Related
Hey everyone,
I couldn't find any information regarding the hardware part of the LTE compatibility - does the chip have physical capability to work with B20?
I'm really looking into purchasing this device from a EU re-seller, but if I won't be able to tweak it's software in order to get LTE to work with B20, it will be worthless investment. I've found these threads on XDA and they look very promising:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-5/how-to/progress-trying-to-unlock-bands-t3337476
https://forum.xda-developers.com/cr...ad-progress-please-leave-im-updating-t2871269
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059
Simplified, my question is:
Does RN7P have hardware capability to receive LTE over B20? If so, would it be possible to make it work by adjusting software side (just as described in links above)?
Syllius said:
Hey everyone,
I couldn't find any information regarding the hardware part of the LTE compatibility - does the chip have physical capability to work with B20?
I'm really looking into purchasing this device from a EU re-seller, but if I won't be able to tweak it's software in order to get LTE to work with B20, it will be worthless investment. I've found these threads on XDA and they look very promising:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-5/how-to/progress-trying-to-unlock-bands-t3337476
https://forum.xda-developers.com/cr...ad-progress-please-leave-im-updating-t2871269
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059
Simplified, my question is:
Does RN7P have hardware capability to receive LTE over B20? If so, would it be possible to make it work by adjusting software side (just as described in links above)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think not indian pro
But pretty sure Chinese Redmi note 7 pro have
Syllius said:
Hey everyone,
I couldn't find any information regarding the hardware part of the LTE compatibility - does the chip have physical capability to work with B20?
I'm really looking into purchasing this device from a EU re-seller, but if I won't be able to tweak it's software in order to get LTE to work with B20, it will be worthless investment. I've found these threads on XDA and they look very promising:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-5/how-to/progress-trying-to-unlock-bands-t3337476
https://forum.xda-developers.com/cr...ad-progress-please-leave-im-updating-t2871269
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059
Simplified, my question is:
Does RN7P have hardware capability to receive LTE over B20? If so, would it be possible to make it work by adjusting software side (just as described in links above)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my thread here for links to checking what bands and network connections are available in which countries and through what carriers. forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-7-pro/help/redmi-note-7-pro-chinese-version-vs-t3926850
I was surprised how well this phone is supported on XDA and it looks quite good on paper, i have 1 question i cannot find answer to:
Does this phone support Carrier Aggregation in Europe? (4G+)
It you buy EU version then yes. If you buy India, China (RMQ) or any other version than EU then definitely not. So I heard.
greenys' said:
It you buy EU version then yes. If you buy India, China (RMQ) or any other version than EU then definitely not. So I heard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a small world.. lol.
k3lcior said:
It's a small world.. lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also planning buying this mobile in Pakistan. Here mostly Global Version are released. Is eu global version?
waqar bukhari said:
I am also planning buying this mobile in Pakistan. Here mostly Global Version are released. Is eu global version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i think so, homever i got Mi 9 Lite (got really nice deal 6/128GB variant for $205)
k3lcior said:
Yes i think so, homever i got Mi 9 Lite (got really nice deal 6/128GB variant for $205)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice. But in my country mi 9 lite 6gb and realme xt 8gb are similarly priced. If I decides to increase my budget then I will go for realme xt. Sd712 over sd710.
According to realme support no it doesn't.
Also I'm based in Italy and can confirm you there is no sign of 4g+ even though I live near a Tri-Band bts (3-7-20) and my place is full of two and three bands bts.
Considering to return the phone for exactly this reason. My old op3t had full 4g+ in the same position
k3lcior said:
It's a small world.. lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, friend.
Ormad said:
According to realme support no it doesn't.
Also I'm based in Italy and can confirm you there is no sign of 4g+ even though I live near a Tri-Band bts (3-7-20) and my place is full of two and three bands bts.
