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I did some hunting on the web yesterday and I couldn't find anywhere to buy a SM-P905 tablet - the international version, not the Verizon version. I found one on eBay, but I was outbid. I even tried eBay.UK and eBay.ca, but no luck. It seems like you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Verizon tablet, but the international versions are like hen's teeth.
I prefer manufacturer refurbished or used, due to price. Anyone know where I can find one?
Tom2112 said:
I did some hunting on the web yesterday and I couldn't find anywhere to buy a SM-P905 tablet - the international version, not the Verizon version. I found one on eBay, but I was outbid. I even tried eBay.UK and eBay.ca, but no luck. It seems like you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Verizon tablet, but the international versions are like hen's teeth.
I prefer manufacturer refurbished or used, due to price. Anyone know where I can find one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the Note Pro LTE version are the same, the only difference is software, their hardware is the same. I open the P907A from AT&T and P905V from Verizon, they look exactly the same inside. Other Note Pro P900 also is the same, the only difference is software customized for certain region, like UK version has more languages than US version, they are the same tablet. If I flashed firmware of UK to an US tablet, it will become an UK tablet. I used to flash Korean firmware to an US tablet when its firmware had some issue with bluetooth keyboard.
If you want your tablet has your native language, then just flash the firmware which has that language.
If you want to use different carriers, buy an unlocked one, I have unlocked Verizon which I can use with other carriers such as TMobile, AT&T, or Cricket.
Interesting Beut . . but are the carrier branded versions of the 905 sporting an unlocked bootloader such that custom recovery and custom ROMs can be flashed?
I would venture to guess that this is what the OP is looking for and why they specifically want the international version rather than a US carrier branded one.
Honest question - I have no idea if the bootloaders are still locked, I do recall discussion about the 905V having a locked bootloader at one time though.
Muzzy, you are correct. The fundamental difference between the Verizon P905 and the International carrier versions is the locked bootloader. Verizon has Samsung lock the bootloader. International carriers do not.
I understand what Beut is saying, and yes, the hardware is the same. But that doesn't matter when the software is locked down.
I am also looking for an international P905, I would be very thankful for any tips where to find it in Europe!
So reading around here about the issues with Chinese versions of Mate 9's and Google Play. I am confused on a few points and thought maybe it would help others, and myself, to have a thread just for the purpose of version clarity. Can someone chime in with a yay or nay to the following:
- My understanding is there are 3 versions; Euro version, International version, and Chinese version.
- Read somewhere around here that the single sim version is Euro.
- Read around here that dual SIM version is International.
- Read around here that 128/6 GB is Chinese.
- With regard to all of the above are they mutually exclusive meaning that, for instance, any 128/6 GB Mate 9 would necessarily be a Chinese version? However, getting a 64/4 GB model might not mean you are avoiding a Chinese variant? If you get dual SIM you are avoiding Chines variant?
- Deducing from what I have read here it seems that any version other than the Chinese version is fine out of the box to work with Google Play.
- Is color in play for versions, all this color a that version or something like that.
I ordered a 128/6 GB White Mate 9 from Oppomart and just trying to see if I need to change to a 64/4 GB or what. Also read around here someone quoted Oppomart as saying they are selling International versions but figured that could change over time (also emailed Oppomart and will share their response when I get it).
*edit*. Adding info that answers my questions so, hopefully, others questions as well. Thanks to all here and elsewhere for the clarity:
The Chinese model is MHA-AL00, and two international models are MHA-L29 and MHA-L09. The MHA-AL00 and the MHA-L29 both support the same bands, basically almost all bands. The MHA-L09 supports all of the bands of the other two models except Band 41 (so bad news for Sprint and China/India if my research is correct). The MHA-L09 is single sim while the MLA-AL00 and MHA-L29 are dual-sim (the hybrid kind so second SIM slot is SD slot). Only the MHA-AL00 now comes in the 128 or 256 and 6 GB variant. Some, not many, MHA-AL00 phones will have the B109SP01 firmware but maybe not many - if it does then you basically got the same thing as an International version in terms of Google Play working (just don't do system update until word here is the Play issue is fixed in the ROM they are pushing out), SIM slots, etc and in future it is likely with unlocked bootloader it could be flashed to become an International version. In short, it seems MHA-AL00 (Chinese) and MHA-L29 (International) are the same hardware phone with the former have the 128/256 and 6 GB option out there and the MLA-L09 is the same but missing the aforementioned band and second SIM slot.
