[Q] Upgrade to Gingerbread 2.3.3 - Desire Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I recently upgraded an Australian Telstra issued HTC Desire A8183 (frequency 850/2100) to Gingerbread 2.3 as I am using in New Zealand and wanted ride of the Telstra apps and home screen. It was very straightforward however now if I go into the phone to look up Network identity it says it is model A8181, which would mean it was running frequencies 900/2100.
I spoke to HTC who say I must have changed the frequencies and need to send back to Australia to reflash the phone?
The phone appears to be working but I am concened that once I go outisde urban areas I won't have the 850 bandwidth Telecom uses rurally and won't get any signal if it really has changed.
I had read the frequencies were hardcoded into the CPU and couldn't be changed!
Does anyone know this for a fact?
Is there anyway I can check this?
Does anyone think this could have possibly have happened from a firmware upgrade?
I was recommended this forum as the best place to ask this. Thank you.

Related

What does A8181 stand for?

According to my "about phone", phone identity, model number, my device model is A8181.
As far as I know, there is A8381 (or something like that too).
Can someone share what is the difference between this two models?
Thanks.
I think it's to do with differentiating between hardware versions. Different markets have different standards, i.e. the US and Japan use a different UTMS frequency for maobile data to the ROW thus might need a slightly different hardware version for full compatibility. Or, there may be a slightly different hardware versions over the life of a product which may come about through the guise of "continuous product improvement".
ljesh said:
As far as I know, there is A8381 (or something like that too).
Can someone share what is the difference between this two models?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The A8181 and A8183 are essentially identical, except for the radio bands that they support 3G on. For the most part, if you are on Telstra in Australia, Rogers in Canada, or AT&T in the US, you need an A8183 otherwise you need an A8181.
Regards,
Dave
Thanks alot for clearing this up for me
8181 in Australia
I,m in Australia, my desire is a 8181, seems to work like a dream, if the other version is better for Australia then I,d like to know more
I believe you only need the A8183 in Australia if you want to use the phone on Telstra.
Regards,
Dave
Hi,
I have tried searching the forums but I can't seem to find whether the custom ROMs will work with A8181 or A8183.
Thanks!
mynameisnotjames said:
Hi,
I have tried searching the forums but I can't seem to find whether the custom ROMs will work with A8181 or A8183.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've flashed DeFrost and OpenDesire and I'm having no problems (got an A8183).
As for the difference between the A8181 and A8183, does anybody know if there's a physical hardware difference between the two?
If it's just a software problem, theoretically, couldn't the radio rom be hacked to use all 3 bands?
it's hardware
Both work fine in Australia on any carrier.
The A8181 works on the 2100mhz frequency which all AUS carriers work on (yes - even Telstra).
The A8183 works on the 850mhz frequency, which is the Telstra NextG frequency, so either model will work on Telstra.
Main advantages of NextG (as claimed by Telstra) are faster data speeds and better coverage compared to 2100mhz.
So, A8181 for 3g and A8183 for NextG.
ROMs arent model specific, however with radio upgrades you may find some suit your carrier/area better than others.
I am using a Telstra Desire with an Optus sim and it works fine. I still get H for connection and it's pretty fast internet. When I have full coverage webpages load in just a second or so, and it's more then fast enough to stream movies and music.
okay, so i've got a newbie question to ask.....mine's A8181, and im in toronto using Rogers, but so far i've been using wifi only, no 3G data plan for me as of now......my question is, is it totally unusable for the 3G with Rogers? cuzi heard ppl told me its still usable, but with a little bit performance deduction....perhaps as not 100% fast as it should be.....anyone got a clue for me?

Black HTC Desire - Work in Australia?