Considering to return the phone for exactly this reason. My old op3t had full 4g+ in the same position
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still can't believe eu version doesn't support 4g+. I mean did you check sites if they show whether or not this device supports it or not? I mean I definitely did before buying but I only see which bands does the device support. Not the technology (3g and 4g is present but I don't see 4g+). If you didn't check for it then why did you buy? If you did check but it was written to be present but it is not, shouldn't you get s full refund or device return + refund??
greenys' said:
I still can't believe eu version doesn't support 4g+. I mean did you check sites if they show whether or not this device supports it or not? I mean I definitely did before buying but I only see which bands does the device support. Not the technology (3g and 4g is present but I don't see 4g+). If you didn't check for it then why did you buy? If you did check but it was written to be present but it is not, shouldn't you get s full refund or device return + refund??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't believe it either, it was a BIG surprise to see it lacks it. In 2019, ANY and i mean ANY device you buy got a form of CA, even a Huawei MTK I just bought for dad for 99 euros. Of course this is also specified, for example as you can see there is mention for LTE-A (which is LTE+)
https://www.gsmarena.com/realme_5_pro-9801.php
I couldn't believe it so I sent an email to Realme customer service asking if the phone indeed supported LTE-A like specified and like supported by its chipset (snapdragon 712 is a 3*20mhz capable chipset) and they replied "realme 5 pro doesn't support LTE+"
Then, after more than TEN days, they replied again to the same email by saying that they were sorry for the previous reply and that the phone DOES support LTE+ (is this a professional service?)
I asked them how I can check which bands gets aggregated and why there is no sign of a 4g+ or lte+ icons like all other phones and... they never replied
I've read around that Realme support is a total crap, but I really tried and hoped they can answer about specs of a phone they produce and sell directly.
To dig further another guy here on xda sent some network guru screenshots where it is clearly shown that it only can catch a single band and not multiple.
So at this point I'm thinking about it. I've got until 31/01/2020 to be able to get a full refund but kinda I still like the phone speed, but this network problem and the camera (which is the worst 48Mpixel sensor I've ever tried, but it seems to be a software issue) kills my willingness to keep it. I was also waiting if any new update can fix either of the problems so I guess I'll wait a lil more, but still I can't advice to buy this phone. Xiaomi on the same price level doesn't have any of these major issues even though their chipsets are a little behind.
Ormad said:
I can't believe it either, it was a BIG surprise to see it lacks it. In 2019, ANY and i mean ANY device you buy got a form of CA, even a Huawei MTK I just bought for dad for 99 euros. Of course this is also specified, for example as you can see there is mention for LTE-A (which is LTE+)
https://www.gsmarena.com/realme_5_pro-9801.php
I couldn't believe it so I sent an email to Realme customer service asking if the phone indeed supported LTE-A like specified and like supported by its chipset (snapdragon 712 is a 3*20mhz capable chipset) and they replied "realme 5 pro doesn't support LTE+"
Then, after more than TEN days, they replied again to the same email by saying that they were sorry for the previous reply and that the phone DOES support LTE+ (is this a professional service?)
I asked them how I can check which bands gets aggregated and why there is no sign of a 4g+ or lte+ icons like all other phones and... they never replied
I've read around that Realme support is a total crap, but I really tried and hoped they can answer about specs of a phone they produce and sell directly.
To dig further another guy here on xda sent some network guru screenshots where it is clearly shown that it only can catch a single band and not multiple.
So at this point I'm thinking about it. I've got until 31/01/2020 to be able to get a full refund but kinda I still like the phone speed, but this network problem and the camera (which is the worst 48Mpixel sensor I've ever tried, but it seems to be a software issue) kills my willingness to keep it. I was also waiting if any new update can fix either of the problems so I guess I'll wait a lil more, but still I can't advice to buy this phone. Xiaomi on the same price level doesn't have any of these major issues even though their chipsets are a little behind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow... Just wow. All these bits and pieces of info are priceless and shocking to me. Thank you. Me too, I prefer the speed of the phone, the battery and ufs file storage, furthermore vooc charging. Amazingly conformable for my hand as well. Overall I'm really in love with it but kind of hate it at the same tine. My major problems are camera and connectivity. Both are extremely crucial when you take a look at a smartphone. Btw even oneplus uses the same sensor as our device. A developer of rm5p guessed that perhaps the difference is using different lens, not the sensors. I'm not sure. Anyway, we know more now at least. It's a start.
waqar bukhari said:
Nice. But in my country mi 9 lite 6gb and realme xt 8gb are similarly priced. If I decides to increase my budget then I will go for realme xt. Sd712 over sd710.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are not similarly priced at all, mi 9 lite was on sale for 45,000 which is much cheaper than xt 54,000, sd712 vs sd710 very slight difference but 9 lite has its own advantages such as better selfie cam.
