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[Q] Android Phone For Developers

Hello,
I am from India. I am a Software Developer, working in GNU/Linux platform. I am planning to buy a Smart Phone, which has Android OS, so that I can use it also for software development. Which phone is the best for this purpose ? I heard that Nexus5 is having stock android and receive updates faster. Is this the best phone for Software Development too ?
I have been looking at the following smart phones:
HTC Desire 700
HTC One Mini
HTC One Dual.
Lenovo VibeX
Nexus 5 (LG)
Please suggest. THanks.

The phones you've listed aren't even in the same league as the nexus 5
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

The N5 is the current reference phone for Android. But then you knew that already. If price is an issue then buy an N4, or find a second-hand N5.

The phones you've listed aren't even in the same league as the nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, may be. I have just listed the phones available in the local shops here in my place. Nexus 5 is also available, which is around $485.
setspeed said:
The N5 is the current reference phone for Android. But then you knew that already. If price is an issue then buy an N4, or find a second-hand N5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that N5 means Nexus5.
Even though I am a developer, I am new to the android platform. So I thought of checking with you guys. The price for Nexus5 is okay for me. Are there any different versions for Nexus5 ? (I am not able to post urls, to show you the Nexus5 which is available in India.)
Thanks.

If you have the cash for the Nexus 5 then it's by far the best phone for developers.
As far for models, there is is the D820 for North America, and D821 for the rest of the world.
As far as I know the only different is radio bands:
North America (D820) model:
GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
CDMA: Band Class: 0/1/10
WCDMA: Bands: 1/2/4/5/6/8/19
LTE: Bands: 1/2/4/5/17/19/25/26/41
Rest of World (D821) model:
GSM: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
WCDMA: Bands: 1/2/4/5/6/8
LTE: Bands: 1/3/5/7/8/20

I would order from Google Play before I went to a shop around you for that price.

mistahseller said:
I would order from Google Play before I went to a shop around you for that price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I can order from Google directly and my friend will carry the phone to india for me. Please give me the exact url.
If you have the cash for the Nexus 5 then it's by far the best phone for developers.
As far for models, there is is the D820 for North America, and D821 for the rest of the world.
As far as I know the only different is radio bands:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that only D821 will work in India, not the D820. Am I correct ? Can I order the D821 directly from google ?
Thanks.

aniyan.rajan6 said:
I think I can order from Google directly and my friend will carry the phone to india for me. Please give me the exact url.
I understand that only D821 will work in India, not the D820. Am I correct ? Can I order the D821 directly from google ?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if you buy from Google play store India you will get D821..!
The only difference between D820 and D821 is the 4G bands supported,thats all..!
Cheers.:highfive:

shadowdevil said:
Yes if you buy from Google play store India you will get D821..!
The only difference between D820 and D821 is the 4G bands supported,thats all..!
Cheers.:highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay. One doubt. Will the D820 work in India ? Or it works only in North America ?

aniyan.rajan6 said:
okay. One doubt. Will the D820 work in India ? Or it works only in North America ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not LTE but UMTS and HSPA will.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

All your questions answered
aniyan.rajan6 said:
Hello,
I am from India. I am a Software Developer, working in GNU/Linux platform. I am planning to buy a Smart Phone, which has Android OS, so that I can use it also for software development. Which phone is the best for this purpose ? I heard that Nexus5 is having stock android and receive updates faster. Is this the best phone for Software Development too ?
I have been looking at the following smart phones:
HTC Desire 700
HTC One Mini
HTC One Dual.
Lenovo VibeX
Nexus 5 (LG)
Please suggest. THanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aniyan.rajan6 said:
Yes, may be. I have just listed the phones available in the local shops here in my place. Nexus 5 is also available, which is around $485.
I understand that N5 means Nexus5.
Even though I am a developer, I am new to the android platform. So I thought of checking with you guys. The price for Nexus5 is okay for me. Are there any different versions for Nexus5 ? (I am not able to post urls, to show you the Nexus5 which is available in India.)
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aniyan.rajan6 said:
I think I can order from Google directly and my friend will carry the phone to india for me. Please give me the exact url.
I understand that only D821 will work in India, not the D820. Am I correct ? Can I order the D821 directly from google ?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aniyan.rajan6 said:
okay. One doubt. Will the D820 work in India ? Or it works only in North America ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello fellow mate
The Nexus 5, though pricey in India at 29k, is hands down the most value for money phone currently in the Indian Market. And I think with the given specs it also is reasonably 'future-proof' if an outdated phone is a concern for you.
Nexus phones are to a Developer, like candies are to a child If you're thinking of Android Development, Nexus is the way to go..
And regarding getting the phone, there are 2 versions as already stated in the previous posts. The one you might want to have is the D821 which is the international version. And though ordering it in the USA and getting it here might prove to be cheaper, it is not going to give you warranty. If you want to have a claim over warranty, I suggest buying it through Google Play India itself. And if you're bent on retaining warranty & getting it from USA, I would suggest getting international warranty (I personally do not have a clue on how it's done though)
Wish you luck for your new phone!!
Press THANKS if I helped you

