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Can i please get some advice? (sorry a bit long but thought i need to provide the background info).
I have been given a Samsung Note 7 as a compensation-related gift by my network operator Vodafone and to cut a very long story short i have almost exhausted all possibilities with Vodafone and Samsung to get it exchanged for a different model or a credit.
I am currently looking at the possibilities of keeping my Note 7 if i feel i can assess (and possibly repair) it privately to confirm the safety implications and any other issues that may come up.
My questions are as follows:
1. Has anyone had success changing the Imei and model number? The reason is to protect myself from network barring and to retain app support. I have a previous Note and can use the imei. My plan was to change the model to G935F that of an S7 Edge. (There are some sites i came across but I wasn’t sure the guides were tested)
2. Can i root it and will i be able to update it regularly from core android?
3. Will the Wifi-calling feature work? Sounds like a small thing but its quite important. I have this feature on my Note 7 already and activated on my account and its very useful to me.
I live in the UK and I am an Engineer by trade. I worked for a cellular phone repair centre a number of years ago that specialised with Samsung and Nokia phones.
Whilst i have some experience and contacts in the industry, my knowledge of the current software/ firmware platforms on the market is limited so i would greatly appreciate any advice you can give.
Thanks in advance
not too sure about how you would transplant the hardcoded iemi number mate... are uk note 7s actually confirmed being banned?
You can root it and from that you can add features from the xposed library that will surely extend the life of your note 7 for years.. by which time the note 8 should be out in some form.
I read on maybe this site, or another, that someone had their Note 7 thinking it was the S7 yet still fully functioning as a Note 7 (Grace UI, etc)
sonhy said:
not too sure about how you would transplant the hardcoded iemi number mate... are uk note 7s actually confirmed being banned?
You can root it and from that you can add features from the xposed library that will surely extend the life of your note 7 for years.. by which time the note 8 should be out in some form.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for info. I'm not sure if they will fully inforce a ban but the procedure for returning the n7's is pretty much the same, minus the fire proof boxes (read into that what you like). I want to see what needs to be put in place if they do.
Any idiots guide for rooting and where to download files would be appreciated.
The Phone Company said:
I read on maybe this site, or another, that someone had their Note 7 thinking it was the S7 yet still fully functioning as a Note 7 (Grace UI, etc)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do that would be great.
I'm trying to stoke up some support in the uk to appeal to Samsung to at least reassess the n7's already out there but there's only a few interested. I believe there is more support in the US which may provide a much stronger case.
ccsuk said:
If you do that would be great.
I'm trying to stoke up some support in the uk to appeal to Samsung to at least reassess the n7's already out there but there's only a few interested. I believe there is more support in the US which may provide a much stronger case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The official release date in the UK for the Note 7 was next week, October 28th, which ironically was the same date as the Note 2 release, Note Edge release and Galaxy View release, just different years.
Call me crazy, I recognize a pattern here.
I am a serious Note user, so instead of following the crowd I will either consider the LARGE 18.4" Galaxy View or the 6" Curved Screen Huawei Mate 9. Hmmm, Mate, Note?
For some strange reason there aren't many Samsung Stylus Devices available, can't find the Note Pro 12.2 on sale anywhere. Something is definitely up. All I know is I feel sorry for those Pixel, iPhone 7, V20 blinded sheeple.
What's their reason for refusing to exchange?
Sent from my MI PAD 2 using Tapatalk
BozQ said:
What's their reason for refusing to exchange?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung can't help because I didn't buy it direct and Vodafone said it was giving to me as a gift and not linked to my account so I need to deal with Samsung. I know this sounds ludicrous but Vodafone are a nightmare and I was ready to book myself into rehab after the effects of previous issues. I could take this up with an ombudsman but it takes time and I'm not sure I have the energy.
ccsuk said:
Samsung can't help because I didn't buy it direct and Vodafone said it was giving to me as a gift and not linked to my account so I need to deal with Samsung. I know this sounds ludicrous but Vodafone are a nightmare and I was ready to book myself into rehab after the effects of previous issues. I could take this up with an ombudsman but it takes time and I'm not sure I have the energy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The recall is voluntary. Do not believe those people who say your IMEI will be blocked or barred. It will only be blocked if the phone was purchased in a payment plan and You fail to return it. Or if You fail to keep the payments. The recall is absolutely VOLUNTARY. Do not be afraid. Many of us are keeping the phone, because we know the risk is now minimal.
All electronics have the possibility to fail. All batteries have the risk of catching fires. This risk is a lot greater when the device begins their lifecycle. So now the risk is minimal. Samsung did not take "probability" into consideration before sending those replacement phones. Meaning if you had 50 in 2 million to catch fire with the original. Now you had 50+30* of catching fire in the replacement. (*More o Less)
Samsung has a great opportunity to collect data and usage information with us. Otherwise if people panic they will just scrap the Note Series all together.
Good Luck! ?
Sent from my SM-N930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
In short: No you can't change your IMEI, but that is not needed. If you don't want Samsung to directly know that your device is a Note 7, you need to change your device name in build.prop (but to do this you need root) and to deactivate software updates.
But I recommend you to not use the device. Samsung may not release any software updates, and the risk of exploding is still there. Even if the risk is very small, it can happen at any time, and the more time you spend with this device, the bigger is the risk.
SaschaHa said:
In short: No you can't change your IMEI, but that is not needed. If you don't want Samsung to directly know that your device is a Note 7, you need to change your device name in build.prop (but to do this you need root) and to deactivate software updates.
But I recommend you to not use the device. Samsung may not release any software updates, and the risk of exploding is still there. Even if the risk is very small, it can happen at any time, and the more time you spend with this device, the bigger is the risk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply SaschaHa. I am just weighing up my options while waiting for a reply from Samsung hq. If i was use it I would be after I had assessed it internally.
