Hey guys, so I was exploring purchasing a Mi Mix 3 on Aliexpress for use in the United States. However, I had some concerns about usage in the United States, especially with the international version. Could someone please tell me about their experience with this phone in the United States, including carrier signal (preferably T Mobile), any issues you've come across using this phone in the United States, and other similar dilemmas. Thanks!
Its name Global Version for a reason, so i think it will work fine all around the world, IF its a true Global Edition.
Check carefully, many seller flash the global/eu rom on CN variant and sell them as "Global Edition".
It will work internationally whether it's a global edition or not, there's no difference in the bands between the Chinese and Global variants. The software is different, however. The Chinese software works fine in the US, but you have a bit of work to do to get the Google apps on it. The other issue is if the seller is buying the Chinese variant then loading the Global software and relocking the bootloader, because if you subsequently install an official update, you will hard-brick your device. Having said that, I can't think of any reason why sellers would be bothering with that now that the Global version is readily available, at least the more reputable ones. Gearbest always clearly mark their devices on the website as either Chinese or Global. I suppose if you wanted to be absolutely sure, you could buy from a European retailer, assuming you don't want the 8/256 model. The other option, of course, is to unlock the bootloader and (optionally) install an unofficial rom, that way you also get regular Android security updates.
I would recommend spending the extra to get the 8/256 if there is any chance you are going to get a "chinese" version. The "global" version is *supposed* to have all the bands enabled on all storage/ram configurations. However, the chinese version only has full band support on the 8/256 device. It is possible that we may be able to find a way to use QXDM and stuff to enable additional bands regardless, but I wouldn't count on that. I spent the extra to get an 8/256 which now has the leaked global rom on it. The global software works great and I have atleast equivalent coverage to my work Pixel 2 XL, usually with slightly better signal levels.
I have no complaints about this device, the only thing I have noticed is it seems that the glass is not as hard on some units. I bought my wife an 8/256 device and she is not exactly gentle on her device. Her screen has no scratches, but mine has many already after about 2 months, and I'm pretty careful with my devices. And to be clear, these are light surface scratches that are only visible when tilting the device with the screen off, not something you can see with the screen on.
I have T Mobile. I get better reception on Mi Mix 3 than I got on both my Note 8 and my iPhone 7. I know this because there's a spot I park every day and the MiMix works there when the others didn't.
I got 96mbps on 4G LTE when I tested it.
Of note: I did have an original MiMix 1 and it was not good for reception. At all. But the 3 has something like 42 bands in, and it has the best reception of any phone I've had.
PWn3R said:
I would recommend spending the extra to get the 8/256 if there is any chance you are going to get a "chinese" version. The "global" version is *supposed* to have all the bands enabled on all storage/ram configurations. However, the chinese version only has full band support on the 8/256 device. It is possible that we may be able to find a way to use QXDM and stuff to enable additional bands regardless, but I wouldn't count on that. I spent the extra to get an 8/256 which now has the leaked global rom on it. The global software works great and I have atleast equivalent coverage to my work Pixel 2 XL, usually with slightly better signal levels.
I have no complaints about this device, the only thing I have noticed is it seems that the glass is not as hard on some units. I bought my wife an 8/256 device and she is not exactly gentle on her device. Her screen has no scratches, but mine has many already after about 2 months, and I'm pretty careful with my devices. And to be clear, these are light surface scratches that are only visible when tilting the device with the screen off, not something you can see with the screen on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I just want to confirm. If I buy a mix 3 in China and then flash itd to a global ROM (e.g. EU) then I should have no issues using it in the US (I'll be on T-Mobile).
There is a serious problem to me not sure if it's because of Mi MIX or TMobile combination (Los Angeles area)
Same problem on my wife's MIX 2S and my MIX 3, both official global version and latest firmware.
When the phone is on wifi, even though the mobile connection looks connected, it might have been disconnected actually.
No call and message will come through. People's calls will go to voice mail.
You will not know that until someone tell you they can't call you on the phone, or when turning off wifi suddently all missing text/MMS messages will arrive.
I'm still searching on more information on this and if some others have the same issue.
One of you friends used to have similar issues using a Samsung Galaxy on TMobile before he switched to iPhone.
Working great here in MN on T-Mobile no issues at all. I have the global edition.
It works for the most part on Verizon (a carrier which doesn't technically support it), the only issues I have are with MMS messaging (which is fixed in another thread) and my mobile hotspot which Verizon seems to be unable to turn on properly. Other than that I haven't had any issues. I would imagine on a GSM carrier like T-Mobile you would see even fewer problems, if any.
Rockmadeofrock said:
It works for the most part on Verizon (a carrier which doesn't technically support it), the only issues I have are with MMS messaging (which is fixed in another thread) and my mobile hotspot which Verizon seems to be unable to turn on properly. Other than that I haven't had any issues. I would imagine on a GSM carrier like T-Mobile you would see even fewer problems, if any.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get it to work with Verizon? I entered my IMEI and it isn't compatible.
Matt0817 said:
How did you get it to work with Verizon? I entered my IMEI and it isn't compatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you need to do is pop in a Verizon SIM card and change the APN settings and it'll work. Sometimes the SIM card won't let you change them (because Verizon locks them down), but that didn't happen to me. If that's the case, grab someone else's SIM card that has like T-Mobile, put it in your phone, add a new APN, then put the Verizon one back in and select the APN you made. I detailed the settings you need to set in these posts: _1_, _2_. If you need any additional help let me know.
Also, if you want to enable VoLTE check out this thread.
Related
So I ordered the ROG Phone 5 Tencent version by mistake and I couldn't cancel it in time before they shipped it. I tried out the phone upon receiving it even though I had already read about the issues with 5G connectivity in the US. Testing out the bands with LTE Connectivity it obviously will not connect to any of T-Mobile's 5G bands in the US and on top it will only connect band 4 of tmobiles 4GLTE which is quite slower than band 66. I tested it side by side with my old Galaxy Note 8 and the note 8 was consistently getting better speeds of about 60/5 on band 66 while the tencent ROG phone 5 was only getting about 25-30 download at most on band 4. I promptly created a return order and bought the international version from NGP.
