle. This was a cleary used phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And they don't want you to send it back for a new one?

NOSS8 said:
And they don't want you to send it back for a new one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im awaiting a reply. Since they have a fairly good reviews Im giving them a benefit of doubt. Generally speaking you only get to know how good of a company they are when they resolve your problems.

NOSS8 said:
TWRP version 2022/08/12
Yet this company provides and is well rated, nothing to do with Ali.
Surely a mistake on their part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone tried to cover up a mistake he did by replacing a new one with his.
I wouldn't blame the entire company for this as "chinese are not thrustworthy" :| gotta be an amazing douche to say that.

I know some famous platform in China are selling at a much lower price than from Official Xiaomi. The reason is that they would resell the returned or fake product. Your case is quite common in China and there is a chance that you are not lucky and get a used phone if you buy from those stores online. In China you can always return the product within 7 days with no reason if you buy from those platforms so those phones that are returned might be resell again as a new one if they look new or not activated, or for whatever reason. My recommendation is to buy from Xiaomi authorized stores online in those platform. I got my 12su from JD platform and the price is the same as the one written in Xiaomi official website since it is equivalent to buying from xiaomi.com. I suspect that tradingshenzhen is one of those stores that sell at lower price in china while they sell at a much higher price in internatinal market.