Google Fi is currently doing a promo where you can buy two X4 phones for $249 each and get a $249 bill credit (so each phone effectively costs $125). I'm currently on Verizon with a (forever) locked Moto Z Droid and am interested in getting away. I just want to be clear on what limitations (if any) there are on the Fi variant. There are some threads from last year, but I didn't know if anything had changed since then, hence the thread (and I'd like the answers all in one spot, anyway).
The US a single hardware variant (XT1900-1) with two software versions (Payton and Payton Fi), correct? I assume this means you can flash ROMs for either on any XT1900-1 phone, but you'd lose Fi capability if you used the non-Fi ROM. Yes?
It's my understanding that the Fi variant is also SIM unlocked and supports both CDMA and GSM bands, so I could leave Fi and use it with another carrier. Is this correct?
Finally - and most importantly - is the Fi variant bootloader unlockable and rootable? I'm guessing that new X4s ship with Oreo, but I don't know if it'll be 8.0 or 8.1. I just want to make sure that it's rootable.
TIA!
rczrider said:
The US a single hardware variant (XT1900-1) with two software versions (Payton and Payton Fi), correct? I assume this means you can flash ROMs for either on any XT1900-1 phone, but you'd lose Fi capability if you used the non-Fi ROM. Yes?
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Yes you can flash either. There's official TWRP support now FYI. I'm not sure on what Fi features are lost if any.
rczrider said:
It's my understanding that the Fi variant is also SIM unlocked and supports both CDMA and GSM bands, so I could leave Fi and use it with another carrier. Is this correct?
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Correct
rczrider said:
Finally - and most importantly - is the Fi variant bootloader unlockable and rootable? I'm guessing that new X4s ship with Oreo, but I don't know if it'll be 8.0 or 8.1. I just want to make sure that it's rootable.
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Bootloader is unlockable but you have to get the code via Motorola website, still simple. Root methods have been established.
No Fi features should be lost. These features are tied to the SIM card and email account I believe. I'd go for the deal being offered. My opinion.
Project Fi with Moto X4
I have had forever a Nexus 5x, now a Moto X4, and a Pixel 2. All bought through project Fi. Here in Moto X4 land if you research through posts that this phone is not one with high numbers of owners. I have found that if you want good not great Project Fi switching the Moto X4 is behind my Pixel 2 but ahead of my Nexus 5x. A app that works on phone for manual switching is "Signal Info" it uses manual dialer codes to switch carriers. I have found that on my Moto X4 US Cellular is the strongest here at home but for some reason US cellular wants to cause my Moto X4 to drop down to Sprint, then if I am in a Excellent T-Mobile area it keeps until complete drop out and then prioritizes to Sprint and I have to manual switch to US Cellular.
With TWRP official and Root I haven't yet decided to Unlock yet. If a wanted Magisk module is available I want to add; that is when I may decide. I have found though that Project Fi support is only on Stock/Not Rooted support. I was hoping that the Android One variant would be better in updating but we are really One upgrade cycle behind it appears. As of yesterday still on Mar 1 security updates and 8.0 updates.
On SIM card, I can use the same SIM to switch from all 3 phones. I may get a few old SMS, MMS and recorded messages in switching but very easy to do. I have only one Fi account though. I have found that custom ROM's in Nexus 5x that the Project Fi apk must be loaded at Gapps time and unless you use a full, or aroma to allow Project Fi install the SIM card alone will not work. Permissions get weird and screwed up.
Related
When the 1st Gen Moto X came out I was stationed in Germany but thanks to the fact that it was quad band it would work on all European networks (and it worked on the networks I was able to test it on). And the 1st Gen Moto X from VZW wasn't even region unlocked.
The Pure Edition covers all the same frequencies and bands that VZW covers except Band 13 which is exclusive to Verizon. As a junior/budding developer and cell phone junkie I would really love the opportunity to play with a bootloader unlocked edition to truly take advantage of all the possibilities of the phone.
Has anyone tried this yet?
Does anyone live in the RVA area, own a Pure Edition Moto X and be willing to try this with my SIM card?
Kenmichi said:
When the 1st Gen Moto X came out I was stationed in Germany but thanks to the fact that it was quad band it would work on all European networks (and it worked on the networks I was able to test it on). And the 1st Gen Moto X from VZW wasn't even region unlocked.
The Pure Edition covers all the same frequencies and bands that VZW covers except Band 13 which is exclusive to Verizon. As a junior/budding developer and cell phone junkie I would really love the opportunity to play with a bootloader unlocked edition to truly take advantage of all the possibilities of the phone.
Has anyone tried this yet?
Does anyone live in the RVA area, own a Pure Edition Moto X and be willing to try this with my SIM card?
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Verizon controls which phones can be activated on their network. I don't think they will let you activate a Pure Edition phone.
cam30era said:
Verizon controls which phones can be activated on their network. I don't think they will let you activate a Pure Edition phone.
