Database Develop

[Q] Unbranded UK Xperia Z

Hi, I haven't found a definitive answer to this so wondering if someone can help me?
Looking to buy this wonderful phone unbranded out of the box if possible, so I get the official updates when they are released rather than waiting for UK carriers...is the only way to get this to buy from Sony direct, or do shops like the Carphone Warehouse give unbranded ones out with contracts (like they did with my HTC One-X?)
Any advice welcome. Also, if I unbrand a phone, is that a one-shot process and it will appear as an unbranded phone for future updates etc?
Thanks for reading.

rowlarry said:
Hi, I haven't found a definitive answer to this so wondering if someone can help me?
Looking to buy this wonderful phone unbranded out of the box if possible, so I get the official updates when they are released rather than waiting for UK carriers...is the only way to get this to buy from Sony direct, or do shops like the Carphone Warehouse give unbranded ones out with contracts (like they did with my HTC One-X?)
Any advice welcome. Also, if I unbrand a phone, is that a one-shot process and it will appear as an unbranded phone for future updates etc?
Thanks for reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All phones from Carphone Warehouse are Unbranded out the box, although buying from Sony directly will get you an Unbranded handset, they're typically only ever branded if you buy direct from a Carrier E.G o2, Vodafone, 3 e.ct.
Hope this helps!

Read some of the threads on here and you will soon see that those of us going unbranded UK (I got mine from Amazon) have actually received the opposite treatment.
UK generic is now two updates behind and seemingly one of the last to receive updates, I can only assume Sony is bending over to the carriers and screwing over those who have actually paid the full amount up front
And to others reading no I don't want to flash a different regions Rom and don't see why we should.
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium

rowlarry said:
Also, if I unbrand a phone, is that a one-shot process and it will appear as an unbranded phone for future updates etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can just flash whatever firmware customization you like and it will stay like that. For example, if you flash 'Generic DE' firmware, you will get all future updates together with Germany.
You can change your customization at any time or return to your original customization by just flashing the appropriate FTF file, or by following this guide if you are rooted:
[GUIDE] Download ANY firmware customization with SUS and create an FTF with Flashtool
So in fact it doesn't matter where you buy your phone. Just buy it where it's the cheapest and then change your firmware customization to whatever you want
alexp999 said:
And to others reading no I don't want to flash a different regions Rom and don't see why we should.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why? To get faster updates. It's a world phone, so you can use it in all regions, no matter the firmware customization.
You could also flash the 'Vodafone UK' firmware, they already have 10.1.1.A.1.307.
If you don't mind waiting a long time to get new software, then you can keep your 'Generic UK' version

Apollo89 said:
Yes, you can just flash whatever firmware customization you like and it will stay like that. For example, if you flash 'Generic DE' firmware, you will get all future updates together with Germany.
You can change your customization at any time or return to your original customization by just flashing the appropriate FTF file, or by following this guide if you are rooted:
[GUIDE] Download ANY firmware customization with SUS and create an FTF with Flashtool
So in fact it doesn't matter where you buy your phone. Just buy it where it's the cheapest and then change your firmware customization to whatever you want
Why? To get faster updates. It's a world phone, so you can use it in all regions, no matter the firmware customization.
You could also flash the 'Vodafone UK' firmware, they already have 10.1.1.A.1.307.
If you don't mind waiting a long time to get new software, then you can keep your 'Generic UK' version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has anyone uploaded the voda .307 fw?

scorpi786 said:
Has anyone uploaded the voda .307 fw?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so, but you can just root your phone temporary (which is very fast and easy) and then follow the guide to change your customization number. After flashing with Sony Update Service or Flashtool, the root will be gone. If you would do so, then please be so kind to create an FTF and share it on xda

Wow, many thanks for your helpful replies. Coming from the world of HTC where we were supplied with prompt updates to unbranded handsets first with the carriers having to wait, this is a surprise that the opposite seems to happen here.
Good to hear that you can seemingly unbrand and then forget about it- and it looks easy to flash firmware etc, seems a lot less restrictive then I am used to, have people found this?
I will find a phone at the right price and just buy then. As an aside, what kind of branding/bloatware is seen on the carrier versions of the software? Is it heavy or quite light?
Thanks again.

The Xperia SP my mum recently got from T-Mobile was pretty minimal in terms of branding/bloatware.
In fact I could not see any branding, just a couple of pre-loaded apps. I think because they use the same customisation for EE, Orange and T-Mobile now, so they can't actually brand it.
Might be different for other handsets, but it is running basically the same software as the Z.

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.

