Database Info

Now you see it now you don't Now you'll get it now you won't ZTE plays hide and seek

Hi there guys,
I feel compelled to share with you my communication exercise with the ZTE Customer
Service. May it be a guideline for some on how to deal with them or a plain warning
for others how not to tread too deeply into the murky waters of China Sea. As many of
you probably know ZTE displayed their then flagship handset Grand X In at the IFA
trade show in Berlin last year. The phone's specs read among other things 16 GB
storage memory, FM Radio and NFC. Subsequent and numerous reportings from the
event proved it to be true and in accordance with ZTE's own web page. However
when the handset shipped to Europe it turned out that there is only other release
available - one with 4 GB mem, no radio, no NFC. And this is the edition I bought
from T-Mobile Poland at the end of last year. Although the phone was running stock
ICS 4.0.4 I loved it and wanted to buy another one, this time with 16 GB mem etc. So I
wrote ZTE asking as to where to get it. Then followed the exchange I make you privy
to.
The second question I asked them was the prospective availability of Jelly Bean
upgrade. It was known that Intel ported JB to x86 platform as early as last September
and that their employees were having it on their own handsets since then. So the JB
suited for Atom powered smartphones was in existence and doing fine. I naturally
mentioned this fact to ZTE while asking about their own plans to give us JB. As it
turns out ZTE condition the JB release upon a carrier or a dealer making specific
request for it and that means demand for a upgrade is based on particular sales. And
that means there will be no JB for Grand X In and other Intel based handsets in the
foreseeable future unless some devs take the matter to the heart and mind. What is
frustrating the most is some cloak of secrecy and not giving customers straight facts
from the beginning. Many of us would have thought twice about the purchase had we
known from day one we'd be dumped and support for our phone abandoned before
the year was over. I'll let you be the judge and jury. Below is the copied email
exchange in the original form. I've only removed instances of my email address and
ZTE's web page being readable (10 posts rule).
--- On Thu, 4/4/13, ZTE email <ZTE email> wrote:
From: ZTE email <ZTE email>
Subject: Re: ZTE Grand X IN
To: "my name" <my email>
Date: Thursday, April 4, 2013, 6:34 PM
Dear Valued ZTE Customer,,
Thanks for contacting ZTE.
If you want to purchase a single unit please contact nearest dealer or any network
provider.
ZTE is not selling any product to the customer or in the market directly.
And we cannot provide you any dealer details.
End-users are advised not to upgrade their phone versions until the software is
released formally.
Regarding your inquiry, we would recommend that you'd better contact your
network operator or dealer from where you have purchased to consult.
Because the android updated is based on the demand of your local network
operator or dealer,
ZTE is not selling any device to the end user or in the market directly.
ZTE is manufacturing the handset as per the requirement of network provide and
dealers.
So it depend on the network provider or dealer that, what Android version they
need in there device.
If we want to release the new version of android we need a request from the
network provider.
Because for us they are the customer who as purchased the device from us and we
can release the new version only if we receive the request for them.
Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Best Regards
my name <my email>
04/04/2013 07:06 AM
To
ZTE email
cc
Subject
Re: ZTE Grand X IN
Dear Sirs,
On January 23 I asked you two questions:
- where can I buy or order the ZTE Grand X IN with 16 GB storage memory?
- when will you deliver Jelly Bean for Grand X IN?
Two simple questions of where and when pertaining not to some rocket science
problem but to the very smartphone you manufacture yourself.
On February 19 you let me know that my "email has been forwarded to the relevant
colleagues for their appropriate handling" and that you "will respond as soon as
relevant information is available".
Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I assume that these "relevant colleagues" are the
ZTE employees and that you pay them monthly salaries for their "work", do you not?
So let me sum it up for you:
- ZTE is the manufacturer of the Grand X IN
- relevant ZTE employees, paid and employed by the ZTE, for two months and a
half cannot find any information where I can purchase a product manufactured by
their own company! This is ridiculous, this is pathetic! Well then, maybe they
shouldn't be working for the ZTE but for some Chinese grocery store on some street
corner in ShenZhen. And you dare to call it a customer service - this is a sad joke. A
very sad joke, a mockery and total disrespect for your own customers. And mind you I
asked you two questions, the Jelly Bean question as well. In my country all it would
take is one phone call lasting two minutes and another two to write an email to the
customer. You have a long way ahead of you...
Regards
my initials
--- On Tue, 2/19/13, ZTE email <ZTE email> wrote:
From: ZTE email <ZTE email>
Subject: Re: ZTE Grand X IN
To: "my name" <my email>
Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2013, 8:16 PM
Dear Valued ZTE Customer
Thank you for contacting ZTE and your prompt reply.
Your email has been forwarded to the relevant colleagues for their appropriate
handling.
We will respond as soon as relevant information is available.
Best Regards
my name <my email>
02/19/2013 06:40 PM
To
ZTE email
cc
Subject
ZTE Grand X IN
Dear Sirs,
On 23 January I have sent you a e-mail included below. To this very date I have not
received any answer from you. I'm wondering if the mail delivery system is to blame
for no reply or was it your lack of willingness to answer me. If the latter is the case
then be kind enough to let me know about it. I do not know about customer relations
policy in your country but in mine customer's inquiries are always most warmly
welcomed and are answered promptly, kindly and to the point.
Best regards,
my name
--- On Wed, 1/23/13, my name <my email> wrote:
From: my name <my email>
Subject: ZTE Grand X IN
To: ZTE email
Date: Wednesday, January 23, 2013, 9:15 AM
Dear Sirs,
I am proud and happy owner of ZTE Grand X IN, the best smartphone in its class
the world over. I bought it a month ago from T-Mobile Poland. It has the original T-
Mobile stock 4.0.4 and 4 GB storage. I would like very much to buy another one but
this time the version with 16 GB storage. Could you please tell me if it is available in
Europe and if not then where I can get it. It is such a fine phone and I love it so much
that I am prepared to go to the end of the world to have it. I would like to thank you all
for providing us, customers with such a magnificent product. Last but not least could
you please tell me if you are preparing an upgrade for ZTE Grand X IN to Jelly Bean
4.1.2. Currently it has only ICS 4.0.4 and it is a rather old stock. I know that Intel
people in Santa Clara already have the JB on their Atom phones since last September
and it is working. When will we get it here in Europe and in Poland in particular?
Best regards to all of you,
my name,
my job,
my work, Warsaw, Poland
my email
or
my email
+48 xxx xxx xxx
--------------------------------------------------------
ZTE Information Security Notice: The information contained in this mail (and any
attachment transmitted herewith) is privileged and confidential and is intended for the
exclusive use of the addressee(s). If you are not an intended recipient, any
disclosure, reproduction, distribution or other dissemination or use of the
information contained is strictly prohibited. If you have received this mail in error,
please delete it and notify us immediately.

