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Buying in Europe?

Anybody seen the MediaPad X2 in Europe for sale yet? Or people having experience with online sellers ( where you do not end up with a sky high import tax at delivery? ). Thanks...

Benjiro said:
Anybody seen the MediaPad X2 in Europe for sale yet? Or people having experience with online sellers ( where you do not end up with a sky high import tax at delivery? ). Thanks...
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I ordered a GEM-703L from a UK seller today. More expensive than the GEM-701L that's been advertised on Amazon for months but I just didn't want to wait any longer.
Also I have my doubts whether the GEM-701L will be available in the 3G/32GB gold version.
And lastly ROM development for the GEM-703L will be ahead of the GEM-701L.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=252024710876&globalID=EBAY-DE

Flavio said:
I ordered a GEM-703L from a UK seller today. More expensive than the GEM-701L that's been advertised on Amazon for months but I just didn't want to wait any longer.
Also I have my doubts whether the GEM-701L will be available in the 3G/32GB gold version.
And lastly ROM development for the GEM-703L will be ahead of the GEM-701L.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=252024710876&globalID=EBAY-DE
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How are you liking the X2? THe 703-L is the Chinese version, I believe (Honor X2)? Or is it configured for the European market (Google Play installed, default language is not Mandarin, etc.?)

So far so good although I am still waiting for the unlock code from Huawei.
My X2 came with Google Play pre-installed and English language.
I did a factory reset and then I could choose whatever language I required. Google Play disappeared but can easily be installed through the Huawei app store app.

Flavio said:
So far so good although I am still waiting for the unlock code from Huawei.
My X2 came with Google Play pre-installed and English language.
I did a factory reset and then I could choose whatever language I required. Google Play disappeared but can easily be installed through the Huawei app store app.
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Thanks for the feedback. Couple of questions for you:
Does the back of the device say "Huawei" or "Honor"? I've seen different versions and I'm not sure what the difference is.
Also, was the phone not unlocked when you received it? It won't work with your local SIM without getting a code from Huawei?
Would it be possible for you to take some screenshots of the web browser in portrait and landscape mode, for us to get an idea of how different the screen real estate is compared to normal-sized phones? A screenshot of something like GMail or MS Word would be great too, if possible.

The back of the phone says Honor.
The phone is SIM unlocked. I meant the code for unlocking the bootloader.
I don't use the stock browser but Chrome.
There is a setting called Application Display effect where you can force apps to shrink. You can set this globally or per app.
For example if you enable this for Flipboard it will open in tablet mode.

aniym said:
Does the back of the device say "Huawei" or "Honor"? I've seen different versions and I'm not sure what the difference is.
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Honor is just the name used for the Mediapad X2 in China. So if you have a version with Honor on the back, its the "Chinese" ( 03 ) version. From technical specs the only real difference between the 3 version is a differences in the LTE frequency support.
aniym said:
Also, was the phone not unlocked when you received it? It won't work with your local SIM without getting a code from Huawei?
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The code that people are requesting is the ability to access the bootloader so they can run custom roms on it. In simple terms Huawei sends you the ability to root the entire device so you can run anything you want on it. Unlike plenty of other phone's where you need to do tricks or use bugs to get complete access.
aniym said:
Would it be possible for you to take some screenshots of the web browser in portrait and landscape mode, for us to get an idea of how different the screen real estate is compared to normal-sized phones? A screenshot of something like GMail or MS Word would be great too, if possible.
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A quick way to compare is to look up the X1, where there are more examples out from. The X2 is technically just a X1 with a upgraded SOC. All the other components are the same. The upgrade fixes the only negative thing about the X1 ( the "slow(er)" and outdated A9 cores ).
For comparing to other phone's use this tool:
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/si...iaPad-X1,Sony-Xperia-Z-Ultra/phones/8427,7883
Try the "VIEW LAYERED" option at the bottom to compare screen sizes.
If you want i can post tomorrow or Friday a few pictures comparing the Sony Z Ultra vs the X2. My X2 is going to be delivered tomorrow and i still have my ZU for a few more days.