If you are looking to buy mi 9 lite box pack you can contact me, I can get you a good deal.
I was so tempted to buy the K30Pro (not poco f2), and then realized that band 4 is missing which means it's practically a 3G phone to use in Canada.
https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/CA/xiaomi-redmi-k30-pro
does anyone have any idea whether it is missing b4 on hardware level or it can be 'fixed' by flashing other rom like miui.eu or lineage os in the future?
cheers?
iofujsiow said:
I was so tempted to buy the K30Pro (not poco f2), and then realized that band 4 is missing which means it's practically a 3G phone to use in Canada.
https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/CA/xiaomi-redmi-k30-pro
does anyone have any idea whether it is missing b4 on hardware level or it can be 'fixed' by flashing other rom like miui.eu or lineage os in the future?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no "fix", it's hardware related. If you want B4, buy the Poco. That's what differentiate the two, frequencies support and other minor changes.
Burs said:
There's no "fix", it's hardware related. If you want B4, buy the Poco. That's what differentiate the two, frequencies support and other minor changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't call missing storage variants and missing camera setups minor changes. You either go all-in or stick with LPDDR4X and "only" 6GB RAM.
Elcarambadennsiwillja said:
I wouldn't call missing storage variants and missing camera setups minor changes. You either go all-in or stick with LPDDR4X and "only" 6GB RAM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy 8/256 version. It is with ddr5 RAM, ufs 3.1 storage. Camera setup is better only on K30 Pro Zoom Edition
If you get the poco f2 you should be completely fine in Canada, I've had no issues with my phone so far in Montreal and in the country side. I recommend ordering from eGlobal they didn't charge duties, was the cheapest, and delivered fast (you should be able to find a $10 off coupon on google).
Burs said:
There's no "fix", it's hardware related. If you want B4, buy the Poco. That's what differentiate the two, frequencies support and other minor changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for clarification.
I remember when Oneplus 1 was first released in China it was missing some band on purpose and was able to 'fixed' those missing band by flashing zip or other roms, that's why I am asking here.
I guess I just have to let go of it then, I really like the 12GB+128GB set up tho
R5R said:
If you get the poco f2 you should be completely fine in Canada, I've had no issues with my phone so far in Montreal and in the country side. I recommend ordering from eGlobal they didn't charge duties, was the cheapest, and delivered fast (you should be able to find a $10 off coupon on google).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info.
I saw a guy imported k30pro from china and uses it in Toronto area got 3G only
Ouf, he should have done a quick search lol
I just noticed this on Google's website (Google support website link). The Pixel 5 has band N77 in the snapdragon 765G, so I believe Verizon c-band will eventually be on this phone.
I have a Pixel 5,but I'm not going to hold my breath on it ever being Certified for C-band and if you bought it from Google like I did I'm thinking it's even less likely to get Certified.
The Pixel 5 has band n77, but as of right now it isn't activated in the modem configuration (verified with Network Signal Guru).
I had assumed that the Pixel 5 would be enabled for C-band, but I was getting concerned after all of the launch info from Verizon only mentioned the Pixel 6 (Pro). Just found this though, so it looks like we will (eventually) get it with a software update!
gwillmer said:
The Pixel 5 has band n77, but as of right now it isn't activated in the modem configuration (verified with Network Signal Guru).
I had assumed that the Pixel 5 would be enabled for C-band, but I was getting concerned after all of the launch info from Verizon only mentioned the Pixel 6 (Pro). Just found this though, so it looks like we will (eventually) get it with a software update!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link says it won't be updated via software:
The devices below were manufactured in 2019 and 2020 and can access our 5G Ultra Wideband high-band (mmWave) only. These devices aren't eligible for a software update to enable mid-band (C-Band) access.