Shame on ZTE... Yesterday afternoon I've posted latest email they sent you on two threads about GXI here on XDA. Took it from Polish forum - hope You don't mind. I've also posted link to this thread, so people interested in GXI can find it easier.
Best Regards

Damn. It's sad. Really sad. I like my GXI, I really do. It's a good piece of hardware. But I would like some updates! Any updates? Bug fixes? The more Android devices I get, I end up wondering isn't Windows Phone or IOS a better way for an end user. They get updates, you know? On my iPod touch 4th gen I got 4 updates from 16th of February. 4! And when I think of all of my Android Devices?
- Motorola Milestone - 1 update after a year. And it was a crappy Froyo that was rebooting my phone...
- Motorola Flipout - no updates
- Asus Transformer TF101 - two updates - one to 4.0.3
- ZTE Grand X In - no updates
Summary? 3 updates for 4 devices. It's a fire-and-forget for most of manufacturers! You want Jelly Bean? Get a JB phone or tablet! And when Android 5.0 will hit the market - get a 5.0 phone or tablet! Damn, It's pathetic! Really. I'm trying not to get emotional about it, but it's getting really hard.

krondar said:
Damn. It's sad. Really sad. I like my GXI, I really do. It's a good piece of hardware. But I would like some updates! Any updates? Bug fixes? The more Android devices I get, I end up wondering isn't Windows Phone or IOS a better way for an end user. They get updates, you know? On my iPod touch 4th gen I got 4 updates from 16th of February. 4! And when I think of all of my Android Devices?
- Motorola Milestone - 1 update after a year. And it was a crappy Froyo that was rebooting my phone...
- Motorola Flipout - no updates
- Asus Transformer TF101 - two updates - one to 4.0.3
- ZTE Grand X In - no updates
Summary? 3 updates for 4 devices. It's a fire-and-forget for most of manufacturers! You want Jelly Bean? Get a JB phone or tablet! And when Android 5.0 will hit the market - get a 5.0 phone or tablet! Damn, It's pathetic! Really. I'm trying not to get emotional about it, but it's getting really hard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get Nexus then

Hi.
Yesterday I received some software update. It was around 8 MB big and during installation it updated 78 items. Did you received this update too?
Maybe crazy question, but what is better in new Android 4.1, when we will compare it with 4.0.4 ?

