Database Develop

[Q] Question about buying a bricked moto x

Hi everyone, I'm planning on buying a bricked moto x because it's cheap and it's new. In the past I already bought a bricked phone and made it work, however I'm not sure I will be able to this time so I wanted to know if you guys can help me understand:
-IF it can be unbricked/fixed, I don't care if it's difficult but I need to know if it's possible first.
-if the above is possible then what procedures should I follow
I'm probably asking for too much, sorry, but from what I tried to investigate it looks like it has more than one single problem so im not sure if all of them have a solution.
What the seller said:
The old owner sold it with the bootloader unlocked, I didn't knew that, so I updated via OTA (in the phone) and ended like that.
Looks like it can't have an unlocked bootloader if OTA updating, I don't even know please help me.
*since I still don't own the phone I can't test anything, I just need to know if those errors shown above have a solution, or at least are not a death declaration so I can still try something if I buy it.
Sorry for the bad quality of the images but that's what the guy selling it uploaded.

brurhh said:
Hi everyone, I'm planning on buying a bricked moto x because it's cheap and it's new. In the past I already bought a bricked phone and made it work, however I'm not sure I will be able to this time so I wanted to know if you guys can help me understand:
-IF it can be unbricked/fixed, I don't care if it's difficult but I need to know if it's possible first.
-if the above is possible then what procedures should I follow
I'm probably asking for too much, sorry, but from what I tried to investigate it looks like it has more than one single problem so im not sure if all of them have a solution.
What the seller said:
The old owner sold it with the bootloader unlocked, I didn't knew that, so I updated via OTA (in the phone) and ended like that.
Looks like it can't have an unlocked bootloader if OTA updating, I don't even know please help me.
*since I still don't own the phone I can't test anything, I just need to know if those errors shown above have a solution, or at least are not a death declaration so I can still try something if I buy it.
Sorry for the bad quality of the images but that's what the guy selling it uploaded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll be rolling the dice on that one. MAYBE it can be fixed using the de-bricking procedures, but if anyone tells you that it can FOR SURE be fixed...well...I'd question their source.
If its cheap enough that you don't mind throwing that amount of money down the drain....give it a shot. Your call.

brurhh said:
What the seller said:
The old owner sold it with the bootloader unlocked, I didn't knew that, so I updated via OTA (in the phone) and ended like that.
Looks like it can't have an unlocked bootloader if OTA updating, I don't even know please help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I call BS on that account of what happened... The bootloader is LOCKED STATUS 0. That device was never bootloader unlocked. (and having an unlocked bootloader doesn't interfere with taking an OTA)
It could be that someone used one of the older procedures to root and disable write protection, took and OTA (losing root/write protection) and later tried to downgrade to root & disable write protection again, thus causing the brick.
It could be as simple as flashing the latest ROM (4.4.4) using mfastboot. I could be as complex as using -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/how-to-resurrecting-bricked-moto-x-t2629057 ... or it could just be a brick that can't be recovered.
Either way, like @samwathegreat said... its a roll of the dice. There is no way of knowing until after you buy the phone and try.

KidJoe said:
... or it could just be a brick that can't be recovered.
Either way, like @samwathegreat said... its a roll of the dice. There is no way of knowing until after you buy the phone and try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try, after all it's almost new, even if I need to replace something it would be cheaper than buying an used one, I'm worried about that CID stuff because I read that it has something to do with a unique file that has to be backed up and without that file there is nothing you can do to unbrick.

brurhh said:
I'll try, after all it's almost new, even if I need to replace something it would be cheaper than buying an used one, I'm worried about that CID stuff because I read that it has something to do with a unique file that has to be backed up and without that file there is nothing you can do to unbrick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be worried too. There's a great chance the device can't be fixed... And you're simply out X amount of dollars.
I'd pocket your money and add a bit when you can and buy a used fully working device. At least the money won't be wasted... Potentially.
For all you know he fastbooted a rom or firmware for another device entirely. If so, you're done. Paperweight. He could have brought it somewhere and already been told it's unsalvagable.
You just don't know.

KJ said:
I'd be worried too. There's a great chance the device can't be fixed... And you're simply out X amount of dollars.
I'd pocket your money and add a bit when you can and buy a used fully working device. At least the money won't be wasted... Potentially.
For all you know he fastbooted a rom or firmware for another device entirely. If so, you're done. Paperweight. He could have brought it somewhere and already been told it's unsalvagable.
You just don't know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, what the seller says doesn't match with the fastboot screen thats my fear, I guess he don't know or perhaps doesn't want me to know how the phone really ended like that, this phone is amazing, I just got excited about getting it so cheap, i guess i'll wait more thanks again

brurhh said:
Thanks, what the seller says doesn't match with the fastboot screen thats my fear, I guess he don't know or perhaps doesn't want me to know how the phone really ended like that, this phone is amazing, I just got excited about getting it so cheap, i guess i'll wait more thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't blame you!
There's some bricks you can recover from, and some you can't.
Your odds are the same if you just go to the casino and put your money for the phone on red or black at the roulette table. If you lose you lose... But if you win... You can buy a working phone. ?