Google
Pixel 4a 5G UW
Pixel 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RUGGNATION said:
That link says it won't be updated via software:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They changed it! It definitely had the Pixel 5 in the first list with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. Ugh. Not cool.
Well, I've already been poking around with various Qualcomm tools to see if I can enable it. I'll report back if I have any success.
gwillmer said:
They changed it! It definitely had the Pixel 5 in the first list with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. Ugh. Not cool.
Well, I've already been poking around with various Qualcomm tools to see if I can enable it. I'll report back if I have any success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do follow up if you find anything. Very not cool of them, I just bought a 5 because of that list (before it was updated)...
RUGGNATION said:
Please do follow up if you find anything. Very not cool of them, I just bought a 5 because of that list (before it was updated)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just checking in. It's not actually working yet, but I do at least have it reporting that it's band 77 capable when communicating with the tower. It still isn't actually able to complete the connection though (NSG shows that it briefly switches to NR-NSA, but then immediately back to LTE), so there's still something else missing in the configuration...
(major caveat: a Pixel 5 with root/an unlockable bootloader is required, which unfortunately excludes the Pixel 5 sold by Verizon)
Got it!!! NSG screenshots attached showing a connection on band n77, all supported NR bands for EN-DC (LTE+NR5G), and a speed test.
I need to do more testing before sharing because I definitely changed way more than necessary, and it'll take me a little bit to figure exactly which of the changes are actually required. But it is definitely doable and I'll write instructions up sometime this week(end)!
gwillmer said:
(major caveat: a Pixel 5 with root/an unlockable bootloader is required, which unfortunately excludes the Pixel 5 sold by Verizon)
Got it!!! NSG screenshots attached showing a connection on band n77, all supported NR bands for EN-DC (LTE+NR5G), and a speed test.
I need to do more testing before sharing because I definitely changed way more than necessary, and it'll take me a little bit to figure exactly which of the changes are actually required. But it is definitely doable and I'll write instructions up sometime this week(end)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's your testing going so far have you made any progress?
Just saw this today. No plans for C band support for the 765G phones (4a 5g, 5, and 5a).
@gwillmer hasn't been online since 2/11, hope all is well.
V0latyle said:
Just saw this today. No plans for C band support for the 765G phones (4a 5g, 5, and 5a).
@gwillmer hasn't been online since 2/11, hope all is well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know if there is a hardware issue that is preventing our phones from using the C band because we have been approved by the FCC but Verizon said they will not push a software update for C band to our phone.
Hi Fellow Pixel 5 owners. I am saddened by the news that recently was released about our phones. I like RUGGNATION bought this phone because on Google's spec sheet it had all the bands required for 5g in the foreseeable future. I was confident that since it was still getting OS and Security updates they would not abandon it as they did. I have been rocking a Nexus 6 and a Pixel XL for years thanks to the LineageOS project. The Pixel 5 is the first phone I have owned in years that is still currently supported. I was planning on flashing LineageOS when Google's support was over. I was willing to pay a bit more for a futureproofish phone. I am sure a lot of other people thought the same. I am thinking about selling it on SellCell since it would just be easier to get a Pixel 6.
I am curious if anyone has any knowledge, or knows anyone that knows about the tools gwillmer was using when he unlocked his modem to work on the C-Band. I would rather root my phone now and install a solution that all Pixel 5 owners can implement if there is any realistic hope for a reasonably easy solution. I am impressed by the work that the developers do to responsibly keep Android phones working longer than the time the manufacturers support them officially. I keep thinking about using an Apple product but am not sure I want to give up the control over my hardware that this and other developer communities provide in the aftermarket.
Let me know if anyone has any hope that we will be able to use this phone on C Band !
manifestor said:
Hi Fellow Pixel 5 owners. I am saddened by the news that recently was released about our phones. I like RUGGNATION bought this phone because on Google's spec sheet it had all the bands required for 5g in the foreseeable future. I was confident that since it was still getting OS and Security updates they would not abandon it as they did. I have been rocking a Nexus 6 and a Pixel XL for years thanks to the LineageOS project. The Pixel 5 is the first phone I have owned in years that is still currently supported. I was planning on flashing LineageOS when Google's support was over. I was willing to pay a bit more for a futureproofish phone. I am sure a lot of other people thought the same. I am thinking about selling it on SellCell since it would just be easier to get a Pixel 6.