Taigr said:
Hi.
Yesterday I received some software update. It was around 8 MB big and during installation it updated 78 items. Did you received this update too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since updates from ZTE seem to depend on the network operator, could you please tell us, which network operator your Grand X in belongs to?
Taigr said:
Maybe crazy question, but what is better in new Android 4.1, when we will compare it with 4.0.4 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please see
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/android-4-1-jelly-bean-review-a-look-at-whats-changed-in-googl/
or/and
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-android-4-0-and-vs-4-1/
Thanks,
newpipe

Taigr said:
Hi.
Yesterday I received some software update. It was around 8 MB big and during installation it updated 78 items. Did you received this update too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you received that update? Thru OTA or downloaded of ZTE website? Is your ROM t-mobile branded?
Just checked mine... software up to date... I've checked through update checker in phone menu. My soft is unbranded clean ZTE one.
Whats your software version now? I'm on GXI_V1.00.0B02

Kir3 said:
Get Nexus then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm thinking of it. After GXI Nexus is a good idea.

I think you should get nexus

krondar said:
Yes, I'm thinking of it. After GXI Nexus is a good idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus is the best idea IMO

Kir3 said:
Nexus is the best idea IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But the Nexus devices are more expensive...

newpipe said:
But the Nexus devices are more expensive...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know but it's worthy if you can afford it
Sent from my Sony Xperia Live with WALKMAN

I had Nexus 1 then 3, great pieces of hardware, but had to sell Nexus 3 for one, important for me reason- no micro sd card slot... Nexus 4 doesn't have one either... I've had few different phones since, I like gadgets and bought GXI because intel processor make me curious... Now it's just looks problematic...

Nougat rolling out for the XA!? (Finally)

I was in a chat with Sony support asking about security patches and further on in the conversation he said this about Nougat:-
Again, I do not have details for such questions, however the Nougat update is already being rolled out for the XA, but we do not control when you receive it.
I replied:-
What countries is it being rolled out in at this moment in time?
To which he replied:-
This is UK support, so I advise on the UK, it is being rolled out already within the UK, it is just not possible to advise when any specific device would receive any update at all, as availability and timings will vary depending on region and network operator approval. Unfortunately we don't have exact dates as to when each handset will be updated however the phone itself should notify you once the update has reached it.
I have screenshots but unfortunately because I'm a new member I can't post them, this is good news though! I hope to expect Nougat within the next 2 weeks. :victory:

KING_SONY01 said:
I was in a chat with Sony support asking about security patches and further on in the conversation he said this about Nougat:-
Again, I do not have details for such questions, however the Nougat update is already being rolled out for the XA, but we do not control when you receive it.
I replied:-
What countries is it being rolled out in at this moment in time?
To which he replied:-
This is UK support, so I advise on the UK, it is being rolled out already within the UK, it is just not possible to advise when any specific device would receive any update at all, as availability and timings will vary depending on region and network operator approval. Unfortunately we don't have exact dates as to when each handset will be updated however the phone itself should notify you once the update has reached it.
I have screenshots but unfortunately because I'm a new member I can't post them, this is good news though! I hope to expect Nougat within the next 2 weeks. :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As a preview you can download it with Xperifirm with a different customization than your device as soon as it will be released Some countries can wait a long time before receive it.

KING_SONY01 said:
I was in a chat with Sony support asking about security patches and further on in the conversation he said this about Nougat:-
Again, I do not have details for such questions, however the Nougat update is already being rolled out for the XA, but we do not control when you receive it.
I replied:-
What countries is it being rolled out in at this moment in time?
To which he replied:-
This is UK support, so I advise on the UK, it is being rolled out already within the UK, it is just not possible to advise when any specific device would receive any update at all, as availability and timings will vary depending on region and network operator approval. Unfortunately we don't have exact dates as to when each handset will be updated however the phone itself should notify you once the update has reached it.
I have screenshots but unfortunately because I'm a new member I can't post them, this is good news though! I hope to expect Nougat within the next 2 weeks. :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thru have no idea when Nougat is going to be released. Doubtful it'll be on any xa models before March17 at the earliest..
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs

Global version ready for rollout?

Hi!
I found this https://www.honorbuy.com/1589-xiaom...official-global-version-smartphone-black.html
But I cant find any information about a global version release. Anyone here knows something maybe?