Does the P30 have root available?

I'm asking because I am planning to buy the P30 instead of the Pro. I also heard that the Pro won't have root available. Thanks in advance. :good: :good:

zen114 said:
I'm asking because I am planning to buy the P30 instead of the Pro. I also heard that the Pro won't have root available. Thanks in advance. :good: :good:
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huawei no longer allows you to unlock the bootloader, save yourself the nightmare that is EMUI and get the xiaomi mi 9, which you can unlock the booloader on.

So huawei is as limited as an iphone, they didn't understand the meaning of android, they can have the best cameras but not even an unlockable bootloader is a huge no for me

zen114 said:
I'm asking because I am planning to buy the P30 instead of the Pro. I also heard that the Pro won't have root available. Thanks in advance. :good: :good:
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Mine was just delivered today. All of Huawei products are much more difficult to root, but I expect that will be eventually. After they stopped providing bootloader unlock codes I was able to root two other devices, one of them fairly new, but i had to pay for the unlock code.

How to know if a Realme phone has Chinese ROM or Global ROM

How can I know if my Realme phone has the Chinese ROM, or Global ROM, (besides the label on the box)?
Is there a section in the settings app that provides such info?
Also, if a malicious seller installs Global ROM on the Chinese variant hardware and tries to pass it as a genuine global variant, how can I identify such fraud?
Or, can I just enter the IMEI on a website fo check its ROM edition?
P.S. I have never used a Realme or OPPO phone.
( In Xiaomi phones, Global version phones have "MIUI Global" written in their phone settings' About section. Also, these phones have ROM codes ending in ***MIXM. While Chinese version phones have ***CNXM. Is there a similar info to be found in Realme ColorOS Settings?)

LeHalua said:
How can I know if my Realme phone has the Chinese ROM, or Global ROM, (besides the label on the box)?
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Click to collapse
There is barely any difference between the two but Chinese Rom is different because it's codename isn't Realme 5 Pro but Realme Q. It's almost impossible not to notice. If you had Chinese rom in settings about phone there would be Realme Q under model label, not realme 5 pro. Furthermore in case you didn't notice that there would be preinstalled Chinese market and apps and less or none Google stuff.
LeHalua said:
Is there a section in the settings app that provides such info?
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Click to collapse
On stock rom go to settings and about phone.
LeHalua said:
Also, if a malicious seller installs Global ROM on the Chinese variant hardware and tries to pass it as a genuine global variant, how can I identify such fraud?
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Click to collapse
If the seller for some reason put global rom on your model which was made for Chinese market (which I highly doubt for it's no easy feat and takes time+effort furthermore it'd not worth it from the perspective of the seller) then there's no way you could notice that.
Except if you're a very advanced user like me. There are tiny differences between Chinese model hardware and global hardware so you shouldn't worry. There are two key differences (which I think are rather hardcoded than hardware limitation). One is that Chinese Realme Q has smaller system partition size for Chinese rom uses less storage because missing Google stuff. Other is global and Chinese variant modem antenna seems to support different 4G bands. Obviously Realme Q supports bands that are frequently used in China while global supports bands that are used in worldwide. This means Realme Q hardware is limited thus doesn't support European B7 and B20 4G bands.
LeHalua said:
Or, can I just enter the IMEI on a website fo check its ROM edition?
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Click to collapse
I don't know about such method.
LeHalua said:
P.S. I have never used a Realme or OPPO phone.
( In Xiaomi phones, Global version phones have "MIUI Global" written in their phone settings' About section. Also, these phones have ROM codes ending in ***MIXM. While Chinese version phones have ***CNXM. Is there a similar info to be found in Realme ColorOS Settings?)
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Click to collapse
Yes. And more obvious.
Chinese market>Realme Q (RMX1971CN)
Global>Realme 5 Pro(RMX1971EX)
But don't bother trying to find device codenames with non-root apps. They don't make a difference between RMX1971CN and RMX1971EX.
Some extra info and details:
I ordered a Realme Q from China via AliExpress last October. Since then I'm using my device in Europe, Hungary and I'm in love with it. All the technical details I shared are results of personal testing and debugging. I'll tell you why you shouldn't worry about a Realme Q sold as a Realme 5 Pro.
If a seller wanted to do this for some reason they'd need to ask for official bootloader unlock from Realme. After getting the unlock approval (which isn't nearly sure for monthly unlock cap is 1000 device) they'd need to flash a custom recovery on it and clean flash a Realme 5 Pro global rom on the device. Fastboot flashing doesn't always work with this method. Furthermore because Realme Q system partition isn't as big as Realme 5 Pro's there would be complications.
After successfully flashing Global rom on the device the seller would need to flash back stock recovery and relock bootloader. This would likely confuse the device and cause bootloop. This whole procedure is timely, lots of effort required and some serious skill. As conclusion it is totally pointless and not worth it for any seller. The procedure is nearly the same on Xiaomi devices. So such logic applies there as well.