freak744 said:
Hello fellow mate
The Nexus 5, though pricey in India at 29k, is hands down the most value for money phone currently in the Indian Market. And I think with the given specs it also is reasonably 'future-proof' if an outdated phone is a concern for you.
Nexus phones are to a Developer, like candies are to a child If you're thinking of Android Development, Nexus is the way to go..
And regarding getting the phone, there are 2 versions as already stated in the previous posts. The one you might want to have is the D821 which is the international version. And though ordering it in the USA and getting it here might prove to be cheaper, it is not going to give you warranty. If you want to have a claim over warranty, I suggest buying it through Google Play India itself. And if you're bent on retaining warranty & getting it from USA, I would suggest getting international warranty (I personally do not have a clue on how it's done though)
Wish you luck for your new phone!!
Press THANKS if I helped you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not aware of Google Play India. I thought I can order only from Google USA and ship it to India. Also there is an impression that the products sold in USA is having the best quality. I don't know if it is correct or not in the case of Nexus5.
I understand that D821 is the version that works with the bandwidths available in India. D820 works only in North America. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Another question is : I saw some reviews in youtube. They say that Nexus5 is having a problem with Auto-Focus.
( I am not able to post urls. So please goto youtube and type "Erica Griffin Nexus 5". )
What is your opinion about this ?
Thanks.

aniyan.rajan6 said:
Also there is an impression that the products sold in USA is having the best quality. I don't know if it is correct or not in the case of Nexus5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who told you that? All Nexus 5's are same... Manufactured by LG. Doesn't differ in build quality from country to country. However, defects can be there on any device.
aniyan.rajan6 said:
I understand that D821 is the version that works with the bandwidths available in India. D820 works only in North America. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, if you buy a D820 unit, you can kiss 4g good bye in India. Indian 4g bands vary from north America.
aniyan.rajan6 said:
Another question is : I saw some reviews in youtube. They say that Nexus5 is having a problem with Auto-Focus.
( I am not able to post urls. So please goto youtube and type "Erica Griffin Nexus 5". )
What is your opinion about this ?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No auto focus problems here. The Nexus 5 is one of the best camera phones I've used! The recent update has even improved the shutter speed a lot.
- Sent from an IceCold Hammerhead!

vin4yak said:
Who told you that? All Nexus 5's are same... Manufactured by LG. Doesn't differ in build quality from country to country. However, defects can be there on any device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was saying, generally there is such an impression among people in India. But I don't know if it is true or not in the case of smartphones.
vin4yak said:
Yes, if you buy a D820 unit, you can kiss 4g good bye in India. Indian 4g bands vary from north America.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay, so 4g in India works only with D821, the international version.
vin4yak said:
No auto focus problems here. The Nexus 5 is one of the best camera phones I've used! The recent update has even improved the shutter speed a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay, but it is shown as a big problem in that youtube video that I have specified in my previous post. I know that it won't be as good as a Canon DSLR camera, but I am comparing the camera that comes with smartphones.
Which one is good for an average user 16GB or 32GB, as Nexus5 doesn't have the memory expansion ?

aniyan.rajan6 said:
okay, but it is shown as a big problem in that youtube video that I have specified in my previous post. I know that it won't be as good as a Canon DSLR camera, but I am comparing the camera that comes with smartphones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look at tur general section and check the camera reviews by other users and also check the images taken by the Nexus 5..it pretty much beats many smartphones of it's class!
aniyan.rajan6 said:
Which one is good for an average user 16GB or 32GB, as Nexus5 doesn't have the memory expansion ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much depends on your needs.. If you are a heavy user and play games and store videos on your device, 16gb(12.5 user available) will not be enough! I would strongly suggest you to get the 32gig(26.76 user available).
- Sent from an IceCold Hammerhead!

