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So reading around here about the issues with Chinese versions of Mate 9's and Google Play. I am confused on a few points and thought maybe it would help others, and myself, to have a thread just for the purpose of version clarity. Can someone chime in with a yay or nay to the following:
- My understanding is there are 3 versions; Euro version, International version, and Chinese version.
- Read somewhere around here that the single sim version is Euro.
- Read around here that dual SIM version is International.
- Read around here that 128/6 GB is Chinese.
- With regard to all of the above are they mutually exclusive meaning that, for instance, any 128/6 GB Mate 9 would necessarily be a Chinese version? However, getting a 64/4 GB model might not mean you are avoiding a Chinese variant? If you get dual SIM you are avoiding Chines variant?
- Deducing from what I have read here it seems that any version other than the Chinese version is fine out of the box to work with Google Play.
- Is color in play for versions, all this color a that version or something like that.
I ordered a 128/6 GB White Mate 9 from Oppomart and just trying to see if I need to change to a 64/4 GB or what. Also read around here someone quoted Oppomart as saying they are selling International versions but figured that could change over time (also emailed Oppomart and will share their response when I get it).
*edit*. Adding info that answers my questions so, hopefully, others questions as well. Thanks to all here and elsewhere for the clarity:
The Chinese model is MHA-AL00, and two international models are MHA-L29 and MHA-L09. The MHA-AL00 and the MHA-L29 both support the same bands, basically almost all bands. The MHA-L09 supports all of the bands of the other two models except Band 41 (so bad news for Sprint and China/India if my research is correct). The MHA-L09 is single sim while the MLA-AL00 and MHA-L29 are dual-sim (the hybrid kind so second SIM slot is SD slot). Only the MHA-AL00 now comes in the 128 or 256 and 6 GB variant. Some, not many, MHA-AL00 phones will have the B109SP01 firmware but maybe not many - if it does then you basically got the same thing as an International version in terms of Google Play working (just don't do system update until word here is the Play issue is fixed in the ROM they are pushing out), SIM slots, etc and in future it is likely with unlocked bootloader it could be flashed to become an International version. In short, it seems MHA-AL00 (Chinese) and MHA-L29 (International) are the same hardware phone with the former have the 128/256 and 6 GB option out there and the MLA-L09 is the same but missing the aforementioned band and second SIM slot.
100% you have the Chinese version. There is no MHA-L29 (international) or MHA-L09 in that format...yet...sorry . A lot of these Chinese retailers will lie to fool you into a sale. Only some of them really know their stuff and list it all correctly with the right information/product.
MHA-AL00:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=device..._9_dual_sim_td-lte_mha-al00__huawei_manhattan
MHA-L09:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=device&id=10917&c=huawei_mate_9_td-lte_mha-l09__huawei_manhattan
MHA-L29:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=device...e_9_dual_sim_td-lte_mha-l29__huawei_manhattan
I can't comment on software capabilities of each version in terms of LTE etc (I was pretty damn sure that was always limited to hardware). I've coded BMWs so I know hardware limitations for Europe vs USA, and they are there (most notably in tail lights and headlights - orange vs red, glare free LEDs vs regular LEDs due to DOT regulations).
@duraaraa knows more on development on our Mate 9s though since he has tinkered a bit and helped Chinese Mate 9 owners already in the google play/version thread. The phone is still brand new, so hard to say what's true without real world users actually doing tests in each region on select carriers, etc.
So 128/6 GB is going to be useless Chinese brick without Google Play. Why even ship such a pointless device? Not sure it is worth even trying to find right one somewhere.
Starting to see why not bothering with these Chinese phones is probably smart. Thanks for the info. Just so sick of Samsung and that new Pixel iPhone with bigger bezels are no real choices. Ugh.
Back to looking.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using XDA Labs
SWBgHz said:
So 128/6 GB is going to be useless Chinese brick without Google Play. Why even ship such a pointless device? Not sure it is worth even trying to find right one somewhere.
Starting to see why not bothering with these Chinese phones is probably smart. Thanks for the info. Just so sick of Samsung and that new Pixel iPhone with bigger bezels are no real choices. Ugh.
Back to looking.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your not alone, Hang in there till there's some better information & legitimate details...
Saw the guy who figured out how to work around and downgrade them, but can't spend that kind of money for a device from a company that would ship a useless brick like that. Really sad to me the so called tech press doesn't lambast a company for doing this kind of stuff. Lapdogs, sadly.