So in summary for those wondering, the tencent ROG phone 5 does not have the bands needed for a phone at this price point.
Check out this link for an accurate list of bands for the China version and then the international version.
Will Asus Rog Phone 5 work in USA?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Asus Rog Phone 5 with the mobile networks of USA and with the telephony operators that provide service in USA.
www.kimovil.com
I will be receiving my international version in 2 days and will be testing the mobile bands in the Los Angeles area. Hoping for 5G!!
Please let us know of your findings as im getting ready to buy the international version from the same place! and am also using T-Mobile
Also, does anyone have an info on an official USA launch? (not carrier held but like ASUS selling the phone on the USA e store website)
A how to guide for getting bad service?
Rotary88 said:
So I ordered the ROG Phone 5 Tencent version by mistake and I couldn't cancel it in time before they shipped it. I tried out the phone upon receiving it even though I had already read about the issues with 5G connectivity in the US. Testing out the bands with LTE Connectivity it obviously will not connect to any of T-Mobile's 5G bands in the US and on top it will only connect band 4 of tmobiles 4GLTE which is quite slower than band 66. I tested it side by side with my old Galaxy Note 8 and the note 8 was consistently getting better speeds of about 60/5 on band 66 while the tencent ROG phone 5 was only getting about 25-30 download at most on band 4. I promptly created a return order and bought the international version from NGP.
So in summary for those wondering, the tencent ROG phone 5 does not have the bands needed for a phone at this price point.
Check out this link for an accurate list of bands for the China version and then the international version.
Will Asus Rog Phone 5 work in USA?
In this page we are going to show you the compatibility of Asus Rog Phone 5 with the mobile networks of USA and with the telephony operators that provide service in USA.
www.kimovil.com
I will be receiving my international version in 2 days and will be testing the mobile bands in the Los Angeles area. Hoping for 5G!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't the tencent version support SA 71? T-Mobile recently added that frequency I believe unless I misunderstood
chairman011 said:
Doesn't the tencent version support SA 71? T-Mobile recently added that frequency I believe unless I misunderstood
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's going to be hit or miss, depending on location.
So I ordered the international version literally 2 days before the USA version came out to just find out that it's the exact same **** as the Tencent version. NO 5G on T-Mobile and it uses the slowest bands for 4GLTE. My LTE speed in the LA area is an abysmal 27mb download and a 9mb upload. What an absolute nightmare this has been. The one time I try to go something besides Samsung or Apple.
Does anyone know what the restocking fee's are on these returns?
Rotary88 said:
So I ordered the international version literally 2 days before the USA version came out to just find out that it's the exact same **** as the Tencent version. NO 5G on T-Mobile and it uses the slowest bands for 4GLTE. My LTE speed in the LA area is an abysmal 27mb download and a 9mb upload. What an absolute nightmare this has been. The one time I try to go something besides Samsung or Apple.
Does anyone know what the restocking fee's are on these returns?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i thought it says its nothing if the return is because youre having connection/network issues, i just ordered the USA version, ill let you know how that one behaves when it arrives on saturday
i have a new sim card waiting for the phone when it arrives (supposedly you need a new sim to use 5g on tmobile)
twistedumbrella said:
It's going to be hit or miss, depending on location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True that. I have the Tencent on Metro I get LTE but no 5g, I love this phone I have no issues with it but 5G would be awesome. They say they use the same service but really they don't they're both different frequencies I'm eager to try that new T-Mobile SIM card though since my phone is dual SIM I think I might go ahead and get the T-Mobile service with the SIM card I'll report back that you guys know how it goes thinking about doing it this coming week.
Trickster29 said:
i thought it says its nothing if the return is because youre having connection/network issues, i just ordered the USA version, ill let you know how that one behaves when it arrives on saturday
i have a new sim card waiting for the phone when it arrives (supposedly you need a new sim to use 5g on tmobile)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
· Failure of network compatibility in the area – customers are responsible to contact their service provider for the availability of compatible network in the area prior to purchasing the phone. If unfortunately you have no network due to this reason, you can return the phone with 15% restocking fee of the item price if it is in its original condition.
Shipping and Returns
ngpstoreusa.com
Amazon.com Seller Profile: NGP STORE USA
NGP_STORE_USA Store - Newegg.com
Checkout NGP_STORE_USA’s Seller Profile.! Get the latest deals from Seller Profile. all with faster shipping and excellent customer services
www.newegg.com
Rotary88 said:
So I ordered the international version literally 2 days before the USA version came out to just find out that it's the exact same **** as the Tencent version. NO 5G on T-Mobile and it uses the slowest bands for 4GLTE. My LTE speed in the LA area is an abysmal 27mb download and a 9mb upload. What an absolute nightmare this has been. The one time I try to go something besides Samsung or Apple.
Does anyone know what the restocking fee's are on these returns?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the international version is basically the same as the US version without warranty coverage.
If they are the same, it doesn't make sense to eat the restocking fee then. Rotary88, are you using a current SIM like the other user mentioned? Hopefully when they get their phone and test on saturday they get better results.
I purchased mine from the US store this morning (I don't need 512gb storage or 18gb ram, and the other extras will never get used lol). The price point of the tencent versions are attractive for sure but I have heard nothing but issues around the WW converted models.
If it turns out that all versions (US, international, CN) have the same issues maybe I will return the US and save some dollars.
I'm just rambling here, good luck Rotary88
twistedumbrella said:
· Failure of network compatibility in the area – customers are responsible to contact their service provider for the availability of compatible network in the area prior to purchasing the phone. If unfortunately you have no network due to this reason, you can return the phone with 15% restocking fee of the item price if it is in its original condition.