I am curious if anyone has any knowledge, or knows anyone that knows about the tools gwillmer was using when he unlocked his modem to work on the C-Band. I would rather root my phone now and install a solution that all Pixel 5 owners can implement if there is any realistic hope for a reasonably easy solution. I am impressed by the work that the developers do to responsibly keep Android phones working longer than the time the manufacturers support them officially. I keep thinking about using an Apple product but am not sure I want to give up the control over my hardware that this and other developer communities provide in the aftermarket.
Let me know if anyone has any hope that we will be able to use this phone on C Band !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Network Signal Guru is the app that was used and it cost $50 a month to use it. You can download it from the Google Play Store and make the purchase through the app.
gwillmer said:
(major caveat: a Pixel 5 with root/an unlockable bootloader is required, which unfortunately excludes the Pixel 5 sold by Verizon)
Got it!!! NSG screenshots attached showing a connection on band n77, all supported NR bands for EN-DC (LTE+NR5G), and a speed test.
I need to do more testing before sharing because I definitely changed way more than necessary, and it'll take me a little bit to figure exactly which of the changes are actually required. But it is definitely doable and I'll write instructions up sometime this week(end)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, are you able to share which files in the EFS you changed? There are a number of files under /Google/ such as *_certified_bands.txt files which have lists of bands per network PLMN (MCC-MNC). Then, then, there are the carrier policies.
I've been trying to get this working on the March update, to no avail. I did see in the hardware NR combinations that 66-2_n77 is at least still supported, I just don't know which EFS file is the culprit in enabling them.
Thanks!
Is the QPST tool going to be the tool to use to look at this?
sammycomelately said:
Is the QPST tool going to be the tool to use to look at this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, we'll need to make some changes in the EFS using QPST.
gwillmer said:
(major caveat: a Pixel 5 with root/an unlockable bootloader is required, which unfortunately excludes the Pixel 5 sold by Verizon)
Got it!!! NSG screenshots attached showing a connection on band n77, all supported NR bands for EN-DC (LTE+NR5G), and a speed test.
I need to do more testing before sharing because I definitely changed way more than necessary, and it'll take me a little bit to figure exactly which of the changes are actually required. But it is definitely doable and I'll write instructions up sometime this week(end)!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any update?
Can you share what you did to get it? Please share any information it's been quite a while so I don't know what's going on
xian1243 said:
Correct, we'll need to make some changes in the EFS using QPST.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try the method of editing "generic_band_restrictions.xml" that worked for the OnePlus 9/9Pro users here:
(Updated 5/21/23) How to enable N77 C-Band with 5G UW icon on OnePlus 9/9 Pro 5G (LE2115/LE2125) | Oxygen OS 11-13.1 with Custom ROM support | Verizon
How to enable N77/N78 5G on the LE2115/LE2125 OnePlus 9/9 Pro running Oxygen OS 11-13.1 Before we start, keep in mind the following: Your warranty is now void. I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards, thermonuclear war, or you...
forum.xda-developers.com
I'm not on stock firmware otherwise I'd give it a go.
wintrxtrem said:
Did you try the method of editing "generic_band_restrictions.xml" that worked for the OnePlus 9/9Pro users here:
(Updated 5/21/23) How to enable N77 C-Band with 5G UW icon on OnePlus 9/9 Pro 5G (LE2115/LE2125) | Oxygen OS 11-13.1 with Custom ROM support | Verizon
How to enable N77/N78 5G on the LE2115/LE2125 OnePlus 9/9 Pro running Oxygen OS 11-13.1 Before we start, keep in mind the following: Your warranty is now void. I am not responsible for bricked devices, dead SD cards, thermonuclear war, or you...
forum.xda-developers.com
I'm not on stock firmware otherwise I'd give it a go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I created this guide, and unfortunately it only works for Oxygen OS 11/Android 11, on Oxygen OS 12/Android 12 and newer it does not, after a while the phone adds back the exclusion of N77, I don't know if this is an Oxygen OS "feature" or an Android 12 "feature" I have not figured out a way on how to make it stick, if anyone has any idea on how to fix it, help would be greatly appreciated!