Best place to buy - after price drop due to new Mi5S launch?

Hello all,
since the new Mi5S was launched, several places dropped the price on the Mi5.
What would be your recommendation - where is the best place to get it now? (I am in Canada, would go for the 64GB version and would need DHL shipping).
Thank you for any recommendations!

I got mine from ibuygou.com
Sent from my MI 5 using Tapatalk

I bought mine at Gearbest, for 260€. (3/32GB variant)
It's at a great price, and it comes to Europe via China without customs tax.

http://www.kimovil.com/en/where-to-buy-xiaomi-mi5-32gb
Look chepeast price

nkt09 said:
I bought mine at Gearbest, for 260€. (3/32GB variant)
It's at a great price, and it comes to Europe via China without customs tax.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does that work without import tax?

Kedas said:
How does that work without import tax?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They have a Priority Line for certain countries. I'm from Portugal.
I think the package will come to England and then to Spain, that way enters the EU, so there's no taxes involved.

I saw someone selling it for €208, (the 64GB version) on Amazon.de, but the day after the price was €370 so it was probably an error.

Its on sale at gearbest, 64gb version for 305€, no additional taxes/customs fees. Will hopefully reach me in 5-10 days.

Bought mine on vopmart .
No problems whatsoever,no taxes for EU.

muff99 said:
Its on sale at gearbest, 64gb version for 305€, no additional taxes/customs fees. Will hopefully reach me in 5-10 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck dealing with their modified MIUI ROM.
Sent from my E6853 using Tapatalk

Ulver said:
Good luck dealing with their modified MIUI ROM.
Sent from my E6853 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That didn't sound too good, there's a difference?

iMaterial said:
That didn't sound too good, there's a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you run the risk of getting a non-offical MIUI build. So basically, you're stuck with that ROM and you're not able to update. Check en.miui.com, there's some tutorials on there on how to get back on official builds.
Sent from my E6853 using Tapatalk

It's £277 on Amazon right now.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product...4&creativeASIN=B01IMOU2RG&smid=A167EEIELTDYTC

Ulver said:
Yeah, you run the risk of getting a non-offical MIUI build. So basically, you're stuck with that ROM and you're not able to update. Check en.miui.com, there's some tutorials on there on how to get back on official builds.
Sent from my E6853 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you have ADB and usb driver installed its not that hard using fastboot.
Like the man said there are several threads at en.miui.com how to.
If you like there are also variants that have multilanguage's at https://xiaomi.eu/community/
For that to work you need to unlock the bootloader if im right...

Ulver said:
Good luck dealing with their modified MIUI ROM.
Sent from my E6853 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone arrived today (11 days from china to germany, not bad actually), and it really did contain a strange non-official global MIUI version.
Most tutorials suggest flashing a MIUI dev version in order to unlock the bootloader, but this did not work with this modified MIUI. That got me worried, actually.
However, after spending a few hours with it, I found that booting into EDL mode and using MiFlash with a fastboot-version of the latest official dev MIUI version did work (afaik the only variant that works with a locked bootloader). This probably won't work in the future, I heard that newer roms do not allow the EDL mode any more ... maybe in the future you need to use a special usb cable ("deep flash").
My brand new MI5 is now cleaned off that gearbest crap, and is running an official global dev rom. I am now waiting for my unlock confirmation.
More info on deep flashing and where to ge the official fastboot roms that work with EDL mode :
http://xiaomitips.com/guide/miui-deep-flash-engineering-cable-solution-to-non-edl-device/
http://en.miui.com/a-234.html

muff99 said:
My phone arrived today (11 days from china to germany, not bad actually), and it really did contain a strange non-official global MIUI version.
Most tutorials suggest flashing a MIUI dev version in order to unlock the bootloader, but this did not work with this modified MIUI. That got me worried, actually.
However, after spending a few hours with it, I found that booting into EDL mode and using MiFlash with a fastboot-version of the latest official dev MIUI version did work (afaik the only variant that works with a locked bootloader). This probably won't work in the future, I heard that newer roms do not allow the EDL mode any more ... maybe in the future you need to use a special usb cable ("deep flash").
My brand new MI5 is now cleaned off that gearbest crap, and is running an official global dev rom. I am now waiting for my unlock confirmation.
More info on deep flashing and where to ge the official fastboot roms that work with EDL mode :
http://xiaomitips.com/guide/miui-deep-flash-engineering-cable-solution-to-non-edl-device/
http://en.miui.com/a-234.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! Glad you got it working like it should. This is why whenever I buy a Xiaomi device I make sure the place I'm getting it from sends me a sealed untouched phone. It's so much easier to unlock the bootloader and get on a global ROM when you're on an official build.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Goldway in Aliexpress, Mi5 64GB 281€ with Global ROM, has very good support from the shop in spanish forum.