Shipping and Returns
ngpstoreusa.com
Amazon.com Seller Profile: NGP STORE USA
NGP_STORE_USA Store - Newegg.com
Checkout NGP_STORE_USA’s Seller Profile.! Get the latest deals from Seller Profile. all with faster shipping and excellent customer services
www.newegg.com
Actually, the international version is basically the same as the US version without warranty coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah must have remembered wrong. i don't think they're the same bandwise, for instance from what i understand the international is the C variant and doesn't support band 71 or 66 but this is listed as supported on the USA e-store for the USA phone. in fact every band except the mmWave that both ATT and T-Mobile use is listed on the USA versions purchase page
i did simply my check tho and ignored the fact that the shop page doesn't list 2g/3g/5g bands explicitly and just checked for a matching number, but i imagine thats what they meant, considering the page was just created and for example maybe they found theres no need to list n41 and 41 essentially listing 41 twice.
i have no phone atm, which maybe you can tell since my posts lack any auto correct, so really hoping for the best
either way i have a USA version coming on saturday and ill let everyone know of the results
So I just swapped out my old sim for a new T-Mobile SIM and its the same result with the international and also tencent variant ASUS_I005DA. Even though version A supposedly supports all the right bands, No T-Mobile 5G and also crippled LTE. This seems like something to do with their network simply not recognizing the device or allowing it to use other bands. After doing some research it seems the device also has to be carrier supported in order to connect to their extended LTE and 5G bands.
From what I've read here on the forums, calling them is a waste of time. I guess all I can do is wait to see if even the US "variants" get 5G/LTE but I somehow am doubting it since they seem identical to the international variant. I'm stuck with a $1000 gimped phone until T-Mobile decides to support it on their network.
Rotary88 said:
So I just swapped out my old sim for a new T-Mobile SIM and its the same result with the international and also tencent variant ASUS_I005DA. Even though version A supposedly supports all the right bands, No T-Mobile 5G and also crippled LTE. This seems like something to do with their network simply not recognizing the device or allowing it to use other bands. After doing some research it seems the device also has to be carrier supported in order to connect to their extended LTE and 5G bands.
From what I've read here on the forums, calling them is a waste of time. I guess all I can do is wait to see if even the US "variants" get 5G/LTE but I somehow am doubting it since they seem identical to the international variant. I'm stuck with a $1000 gimped phone until T-Mobile decides to support it on their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
strange because according to asus the I005DA is not the A version but the G version. The version i believe is on the box not the model.
PhoneBots said:
strange because according to asus the I005DA is not the A version but the G version. The version i believe is on the box not the model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you contact ASUS ? do you have and official documentation / site where they say which version is tencent / Global / US ?
I had bought the tencent version - i005DA was mentioned prominently in the packaging.. and 'tencent games' was printed on the back of the phone.
Neither T-mobile nor AT&T worked reliably - actually I was barely ever getting a signal.
I returned that.one . .and got myself a global variant - asus_i005DC is mentioned in the packaging.
Now everything works fine - I have seen the 5G symbol, but not really great speeds, but that could be because of my area.
arun_suresh said:
Did you contact ASUS ? do you have and official documentation / site where they say which version is tencent / Global / US ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://zentalk.asus.com/en/discussion/47006/which-version-does-asus-rog-5-model-i005da-map-to i think this is where he found it, see last post (you can press the back button if it asks you to create acct or sign in and it wont ask again and will allow you to read)
this would imply the last letter in the model number is not necessarily the version the phone corresponds to, for every model even your asus_i005DC
Trickster29 said:
https://zentalk.asus.com/en/discussion/47006/which-version-does-asus-rog-5-model-i005da-map-to i think this is where he found it, see last post (you can press the back button if it asks you to create acct or sign in and it wont ask again and will allow you to read)
this would imply the last letter in the model number is not necessarily the version the phone corresponds to, for every model even your asus_i005DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly it.
At this point I'm waiting to see if the one they sell on Asus dot com is any better than the global version sold on aliexpress or if I should go all in on -300$ less
PhoneBots said:
That's exactly it.
At this point I'm waiting to see if the one they sell on Asus dot com is any better than the global version sold on aliexpress or if I should go all in on -300$ less
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$300 less means a Tencent flashed to WW, or at least it did for mine. The idiot seller didn't realize the bands aren't controlled by the software, but PayPal called it "materially similar" and denied the refund. Oh well.
PhoneBots said:
That's exactly it.
At this point I'm waiting to see if the one they sell on Asus dot com is any better than the global version sold on aliexpress or if I should go all in on -300$ less
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well ill find out if the USA version on asus.com is better literally tomorrow and ill post the update here. i imagine it is now that i understand the versions don't follow model number.
twistedumbrella said:
$300 less means a Tencent flashed to WW, or at least it did for mine. The idiot didn't realize the bands aren't controlled by the software, but PayPal called it "materially similar" and denied the refund. Oh well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking more at the global version rather than the ROM
So I bought the s22 flip unlocked and am decently excited about it. Its clearly a beta-ish device, with some bugs. The screen sometimes goes black and the keyboards are little frizzy.
General:
Size: Yes it's a brick. Don't be surprised. I do wish there was a smart flip phone on the market that more resembles the nice old compact ones, but the only other model seems to be the galaxy folder 2 and that don't work in the US. The screen is small and can feel cluttered, but it's usable.
Battery: the battery life is pretty meh. It'll probably last a day.
Specs: it's slow and has 2 gigs of ram and 16 of storage. Up to 128gb expandable. I tried putting in 256 and it didn't work.
Wierd things they don't tell you: It has no t9 (why?!) But it can be sideloaded. Doesn't seem to care about hotspot provisioning. IT SUPPORTS CDMA (and 5G?) ON SOME MVNOs! I popped in a verizon sim, and with data set to lte only connection is great but no volte.
Best of all, unlockable bootloader! So how can we go about unlocking this device? I've spoken to both CAT support and Bullitt group, and they told me "
Bullitt Group do not distribute the stock ROM for any of our devices.
This is part of our contractual obligations with our partners and the Brands that we represent". So so much for that. What now?
I'm curious about the possibilities as well.
Also about network settings best for 4g/LTE
As right now mine only connects to 2g
well I just got one of these devices and want to at least update it to a full version of android instead of Android Go!
