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Firmware and other updates on unlocked phones

I'm not quite sure how this works. I bought my phone from mobiles.co.uk who are part of CPW whose phones are pretty much always carrier unlocked. I bought it with and have inserted a vodafone SIM. I have been on CLT-L09 8.1.0.103(C782) since the beginning. Am I reliant on Voda pushing firmware and other updates (such as Android upgrades and security) or will some come directly from HUAWEI?
I seem to remember on a previous phone I had that you could force a manufacturer update by taking the SIM out. Its all a bit confusing for someone with such a small brain

You can use Firmware Finder (for Huawei phones) on the Play Store to check for updated firmware if your phone doesn't kick them in. It basically connects directly to the Huawei servers and checks, then gives you some options to download if your phone is signed off for that update.

In Firmware Finder (for Huawei phones) the P20 Pro isn't available at the moment

Rheumatoid said:
I'm not quite sure how this works. I bought my phone from mobiles.co.uk who are part of CPW whose phones are pretty much always carrier unlocked. I bought it with and have inserted a vodafone SIM. I have been on CLT-L09 8.1.0.103(C782) since the beginning. Am I reliant on Voda pushing firmware and other updates (such as Android upgrades and security) or will some come directly from HUAWEI?
I seem to remember on a previous phone I had that you could force a manufacturer update by taking the SIM out. Its all a bit confusing for someone with such a small brain
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
r u sure you not on 102(C782 - Europe)?, I have raised query with Huawei regarding the firmware updates as it seems ultrahd playback for netflix and amazon video do not work on our model, but do on the 106(C432 - Europe, Spain, France) version, so if they provide any info will let you know

walkerx said:
r u sure you not on 102(C782 - Europe)?, I have raised query with Huawei regarding the firmware updates as it seems ultrahd playback for netflix and amazon video do not work on our model, but do on the 106(C432 - Europe, Spain, France) version, so if they provide any info will let you know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely 103 (C782)

Rheumatoid said:
Definitely 103 (C782)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so you're on a later version than others who got it directly from Three
Does Amazon and Netflix in HD/HDR/4K work on that release

walkerx said:
so you're on a later version than others who got it directly from Three
Does Amazon and Netflix in HD/HDR/4K work on that release
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on 103 too (UK Three Network - Ordered via Mobiles.co.uk)
Netflix doesn't show any HD/4K shows

DaveP2611 said:
I'm on 103 too (UK Three Network - Ordered via Mobiles.co.uk)
Netflix doesn't show any HD/4K shows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess all mobiles.co.uk (and possibly all CPW group) might be on the same as they are not network locked / dependent?

Rheumatoid said:
I guess all mobiles.co.uk (and possibly all CPW group) might be on the same as they are not network locked / dependent?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probably correct, but amazon ultrahd works fine on the mate 10 pro which is C782 and also on three, so hoping we get this working for the p20 pro as same phone, just improved ai, camera and dolby atmos
---------- Post added at 12:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 PM ----------
had an update from huawei clt-l29 8.1.0.107b(C432) has been officially released, they did state my C782 should receive this update, so asked them to clarify, as bad if the C782 is being left behind and is relying on Three to release the updates

DaveP2611 said:
I'm on 103 too (UK Three Network - Ordered via Mobiles.co.uk)
Netflix doesn't show any HD/4K shows
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
walkerx said:
probably correct, but amazon ultrahd works fine on the mate 10 pro which is C782 and also on three, so hoping we get this working for the p20 pro as same phone, just improved ai, camera and dolby atmos
---------- Post added at 12:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 PM ----------
had an update from huawei clt-l29 8.1.0.107b(C432) has been officially released, they did state my C782 should receive this update, so asked them to clarify, as bad if the C782 is being left behind and is relying on Three to release the updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I guess back to my original question. Are we reliant on the network operator pushing these updates (even though our phones are not locked to them or use network configured firmware) or will they come direct from HUAWEI?

Rheumatoid said:
So I guess back to my original question. Are we reliant on the network operator pushing these updates (even though our phones are not locked to them or use network configured firmware) or will they come direct from HUAWEI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've raised this with Huawei in my reply and also questioned thois on three's facebook page

walkerx said:
i've raised this with Huawei in my reply and also questioned thois on three's facebook page
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a bit confusing as to how this all works. I understood that for some things like wifi calling a phone needed network specific firmware but you wouldn't get this with an unlocked phone from CPW and we have the same firmware on different operators. Not tried wifi calling on voda on mine but see some guy on another thread has an issue and is on the same as us.