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Additionally, the Pure Edition doesn't have a compatible CDMA radio, so you wouldn't be able to make phone calls.
nimper said:
Additionally, the Pure Edition doesn't have a compatible CDMA radio, so you wouldn't be able to make phone calls.
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In another month or 2, you'll be able to make phone calls on VoLTE.
There is a VZW thread in the General section - and a poster there has 2 phones - VZW and Pure - I asked him to try the active VZW sim in the Pure phone and give us a report. I read a report elsewhere of someone who used a VZW sim in a non-VZW iphone 6 and was able to use data, and make phone calls on VoLTE (iPhone already has VoLTE on VZW).
For what it is worth - VZW has historically only controlled what phones are activated on their CDMA network. The Nexus 7 2013 LTE was delayed on the VZW network because the network couldn't activate the sim because the N7 didn't have CDMA, it was LTE only. But while VZW was sorting that out, you could take an active VZW sim and put it in the N7 and it worked fine on the LTE bands. VZW did finally update their network, and the N7 was able to activate a sim card on VZW LTE. I don't know what effect that will have on VZW being able to regulate LTE devices - but given the results of the Iphone 6 I described above, I suspect that VZW still is unable to regulate an LTE device once a VZW sim is active.
jasoraso said:
In another month or 2, you'll be able to make phone calls on VoLTE. .
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Wouldn't this only be possible with a firmware update? So if the Pure Edition software doesn't support it, then no phone calls for you.
nimper said:
Wouldn't this only be possible with a firmware update? So if the Pure Edition software doesn't support it, then no phone calls for you.
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Yes, I think that would be right. Would probably be pretty easy for someone who knew what they were doing to port the VoLTE firmware from a VZW phone to a Pure phone - that's the great thing about being able to root/bootloader unlock, right
In the other General thread, the guy with both phones just said that he couldn't get data to work with a vzw sim in a Pure phone - so the question may be moot. Don't know if it is incompatibility with the particular LTE band where he is, or bad APN settings, or if VZW really is able to restrict their LTE network to a particular class of device (the fact the the iPhone can do it makes be doubt the restriction answer).
jasoraso said:
Yes, I think that would be right. Would probably be pretty easy for someone who knew what they were doing to port the VoLTE firmware from a VZW phone to a Pure phone - that's the great thing about being able to root/bootloader unlock, right
In the other General thread, the guy with both phones just said that he couldn't get data to work with a vzw sim in a Pure phone - so the question may be moot. Don't know if it is incompatibility with the particular LTE band where he is, or bad APN settings, or if VZW really is able to restrict their LTE network to a particular class of device (the fact the the iPhone can do it makes be doubt the restriction answer).
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Thank you for the information, I don't know how I overlooked that thread.
My plan was to take my existing activated VZW SIM in my 1st Gen X and drop it into the 2nd Gen X, as long as the SIM is active I am good to go. But if he is confirming that the Pure Edition does not support a VZW SIM then like you said it is moot. The next thing to wait for is the VoLTE network to open up.
Additional thoughts: What about the Qualcomm software 'fix' to open up additional bands?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/cro...ad-progress-please-leave-im-updating-t2871269
I think once the additional bands are opened on the Pure edition, it may work. For now, only 2 of the 5 VZW bands are supported on the Pure edition. Pretty bad odds to have coverage.
Kenmichi said:
Thank you for the information, I don't know how I overlooked that thread.
My plan was to take my existing activated VZW SIM in my 1st Gen X and drop it into the 2nd Gen X, as long as the SIM is active I am good to go. But if he is confirming that the Pure Edition does not support a VZW SIM then like you said it is moot. The next thing to wait for is the VoLTE network to open up.
Additional thoughts: What about the Qualcomm software 'fix' to open up additional bands?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/cro...ad-progress-please-leave-im-updating-t2871269
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any update? Would love to update my 2013 Moto X and simply swap SIM to keep unlimited data
I have XT1053 (Moto X 2013 Developer Edition GSM) and it is broken. I use it on AT&T and LTE support is important. It was on 4.2.2 and I never upgraded to 4.4 as it seemed all later versions just brought different problems and I never needed any new features. I haven't followed 5.1 too much but if it was any good there would not be threads here about downgrading on its forum, right?
My options are (I need to do something fast because I leave for vacation in Europe at the end of the month and would like to use phone there. I don't want anything larger than 5"):
1) Send it to Motorola and for $100 they will fix it. Probably just replace with refurb. But what version of Android will it come with? Does anyone know?
2) Get 2014 Moto X, but what version? It seems "Pure Edition" (XT1095) didn't support AT& LTE bands out of the box but they were upgraded later and that enabled it. Yet I found posts that AT&T IMEI database apparently doesn't list XT1095 as having these bands and phone doesn't connect to LTE on AT&T. One has to proved IMEI from another phone. My AT&T SIM is now associated with 1053, so maybe I would be OK? Has all this been officially rectified?
Has Lollipop upgrade on 2014 Moto X been as bad as it was on 2013?
