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I want to root my xperia ZL C6506 which has the latest firmware of 10.3.1.a.2.67 and I'm really confused I can find Doomlord easy root which shows how to do this with my firmware but I haven't done it because it shows kernel for C6503 not C6506. Can anyone tell me if this is a problem because I would hate to screw up my phone using wrong kernel? It is really confusing that xperia Z, and ZL have 3 different models. :silly:
jimmydee62 said:
I want to root my xperia ZL C6506 which has the latest firmware of 10.3.1.a.2.67 and I'm really confused I can find Doomlord easy root which shows how to do this with my firmware but I haven't done it because it shows kernel for C6503 not C6506. Can anyone tell me if this is a problem because I would hate to screw up my phone using wrong kernel? It is really confusing that xperia Z, and ZL have 3 different models. :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've use it on my c6502 and it works, just like you said "it shows kernel for C6503 not C6506 or C6502"...
djangobinladen said:
i've use it on my c6502 and it works, just like you said "it shows kernel for C6503 not C6506 or C6502"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in between the 6506 and the 6503, would switching the firmwares around also change the lte frequencies to their respective models (assuming the lte modem is the same)? i really want a 6503 but the people selling them have jacked up the price due to limited availability. whereas the 6506 is much easier and cheaper to buy.
swooc said:
in between the 6506 and the 6503, would switching the firmwares around also change the lte frequencies to their respective models (assuming the lte modem is the same)? i really want a 6503 but the people selling them have jacked up the price due to limited availability. whereas the 6506 is much easier and cheaper to buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, in that case, you should ask SONY about it, but from my perspective, litteraly if you change (upgrade/downgrade) the firmware it will also change the baseband of the device, that's why you should alwalys flash the firmware based on your country not the firmware number.
I remember some guy in this forum said that when he flash the C6503 or the C6506 firmware to his C6502 device the LTE works, even though the C6502 doesn't have LTE integrated. Meaning, the C650X like the AMD TriCore Processor, it has a QuadCore with 1 Core disable.
^i'm sure a question like this is beyond sony's product support.
a user posted earlier in this forum that the lte chips between the 6503 and 6506 are different. which in that case, switching firmware around wouldn't open up new bands. but i figured someone here would have actually tried switching firmwares around and be able to confirm this for me.
I was shopping phones in Hong Kong and had a choice between the Xperia Z1 Compact and the docomo SO-02F. The seller was offering a slightly better price on the docomo SO-02F with addition of the DK31 dock, headphones, and spare magnetic charging cable. I also remembered something about the docomo having a couple better build features than the Z1 Compact so I decided to pull the trigger. Phone was working fine and then I returned to the U.S.A. I decided to go for a new T-Mobile account and here's where I'm having a problem. I can't get any 3G or LTE internet, I only get 2G. Did I screw myself by choosing the docomo SO-02F instead of the Z1 Compact. As far as I can tell, the docomo SO-02F will not give you 3G or LTE internet on the U.S. T-Mobile network.
Help!
If you can get phone call, but no data connection, it is more likely that you forgot to configure the APN settings in Android. Thoses settings aren't built-in the SIM card.
Follow this link, it should fix your problem. http://apn-settings.com/t-mobile-apn-settings-step-by-step-configuration/
GuizmoPhil said:
If you can get phone call, but no data connection, it is more likely that you forgot to configure the APN settings in Android. Thoses settings aren't built-in the SIM card.
Follow this link, it should fix your problem. http://apn-settings.com/t-mobile-apn-settings-step-by-step-configuration/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phone & 2G data connections are working fine. Toyed with APN settings for hours and still no 3G or LTE. Put the card in my Galaxy S2 with same APN settings and everything is fine.
Thanks for trying to help, but I'm pretty sure this phone doesn't have the hardware to support USA T-Mobile. Hope I'm wrong?
Hum, so if I understand correctly, you can't even connect to 3G or LTE for phone calls, only 2G is working on your phone?
If that is the case, have you tried flashing a ROM from another region? Might be that somehow the BAND4 is disabled in the East Asian ROM.
I'm using the Generic UK .757 ROM on my D5503 without any problem and I can see the Vidéotron AWS network when I scan for networks. Vidéotron use the same BAND4 then T-Mobile USA. My carrier (Fido) use LTE on BAND4, I'm using it at the moment.
My guess is that you have a ROM that disabled the BAND4 3G and LTE.
According to the Sony whitepapers, there's only two version of the Z1 Compact, the D5503 and the M51w.
The M51w lack LTE capability. Otherwise both phone supports 3G over BAND4.
See page 5: http://dl-developer.sonymobile.com/documentation/whitepapers/Xperia_Z1_Compact_D5503_WP_4.pdf
What model number is your Z1 Compact? M51w or D5503?