Rheumatoid said:
It is a bit confusing as to how this all works. I understood that for some things like wifi calling a phone needed network specific firmware but you wouldn't get this with an unlocked phone from CPW and we have the same firmware on different operators. Not tried wifi calling on voda on mine but see some guy on another thread has an issue and is on the same as us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is reply I got from Huawei when my unlocked sim-free Mate 10 Pro purchased via CPW was rebranded with the 3 logo
the Mate 10 Pro version sold in Carphone Warehouse is the open market version and it is exactly the same one sold by H3G. The software version is also the same, however, this will be customized to the relevant operator depending on the SIM card that is inserted in the device for the very first time. This customization is irreversible as per the operator's requirement, however, the device will maintain its SIM Free status.
One of the reasons behind it is to ensure the 4G/Wi-fi calling feature will be enabled on these devices. As you may know this option is not available on the unbranded/open market devices, as it requires network customization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this will be the same as the P20 Pro, I still don't know why they say the version sold by CPW and H3G is the open market version, while later they say the wifi calling is on unbranded/open market devices, which suggests that the version sold by CPW are infact branded devices.
this is the reply to my post on Three's Facebook page
we'll have to approve any updates before release to ensure reliability and good performance on our network. This may be why you're seeing different firmware updates on Three branded and non Three branded phones. We'll always approve updates just as soon as we can!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if your phone has been branded by Three (included sim-free purchased devices) then they will be releasing the updates, which is probably why we are behind on C782 devices

I just received my handset from EE. I'm on CLT-L09 8.1.0.103(C782). No updates available.

So the phone is, effectively, permanently branded by the first sim card inserted? I noticed that mine keeps a folder of O2 apps after a factory reset since that was the first sim card inserted. Fortunately VOLTE works with an EE sim too.

David Horn said:
So the phone is, effectively, permanently branded by the first sim card inserted? I noticed that mine keeps a folder of O2 apps after a factory reset since that was the first sim card inserted. Fortunately VOLTE works with an EE sim too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well thats CPW phones with Voda, 3 and EE SIMS in all running 103(C782). I wonder why non of them have been upgraded with any network specific firmware to enable wifi calling etc. non of it makes sense to me.

Rheumatoid said:
Well thats CPW phones with Voda, 3 and EE SIMS in all running 103(C782). I wonder why non of them have been upgraded with any network specific firmware to enable wifi calling etc. non of it makes sense to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought mine from mobiles.co.uk and have been using it with an EE sim from day 1. WiFi calling worked immediately with no manual intervention required and I'm on the same .103 firmware as everyone else. I guess all mobiles.co.uk/CPW phones will be on the same firmware until our current carriers approve the next update, right?

Rheumatoid said:
Well thats CPW phones with Voda, 3 and EE SIMS in all running 103(C782). I wonder why non of them have been upgraded with any network specific firmware to enable wifi calling etc. non of it makes sense to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u insert 3 sim first it would rebrand with 3 logo before their wifi calling worked.
If network providers can enable wifi calling on iPhones with a simple notification update, then not sure why the same can't be done on android.
I'm sick of network operators rebranding phones without our consent, especially on devices purchased sim free and unlocked.
Also if CPW phones are on 103(C782) then you would expect same when got from Three, but ours are on older update 102(C782).
Sent from my Huawei P20 Pro (CLT-L29) using Tapatalk

Anyone know if there is a specific network sim that can be inserted which doesn't 'brand' the phone?
I have a three sim, but prefer to avoid the three branding as it may impact it's resale value

walkerx said:
If u insert 3 sim first it would rebrand with 3 logo before their wifi calling worked.
If network providers can enable wifi calling on iPhones with a simple notification update, then not sure why the same can't be done on android.
I'm sick of network operators rebranding phones without our consent, especially on devices purchased sim free and unlocked.
Also if CPW phones are on 103(C782) then you would expect same when got from Three, but ours are on older update 102(C782).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish three would hurry their backsides up and at least update to 103, they are always late to the party.