Ulver said:
Nice! Glad you got it working like it should. This is why whenever I buy a Xiaomi device I make sure the place I'm getting it from sends me a sealed untouched phone. It's so much easier to unlock the bootloader and get on a global ROM when you're on an official build.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wrote a not-so-good review on the mi5 on gearbest, stating that I didn't like the modified rom on my shiny new sealed phone.
They came back to me and offered a full refund if I wanted to send it back, or gearbest store credit. I took the credit, since my MI5 is happily running CM 13. I though about sending it back and ordering a MI5S for a moment ... instead I just flashed the new falcon kernel and OCed it to 2.5 GHz myself, the effect is pretty much the same
In general I completely agree with you, gearbest should at least give customers the choice:
Send out modified phones for the lazy western customer with a play store ready to go and clearly state this on the webpage, or keep them untouched as one would expect it to be (what xiaomi is actually going for by locking the bootloader in the first place).

muff99 said:
I wrote a not-so-good review on the mi5 on gearbest, stating that I didn't like the modified rom on my shiny new sealed phone.
They came back to me and offered a full refund if I wanted to send it back, or gearbest store credit. I took the credit, since my MI5 is happily running CM 13. I though about sending it back and ordering a MI5S for a moment ... instead I just flashed the new falcon kernel and OCed it to 2.5 GHz myself, the effect is pretty much the same
In general I completely agree with you, gearbest should at least give customers the choice:
Send out modified phones for the lazy western customer with a play store ready to go and clearly state this on the webpage, or keep them untouched as one would expect it to be (what xiaomi is actually going for by locking the bootloader in the first place).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm surprised they offered you something. I was looking at other places to buy Xiaomi devices when I was looking to buy my Redmi Note 3. Vickmall.com seems pretty decent. They actually have an option to select what ROM you want, which looks pretty cool.
I would have kept the Mi5 too. You do have more options for ROMs and will get better support.
Sent from my Redmi Note 3 using Tapatalk

Xiaomi has an online mall mi.com/en

Verizon Z3 - LTE Bands?

Hello,
I am looking to purchase a Verizon Z3 (not the Play version that's available on amazon) and I was wondering if anyone knew which LTE bands are available? I will be using AT&T and I need Band 4 and Band 17 in my area. Can anyone confirm that the Verizon version of the Z3 has these? Thanks in advance.

MrBaltazar said:
Hello,
I am looking to purchase a Verizon Z3 (not the Play version that's available on amazon) and I was wondering if anyone knew which LTE bands are available? I will be using AT&T and I need Band 4 and Band 17 in my area. Can anyone confirm that the Verizon version of the Z3 has these? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure of the answer to your actual question, but wanted to point out that based on the past moto devices and Verizon, that you'll be guaranteeing yourself a device who's bootloader you will never be able to unlock.
Just wanted to mention that, not sure if it matters to you. And possibly you're aware of this already too.

Hi,
you´ll find the specs here.
I think the phone will be locked to verizon inside the US and is only "Internationally unlocked".
you can use it outside the US with any carrier.

Sam_11 said:
Hi,
you´ll find the specs here.
I think the phone will be locked to verizon inside the US and is only "Internationally unlocked".
you can use it outside the US with any carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sam, are you sure, that this phone can be also used in Europe / Germany? I thought about getting it via eBay, but I have not yet found any reliable source for really knowing that it will be completely unlocked for all German carriers.
So I am still looking for the Chinese Z3 version with even 6GB RAM. So I would have the advantage to get the same specs as those of my Z2 Force, but with the profit of the amazing Z3 screen (I really dislike the Z2 Force's "plastic" screen). But so far, I have not found any source to order the Chinese Z3 version. Maybe, anybody else?

Buy from Motorola directly, unlocked for global use.
Don't install sim untill you unlock bootloader & Root is done. If the bands you are interested in using are not engaged then use qcom tool software to turn them on.