Edit: Well I don't know how, but it seems like I enabled N77 (or N78 idk) on Oxygen OS 13/Android 13 I somewhat have an idea of what I did, so I will create a new guide, however, this does require root.
Picture on the left is Engineering Mode, no idea Stock Android has it, picture on the right is Network Signal Guru. I don't know why NSG shows N77 while Engineering mode shows N78.
any update on this whole thing
Hi all,
I am planning to get my P7P, but a little confused which variant to get. There are 2 variants available in my country: US (Model GE2AE) and Japan (Model GFE4J). The Japanese variant is around 100 USD cheaper than the US one. Anyone has experience handling both variants? What are the main differences? How about network signal reception on both variants? I heard a lot of complaints about network issues, etc.
Google Pixel 7 just tipped to have four models — here's the proof
Possible FCC listings for the Google Pixel 7 may have revealed how many models there are
www.tomsguide.com
Details in there. Hardware wise they seem the same.
According to these listings, there are four total models. Two (GP4BC and GVU6C/G03Z5) offer sub-6GHz 5G connectivity only, and the other two (GE2AE/GFE4J and GQML3) also have mmWave 5G too.
I haven't had any problems, cell signal or otherwise, with my GE2AE in the United States.
The only issue is the warranty
I'd go so far as to say you might be able change either of them to think it's the other with a bit of creative flashing.
Beefheart said:
I'd go so far as to say you might be able change either of them to think it's the other with a bit of creative flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, another user reported success changing from one hardware version to another (it won't give mmWave to a non-mmWave capable model but in this case, it's the same hardware capability) - I have a link to his post about it here:
June 20, 2023 TQ3A.230605.012.A1 Verizon/MVNOs / June 13, 2023 TQ3A.230605.012 Global - Unlock bootloader / Root Pixel 7 Pro [Cheetah] / SafetyNet
Pixel 7 Pro [Cheetah] Updated May 13, 2023 Note that more than three users have said that 34.0.1 (even May 10, 2023's binary update of 34.0.1) did not work correctly for them. I recommend sticking with 33.0.3 (just below these quotes) Someone...
forum.xda-developers.com
roirraW edor ehT said:
Yep, another user reported success changing from one hardware version to another (it won't give mmWave to a non-mmWave capable model but in this case, it's the same hardware capability) - I have a link to his post about it here:
June 20, 2023 TQ3A.230605.012.A1 Verizon/MVNOs / June 13, 2023 TQ3A.230605.012 Global - Unlock bootloader / Root Pixel 7 Pro [Cheetah] / SafetyNet
Pixel 7 Pro [Cheetah] Updated May 13, 2023 Note that more than three users have said that 34.0.1 (even May 10, 2023's binary update of 34.0.1) did not work correctly for them. I recommend sticking with 33.0.3 (just below these quotes) Someone...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, that makes sense.
In the case of the two models the OP mentions, it looks like the hardware is identical so he could buy the cheaper Japanese model, flash it to a GE2AE and save 100 notes. Warranty wise he might have an issue if something goes wrong, mind.
Beefheart said:
Yup, that makes sense.
In the case of the two models the OP mentions, it looks like the hardware is identical so he could buy the cheaper Japanese model, flash it to a GE2AE and save 100 notes. Warranty wise he might have an issue if something goes wrong, mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if indeed the GE2AE has a longer warranty, I would be tempted to spend the extra $100, but there's also a decent chance nothing will go wrong with the "cheaper" model. If anything went wrong within 30 days, I'd return it and get the GE2AE, though.
Last I checked, the Japanese model has extra NFC modes and forces camera sounds.
LLStarks said:
Last I checked, the Japanese model has extra NFC modes and forces camera sounds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any other difference aside from extra NFC mode and forced camera sounds, especially on software side and cellular signal reception, VoLTE or VoWifi, etc?