So here is the gist of it:
MHA-AL00:
Useless crap
MHA-L09 & MHA-L29
Usable smartphones
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using XDA Labs
SWBgHz said:
Saw the guy who figured out how to work around and downgrade them, but can't spend that kind of money for a device from a company that would ship a useless brick like that. Really sad to me the so called tech press doesn't lambast a company for doing this kind of stuff. Lapdogs, sadly.
So here is the gist of it:
MHA-AL00:
Useless crap
MHA-L09 & MHA-L29
Usable smartphones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, they can't really slam them for adhering to the Chinese market. You're buying a Chinese variant with all that entails. That's just how these things work. Huawei can't ship a device with play services in China.
Why don't you buy from a more local shop with better credibility? I assume it's because you are in a location where it hasn't launched (yet).
So, why bringing out a MHA-L09 and a MHA-L29?
I checked the database (thanks opasha) and the difference seems to be the number of bands they support. L09 seems to be a subset off L29.
Any ideas? I'm in the Netherlands and I would have expected the 09 but I received the 029.
Trixanity said:
Well, they can't really slam them for adhering to the Chinese market. You're buying a Chinese variant with all that entails. That's just how these things work. Huawei can't ship a device with play services in China.
Why don't you buy from a more local shop with better credibility? I assume it's because you are in a location where it hasn't launched (yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, in US. As for slamming them ... not installing Google Play in understand but no capability for it to run? That is pretty messed up. Got a mi mix and easy to install and use Play store and Google services.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
SWBgHz said:
Yes, in US. As for slamming them ... not installing Google Play in understand but no capability for it to run? That is pretty messed up. Got a mi mix and easy to install and use Play store and Google services.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two reasons for not being able to do it: Chinese market banning Google products and to avoid people buying devices cheaper from China - instead buying them locally.
If you have a Mi Mix, why would buy another phone?
The US is very restrictive towards Huawei and particularly the Kirin SoCs and the brand isn't particularly strong in the US, so that's why they're hesitant to launch the Mate 9 or Mate 9 Pro in the US.
Trixanity said:
If you have a Mi Mix, why would buy another phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-mix/help/mi-mix-google-voice-issue-t3506686/page1
That is why I got rid of the Mi Mix, everything worked great but Google Voice could not make calls and my home area was problematic with the limited bands.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
So I found a guy on eBay (yes, I know - but I do fine in eBay and know how to use the protections it affords) that has Chinese version with the B109SP01 firmware that will run Google Play services. This solves the issues, right? It is dual SIM and 128/6 GB (has other sizes too) so question is will this work or just not worth bothering with it?
Oops, yes I know - should have edited previous post instead of adding another.
Adding info that answers my questions so, hopefully, others questions as well. Thanks to all here and elsewhere for the clarity:
The Chinese model is MHA-AL00, and two international models are MHA-L29 and MHA-L09. The MHA-AL00 and the MHA-L29 both support the same bands, basically almost all bands. The MHA-L09 supports all of the bands of the other two models except Band 41 (so bad news for Sprint and China/India if my research is correct). The MHA-L09 is single sim while the MLA-AL00 and MHA-L29 are dual-sim (the hybrid kind so second SIM slot is SD slot). Only the MHA-AL00 now comes in the 128 or 256 and 6 GB variant. Some, not many, MHA-AL00 phones will have the B109SP01 firmware but maybe not many - if it does then you basically got the same thing as an International version in terms of Google Play working (just don't do system update until word here is the Play issue is fixed in the ROM they are pushing out), SIM slots, etc and in future it is likely with unlocked bootloader it could be flashed to become an International version. In short, it seems MHA-AL00 (Chinese) and MHA-L29 (International) are the same hardware phone with the former have the 128/256 and 6 GB option out there and the MLA-L09 is the same but missing the aforementioned band and second SIM slot.
Will edit original post with this info too so easy for anyone to see. Thanks all.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
I just received the MHA-L00 Mate 9 couple of days ago and I was able to install google play without any issues after installing GMSinstaller from Huawei app, I received a firmware OTA as soon as I connected to my wifi B165SP01 which has been working fine. I will keep you posted once I do more tests on it and using it on a daily basis.
I have the international L29 with B158 and 64gb. Dual.
Runs exactely like any other phone vis-a-vis Google / Facebook / Whatsapp
kolembo said:
I have the international L29 with B158 and 64gb. Dual.
Runs exactely like any other phone vis-a-vis Google / Facebook / Whatsapp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get B158? Regular OTA or some kind of black magic? Mine is still on B126 with nothing to update...
