Database Develop

[Q] Buying a SGS

I want to order a SGS and I have two choices:
1. Buy a unlocked, unbranded one for 469 EUR or,
2. Buy one without subscription but blocked for 6 or 12 months to the actual operator for 429 EUR. The telecom is Bouygues Telecom from France.
If i choose to get the second one i will have to unlock it, since im not going to use it in France, can it be done (easily)?
Also if i choose to get the second offer would i be able to install official I9000 firmwares released from Samsung, XEU version (like JP6 Froyo released lately), or do i have to wait for the telecom to release their own?
Thanks.

Anyone? I really need some advice fast cause I need to order it soon.
Thanks.

Bump!
I don't really like to do this, but 3 days 0 answers :O.

It's not difficult to unlock. If you read a bit through the forum you can do it very easy . And about the update, u can do any update you want through kies simply by changing the registry and fooling it that you have a phone from england or US or whatever . Hope this helps. Good luck

ntomi said:
I want to order a SGS and I have two choices:
1. Buy a unlocked, unbranded one for 469 EUR or,
2. Buy one without subscription but blocked for 6 or 12 months to the actual operator for 429 EUR. The telecom is Bouygues Telecom from France.
If i choose to get the second one i will have to unlock it, since im not going to use it in France, can it be done (easily)?
Also if i choose to get the second offer would i be able to install official I9000 firmwares released from Samsung, XEU version (like JP6 Froyo released lately), or do i have to wait for the telecom to release their own?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would buy it unlocked. When you have already pay 400 EUR a difference in 40 EUR is not a big deal. There is less problems too when you buy it unlocked and you will not have to unlock it yourself, and you might damage it if you don't unlock it right.

almi88 said:
It's not difficult to unlock. If you read a bit through the forum you can do it very easy . And about the update, u can do any update you want through kies simply by changing the registry and fooling it that you have a phone from england or US or whatever . Hope this helps. Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People only read through when they do something wrong.

[Ramad] said:
People only read through when they do something wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the important threads even though I didn't do anything wrong to my device

Thanks for your replies.
Surely i read threads regarding unlocking, just wanted to be sure. I'm more worried about the branding and updates though.

I just ordered my unbranded/unlocked Galaxy S , a bit pricier around 500 EUR but that's the medium price for the device in market right now .

UK X Z update status

What's the current latest official firmware for UK unbranded z?
There doesn't seem to be any threads active on it anymore.
Is the UK still officially on. 434?
Sent from my Xperia Z

We've been forgotten. Who knows when O2 will let us update.
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium

Ussy said:
We've been forgotten. Who knows when O2 will let us update.
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is odd, isn't it? I know people like to moan about late updates and whatever, but unlocked owners are now two iterations behind everyone else and I do wonder whether 02 have just forgotten to press the switch? I've had a look at the 02 support pages and there's quite a few people not tied to a network asking them to push the update because they won't get theirs until after that point - trouble is, there's a lot of confusion because everyone assumes that unlocked phones get their update first, and I'm still not sure I quite understand why that isn't the case here? Can anyone illuminate me?
My hope is that we skip 434 and go straight to 307?

if anything it will go straight to .407 which is 4.2.2

Richy99 said:
if anything it will go straight to .407 which is 4.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you're right, but I'm preparing myself to get .434 when everyone else gets the big update. Any idea, incidentally, why unbranded are last to get updates, which seems counter-intuitive?

mine came with .434
its more a case the uk is last as Belgium unbranded devices have .307, it probably gets rolled out region by region unless bugs/issues are found, same with Samsung, it was nearly always a case of new roms were rolled out in germany first then it got rolled out elsewhere in the world

Richy99 said:
mine came with .434
its more a case the uk is last as Belgium unbranded devices have .307, it probably gets rolled out region by region unless bugs/issues are found, same with Samsung, it was nearly always a case of new roms were rolled out in germany first then it got rolled out elsewhere in the world
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But UK networks (other than 02) are already on .307 and they've had to do testing, so surely unbranded should be released earlier, not later (as testing for bloatware compliance isn't required?)