GuizmoPhil said:
What model number is your Z1 Compact? M51w or D5503?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought only China got M51W, and all the other Z1C were the same globally, with the exception of Z1f, where the hardware does differ slighty.
Anyway, Mr/Ms OP, can you check the most basic thing, just so that we can be sure it is something to do with the radio?
Settings -> More....(one line under Xperia connectivity) -> mobile network settings -> Mobile networks -> Network mode -> and then choose the appropriate like LTE (preffered) and make sure it is not on GSM only.
The phone does not come set like this by default (to GSM only) so it is highly unlikely, but I have seen other users who couldn't connect to 3/4g because of this setting.
The more likely culprit is radio compatibility. While Z1c covers t-mobile band IV, looking at wikipedia for NTT Docomo (which is what Z1f should comply to) Z1f does not cover 1700 MHz (UMTS1700 (Band IX(4)).
Docomo devices should cover 1,3,9, 19 and 21, and since 4 is not on there, this could be the cause.
I don't know if this is the reason for sure, but I would assume so.
Assuming that the SoC and antenna are identical in Z1f and Z1c... and
If all above is true, yet you want to use it with in the U.S., you have the choice of changing the carrier, or changing the firmware and radio.
I know Z1f can be rooted, and that is the first step.
Once it is rooted, you can change the firmware.
It might be easier to unlock the bootloader and flash the relevant firmware on it, but that convenience comes with certain terms and conditions..
Thanks for the replies... here's a little more info
My Phone (Purchased in Hong Kong, (but obviously imported from Japan market docomo)
Sony Xperia Z1 f SO-02F (Sony Amami Maki) Specs
Cellular Networks: GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS800 (B6), UMTS850 (B5), UMTS2100 (B1)
Cellular Data Links: GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+
Secondary Cellular Networks: LTE2100 (B1), LTE1800 (B3), LTE800 (B19), LTE1500 (B21)
Secondary Cellular Data Links: LTE, LTE-A
Not My Phone
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact LTE-A D5503 (Sony Amami) Specs
Cellular Networks: GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS850 (B5), UMTS900 (B8), UMTS1700/2100 (B4), UMTS1900 (B2), UMTS2100 (B1)
Cellular Data Links: GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+
Secondary Cellular Networks: LTE2100 (B1), LTE850 (B5), LTE1700/2100 (B4), LTE1800 (B3), LTE2600 (B7), LTE1900 (B2), LTE900 (B8), LTE800 (B20)
Secondary Cellular Data Links: LTE, LTE-A
If I go to settings and select ---> LTE (preferred)/3G/GSM
I can make phone calls and get 2G data. (all via GSM)
If I go to settings and select ---> LTE/3G
I get nothing, no network connection at all.
If I go to settings and select ---> GSM Only
I can make phone calls and get 2G data.
Based on your comment jewelkobayashi, I can't really understand if there's a way for me to root and flash my way out of this mess, or if I'm simply stuck with a piece of hardware that will never be compatible with the T-Mobile 1700 MHz (UMTS1700 Band IX(4). Warranty is irrelevant to me, so if there's a way to zap the firmware into working, I'm all ears :fingers-crossed:
Thanks
Let`s trade phones I will give you my Amami(Z1Compact) for your SO-02F! As far as I know SO-02F has TV Tuner
@cyko
Simply put, I believe that you can flash z1c firmware.
This will render some features like tv tuner redundant, but this should be the least of your concerns, assuming that ofutside of Japan it won't work anyway.
If you do not require root, then flashing is straight forward. You should download the latest flashtool and flash an unbranded Rom of your choice. Just choose a region of Rom that has the same band of LTE as yours.
My guess is that this should be enough to make your phone work. My educated guess is that the antenna within these 2 variants are identical. Even though I did not try the LTE, I had a DoCoMo Rom briefly on my z1 compact, and it worked fine, with reception and all.
jewelkobayashi said:
@cyko
Simply put, I believe that you can flash z1c firmware.
This will render some features like tv tuner redundant, but this should be the least of your concerns, assuming that ofutside of Japan it won't work anyway.
If you do not require root, then flashing is straight forward. You should download the latest flashtool and flash an unbranded Rom of your choice. Just choose a region of Rom that has the same band of LTE as yours.
My guess is that this should be enough to make your phone work. My educated guess is that the antenna within these 2 variants are identical. Even though I did not try the LTE, I had a DoCoMo Rom briefly on my z1 compact, and it worked fine, with reception and all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I highly doubt cross-flashing a Z1C firmware is going to enable Z1C 3G/LTE frequencies.
@Rekoil & @jewelkobayashi
I appreciate the input you have given in this thread. Here's the dilemma I'm facing.