Several sellers on Ali are offering presale on a official Global version, but only the 6GB/128GB variant, which does not have all the LTE bands.
Have not seen any announcement from Xiaomi.

According to Xiaomi news GB and some German articles about the New York event, the mix 3 will launch in Q1 2019 on some global-related markets,
i m also wating for it and following lots of news, but no more specific 'confirmed' date then Q1 can be found

random_crit said:
According to Xiaomi news GB and some German articles about the New York event, the mix 3 will launch in Q1 2019 on some global-related markets,
i m also wating for it and following lots of news, but no more specific 'confirmed' date then Q1 can be found
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's weeks old news

Bye Bye Wear OS H

Letter from Huawei Support dating 26/02/2019
Sorry, there are no updates for this device.
We received this response from developers:
Watch 2 (Leo) has stopped updating since March 2018.
If you have any further questions, you are always welcome to contact us.
Huawei Support is constantly working to improve its customer support experience, and if you haven't done so already, we would be very grateful if you could dedicate a few moments to participate in a customer survey sent in a few days to your E-mail.
Your opinion is important to us!
Goodbye support

Very nice from Huawei!

Weird, Is it really happening? Since we got the lastest OTA with Oct 2018 security patch

abaynp said:
Weird, Is it really happening? Since we got the lastest OTA with Dec 2018 security patch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was wondering the same too. Got my watch in oct 18 and have received about 2-3 updates since then. Hope this is not true.

I bought mine on Jan. If this is true... Well, not more huawei products on my list. I didn't bought the GT because I wanted a smartwatch with 4G. If I would wanted a dumb fitness tracker I had bought a Garmin.

I think that's a response that has been taken out of context... After all that is a very vague response "there are no updates"...
I reckon the question asked was by an impatient young person who loves updating their phones and watches and probably asked Huawei support if they have any news or update on the new Wear H OS update... And they simply replied... Sorry there is no update.
That does not mean there is not going to be any future updates for this watch. It just means that a support staff member has no news on any software information!

Strange there have been no recent updates though? Have Huawei given up on WearOS in the hope customer will buy the non WearOS GT watch?

Pre order links -EU

Launch day today - has anyone found the pre order link for UK / Europe?
Their customer service opens shortly so I'll enquire there too and post here if/when I find it...
Edit: can anyone find any other EU pre order links?

https://m.alza.co.uk/asus-zenfone-7-pro-black-d6122969.htm?o=1
They have the white one available too
These aren't a UK based company though so may hold off and await one

So I emailed asus about this:
"Hi there,
It has been stated that the zenfone 7 pro is due to launch in Europe today (01/09/2020).
Could you tell me where I can find a link to buy the phone in the UK?"
I got this in response:
"Dear {redacted},
Thank you for contacting ASUS Support and for your interest in our products.
Unfortunately, ASUS and ROG mobile handsets are currently no longer on sale in the UK.
For any further enquiry, please contact the UK PR team at: [email protected]
If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. "
So I'm not sure what is going on...

Torn_Darkness said:
So I emailed asus about this:
"Hi there,
It has been stated that the zenfone 7 pro is due to launch in Europe today (01/09/2020).
Could you tell me where I can find a link to buy the phone in the UK?"
I got this in response:
"Dear {redacted},
Thank you for contacting ASUS Support and for your interest in our products.
Unfortunately, ASUS and ROG mobile handsets are currently no longer on sale in the UK.
For any further enquiry, please contact the UK PR team at: [email protected]
If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. "
So I'm not sure what is going on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that.
I reckon I may order it from the Alza website, exciting times!
Just perhaps holding off just in case a better price/sooner available option becomes available... Though can't seem to find any at all!

I'm interested in this phone too and only link I have found is the Alza one. I'm tempted by it but currently on a OnePlus, I'm not sure how big the development community will be in comparison. I'd also like to see if anyone comes up with a decent GCam port first.
Keep us updated on whether you decide to order from Alza and your experience with that site.

will it come out from Wondamobile?

crumble6 said:
I'm interested in this phone too and only link I have found is the Alza one. I'm tempted by it but currently on a OnePlus, I'm not sure how big the development community will be in comparison. I'd also like to see if anyone comes up with a decent GCam port first.
Keep us updated on whether you decide to order from Alza and your experience with that site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in communications with Arnova8G2, a developer of Gcam and they said "I have the zenfone 6 and it is very good with gcam, zenfone 7 pro already works with gcam 7.3 and more" - so based of this response I'm definitely gonna pre order the Zenfone 7 Pro! I think gcam on it will make it the perfect phone!
As for development, I've reached out on zenfone 6 thread and HavocOS. Which is inspiring that there's some good roms available for that device at least. Though worst case scenario, I'd be happy with rooted stock and gravitybox - which is my current setup for Xperia 1 ii.
Alza says "expected 14th September" but that would also mean shipping from Prague to UK for me. Could be earlier therefore, or later. I'll be preordering soon I reckon.
salespalace said:
will it come out from Wondamobile?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm unsure. So far I've only seen Alza sell it, nowhere else!