Really don't get the UK update policy makes no sense really just annoying now
Sent from my Xperia Z

Sniper Spr3e said:
Really don't get the UK update policy makes no sense really just annoying now
Sent from my Xperia Z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, your original point may be valid. Could we have been forgotten?

Sniper Spr3e said:
Really don't get the UK update policy makes no sense really just annoying now
Sent from my Xperia Z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on UK Vodafone and have .307

plonkersaurus said:
I'm on UK Vodafone and have .307
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's just 02 who haven't released it over here and apparently that is somehow delaying the release to unbranded phones, although I'm not entirely sure why...

bigbamboo5 said:
Yes, it's just 02 who haven't released it over here and apparently that is somehow delaying the release to unbranded phones, although I'm not entirely sure why...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other countries have released unbranded before some of the carriers
Sent from my Xperia Z

Sniper Spr3e said:
Other countries have released unbranded before some of the carriers
Sent from my Xperia Z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I know. I guess I'm wondering whether this is accident (they've forgotten, somehow) or design (there's a reason for it?)

bigbamboo5 said:
Yes, I know. I guess I'm wondering whether this is accident (they've forgotten, somehow) or design (there's a reason for it?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I've checked with there online support twice both times with the standard rollout reply but surely someone would have raised the issue with uk updates being behind with a higher management. So more likely design.
It's not the lack of updates that bothers me but the lack of an explanation or reason why the uk unbranded are left out
Sent from my Xperia Z

Sniper Spr3e said:
Well I've checked with there online support twice both times with the standard rollout reply but surely someone would have raised the issue with uk updates being behind with a higher management. So more likely design.
It's not the lack of updates that bothers me but the lack of an explanation or reason why the uk unbranded are left out
Sent from my Xperia Z
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm honest, I don't even know what we're missing out on. Better battery and wifi connectivity, I think - any idea what else?

bigbamboo5 said:
If I'm honest, I don't even know what we're missing out on. Better battery and wifi connectivity, I think - any idea what else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better camera, Wi-Fi, battery ( varies though), black on screen buttons
Faster and smoother animations apparently as well
Must importantly a better screen calibration, I've played with a z on .253 and the screen is so much better
Sent from my Xperia Z

I have a SIM free unlocked Z from Sony, using it on three UK. I'm also still on . 434 with no updates showing. Oh well.

[Q] UAE camera in the US - Any caveats?

Bought a EK-GC110 off Amazon. Stated as "New, not refurbished" but price was more along the lines of a used / refurbished, so I was OK if it arrived refurbished (it did). However, it's a UAE "model".
Any caveats before I get too attached to it? Obviously there's no warranty regardless, but I don't want a month later to find out some feature won't work because it's a UAE model and I'm in the USA (not even sure what would be a problem, but...)
Thanks

wifi version has identical hardware worldwide.
even if someday you find a feature that doesn't work you could just flash the official rom for the US version, but I think the software is the same everywhere too.

thedicemaster said:
wifi version has identical hardware worldwide.
even if someday you find a feature that doesn't work you could just flash the official rom for the US version, but I think the software is the same everywhere too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the reply. So nothing you can think of that may be 'different' - If I recall there's a few extra wifi channels that the rest of the world has that the USA doesn't - that's fine obviously, I just want to make sure there's not say frequencies this UAE version wouldn't have that the US would. Or some encryption or - I don't even know what else but if it's the same, no problem.
Thanks

I have the same camera.
Im looking to restore it back to factory after root but am not sure what firmware to use. Also, it seems i would benefit from using another regions firmware based on what you said. Is that correct?