I really can't see how a ROM is going to change the hardware specs. As you can see in my post #6, UMTS1700/2100 (B4) is not listed in the hardware specs of the SO-02F. I could be totally wrong about this, but I guess there's a small possibility that the hardware inside the two models is identical, and programming could be what enables the different cellular networks. IF that IS the case, I don't know the appropriate means to achieve my objective. Are we talking "Firmware", Radio, or ROM?
I'm heading back to Hong Kong in a couple weeks, and I could trade this in on the regular Z1C. I'm sure I'll take a financial hit on trading in at the shop I bought it from, but it is a possible solution.
I'm all up for flashing it, but it would really be helpful if someone could enlighten me on the chances of it working and the proper procedures I need to take to bring it back to exactly stock OEM configuration if it doesn't work. I'm fairly comfortable playing with hardware, but this is my first Sony. It would be great if someone could point me to the exact procedures for backing up the stock configuration and the best options for the T-Mobile USA network.
Thanks!
I think they meant to flash the new z1c firmware for your z1f. As on the tutorial from other thread, to rooted this phone it needed to flash the docomo firmware before flash the other firmware to rooted the phone and it worked for me. I am currently using the uk firmware for my z1c and i lived in Australia. Not so sure if it would work for your case but imo, it is worth to give a shot to see if it works. It is better to waste more money to get something done but if it can be fixed by simply a different firmware. Just follow the guide and you will be all right. All the best of luck man.
cyko said:
@Rekoil & @jewelkobayashi
I appreciate the input you have given in this thread. Here's the dilemma I'm facing.
I really can't see how a ROM is going to change the hardware specs. As you can see in my post #6, UMTS1700/2100 (B4) is not listed in the hardware specs of the SO-02F. I could be totally wrong about this, but I guess there's a small possibility that the hardware inside the two models is identical, and programming could be what enables the different cellular networks. IF that IS the case, I don't know the appropriate means to achieve my objective. Are we talking "Firmware", Radio, or ROM?
I'm heading back to Hong Kong in a couple weeks, and I could trade this in on the regular Z1C. I'm sure I'll take a financial hit on trading in at the shop I bought it from, but it is a possible solution.
I'm all up for flashing it, but it would really be helpful if someone could enlighten me on the chances of it working and the proper procedures I need to take to bring it back to exactly stock OEM configuration if it doesn't work. I'm fairly comfortable playing with hardware, but this is my first Sony. It would be great if someone could point me to the exact procedures for backing up the stock configuration and the best options for the T-Mobile USA network.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find out your customisation number (*#*#SERVICE#*#* > Software Info > Customisation ID), find (or create, there are guides on other Sony phone forums) an FTF of this version, flash Z1C radio (if that doesn't work, try flashing full system/boot/radio, lastly try a full Z1C FTF), if you get a signal, congrats, if not, flash the FTF you found/made and swap the phone out at the retailer, make sure to boot it at least once first.
I should note that I have no idea what this will do to the phone, but most likely there won't be any damage since those of us with Z1C can safely cross-flash to SO-02F in order to root and save our TA partitions without unlocking bootloader.
I think that is a hardware limitation that cannot be changed with another software.
Sent from my D5503
Didn't want to leave this thread hanging and wanted to thank you guys for the input. In the end, I took a look at the amount of time I would need to invest in flashing etc. and decided to return the SO-02F. I wasn't sure a flash would change the hardware spec, and without confirmed experience with the situation, I didn't want to take a chance on screwing up the stock settings. The seller took care of me, but I opted for a new HTC M8 instead of trading for the Z1 Compact.
I haven't had a Sony product for a long time and this one was pretty good. The build quality and hardware specs were nice, battery was fantastic. The camera was a big disappointment, even after tweaking every possible setting. Each brand has a different flashing routine and lingo for customizing, I just wasn't feeling jazzed about the hours of research necessary for familiarity with a new brand of device.
If you happen to flash UMTS1700/2100 to the SO-02F, please let us know.
Hi
I want to get my hands on the HTC One M8. I've saw it on Ebay for 158.88 euros so about 180 USD.
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/HTC-One-M8-Phone-Android-5-Full-HD-32GB-Dual-4MP-Camera-NFC-LTE-Unlocked-argent-/371682565442?hash=item568a01dd42:g:tOYAAOSwyKxXh8Wb
Is it legit ?
I've asked the vendor to check with variant it is.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Darktitor said:
I've asked the vendor to check with variant it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No way to tell from the listing, that its legit. The text looks to be cut and paste, generic specs, aside from the fact that the item is claimed to be new, original packaging, and factory SIM unlocked.
What is more concerning, is the bands listed (as supported by the device) in the top part , don't match what is listed down below the pics.