Maheshwara said:
Sam, are you sure, that this phone can be also used in Europe / Germany? I thought about getting it via eBay, but I have not yet found any reliable source for really knowing that it will be completely unlocked for all German carriers.
So I am still looking for the Chinese Z3 version with even 6GB RAM. So I would have the advantage to get the same specs as those of my Z2 Force, but with the profit of the amazing Z3 screen (I really dislike the Z2 Force's "plastic" screen). But so far, I have not found any source to order the Chinese Z3 version. Maybe, anybody else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can tell you in 2 weeks, i've bought one today.
Gesendet von meinem Moto Z (2) mit Tapatalk

Maheshwara said:
Sam, are you sure, that this phone can be also used in Europe / Germany? I thought about getting it via eBay, but I have not yet found any reliable source for really knowing that it will be completely unlocked for all German carriers.
So I am still looking for the Chinese Z3 version with even 6GB RAM. So I would have the advantage to get the same specs as those of my Z2 Force, but with the profit of the amazing Z3 screen (I really dislike the Z2 Force's "plastic" screen). But so far, I have not found any source to order the Chinese Z3 version. Maybe, anybody else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an FYI, the Moto Z3 IS Locked to Verizon ONLY in the US, Bootloader is also LOCKED and I HATE THE PHONE! It 's a $480.00 BILLBOARD! Nothing but Ads, Ads, Ads! You can't unlock the booltoader (I tried), so you can't root it, no root no adblock. :crying: So if you don't mind spending $500 and having CONSTANT, FULL SCREEN, OBTRUSIVE ADS popup while your viewing something, then this is the phone for you!!
BTW, the screen is also plastic, so be certain to get yourself a Tempered Glass Screen protector as soon as you get the phone, because the screen scratches very easily!
I'll be selling mine on eBay very soon!
---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------
Mental1 said:
Buy from Motorola directly, unlocked for global use.
Don't install sim untill you unlock bootloader & Root is done. If the bands you are interested in using are not engaged then use qcom tool software to turn them on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, can't unlock the bootloader, I tried to before I installed the sim, no go. the electronic serial number generated as the bootloader unlock code is set to VZW and CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED!:crying: I bought mine from Moto directly and it was shipped from China.

If you bought it directly from Motorola and it was shipped from China, so it's the 6GB RAM Version with ZUI Firmware?

wanb1i said:
As an FYI, the Moto Z3 IS Locked to Verizon ONLY in the US, Bootloader is also LOCKED and I HATE THE PHONE! It 's a $480.00 BILLBOARD! Nothing but Ads, Ads, Ads! You can't unlock the booltoader (I tried), so you can't root it, no root no adblock. :crying: So if you don't mind spending $500 and having CONSTANT, FULL SCREEN, OBTRUSIVE ADS popup while your viewing something, then this is the phone for you!!
BTW, the screen is also plastic, so be certain to get yourself a Tempered Glass Screen protector as soon as you get the phone, because the screen scratches very easily!
I'll be selling mine on eBay very soon!
---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------
FYI, can't unlock the bootloader, I tried to before I installed the sim, no go. the electronic serial number generated as the bootloader unlock code is set to VZW and CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED!:crying: I bought mine from Moto directly and it was shipped from China.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that sucks for you. I purchased my z3 play direct from Moto on a presale offer and it was not shipped from China. I used it for about 3 weeks before cracking the top 2 corners of the display from a "pop out of pocket, hit the blacktop and slid down my driveway" accident. Thanks to Moto's added warranty protection, they replaced it with a brand new in the box z3 play. So, before installing my Verizon sim, I setup the phone and used it on wifi for 2 days, also I never signed into Google, and made sure everything worked. This time being as F'n busy with my job and not having the time to modify it, I used the OCR service, paid the $$ and within a hour, unlocked bootloader and rooted. Once again, I used it for a day before finally installing my sim. I love the phone now and ripped through this ***** removing/adding apps and features to customize/personalize it to my liking. I have not installed the twrp recovery yet. That is next but as of now, not a single issue with anything. OCR, left me every file that was used for the unlock bootloader & Rooting process. If it helps anybody, I can upload what ever file anyone may need.
Sent using my Awesome ROOTED Moto Z3 Play