[Q] Unlock Vodafone p10

Hi All
Apologies as this have probably come up loads but i can't get the "reassurance" i need to do it.
Basically i am the proud owner of the p10 via vodfone uk ... i am looking at maybe unlocking the phone (I know this can be done) but the outcome i want is for it to essentially be stock or in other words as if i purchased an unlocked P10 on amazon for example.
The reason for this is i would like quicker access to updates in Europe rather than wait for the carrier to arrange them. The software from vodafone UK doesn't seem to be as smooth as when i see reviews based on unlocked phones ? some micro stuttering in the app draw and chrome seems to run badly. I know some phones shipped with slower onboard storage but mine was a shade under 800 mbs when i checked so all OK on that front.
So once i have unlocked the phone how do i then make the phone as if its a standard unlocked model ... suspect it would involve flashing a new ROM ? I am sticking with Vodafone for now so is an unlock code even needed? could i flash a stock rom other the vodafone software ?
Many thanks in advance

jimmipp said:
Hi All
Apologies as this have probably come up loads but i can't get the "reassurance" i need to do it.
Basically i am the proud owner of the p10 via vodfone uk ... i am looking at maybe unlocking the phone (I know this can be done) but the outcome i want is for it to essentially be stock or in other words as if i purchased an unlocked P10 on amazon for example.
The reason for this is i would like quicker access to updates in Europe rather than wait for the carrier to arrange them. The software from vodafone UK doesn't seem to be as smooth as when i see reviews based on unlocked phones ? some micro stuttering in the app draw and chrome seems to run badly. I know some phones shipped with slower onboard storage but mine was a shade under 800 mbs when i checked so all OK on that front.
So once i have unlocked the phone how do i then make the phone as if its a standard unlocked model ... suspect it would involve flashing a new ROM ? I am sticking with Vodafone for now so is an unlock code even needed? could i flash a stock rom other the vodafone software ?
Many thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the solution Rebrand.
Please search xda unlock/rebrand thread.

glehel said:
the solution Rebrand.
Please search xda unlock/rebrand thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can find it in the Mate 9 forum: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/how-to/guide-mate-9-flash-update-package-t3593108/page90

M1chiel said:
You can find it in the Mate 9 forum: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-9/how-to/guide-mate-9-flash-update-package-t3593108/page90
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks all will take a look

Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE on XZ3 Dual (H9436)

Hello everyone ?
Does anyone know of a way to get Wi-Fi calling and VoLTE loaded onto an unlocked, stock, non-rooted, H9436 ?.
PS: I know as a fact that my carrier supports both of them ?
Thank You

Only way is to use Xperifirm to download your regions firmware and flash it.
I know on my previous XZP I had a G8142 dual sim (Hong Kong) and flashed it a G8141 Single Sim (Australia) Firmware without any issues.
Unfortunately Sony Mobile has pulled out of Australia and there no Australian firmware for the XZ3. So I'll never get VoLTE on this phone now.

kw0n2k said:
Only way is to use Xperifirm to download your regions firmware and flash it.
I know on my previous XZP I had a G8142 dual sim (Hong Kong) and flashed it a G8141 Single Sim (Australia) Firmware without any issues.
Unfortunately Sony Mobile has pulled out of Australia and there no Australian firmware for the XZ3. So I'll never get VoLTE on this phone now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you see any battery life improvement since the second modem is not being used? ?
Is there no risk of bricking it?
It's gonna be horrible having all of my carriers crap on my phone
Maybe you could try using the firmware of another region that has it

ramy_nassif said:
Did you see any battery life improvement since the second modem is not being used? ?
Is there no risk of bricking it?
It's gonna be horrible having all of my carriers crap on my phone
Maybe you could try using the firmware of another region that has it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XZP battery life became one of the best phones I've had after the last Oreo update. Since Pie it hasn't improved much. I would have the phone synced to my android watch all day. By the time i hit bed, i'd have 35% battery life left.
My current XZ3, would be dead by the time i get home from work, yet its supposed to have a bigger batter 3330mah vs 3230mah.
You dont have to use your specific carriers, just your country. Using the Generic Australian ROM I got VoLTE and VoWiFi working on Vodafone AU network.
At this current time no firmware is able to make VoLTE work on XZ3. Simply cause Sony Sucks now.
Might even sell this phone off or return it, as I've only had it a week.