3G: HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 Mhz
4G: LTE 700/850/1900/2100 Mhz
versus
3G : HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 Mhz
4G : LTE 700 / 850 / 1900 / 2100/ 2600 Mhz
Further adding to the confusion, is that the bands listed in the top part correspond to Euro or Asia version for 3G, but the LTE bands listed come close to the AT&T version (although 2600 is missing, but maybe its a typo). Lower in the listing, the bands supported correspond to T-Mobile version for 3G, but LTE bands listed correspond to the AT&T version.
Frankly, the listing is a mess, and any guess what version you will get. Especially since it currently lists 11 available, so who knows if they are even all the same or different versions.
Vendor has a decent rating. We'll see what they responds with, and see if they know what they are taking about. But from the listing, it doesn't seem that they do.
This may be a stretch, but I'd ask if they are willing to open the box, and send photos of the following:
1) Bootloader screen text (power on the phone to bootloader mode)
2) Photo of the back cover text, near the bottom
3) Photo of the box label that shows model number
Additionally we've seen a lot of vendors selling hacked (to be debranded) US versions of the M8, and then claimed to be new. So phones that have been made s-off, CID and MID changed, so that Euro firmware can be installed, and the phones sometimes even have the back covers physically removed, and replaced with other ones that don't have US carrier logos. So sometimes, you can't even go by the model number on the back cover, as it doesn't match what is inside the phone (which can be determined with fastboot getvar all).
Moral of the story, its hard to know what you are going to get. I'd tread carefully, and only proceed if the vendor can give you some good information about what you are getting; and a good return/refund policy if it doesn't match what they have claimed.
redpoint73 said:
No way to tell from the listing, that its legit. The text looks to be cut and paste, generic specs, aside from the fact that the item is claimed to be new, original packaging, and factory SIM unlocked.
What is more concerning, is the bands listed (as supported by the device) in the top part , don't match what is listed down below the pics.
3G: HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 Mhz
4G: LTE 700/850/1900/2100 Mhz
versus
3G : HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 Mhz
4G : LTE 700 / 850 / 1900 / 2100/ 2600 Mhz
Further adding to the confusion, is that the bands listed in the top part correspond to Euro or Asia version for 3G, but the LTE bands listed come close to the AT&T version (although 2600 is missing, but maybe its a typo). Lower in the listing, the bands supported correspond to T-Mobile version for 3G, but LTE bands listed correspond to the AT&T version.
Frankly, the listing is a mess, and any guess what version you will get. Especially since it currently lists 11 available, so who knows if they are even all the same or different versions.
Vendor has a decent rating. We'll see what they responds with, and see if they know what they are taking about. But from the listing, it doesn't seem that they do.
This may be a stretch, but I'd ask if they are willing to open the box, and send photos of the following:
1) Bootloader screen text (power on the phone to bootloader mode)
2) Photo of the back cover text, near the bottom
3) Photo of the box label that shows model number
Additionally we've seen a lot of vendors selling hacked (to be debranded) US versions of the M8, and then claimed to be new. So phones that have been made s-off, CID and MID changed, so that Euro firmware can be installed, and the phones sometimes even have the back covers physically removed, and replaced with other ones that don't have US carrier logos. So sometimes, you can't even go by the model number on the back cover, as it doesn't match what is inside the phone (which can be determined with fastboot getvar all).
Moral of the story, its hard to know what you are going to get. I'd tread carefully, and only proceed if the vendor can give you some good information about what you are getting; and a good return/refund policy if it doesn't match what they have claimed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Thanks a lot for your reply
Is there a danger if it's an hacked US version ? Does it makes an issues with OTA or things like that?
Their return policy : If I don't like the product I have to pay 25% of the value of the product to send it back to them and get refund :/
EDIT
@redpoint73
Here's their reply
"The phone is new, in sealed package. The phone is original phone."
Darktitor said:
Is there a danger if it's an hacked US version ? Does it makes an issues with OTA or things like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on what variant, and how it was hacked.
If its a US CDMA variant (Verizon, Sprint) it can never be fully converted to other firmware, and will never get an OTA.
AT&T or T-Mob versions may be properly converted to other version (such as Euro or Asia) with s-off, and will get corresponding OTAs.
Darktitor said:
Their return policy : If I don't like the product I have to pay 25% of the value of the product to send it back to them and get refund :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this applies, even in cases where the product doesn't match the description; then I'd say that is a terrible policy.
Darktitor said:
Here's their reply
"The phone is new, in sealed package. The phone is original phone."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This tells you nothing about what version of the M8 you will get (or you can expect to get). Based on the complete lack of info (and confusing/contradictory info in the auction), I'd pass on this listing.
redpoint73 said:
It depends on what variant, and how it was hacked.
If its a US CDMA variant (Verizon, Sprint) it can never be fully converted to other firmware, and will never get an OTA.
