Pixel 3 allows carrier-customized firmware? - Google Pixel 3 Questions & Answers

Hi all,
I was under the impression (could be wrong), unlike the OG Pixel and Pixel 2, the Pixel 3 series does not allow carrier's own firmware, which means everything it maintained by Google, such as VoLTE/VoWifi support.
With OG Pixel and Pixel 2, I know the ones directly purchased from Google may not always have VoLTE/VoWifi working with certain carriers. Is this the still the case with Pixel 3 series?
Cheers.

Currently every phone must be approved/whitelisted by carrier for VoLTE / VoWiFi or you must download carrier's app for VoWiFi (if they released it).
It's a good will of a carrier if they approve phones that are not sold by them.

Related

Canadian Pixel 2 question (Telus)

Hey there, I'm ready to buy a Pixel 2 and right now it's $100 off through Google. I'm with Telus and I heard they don't let you use features like VoLTE and Wifi Calling unless you buy the phone from Telus. So since Wifi calling is supposed to be rolling out for Android devices on the Telus network soon I don't want to buy it from Google unless I know those features will work.
Does anyone know if the Canadian Pixel 2s run carrier specific firmware, or will the Pixel bought from Google be the same as the Pixel bought from Telus?
Thanks
AndroidMark said:
Hey there, I'm ready to buy a Pixel 2 and right now it's $100 off through Google. I'm with Telus and I heard they don't let you use features like VoLTE and Wifi Calling unless you buy the phone from Telus. So since Wifi calling is supposed to be rolling out for Android devices on the Telus network soon I don't want to buy it from Google unless I know those features will work.
Does anyone know if the Canadian Pixel 2s run carrier specific firmware, or will the Pixel bought from Google be the same as the Pixel bought from Telus?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 8.1.0 image with December security fixes has a different image for Telus, and on my Pixel 2, I have yet to receive the January security updates (I'm on telus with a phone received as a warranty replacement).

eSim support for all carriers on pixel 2 / 2xl

While gooling about esim, I found out that the Pixel 2 / 2xl support esim only for project fi. Two carriers in my country support esim now and I thought it'd be great to enable it. The Pixel 3 / 3xl though, support esim for all carriers. Now, if i'm not wrong, I guess it's only the software and not the hardware limiting the pixel 2's from supporting esim for all carriers. Wanted to know if developers over here would be interested in possibly unlocking this feature or porting it from the pixel 3. Also, is there any possibility that google might support it in the future? Is there a way to bring it to their notice?
Please any one? My carrier supports esim, i have already QR code but i dont have app to scan it. I need that add carrier thing to scan my QR code.
Pleeeeeease......
Any news about that?
Enviado desde mi Pixel 2 mediante Tapatalk
Even I am interested to know about more broader support in India...

Verizon Availability?