Hey,
I know less than I'd like about networks and what bands work where and what you need to use a phone in Aus, so I'm hoping one of you gents could help me out?
I'm just wondering if I buy this:
http://www.portagadgets.com/australia/product.php?productid=38238&cat=0&page=1
If it will work with my Vodafone sim here in Australia?
Cheers guys.
That link is dead
Wow ok yeah. They must have run out, I guess?
Telstra - 850MHz and 2100MHz
All other carriers 900MHz and 2100Mhz.
Two model of desire:
1. A8181 - 900MHz and 2100Mhz
2. A8183 - 850MHz and 2100MHz
Currently if you buy a desire locally it will be (2) because of Telstras exclusive deal with HTC. You can use this on networks other than Telstra on their 2100MHz networks in major cities, but when this tries to fall back to their rural 900Mhz networks you wont get 3G.
If you get a Desire overseas it will be (1). It will safely work on all non-Telstra netorks. It will also have the advantage of not having Telstra branded firmware, which is cleaner and you will not have to wait for Telstra to release custom firmware.
You can get (1) through grey importers such as mobicity.com.au, but the warranty will be through them, not HTC.
Hope this clears things up for you.
Thanks for all that info, that's what I was after
The link is back up, the only thing that concerns me is the differnt 3G freq listed between the black and brown models. But the serial is A8181 so I'll trust that.
Now whether I trust the site is another thing. The only Black Desires were from Orange in the UK, and this is the ONLY place I've seen unlocked versions for sale online, I'm not sure if I'll actually be getting a black one. Their customer service is pretty shoddy, reviews are mixed and all the bad reviews play right into the issues I'm afraid of (misrepresenative stock, not being able to return/exchange)
Anyone had any experience with them?

All Band Phone?

A question came up on the us forum for Defy about the different software builds until finally a Moto-mod came in with this. It's intriguing in that apparently the Defy has all band capability, but the software build limits the choice. Here's the quote:
"Each Blur Version for the Defy is all Carrier and Regional Specific like for instance For US T-Mobile Customers its 3.6.19.0 however for UK T-Mobile Users I think the latest version is 2.51 Other parts of europe are using 2.34 without MotoBlur and so on and so fourth, the main difference is Carrier installed apps and the confusing part, from what i've expierenced with the phone, Its the first phone i've ever seen with a software controlled universal radio supporting all bands, however its software tells it which band to use, for instance if you 2.21 and 2.51 UK versions are using UMTS 900/2100 where US's 3.6.190 is using AWS 1700/2100. there are ways if you look to obtain version 2.51.1 however this isn't the place to look on instructions on how to do it because its against the forum rules, is unsupported and with 2.51 if for whatever reason you wanted to downgrade you couldn't unfortunatly."
WHAT.
Software defined radio?
If this is for real the hackers SHOULD REALLY HAVE A FIELD DAY with this phone.
It's a shame they're too busy with the Samsungs and HTCs of the world..
There's quite a difference between true software defined radio (most radios these days are sort of there, as they are most commonly some embedded chip with custom firmware but nothing like a Linux kernel) and being able to switch frequencies to be used
nupi said:
There's quite a difference between true software defined radio (most radios these days are sort of there, as they are most commonly some embedded chip with custom firmware but nothing like a Linux kernel) and being able to switch frequencies to be used
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not an expert, but the basic thrust of this was that all Defy phones are identical and capable of all frequencies, but the firmware defines which can be used. Therefore it seems -- to this novice mind -- that change the firmware change the phone.
The other, related issue is the frustration of some Euro phone owners who really know nothing about differences in 3G frequencies. buy a phone and presume they can use them in the US (as one can with an iPhone). Those of us who prowl these forums are basically smart enough to know that before you buy a phone we have to be sure we can actually use it -- but 90% of buyers buy a phone presuming they can.
Okay well can someone on the forum test this out? You'd need the ability to try and access both sets of frequencies.
Example: You're in Australia and you have a Defy from Telstra which you've also unlocked. Your stock firmware supports 850/AWS/2100. You should be able to get an 850 MHz signal from Telstra's NextG network. Now, if you put in an Optus SIM and visit an area with 900 MHz 3G coverage but not 2100, you'll find the phone drops to EDGE or gets no signal.
So at this point, take a nandroid backup, and flash a 900/2100 firmware or replace the radio files with ones from such a firmware. Now repeat the same test... does it successfully register on Optus at 900 MHz?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Radio issues...
Strictly on the band issue, I don't think they are that apart. A good radio would be able to handle it without being full SDR.
I agree partly on the point that these radios are somehow SDR for they do change the frequencie ranges by changing firmware.
A full SDR would be able to change even to CDMA or something else, not only the band!
If you want to challenge someone for doing something about it, ask for a full tri-band version of the Defy radio! (That I would ask for too!)
I intend to use my Defy originally 850/1900 over a 2100 network.
Well that's is my humble guess.
KMur said:
A full SDR would be able to change even to CDMA or something else, not only the band!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, as if you go into the INFO menu and select "set preferred network type" one choice (which it will not allow) is CDMA. But it's there.
Which version of the Defy is UMTS 850/1900? I thought there was only 850/1700/2100 and 900/2100.
Also, pretty much all Androids have CDMA as a listed option, not because they're compatible, but because it's a testing menu that was designed to be applicable to a wide variety of phones.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Motorola Defy 3G Band