AT&T or T-Mob versions may be properly converted to other version (such as Euro or Asia) with s-off, and will get corresponding OTAs.
If this applies, even in cases where the product doesn't match the description; then I'd say that is a terrible policy.
This tells you nothing about what version of the M8 you will get (or you can expect to get). Based on the complete lack of info (and confusing/contradictory info in the auction), I'd pass on this listing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your reply
About the conversion he told me that the M8 support LTE Band 20 and that's only for the International Version right ?
Return policy : Yeah I think
After some others mails they just told me that everything was OEM with original sealed box
I'm confused
Darktitor said:
About the conversion he told me that the M8 support LTE Band 20 and that's only for the International Version right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, yes that is correct.
Darktitor said:
After some others mails they just told me that everything was OEM with original sealed box
I'm confused
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confused by what? It may well be original and sealed. The listing is obviously in error, and probably due to multiple cut/paste mistakes.
redpoint73 said:
As far as I know, yes that is correct.
Confused by what? It may well be original and sealed. The listing is obviously in error, and probably due to multiple cut/paste mistakes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So do you recommend me to go for it or not ?
Darktitor said:
So do you recommend me to go for it or not ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its your decision, in the end.
I personally would never buy from a vendor that won't refund all of your money, if the item doesn't match the description.
And the info in the description contradicts itself. So at a minimum, this vendor is sloppy at their job; and doesn't seem to have a full understanding of the device specs. Is that really the kind of vendor you want to give your hard-earned money to?
I'm curious to know what model people received direct from Moto in the US. My Z Play was given as a gift and bought from Best Buy, but it's XT1635-02, which I keep reading is an International model.
For those in the US that bought direct from Motorola, what's your model number?
mostcallmerob said:
I'm curious to know what model people received direct from Moto in the US. My Z Play was given as a gift and bought from Best Buy, but it's XT1635-02, which I keep reading is an International model.
For those in the US that bought direct from Motorola, what's your model number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The same XT 1635-02...
I ordered my Moto Z Play Droid direct from Motorola, and got model number XT1635-01
XT1635-01 is the Verizon US variant, XT1635-02 is the US AND international varaints, XT1635-03 is the chinese variant. XT1635-02 can be either dual or single sim, and only differs in the software channels(retus, reteu, retla, etc). I think XT1635-03 is dual sim only, but im not sure. If you want to confirm your device is for the US market, go to settings > About phone and check the software channel which should read retus.
Seems silly that they would use the same model number for different regions with different band support. Confusing
catpunt said:
Seems silly that they would use the same model number for different regions with different band support. Confusing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All XT1635-02 variants support the same GSM bands. XT1635-03 supports the chinese WCDMA bands and probably some GSM bands. XT1635-01 supports US CDMA bands and some GSM bands. Arguably motorola probably just disabled the CDMA and WCDMA bands on the XT1635-02 so that people would actually buy the phone from verizon as opposed to buying it from the manufacturer. Which verizon made a deal with them to try and grab more customers by saying "Look at this innovative new phone! Only here at Verizon!" as is clearly obvious by the phone being exclucive for a few months before international release.
jon7701 said:
All XT1635-02 variants support the same GSM bands. XT1635-03 supports the chinese WCDMA bands and probably some GSM bands. XT1635-01 supports US CDMA bands and some GSM bands. Arguably motorola probably just disabled the CDMA and WCDMA bands on the XT1635-02 so that people would actually buy the phone from verizon as opposed to buying it from the manufacturer. Which verizon made a deal with them to try and grab more customers by saying "Look at this innovative new phone! Only here at Verizon!" as is clearly obvious by the phone being exclucive for a few months before international release.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps, but that doesn't support why the Europe and USA versions of the unlocked XT1635-02 have different band support. Seems like this wouldn't have anything to do with Verizon exclusivity, and if the hardware support is there, why not make all bands available for true world support?