Is that really B158, or B138?
received OTA B167 update on my MHA-AL00 working fine using T-mobile, google apps installed using GSM from HiApp. Only annoying thing is not able to use stock audio controls (Everything is in chinese) and notification bugs considering to rebrand to international verison whenever I have time
I ordered the Mate 9 from a local supplier (Switzerland) 6 months ago. They sent me the MHA-AL00 which - intriguingly - already had Google Play installed. There was no sign of the phone having been set up before to allow the supplier to install Google Play.... Anyway, everything worked as expected and they only thing I noticed that a few obscure menus were in Chinese as well as some text on the lock screen. Last month I broke the screen and since I liked the phone so much (the battery life is a-ma-zing!) I ordered a new one. This time they sent me the MHA-L29 and the only difference I noted is that all the traces to Chinese were gone. Other than that the phones look, feel and act exactly the same. If you figure out how to tweek the very aggressive power management features, this phone is easy to love.
Alright guys I know I am late to the party but I am considering buying a chinese version with 128GB and 6GBRAM from Ebay. My only question is, now that the phone has been out for a while, is it possible to unlock the bootloader and install the international ROM on the chinese 128/6 mate 9?
Or is it safer to stick with the 64GB/4GB RAM MHA-L29?
Btw I am from Australia
i have the international version, mha-l29c185...works great with google installed...also they do have google play store and all the apps on huawei app market...i seen the 128gb mate 9 6gb ram runing play store in videos....not sure whats all the if are about...can easily install a rom with google in it...
s8plususer said:
Alright guys I know I am late to the party but I am considering buying a chinese version with 128GB and 6GBRAM from Ebay. My only question is, now that the phone has been out for a while, is it possible to unlock the bootloader and install the international ROM on the chinese 128/6 mate 9?
Or is it safer to stick with the 64GB/4GB RAM MHA-L29?
Btw I am from Australia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. It is possible. Even it will detect that you have 6 / 128 specs on world ROM.
Maximum you will have some troubles with unlock bootloader. In strange cases Chinese models get wrong unlock code via official way. Also, you have to register Huawei account and use phone with it in 14 days to approve your legitimate reason to unlock.
Apart from single sim and dual sim variants I was wondering if anyone knows of any other differences between the regional variants.
The obvious one would be compatible bands but after checking HTC regional websites the supported bands all seem to be the same.
I don't know if other can do it but I can't turn off TTY. It's permanently active and I don't have the options for it.
Sent from my HTC U12+ using Tapatalk
شیرخدا said:
Apart from single sim and dual sim variants I was wondering if anyone knows of any other differences between the regional variants.
The obvious one would be compatible bands but after checking HTC regional websites the supported bands all seem to be the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spent hours trying to answer this question.
Supported bands are different between the China version (2Q55300) and "outside of US version" (2Q55100) but it may be a software setting. I couldn't find any other differences.
Curious to hear if anyone knows more about this.
pixelvisions said:
I spent hours trying to answer this question.
Supported bands are different between the China version (2Q55300) and "outside of US version" (2Q55100) but it may be a software setting. I couldn't find any other differences.
Curious to hear if anyone knows more about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apart from supported and not supported bands and dual/single sim there is non. Though there are Russian variants and other, but I guess they have just a little modified software on it, but nothing hardware related.
Sent from my HTC U12+ using XDA Labs
Any info about a global release ?
Another question:.
Will the European version have the same rom? Because most languages are already supported on the Chinese version?
Will it be likely that LTE b7 and b20 bands be included?
I've never had a Huawei phone. What's the possibility of them being rooted or can custom roms be installed on them?
jtotti80 said:
I've never had a Huawei phone. What's the possibility of them being rooted or can custom roms be installed on them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They used to be. I had a Mate 9 and LOVED IT. But heard they don't provide bootloader unlock codes. You can buy unlock codes though.
def-g said:
They used to be. I had a Mate 9 and LOVED IT. But heard they don't provide bootloader unlock codes. You can buy unlock codes though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read about that too. But that just means you have to pay more for the phone basically (extra $55 for the unlock code). Unless somebody finds a way to unlock the bootloader without asking for money. I like the Honor Magic 2 better than the MI MIX 3 but the Mi Mix is more developer friendly
Oh... No band 20 support is a bit of a killer :/
krolkrowa said:
Oh... No band 20 support is a bit of a killer :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are quite a few bands in use in North America missing, sadly. I like the look of it, that it has a wide-angle lens, but the Mi Mix 3 just has so much better global compatibility.
jcsww said:
There are quite a few bands in use in North America missing, sadly. I like the look of it, that it has a wide-angle lens, but the Mi Mix 3 just has so much better global compatibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here for use in EU it has all the bands I would need except band 20 sadly... The Mix 3 only advantage I think is the global compatibility and bigger modding community
krolkrowa said:
Here for use in EU it has all the bands I would need except band 20 sadly... The Mix 3 only advantage I think is the global compatibility and bigger modding community
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xiaomi devices do get some good ROM's. I just wish the Mi Mix 3 had a wide-angle lens and the in-screen fingerprint reader. Then again, the Mi Mix 3 is a lot cheaper by comparison as well and it comes in green!