vin4yak said:
Take a look at tur general section and check the camera reviews by other users and also check the images taken by the Nexus 5..it pretty much beats many smartphones of it's class!
Pretty much depends on your needs.. If you are a heavy user and play games and store videos on your device, 16gb(12.5 user available) will not be enough! I would strongly suggest you to get the 32gig(26.76 user available).
- Sent from an IceCold Hammerhead!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I think I will go for the 32 gig one. It is just 3k rupees more.
When I started this discussion, I thought Nexus is not a good phone. But now I came to know that Nexus5 is the most hackable smart phone that runs Android.
What is the difference between buying the phone from Google Play India and buying from the local shops in India ? Why did you suggest Google Play India ? Is there any benefit ?

aniyan.rajan6 said:
Yes, I think I will go for the 32 gig one. It is just 3k rupees more.
When I started this discussion, I thought Nexus is not a good phone. But now I came to know that Nexus5 is the most hackable smart phone that runs Android.
What is the difference between buying the phone from Google Play India and buying from the local shops in India ? Why did you suggest Google Play India ? Is there any benefit ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google covers warranty if you have bought from Google Play which is excellent whereas if you buy from a retailer, LG provides warranty.
Difference is that, Google allegedly provides a brand new device if there's a hardware failure whereas LG will replace the motherboard or the specific part which is faulty.
One more benefit which you get with Google is that they don't care whether you root the device. They replace the device irrespective whether you have flashed a custom rom on it or done anything else with it whereas with LG, you will need to get back to fully stock before sending the device in for repairs!
Besides warranty, the device costs 1k less than the retail stores.. However, if you buy from an online retailer, you can avail ongoing discounts so finally it actually burns down to warranty.
I have bought mine from Croma (Tata Enterprise) and have also bought extended 1 year warranty from them.. So my device is covered for the next 2 years!

vin4yak said:
Google covers warranty if you have bought from Google Play which is excellent whereas if you buy from a retailer, LG provides warranty.
Difference is that, Google allegedly provides a brand new device if there's a hardware failure whereas LG will replace the motherboard or the specific part which is faulty.
One more benefit which you get with Google is that they don't care whether you root the device. They replace the device irrespective whether you have flashed a custom rom on it or done anything else with it whereas with LG, you will need to get back to fully stock before sending the device in for repairs!
Besides warranty, the device costs 1k less than the retail stores.. However, if you buy from an online retailer, you can avail ongoing discounts so finally it actually burns down to warranty.
I have bought mine from Croma (Tata Enterprise) and have also bought extended 1 year warranty from them.. So my device is covered for the next 2 years!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay, So basically it is the flexibility in warranty terms. I think I will order from Google Play India.
Another question that I have is the following. Maybe this one sounds weird, but I have this in my mind for a long time.
I am not new to the mobile devices. I have worked in Pocket PC during 2002-2003 period. It runs WinCE and I was programming in VC++ and .NET in it. We were having the PocketPC devices, but for convenience, we were using the emulators. Thus we were able to test the applications that we develop, without having the device in our hand. This was fine for the Application Development that we were doing. So the question is why can't we use emulators for the developments in Android ? Is it because of the limitations ? Why the programmers don't prefer emulators and always use the Phone itself for testing the software ?
Thanks.

We do have emulators, in the Android sdk. It doesn't help with everything though. There's no substitute for an actual device.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Custom Rom != Voiding warranty?
vin4yak said:
Difference is that, Google allegedly provides a brand new device if there's a hardware failure whereas LG will replace the motherboard or the specific part which is faulty.
One more benefit which you get with Google is that they don't care whether you root the device. They replace the device irrespective whether you have flashed a custom rom on it or done anything else with it whereas with LG, you will need to get back to fully stock before sending the device in for repairs!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you pretty sure about what you just said?
I know about the replacement policy and have 'RMA'd my N5 once, but does flashing a custom ROM really not void warranty?:silly:
P.S.:I had bought the device from Google.....

Huawei Mate 7 MT7-TL10 Q&A For XDA

Hi If you have any questions regarding this phone, I am more than happy to answer you. Our store sells this phone and we know how it works. Please post your questions here and one of our sales representatives will answer your questions.