Maheshwara said:
If you bought it directly from Motorola and it was shipped from China, so it's the 6GB RAM Version with ZUI Firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, 4gb ram/64gb storage, Verizon Bloatware.
---------- Post added at 03:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:09 PM ----------
Mental1 said:
Well that sucks for you. I purchased my z3 play direct from Moto on a presale offer and it was not shipped from China. I used it for about 3 weeks before cracking the top 2 corners of the display from a "pop out of pocket, hit the blacktop and slid down my driveway" accident. Thanks to Moto's added warranty protection, they replaced it with a brand new in the box z3 play. So, before installing my Verizon sim, I setup the phone and used it on wifi for 2 days, also I never signed into Google, and made sure everything worked. This time being as F'n busy with my job and not having the time to modify it, I used the OCR service, paid the $$ and within a hour, unlocked bootloader and rooted. Once again, I used it for a day before finally installing my sim. I love the phone now and ripped through this ***** removing/adding apps and features to customize/personalize it to my liking. I have not installed the twrp recovery yet. That is next but as of now, not a single issue with anything. OCR, left me every file that was used for the unlock bootloader & Rooting process. If it helps anybody, I can upload what ever file anyone may need.
Sent using my Awesome ROOTED Moto Z3 Play
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's because it's a Z3 "PLAY", not a Z3 which is "LOCKED" to Verizon from the factory. :crying: Mine's on eBay if anyone want's to buy it.

Verizon bloatware is easily disabled. I've had no trouble with ads. Anyone who buys a Verizon phone should know they're usually not bootloader unlockable if you're sophisticated enough to consider unlocking it. My phone's working great so ymmv.

Mines from Verizon but it's unlocked out of the box. Yes the bootloader is locked, but I can use the phone with T-Mobile etc...

wanb1i said:
As an FYI, the Moto Z3 IS Locked to Verizon ONLY in the US, Bootloader is also LOCKED and I HATE THE PHONE! It 's a $480.00 BILLBOARD! Nothing but Ads, Ads, Ads! You can't unlock the booltoader (I tried), so you can't root it, no root no adblock. :crying: So if you don't mind spending $500 and having CONSTANT, FULL SCREEN, OBTRUSIVE ADS popup while your viewing something, then this is the phone for you!!
BTW, the screen is also plastic, so be certain to get yourself a Tempered Glass Screen protector as soon as you get the phone, because the screen scratches very easily!
I'll be selling mine on eBay very soon!
---------- Post added at 10:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 AM ----------
FYI, can't unlock the bootloader, I tried to before I installed the sim, no go. the electronic serial number generated as the bootloader unlock code is set to VZW and CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED!:crying: I bought mine from Moto directly and it was shipped from China.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, not sure where you're getting this all from?
I bought a Z3 from the Verizon store at $480 it is a steal for this caliber of phone. It is NOT LOCKED, I was able to use it on AT&T and T-Mobile with no issue. Only thing that happens is when you reboot the phone it says "Sim card not from Verizon". Just swipe on the notification and it disappears and does not come back unless you reboot. Any of the Verizon apps are easily disabled and I do not have any ads of any sort, a pretty close to pure android experience. If you have ads, maybe you have a Z3 play Amazon version? not sure if they even made one for z3. I'm so confused on where you're getting ads from?
Also the screen is definitely glass...also don't know where you're getting this from. I also dropped my phone, no cracks, but display has a big blue spot on it. Was told that if there is no crack, it will be fixed for free. Even if they do find that there is physical damage, they will replace it for $150, which I think is more than reasonable. Just sent it off on the weekend so I'll find out soon. I wish there was a z3 force, would gladly deal with the plastic screen in order not to have to worry about it cracking. My Droid Turbo 2 was wonderful because of that.
Overall the z3 has been a great phone, the side fingerprint reader is awesome too. Was a bit worried about it, but got used to it pretty quick. Now that I sent mine in, I'm having to use my old Z droid, and realizing how a front fingerprint reader is not as convenient as a side one.
So I'm very curious, where did you find a Z3, that is locked, with ads and with a plastic screen? you sure you have a z3?
I have owned Verizon only version phones, from the Droid Turbo, Droid Turbo 2 and now the Z3, all of them have been able to work on any network as long as the bands match up, and I've been able to use them in many countries and in the US with no issue.

gbhsaturn said:
So I'm very curious, where did you find a Z3, that is locked, with ads and with a plastic screen? you sure you have a z3?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the event you are unaware, there are malicious apps capable of displaying apps on a user's device. Being that Amazon only offers the Z3 Play, which is impossible to confuse with a VZ branded device, this leads credibility to this being the problem.
Reviewers seem to like the screen, so pethaps they have a different Moto phone altogether? Who knows. VZ carries other Moto devices.