DimTag said:
Any info about a global release ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried searching online for any sign of a global release or a global rom update. No luck.
Anyone have any info on that?
hussainmithaiwala said:
I have tried searching online for any sign of a global release or a global rom update. No luck.
Anyone have any info on that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, according Huawei/honor the Honor Magic 2 will not be released outside China.
dragon-tmd said:
Yes, according Huawei/honor the Honor Magic 2 will not be released outside China.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully Huawei changes their mind. I like the look of the Honor Magic 2 better than the Mi Mix 3 and I would prefer to have a wide-angle camera as well. The Mi Mix 3 though has excellent global band support though, which is important for those of us who live in North America.
Answer from official UK Honor Support :
Dear Nik,
Thank you for contacting Honor Support - UK .
The Honor Magic 2 is available, as you stated only in the Asian regions.
You will not be able to buy the device from Asia and make it compatible with the European markets.
This is because we create devices that are locked in certain regions and this is not changeable.
As of now we do not have a release date or idea if there will be one for the UK market.
If you wish to get any other information about Honor UK devices, I am more than glad to answer you.
Should you have any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best regards,
Ben
Honor Support - Customer Care UK
anyone knows where and when it will be available to buy?
Redmi 10X 4G is actually Malaysia’s Redmi note9
Already bought one from Sunsky store
Looks like the Redmi 10x Pro will not be released as a Global version for Europe, and the only chance is to buy it from China. As far as I understand, the chinese version:
* Includes languages Chinese and English, so it is possible to configure in English
* I checked the phone bands 3G, 4G, 5G and looks like they are compatible with bands in my country (Spain)
* Google Play and the rest of the Google Apps are not preinstalled, but in another thread there is a procedure to install them
* I suppose that FW upgrades will be available, although they will be Chinese and English, but there should not be other issues
Can anybody think of the drawbacks if using this phone in Europe.
etulio said:
Looks like the Redmi 10x Pro will not be released as a Global version for Europe, and the only chance is to buy it from China. As far as I understand, the chinese version:
* Includes languages Chinese and English, so it is possible to configure in English
* I checked the phone bands 3G, 4G, 5G and looks like they are compatible with bands in my country (Spain)
* Google Play and the rest of the Google Apps are not preinstalled, but in another thread there is a procedure to install them
* I suppose that FW upgrades will be available, although they will be Chinese and English, but there should not be other issues
Can anybody think of the drawbacks if using this phone in Europe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No Band 20/28 and I guess no GSM native supports that's all I can think of. Unlocking the bootloader takes longer too if I recall correctly
You are right, band 20 (800Mhz) is used in Spain but this phone does not include it, what a pity!!
Thank you.
etulio said:
Looks like the Redmi 10x Pro will not be released as a Global version for Europe, and the only chance is to buy it from China. As far as I understand, the chinese version:
* Includes languages Chinese and English, so it is possible to configure in English
* I checked the phone bands 3G, 4G, 5G and looks like they are compatible with bands in my country (Spain)
* Google Play and the rest of the Google Apps are not preinstalled, but in another thread there is a procedure to install them
* I suppose that FW upgrades will be available, although they will be Chinese and English, but there should not be other issues
Can anybody think of the drawbacks if using this phone in Europe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does not support Google Pay contactless payment. Other Google apps work fine.
awtchan said:
Does not support Google Pay contactless payment. Other Google apps work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my OPPO Find X2 Lite using XDA Labs
Hey guys
i live in switzerland and now i got my hands on a pixel 5. Now I had to find out that Google is doing something stupid and certifies mobile operators for 5G.
Swisscom apparently has no certification, but 5G runs and works flawlessly with the Mi 10 Pro.
Is there any way to turn off this junk so that 5G simply works with every provider?
Thanks for your help
Are you using DualSim? I've read somewhere that in this case 5G is off
Gesendet von meinem CMR-AL09 mit Tapatalk
No im not using dualsim. Even on Network search no 5g network is found ?
It's Google's fault, indeed, I can't use 5G in Romania either. I'm waiting for a while, maybe they'll just allow us, from the countries where they don't sell official their phone, to use the full capabilities.