This may sound like a stupid question but here i go.
I live in Romania, and i use Orange Romania as my carrier. From what i could tell they use the 2100 3G and 3G+ band.
I have to choose between a Motorola Defy and an HTC Inspire 4G to buy, UNLOCKED, from e-bay.
But, from what i understand from members in the Inspire forum, the HTC Inspire will not work for me in Orange Romania, because it uses the 1900 3G band. Now i don't know what to believe. I called my carrier and they said that if i get the phone unlocked, even if it's an Inspire, it's likely to work in my network, 3G-wise i mean. What are the chances of this?
Also, since my network uses 3G 2100 and i buy a Defy from e-bay, made in the USA with Motoblur enabled, can i use that phone at FULL CAPACITY? Will my youtube videos and wi-fi hot-spot recognition work always? How about Motoblur. Does it work in Romania if i buy the phone from the US?
Thank you in advance.
EDIT:-----------------------------------
While you're contemplating on an answer. The Motorla Defy i have at hand to buy is this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280658487905&category=9355&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619
From what i read in the phone description: "WCDMA 850/1700/2100, GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps (Category 7/8), EDGE Class 12, GPRS Class 12, HSUPA 2.0 Mbps"'
From what i read in my carrier's description: 900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE/HSPA+ 2G, 3G - 2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+ 3G.
This basically means that if i buy the above-mentioned Motorola Defy, i can use it at 100% in Romania, right?
Should be fine.
USA phones nearly always have 2100 3G capabilities (besides their domestic frequencies, like 1700 for t-mo). But a 1900? That sounds like at&t usa. However, it may have more than just 1900. If people on your forum are saying the HTC won't work, they're probably smarter than whomever you spoke with at your carrier. But, again, I'm not sure about the HTC. If it is a usa phone it may have 2100 as well.
Everyone on the forum says Inspire is available only through AT&T and only supports 1900.
So if i buy the Defy above, can i run it in Romania on 3G without problems?
Sorry for the double post, but this needs it's own post.
The above Motorola Defy i'd like to buy is 2.1 Android and MotoBlur enabled. Can i use MotoBlur in Orange Romania? Also, what are my chances of updating to Froyo, since it is made in the US? Froyo is not available as a stand-alone update for Romanian users, but do i still have a chance to get it this way?
And what's the best program for rooting it? Should i do it after i update to Froyo or before?
adrian.lupas said:
Sorry for the double post, but this needs it's own post.
The above Motorola Defy i'd like to buy is 2.1 Android and MotoBlur enabled. Can i use MotoBlur in Orange Romania? Also, what are my chances of updating to Froyo, since it is made in the US? Froyo is not available as a stand-alone update for Romanian users, but do i still have a chance to get it this way?
And what's the best program for rooting it? Should i do it after i update to Froyo or before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone you linked to is an unlocked model. I did not see where it states which band it supports, but you said it's 900/2100 thereby making it the "typical" unlocked Defy. They are all made in China, BTW.
Your best bet is to get the phone, immediately root it, and install CM7 (instructions posted elsewhere). CM7 comes with an application called baseband switcher which will tell the phone which frequencies to use for the 3g signal. You may have to try a couple different locals/settings to get the optimum performance, but as long as your carrier is 2100 and the phone supports 2100, one of the settings should work.
What about Froyo and MotoBlur? Will i get to use those down here in this sh**y country if i buy that phone? The guy who's selling the phone is telling me i can indeed update to Froyo.
As for the bands, i'm not worrying, my carrier uses 2100, the phone uses 2100 so it shouldn't be a problem.
So basically what i want is to get that phone, update it to Android 2.2 then root it and use it like this. With Android 2.2 Stock and rooted. Would this be okay?
adrian.lupas said:
What about Froyo and MotoBlur? Will i get to use those down here in this sh**y country if i buy that phone? The guy who's selling the phone is telling me i can indeed update to Froyo.
As for the bands, i'm not worrying, my carrier uses 2100, the phone uses 2100 so it shouldn't be a problem.
So basically what i want is to get that phone, update it to Android 2.2 then root it and use it like this. With Android 2.2 Stock and rooted. Would this be okay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey don't worry about froyo. There are several froyo Sbf you can flash on your phone. You can use baseband switcher to change 3g frequency. MOTOBLUR should work.
Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk

[Q] Ace or Inspire?