Although Samsung wont provide updates will I be able to semi - regularly update it manually from stock? Eg nougat 7 was originally in the pipeline for the n7.
Also would wifi - calling get carried over/ integrated in the build?
CerveCesar said:
The recall is voluntary. Do not believe those people who say your IMEI will be blocked or barred. It will only be blocked if the phone was purchased in a payment plan and You fail to return it. Or if You fail to keep the payments. The recall is absolutely VOLUNTARY. Do not be afraid. Many of us are keeping the phone, because we know the risk is now minimal.
All electronics have the possibility to fail. All batteries have the risk of catching fires. This risk is a lot greater when the device begins their lifecycle. So now the risk is minimal. Samsung did not take "probability" into consideration before sending those replacement phones. Meaning if you had 50 in 2 million to catch fire with the original. Now you had 50+30* of catching fire in the replacement. (*More o Less)
Samsung has a great opportunity to collect data and usage information with us. Otherwise if people panic they will just scrap the Note Series all together.
Good Luck! ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks CerveCesar for your advice. How will you be upgrading your roms ie to nougat 7 etc?
ccsuk said:
Thanks for your reply SaschaHa. I am just weighing up my options while waiting for a reply from Samsung hq. If i was use it I would be after I had assessed it internally.
Although Samsung wont provide updates will I be able to semi - regularly update it manually from stock? Eg nougat 7 was originally in the pipeline for the n7.
Also would wifi - calling get carried over/ integrated in the build?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You only can update it manually if some rom developers port firmwares from other Samsung devices to the Note 7 (if Samsung doesn't release updates). But that mostly is only possible for the same Android version, so there might never be a Nougat rom for Note 7. So then the only possibility to get a newer Android version is to use a AOSP / CM(14) based rom, if a developer created one for the Note 7. But without proper drivers by Samsung, that's difficult. And I think, the most developers are going to use other devices instead of risking a burning N7.
ccsuk said:
Thanks CerveCesar for your advice. How will you be upgrading your roms ie to nougat 7 etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm staying factory. I did not disable the 80% battery option because we ran a study and found overcharging to be 1 of 3 factors in starting fires. If Samsung sends the Nougat update, then I will just update. The customs ROMs I'm not a big fan of, because it seem one always looses some cool feature like heart monitor, Samsung Pay or scanner. I got a Note 3 that I plan to use as my flying phone and my Note 7 will be my daily driver
Sent from my SM-N930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
CerveCesar said:
I'm staying factory. I did not disable the 80% battery option because we ran a study and found overcharging to be 1 of 3 factors in starting fires. If Samsung sends the Nougat update, then I will just update. The customs ROMs I'm not a big fan of, because it seem one always looses some cool feature like heart monitor, Samsung Pay or scanner. I got a Note 3 that I plan to use as my flying phone and my Note 7 will be my daily driver
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean 60% battery limitation update? Fyi I spoke with a samsung rep today that had called into one of the stores, he believes there is a kill type update coming to force customers hands. I have the 1st addition (non batt update) so if I was to keep it I would have to root. As mentioned wifi calling is also an issue. Samsungs got a lot to answer for ditching such a great device and one that can be repaired
ccsuk said:
Do you mean 60% battery limitation update? Fyi I spoke with a samsung rep today that had called into one of the stores, he believes there is a kill type update coming to force customers hands. I have the 1st addition (non batt update) so if I was to keep it I would have to root. As mentioned wifi calling is also an issue. Samsungs got a lot to answer for ditching such a great device and one that can be repaired
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless they have a Sprint Note 7 60% otherwise you can bump up to 80% charge. I recommend you get advise from an Engineer rather than a Sales Rep
I no longer have the pictures but click:
1.- Settings
2.- Device Maintenance
3.- Battery Icon
4.- Advanced Settings Menu
5.- Disable the "Limit maximum charge to 60%" tab
?
Sent from my SM-N930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
ccsuk said:
Samsung can't help because I didn't buy it direct and Vodafone said it was giving to me as a gift and not linked to my account so I need to deal with Samsung. I know this sounds ludicrous but Vodafone are a nightmare and I was ready to book myself into rehab after the effects of previous issues. I could take this up with an ombudsman but it takes time and I'm not sure I have the energy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CerveCesar said:
The recall is voluntary. Do not believe those people who say your IMEI will be blocked or barred. It will only be blocked if the phone was purchased in a payment plan and You fail to return it. Or if You fail to keep the payments. The recall is absolutely VOLUNTARY. Do not be afraid. Many of us are keeping the phone, because we know the risk is now minimal.
All electronics have the possibility to fail. All batteries have the risk of catching fires. This risk is a lot greater when the device begins their lifecycle. So now the risk is minimal. Samsung did not take "probability" into consideration before sending those replacement phones. Meaning if you had 50 in 2 million to catch fire with the original. Now you had 50+30* of catching fire in the replacement. (*More o Less)
Samsung has a great opportunity to collect data and usage information with us. Otherwise if people panic they will just scrap the Note Series all together.
Good Luck! ?
Sent from my SM-N930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to be clear about something. You guys are from the UK, yes?
Is the recall not the same as the US or elsewhere where the recall is mandatory and not voluntary?
BozQ said:
I just want to be clear about something. You guys are from the UK, yes?
Is the recall not the same as the US or elsewhere where the recall is mandatory and not voluntary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not from the UK however I did purchase the Singapore (Same as UK) version and I'm using it on ATT Mexico.
Please refer to the Voluntary recall at: http://www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/
As of today the recall is only mandatory in Germany. Note 7 is banned on all flights in the US and part of Mexico. The mandatory recall will take time as the Consumer Product Safety Commission has to run a full investigation on the matter
Sent from my SM-N930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
BozQ said:
I just want to be clear about something. You guys are from the UK, yes?