Mental1 said:
Well that sucks for you. I purchased my z3 play direct from Moto on a presale offer and it was not shipped from China. I used it for about 3 weeks before cracking the top 2 corners of the display from a "pop out of pocket, hit the blacktop and slid down my driveway" accident. Thanks to Moto's added warranty protection, they replaced it with a brand new in the box z3 play. So, before installing my Verizon sim, I setup the phone and used it on wifi for 2 days, also I never signed into Google, and made sure everything worked. This time being as F'n busy with my job and not having the time to modify it, I used the OCR service, paid the $$ and within a hour, unlocked bootloader and rooted. Once again, I used it for a day before finally installing my sim. I love the phone now and ripped through this ***** removing/adding apps and features to customize/personalize it to my liking. I have not installed the twrp recovery yet. That is next but as of now, not a single issue with anything. OCR, left me every file that was used for the unlock bootloader & Rooting process. If it helps anybody, I can upload what ever file anyone may need.
Sent using my Awesome ROOTED Moto Z3 Play
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need this info!!!!! Where did you get it done? I don't mind having to pay $$ for it... As long as it's not $$$$$$$$$$ lol

Lord_Worm said:
I need this info!!!!! Where did you get it done? I don't mind having to pay $$ for it... As long as it's not $$$$$$$$$$ lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One Click Root took care of everything from new "out of box" to Unlocked BL to Root all for less then 2 joints.

Mental1 said:
One Click Root took care of everything from new "out of box" to Unlocked BL to Root all for less then 2 joints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. I'm wondering where to find a little guiding on this: I posted elsewhere in the forum, but I spoke directly with a Motorola rep and they confirmed I was shipped a factory firmware test model. I'm not even sure what that means exactly. I know that I have modified several system files and actually had them stick, and now I'm wondering if I can flash a different firmware, and be on a different software channel altogether without bricking my device. My ultimate goal is bootloader unlock and root, but alas, every thing I read online says otherwise. I still would like to humor the thought of a possibility @ unlocking my bootloader without any crazy bootstomp vulnerability exploit

Mental1 said:
One Click Root took care of everything from new "out of box" to Unlocked BL to Root all for less then 2 joints.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I find it terribly odd that it says that the Moto Z3 Play isn't a supported device. Are you sure you're telling the truth over there? Sounds almost gimmicky to me. No offense sir, but I literally just went through the process with them.

Lord_Worm said:
Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. I'm wondering where to find a little guiding on this: I posted elsewhere in the forum, but I spoke directly with a Motorola rep and they confirmed I was shipped a factory firmware test model. I'm not even sure what that means exactly. I know that I have modified several system files and actually had them stick, and now I'm wondering if I can flash a different firmware, and be on a different software channel altogether without bricking my device. My ultimate goal is bootloader unlock and root, but alas, every thing I read online says otherwise. I still would like to humor the thought of a possibility @ unlocking my bootloader without any crazy bootstomp vulnerability exploit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally I do all my devices, cells, tabs and tv but I've been so busy I couldn't do any major research before attempting mental melt down. The one thing I can say is while watching it be done, they went directly through Moto site for the unlocking of the BL. After that the process from there was your standard adb & fb commands. Now they did download a "Official Firmware" file, flashed it, used Magisk, reflashed again and done. I read the same good & bad crap online as you and basically once you get it done , redo it your own way. The hard part is done, lol. It has been running great since done months ago. I made a change or two since then and still no issues. If I get a chance, I'll post the zip file they used and firmware pkg if it helps you.

Mental1 said:
Normally I do all my devices, cells, tabs and tv but I've been so busy I couldn't do any major research before attempting mental melt down. The one thing I can say is while watching it be done, they went directly through Moto site for the unlocking of the BL. After that the process from there was your standard adb & fb commands. Now they did download a "Official Firmware" file, flashed it, used Magisk, reflashed again and done. I read the same good & bad crap online as you and basically once you get it done , redo it your own way. The hard part is done, lol. It has been running great since done months ago. I made a change or two since then and still no issues. If I get a chance, I'll post the zip file they used and firmware pkg if it helps you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take a picture of the boot up screens showing the unlocked bootloader and post them.

Should I buy the Chinese version?

Hi,
I saw an excellent deal for the chinese version - 330usd.
But it comes without google play so I guess this is the chinese rom and not the global one.
Is it true I can unlock the device via the Xiaomi web site? and can I easily (already changed dozens of roms to ~10 devices at the past) change the rom to the global version?
Are there brick issues regarding updates?
Or should I just pay another 50 usd and get the oneplus 6?
Thank you!

Alonzzo2 said:
Hi,
I saw an excellent deal for the chinese version - 330usd.
But it comes without google play so I guess this is the chinese rom and not the global one.
Is it true I can unlock the device via the Xiaomi web site? and can I easily (already changed dozens of roms to ~10 devices at the past) change the rom to the global version?
Are there brick issues regarding updates?
Or should I just pay another 50 usd and get the oneplus 6?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This question keeps getting asked almost daily. There are many threads, way too many already. As long as you keep your bootloader UNLOCKED, you can flash whatever ROM you like. You can only RE-LOCK the bootloader with ALL Partitions back to the version (china or global) that your phone came with or you WILL BRICK your device where only an Authorized EDL account (which they don't give out anymore) can unbrick the device.
I think the phone is worth it, however my only gripe right now is that you can't have ROOT and have DATA partition encrypted at the same time. I'm sure eventually will be sorted out, but i like the phone and the weekly beta updates so-far since they fixed most of the complaints i had. FYI i came from an OP3T, and though the phone may not be as friendly -i think it was worth the savings in the end.