Thank you all friends for giving your valuable advice so far. I have not decided yet which variant to get. I am not a technical guy on flashing and other technical things, and I am still worried about software differences and compatibility with mobile operators in my country such as VoLTE and VoWifi.
I don't mean to thread hijack, but I saw this thread and hoping previous posters can offer relevant advice/feedback.
I have the US rooted/bootloader/sim unlocked Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro. To the best of my knowledge, Japan has 4 major carriers: Softbank, Docomo, Rakuten, and AU. Does the Pixel 6/7 Pro have the hardware to roam on any of those networks?
I am planning on bringing both phones to have a backup device, in case one gets lost or damaged--I nearly lost my Pixel 2, when I left it in a French Uber on the same day I was flying home, so it can happen...LOL.
Would I gain anything by flashing either device with the Japanese-specific firmware before I leave?
I know I could also rent a pocket wifi router, but I am traveling solo, so I am leaning toward getting a prepaid sim that can use NTT the Docomo and Softbank network.
diesteldorf said:
Would I gain anything by flashing either device with the Japanese-specific firmware before I leave?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only address this part of your question. If you go to Factory Image and Control-F JP there have been only 17 total monthly firmware releases specifically geared towards users in Japan on the Pixel 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a (5G), 5, 5a, 6a, and 7 / 7 Pro. Note that there weren't any for the 6 and 6 Pro - even the December 2021 Factory Image that was later pulled didn't have any specifically for Japan. All the months there weren't Japan-specific images - which is almost all the time, users in Japan would use the Global firmware.
There have been tons of users over the years who experiment and flash firmware that technically isn't optimized for where they use their phone, just to see if they get a better signal. Sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't. Sometimes you can just flash the radio.img from one firmware over top of the radio partition in whatever firmware you're currently using to see if there's a difference.
Japanese phone models must contain NFC-F not NFC-B. As previously mentioned camera apps must make a shutter sound. Gcam mods can prevent this.
I have the Japanese model but I'm in Japan. Nfc-f is backwards compatible but a NFC-B phone cannot pay or use train touch gates etc
TrustAugustus said:
Japanese phone models must contain NFC-F not NFC-B. As previously mentioned camera apps must make a shutter sound. Gcam mods can prevent this.
I have the Japanese model but I'm in Japan. Nfc-f is backwards compatible but a NFC-B phone cannot pay or use train touch gates etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for pointing that out. It sounds like my US Pixel Pro may have issues at the train gates, tap to pay, etc.
TrustAugustus said:
Japanese phone models must contain NFC-F not NFC-B. As previously mentioned camera apps must make a shutter sound. Gcam mods can prevent this.
I have the Japanese model but I'm in Japan. Nfc-f is backwards compatible but a NFC-B phone cannot pay or use train touch gates etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that if the hardware is the same and the differences are only in NFC-F (supports the opening of smart gates on the train) versus NFC-B, which does not support it, for me it is very minor.
Let's not talk about the notification ring when taking a photo with the camera, I don't have it on my Galaxy S20 Ultra, on the other hand My wife's OP9PRO does have the alert sound when shooting which is also minor.
I wrote a quick module to enable the shutter sound toggle on the Japanese SKU for the Pixel 7 Pro (but should work on other Pixels as well) which should be easier than converting to the global version altogether if removing the sound is someone's goal.
Release v1 · tonylizj/enable_shutter_sound_option
Enable Shutter Sound Option on Japanese SKU Pixel 7 Pro (GFE4J) - Release v1 · tonylizj/enable_shutter_sound_option
github.com
Thanks for the module to disable the shtter sound of camera in Japan variant.
This works.
Personally, this was the only problem I found in Japan variant.
The monthly update of Japan variant is just the same with US variant, and as a bonus in Japan variant, I have a Felica NFC so I can use Osaifu keitai in Japan (e.g. Suica, to pay for the train etc).
While this variant also includes another NFC so I am also able to pay by google pay in other countries too (e.g. HK) without any problem.
If Japan variant is cheaper in your country, I think it would be a good choice.