catpunt said:
Perhaps, but that doesn't support why the Europe and USA versions of the unlocked XT1635-02 have different band support. Seems like this wouldn't have anything to do with Verizon exclusivity, and if the hardware support is there, why not make all bands available for true world support?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Checking motorola's site on the band support, XT1632-02 retus supports UMTS band 1700, reteu does not, however reteu support LTE bands 25 and 41, while retus does not. One of the reasons companies love proprietary software is because they can get away with doing things they dont want you to know about. Motorola can disable select bands on different variants and knows you have no way of enabling them (or even knowing if you can) since you do not have access to their source code. I cannot say for 100% sure that every variant supports the same bands hardware wise, but it would cost motorola more money to manufacture the phone with 3 or 4 different radios than it would be to just include 1 radio and then disable what they dont want you to access. The support I have that they do use this practice is because all XT1635-02 still have the pins for a second sim even on the single sim models. This would reduce manufacturing costs by skipping an unneeded step of seperating the phones between dual and single sim. On the Moto X Play some people were even able to activate the second sim on single sim only models. If you were around during the Nexus 4 era, Google intentionally disabled 4G LTE on that phone for seemingly no reason. Devs were able to figure that out and were able to unlock the 4G LTE capabilities. About Verizon exclucivity, if motorola disables the CDMA bands on their international model, you have to buy your phone from verizon if you want to use it on verizon. Lenovo (Motorola) has had big success with verizon exclucives from their droid series and they want to keep it that way. So in order to make costumers keep buying Droid phones they make it so that you have buy from verizon if you want CDMA support or you're SOL. This also allows verizon to lock down what CDMA carriers the phone can be used on (Which currently is only verizon AFAIK). Why they dont just enable all bands on all models is a good question, but once again it could have to do with the Verizon exclucivity because remember the verizon model was the first to be released. You had to buy the phone from verizon or motorola in order to get it which helps the Droid series sell. Releasing the phone 3 months later with global support could hurt the Droid series and potentially piss of customers.
jon7701 said:
Checking motorola's site on the band support, XT1632-02 retus supports UMTS band 1700, reteu does not, however reteu support LTE bands 25 and 41, while retus does not. One of the reasons companies love proprietary software is because they can get away with doing things they dont want you to know about. Motorola can disable select bands on different variants and knows you have no way of enabling them (or even knowing if you can) since you do not have access to their source code. I cannot say for 100% sure that every variant supports the same bands hardware wise, but it would cost motorola more money to manufacture the phone with 3 or 4 different radios than it would be to just include 1 radio and then disable what they dont want you to access. The support I have that they do use this practice is because all XT1635-02 still have the pins for a second sim even on the single sim models. This would reduce manufacturing costs by skipping an unneeded step of seperating the phones between dual and single sim. On the Moto X Play some people were even able to activate the second sim on single sim only models. If you were around during the Nexus 4 era, Google intentionally disabled 4G LTE on that phone for seemingly no reason. Devs were able to figure that out and were able to unlock the 4G LTE capabilities. About Verizon exclucivity, if motorola disables the CDMA bands on their international model, you have to buy your phone from verizon if you want to use it on verizon. Lenovo (Motorola) has had big success with verizon exclucives from their droid series and they want to keep it that way. So in order to make costumers keep buying Droid phones they make it so that you have buy from verizon if you want CDMA support or you're SOL. This also allows verizon to lock down what CDMA carriers the phone can be used on (Which currently is only verizon AFAIK).
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Thanks for the detailed info.
One weird thing is this: according to http://willmyphonework.net/ the unlocked USA version of the Moto Z Play has partial T-Mobile 3G and 4G support, while the unlocked Europe version has partial T-Mobile 3G support and full 4G support. However the unlocked Mexico version apparently has full 2G/3G/4G support. ??? Sounds like the USA version is actually the worst in terms of band support for T-Mobile.
catpunt said:
Thanks for the detailed info.
One weird thing is this: according to http://willmyphonework.net/ the unlocked USA version of the Moto Z Play has partial T-Mobile 3G and 4G support, while the unlocked Europe version has partial T-Mobile 3G support and full 4G support. However the unlocked Mexico version apparently has full 2G/3G/4G support. ??? Sounds like the USA version is actually the worst in terms of band support for T-Mobile.
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Funny enough on their motorola's own website, they say the US version only has partial support for AT&T and full support for T-Mobile. https://www.motorola.com/us/carrier-compatibility I guess we'll never know whats going through the minds of the people at Lenovo. I also added a bit to my previous post about the global bit of your question.
Something to remember is that for most handset manufacturers, the carrier is their customer, not you. When handset manufacturers have a new phone to sell, they hand-make some prototypes and hawk them around the carriers (networks). If the network likes it, they will usually say "I'll only take it if it has this, this and this, and has that, that and that removed". Manufacturer then does some horse trading, hence "that would be uneconomic to remove from hardware, but we can disable it in the firmware".
Eventually they reach agreement and the network says "deal, I'll take 500,00" (for example) and agrees the payment. It's those advance payments (or borrowing against them) that fund the cost of production, and hopefully leave some profit left over for the manufacturer. This is why what the networks want always takes precedence - international unlocked sales are always a complete unknown, and usually a very small part of total sales. For most handset manufacturers, it's those exclusive deals with networks that keep the lights on. Only the iPhone ever bucked that trend, by being seen as a single product with such high demand that it gave the manufacturer more power than the networks. Android phones are divided between lots of different models and multiple manufacturers, which means that the manufacturer's bargaining power for a single model is very limited.
jon7701 said:
Funny enough on their motorola's own website, they say the US version only has partial support for AT&T and full support for T-Mobile. https://www.motorola.com/us/carrier-compatibility I guess we'll never know whats going through the minds of the people at Lenovo. I also added a bit to my previous post about the global bit of your question.