greenys' said:
If the seller for some reason put global rom on your model which was made for Chinese market (which I highly doubt for it's no easy feat and takes time+effort furthermore it'd not worth it from the perspective of the seller) then there's no way you could notice that.
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In some South/Southeast Asian countries, Chinese versions of phones sell cheap, but obviously people want the global version. That's why sellers used to do such scam. It seems unbelievable but it used to be very common in countries like India. But after makers like Xiaomi locked down their devices (e.g. bootloader unlock waiting period, anti-rollback protection, ROM flashing requires unlocked bootloader even if it's meant for the same device, etc.), this practice has all but disappeared. I wasn't really sure if a newer brand like Realme would have similar protections, but seems like they do have them. So I guess I'm covered.
And thanks for your comprehensive answer. It's really helpful.
On a side note, does ColorOS/RealmeOS have these features built-in: call recording, screen recording, dual-apps/clone-apps, second space/parallel space, etc.?

LeHalua said:
In some South/Southeast Asian countries, Chinese versions of phones sell cheap, but obviously people want the global version. That's why sellers used to do such scam. It seems unbelievable but it used to be very common in countries like India. But after makers like Xiaomi locked down their devices (e.g. bootloader unlock waiting period, anti-rollback protection, ROM flashing requires unlocked bootloader even if it's meant for the same device, etc.), this practice has all but disappeared. I wasn't really sure if a newer brand like Realme would have similar protections, but seems like they do have them. So I guess I'm covered.
And thanks for your comprehensive answer. It's really helpful.
On a side note, does ColorOS/RealmeOS have these features built-in: call recording, screen recording, dual-apps/clone-apps, second space/parallel space, etc.?
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The more I know. No bigge. I try my best. I barely know anything about Color OS for I'm a real pure android lover thus ditched Cos after 3 days. I can't really comment on these features.

Chinese version, bloatware, google apps, rootable?

So I'm in China where the Chinese model is about to come out, and I wanna get it, except I'm concerned that I would be unable to use google software (namely google play, maps, email, and syncing contacts). I recall some Chinese phones won't allow google services to be installed, rendering all those things useless, even with a VPN. Anyone know if the Chinese version can support the installation of google apps?
Likewise, I read in one of the threads here that the CN version might be rootable. Is there any way to confirm this, or has it been confirmed?
And finally, does it have a ton of Chinese apps pre-installed and somewhat burnt into the OS, so they can't be uninstalled?
I know some people already have it, as there are a lot of reviews of it online, but none of them address those questions. Any help? Thanks!