Where i can find an A8 (2018) with 64 GB capacity

Hi,
in some tests and reviews they are talking about devices with 64GB internal storage capacity. But if i search for it, it's almost impossible to find offers. I found two offers. Both sellers present phones with EAN 8801643085445. Can somebody confirm this capacity?
Thanks in advance
*edit*
After a long search i found it. Samsung sells the Galaxy A8 with 64 GB in middle east. I have no clue why it's restricted to this region.
Here's the number: SM-A530FZKGXSG
Here's the samsungpage: (i am not allowed to post as new member)
There are some sellers which import it to europe. But i have no experiences in warranty. 4G shall work...
I ordered one piece with crossed fingers and hope it works. At least, I hope the post will help somebody, who is searching for it too

Hi there!
I was looking for the same model and have realized the same thing you've found.
About availability, I found it on eBay. Where did you find it?
About warranty, if you need local warranty, you have to buy it into your country.
If you're ok with European warranty, it has to be sold by an European entity with rights to do so.
If you don't care about warranty, well you can get it whenever you like it.
I'm seriously thinking in trying to understand in how to keep it under the 32Gb
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Hi Pirata, Here are my experiences:
I ordered it on ebay. There are some sellers which are specialized in grey imports Some of them offer a one year warranty. I paid 345€.
As opportunity there's a onlinestore called techinthebasket. They deliver from GB. But you have to pay a fee of 20 €, if you want send the phone back.
No import fee as long as they deliver from european country. Most of them deliver from GB as long as GB is part of EU ^^
At least, every A8 with 64GB is imported from Middle East I bet. Its working with european simcards. I readed to start the phone without simcards (also to install updates and doing resets). If the phone is resetting with simcards, the country ID (MID/MID/MID) will be changed and as a result you don't get updates anymore.
I am very happy with this phone. Its a big boost in compilation to my old Honor 5X
It's unique here... and it's mine ^^

BotoxxotoB said:
Hi Pirata, Here are my experiences:
I ordered it on ebay. There are some sellers which are specialized in grey imports Some of them offer a one year warranty. I paid 345€.
As opportunity there's a onlinestore called techinthebasket. They deliver from GB. But you have to pay a fee of 20 €, if you want send the phone back.
No import fee as long as they deliver from european country. Most of them deliver from GB as long as GB is part of EU ^^
At least, every A8 with 64GB is imported from Middle East I bet. Its working with european simcards. I readed to start the phone without simcards (also to install updates and doing resets). If the phone is resetting with simcards, the country ID (MID/MID/MID) will be changed and as a result you don't get updates anymore.
I am very happy with this phone. Its a big boost in compilation to my old Honor 5X
It's unique here... and it's mine ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there and thank you for sharing your experience.
I have some questions regarding your post. Please let me know.
You say that the shop you mention imposes you to pay €20 in case you need to send back phone for any reason.
Do you know why about that?
You say that they deliver from GB. Can you tell me if the invoice is from GB or from some other EU county or worldwide country?
Where have you read about the fact of not turning on the device for the first time, or reset to default, or wipe, or update the device with the ota updates with the local European sim card inserted?
Which should be the correct procedure for using a 64Gb A8 in Europe? Simply do those four things I mentioned all without any sim inside?
Do you know why about that? What are the precise consequences of doing that with the sim inside? Only not receiving otas updates? Is there a return back possibility, or if I forget to remove the sim card and do one of those things the phone ends up in not receiving any ota updates, not even if I wipe everything away with no sim inserted and start all over again??
Thank you very much.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

it seems, the online store techinthebasket provides a german and an english page. The return-fee of 20€ is noticed at the german page only. I don't know the reason. At least I didn't bought it there.
The update policy of Samsung is pretty annoying. If they don't sell officially a phone in a country, they don't provide software updates. When you insert the simcard before you start the phone first, it will recognize its a different simcard and ask you to restart for configuration. This "configuration" will change the language and countrysettings. Once it's changed, theres only the opportunity to flash a stockrom.
There are several german threads because it's not selled official here.
greetz