Is the recall not the same as the US or elsewhere where the recall is mandatory and not voluntary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am
CerveCesar said:
I'm not from the UK however I did purchase the Singapore (Same as UK) version and I'm using it on ATT Mexico.
Please refer to the Voluntary recall at: http://www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/
As of today the recall is only mandatory in Germany. Note 7 is banned on all flights in the US and part of Mexico. The mandatory recall will take time as the Consumer Product Safety Commission has to run a full investigation on the matter
Sent from my SM-N930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello from Singapore then.
I suppose you're keeping your unit then.
I got this phone mostly because the hardware specs were top notch and my old Zenfone 2 (Z00A) had amazing CM support and even an official bootloader unlock. The ZS570KL still has yet to get so much as a root. Going from CM to the bloated, ugly stock ROM hasn't been fun and I can't wait to get something better. I've prodded ASUS for info on a bootloader unlock and they have basically just said that they can't comment on a release date, or if it's even coming at all.
Is there any active development for this phone or is it just dead?
it's active, but what you see here, is all answered questions that we ask already, so there isn't much we can do , until we get from asus. And then alert every develop out there to start making custom roms for this phone.
I think many people like myself are waiting on the bootloader unlock before buying. If they are going to release it, it better be soon. Else they risk newer phones coming out that trump the specs of this phone that ARE developer friendly. This ship had almost sailed to be honest. What are they waiting for?
Rhokk said:
This ship had almost sailed to be honest.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm almost regretting buying it to be honest. I really expected it to be popular in the dev community especially given ASUS' history and that bootloader unlocks are already available for the non deluxe ZF3 and even the ZS550KL. The LG V20, the other phone I was heavily considering waiting for, came out almost a month after this phone already has some ROMs coming out.
This phone has amazing specs and design but is just let down so much by terrible firmware and a completely dead dev community. It's a shame.
Your absolutely correct. Such a shame that a beast of a phone goes quietly in the night. It would've been such an upgrade from my Nexus 6P.
My wild guess is that Asus will release our unlock around April-June when phones are starting to come out with the next snapdragon chipset and 6gig ram is all over the market. At that time, the qualities that make this special will be gone. I don't understand this logic at all.
I really like this phone but all the ways Asus tried to kill its success boggles my mind. The lack of an official bootloader when all their other models have one is just another nail in the coffin of an otherwise really good phone. I thought Asus had learned their lesson... guess not.
The 3 biggest reasons for failure in the dev community:
1. No Bootloader (yet)
2. Price
3. Availability
Its dumbfounding. Such a beautiful phone with amazing specs and Asus care absolutely zero about marketing this phone outside Asia. I had to buy it online because they decided not sell it in Canada. And even online the availability is limited to Taiwan only with every reseller getting it from there in short supply. I don't even think there is a north american model. Why not have faith in your brand? Asus said they didn't think the deluxe would do well in north america with all the competition so they abandoned it. They also thought the phone would not sell because its too expensive but then realized demand for it exceeded the supply and decided to increase production.
freestyla85 said:
Its dumbfounding. Such a beautiful phone with amazing specs and Asus care absolutely zero about marketing this phone outside Asia. I had to buy it online because they decided not sell it in Canada. And even online the availability is limited to Taiwan only with every reseller getting it from there in short supply. I don't even think there is a north american model. Why not have faith in your brand? Asus said they didn't think the deluxe would do well in north america with all the competition so they abandoned it. They also thought the phone would not sell because its too expensive but then realized demand for it exceeded the supply and decided to increase production.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like a surefire recipe for failure to me....
I have the SD821 versian, I had to pay through the teeth to get it then when it gets shown to others thet all want to know where to get it and how much it cost. Word of mouth is a great way to do business but the product MUST be available.
I had the subforum tab open to check up on this later, but I'm updating some software right now and noticed this post title... I still have the phone unopened in the box Amazon shipped it in. I guess this is Asus' loss releasing a phone during the only extended return period of the year. I've read a few negatives on the ZF3 Deluxe like low headphone volume and intermittent Bluetooth, but unlocking is what I want.
Since I have until the end of next month to return it to Amazon I figured I would pick up the OnePlus 3T and give it a try - free 15 day return period. I thought, what the heck - I paid more for the ZF3 so why not get the 128GB 3T? Added it to my cart and on the checkout page it gave an estimated date (was within 9 days). I wanted to see what I said the ETA would be on the 64GB model that was listed as shipping within 3 weeks and removed the 128GB model. Went to add the 128GB model back in less than a minute after checking the 64GB model...sold out and it's been like for the last 2 weeks. Talk about frustrating! I ended up ordering the 64GB model and figure I can just send it back to OnePlus when the 128GB's are back in but I'm afraid they still won't be available to order at the end of January. So here is this ZF3 D I don't think I really want. :/
jsheradin, you said the bootloader is unlocked for the other ZF3 models - any idea why not this version of the Deluxe?
If it made any sense, there would be no doubt Asus wanted the ZF3 to fail.
Toki_Wartooth said:
jsheradin, you said the bootloader is unlocked for the other ZF3 models - any idea why not this version of the Deluxe?
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Click to collapse
Yep, the unlock is available for everything but the 820 and 821 variants. I assume it's simply that these processors require a little more work to make an unlock utility for, but I'm just guessing at that point.
jsheradin said:
Yep, the unlock is available for everything but the 820 and 821 variants. I assume it's simply that these processors require a little more work to make an unlock utility for, but I'm just guessing at that point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the Deluxe 5.5" (ZS550kl) screen has an SD820 and it has the bootloader unlock app. It's just the 5.7" ones that don't.
If I had the SD820 in the 5.7" variant I might try to unlock but I have the SD821...
ultramag69 said:
Actually, the Deluxe 5.5" (ZS550kl) screen has an SD820 and it has the bootloader unlock app. It's just the 5.7" ones that don't.