100% you have the Chinese version. There is no MHA-L29 (international) or MHA-L09 in that format...yet...sorry . A lot of these Chinese retailers will lie to fool you into a sale. Only some of them really know their stuff and list it all correctly with the right information/product.
MHA-AL00:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=device..._9_dual_sim_td-lte_mha-al00__huawei_manhattan
MHA-L09:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=device&id=10917&c=huawei_mate_9_td-lte_mha-l09__huawei_manhattan
MHA-L29:
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=device...e_9_dual_sim_td-lte_mha-l29__huawei_manhattan
I can't comment on software capabilities of each version in terms of LTE etc (I was pretty damn sure that was always limited to hardware). I've coded BMWs so I know hardware limitations for Europe vs USA, and they are there (most notably in tail lights and headlights - orange vs red, glare free LEDs vs regular LEDs due to DOT regulations).
@duraaraa knows more on development on our Mate 9s though since he has tinkered a bit and helped Chinese Mate 9 owners already in the google play/version thread. The phone is still brand new, so hard to say what's true without real world users actually doing tests in each region on select carriers, etc.
So 128/6 GB is going to be useless Chinese brick without Google Play. Why even ship such a pointless device? Not sure it is worth even trying to find right one somewhere.
Starting to see why not bothering with these Chinese phones is probably smart. Thanks for the info. Just so sick of Samsung and that new Pixel iPhone with bigger bezels are no real choices. Ugh.
Back to looking.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using XDA Labs
SWBgHz said:
So 128/6 GB is going to be useless Chinese brick without Google Play. Why even ship such a pointless device? Not sure it is worth even trying to find right one somewhere.
Starting to see why not bothering with these Chinese phones is probably smart. Thanks for the info. Just so sick of Samsung and that new Pixel iPhone with bigger bezels are no real choices. Ugh.
Back to looking.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your not alone, Hang in there till there's some better information & legitimate details...
Saw the guy who figured out how to work around and downgrade them, but can't spend that kind of money for a device from a company that would ship a useless brick like that. Really sad to me the so called tech press doesn't lambast a company for doing this kind of stuff. Lapdogs, sadly.
So here is the gist of it:
MHA-AL00:
Useless crap
MHA-L09 & MHA-L29
Usable smartphones
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge using XDA Labs
SWBgHz said:
Saw the guy who figured out how to work around and downgrade them, but can't spend that kind of money for a device from a company that would ship a useless brick like that. Really sad to me the so called tech press doesn't lambast a company for doing this kind of stuff. Lapdogs, sadly.
So here is the gist of it:
MHA-AL00:
Useless crap
MHA-L09 & MHA-L29
Usable smartphones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, they can't really slam them for adhering to the Chinese market. You're buying a Chinese variant with all that entails. That's just how these things work. Huawei can't ship a device with play services in China.
Why don't you buy from a more local shop with better credibility? I assume it's because you are in a location where it hasn't launched (yet).
So, why bringing out a MHA-L09 and a MHA-L29?
I checked the database (thanks opasha) and the difference seems to be the number of bands they support. L09 seems to be a subset off L29.
Any ideas? I'm in the Netherlands and I would have expected the 09 but I received the 029.
Trixanity said:
Well, they can't really slam them for adhering to the Chinese market. You're buying a Chinese variant with all that entails. That's just how these things work. Huawei can't ship a device with play services in China.
Why don't you buy from a more local shop with better credibility? I assume it's because you are in a location where it hasn't launched (yet).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, in US. As for slamming them ... not installing Google Play in understand but no capability for it to run? That is pretty messed up. Got a mi mix and easy to install and use Play store and Google services.