Chinese version will not have locked bootloader, it will be rootable. On the other hand, you are going to void your warranty for unlocking bootloader.
For Google play services, it's all included in Chinese variant. You don't need to worry about it.
Finally for the Chinese bloatwares, I believe you can uninstall them due to some Chinese regulations... If not, I believe you can flash HK rom on it to get rid of Chinese only features.

great
jackie099 said:
Chinese version will not have locked bootloader, it will be rootable. On the other hand, you are going to void your warranty for unlocking bootloader.
For Google play services, it's all included in Chinese variant. You don't need to worry about it.
Finally for the Chinese bloatwares, I believe you can uninstall them due to some Chinese regulations... If not, I believe you can flash HK rom on it to get rid of Chinese only features.
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Wow for sure? Out of curiosity, do you have this phone already? I believe ya and all, just curious how you can know for sure. I'm just kinda shocked to think that the Chinese version of the phone would ALREADY include google services - I can't think of any phone I've ever had all these years (I've lived in China for about 20 years) that included google services. That's amazing. Thanks a ton!

Spixe1 said:
Wow for sure? Out of curiosity, do you have this phone already? I believe ya and all, just curious how you can know for sure. I'm just kinda shocked to think that the Chinese version of the phone would ALREADY include google services - I can't think of any phone I've ever had all these years (I've lived in China for about 20 years) that included google services. That's amazing. Thanks a ton!
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Okay. Due to Chinese regulation, phone manufacturers are not allowed to put carrier lock on phones in China. Therefore, Samsung has never locked BL on Chinese and HK variant. Also, Samsung has Google services baked into all Chinese firmwares, you only need to install Google Play manually to use it. You can check how they are using Google Play on Chinese Galaxy S20 series. As I said, the last thing you can do is to flash HK firmware on your phone as they have exactly the same hardware, it comes with everything without Chinese specific features.

Follow-up Q
jackie099 said:
Okay. Due to Chinese regulation, phone manufacturers are not allowed to put carrier lock on phones in China. Therefore, Samsung has never locked BL on Chinese and HK variant. Also, Samsung has Google services baked into all Chinese firmwares, you only need to install Google Play manually to use it. You can check how they are using Google Play on Chinese Galaxy S20 series. As I said, the last thing you can do is to flash HK firmware on your phone as they have exactly the same hardware, it comes with everything without Chinese specific features.
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You're my hero mate. I know that's a bit overkill, but just excited at the good news, as I already pre-ordered. Might I add a follow up question? What kind of "Chinese specific features" might there be? Apps like WeChat, AliPay, Didi, DouYin, KuaiShou, TouTiao, Youku, WeiBo, BiliBili, etc, are these not also popular in HK? If ya don't know, no worries, you've still made me a happy camper, and thanks again~

Spixe1 said:
You're my hero mate. I know that's a bit overkill, but just excited at the good news, as I already pre-ordered. Might I add a follow up question? What kind of "Chinese specific features" might there be? Apps like WeChat, AliPay, Didi, DouYin, KuaiShou, TouTiao, Youku, WeiBo, BiliBili, etc, are these not also popular in HK? If ya don't know, no worries, you've still made me a happy camper, and thanks again~
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Bt the time I used samsung last time (galaxy s8), Chinese rom has those extra features that helps you to manage start up items, or background items. Oh also you can only use samsung pay in China with chinese rom. Hk people won't use chinese social medias cuz they have twitter, facebook, whatsapp...

jackie099 said:
Bt the time I used samsung last time (galaxy s8), Chinese rom has those extra features that helps you to manage start up items, or background items. Oh also you can only use samsung pay in China with chinese rom. Hk people won't use chinese social medias cuz they have twitter, facebook, whatsapp...
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In that case, I would definitely prefer the HK version. Can't stand Chinese social media, nor do I use samsung pay - come to think of it, i've NEVER seen that in China mainland. I'll prolly switch to HK version once it's out - and safe to do so. Again, thanks a bunch!

Which ROM will be better for SM-F9160 if I use it in Bangladesh? I purchase SM-F9160 and I live in Bangladesh which ROM should I install in SM-F9160 (Hong Kong) TGY or SM-F9160 (Open China) CHC or SM-F9160 (Taiwan) BRI?
---------- Post added at 01:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:26 AM ----------
jackie099 said:
Chinese version will not have locked bootloader, it will be rootable. On the other hand, you are going to void your warranty for unlocking bootloader.
For Google play services, it's all included in Chinese variant. You don't need to worry about it.
Finally for the Chinese bloatwares, I believe you can uninstall them due to some Chinese regulations... If not, I believe you can flash HK rom on it to get rid of Chinese only features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which ROM will be better for SM-F9160 if I use it in Bangladesh? I purchase SM-F9160 and I live in Bangladesh which ROM should I install in SM-F9160 (Hong Kong) TGY or SM-F9160 (Open China) CHC or SM-F9160 (Taiwan) BRI?