If I had the SD820 in the 5.7" variant I might try to unlock but I have the SD821...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On Asus site it is said that the zs550kl as a Qualcomm s625 so be careful with what you write...
Sent from my ASUS_Z016D using XDA-Developers mobile app
jsheradin said:
Yep, the unlock is available for everything but the 820 and 821 variants. I assume it's simply that these processors require a little more work to make an unlock utility for, but I'm just guessing at that point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love the phone only had it a week but so far i have had only 1 issue with the BT disconnecting from my gear S3. only reason i want to unlock is so i can use titanium backup, if there is a good back up without root please let me know.
ultramag69 said:
Actually, the Deluxe 5.5" (ZS550kl) screen has an SD820
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not. The ZS550KL has a single version and it is a snapdragon 625. It has the same processor as the non deluxe ZF3 (Z3520KL) which came out before the deluxes. They probably already made the unlock for the non deluxe and it required very little work to make it work for the 5.5 deluxe. The 820/821 versions did not have that luck and they likely have to make the unlock from scratch.
Hey, I agree with all on this thread. I have the Zen 2 deluxe SE with Cyangenmod and its a great phone. Purchased the Zen 3 but have yet to use it because I cannot root. I also read that Cyangenmod is no longer offering custom ROM or am I not understanding their changes? Does this mean the chances of a custom rom for Zen 3 is out? I also upgraded my wife's phone (S5) to the same Zen 3 deluxe (ZS570KL / 256gb hd / 6gb ram / 821 chip) and she hates it... calls keep dropping signal is low and it does not even say LTE. I did a speedtest comparison betwen her Zen 3 and my Zen 2 and it was faster. Hers is also disconnecting from cellular (AT&T) data and does not show 4G anymore along with no push notifications of emails.
Anyone else having these issues?
Joining in on the bandwagon to vent (really)... This was my # 1 phone to get in 2016, despite the lack of Quad HD screen (especially for the price), but Asus botched it BIG TIME! The price on the SD821 model, even more frustrating, the lack of availability, even during the holiday season, and of course, now announcing their new 2017 models, with no unlocked BLs or Root... what an opportunity missed! Would have been such a strong jab against the 3T, but they ruined it!
I bugged Asus again via email and received this response, again:
"Temporary we haven't got the accurate time the unlock tool would be released for this ZS570KL.
But we will transfer customers' wishes to the related department for further development.
Also please note that ASUS does not actually asssit with unlocking of the Android Bootloader. I must advise that you do so at your own risk, as once the boot loader is unloked it will void your warranty."
I'm just hoping there is an unofficial unlock at this point. The stock ROM seems to somehow get more buggy and slow day by day. Is anyone else having issues with the screen taking forever to turn on after using fingerprint/pressing the side button?
jsheradin said:
I bugged Asus again via email and received this response, again:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey do you mind posting your email so I can send a similar one (I'm not sure what to say ) The squeaky wheel gets the oil after all
autoreleasepool said:
Hey do you mind posting your email so I can send a similar one (I'm not sure what to say ) The squeaky wheel gets the oil after all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this form to submit it: https://vip.asus.com/VIP2/Services/QuestionForm/TechQuery?lang=en-us
I just said, "When can the bootloader unlock utility be expected to be released?"
They responded promptly yet disappointingly. Hopefully if enough of people ask they will finally get around to making/releasing it.
Does anybody know if there is unofficial unlock work being done?
If an unlock is ever made we just need to get someone who knows TWRP to build a recovery and ideally somebody from Lineage OS to start ROM support. I've built TWRP before for a different device and may be able to do the same for this phone but I wouldn't know where to begin to get a ROM working. I feel like no devs even know this device exists. :crying:
I just said, "When can the bootloader unlock utility be expected to be released?"
They responded promptly yet disappointingly. Hopefully if enough of people ask they will finally get around to making/releasing it.
Does anybody know if there is unofficial unlock work being done?
If an unlock is ever made we just need to get someone who knows TWRP to build a recovery and ideally somebody from Lineage OS to start ROM support. I've built TWRP before for a different device and may be able to do the same for this phone but I wouldn't know where to begin to get a ROM working. I feel like no devs even know this device exists. :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The biggest question we should all ask ourselves... "Why did ASUS build this phone in the first place if they didn't have a bootloader unlocker for it?"
I've posted this review on the c.mi forums, There isn't anywhere in the review section that I can find to post a full review so I'm posting it in discussion, mods feel free to move it if there is a better category.
But, I felt someone in the same situation as me that bought this phone to get [back] into android development might find this useful.
Hello all, After having a Redmi Note 8 Pro and using it as my daily driver for a little over a month, I've decided it's time for me to write a review.
First, I'll give you all a little background on me, I'm a developer of everything from webpages to hardware, and tech enthusiast of all kinds. I'm from the US(NA market) so my knowledge of the Indian and Chinese markets are a bit limited although I do know pretty much how the EU market works as they're normally marketed to the almost the same way as the NA market, at least when it comes to tech. I started developing for Android with my Google G1 way back in 2008 and have been on an off developing for different android phones since then on a variety of forums. From the now gone SDX-Developers to XDA and Android Forums.(Through many different accounts as everywhere but SDX seems to end with me getting in an argument and deleting my account.) This is my first Xiaomi phone. I will be giving a review both as a user and a developer.
Marketing:
In the NA market this phone is marketed as a budget flagship, or "flagship killer" if you will. Pushed mostly towards tech enthusiasts and developers.
Their marketing technique is very similar to that of OnePlus, however without the strong reputation behind it that OnePlus has. If Xiaomi wants to continue using this marketing technique here they have a lot of make up for, and a lot of work to do for reasons that will become apparent later in this review.