Thanks, I have a few questions?
- Does it have double tap to unlock?
- How would you describe the back, slippy/grippy?
- What is the led notification like, where is it located? I've watched few video and haven't seen it?
- How long does charging take?

cathain said:
Thanks, I have a few questions?
- Does it have double tap to unlock?
- How would you describe the back, slippy/grippy?
- What is the led notification like, where is it located? I've watched few video and haven't seen it?
- How long does charging take?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Cathain,
please refer answers to your questions below:
1. Yes, it supports. The latest firmware is SP03, which improves the system stability and power usage; with newer firmware released in the future, the phone will support more features hopefully.
2. grippy, with or without the leather case, the same.
3. It is blue, on the top right side （tiny one）. For MT7-TL10 model, HUAWEI exclusively provides a nice leather holster (function similar to Samsung Note series); however, in real life use, the holster just covers the led notification area.
4. That's a good question. For MT7-TL10 model, it charges in full within 2.5 hours; when you use it in USA or other countries that have lower voltage, the charging time could be as long as 5 hours. The battery (turn wifi, 2 sim cards, web, webchat etc. on) can last around 30 hours daily use. Excellent battery life.
If you have follow up questions, please let us know.

1. Huawei has stated this current version is NOT compatible with the US T-Mobile network. When will the US-compatible version be available?
2. What is the expected pricing for the 3Gb 32Gb ROM version?
3. What are your shipping methods for this device?

Do you know of anyone running the versions of the phone you sell on T-mobile LTE. We are trying to figure out if they have bands 2 and 4 2100 and 1700 needed stateside for LTE

sanjsrik said:
1. Huawei has stated this current version is NOT compatible with the US T-Mobile network. When will the US-compatible version be available?
2. What is the expected pricing for the 3Gb 32Gb ROM version?
3. What are your shipping methods for this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nvygw171 said:
Do you know of anyone running the versions of the phone you sell on T-mobile LTE. We are trying to figure out if they have bands 2 and 4 2100 and 1700 needed stateside for LTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Sanjsrik and nvygw171,
Please ref answers below:
1. We are not allowed to post pic link in this site. However, if you search my listing on ebxx, you find pictures. With respect to your question, unfortunately, the MT7-TL10 CURRENTLY does not support T-mobile LTE, which uses LET FDD Brand 4. One of our sales representatives are using this phone in the USA now, and 3G signal is shown in the phone from T-Mobile, but as long as you turn on the data plan, you cannot receive/make phone call AND cannot receive any data. Simply, the phone only supports GSM at the moment. However, the brands are technically unlock-able, so I am positive that the MT7-TL10 can be used in the USA for LTE data. One of your sales is contact HUAWEI USA, in hope for an solution for this important issue.
Our store in China is partnering with HUAWEI. As far as the release date of international version, we have no such information. An information is that, even the MT7-TL10 model is limited; with our exclusive partnership, our store
is able to get continuous supply.
2. the 2 GB RAM, 16 GB ROM version will be sold at 599 Euro in Europe. The price in USA is not known yet. However, it will NOT be cheaper than the Chinese version, per HUAWEI said.
3. We ship FEDEX/DHL. To States, we will ship via FEDEX overnight.
4. NO, MT7-TL10 does not compatible with T-Mobile LTE now. Please check the photos in our listing.
If you have follow-up questions, please let us know. Thanks your interests.

5626
An additional information, we are able to root this device now. We even have customized, simplified rom for MT7-TL10. Rooted MT7-TL10 can still upgrade to the latest room version in the future, either by flashing back to the original rom or via SD card method.

1. Not sure what your listing is, I'm assuming in eBay? Not sure if you mean that once the international version is available, you WILL or WON'T have a continuous supply?
2. What method of payment do you accept?
3. You can actually write out the site name is it getmobilephone on eBay?

sanjsrik said:
1. Not sure what your listing is, I'm assuming in eBay? Not sure if you mean that once the international version is available, you WILL or WON'T have a continuous supply?
2. What method of payment do you accept?
3. You can actually write out the site name is it getmobilephone on eBay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear sanjsrik,
This thread is supposed to answer any questions related to this phone. If you have any doubts, we are glad to answer them to help you to make an informed decision.
1. HUAWEI is aiming at occupying Samsung's market in China. Therefore, even as an exclusive partner, we have limited supply of this phone AND we are not allowed to sell under MSRP (which is very unusual). This phone is out-of-stock in most mobile phone stores in china. We have no clue when the Europe and USA version will be released. However, I predict, HUAWEI will have to satisfy the home market first before they sell it to overseas. This is my best prediction.
2. We have an Aliexpress store to be opened and an reputable Ebay account to sell. Yes, getmobilephone is the ebay account name. (Moderator, if you think it is not appropriate to put this information here, pls feel free to remove this).
Once again, if you have any questions, please let us know. Thanks your interests.