Agimax said:
This question keeps getting asked almost daily. There are many threads, way too many already. As long as you keep your bootloader UNLOCKED, you can flash whatever ROM you like. You can only RE-LOCK the bootloader with ALL Partitions back to the version (china or global) that your phone came with or you WILL BRICK your device where only an Authorized EDL account (which they don't give out anymore) can unbrick the device.
I think the phone is worth it, however my only gripe right now is that you can't have ROOT and have DATA partition encrypted at the same time. I'm sure eventually will be sorted out, but i like the phone and the weekly beta updates so-far since they fixed most of the complaints i had. FYI i came from an OP3T, and though the phone may not be as friendly -i think it was worth the savings in the end.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, thank you for the response! sorry for the additional thread...

I have also purchased the Chinese version of this phone - previous phones before that were the Oneplus 3 and Huawei P20 and so far I think this phone is one of the best I have had, will be much better when I finally unlock the bootloader.
The only downside I can see to these phones is resale value once you decide to move phones, there doesn't seem to be that much demand for them in the same way that there is for Oneplus and Huawei.

China Software vs International - Differences?

I am eyeballing a china version on ebay in the US because I don't want to wait until september. I know some folks have already found a way to flash the international software on the china phone, but is that needed? Are there major software differences between the chinese and international models other than the google play store being removed? Thanks.

I would avoid the Chinese version, I would avoid any Chinese-market-targeted phone. It's just a bloated spyware and not easy to ROM/root etc.
Wait for the the international version to come out. Worth it.
Why do I say that? I work and live in China, have made this mistake a couple of times. And my lovely girlfriend just purchased this phone without consulting me and now I have to go through the hard work of cleaning it up.

havork said:
I would avoid the Chinese version, I would avoid any Chinese-market-targeted phone. It's just a bloated spyware and not easy to ROM/root etc.
Wait for the the international version to come out. Worth it.
Why do I say that? I work and live in China, have made this mistake a couple of times. And my lovely girlfriend just purchased this phone without consulting me and now I have to go through the hard work of cleaning it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But international version is 12 gb ram only and double the price.

havork said:
I would avoid the Chinese version, I would avoid any Chinese-market-targeted phone. It's just a bloated spyware and not easy to ROM/root etc.
Wait for the the international version to come out. Worth it.
Why do I say that? I work and live in China, have made this mistake a couple of times. And my lovely girlfriend just purchased this phone without consulting me and now I have to go through the hard work of cleaning it up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whats involved in the cleanup? After a bit more research I read its just disabling a few apps and installing the play store.
I agree, some chinese phones can be an absolute disaster for a US user (oppo reno 10x). But hopefully this one isn't because I went ahead and ordered it.

I'm holding the thing in my hand, great hardware, crap software. Bloated with Chinese party Mao spyware. And that's what you can see, imagine what you can't.
Your only hope is to be able to rom it using the international firmware, but that might not be possible according to another thread.
I'm still trying to find a way to at least root it.
Also, seems like you can't set another launcher as default. Option doesn't exist in settings. So no Nova launcher and no sesame shortcuts

havork said:
I'm holding the thing in my hand, great hardware, crap software. Bloated with Chinese party Mao spyware. And that's what you can see, imagine what you can't.
Your only hope is to be able to rom it using the international firmware, but that might not be possible according to another thread.
I'm still trying to find a way to at least root it.
Also, seems like you can't set another launcher as default. Option doesn't exist in settings. So no Nova launcher and no sesame shortcuts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually planning on buying this device when it's available in the states, but seeing what has been said about the launcher issue as well as Gboard not being able to be installed(another thread), i am a bit concerned. Surely they wouldn't put such restrictions on the international edition, otherwise their dales aren't going to be as good as they could've been. They will have lost my purchase if that's the case. The specs are outstanding, but noone is going to tell me what I can and can't install on my nearly $1,000 dollar device.