Question Xiaomi 13 - Battery life and drain

Hello all, how's your phone battery performing?
I'm not so satisfied with mine...
4-5hrs SOT is max i could get in theese few days i had the phone.
Also, is this Android system drain normal (pic attached) ?

First day of using it and my experience is great.

Darkoholic said:
First day of using it and my experience is great.View attachment 5865573
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Damn, that looks impressive...
Im not sure what's happening with mine

I am really happy with the battery life.
China version EU ROM.

Gankadin said:
View attachment 5866517I am really happy with the battery life.
China version EU ROM.
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did hou get your device from trading shenzen? are there any differences to Chinese version of the devices? if you got the device from them, can you fast boot flash global or any other version?
sorry for the off topic

I got it from eBay, if you want i can send you the link.
They did the bootloader unlock and pre-installed the EU ROM, i just fastboot updated it.
My unit is the China version, so you can't flash global rom and lock the bootloader, so EU ROM is the best option.

with Chinese version ROM, are there any downsides? I am just worried if I have unlocked bootloader, Google pay will stop working eventually or won't at all as it does on custom ROM s
please share the link

ond96 said:
with Chinese version ROM, are there any downsides? I am just worried if I have unlocked bootloader, Google pay will stop working eventually or won't at all as it does on custom ROM s
please share the link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xiaomi Mi 13 5G Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Limited Color NFC 12GB+512GB 120Hz IP68 54MP | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Xiaomi Mi 13 5G Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Limited Color NFC 12GB+512GB 120Hz IP68 54MP at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
Well the EU ROM makes google and banking apps think that the bootloader is locked, so as long as the developers will continue to make updates there shouldn't be any problems. but check here more posts lots of people talking about China vs Global.
i just discovered that global version have eSim support...

Well, I live in Europe and that missing 4G frequency B20 might be pretty essential, I might just wait until they lower the price on Global device. They will eventually, it has been just a month since the device released.

Gankadin said:
Xiaomi Mi 13 5G Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Limited Color NFC 12GB+512GB 120Hz IP68 54MP | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Xiaomi Mi 13 5G Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Limited Color NFC 12GB+512GB 120Hz IP68 54MP at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
Well the EU ROM makes google and banking apps think that the bootloader is locked, so as long as the developers will continue to make updates there shouldn't be any problems. but check here more posts lots of people talking about China vs Global.
i just discovered that global version have eSim support...
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Click to collapse
The xiaomi eu doesn't support eSim?

Djeloan said:
The xiaomi eu doesn't support eSim?
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I guess it's a hardware limitation, any way i don't have it on my device (CN, EU ROM)

ond96 said:
with Chinese version ROM, are there any downsides? I am just worried if I have unlocked bootloader, Google pay will stop working eventually or won't at all as it does on custom ROM s
please share the link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Global ROM will cause your wallet to stop working

One more day that i would consider bad. Is there a way to check why is android system consuming most battery?

Wi-Fi is more energy intensive than data especially for streaming and downloads.
https://www.scienceabc.com/innovation/does-mobile-battery-drain-faster-on-mobile-data-or-wi-fi.html

I am getting about 7 SOT and I am OK with that.

NOSS8 said:
Wi-Fi is more energy intensive than data especially for streaming and downloads.
https://www.scienceabc.com/innovation/does-mobile-battery-drain-faster-on-mobile-data-or-wi-fi.html
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Is it actually true, and makes any sense "for a normal user"?
I always thought and lived in that mindset that data drains more, (and it makes more sense for me) due to that when you travel around, and the connection to the cellular towers always changing, sometimes back-and forth.