BotoxxotoB said:
it seems, the online store techinthebasket provides a german and an english page. The return-fee of 20€ is noticed at the german page only. I don't know the reason. At least I didn't bought it there.
The update policy of Samsung is pretty annoying. If they don't sell officially a phone in a country, they don't provide software updates. When you insert the simcard before you start the phone first, it will recognize its a different simcard and ask you to restart for configuration. This "configuration" will change the language and countrysettings. Once it's changed, theres only the opportunity to flash a stockrom.
There are several german threads because it's not selled official here.
greetz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So wait a minute...if I start the phone for the first time without sim, once I insert it, it changes configuration and since that time on I will no longer ota updates????
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

When you start the phone first time with inserted simcard, it will ask for a restart. You can skip and ignore it.
If you allow the restart / configuration, then you are in danger to not get Ota-updates anymore. That's why it's recommended to remove simcards when you reset or update

BotoxxotoB said:
When you start the phone first time with inserted simcard, it will ask for a restart. You can skip and ignore it.
If you allow the restart / configuration, then you are in danger to not get Ota-updates anymore. That's why it's recommended to remove simcards when you reset or update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So first boot, reset or update better to do without sim cards inserted, and every time I get an ota update, remove all sim before applying the update.
Is this correct?
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

That's right

I bought in eBay the 64 gb model and I've got 2 OTA updates with the SIM inserted, one of them oreo. I live in Spain.
Enviado desde mi SM-A530F mediante Tapatalk

I have the middle east version and it's globally unlocked, has original warranty, supports LTE/4G, has 64/4 gb, and just received the latest oreo update.
If you have any questions I'll be glad to help you.

BaraaModallal said:
I have the middle east version and it's globally unlocked, has original warranty, supports LTE/4G, has 64/4 gb, and just received the latest oreo update.
If you have any questions I'll be glad to help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Somewhere over the rainbow
Literally, you can only get it in one country and i think that is china

Ehm, no. The last time I searched for this phone I found it in online stores of the middle east. Also my phone software version is tagged with MID/MID/MID

UK Provider branding / bloatware

Was trying to get a 432 EU model of the Pro 20, but after a price cut in the UK to £669 I bought a CLT L09 C782 SIM free.
I have a week to decide if it is OK and I had read about the branding issue once a SIM is added. I'm on Vodafone and when I put the SIM in (after seeing what the system looked like without) there was minimal branding.
My Vodafone, Start and Vodafone SIM manager. The first two I was able to uninstall conventionally and I see little trace of Vodafone on the device (no splash screen on boot) just Provisioning Service and the SIM manager.
Am I missing something as it still feels like I'm only sharing my phone with Google & Huawei, not really Vodafone so much?
What branding issues are UK owners experiencing?

I, too am on Vodafone.
The branding causes no issues whatsoever. Google Chrome browser will initially direct you to the Vodafone home web page but this can be changed in the browser settings.
The big problem with this model of the p20 pro is that it is some way behind other models with software updates.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

the biggest branding issue is for users on the three network where they update the boot animation with the three logo which could possibly have an affect on resale value (not sure how much as Huawei's have very poor resell value compared to other devices) - the other issue is the updates as the network operator has to authorise these meaning we are way behind on updates compared to other models.

walkerx said:
the biggest branding issue is for users on the three network where they update the boot animation with the three logo which could possibly have an affect on resale value (not sure how much as Huawei's have very poor resell value compared to other devices) - the other issue is the updates as the network operator has to authorise these meaning we are way behind on updates compared to other models.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankfully the latest update removed the boot screen branding so that was a bonus.

DaveP2611 said:
Thankfully the latest update removed the boot screen branding so that was a bonus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be lucky then if on 3 and boot screen branding been removed as mine is still there..
Sent from my Huawei P20 Pro using XDA Labs

walkerx said:
You must be lucky then if on 3 and boot screen branding been removed as mine is still there..
Sent from my Huawei P20 Pro using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah with Three, CLT-L09 8.1.0.130(C782)

It could be that the dual sim model CLT-L29 8.1.0.131(C782) doesn't get the branding removed

walkerx said:
It could be that the dual sim model CLT-L29 8.1.0.131(C782) doesn't get the branding removed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yes maybe as mine was originally an unlocked (for Vodafone via CPW)

DaveP2611 said:
Ah yes maybe as mine was originally an unlocked (for Vodafone via CPW)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i also have the unlocked mate 10 pro from CPW and that was rebranded to three with no change when updated.