I read that you can sideload android 11 on it and just don't overwrite the drivers.
When you talked with Cat/Bullitt did you ask them if they are ever going to update the firmware on the phone at all? Most phones even T-mobiles bottom of the line phones still get 1 OTA update in firmware to fix initial issues. and most companies are at least providing one level of android updates also.
Any luck with any software work arounds? As for best 4g/LTE settings that is carrier specific, you can change those in developer mode and manually set them up under sim settings.
I plan to use mine on a T-Mobile MVNO so shouldn't have any issue there as this was a Tmobile phone originally that I just got "NEW" unlocked.
I might reach out to T-Mobile for firmware also, as they have to have multiple versions of the firmware as they have T-Mobile branded bloatware on some and Metro branded Bloatware on others.
I just picked up an S22. I've tried TeamSpeak and Mumble, and the PTT won't work when the flip is closed. Any suggestions? Thanks
Hello everybody. I got s22 flip. I am in Italy and I can't use it. Seller said is working with any 4g simcard. But my phone is not working. Any suggestion? Thanks
I need help. I flashed boot from 29 firmware to 30. Root is activated, but Wi-Fi and speakers do not work. I need an update.zip from 29 to 30 firmware.
i have 30 version and i need boot.img to root
i need help to root anybody help?
Hello everyone,
I have a Mi A3. Lasted update was August on Android 11. Google Pixel is not officially supported in Romania and I was wandering if I will get one, will I be able to make 5G, VoWIFi and VoLTE to run in the future using root and custom rom?
I am at the point when I would ditch Android and buy a cheaper Iphone (SE or 11) just to get rid of the Android problems.
I really don't have time anymore to test different builds but, if there is a way to activate in the future I would seriously consider the 6a.
Before the A3 I had Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4 and so on. I don't want to buy a Samsung Android just to have the options mentioned above. Thank you!
natzy85 said:
I am at the point when I would ditch Android and buy a cheaper Iphone (SE or 11) just to get rid of the Android problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go ahead then, buy an iPhone
What "Android problems" are you referring to?
Lada333 said:
Go ahead then, buy an iPhone
What "Android problems" are you referring to?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all sorts of bugs, for example right now my Mi A 3 won't start the assistant via voice command.
A lot of times the phone will block while charging and I would miss the alarm in the morning.
Not to mention battery drain, I now use the phone with battery saver activated all the time to last a day, and the battery has 4030 mAh.
I know I will miss Android for the customization part, and if there is a chance I can enable 5G and voice over Wifi in the future, I am going to get the 6a.
But my main grip is with the OS, my wife has Iphone and I didn't see any bugs. Although I never had a Pixel before, I was hoping to be a very stable system, but what I'm reading worries me a lot.
natzy85 said:
all sorts of bugs, for example right now my Mi A 3 won't start the assistant via voice command.
A lot of times the phone will block while charging and I would miss the alarm in the morning.
I know I will miss Android for the customization part, and if there is a chance I can enable 5G and voice over Wifi in the future, I am going to get the 6a.
But my main grip is with the OS, my wife has Iphone and I didn't see any bugs. Although I never had a Pixel before, I was hoping to be a very stable system, but what I'm reading worries me a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind, that you're comparing a super cheap budget Android phone (that even runs a stripped down version of AOSP) to an iPhone, that I'm sure cost at least three times the price of your A3.
The 6a is supposed to have one extra year of official software support than the iPhone 11, but you mentioned flashing custom ROMs, so I'm assuming it's not a huge dealbreaker for you. I'm not sure how much you could get an iPhone 11 or a 6a for. If you want a truly "bugless" experience, and it's not a lot more expensive, go for the iPhone, but don't upgrade to iOS 16, cuz it's as buggy as all previous Android versions combined
AFAIK, 5G, VoWIFi and VoLTE all depend on the carrier you're using. I live in Hungary, got the 6a from Germany. I see the options for all of these in the settings, but my carrier doesn't support any of them, so I can't actually test them, unfortunately.
Regarding 5G, VoWIFi and VoLTE and custom ROMs.. That's all up to developers. There's nothing preventing these phones from having any of these features when running a custom ROM.
The reviews and videos made on the 6a after release also had me worried a lot, I even started this thread on xda before purchasing the device, should you be interested in reading up more on about it.
I have been using the phone for about 3 weeks now, upgraded to A13 (no root or custom ROMs so far), and it's been working pretty much flawlessly. Fingerprint reader misses about as often as the rear-mounted reader did on the 4a. The display is super nice, no choppiness at all. Never had the system hung up so far. Photos/videos and image processing is excellent and incredibly fast.
The only thing I can complain about is the speakers; lacks bass (at least compared to the 4a).
tl;dr: I wouldn't be too worried about dealbreaking bugs. Google is going to support the 6a for 5 years, with feature drops every 3 months. If you can get it for less than its full price, it's a no brainer in my opinion.
Lada333 said:
Keep in mind, that you're comparing a super cheap budget Android phone (that even runs a stripped down version of AOSP) to an iPhone, that I'm sure cost at least three times the price of your A3.
The 6a is supposed to have one extra year of official software support than the iPhone 11, but you mentioned flashing custom ROMs, so I'm assuming it's not a huge dealbreaker for you. I'm not sure how much you could get an iPhone 11 or a 6a for. If you want a truly "bugless" experience, and it's not a lot more expensive, go for the iPhone, but don't upgrade to iOS 16, cuz it's as buggy as all previous Android versions combined
AFAIK, 5G, VoWIFi and VoLTE all depend on the carrier you're using. I live in Hungary, got the 6a from Germany. I see the options for all of these in the settings, but my carrier doesn't support any of them, so I can't actually test them, unfortunately.
Regarding 5G, VoWIFi and VoLTE and custom ROMs.. That's all up to developers. There's nothing preventing these phones from having any of these features when running a custom ROM.
The reviews and videos made on the 6a after release also had me worried a lot, I even started this thread on xda before purchasing the device, should you be interested in reading up more on about it.