ZeroKool76 said:
...noone is going to tell me what I can and can't install on my nearly $1,000 dollar device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly.
I wonder why these big manufacturers are just getting in our faces.
What's up with all the bloatware and restrictions on rooting and installing custom recoveries?
I'm looking for to the day people get together and fund a project to manufacture a great , clean, and rooted phone out of the box and put these ****s out of business.

havork said:
I'm holding the thing in my hand, great hardware, crap software. Bloated with Chinese party Mao spyware. And that's what you can see, imagine what you can't.
Your only hope is to be able to rom it using the international firmware, but that might not be possible according to another thread.
I'm still trying to find a way to at least root it.
Also, seems like you can't set another launcher as default. Option doesn't exist in settings. So no Nova launcher and no sesame shortcuts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Native Chinese here, I'd say it's just you as a non-Chinese user don't really get used to the culture, basically "bloated" would be considered as "multi-functional" for Chinese users as we don't really like to install tons of apps for every needs. TBH I think the stock CN firmware of this phone has much less apps preinstalled compared to other phones' CN firmware. (However the lack of Classic theme is quite disappointing.)
---------- Post added at 04:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:06 AM ----------
ZeroKool76 said:
I'm actually planning on buying this device when it's available in the states, but seeing what has been said about the launcher issue as well as Gboard not being able to be installed(another thread), i am a bit concerned. Surely they wouldn't put such restrictions on the international edition, otherwise their dales aren't going to be as good as they could've been. They will have lost my purchase if that's the case. The specs are outstanding, but noone is going to tell me what I can and can't install on my nearly $1,000 dollar device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I tried you can totally install other IME but for some reasons it would switch to original IME after some time. I guess that might be unintended, maybe we'll see it get patched in a future update but I'm not really sure.

havork said:
I'm holding the thing in my hand, great hardware, crap software. Bloated with Chinese party Mao spyware. And that's what you can see, imagine what you can't.
Your only hope is to be able to rom it using the international firmware, but that might not be possible according to another thread.
I'm still trying to find a way to at least root it.
Also, seems like you can't set another launcher as default. Option doesn't exist in settings. So no Nova launcher and no sesame shortcuts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I know.
Changing launcher is done only after the first day selling. And root is done 2 days later. So what you are asking is over 1 week after these are done.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80037367&postcount=79

whyou said:
As I know.
Changing launcher is done only after the first day selling. And root is done 2 days later. So what you are asking is over 1 week after these are done.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80037367&postcount=79
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Chinese version is better than the global one especially on ASUS devices and i am not a local citizen, i own the ROG phone 1 and 2. Both come with in built call recorder which is very important to me. Also the Chinese version gets faster updates than the global one add to that if you head to the Chinese forums of the device you will find a lot of support from there for issues unresolved on XDA and other Tech sites.
Regarding the default launcher i created a thread to solve this issue without root check it out: https://forum.xda-developers.com/rog-phone-2/how-to/disable-default-asus-launcher-root-t3955949

ROG 3 Chinese version.
I have just traded in ROG 2 for ROG 3 in Shanghai and I couldn’t be happier. The cost was 757 dollars for 12/256 Gig version, minus the trade in of 300 dollars, (converted from RMB). The Google Play Services app is preinstalled and Google Play Store is in Asus App Store. Here in China, of course, VPN is a must, but in USA, you shouldn’t have any problems without VPN, because the block is administered by my Chinese ISP and you won’t face any restrictions in America. I had backed up my "old"; (if you can call about 8 months old phone old), on USB stick and restore everything on the new phone. It was flawless. So, if you can’t wait, you can’t go wrong getting the phone now. There is only one thing, the new ROG works and feels exactly the same as the old ROG and the only difference is 5G and Wi-Fi 6. It looks like I have traded 3 speed bike for 6 speed bike and I’m not sure if it’s worth to everyone.
Good luck.
---------- Post added at 05:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:15 AM ----------
ZeroKool76 said:
I'm actually planning on buying this device when it's available in the states, but seeing what has been said about the launcher issue as well as Gboard not being able to be installed(another thread), i am a bit concerned. Surely they wouldn't put such restrictions on the international edition, otherwise their dales aren't going to be as good as they could've been. They will have lost my purchase if that's the case. The specs are outstanding, but noone is going to tell me what I can and can't install on my nearly $1,000 dollar device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, you can’t switch launchers readily, but other than that, there is no difference between Chinese and global version and there is a way, contrary to biased/racist opinion of one guy, to change to other launcher. Besides, the stock version of the ROG launcher Is great and I’m using iPhone OS 11 launcher just to show off my ROG to iPhone user, saying, see, I can make my phone look like yours, but you can’t make yours look like mine, but after the show I always switch to the original ROG launcher. I have just traded in ROG 2 for ROG 3 in Shanghai and I couldn’t be happier. The Google Play Services app is preinstalled and Google Play Store is in Asus App Store. Here in China, of course, VPN is a must, but in USA, you wont have any problems without VPN.