I currently have the Pixel 2. Am looking for an upgrade!
There aren't too many phones on the Verizon network in the US that allow an unlockable bootloader. I am hopeful that the newest OnePlus phone will. Does anyone have any information to confirm or deny that this phone will be available on Verizon with full 4G function?
Thanks!
I'm hoping too, want to replace my P3XL with something that has a larger screen, but hate Samsung's UI. Fingers crossed!! I believe the leaked "specs" on the Oppo site last week showed it as having the proper bands, BUT as we all know it has to be allowed by Verizon before we can really use it
I bought a unlocked oneplus 6t and put my sim card from Verizon in it but had no call service so I went to the verizon store and asked them about it I told them that the bootloader was unlocked they said don't care so the gave me a new sim card still no go so they let me talk to a tech guy they did some stuff and bam it was up and running. So I hope we can do it with the 7 pro on Verizon.
I would be coming from pixel 2 XL. Bought the non carrier specific variant from Google store, not from Verizon, and put my SIM card in it, and it works great on Verizon's network, without the locked down bootloader. I'm hoping the same can be done with this device. Looks very tempting as an upgrade.
I am in the same boat, this device based on a few of the leaks I've seen and concepts, looks absolutely amazing. I completely forgot OnePlus is not compatible with Verizon and although I am not hopeful the new release will support Verizon's bands, I would buy this device 100% if Verizon supports it. :fingers-crossed:
I'm hoping we can believe the pre-order Oppo page as it lists all the same bands as the 6T..........problem is, there is the same typo in the list of bands as on the 6T page so I'm guessing they just copy/pasted. So we still don't know for sure.
MisterCoolBeans said:
I am in the same boat, this device based on a few of the leaks I've seen and concepts, looks absolutely amazing. I completely forgot OnePlus is not compatible with Verizon and although I am not hopeful the new release will support Verizon's bands, I would buy this device 100% if Verizon supports it. :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The onplus 6T introduced verizon compatibility, I find it hard to believe the next one wouldn't support it.
What We Are Forgetting
JedixJarf said:
The onplus 6T introduced verizon compatibility, I find it hard to believe the next one wouldn't support it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Precisely - why would OnePlus want to shoot itself in the foot? Breaking Verizon compatibility with the 7 Pro would, in fact, be doing exactly that. To be honest, merely the 3a (if not the 3a XL) are rather large (pardon the pun)
problems for the 7 Pro as it is - and for me, Verizon compatibility is not an issue at all - I'm on the T-Mobile half of Tracfone, and I'm not looking to go anywhere (I'm quite happy where I am service-wise).
Problem #1 - Neither Pixel 3a has a Notch. (At all.) That can't be said of the OnePlus 7 Pro - or 6T, for that matter. Even the 3a XL is - straight-up - $479 (migrating without trade-in (Just Black)). Cheaper than the 7 Pro or 6T, or any Samsung phone (that includes the S9, or even Note 9 - both of which would stick me with a notch). While I would not *mind* OneUI, I don't like being stuck with a notch. OneUI is not the problem; the notch, however, is.
Problem #2 - There *is* such a thing as Too Much Phone, What features do you *yourself* actually *use* on your phone? The very reason why I don't look for wireless charging is that I have it *now* (the S7 Snapdragon phones - such as my S7 - support it) - do I use it? No - therefore, why do I need it? USB charging - which the Pixel 3a and 3a XL, like my S7, has today - is supported - and is a feature I use.. The camera - even, if not especially in any flagship - and this *does* include the Pixel 3a/XL - is overkill, to put it bluntly. Why overpay for a feature I would barely use? (And I don't take selfies - at all.)
How do you figure that the 7 pro has a notch? Pretty sure that's its big draw is that it doesn't have a notch or cutout of any sort.
True, Pro has no notch!
foamerman said:
I bought a unlocked oneplus 6t and put my sim card from Verizon in it but had no call service so I went to the verizon store and asked them about it I told them that the bootloader was unlocked they said don't care so the gave me a new sim card still no go so they let me talk to a tech guy they did some stuff and bam it was up and running. So I hope we can do it with the 7 pro on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He probably added the APN for Verizon. You have to do that when you put in a new SIM sometimes.
Livestream over.......and we still don't know. No mention of Verizon
UPDATE: Gizmodo says it'll work on all carriers except Sprint.....: https://gizmodo.com/oneplus-7-pro-review-stunning-all-screen-design-thats-1834738811
Two places now saying it'll work with Verizon
https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/14/...ile-announcement-release-price-specs-features
and
https://oneplus.gadgethacks.com/news/everything-you-need-know-about-oneplus-7-pro-0195362/
I think it's confirmed to be working with Verizon on their website, also now I'm kinda considering waiting because OnePlus may release an even more beefier version later in the year.
Also with the pricing, Flagship Killer has become just another Flagship device.
One Plus confirmed by chat with me it will work with Verizon in the US
Cowbell_Guy said:
I currently have the Pixel 2. Am looking for an upgrade!
There aren't too many phones on the Verizon network in the US that allow an unlockable bootloader. I am hopeful that the newest OnePlus phone will. Does anyone have any information to confirm or deny that this phone will be available on Verizon with full 4G function?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using the OnePlus 7 Pro on Verizon with no issues .
Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
CDMA-Less?
millerd79 said:
I am using the OnePlus 7 Pro on Verizon with no issues .
Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it still have to be registered as CDMA-less on Verizon like the OnePlus 6T?
I just moved to T-mobile and got mine today
cavo92 said:
Does it still have to be registered as CDMA-less on Verizon like the OnePlus 6T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think so, according to OnePlus website it has cdma bands but even if it has to be registered as cdma-less it's no big deal. 6T worked flawlessly on verizon's network! And yes the OnePlus website confirms it works on Verizon!
cavo92 said:
Does it still have to be registered as CDMA-less on Verizon like the OnePlus 6T?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is the first CDMA-less device on your Verizon number, yes I believe you will need to chat/call VZW. I won't need to since it was already set up for my 6t for the SIM I'll use in my 7 Pro. I think it's based on the number, not the account as I have other family on my plan that have CDMA radios.

Question Cricket and Chinese 12gb ram version

Hello all,
I have been reading that cricket wireless doesn’t like one plus phones (plus the phones I see on eBay say “doesn’t work with cricket”)
does anyone know if it’s possible to flash a global rom and enable voice over lte manually? And are those the only thing hindering it from working?
I saw on crickets website that the 9 pro is supported however, I want the 9 since it’s a little smaller and cheaper
thirday95 said:
Hello all,
I have been reading that cricket wireless doesn’t like one plus phones (plus the phones I see on eBay say “doesn’t work with cricket”)
does anyone know if it’s possible to flash a global rom and enable voice over lte manually? And are those the only thing hindering it from working?
I saw on crickets website that the 9 pro is supported however, I want the 9 since it’s a little smaller and cheaper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the op9 and running it with a Verizon sim. It uses Volte to connect. I don't believe Cricket has this feature. Not really positive though. I'm having zero issues with my setup though. As far as flashing a global rom I'm unsure of that also. Maybe someone else will chime in with more knowledge than me. But if cricket doesn't have volte through their network . A different build isn't going to enable that feature I wouldn't believe.
Yeah, cricket supports volte. It’s actually owned and operated by AT&T but it’s a “separate” company.
The thing is, is that I’m seeing many people say that it doesn’t work but then some are. Crickets official website says the oneplus 9 pro us version is compatible so I’m just curious if anyone is currently using a Chinese version on cricket.
I know when I was with At&T I was able to use a Xiaomi by manually activating volte through a secret menu so I didn’t know about the oneplus 9 from China.
How to enable VoLTE and VoWiFi on all carriers on the ASUS ZenFone 8 and OnePlus 9 Pro
Here's how you can manually enable VoLTE and VoWiFi support on the ASUS ZenFone 8 and the OnePlus 9 Pro for unsupported carriers.
www.xda-developers.com
idbl_fanatic said:
How to enable VoLTE and VoWiFi on all carriers on the ASUS ZenFone 8 and OnePlus 9 Pro
Here's how you can manually enable VoLTE and VoWiFi support on the ASUS ZenFone 8 and the OnePlus 9 Pro for unsupported carriers.
www.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that guide and I got volte working with the cricket profile however, no wifi calling.
I was able to get wifi calling provisioned to my line and even received a text from cricket saying that I can activate it. However, I'm not sure what profiles I should activate inside of PDC

Question Pixel 7 Pro US vs Japan variant

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.

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