I have been using the phone for about 3 weeks now, upgraded to A13 (no root or custom ROMs so far), and it's been working pretty much flawlessly. Fingerprint reader misses about as often as the rear-mounted reader did on the 4a. The display is super nice, no choppiness at all. Never had the system hung up so far. Photos/videos and image processing is excellent and incredibly fast.
The only thing I can complain about is the speakers; lacks bass (at least compared to the 4a).
tl;dr: I wouldn't be too worried about dealbreaking bugs. Google is going to support the 6a for 5 years, with feature drops every 3 months. If you can get it for less than its full price, it's a no brainer in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for the reply. I am from Romania and from what I have read, also all the carrier here doesn't support Google.
I really think I will get the 6a. I will give Android one more try . Reading the thread you created.
About the price, at first Amazon.de was the cheapest, now we also have in Romania stores with more or less the same. price I still don't want to spend a lot of money on a mobile phone, but the prices on all of them this year has gone very high.
natzy85 said:
from what I have read, also all the carrier here don't support Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not the carrier not supporting Google phones, it's the carrier not supporting the aforementioned features, no? It shouldn't matter (to the carrier) what phone you put your SIM card in. As long as the device has 5G capability, you should just be able to use it.
natzy85 said:
now we also have in Romania stores with more or less the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are also some stores in Hungary since the release of the Pixel 6 that sell Google phones. If it wasn't for the trade-in program, I would have gotten my 6a from someplace in Hungary.
Do you have Alza in Romania? They sell the 6a, and also for a rather good price.
Lada333 said:
It's not the carrier not supporting Google phones, it's the carrier not supporting the aforementioned features, no? It shouldn't matter (to the carrier) what phone you put your SIM card in. As long as the device has 5G capability, you should just be able to use it.
There are also some stores in Hungary since the release of the Pixel 6 that sell Google phones. If it wasn't for the trade-in program, I would have gotten my 6a from someplace in Hungary.
Do you have Alza in Romania? They sell the 6a, and also for a rather good price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unfortunately now, we don't have Alza.
natzy85 said:
unfortunately now, we don't have Alza.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not the end of the world, I guess. As long as you can buy it from a store that's semi reputable, you'll likely have no issues.
Make sure to go for a store that likely won't close down in a few years, because if you need to get your device fixed under warranty, you'll have to contact your Point Of Sale instead of Google.
Lada333 said:
That's not the end of the world, I guess. As long as you can buy it from a store that's semi reputable, you'll likely have no issues.
Make sure to go for a store that likely won't close down in a few years, because if you need to get your device fixed under warranty, you'll have to contact your Point Of Sale instead of Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you. I will. The problem is like with all the Nexus phones, the replacement parts are expensive compared to Apple. At least that is the case here, in Romania.
Lada333 said:
It's not the carrier not supporting Google phones, it's the carrier not supporting the aforementioned features, no? It shouldn't matter (to the carrier) what phone you put your SIM card in. As long as the device has 5G capability, you should just be able to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but in this case 5g is supported by the phone and carrier but it doesn't work. I read somewhere that they have to enable some parameters for Pixel phones to work.
natzy85 said:
thank you. I will. The problem is like with all the Nexus phones, the replacement parts are expensive compared to Apple. At least that is the case here, in Romania.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not familiar with any replacement parts; luckily I've never had to replace anything on my Pixels so far.
What I used to do with my previous phones was to just order the parts on eBay (or similar sites), and bring them in to whatever local GSM store.
natzy85 said:
but in this case 5g is supported by the phone and carrier but it doesn't work. I read somewhere that they have to enable some parameters for Pixel phones to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, I'm not sure how this works, but I doubt that's the case. Be sure to check with your provider.
Lada333 said:
Again, I'm not sure how this works, but I doubt that's the case. Be sure to check with your provider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel 6 VoLTE
Eu am avut doar telefoane de la Google seria Pixel pentru că sunt foarte reușite. Telefoanele sunt capabile de VoLTE dar pentru asta trebuie să fie înregistrat și telefonul la providerul respectiv. De atâtia ani de când există aceste telefoane se pare că Orange nu s-a ocupat de asta și...
comunitate.orange.ro
Orange needs to get certificates from Google, and once it gets certified, it will be able to modify that neighborhood settings that will eventually modify that build.prop file that allows access to 5G, VoLTE and VoWIFI. The fact that we do not have these services is Orange Romania's fault. For the fact that Google has implemented this stupid process that puts users at the mercy of operators, Google is to blame. In the phone settings there is a Carrier settings section. The last update was on 30.09.2021, about 2 months before the launch of the Pixel 6 series.
natzy85 said:
Orange needs to get certificates from Google
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TIL. That's the dumbest thing I've heard in a while
What's their reasoning behind this lmao? Or is it how it works with all devices, it's just that supported phones get added to the list way before they're released to the public?
From what I know this is with all carriers in Romania, you cannot have 5G with Pixel even with Vodafone or any carrier.
Activate 5G on non-5G Country
Hey, this tuto is working for several user to activate 5G on unsupported 5G country by Google. You need : Rooted phone, 5G Plan, 5G Coverage. STEP 1 : Install the module on magisk to activate VOLTE and reboot. STEP 2 : Install Network Signal...
forum.xda-developers.com
sundamen said:
Activate 5G on non-5G Country
Hey, this tuto is working for several user to activate 5G on unsupported 5G country by Google. You need : Rooted phone, 5G Plan, 5G Coverage. STEP 1 : Install the module on magisk to activate VOLTE and reboot. STEP 2 : Install Network Signal...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so I finally ordered 6a, I'm now waiting. Does this work also with the 6a?
natzy85 said:
so I finally ordered 6a, I'm now waiting. Does this work also with the 6a?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes!
Google delivers Android 13 December 2022 update for Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
Google has announced a major feature update for Pixel smartphones running Android 13. As of the December 2022 update, the likes of the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro support a dedicated reader mode and can share digital car keys with other compatible smartphones, among other changes.
www.notebookcheck.net
I put mine on the beta channel release. Coming from a P6P, using straight talk, it would not accept the sim.