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Are you saying the info on the moto site isn't 100% correct? I wanted to get one of these for AT&T but it shows it is only somewhat compatible compared to Tmobile i
also see no checkmark by republic wireless, but I know for a fact RW is selling them on their website, and there is even a RW promo taking place in a few days with the z play
x000x said:
Are you saying the info on the moto site isn't 100% correct? I wanted to get one of these for AT&T but it shows it is only somewhat compatible compared to Tmobile i
also see no checkmark by republic wireless, but I know for a fact RW is selling them on their website, and there is even a RW promo taking place in a few days with the z play
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I have AT&T and am having no issues with signal. I get EDGE, HSPA, HSPA+, and LTE. I actually get better signal on AT&T than I did on verizon on my Moto X Pure (AT&T also costs me almost 3x less as well ). AT&T uses LTE bands 2, 4, 5, 17, and recently (from what ive heard) 12. XT1635-02 retus supports all of those bands (it lists supported bands on the box).
I ordered a LG GM710ULM from a well-reviewed seller on eBay. It was listed as new condition.
I received it yesterday and on the box, the model says LM710ULMBLTPL. I think the "PL" is for the Platinum. When I booted it up, the model number is the LM-710ULM, the serial number is populated, and the software version is the 11g and security patch is November 2018. When I tried to "Check for updates" , it said there were no updates available. There's no SIM card in it, so I'm not sure if that affects the ability to check updates. I don't see any signs of any carrier apps. All
When I looked up the IMEI on one of the free checkers, it comes back with the model as LMG710ULM, but the network is listed as "ABC Brightpoint" and Location is "N". As I've poked around, it looks like this is some sort of regional variant, but still from the U.S. But I can't find any cell provider named "Brightpoint".
When I checked the IMEI on T-Mobile's website, it gave me an error. But when I used the chat support feature, the rep was able to look it up and confirm it's not blacklisted and should be able to be activated on T-mobile. When I ran the IMEI through Verizon's online checker, it told me it wasn't compatible with Verizon's network. Which is a bit unsettling since the unlocked version should be able to be activated on any network.
Can anyone offer some insight on what the Brightpoint version is and how it may be different from the plain vanilla 710ULM ? Willl it be covered by the LG manufacturer warranty and get updates? Is there any way to be sure it's not refurb or flashed?
Thanks!
The fact that you have a populated serial number is a good sign. Brightpoint has released legitimate firmware for the ULM model, but I still no nothing about them as a company (might be worth a search of the forms... I think I remember someone talking about them as an LG partner). As seen here, I think the 11g update was the last update they released, but it should be possible to switch over to GFI or LG's vanilla USA firmware (this will likely require the use of LGUP), both of which are the same as far as I can tell, however there are different contact and dialer apps that get used depending on which network you are on, as well a Google Fi app that is either enabled or disabled by default.
Regardless of what the VZW website said, you should have access to all 4 major carriers in the US. I don't know if you have a specific provider in mind or a solution that uses multiple carriers such as Google Fi or Straight Talk, but you should be good to go (although I would recommend flashing to the latest "USA" kdz, which sadly is still not Pie!)
This is exactly what happened to me. What did you find out? What did you end up doing? I was expecting the ULM.AUSAPL model but got the ULM.BPTPL. Apparently Brightpoint is a CDMA company. Does this mean not all GSM bands will be accessible on this BPT firmware? Ya, seems their latest update is still from 12/2018 (11g) instead of USA firmware from 3/2019 (10j). Trying not to have to flash/root. Odd that Verizon said not compatible when it too is CDMA? Really having trouble finding the TRUE factory unlocked ULM.AUSA version. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Any info? Really would like to know what you found out. Did you keep the phone? Encounter any problems? ANY info would be greatly appreciated. DeeBG: maybe you can answer this: (BrightPoint is CDMA "provider" for all those tiny regional carriers) Since this "factory unlocked" ULM version is BPT does this mean that some or all of the GSM frequency bands are "disabled" for this model? And the USA version (GSM according to LG) has the CDMA bands "disabled"? And the GFI has all bands "enabled"? (for Fi auto switching) Is this how it works or what? Very confusing. Please help clarify this. Thanks.
I got one of the ULM versions off the bay too recently....it would not work on VZN...they denied activating it. I believe it does not have some bands needed. No pie for it either....so sent it back and got the VM version for vzn.