kw0n2k said:
XZP battery life became one of the best phones I've had after the last Oreo update. Since Pie it hasn't improved much. I would have the phone synced to my android watch all day. By the time i hit bed, i'd have 35% battery life left.
My current XZ3, would be dead by the time i get home from work, yet its supposed to have a bigger batter 3330mah vs 3230mah.
You dont have to use your specific carriers, just your country. Using the Generic Australian ROM I got VoLTE and VoWiFi working on Vodafone AU network.
At this current time no firmware is able to make VoLTE work on XZ3. Simply cause Sony Sucks now.
Might even sell this phone off or return it, as I've only had it a week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah battery life on this phone is just horrible
My mom has the XZP but she's stuck on Oreo cause Sony mobile abandoned the region, I'm planning on flashing a different region's firmware on my next trip home.
I thought of my carrier's firmware cause in France (my profile still says Lebanon cause I didn't bother changing, I moved to France a couple of months ago) the only unlocked version they sell is the dual sim one, the one sold by operators is the single sim one but they install their own firmware, and also because on their support website that mentioned that the xz3 that they sell is compatible with VoWiFi and VoLTE.
If you return it what would you get?

ramy_nassif said:
Yeah battery life on this phone is just horrible
My mom has the XZP but she's stuck on Oreo cause Sony mobile abandoned the region, I'm planning on flashing a different region's firmware on my next trip home.
I thought of my carrier's firmware cause in France (my profile still says Lebanon cause I didn't bother changing, I moved to France a couple of months ago) the only unlocked version they sell is the dual sim one, the one sold by operators is the single sim one but they install their own firmware, and also because on their support website that mentioned that the xz3 that they sell is compatible with VoWiFi and VoLTE.
If you return it what would you get?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I haven't returned it, cause I still don't have my XZP back from warranty repairs. Appears Sony is abandoning alot of regions. Though they are still releasing updates for those phones which is a good thing.
I love Sony Xperia phones, by far the best quality handsets in terms of workmanship, etc. But how they go about their software implementations has a lot to desire.
Hoping one day Sony deploys Carrier integrations like alot of the smaller manufacturers i.e Asus, Huawei, Oppo and Nokia, who are able to enable VoLTE without any specific region firmware.

kw0n2k said:
Well I haven't returned it, cause I still don't have my XZP back from warranty repairs. Appears Sony is abandoning alot of regions. Though they are still releasing updates for those phones which is a good thing.
I love Sony Xperia phones, by far the best quality handsets in terms of workmanship, etc. But how they go about their software implementations has a lot to desire.
Hoping one day Sony deploys Carrier integrations like alot of the smaller manufacturers i.e Asus, Huawei, Oppo and Nokia, who are able to enable VoLTE without any specific region firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah Xperia phone are really great, they have a mix of build quality and balance between software features and performance that just isn't available with other phones in the Android world (not talking about iPhones cause iOS is just BAD). I remember when I switched from my Z1 to a note 5, I was so disappointed. Wasn't sure if I wanted to get the Z5 or the note 5, so I decided to see why people praise Sammy, what a mistake ??*.
Going back to the main subject of this thread ?
I hadn't flashed my phone yet cause I had been pretty busy with school and wasn't sure if I should flash my carrier's firmware or not. So last week I got an update. A couple of hours later I went into the settings to tinker with stamina mode. And there I see it. A big banner on the top telling me to activate Wi-Fi Calling. So of course I did but couldn't test it directly cause I was out and about. When I got home (I have really bad reception in my dorm room, when people call me they go directly to voicemail cause I don't have any reception), I tried to see figure it out, but apparently it's just a placebo, it doesn't actually do anything ?