Called Straight talk, which was useless. They said I had to buy a new sim card. Saw on a thread here that the
beta channel rom fixed it. Sure enough! After reboot, the sim card worked!
I was expecting 5g update, disappointing...
Nothing here. UK Sim free.
eagledipesh said:
I was expecting 5g update, disappointing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't hold your breath. They either chose horrible hardware, don't know how to fix it, or won't because we will buy a new Pixel. With that being said, I actually think that the 7 Pro is an improvement over the 6 pro. My battery and performance is dramatically improved because of the updated Tensor chip and I don't have the cell standby bug that plagued me in the 6 pro.
eagledipesh said:
I was expecting 5g update, disappointing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This isn't the full release notes.
That article from notebookcheck.net referencing the Google Blog only concerns the "Android Feature Update", which is for GMS Android users. There is also a "Pixel Feature Drop" which Pixel users will likely get tomorrow. Plus there will likely be other "fixes" and whatnot.
biggiesmalls657 said:
I wouldn't hold your breath. They either chose horrible hardware, don't know how to fix it, or won't because we will buy a new Pixel. With that being said, I actually think that the 7 Pro is an improvement over the 6 pro. My battery and performance is dramatically improved because of the updated Tensor chip and I don't have the cell standby bug that plagued me in the 6 pro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately for me the bug still exists P7P. I am not sure if different hardware release have different modems. But my phone is useless at the moment.
xpact said:
Unfortunately for me the bug still exists P7P. I am not sure if different hardware release have different modems. But my phone is useless at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's your setup? I'm rooted custom kernel and 1 ESIM using Xfinity Mobile. I also didn't restore settings with 6 pro backup. I flashed BL and modem before clean flashing stock to root
biggiesmalls657 said:
What's your setup? I'm rooted custom kernel and 1 ESIM using Xfinity Mobile. I also didn't restore settings with 6 pro backup. I flashed BL and modem before clean flashing stock to root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am in 5G unsupported country and I am using physical SIM I have tried to disable DSDS but it didn't seem to stick. I have tried with stock and beta QPR1 same result. Which custom kernel would you recommend? I think the issue is with the radio and the Samsung Shannon 5300G. I am not sure if there is a radio firmware I could try.
"I am in 5G unsupported country"
I fail to understand the complaints from people who live in "unsupported" countries!
Why would you even consider buying ANY phone that is unsupported in any way?
The fault is yours not Googles! YMMV
jaseman said:
"I am in 5G unsupported country"
I fail to understand the complaints from people who live in "unsupported" countries!
Why would you even consider buying ANY phone that is unsupported in any way?
The fault is yours not Googles! YMMV
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably because they wanted a pixel but Google only officially sells phones in like 4 countries (exaggerating but probably not by much). I want phones available outside of the USA all the time but my wonderful carrier (verizon) and to a degree the other carriers as well suck and want big money to certify the ability to use their towers (bands). Stuck mainly with iSheep, Samdung, One Plus (already settled) and Google (constant hardware problems).
It will be difficult for me to make you understand anything since you fail to understand simple things like why anyone would pick a Google phone instead of another brand. Anyway I had Nexus and Pixel phones in the past and they have worked just fine. I was very well aware 5G and VoLTE don't work and I was not after these features. I would be perfectly fine with just 4G. Mine Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 2 XL worked flawlessly. I might have a faulty hardware I am not sure at this point. If you could not help me at least don't blame me for my choices, the money I have spent are mine not yours. Like I have said I know since the beginning some of the feature would not work and this was a risk I was willing to take since I wanted a "clean" android and rootable + unlocked bootloader (there are not many phone manufacturers offering such features). I was not expecting the Pixel to not support any well established telecom standards. Aside from that I live in Europe and I bought the phone from neighboring country. It is not from Japan or US/Canada with different bands.
@xpact , it might be your phone or possibly faulty modem hardware. I am in the US using the 7P7 (rooted, unlocked) without any issues (I keep 5G off) 99% of the time. Once in a while I have to restart my phone or turn airplane mode on and off because I would randomly lose service. Its pretty rare though and even less now after the November update.
Question for the group and I hope I'm in the right spot. I got my 7 pro last week. So I went to the Factory image page. I'm on Verizon so I took the verzon update. Now I see a update just for global. Should I wait on the Verizon or can I just install the global one? I'm new to Pixel experience.
foamerman said:
Question for the group and I hope I'm in the right spot. I got my 7 pro last week. So I went to the Factory image page. I'm on Verizon so I took the verzon update. Now I see a update just for global. Should I wait on the Verizon or can I just install the global one? I'm new to Pixel experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install the global one.
foamerman said:
Question for the group and I hope I'm in the right spot. I got my 7 pro last week. So I went to the Factory image page. I'm on Verizon so I took the verzon update. Now I see a update just for global. Should I wait on the Verizon or can I just install the global one? I'm new to Pixel experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the unlocked P7P from Google and Verizon is my carrier. I have only been flashing the generic firmware to avoid VZW bloatware as much as possible. I haven't had any issues.
xpact said:
It will be difficult for me to make you understand anything since you fail to understand simple things like why anyone would pick a Google phone instead of another brand. Anyway I had Nexus and Pixel phones in the past and they have worked just fine. I was very well aware 5G and VoLTE don't work and I was not after these features. I would be perfectly fine with just 4G. Mine Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 2 XL worked flawlessly. I might have a faulty hardware I am not sure at this point. If you could not help me at least don't blame me for my choices, the money I have spent are mine not yours. Like I have said I know since the beginning some of the feature would not work and this was a risk I was willing to take since I wanted a "clean" android and rootable + unlocked bootloader (there are not many phone manufacturers offering such features). I was not expecting the Pixel to not support any well established telecom standards. Aside from that I live in Europe and I bought the phone from neighboring country. It is not from Japan or US/Canada with different bands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Europe too and have the p7p from Germany, all works fine, no faulty hardware at all. Where did you buy your phone? I'm on stock firmware but had rooted it and there was also no problems, I often think to myself wtf you are always doing with your phones?