I am gonna buy OP3T, need assistance quick!

so i am using galaxy note 5 currently, and now i decided to buy OP3T as it has a lot of customization + NetHunter.
i am deciding to buy 128GB version of OP3T. and want to ask some questions if anyone can answer them.
1. how good is this phone's camera comparing to Samsung Note 5 ? (specially in dark) on gsmarena it looks better than note 5, but how is it in real life if anyone has compared the two?
2. any special model of 3T to avoid or to look for? for the best of xda support?
3. any special bootloader/firmware to avoid ? like sometimes its better to buy the oldest bootloader for highest support on xda. and sometimes it doesn't matter if device's dev are very active in supporting latest firmwares?
4. as i always stayed on samsung phones, it gives a good code *#0*# to test all functions of phone. is there anything i can use to test OP3T when buying?
and others that you can think of suggesting me? so i don't regret after buying something i shouldn't have?
thanks in advance :fingers-crossed:

1) Camera is decent esp with the google camera port with HDR+
2) all models are the same. Just make sure you get the one for your region (proper bands)
3) all software versions give you the ability to unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery
4) not sure

4) *#808#
https://www.xda-developers.com/oneplus-hardware-diagnostic-tests/

bunu said:
1) Camera is decent esp with the google camera port with HDR+
2) all models are the same. Just make sure you get the one for your region (proper bands)
3) all software versions give you the ability to unlock the bootloader and flash a custom recovery
4) not sure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all models are the same.
For European users and better coverage of bands, model 3003 is recommended.
Unleashed by ONEPLUS 3T rooted

RASTAVIPER said:
Not all models are the same.
For European users and better coverage of bands, model 3003 is recommended.
Unleashed by ONEPLUS 3T rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're physically the same, only difference is in the band locking configuration files in the encrypted partition.
But yes, you should of course choose the one that comes with the most suited bands for your region (A3000 for US, A3003 for EU/international and A3010 for Asia).

pitrus- said:
They're physically the same, only difference is in the band locking configuration files in the encrypted partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, you are claiming that a 3010 can be flashed to 3003 and vice versa?
Any links that back up this claim?
Unleashed by ONEPLUS 3T rooted

RASTAVIPER said:
So, you are claiming that a 3010 can be flashed to 3003 and vice versa?
Any links that back up this claim?
Unleashed by ONEPLUS 3T rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it weren't for the fact that the band locking is in an encrypted partition which is factory programed and not affected by any ROM flashing, we could if it wasn't for the encryption.
The reason why certain bands can't be active on phones in certain regions had to do with those bands being used by for example the army/govermental agencies, so they're not allowed to make a phone be able to use all bands all over the world.

Mr.LOVER said:
so i am using galaxy note 5 currently, and now i decided to buy OP3T as it has a lot of customization + NetHunter.
i am deciding to buy 128GB version of OP3T. and want to ask some questions if anyone can answer them.
1. how good is this phone's camera comparing to Samsung Note 5 ? (specially in dark) on gsmarena it looks better than note 5, but how is it in real life if anyone has compared the two?
2. any special model of 3T to avoid or to look for? for the best of xda support?
3. any special bootloader/firmware to avoid ? like sometimes its better to buy the oldest bootloader for highest support on xda. and sometimes it doesn't matter if device's dev are very active in supporting latest firmwares?
4. as i always stayed on samsung phones, it gives a good code *#0*# to test all functions of phone. is there anything i can use to test OP3T when buying?
and others that you can think of suggesting me? so i don't regret after buying something i shouldn't have?
thanks in advance :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Haven't owned one, but claim that they are pretty even
2) All are the same
3) None are to avoid I'd say. You can always change the firmware the way you want it anyway
4) Just have a second with that and feel yourself how beastly the device is

thank you so much for all of your replies.
so i am from Pakistan, my OMC/CSC is PAK,
on gsmarena there are only two models, Global and USA, i suppose i should buy Global?

Mr.LOVER said:
thank you so much for all of your replies.
so i am from Pakistan, my OMC/CSC is PAK,
on gsmarena there are only two models, Global and USA, i suppose i should buy Global?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most probably Global is A3003, so yes.

Mr.LOVER said:
thank you so much for all of your replies.
so i am from Pakistan, my OMC/CSC is PAK,
on gsmarena there are only two models, Global and USA, i suppose i should buy Global?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Model 3003 is for Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Unleashed by ONEPLUS 3T rooted

Mr.LOVER said:
thank you so much for all of your replies.
so i am from Pakistan, my OMC/CSC is PAK,
on gsmarena there are only two models, Global and USA, i suppose i should buy Global?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://willmyphonework.net/

Mr.LOVER said:
thank you so much for all of your replies.
so i am from Pakistan, my OMC/CSC is PAK,
on gsmarena there are only two models, Global and USA, i suppose i should buy Global?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I'm from Pakistan as well and I'm using Oneplus3T Asia variant (A3010) which is working perfectly for me. Global/Eu variant might be compatible with only a few networks and bands over here so I recommend you buy A3010 version.

DemonDroid_97 said:
Hi, I'm from Pakistan as well and I'm using Oneplus3T Asia variant (A3010) which is working perfectly for me. Global/Eu variant might be compatible with only a few networks and bands over here so I recommend you buy A3010 version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
give me yours or exchange with my note 5 :fingers-crossed:
i'm from LHR too.
i never understood correctly what is that frequencies of Paki networks, always confused.
i use ufone and zong.
have you tried NetHunter on your version? what is that version? global or europe/asia? i only see two models on gsmarena. are there more?
by any chance is that not a korean / chinese ?