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SWBgHz said:
Yes, in US. As for slamming them ... not installing Google Play in understand but no capability for it to run? That is pretty messed up. Got a mi mix and easy to install and use Play store and Google services.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two reasons for not being able to do it: Chinese market banning Google products and to avoid people buying devices cheaper from China - instead buying them locally.
If you have a Mi Mix, why would buy another phone?
The US is very restrictive towards Huawei and particularly the Kirin SoCs and the brand isn't particularly strong in the US, so that's why they're hesitant to launch the Mate 9 or Mate 9 Pro in the US.
Trixanity said:
If you have a Mi Mix, why would buy another phone?
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Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-mix/help/mi-mix-google-voice-issue-t3506686/page1
That is why I got rid of the Mi Mix, everything worked great but Google Voice could not make calls and my home area was problematic with the limited bands.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
So I found a guy on eBay (yes, I know - but I do fine in eBay and know how to use the protections it affords) that has Chinese version with the B109SP01 firmware that will run Google Play services. This solves the issues, right? It is dual SIM and 128/6 GB (has other sizes too) so question is will this work or just not worth bothering with it?
Oops, yes I know - should have edited previous post instead of adding another.
Adding info that answers my questions so, hopefully, others questions as well. Thanks to all here and elsewhere for the clarity:
The Chinese model is MHA-AL00, and two international models are MHA-L29 and MHA-L09. The MHA-AL00 and the MHA-L29 both support the same bands, basically almost all bands. The MHA-L09 supports all of the bands of the other two models except Band 41 (so bad news for Sprint and China/India if my research is correct). The MHA-L09 is single sim while the MLA-AL00 and MHA-L29 are dual-sim (the hybrid kind so second SIM slot is SD slot). Only the MHA-AL00 now comes in the 128 or 256 and 6 GB variant. Some, not many, MHA-AL00 phones will have the B109SP01 firmware but maybe not many - if it does then you basically got the same thing as an International version in terms of Google Play working (just don't do system update until word here is the Play issue is fixed in the ROM they are pushing out), SIM slots, etc and in future it is likely with unlocked bootloader it could be flashed to become an International version. In short, it seems MHA-AL00 (Chinese) and MHA-L29 (International) are the same hardware phone with the former have the 128/256 and 6 GB option out there and the MLA-L09 is the same but missing the aforementioned band and second SIM slot.
Will edit original post with this info too so easy for anyone to see. Thanks all.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 using XDA Labs
I just received the MHA-L00 Mate 9 couple of days ago and I was able to install google play without any issues after installing GMSinstaller from Huawei app, I received a firmware OTA as soon as I connected to my wifi B165SP01 which has been working fine. I will keep you posted once I do more tests on it and using it on a daily basis.
I have the international L29 with B158 and 64gb. Dual.
Runs exactely like any other phone vis-a-vis Google / Facebook / Whatsapp
kolembo said:
I have the international L29 with B158 and 64gb. Dual.
Runs exactely like any other phone vis-a-vis Google / Facebook / Whatsapp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get B158? Regular OTA or some kind of black magic? Mine is still on B126 with nothing to update...
Is that really B158, or B138?
received OTA B167 update on my MHA-AL00 working fine using T-mobile, google apps installed using GSM from HiApp. Only annoying thing is not able to use stock audio controls (Everything is in chinese) and notification bugs considering to rebrand to international verison whenever I have time
I ordered the Mate 9 from a local supplier (Switzerland) 6 months ago. They sent me the MHA-AL00 which - intriguingly - already had Google Play installed. There was no sign of the phone having been set up before to allow the supplier to install Google Play.... Anyway, everything worked as expected and they only thing I noticed that a few obscure menus were in Chinese as well as some text on the lock screen. Last month I broke the screen and since I liked the phone so much (the battery life is a-ma-zing!) I ordered a new one. This time they sent me the MHA-L29 and the only difference I noted is that all the traces to Chinese were gone. Other than that the phones look, feel and act exactly the same. If you figure out how to tweek the very aggressive power management features, this phone is easy to love.