Thanks guys. I'm off to see the Wizard.
Gerr1 said:
I'm in Europe too and have the p7p from Germany, all works fine, no faulty hardware at all. Where did you buy your phone? I'm on stock firmware but had rooted it and there was also no problems, I often think to myself wtf you are always doing with your phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it from Germany as well ) The previous pixel I had I bought it from UK and the Nexus 6P from UK as well. But the ones from UK I did not bought on first date but few months after they might had different hardware modem revisions.
Users from eastern Europe/Europa, maybe from other parts of the world other than America report horrible google habits...
NO 5g. NO Volte! NO VoIP ! Sometimes No SIM detected (of course the SIM is in the phone) ! Can't use internet when you are in a call..
These people talk to phone companies (Orange, Vodafone, Telekom) about this Horrible problems . The answer was that stupid google block this options in these part of the world because they don't give a f*ck about people from these countries.
Could not satisfy google insatiable GREED! for money !
Do you friends have this on your Pixel 7 pro ? If so how do you even use the phone?..
Any of you have Graphene OS on your Pixel 7 pro ? These problems are still threre?
I post this because i want to buy Pixel 7 pro..
Thank you.
Happy new year !!! All the best !
If it was down to greed they would let the phones run fully everywhere and not give a toss whether it worked or not.
Meh, don't get me started...
Gookill is the worst. Anything higher than Android 10 sucks. Might as well be Apple now.
Same deal as MS did; Google wants to force you to use cloud rather than expandable storage. All the more user data for them to collect. Google is wholesale spreaders of disinformation, hype, biased censorship, and are highly politically biased/manipulative.
Recommendation; buy a Note 10+ running on Android 9 or 10. No variable refresh rate display but better color/gamma accuracy and calibration. Good cams and up to 1tb expandable storage.
A long lived dependable workhouse that gets good SOT and runs like a bat out of hell. Even though it's 3 yo it keeps pace with the newest flagships for most tasks, only slightly slower and sometimes faster. Almost always gets better SOT. Excellent form factor, balance and build quality. Runs well stock once optimized. If you want to stay stock the Snapdragon variants are the best.
I didn't understand what you mean. I have two devices in the family. one with GOS and one original Stock. Both are working without any problems.
There aren't many reports either about the problems you are mentioning, at least not in Germany.
Germany is not really in the middle of nowhere now is it? Just like the Netherlands where I live.
Never be the first to buy a new phone and do your research before buying.
I do have to agree that this phone has its share of issues, minor ones but nevertheless.
My stock dialer just doesn't work, replaced it.VERY annoying!
My stock camera app goes black after a couple of shots when shooting at night. Booting fixes it. VERY annoying!
The stock launcher is so basic and with the un-removable search bar. Replaced by Lawnchair. VERY annoying!
What else...
I do love the phone though, battery life for one is truly epic, photo quality likewise!
I'm in Italy, on TIM provider, no such issue. I have 5G, VoLTE, I can use internet when calling and my SIM is always detected. My provider is testing VoIP now, but I'm not interested as I'm on an unlimited 5G plan.
My dialer and camera app work perfectly.
Stock launcher is stock launcher, you have a ton to choose from. If you prefer a wholy stock phone, buy an iPhone.
I suggest to edit title to "Horrible Google in Germany".
It's also not a Germany problem. I have 2 Prepaid Sims in (blau (o2network) and a vodafone callya as esim). For both volte is working without problem, the vodafone one also have 5g, no problems with dialer or anything else....
blackspp said:
Germany is not really in the middle of nowhere now is it? Just like the Netherlands where I live.
Never be the first to buy a new phone and do your research before buying.
I do have to agree that this phone has its share of issues, minor ones but nevertheless.
My stock dialer just doesn't work, replaced it.VERY annoying!
My stock camera app goes black after a couple of shots when shooting at night. Booting fixes it. VERY annoying!
The stock launcher is so basic and with the un-removable search bar. Replaced by Lawnchair. VERY annoying!
What else...
I do love the phone though, battery life for one is truly epic, photo quality likewise!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock launcher should be fast, stable and very user customizable. One reason I like Samsung's... lol, at least the N10+ as their hardware after this just doesn't hit the mark. The N9 is way too slow to be practical. Pixel's philosophy is sort of one size vanilla fits all and lacks needed customization options in my opinion. Clearly if you need to resort to using a 3rd party launcher Pixel fell short of meeting your needs with this core UI application. *meh*
After Android 10 Google Android went to scoped storage dumb bunny hell. Pie is still my preferred OS. This 3 yo flagship with 3 yo firmware provides a better overall user experience, balance and functionality in my opinion. It's a joy to use and very capable. It's not drowning in needless security protocols or hardware bloat... it just works day after day. Security for me is simply not an issue in real time usage; this load is over 2.5 yo, still fast, stable with no known security breaches. I use a few modifications and practices but nothing too drastic on this stock Android to achieve this. I spend very little time doing maintenance and troubleshooting.
So yeah, not liking Google's or Samsung's constant ball drops. No slam dunks, for years now. Pathetic.
MrBelter said:
If it was down to greed they would let the phones run fully everywhere and not give a toss whether it worked or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO !
Only sale in Rich country's ! That's GREED .
Germany is Not a poor conuntry.
About google...
Google destroyed OxygenOS with his creap apps. Now "works" to annihilate Motorola UI.
Icreap is poop. Prison! To decode an icreap is called jail break.
Samsung is full of bloatware & the BS with ecosystem... And the Really Slow charging... Samsung Note 10+ 5g is the most beautifull phone for me. In my case was slow. Oneplus 8 Pro.. compared to Note 10+ was flying.
Back to Pixel 7 pro. My hope was that someone have Graphene Os on the phone and all the blocking is gone. With the Privacy of Graphene, too.
The problems i mentioned are in Romania & other eastern Europe.
SilentEYE said:
I didn't understand what you mean. I have two devices in the family. one with GOS and one original Stock. Both are working without any problems.