Thanks for the info. I think I like the phone enough to stick with it.
CPW advised that as it was SIM free the updates would come from Huawei, not Vodafone. I doubted that at the time.
Is it Huawei or Vodafone who are responsible for the slow release schedule of 782 firmware?
Currently the phone is on 130, what is the latest build for the 782 and how behind the 432 is it?

finkle said:
Thanks for the info. I think I like the phone enough to stick with it.
CPW advised that as it was SIM free the updates would come from Huawei, not Vodafone. I doubted that at the time.
Is it Huawei or Vodafone who are responsible for the slow release schedule of 782 firmware?
Currently the phone is on 130, what is the latest build for the 782 and how behind the 432 is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the network operator is responsible, they inform huawei if the update can be released. I had the same from CPW and when tried raising as a complaint that when they sell these they are not informing customers they will be rebranded, they didn't give a hoot about it and when spoke to CA they said the consumer has to prove they were mis-sold. So litterally nothing you can do about it.
I'm now opposed to buying from CPW or a subsidiary in the future because of their attitude towards customers.
According to Huawei to get a phone that updates from them, you need to buy it from someone who does not provide mobile contracts, but you can't guarantee you will get a non C782 model

This is the only phone I have ever bought (buy all mine outright and unlocked...usually from CPW or Amazon) that has EVER relied on a network releasing an update for an unlocked phone... so, even though this phone is unlocked, I am still waiting on three network to wheeze out an update every 3 months....whereas it should come direct from Huawei.... this is insanity. Every other phone I have bought (many) has always been miles in front of the networks... this is one of the reasons I buy unlocked phones !!!
I can confirm that these updates come from the network operator, because I have pulled the sim out before powering up... checked for updates on wifi… nothing.... pop the sim back in, power up, and there is an update....form three.
So, Huawei, you have shot yourself in the foot with the C782 (and its garbage update policy) in the UK...seriously considering flashing the C432 firmware... and I'm not really into that, but would give it a go...

falsivas said:
This is the only phone I have ever bought (buy all mine outright and unlocked...usually from CPW or Amazon) that has EVER relied on a network releasing an update for an unlocked phone... so, even though this phone is unlocked, I am still waiting on three network to wheeze out an update every 3 months....whereas it should come direct from Huawei.... this is insanity. Every other phone I have bought (many) has always been miles in front of the networks... this is one of the reasons I buy unlocked phones !!!
I can confirm that these updates come from the network operator, because I have pulled the sim out before powering up... checked for updates on wifi… nothing.... pop the sim back in, power up, and there is an update....form three.
So, Huawei, you have shot yourself in the foot with the C782 (and its garbage update policy) in the UK...seriously considering flashing the C432 firmware... and I'm not really into that, but would give it a go...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i buy all mine unlocked when I can afford it as i don't want them branding by the network or reliant on them for updates - my Mate 10 Pro from CPW has this problem and CPW won't do anything as Huawei say they sell the unlocked ones which is same as the network versions - if CPW had told me at time of purchase I would not have bought it, but you can't do anything about it as you have to prove they never told you and that you felt misled when buying it.

Tmobile and global variant receive different updates?

Why is it that tmobile and the global variants have different oxygen OS software numbers and receiving updates at different intervals. I've been seeing the news of 9.5.4 being released with tons of improvements specofocally to the camera module, then I realized I'm on 9.5.5, and am wondering did I get those updates already, what is the deal here?

Spewed said:
Why is it that tmobile and the global variants have different oxygen OS software numbers and receiving updates at different intervals. I've been seeing the news of 9.5.4 being released with tons of improvements specofocally to the camera module, then I realized I'm on 9.5.5, and am wondering did I get those updates already, what is the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also on 9.5.5, I got my phone on Thursday and when I woke up Friday morning I saw my phone had rebooted and it said the update was successfully installed.
So from what I've read 9.5.5 is for the T-Mobile version and 9.5.4 is global but the release notes indicate we have the updates. What's weird is there is no update info on TMobile website and I thought all updates have to go through them.

Just got this today

chrisrj28 said:
I am also on 9.5.5, I got my phone on Thursday and when I woke up Friday morning I saw my phone had rebooted and it said the update was successfully installed.
So from what I've read 9.5.5 is for the T-Mobile version and 9.5.4 is global but the release notes indicate we have the updates. What's weird is there is no update info on TMobile website and I thought all updates have to go through them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So we allegedly are getting the updates first then?