Hi my plushies
Anyways. I just got a Desire HD! YAY ME!
Being a Desire owner for 2 years and seeing a lot of great development on the HD, i'd give it a go. So far seems good, though i like the AMOLED a bit more imo
So my first boot after getting it from retailer, it boots with T-Mobile logo. That means its from USA right? Is my phone then an Inspire or a Ace? Afaik, the Inspire is the american version?
The weird part is, i got the T-Mobile one because the other one (a danish one WWE), was send for repair and i recieved this instead.
Will this affect anything? And how the *** do i figure out of its an Inspire or Ace?!
**Btw, i did do my search first lol
**Is it on the bootloader? I saw an "Ace" in there, but wasn't sure if everyone DHD had that name
*2. edit* Lol apparently i've used the wrong terms. So, Desire HD or Inspire (Apparently their all Ace (As in vendor Ace, like the Desire -> Vendor Bravo))
Inspire is the 4g version DHD was not.
also check the "full" spec list at the bottom of this page
http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-htc-inspire-4g-and-vs-htc-desire-hd/
I've got a german t-mobile branded phone so i'd never be sure where it's from
but yes: DHD is the HSPA version, Inspire 4G is the 4G version (LTE? HSPA+? no clue)
My phone is an American inspire that i bought unlocked online... its actually an ATT phone and not tmobile. If your phone is a Tmobile then its def not american but probably from some other countey instead. Another way to find out is by seeing if you get access to 3g in yoir country. Because att uses frequencies that are different from most other countries around the world, the american Inspire doesnt get access to 3g data in most countries. Apart from that its practicaly the same phone hope this helpzs
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
There are basically 3 versions of the Desire HD.
First is the European/Asian version. It is model A9191 and has high speed data bands of 900/2100. It can be branded or non branded but they are all the same physically. If it says T-mobile on it then it is a European version branded to T-mobile.
2nd is the Telus Desire HD from Canada. It is model A9192 and has high speed data bands of 850/1900. It has no logo denoting it as a branded phone. It also has a second mic by the camera flash used for noise reduction.
3rd is the Inspire 4G from ATT in the USA. It is also model A9192. Physically it is exactly like the Telus Desire HD except it has ATT branding logos on the phone.
All 3 phones are HSPDA compatible. All 3 have the same size memory. All three have the same LCD. In terms of getting at least 3G, if you live in Europe you want the A9191. The A9192 is mainly for North America/parts of South America and can be used in parts of Australia on the Telstra network.
Hi I currently have a A9191 running CM7.2.
When I purchased this phone (in Australia) I was originally on the Vodafone network & I'm now on Telstra NextG (850) - but for high speed data it can only get the "3" network = 2100.
I wanted to know if it is possible to load on the A9192 baseband to "activate" / change to the high speed data bands of 850/1900? Or if there is any other mod to do this?
Or is the physical hardware of the A9191 only capable of the high speed data bands of 900/2100?
Any help or advise would be much appreciated
David_PDA2K said:
Hi I currently have a A9191 running CM7.2.
When I purchased this phone (in Australia) I was originally on the Vodafone network & I'm now on Telstra NextG (850) - but for high speed data it can only get the "3" network = 2100.
I wanted to know if it is possible to load on the A9192 baseband to "activate" / change to the high speed data bands of 850/1900? Or if there is any other mod to do this?
Or is the physical hardware of the A9191 only capable of the high speed data bands of 900/2100?
Any help or advise would be much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know the specs for the dhd, but it is a hardware issue.
Here you go:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=27844700
Sent from a dream.
Thanks Teichopsia,
Looking at this thread, it looks like he was trying to get 4G (inspire4G) out of a 3G device, which I'd say is even harder than just switching bands.
But it doesn't mention anything about the A9192 vs A9291.
Even Qualcomm's site doesn't list a A9192.
I agree it does look like a potentially hardware thing though - i.e. potentially different radio hardware / antenna / firmware... but I don't specifically see this detailed anywhere. Looking to see something that says it is different physical hardware.
The theory I'd like to validate - both Desire HDs use the same MSM8255 chipset, & perhaps you can make a A9191 to a A9292 with flashing the right firmware.
Going to reply to the thread you sent to see if they had any further luck.
Kind Regards,
David.

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