Alright guys I know I am late to the party but I am considering buying a chinese version with 128GB and 6GBRAM from Ebay. My only question is, now that the phone has been out for a while, is it possible to unlock the bootloader and install the international ROM on the chinese 128/6 mate 9?
Or is it safer to stick with the 64GB/4GB RAM MHA-L29?
Btw I am from Australia
i have the international version, mha-l29c185...works great with google installed...also they do have google play store and all the apps on huawei app market...i seen the 128gb mate 9 6gb ram runing play store in videos....not sure whats all the if are about...can easily install a rom with google in it...
s8plususer said:
Alright guys I know I am late to the party but I am considering buying a chinese version with 128GB and 6GBRAM from Ebay. My only question is, now that the phone has been out for a while, is it possible to unlock the bootloader and install the international ROM on the chinese 128/6 mate 9?
Or is it safer to stick with the 64GB/4GB RAM MHA-L29?
Btw I am from Australia
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. It is possible. Even it will detect that you have 6 / 128 specs on world ROM.
Maximum you will have some troubles with unlock bootloader. In strange cases Chinese models get wrong unlock code via official way. Also, you have to register Huawei account and use phone with it in 14 days to approve your legitimate reason to unlock.
I live in France and the only available color here is Grey. I'd like to buy a Mocha or Black version. Do you know if these versions can be bought in Europe ?
Thanks.
See here for clarity on the three versions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/help/mate-9-version-clariry-t3507859/page2
From what I have seen color seems more tied to ROM size than anything else. Silver, for instance, only seems to come with the 32 GB version that I have seen. White, Mocha, and Gold I have seen on the 64 and up ROM phones. Trick is to pick which version you want, Chinese, International, or Euro. The Euro is basically same hardware as Chinese and International version less one band and less the dual SIM slots. Difference between the Chinese and International versions is the software with most Chinese versions past a very specific firmware position g Google Play support. One last caveat, if you want more than 64 GB ROM and 4 GB RAM your only option is the Chinese version so you have to make sure to get the one with the older firmware that allows Google Play or follow the guide here to downgrade it.
Best bet, find the International version, pick ROM size, pick best available color you like - should be able to get all but maybe silver.
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Hello all,
I need to upgrade my current phone and I will probably be buying a OP8T, for my daily needs the 8/128 version is more then enough.
So i have a question about the differences between this version and the 12/256 regarding rooting/unlocking bootloaders/installing new roms.
Are the devices considered equal regarding the procedures for rooting/installing new roms, etc?
Im trying to find out if theres is more support for one version then the other so i can choose what to buy.
Thank you for the help.
systemcarrotpt said:
Hello all,
I need to upgrade my current phone and I will probably be buying a OP8T, for my daily needs the 8/128 version is more then enough.
So i have a question about the differences between this version and the 12/256 regarding rooting/unlocking bootloaders/installing new roms.
Are the devices considered equal regarding the procedures for rooting/installing new roms, etc?
Im trying to find out if theres is more support for one version then the other so i can choose what to buy.
Thank you for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no difference for rom support or unlocking/rooting between the 8/128 or 12/256 models from the same regions. Every device can easily be unlocked and converted between different rom versions as well.
Only difference is the TMobile locked version from USA that are more difficult to unlock and convert (need to be sim unlocked from T-Mobile first).
The only other hardware difference between models from various regions is that they support different LTE /5G bands and that can't be changed by the user in anyway. So might be worth looking into if you consider buying from another region. But for the same region there shouldn't be a difference between 8/128 or 12/256 versions the phones have the same hardware except ram and memory storage
Hi.
Thank you for the reply.
I was looking at the Chinese version 12/256 that is quite cheapper than the European version. But i found out about the LTE/5G bands as you say and i decided to go with the European version (or the version that Amazon sells in Europe).
I will be going with the 8/128 then.
Again, thank you for the help.
systemcarrotpt said:
Hi.