Spewed said:
So we allegedly are getting the updates first then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the new T-Mobile 9.5.6 that just came out (like today) is basically 9.4.5 for the international version.

Spewed said:
So we allegedly are getting the updates first then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that way.
And I just updated to 9.5.6 but that was just the April security update

Spewed said:
Why is it that tmobile and the global variants have different oxygen OS software numbers and receiving updates at different intervals. I've been seeing the news of 9.5.4 being released with tons of improvements specofocally to the camera module, then I realized I'm on 9.5.5, and am wondering did I get those updates already, what is the deal here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same update just for a different variant. It is a T-Mobile branded phone meaning the way it is, it only works on T-Mobile, the Global variant is unlocked and will work on almost any carrier except Sprint. This is common on any Android phone where there is a branded and global version.

Also the EU version has a separate release for GDPR updates. This makes for overlapping software version numbers that are NOT compatible or the same. If you flash anything make sure to match both the version number and phone model for your existing phone unless you are flashing the entire package and know what you are doing.

Unlocked phones get the updated first. Global/India are 9.5.4 and EU is 9.5.5 because of some new regulations. They are the exact same change logs but have to be labeled separately. T-Mobile is behind the unlocked phones as T-Mobile has to get the update and then customize it for their carrier crap. T-Mobile phones just got the April security patch but nothing the unlocked phones just got so you'll be waiting a week or 2 of longer even to get those improvements probably
That's why I'll never by another carrier phone... Unlocked forever more with me.

There's a major plus going with a carrier phone. Insurance. With TMO if this decides to break or start glitching out, i can walk into the store and walk out with a new one. If I have to wait 2-3 weeks for updates, big deal. As far as the "carrier crap" is concerned, I think they have said multiple times that they need to test Band 600 and make sure the software is flowing with the network. TMO doesn't really have any bloatware.

Unlocked for the win! Cheers

DOTC said:
There's a major plus going with a carrier phone. Insurance. With TMO if this decides to break or start glitching out, i can walk into the store and walk out with a new one. If I have to wait 2-3 weeks for updates, big deal. As far as the "carrier crap" is concerned, I think they have said multiple times that they need to test Band 600 and make sure the software is flowing with the network. TMO doesn't really have any bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't take weeks to just test a band frequency. And yes T-Mobile still has bloat just not as much. All the T-Mobile apps they put on the phones.

Eric214 said:
It doesn't take weeks to just test a band frequency. And yes T-Mobile still has bloat just not as much. All the T-Mobile apps they put on the phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tmobile still changes unnecessary things. For example unlocked model in status bar shows LTE for signal while T-Mobile shows 4Glte, thats just one example as I have both devices.

dkotoric said:
tmobile still changes unnecessary things. For example unlocked model in status bar shows LTE for signal while T-Mobile shows 4Glte, thats just one example as I have both devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It comes with two apps installed..and both can be removed. The signal bar has always been changed for some reason. Each carrier has their own signal terms.. no idea why. Its been that way for ages now.

dkotoric said:
tmobile still changes unnecessary things. For example unlocked model in status bar shows LTE for signal while T-Mobile shows 4Glte, thats just one example as I have both devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm aware. That's my point. T-Mobile changed more then just the invite in the status bar. All carriers do. That why it will be a couple weeks at least before the tap and camera improvements make it to the T-Mobile phones. It's just the way it is buying a carrier phone.

[Discussion] OTA updates for factory unlocked phones are dependent on carrier

I bought factory unlocked S9+ (SM-G965U1) phone a year ago. I always thought that software updates for unlocked phones are independent of carrier, and this was one of the advantages of owning one.
However, after Pie update I was stuck with January security update. I recently started to wonder why, and I stumbled across multiple threads on Samsung and T-Mobile support forums about this problem. BTW, I'm using T-Mobile.
Apparently, Samsung pushes updates to unlocked phones based on the carrier you're currently using! For some weird reason, they haven't pushed updates for those who use T-Mobile sim card:
https://doc.samsungmobile.com/SM-G965U1/TMB/doc.html
T-Mobile itself pushed updates for T-Mobile-branded S9+ phones: https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-37179
Here are Samsung updates for unlocked phones that use Sprint sim cards: https://doc.samsungmobile.com/SM-G965U1/SPR/doc.html
This is unbelievable. I don't understand, why in the first place Samsung differentiates unlocked phones by carrier sim cards. Software builds that are pushed are still the same in the end regardless of sim card, just check Samsung update webpage for different carriers (e.g. https://doc.samsungmobile.com/SM-G965U1/XAA/doc.html )
Anyway, I went to Bestbuy and bought a $1 sim card kit. I put ATT compatible sim card into my phone, and without any activation I got all of the security updates until September.
What the hell is going on? Are T-Mobile users stuck on putting different sim cards in their phones to get latest software updates?