Mr.LOVER said:
give me yours or exchange with my note 5 :fingers-crossed:
i'm from LHR too.
i never understood correctly what is that frequencies of Paki networks, always confused.
i use ufone and zong.
have you tried NetHunter on your version? what is that version? global or europe/asia? i only see two models on gsmarena. are there more?
by any chance is that not a korean / chinese ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will only ever exchange my 3T for a newer 3T
You can find all the bands supported by all the networks in Pakistan over at Wikipedia. In your case, ufone and zong should work fine on the A3010/China variant just like me.
There are in fact 3 variants of the OP3T based on different regions. All three have the same hardware apart from the frequency bands obviously.
A3000 (US model)
A3003 (EU/Asia)
A3010 (China)
The global version listed on GSM is the A3003. Both A3003 and A3010 will work fine on your networks. Btw where are you buying from?
As for Kali Nethunter, I have never personally used it. However, it does not matter which variant of the phone you have, it will work on all of them in the same way just as almost all mods and custom roms work universally on all versions.

ok so i bought OP3T A3003 128GB. all bands i wanted are working on it. and im very happy.
its on Android 7.1.1 already.
now i want to root it and install twrp.
any recommendations?
after used samsung odin mode. i dont know what mode op3t has if anything goes wrong (soft brick) to restore official firmware?

also because i don't currently have internet so i have to go to a friend to download stuff. please recommend all the tools i require to unbrick my device if something goes wrong and i dont have internet.
thanks

Mr.LOVER said:
ok so i bought OP3T A3003 128GB. all bands i wanted are working on it. and im very happy.
its on Android 7.1.1 already.
now i want to root it and install twrp.
any recommendations?
after used samsung odin mode. i dont know what mode op3t has if anything goes wrong (soft brick) to restore official firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just follow this guide.
https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/...oader-install-custom-recovery-and-root.64487/
Worked fine for my 3003 1 month ago
Unleashed by ONEPLUS 3T rooted

RASTAVIPER said:
Just follow this guide.
https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/...oader-install-custom-recovery-and-root.64487/
Worked fine for my 3003 1 month ago
Unleashed by ONEPLUS 3T rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why i keep seeing that screen on when i start phone. it says your device has been unlocked ans can't be trusted.
it started after i unlocked bootloader.
how can i get rid of that? it says if u want to not see this screen then lock bootloader. so if i lock bootloader will my root and recovery remain?

Mr.LOVER said:
why i keep seeing that screen on when i start phone. it says your device has been unlocked ans can't be trusted.
it started after i unlocked bootloader.
how can i get rid of that? it says if u want to not see this screen then lock bootloader. so if i lock bootloader will my root and recovery remain?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has already been answered many times in this forum. Search and you will find.

Firmware differences

So, what are the differences for Customized_XX firmwares? Still waiting for Customized_DE but i don't even know if there's any version to the french or italian version tbh. Can't find anything online about this. Would be great if anyone knows if there are any differences or if they're essentially the same thing.

My phone came with nordic. Flashed the singapore fw when it came out nd only difference ive seen is that it comes preloaded with the amazon app.
Skickat från min G8441 via Tapatalk

Yes im running Singapore too. Its clean. Working fine here in Sweden. I guess its contains country specific bloatware perhaps. Havent any in Singapore version..
Im guessing...

I flashed the russian (RU UA KZ BY) version. Its R7C which should be the most up to rate basically and they usually get updates quite fast. I don't know if LTE channels can be unsupported by firmwares but that was another fear since we use different LTE channels here in germany than phones in asia. So far everything fine, it's fast and got some nice changes, let's hope my wifi problems won't come back. Pretty satisfied with Pie for now.

Buying a phone from Duty Free....will it work back in UK?

Hi All
I almost bought the P30 pro from Dubai whilst on a long layover last week, but I stopped myself as I wasn't 100% sure if it would work back in the UK.
Does anyone know if phones are region locked and thus stopping me buying from Dubai and then using in the UK?
if there is anything else i should look out for, help would be appreciated
Thanks
Sanj

sanj2000 said:
Hi All
I almost bought the P30 pro from Dubai whilst on a long layover last week, but I stopped myself as I wasn't 100% sure if it would work back in the UK.
Does anyone know if phones are region locked and thus stopping me buying from Dubai and then using in the UK?
if there is anything else i should look out for, help would be appreciated
Thanks
Sanj
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It''ll work fine as long as it's an unlocked set.

JJay666 said:
It''ll work fine as long as it's an unlocked set.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlocked meaning network unlocked?
also assume that the warranty would also be valid in the UK?

sanj2000 said:
unlocked meaning network unlocked?
also assume that the warranty would also be valid in the UK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long it's not a tied to telco set it will work anywhere and will work fine in the uk but may face some lte issues back in the states as there are missing bands and no, as far as i know, huawei doesn't provide international warranty like apple does. So, if there's an issue, you've to send it back to Dubai, provided it's an official huawei set from huawei dubai and not an imported set from a non reputable shop