User Review:
As a user I'm moderately happy with my purchase, the phone itself feels quality and is beautiful(I have the pearl white one). The price was decent, costing me $225 USD for the 64GB/6GB version. The processor is quick and the UI is gorgeous and snappy. The screen has really nice Darks and the HDR implementation is really good looking....When it works(Fixed in the new A10/M11 release). However, the software is really buggy with MIUI optimizations turned on, which is a shame because they make quite a difference to the snappiness and feel of the device. Apps sometimes don't work properly, refuse to show in portrait mode, or just won't use the keyboard(such as the newegg app which I use to order hardware quite often). There are a significant lack of updates, having just now as of today(28th May 2020) recieved my first OTA(Which is useless to me, more on that later). This has been a problem that the community seems quite aware and little angry about for good reason, seeing as how my device is still on the Dec 2019 security patch, with multiple high-threat CVEs being released since then. The IR blaster is nice, but the Mi Remote app needs a lot of work. I remember it being much, much better when it was "Peel Smart Remote" and using it on my Samsung Galaxy S5. The gallery app misses most downloaded pictures, and is quite the pain to get working. This is a shame as it's the only way to change the lock screen background, other than the theme app. -1 point for broken DRM and bugs -2 points for lack of updates.
Oh I forgot there are Ads throughout the system. This is UNACCEPTABLE in the NA and EU markets, to date this is the only phone I HAVE EVER SEEN put ads in the system framwork. I have owned at least 150 different android phones. This is becoming more and more forced by tech companies throughout different devices, specifically Chinese oriented ones and will not fly for long in Western Markets(especially the EU which already limits advertising). We paid for our hardware, you've got your money, now it's just being greedy, intrusive, and posing a risk to device security. (e.g The "security" app that puts ads in your package installer) It's easy enough to disable, but not everyone is going to know how, or want to do that. -2 points just for the ads, and honestly should be more taken off, the quality of the hardware is what's stopping me from dropping it -4 points.
Overall User Rating: 5/10
Developer Review:
Let me start off by saying, once again, that in the NA market this phone is marketed as an Unlocked device for enthusiasts, or a budget flagship(Which personally I have seen very little of this advertising for) It's on the front page of the XDA forums. Rooting and development is an important part of the Android Community, in what I've seen ALL MARKETS globally. We will begin at the rooting process. Unlocking the bootloader comes with a wait time. This is due to unauthorized retailers flashing chinese and indian varients to global and selling them, filled with [more] ads. So the fact that there is a 168 hour wait time to unlock the bootloader is completely understandable and I will take away no points for that. They're protecting their reputation in the least intrusive way they could, you know what? I'll even give them an extra point for the way they handled that part, +1. Now let's go to install TWRP, where right on the website is says "WARNING: This device hard bricks really easily for unknown reasons. Restoring device without spending real money is impossible as of now. " -2 points. This should have been my first warning to buy a different device. A somewhat large, reputable, and rooting advocate development team is warning users not to use their product, that's a red flag, and should never be something you have associated with your device or company as a whole. TWRP has backlight bug which can be fixed with an adb command, and really isn't a big deal seeing as how TWRP probably went through multiple devices getting their recovery out. Then flash Magisk. That's it you're rooted. I have to give them a hand, rooting really isn't a big deal. But let's pretend we're a new user and accidentally flashed TWRP to the boot partition, well you're SOL now, you have a $225 brick. There is no coming back from this unless 1, You have an authorized MI account, which you almost certainly do not. or 2, you pay some sketchy person halfway across the world to RDP into your computer and use their authorized account to unbrick you, as well as the 80% chance they're going to drop a keylogger, ransomware or they're going to syskey your computer and now you're still SOL, but you might have your phone unbricked, not very useful without a computer and an empty bank account though. They handled the way unbricking works terribly, and without cause. -8 points To add salt on the wound they release the source code like they're doing the development community a favor when it's 100% useless without a reliable unbricking method. -2 points for putting on a show. Which is sad, because otherwise the phone would be a pleasure to develop for. For example, you're in a bootloop something in /system got messed up. You can just flash the system.img from twrp and recover without any data loss or bloatware reappearing. That's amazing! the phone is partitioned very well, and has lots of xml, props and stuff to tweak from the start. Also, a really cute fastboot screen as a plus. Unfortunately, Xiaomi.eu has dropped all support for this device, as well as any other MTK based phones.
Thankfully, some totally awesome person at Xiaomi "leaked" an engineering preloader which can help prevent bricks as long as it's not overwritten and you stay on android 9. But, the downside is, No Android 10, No MIUI 12, No anything other than MIUI 11 Pie. If they would release more lks along side the updates for developers this would be insanely helpful, and breath some life back into the RN8P/8/T development community.
Still, as a developer, and a normal person, I'm afraid to do too much to this device, or develop kernels, recoveries or ROMS because i'm terrified I'm going to be out $225 and my daily driver phone, that I can't afford to replace if something bad happens.
Development Score: 0/11
Guy who leaked preloader score: 10000/10
tl;dr If you're not into rooting or development this is a pretty decent phone with quality flagship hardware, if you can live with ads in your system, and the bug in some apps. There are ways to remove most of the ads without root, and it does still get updates, although rare. It's worth $180-$200 USD if you find it for a good deal. Although you could just get a used OnePlus 7 Pro for around the same price maybe $50-$100 USD more(depending on market) and be much happier all around.
Nice review, such detail
I wish i had read this before, i've bricked my phone trying to flash new ROM after i spent hours getting to a lower firmware and then getting TWRP to work, finally flashed android 11 rom to get a brick
0/10 rating by more than average user who was sick of MIUI
ezequielfilipesantos2000 said:
I wish i had read this before, i've bricked my phone trying to flash new ROM after i spent hours getting to a lower firmware and then getting TWRP to work, finally flashed android 11 rom to get a brick
0/10 rating by more than average user who was sick of MIUI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, What a cocindence, I just gave someone a solution to install TWRP and root their stock ROM. Not a custom one though.