Clarifications
getmobilephone said:
Dear sanjsrik,
This thread is supposed to answer any questions related to this phone. If you have any doubts, we are glad to answer them to help you to make an informed decision.
1. HUAWEI is aiming at occupying Samsung's market in China. Therefore, even as an exclusive partner, we have limited supply of this phone AND we are not allowed to sell under MSRP (which is very unusual). This phone is out-of-stock in most mobile phone stores in china. We have no clue when the Europe and USA version will be released. However, I predict, HUAWEI will have to satisfy the home market first before they sell it to overseas. This is my best prediction.
2. We have an Aliexpress store to be opened and an reputable Ebay account to sell. Yes, getmobilephone is the ebay account name. (Moderator, if you think it is not appropriate to put this information here, pls feel free to remove this).
Once again, if you have any questions, please let us know. Thanks your interests.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wasn't questioning your efficacy or forthrightness as a store. I was asking what the store name was on ebay or as you pointed out, aliexpress. Hadn't heard of it before.
So, according to your answers
* you're not sure when the international (in other words, US-compatible) version of the device will be available, but it will be eventually and only after the Chinese market has been supplied?
* you're not sure what the price will be (wasn't asking what your MSRP policies were with Huawei), but I"m assuming it's going to be $600+ for the 3Gb/32Gb version?
Is there a way to find out when the international (US-compatible version) will be available?
Thank you

sanjsrik said:
Wasn't questioning your efficacy or forthrightness as a store. I was asking what the store name was on ebay or as you pointed out, aliexpress. Hadn't heard of it before.
So, according to your answers
* you're not sure when the international (in other words, US-compatible) version of the device will be available, but it will be eventually and only after the Chinese market has been supplied?
* you're not sure what the price will be (wasn't asking what your MSRP policies were with Huawei), but I"m assuming it's going to be $600+ for the 3Gb/32Gb version?
Is there a way to find out when the international (US-compatible version) will be available?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear sanjsrik,
you're not sure when the international (in other words, US-compatible) version of the device will be available, but it will be eventually and only after the Chinese market has been supplied?
Yes, we have no such information available. We predict that they have to fulfill the Chinese market first. Due to some political circumstances, we even predict the USA version will be released after the European version. Again, this is our prediction, NOT official answer from HUAWEI.
you're not sure what the price will be (wasn't asking what your MSRP policies were with Huawei), but I"m assuming it's going to be $600+ for the 3Gb/32Gb version?
The MT7-L09 (2/16 version) will be sold at 599 Euro in Europe. The price in USA is not known, but I predict the MSRP in USA might turn out to be what you indicate.
We have information that, there will be an international MT7-TL10 (similar to China MT7-TL10, without the TDD-LTE 38/39/40/41 bands) version available.. If you write to our sales through our ebay store, providing your email address, we are glad to provide you a photo showing the 9 different versions of Mate 7 worldwide.
Is there a way to find out when the international (US-compatible version) will be available?
Only HUAWEI knows.
Thanks your interests.

getmobilephone said:
The MT7-L09 (2/16 version) will be sold at 599 Euro in Europe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, 499€ in Europe.. Look http://www.amazon.de/Huawei-Smartphone-IPS-Display-Octa-Core-Megapixel-Kamera-Schwarz/dp/B00NEEXAH4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412186257&sr=8-1&keywords=huawei+ascend+mate+7

cyber8607 said:
nope, 499€ in Europe.. Look http://www.amazon.de/Huawei-Smartphone-IPS-Display-Octa-Core-Megapixel-Kamera-Schwarz/dp/B00NEEXAH4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412186257&sr=8-1&keywords=huawei+ascend+mate+7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear cyber
You are correct. There will be two versions in Europe. MT7-L09 (2/16) at 499 Euro, and MT7-TL10 (3/32) at 599 Euro.
Thanks for this correction.
GetMobilePhone

getmobilephone said:
Dear cyber
You are correct. There will be two versions in Europe. MT7-L09 (2/16) at 499 Euro, and MT7-TL10 (3/32) at 599 Euro.
Thanks for this correction.
GetMobilePhone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some are reporting that the Mate7 is compatible with T-Mobile LTE in the USA. Is this limited to the 2/16 model? Maybe there isn't enough room for extra memory plus support for extra LTE bands on the 3/32?

jzchen said:
Some are reporting that the Mate7 is compatible with T-Mobile LTE. Is this limited to the 2/16 model? Maybe there isn't enough room for extra memory plus support for extra LTE bands on the 3/32?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear JZCHEN,
That might be MT7-L09 version. Currently MT7-TL10 (China version) does not support FDD-LTE 4, therefore, until the international rom is released and flashed, the phone cannot connect to T-Mobile LTE network in the USA. This is confirmed by one of our sales.
Thanks your interests.