TRW1 said:
Any info? Really would like to know what you found out. Did you keep the phone? Encounter any problems? ANY info would be greatly appreciated. DeeBG: maybe you can answer this: (BrightPoint is CDMA "provider" for all those tiny regional carriers) Since this "factory unlocked" ULM version is BPT does this mean that some or all of the GSM frequency bands are "disabled" for this model? And the USA version (GSM according to LG) has the CDMA bands "disabled"? And the GFI has all bands "enabled"? (for Fi auto switching) Is this how it works or what? Very confusing. Please help clarify this. Thanks.
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Sadly the confusion + lack of information is rampant for this phone, and this is down to one major reason. The chipset used in all LG G7 phones is the same (Qualcomm Snapdragon 845), however due to carrier subsidies and other sketchy reasons, the active bands are dictated by whoever sold the phone.
There are two providers in the US that I'm aware of that make use of all four major networks (those being Google Fi and Straight Talk). There are multiple free and ad-supported apps in the Google Play store that claim to be able to tell you which bands are supported by your phone (I only know of their existence and so cannot recommend one that's more accurate than another).
Thanks for responding! Boy..............."lack of information for this phone" is the understatement of the year! You aren't kidding! I've been trying to find out more for days but seem to get either very basic answers or different answers from different sources. So frustrating! Even LG is very vague in their answers. Just want to know if I will encounter any problems trying to use this on GSM networks when this is technically on CDMA firmware? And just cross-flashing this to the USA firmware will NOT "enable" all the GSM bands, right? RR125: A bunch of reflashed G7's have been being sold online, making my search for true answers even more frustrating. Did it come factory sealed? Meaning clear round stickers on both the sides? If not, then you may have received one of the models being reflashed to make it look like it is a ULM model. Which is bait and switch and illegal.
I'm in the same boat. I signed up for Google Fi and purchased my G710ULM from Amazon a couple months ago. I experienced issues immediately. WiFi calling didn't work; every time it was enabled I could see ER081 up top. After 1.5 months of terrible service, I downloaded Signal Spy and came to the realization that I was only ever connecting to T-Mobile. If I attempted to manually switch to the Sprint network, I'd get a message like "configuring mobile data". After about a couple minutes, my SIM card would lock and it told me to reboot my phone. If I attempted to switch to U.S. Cellular's network, I would get phone and data, but my phone number changed to a Nebraska number (note, I live in Missouri).
At about that time, I started researching the different firmware versions (with great difficulty) and found that I had a Brightpoint-specific firmware (11g). I've since used LGUP to flash to firmware 10j (Google Fi's latest G710ULM firmware). This has improved but not fixed my situation. I can now make WiFi calls, I can connect to T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular and keep my phone number on U.S. Cellular. However, when I attempt to connect to Sprint, I still get that "configuring mobile data" message and the SIM card locks. I ordered a new SIM card from Google Fi a couple days back and intend to test this phone with the updated card, but I've got a feeling that something else is at play here preventing me from connecting to Sprint.
Similar to other people, I did an IMEI lookup and while it comes up on the free IMEI checker sites, most of the main networks' checkers (ATT, TMobile, Verizon, Sprint) tell me that the phone is either incompatible with their network or they can't find it in their DB.
Potential SIM card issues aside, does anyone have any other ideas why I may not be able to connect to Sprint?
-Nick
It could always be a hardware issue but it sounds like the phone is not getting provisioned to work on Sprint. Can you verify SprintDM.apk is installed? You will likely need to install a third party app such as system app safe remover from Play store.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...ribute-LG-Wireless-Devices-Accessories-United
Brightpoint sells both cdma & gsm LG phones and are distributors nowadays who sell to other carriers.
The bands on the phone are locked and not capable of being used unless you unlock them via qpst or cdma workshop.
But these firmwares provided have them directly locked in the kernel.
loonycgb2 said:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/h...ribute-LG-Wireless-Devices-Accessories-United
Brightpoint sells both cdma & gsm LG phones and are distributors nowadays who sell to other carriers.
The bands on the phone are locked and not capable of being used unless you unlock them via qpst or cdma workshop.
But these firmwares provided have them directly locked in the kernel.
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So if a Brightpoint ULM model was flashed with GFI ULM kdz why should it be GSM only unless they are different hardware version like TM? ULM hardware devices should support CDMA LTE bands.
mr3p said:
So if a Brightpoint ULM model was flashed with GFI ULM kdz why should it be GSM only unless they are different hardware version TM? ULM hardware devices should support CDMA LTE bands.
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Snapdragon 845 no matter what phone will come with the same qualcomm modem as no manufacturer/carrier will take the extra cost to modify design.
But since the bands are locked via nvram, its upto the manufacturer and/or the distributer that loads the software to choose what will be locked or unlocked.
Bands can be locked via android kernel, but operators do nvram to protect phones from being used out of what they need or want.