Man, that must really suck.
This is the first time I'm reading that the updates depend on the SIM card. I have a T-Mobile phone variant using a Mexico SIM. So now my curious side has me if I should attempt to update using the T-Mobile software and seeing if I find an update with my Mexico SIM. Probably still won't update.
But, I have no way of TWRP backing up so, I won't even attempt.
I already changed firmware anyway, I have flashed stock carrier-free firmware on the phone and I'm on the latest security patch (September)

YES, this maddens me greatly! If I didn't know how to use Odin I would be stuck months and months back! All kinds of little carriers push the updates, but not T-Mobile! Thanks for the $1 SIM card idea, that sounds easier than downloading firmware and flashing with Odin.

YrrchSebor said:
YES, this maddens me greatly! If I didn't know how to use Odin I would be stuck months and months back! All kinds of little carriers push the updates, but not T-Mobile! Thanks for the $1 SIM card idea, that sounds easier than downloading firmware and flashing with Odin.
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I think that this is Samsung's fault. This is factory unlocked phone, so it receives updates directly from Samsung. For some reason, Samsung still differentiates between carriers by making CSC carrier-specific (even though pushed builds are the same for all carriers in the US!), instead of just being XAA, which it should be.

Actually, there is a post regarding this issue on XDA: https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-treating-us-unlocked-device-owners-second-rate-citizens/
This is horrible on Samsung's end. It's sad, since this is the best phone I've owned so far in terms of hardware. But it'll definitely affect my decision, when it's time to upgrade.

focus-pocus said:
Actually, there is a post regarding this issue on XDA: https://www.xda-developers.com/samsung-treating-us-unlocked-device-owners-second-rate-citizens/
This is horrible on Samsung's end. It's sad, since this is the best phone I've owned so far in terms of hardware. But it'll definitely affect my decision, when it's time to upgrade.
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Same issue I am currently facing. I flashed latest stock rom G965FXXUAETG3 and now my phone is on 'emergency calls only'. I am in Pakistan and I think carrier is locked now. However, in Service provider SW very PAK/ PAK,PAK, TEL is written.
Any resolution? Help needed.

I'm using my S9+ on Cricket Wireless here in the States. I had been receiving regular updates through the May 2020 update. It's now July 25, and I haven't received the June 2020 update. I check several times each day, but I keep being told that my "software is up-to-date." Will I ever receive the June 2020 update? Or will they jump me directly to the July 2020 update? If the latter, when might that happen? Or am I stuck at May 2020 with this former Flagship device? Thanks!!!

YooperNC said:
I'm using my S9+ on Cricket Wireless here in the States. I had been receiving regular updates through the May 2020 update. It's now July 25, and I haven't received the June 2020 update. I check several times each day, but I keep being told that my "software is up-to-date." Will I ever receive the June 2020 update? Or will they jump me directly to the July 2020 update? If the latter, when might that happen? Or am I stuck at May 2020 with this former Flagship device? Thanks!!!
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LIke myself and others. You will probably be stuck on the May 2020 update.

Factory unbranded phones should push updates ok OTA (without sim inserted and network settings reset before checking for updates over WiFi connection)- Is this not the case with your device?

Is there a download for the OneUI2.5/Android11 update available for the SM-G965U1? I have been checking Sammobile but it seems like the U1 is one of the last to still not have the update. I am on the T-Mobile network.

59ctd said:
Is there a download for the OneUI2.5/Android11 update available for the SM-G965U1? I have been checking Sammobile but it seems like the U1 is one of the last to still not have the update. I am on the T-Mobile network.
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We are all waiting for this update because of wireless Dex