Kenora_I said:
Well, What a cocindence, I just gave someone a solution to install TWRP and root their stock ROM. Not a custom one though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure is, was that user using the latest miui version (android 10, miui. 12.0.5 i believe?)
I was also having problems flashing the TWRP ( latest one) recovery
I flashed but i didn't have sucess, it went into Redmi-Recovery 3.0
I had to get a old fastboot version of android 9.0 with muiu, flash it using miflashpro tools then, i had to flash the preloader ( https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/guide-info-psa-redmi-note-8-pro-megathread-cfw.4056527/ )
Then i was able to flash the TWRP recovery and it worked
After that I tried flashing (after a wipe obviously, not going to flash dirty) Pixel Experience (AOSP) rom and it resulted in a bricked phone
10/10 I highly recommend the drama
Yeah the latest one.
Kenora_I said:
Yeah the latest one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you manage?
Was i doing something the wrong way? ( or all of it? ) ahahaha
I have a Samsung Galaxy A71, it's great and I love it but OnePlus Nord is coming out next month and it costs less than A71. Should I sell my device and get OnePlus Nord? I'll be getting more RAM, storage, 90Hz display and 5G.
Dinepada said:
I live in Peru, Oneplus nord won't come officially, but you can get it for arround 630 Usd, the A71 is arround 480 usd, also, people is almost ignoring samsung devices here, most people love xiaomi like they never before, you can get a mi note 10 lite for arround 400, with almost the same features as the samsung a71
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd pick the A71 over the mi note 10 lite or the nord. Samsung has been very good for the last 4 to 5 years updating their flagship phones and their A series phones.
Less than A71?? Which country do you live in?
Galaxy A71 costs 360€ hier in Holland.
One Plus Nord around 500€
I think One Nord is wayyyy beter than A71 (personal preference)
Yepi69 said:
I have a Samsung Galaxy A71, it's great and I love it but OnePlus Nord is coming out next month and it costs less than A71. Should I sell my device and get OnePlus Nord? I'll be getting more RAM, storage, 90Hz display and 5G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why buying an other phone if you "love it" as you say,?
I mean, what features will the other have more (and are you going to use them! ) other than A71?
I came from a 2014 SM-G901F (galaxy S5+) and used Lineage OS on it since 2017 till last month the old microphone gave up, so now i have the A71, i think its great. Also i see developers working on Lineage for this phone already, soon it will be Official downloadable, than tou get ris of all samsung crap too.
andreoide said:
Why buying an other phone if you "love it" as you say,?
I mean, what features will the other have more (and are you going to use them! ) other than A71?
I came from a 2014 SM-G901F (galaxy S5+) and used Lineage OS on it since 2017 till last month the old microphone gave up, so now i have the A71, i think its great. Also i see developers working on Lineage for this phone already, soon it will be Official downloadable, than tou get ris of all samsung crap too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you'll void your Knox for it, so you can kiss good bye to any insurance/warranty you might have, it's not reversible either.
I'm after performance, and I personally think OnePlus Nord will be able to give out performance more than the A71, specially with the upgraded processor.
Gregor250385 said:
Less than A71?? Which country do you live in?
Galaxy A71 costs 360€ hier in Holland.
One Plus Nord around 500€
I think One Nord is wayyyy beter than A71 (personal preference)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A71 is 500€ in Portugal, where I live. Nord is around 420€ for the 128/8GB one and 500€ for the 256/12GB one.
Yepi69 said:
And you'll void your Knox for it, so you can kiss good bye to any insurance/warranty you might have, it's not reversible either.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. Tripping knox in europe does not kiss goodbye warranty in EU.
andreoide said:
Not true. Tripping knox in europe does not kiss goodbye warranty in EU.
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Click to collapse
Elaborate. My A71 is also covered by insurance so pretty sure tripping Knox will invalidate that. Plus you'll never be able to get on full "virgin" stock because the system will know Knox has been tripped.
Yepi69 said:
Elaborate. My A71 is also covered by insurance so pretty sure tripping Knox will invalidate that. Plus you'll never be able to get on full "virgin" stock because the system will know Knox has been tripped.
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Click to collapse
Also not true, you can download latest firmware from samsung and flash that in Odin.
And i would check the insurance if i were you.
andreoide said:
Also not true, you can download latest firmware from samsung and flash that in Odin.
And i would check the insurance if i were you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not for what I've been reading. Certain Samsung services will no longer work once Knox is tripped, even with a full flash.
Yepi69 said:
Not for what I've been reading. Certain Samsung services will no longer work once Knox is tripped, even with a full flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats the biggest b.s.i ever heard.
Tripping knox is just tripping it, all things still work except OTA and SAFE MAP and other Samsung pre-installed crap wich you should not use anyway...
If there is a new firmware you flash it in Odin an life goes on as normal.
Don't tell me anything else, im flashing an tripping and knox and root for myself and many other people for years on different Samsung models, never had any problem.
You must have read something of somebody not following the right steps or screwed up other way, and left with a bricked phone.
And even bricked phones don't really exist. In the right hands of somebody knowing what he is doing, all magic comes alive and you have your phone back working.
andreoide said:
Thats the biggest b.s.i ever heard.
Tripping knox is just tripping it, all things still work except OTA and maybe SAFE MAP and other Samsung pre-installed crap.
If there is a new firmware you flash it in Odin an life goes on as normal.
Don't tell me anything else, im flashing an tripping and knox and root for myself and many other people for years on different Samsung models, never had any problem.
You must have read something of somebody not following the right steps or screwed up other way, and left with a bricked phone.
And even bricked phones don't really exist. In the right hands of somebody knowing what he is doing, all magic comes alive and you have your phone back working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very experienced when it comes to flashing, rooting and modding in general. I've been doing this for over 10 years so bricking isn't with me. The only thing I'm afraid is for the phone to be marked as "not legit" in the eyes of Samsung or my insurance company this denying me all kinds of warranty/replacement.