I've ended up just buying a mint condition oneplus 7t pro on ebay for around the same price of this phone. It does what I want and was easy to find.

Torn_Darkness said:
I've ended up just buying a mint condition oneplus 7t pro on ebay for around the same price of this phone. It does what I want and was easy to find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be fair, that's a very good shout.
I had the oneplus 7 Pro prior to my current xperia 1 ii. It was a great phone, active rom development, loved the pop up camera and the gcam port made it a pleasure to take snaps with. My only slight gripe with it was the curved screen, I just wasn't a fan of it, but all in all a great phone.
As much as I love the Xperia there's just something not quite right for me about it. I know it's camera possibilities is one of its main features, but I miss the gcam and apparently (after speaking with the dev) hard to get working.
I love the flip camera on the Zenfone and do miss a 90hz display, plus with a likely more active rom community I'm gonna sell this and basically switch at no/little cost.

Hey guys, I'm presuming Alza only ships to the UK?

CVonV said:
Hey guys, I'm presuming Alza only ships to the UK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nagh they're based in Czech Republic and seem to ship to a few EU counties (see attached)

cd993 said:
Nagh they're based in Czech Republic and seem to ship to a few EU counties (see attached)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh cheers. Does VAT apply to all countries it ships to? Sorry I'm from Australia and don't know how it works over there. I'm thinking of having it shipped to a friend in either UK or Germany and have them ship it to me.

CVonV said:
Ahhh cheers. Does VAT apply to all countries it ships to? Sorry I'm from Australia and don't know how it works over there. I'm thinking of having it shipped to a friend in either UK or Germany and have them ship it to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm I presume so, it certainly showed in my pre order invoice.
Perhaps best check with them to confirm.
Good luck!

For French users only,
The Zenfone 7/7 Pro is only available on LDLC.com and official Asus store page. 699€ for the vanilla variant and 799€ for the Pro.
https://www.ldlc.com/recherche/zenfone 7/
https://eshop.asus.com/fr-FR/smartp...asus.com&utm_campaign=bouton-acheter-zenfone7

I've just preordered from here, a German site. Let's hope it makes it's way safely to me in the UK!
https://www.alternate.co.uk/ASUS/ZenFone-7-Pro-Cell-phone/html/product/1665534?

cd993 said:
I've just preordered from here, a German site. Let's hope it makes it's way safely to me in the UK!
https://www.alternate.co.uk/ASUS/ZenFone-7-Pro-Cell-phone/html/product/1665534?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any reason why you went with this site over Alza?
It's my girlfriend's birthday next weekend and she wanted a new iPhone. Now I've ordered here that (albeit a bad time as iPhone 12 will be out soon) I feel like I need to upgrade my 3 year old handset! ?
Think I'm settled on getting the ZenFone now, it ticks all the boxes for me.
Also, as no official UK release, I presume it will be shipped with EU charger?

crumble6 said:
Any reason why you went with this site over Alza?
It's my girlfriend's birthday next weekend and she wanted a new iPhone. Now I've ordered here that (albeit a bad time as iPhone 12 will be out soon) I feel like I need to upgrade my 3 year old handset! ?
Think I'm settled on getting the ZenFone now, it ticks all the boxes for me.
Also, as no official UK release, I presume it will be shipped with EU charger?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wished to use PayPal on this occasion and they accepted it.
They mention that they'll include an UK adapter, hopefully they actually will but no biggy if not!

cd993 said:
I've just preordered from here, a German site. Let's hope it makes it's way safely to me in the UK!
https://www.alternate.co.uk/ASUS/ZenFone-7-Pro-Cell-phone/html/product/1665534?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to their customer service they're due to receive it in the next couple days (9th September).
Will keep you posted. So far excellent customer service.

It's now arrived at Alternate!
https://www.alternate.co.uk/html/product/1665534

cd993 said:
It's now arrived at Alternate!
https://www.alternate.co.uk/html/product/1665534
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome! Looking forward to seeing some GCam samples when people start receiving their new handsets.