Please refer to the photos in the link.:
search ebay item number 261612725426

I have a question about root. You said you already obtained root on the mate 7. What is Huawei's point of view on rooting their phones? If I can't root the phone once it's released here in Europe I won't be interested.
I like to tinker with my phones .
Thanks in advance

and now, i am confused
the 32GB 3Gb Gold Version MT7-TL10 (3/32) will work in EUROPE?

Sammath said:
I have a question about root. You said you already obtained root on the mate 7. What is Huawei's point of view on rooting their phones? If I can't root the phone once it's released here in Europe I won't be interested.
I like to tinker with my phones .
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear Sammath,
Huawei's POV? Aren't all manufactures against root?
Our technician is more than happy to root the device for you for free (if you purchase from us, and we have customized rom for our customers, throughout the life of the Mate 7) or at a small fee. The root has to be operated with Chinese software currently; in the future, you may root the device yourself once there will be english software for such purpose.
Thanks your interests.

bogdan_wrc said:
and now, i am confused
the 32GB 3Gb Gold Version MT7-TL10 (3/32) will work in EUROPE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear bogdan-wrc,
There will be two MT7-TL10 (3/32) versions:
1. one is for Chinese market which is available now, featuring FDD-LTE 1/3/7, TDD-LTE 38/39/40/41.
2. one for International market which has no release date yet, featuring FDD-LTE 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28(Aphase), TDD-LTE 40.
Our prediction is that, once the international MT7-TL10 version is released, the Chinese MT7-TL10 version can flash the international version's rom, and the phone will supports FDD-LTE 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/20/28(Aphase). Technically, they shall/might share the exact same hardware but just lock certain bands at each market.
The international MT7-TL10 will be sold at 599 Euro in European countries. The Chinese MT7-TL10 is available in our store, ready for shipping via FEDEX/DHL Express.
If you have follow up questions, please post it here.
Thanks your interests.

[Q] Gearbest showing different (more) supported LTE bands than official Asus site?

According to the official specs from Asus, the Zenfone 3 Ultra supports LTE bands 1/3/5/7/8/18/19/20/26/28. However, they also state "ASUS phone 4G/LTE band compatibility varies by region. Please check compatibility with local carriers If intending to use your ASUS phone outside the original purchase region".
According to Gearbest's page for this phone, it supports LTE bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/26/28/29/30.
Is Gearbest getting their version of the phone from a non-standard region, or is their info page incorrect?

shdwphnx said:
According to the official specs from Asus, the Zenfone 3 Ultra supports LTE bands 1/3/5/7/8/18/19/20/26/28. However, they also state "ASUS phone 4G/LTE band compatibility varies by region. Please check compatibility with local carriers If intending to use your ASUS phone outside the original purchase region".
According to Gearbest's page for this phone, it supports LTE bands 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/26/28/29/30.
Is Gearbest getting their version of the phone from a non-standard region, or is their info page incorrect?
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Oh sweet baby jesus please be true.

The same day I posted my question here, I also contacted GearBest and asked them the same thing. Here is the response I received today...
Thank you for contacting Gearbest. We are sorry for the late updates.
About your questions in our website about ASUS ZenFone 3 Ultra ‏ZU680KL 4G Phablet, we have comfirmed with the supplier, please rest assured that each phone is with different Network version. The phone we show online is for worldwide use version, also the information we have is actually from the supplier.
Thanks for your attention.
May you have a nice day.
Best Regards
[Service rep's name removed for privacy]
GearBest Customer Service
http://www.gearbest.com/
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shdwphnx said:
The same day I posted my question here, I also contacted GearBest and asked them the same thing. Here is the response I received today...
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You should reply and have them test it on tmobile and or Att.
I can't wait for this phone to work in the US. I'll have a blast learning development on it.

I'm considering getting this phone next

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.
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It's a small world.. lol.

k3lcior said:
It's a small world.. lol.
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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?
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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)
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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.
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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
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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??
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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.
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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.
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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.

General Tencent version bad service in US with T-Mobile

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!!
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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
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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?
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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.
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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)
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· 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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 ?
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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
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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
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$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
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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.
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I was looking more at the global version rather than the ROM