Not to mention if I DO decide to sell my device later on, the person who'll buy it will most likely use the Samsung services which won't work after Knox being tripped.
Since you already tripped yours, maybe you can give me a list of what works and what doesn't.
Yepi69 said:
I'm very experienced when it comes to flashing, rooting and modding in general. I've been doing this for over 10 years so bricking isn't with me. The only thing I'm afraid is for the phone to be marked as "not legit" in the eyes of Samsung or my insurance company this denying me all kinds of warranty/replacement.
Not to mention if I DO decide to sell my device later on, the person who'll buy it will most likely use the Samsung services which won't work after Knox being tripped.
Since you already tripped yours, maybe you can give me a list of what works and what doesn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am also very experienced when it comes to the row of things you mention, that makes it even more hilarious what you wrote before, the thing knox_thing.
Since you are very experienced in the row of things you just mentioned, im not going to put any effort in the list you want me to make, you already know that, dont you? If not, you look in the thread A71 rooting or installing Lineage, there you'll learn.
But you are going to sell it anyway, so why bother.
I leave this thread now, wishing you happy selling.
andreoide said:
I am also very experienced when it comes to the row of things you mention, that makes it even more hilarious what you wrote before, the thing knox_thing.
Since you are very experienced in the row of things you just mentioned, im not going to put any effort in the list you want me to make, you already know that, dont you? If not, you look in the thread A71 rooting or installing Lineage, there you'll learn.
But you are going to sell it anyway, so why bother.
I leave this thread now, wishing you happy selling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm considering it, doesn't mean I will. No need to have that kind of attitude towards me, why so defensive?
I've been modifying Samsung phones before Knox, the old flash counter thing which was easily reset. I *want" to install Lineage and then move on to a better ROM but I don't want to get back to stock and find out half the system's services don't work. So I kinda want a word from someone who already did it and can explain how it all went but don't worry, hopefully you're not the only one who has modified the A71, I can ask someone else.
Yepi69 said:
I'm considering it, doesn't mean I will. No need to have that kind of attitude towards me, why so defensive?
[...]
you're not the only one who has modified the A71, I can ask someone else.
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Click to collapse
Well well well everybody is bad and only Yepi is good? [emoji28]
Dude seek help.
DonAndress said:
Well well well everybody is bad and only Yepi is good? [emoji28]
Dude seek help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, you guessed it.
Edit: Mods, do you think you can take a look at this?
I'm noticing that the posting in this thread is becoming more and more aggressive. Everyone please calm down and only post if you've got something productive to add to the topic at hand.
No cleaning of the thread has been done this time, but that doesn't mean I won't come back and take actions if things keep escalating (suddenly I feel like a parent of small bickering children, shouting from the other room: "don't make me come in there").
Have a good day everyone.
Didgeridoohan
Forum Moderator/Developer Relations
Yepi69 said:
I'm considering it, doesn't mean I will. No need to have that kind of attitude towards me, why so defensive?
I've been modifying Samsung phones before Knox, the old flash counter thing which was easily reset. I *want" to install Lineage and then move on to a better ROM but I don't want to get back to stock and find out half the system's services don't work. So I kinda want a word from someone who already did it and can explain how it all went but don't worry, hopefully you're not the only one who has modified the A71, I can ask someone else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adttitude? Me? Defensive? lol
Im just posting on things you write. If you can't stand comment, don't post.
Once you are on lineage, you will never get the Samsung **** working again, since you tripped knox.
Stick to your plan, sell it and forget all about it or ask / search in the other threads i mentioned before.
For me, this conversation finish here today, i disable subscription so i give you my best wishes. Bye
Without a doubt Oneplus Nord is the champ
A71's cameras are better than the Nord, and it has a bigger battery. So if you're after camera quality and phone battery life the A71 wins. If you want 90 Hz and faster charging (25W vs 30W) the Nord wins. If you want a pill-shaped hole on your screen, go for the Nord, if not go Samsung. If you don't want to support China go Samsung (ended phone production in 2019), if you don't care for that go for the Nord.
The 765G and 730G chips differences are meh (My unit comes with the 730G variant with 8 GB ram) so not really an upgrade in real life and even gaming.
In the end, it's up to what your priorities are. Choose what makes you happy.
I live in Peru, Oneplus nord won't come officially, but you can get it for arround 630 Usd, the A71 is arround 480 usd, also, people is almost ignoring samsung devices here, most people love xiaomi like they never before, you can get a mi note 10 lite for arround 400, with almost the same features as the samsung a71
Nord doesn't have a dedicated MicroSD slot. To me, that alone makes the A71 the winner. There is also the atrocious OnePlus (lack of) warranty, the OxygenOS bugs and whatnot. You need to root for call record on OnePlus too. It's just all kinda meh. If it'd be at least on par with the A71 (microSD slot), I'd say go for it. But this way? I don't know.
Also, not every 1+ devices are well supported in terms of XDA development. For example, the 7T barely received any development.
Ps.: I'm not trying to hate on OnePlus. But honestly, the current range is pretty meh. There is the 7T. No development. The 8. Has curved edge, costs almost as much as the 8 Pro. So you might as well just buy the 8 Pro. But it has black crush issue, burn in problems and so many other problems. And it costs 1000$ - and some more. I don't know man.
Had anyone figured a way to do this? i searched throughout all the internet about this.. and yet to find a solution.
I don't live in a country that Google sells the GP6P and(from my understanding) they'll lock it, NR availability will be set to False. Now i'm on a rooted GP6P and tried some modules(old mostly), none of them worked -- my ISP definitely supports 5G -- , if there is a module to enable it please upload it.
And whilst at that.. a way to get call screening enabled aswell...
No one figured out yet or simply don't want to.. For now we only have VoLTE by changing some build.prop parameters with Magisk module.