There aren't many reports either about the problems you are mentioning, at least not in Germany.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
error
null0seven said:
NO !
Only sale in Rich country's ! That's GREED .
Germany is Not a poor conuntry.
About google...
Google destroyed OxygenOS with his creap apps. Now "works" to annihilate Motorola UI.
Icreap is poop. Prison! To decode an icreap is called jail break.
Samsung is full of bloatware & the BS with ecosystem... And the Really Slow charging... Samsung Note 10+ 5g is the most beautifull phone for me. In my case was slow. Oneplus 8 Pro.. compared to Note 10+ was flying.
Back to Pixel 7 pro. My hope was that someone have Graphene Os on the phone and all the blocking is gone. With the Privacy of Graphene, too.
The problems i mentioned are in Romania & other eastern Europe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how come the Pixel 5a was only sold in 2 countries if that was genuinly the case?
This topic is a little bit of rage, but to put things into perspective. OP is right at some points. I live in Slovakia and I have had so far:
Pixel 5
Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 7
Pixel 7 Pro
And neither of them was fully functional in Slovakia. What I mean by that? VoLTE/VoWiFi/5G are not working with any of the available carriers. I have checked with them all personally. They have proved and confirmed the issues are on the Google side.
In order to achieve full functionality, you must root the phone and use all sort of mods to enable all of the features. And to this day, I am not sure why is Google doing this. For this reason only I am switching between my Z Fold4 and iPhone 14 Pro. The moment Google will finally and kindly enable 100% of functionality to its Pixel devices in every country, I am getting it full time.
gpvecchi said:
I'm in Italy, on TIM provider, no such issue. I have 5G, VoLTE,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works because it has carrier configs made by Google for TIM (222-01)
null0seven said:
Users from eastern Europe/Europa, maybe from other parts of the world other than America report horrible google habits...
NO 5g. NO Volte! NO VoIP !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because Google has a very bad habit to play like they're Apple (on network side)
But with no significant market share
"The carrier should contact us to ""certify"" our phone to their network"
which translates in
"Won't enable anything until X carrier contacts us to add their network to our internal whitelist"
Funny enough, that problem exist even with "certified" carriers, like windtre (222-88) where you can't use their N78 60mhz only because Google ""certified"" only 40mhz N78 max for them, doesn't matter if with other phones even 150€ everything works perfectly
That problem will exist with other carriers if they will have more spectrum than allowed by their carrier policies (like EE [UK network] if they will merge their N78 blocks)
Is it country specific? I'm in the UK and I have been with 3 different providers/operators since I have had my Pixel 7 Pro. Here it seems more down to the telecom operator.
The first - No 5G, no VoWiFi, No VoLTE
The second - No 5G, no VoWiFi, No VoLTE
Now on my 3rd provider where I get 5G, VoWiFi, and VoLTE
The first two simply say they do not support the device. I'm not sure why that would be, they also didn't 'sell' any current Pixel Phones.
Is there a charge or operating cost to Google (or someone else) to support a device with the extra network functionality? Maybe the operator doesn't believe it's worth paying for the smaller number of potential customers with that device. Or maybe some operators never get the choice to activate those features based on their country/region? Who knows.
pemz82 said:
Is it country specific? I'm in the UK and I have been with 3 different providers/operators since I have had my Pixel 7 Pro. Here it seems more down to the telecom operator.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not, more like carrier specific
Are the first two providers MVNO?
chabuje99 said:
Not, more like carrier specific
Are the first two providers MVNO?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All 3 have been MVNO. One uses O2, one Vodafone, and the final is Three (Hutchison UK)
pemz82 said:
All 3 have been MVNO. One uses O2, one Vodafone, and the final is Three (Hutchison UK)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pemz82 said:
The first - No 5G, no VoWiFi, No VoLTE
The second - No 5G, no VoWiFi, No VoLTE
Now on my 3rd provider where I get 5G, VoWiFi, and VoLTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd. I'm in the UK and I'm on Vodafone UK on pay monthly, using a Pixel 7 Pro bought from Very so it's network unbranded and unlocked. I took delivery mid October just after release date and I have had fully working 5G and VoLTE since day one and voice over WiFi has worked since the November update.
Not sure what you could have been doing wrong.
Beefheart said:
Odd. I'm in the UK and I'm on Vodafone UK on pay monthly, using a Pixel 7 Pro bought from Very so it's network unbranded and unlocked. I took delivery mid October just after release date and I have had fully working 5G and VoLTE since day one and voice over WiFi has worked since the November update.
Not sure what you could have been doing wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They were MVNO's not the main network.
First was Sky Mobile (who use O2)
Second was Lebara (who use Vodafone)
Third is Smarty (who use Three)
Sky and Lebara could have opened access for 5G/VoLTE/VoWiFi for Pixel phones but chose not to for whatever reason. The parent networks they run on (O2 and Vodafone) allow access to these features on Pixel devices. So it is not the physical network, it is the carrier choosing not to allow access.
Thankfully Smarty do allow access to all features for Pixel devices.
pemz82 said:
They were MVNO's not the main network.
First was Sky Mobile (who use O2)
Second was Lebara (who use Vodafone)
Third is Smarty (who use Three)
Sky and Lebara could have opened access for 5G/VoLTE/VoWiFi for Pixel phones but chose not to for whatever reason. The parent networks they run on (O2 and Vodafone) allow access to these features on Pixel devices. So it is not the physical network, it is the carrier choosing not to allow access.
Thankfully Smarty do allow access to all features for Pixel devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood. I'm moving when my contract is up in March, and likely to Talk Mobile who is an MVNO owned by Vodafone and who use their network. My son currently uses them so I will check with his sim card before moving.
Issue for me is that 3 are totally toilet in my area in terms of signal so I can't use Smarty.
Like i wrote in OP, users of Pixel 7 Pro complain to Orange, Vodafone, Telekom phone companies. The answer was that google block these options & they colud do nothing about it, because of google don't let them.
I want to buy the phone, but it works horrible in my country.