Thank you for the reply.
I was looking at the Chinese version 12/256 that is quite cheapper than the European version. But i found out about the LTE/5G bands as you say and i decided to go with the European version (or the version that Amazon sells in Europe).
I will be going with the 8/128 then.
Again, thank you for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to be of help.
I bought a 8/128 GB EU version directly from oneplus before Christmas and haven't regretted it.
Right version is probably a more safe choice but I know people that have bought Chinese versions as well and is very happy with that. The phone will still work but you probably won't get the same coverage and speed if all band your provider used isnt supported.
I would compare the bands and see what suits you best.
Hi all,
I am going to buy a new Mate 20 X.
Apart from the used ones, the only brand new I can find are on Aliexpress, like this one
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32970338476.html
There is the option of adding the global Rom as they say
"
if you need global firmware, please order the bundle" add global firmware". then we will install global firmware EVR-L29 to the phone
"
Will this mean that i'll have the AL00 as it was a L29?
Will OTA updates work out of the box?
Will I have problems with bank apps for example?
The rebrand to L29 is something I could do home with the help of XDA community ?
Thanks all
I was able to find a new L29 in the UK from a established vendor recently, but it wasn't cheap. I previously owned a AL00 for a couple of weeks, as it was sold to me in error (a Chinese version sold as global). When I owned that I did find a few independent phone shops online that would change the firmware remotely. So that's probably still an option. All found through Google.
Nothing is guaranteed of course but I would expect that most things on the phone would work ok, if you get it from your AliExpress vendor. But who knows. That's why I paid more, from a known vendor, with a proper guarantee. You pay your money and make your choice
Simply buy the Chinese version, that's by far the best option!
Definitely do NOT pay that extra money for changing AL00 to L29! It will NOT make it a proper L29, they just load a firmware which says L29... and you get absolutely NO benefits (actually, you may get just issues with updates, etc.)
With the Chinese version you get some advantages like enabled call recording, earlier and more frequent updates of built-in apps, or the Harmony OS upgrade.
The Chinese version works absolutely normal, all languages are available, etc.
I found a seller that showed me a EVR-L29 but imported from CHina (in fact the Huawei warranty is for HK and China only).
Since L29 global version is the same everywhere...This one should work ok, I guess, right?
The label on the package says L29 and they said they've just put the firmware with other languages (I didn't get this part, but maybe the one I was talking to isn't a specialist)
As I said, Chinese version simply WORKS without any problems. Plus, has even some advantages.
Absolutely no reason hunting for global version.
EvzenP said:
As I said, Chinese version simply WORKS without any problems. Plus, has even some advantages.
Absolutely no reason hunting for global version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What advantages? I heard EVR-L29 is the one to get because you have access to google play store
All versions of Mate 20 X have Google Services... they always had.
Mate 20 X was released BEFORE the sanctions, i.e. Mate 20 X never had any problem with GMS whatsoever.
I own the EVR-L29 global version, which I imported from Singapore a few years ago. I love the phone and have been looking for a second one for my wife. I have some questions about buying the Chinese version rather than the global version. With previous Chinese version phones from Oppo and Vivo, although they came with the Google Framework and Google Play Services, there were some differences between them and the global versions I couldn't get used to. For example, I could use the Google Assistant by tapping its icon, but the phones wouldn't respond to voice activation "OK Google", because that conflicted with their own baked in Chinese voice assistant app. Android Auto wouldn't work, because it conflicted with their built in app, and there were several Chinese apps I couldn't uninstall and some Chinese text in submenus. Is this the case with the Chinese version of the Mate 20 X? The Chinese version has the advantage of more RAM and storage than the global version, and like the post above, I'm tempted to have one of the AliExpress vendors flash the global ROM on the Chinese version, but I have a concern updates won't work, as the Huawei servers will know it is a Chinese version. Thanks for any advice.
I have the EVR-L00 and I need to downgrade to Android 9 so I can unlock the bootloader. How do I do that? I got the special Harmony cable that I needed. Now I'm not sure what to do next.