I was wondering... @Freak07 you seem to be a cool dude who eagerly supports the Pixel 6, maybe you would have any idea about it?
My carrier (Orange Poland) uses same 5G band and frequency as officially supported one (Magenta Austria) and I can't use 5G anyway..
On Pixel 5 it was simple because of QPST tool, with Tensor we are doomed
Another idea is to simply create a bounty, money would quickly improve the success
+1 for the bounty.
I am done waiting for my carrier to play nice with Google. My problem is that I also totally dislike Samsung, Oneplus etc.
We need to get this organised asap, I am sure there are plenty developers here on XDA willing to take that bounty.
Maybe we can use a platform like bountysource.com ?
mightyvenom said:
Maybe we can use a platform like bountysource.com ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GoFundMe would be better, because you can't collect $ from people on the site you mentioned. Actually as someone who is on XDA since 2010 and already organized one bounty...maybe I'd be someone trustworthy enough to organise it
reas0n said:
GoFundMe would be better, because you can't collect $ from people on the site you mentioned. Actually as someone who is on XDA since 2010 and already organized one bounty...maybe I'd be someone trustworthy enough to organise it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah, I totally forgot about gofundme, sorry!
Feel free to organize this, hopefully we can get enough people onboard to make for a tempting bounty.
I'm in too. (Vodafone Czech Republic)
I will try to work on it this weekend
Gonna use GiveButter since GoFundMe isn't supported in Poland.. GiveButter works worldwide in theory
I can provide any data from P6 latest Android 13DP2 (DP3 should be soon)
Oh I am in for middle east UAE Pixel fans
The Pixel 6 (non pro) community made a module for that purpose, I don't know if that one works for the P6 Pro, I'd advise not to use it, but you could ask the creator of the mod (github page is linked in that thread) if he is able to help you guys.
Activating 5G in unsupported countries?
I know this might require root, which I am more than willing to do. But is there a process or a magisk module that can activate 5G on unsupported countries? (btw im from PH)
forum.xda-developers.com
I remember that there was a relatively easy fix for the p4(a) and p5 to activate 5G in unsupported countries, even though I'm not sure if that still applies to the P6 Pro. Root required for both methods.
You could try these steps out (make backups!!!), but be warned that it might brick certain things.
https://www.getdroidtips.com/enable-5g-unlisted-countries-pixel-4a5g-pixel-5/
Morgrain said:
The Pixel 6 (non pro) community made a module for that purpose, I don't know if that one works for the P6 Pro, I'd advise not to use it, but you could ask the creator of the mod (github page is linked in that thread) if he is able to help you guys.
Activating 5G in unsupported countries?
I know this might require root, which I am more than willing to do. But is there a process or a magisk module that can activate 5G on unsupported countries? (btw im from PH)
forum.xda-developers.com
I remember that there was a relatively easy fix for the p4(a) and p5 to activate 5G in unsupported countries, even though I'm not sure if that still applies to the P6 Pro. Root required for both methods.
You could try these steps out (make backups!!!), but be warned that it might brick certain things.
https://www.getdroidtips.com/enable-5g-unlisted-countries-pixel-4a5g-pixel-5/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The pixel 6 lineup isn't on a Qualcomm chipset, Google has made their own chip called Tensor. Now the difference is that in Qualcomm's way they give you developer tools such as the Qualcomm Product Support Tools (QPST) which makes the Chip unlock its 5G capability, easy. Now in Googles Tensor's case we don't have access to these type of tools, and the Chip itself can lock the 5G modem.
TheShinyEnd said:
The pixel 6 lineup isn't on a Qualcomm chipset, Google has made their own chip called Tensor. Now the difference is that in Qualcomm's way they give you developer tools such as the Qualcomm Product Support Tools (QPST) which makes the Chip unlock its 5G capability, easy. Now in Googles Tensor's case we don't have access to these type of tools, and the Chip itself can lock the 5G modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That eliminates the second method with the file editing, but the first method was successful for the Pixel 6 non Pro, so that should be a possibility for you guys here, even though that Magisk mod might have to be adjusted slightly.
Morgrain said:
That eliminates the second method with the file editing, but the first method was successful for the Pixel 6 non Pro, so that should be a possibility for you guys here, even though that Magisk mod might have to be adjusted slightly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If so I'll give it a ago in a little bit..
- I have the Pro version.
Do not flash that file. It's for Qualcomm chips and you're basically flashing Qualcomm directories onto your phone.
I don't know how anyone can say it was successful.
5G and other 5G features are controlled by the carrier settings. And that's not easy to manipulate.
Don't ever approach this phone with a "well this module works for 4/4a/5/5a" mentality.
+1 don't do it, Tensor is Exynos based, QPST only worked on previous Pixels
Getting lucky with the relatively simple flags to enable VoLTE by flashing tons of other crap onto your phone is not a validation.
Okay I won't do it. And yeah that's what I thought.
Just that the fact that it worked on the non pro model caught my attention.
I've given up on 5G now even though my network supports it Google have said they wont certify the device, certainly won't be getting another Google phone after this
I'm still confused as to why people imported this device when carrier support was clear from day one.
I don't think it's right that an OEM controls that, but that's the reality we're dealing with.
LLStarks said:
I'm still confused as to why people imported this device when carrier support was clear from day one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I know why, I will give my best shot:
Many prefer using Pixel phones as they offer the closest experience to iPhone (regularly OS updates for years to come, clean OS without unnecessary bloatware and clutter etc.) and they are willing to accept the current state of not having full connectivity support with a hope that things might change in the (near) future.
It's not like the first time a phone manufacturer aknowledges customer feedback. Call me overly optimistic but I think they will eventually cave in, at least for unlocking VoLTE and VoWiFi. Because more and more countries are shutting down the 3G cell towers.
As for unlocking 5G support - from my understanding that would be more complicated as that's subject to each country's policy and legislation.