If they don't I'll just root and I'll do it myself, but I think Google will eventually unlock the 5G connectivity, it's hurting their "official" customers by not being able to roam on 5G or use their phone with a local sim when needed.
balenax said:
It's Google's fault, indeed, I can't use 5G in Romania either. I'm waiting for a while, maybe they'll just allow us, from the countries where they don't sell official their phone, to use the full capabilities.
If they don't I'll just root and I'll do it myself, but I think Google will eventually unlock the 5G connectivity, it's hurting their "official" customers by not being able to roam on 5G or use their phone with a local sim when needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having the same problem in HK. Won't use 5G. If the Pixel 5 is rooted, doe it mean it will be able to use 5G?
lks125 said:
I am having the same problem in HK. Won't use 5G. If the Pixel 5 is rooted, doe it mean it will be able to use 5G?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a similar problem on OnePlus 8, I think. We need to edit a file, carrier policy, and the phone will then allow 5G connections. The problem here is that on OnePlus you can retrieve the file from the phone without root, with a Qualcomm software, and then put it back, edited, with the same software. On Pixel that program isn't working so I assume the only way to access and edit that file is by rooting.
I don't want to root yet, I'm waiting a while. First of all to find out an official answer about the software shipped with the phones in Europe, a presumably KDDI Japan version and second, to see if Google doesn't fix the problem, since there are way too many people affected.
I'm from mainland China. I've ordered a Pixel 5 and just realized that it doesn't support 5g in my country! What a shame Google permit 5g for only specific carriers and block out others, while the hardware of P5 is 100% capable for supporting almost every carriers around the world!
Wondering if Google can see this post and fix that problem via ota.
emmm
letherpants said:
I'm from mainland China. I've ordered a Pixel 5 and just realized that it doesn't support 5g in my country! What a shame Google permit 5g for only specific carriers and block out others, while the hardware of P5 is 100% capable for supporting almost every carriers around the world!
Wondering if Google can see this post and fix that problem via ota.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suggest you go to the official forum with the post feedback, Google has seen a lot more than XDA.
joeyzhou521 said:
I suggest you go to the official forum with the post feedback, Google has seen a lot more than XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx. Maybe I'll post there.
Same problem here in the MENA region. Same with oneplus 8 series and Nord. I have a 5G sim and carrier but with these phones including Pixel 5 it's blocked. I don't want to root. It's really stupid even VoLTE is blocked here. (Kuwait)
---------- Post added at 01:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:43 AM ----------
balenax said:
It's a similar problem on OnePlus 8, I think. We need to edit a file, carrier policy, and the phone will then allow 5G connections. The problem here is that on OnePlus you can retrieve the file from the phone without root, with a Qualcomm software, and then put it back, edited, with the same software. On Pixel that program isn't working so I assume the only way to access and edit that file is by rooting.
I don't want to root yet, I'm waiting a while. First of all to find out an official answer about the software shipped with the phones in Europe, a presumably KDDI Japan version and second, to see if Google doesn't fix the problem, since there are way too many people affected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're %100 correct on this.
Any news after the update? I returned my Pixel for the gap issue but I am interested to see if there are any changes regarding the 5G locked issue...
Got the November update and no 5G yet
I just switched over to esim today with tmobile unrooted, stock, and November patch. It shows 5g in the status bar.
BUT, under wifi and network in settings , there is no 5g where *lte 3g 2g* are.
I guess the above poster is right
Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk
Edit. I live on the east coast of PA usa and earlier this was the case.. I just checked again, I have 5g as an option. FYI anyway.
Here Italy, i ordered it from Gemran store hoping to have compatibility with vodafone since vodafone DE has already certification to work with 5G network but still nothing, i tried to flash the RD1A.201105.003.C1, Nov 2020 that is global but no working 5g connection.
I hope in a future update because my sim in OnePlus nord work well in 5g and i get about 400Mb speed that is amazing in italy, with 4g i get 130Mb.
Contacted vodafone support and they said it's a phone problem so I think maybe with december update Google wil resolve (ps in software i have the option to select 5g preferred network but never get attached to 5G where the OnePlus Nord get 5G)
I added root to my device, how can I enable 5g now.. I actually added root just to test 5g
December update still no 5g.
Google recently updated its support page about 5G network compatibility to explicitly state that 5G will work only on carriers that Google enabled it.
At this time, unlisted countries have no selected 5G carrier networks that work with Pixel phones.
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Click to collapse
At least Switzerland's providers Sunrise and Swisscom are listed as coming soon...