3) Get XT1097 (AT&T version of Moto X 2014) - I don't like the fact that it only comes with 16GB of storage. Also, can it be rooted/bootloader/SIM unlocked?
4) Get some other phone and here I just don't know what to consider in 5" size because I haven't been following Android phones recently.
Feedback and answers appreciated.
Hello all,
My Nexus 6p seems to have that Bootlooping issue, but I bought it at Best Buy so i can't RMA it. My plan is to make a Fi account for 1 month, buy a Moto X4 Android one edition, send my dead nexus 6p back to google (the trade in asks if it powers on not if it successfully boots), and then use the Moto X4 on Verizon. Has anyone successfully been using the android one version on Verizon and if so how well does it. Work? Also am i able to sign up for Fi for one month and then cancel it?
It supports all the correct LTE bands, so it should be theoretically compatible. Whether Verizon will accept it or not is another matter.
Yes, it works perfectly (if you already have an activated Verizon SIM card). To the point where VVM is built-in to the phone app and it supports HD calling.
You also don't even have to pay for a month of Fi. When you receive the phone, immediately put in your Verizon SIM card without booting up the phone, and you're good. Fi only starts charging when you activate the Fi SIM card.
Actually, now that I think about it, I'm wondering if both could be used. I already have Project Fi, and if this phone is dual-sim, could I put a data-only Verizon SIM in it to supplement the Fi coverage?
Fi uses T-mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular towers. If I were to add Verizon into the mix for an extra $20/month, that would probably be the best coverage possible, right?
Can confirm VoLTE and visual voicemail works out of the box. I haven't run into any issues as of yet :fingers-crossed:
crazyates said:
Actually, now that I think about it, I'm wondering if both could be used. I already have Project Fi, and if this phone is dual-sim, could I put a data-only Verizon SIM in it to supplement the Fi coverage?
Fi uses T-mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular towers. If I were to add Verizon into the mix for an extra $20/month, that would probably be the best coverage possible, right?
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The x4 I just received from Fi does not have a dual sim slot. The slot has room for 1 sim and 1 micro sd card. I have both inserted and the tray is full.
Does the verizon version come with a dual-sim option? Do they also allow a micro sd card?
Jayman007 said:
Does the verizon version come with a dual-sim option? Do they also allow a micro sd card?
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Click to collapse
None of the US carriers have announced they will carry the Moto X4 yet. I'd expect an announcement sometime after their earnings call this quarter if they did. I doubt they would allow dual sim on their network though. As far as a dual sim in North America, the XT1900-7 is listed as a dual-sim but idk if it's passed the FCC yet.
Code:
Motorola Moto X4 TD-LTE NA 32GB XT1900-1
Motorola Moto X4 Dual SIM TD-LTE APAC 64GB XT1900-2
?? XT1900-3
Motorola Moto X4 LTE-A LATAM 32GB XT1900-4
Motorola Moto X4 Dual SIM TD-LTE EMEA 32GB XT1900-5
Motorola Moto X4 HDTV Dual SIM LTE-A LATAM 64GB XT1900-6
Motorola Moto X4 Dual SIM TD-LTE AM 32GB XT1900-7
Hey all thanks for the replies. FYI i ended up jumping on the Beat Buy Essential Phone $100 off deal, but its good to know if im in the market for a phone again sooner than i would hope....
skmpowdjy said:
Yes, it works perfectly (if you already have an activated Verizon SIM card). To the point where VVM is built-in to the phone app and it supports HD calling.
You also don't even have to pay for a month of Fi. When you receive the phone, immediately put in your Verizon SIM card without booting up the phone, and you're good. Fi only starts charging when you activate the Fi SIM card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick question, if you put the Verizon sim in first, won't it update the software to make unlocking the bootloader impossible later on? I thought I read to make sure before you use the Verizon network, that you boot the phone either without the sim on wifi or with a sim from something other than Verizon so you could update the software an unlock the bootloader before Verizon slammed the door shut on you. If that's incorrect please enlighten, because I'm thinking of getting this phone to use on Verizon to replace my moto x pure.
bamaredwingsfan said:
Quick question, if you put the Verizon sim in first, won't it update the software to make unlocking the bootloader impossible later on? I thought I read to make sure before you use the Verizon network, that you boot the phone either without the sim on wifi or with a sim from something other than Verizon so you could update the software an unlock the bootloader before Verizon slammed the door shut on you. If that's incorrect please enlighten, because I'm thinking of getting this phone to use on Verizon to replace my moto x pure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This has not been the case, for me on Verizon, with a Moto X Pure Edition 2015, a Nexus 6P and a Moto Z2 Play (US Unlocked).
I have unlocked the bootloader and rooted all three.
Can anyone confirm whether the Google Project Fi version is bootloader unlockable? I've been using Samsung Galaxy S5 and Note 3 for years simply because I can unlock them and run lineageOS. Those phones are getting pretty long in the tooth and I wanted to switch carriers to Project Fi anyway.
I can confirm that I was able to bootoader unlock my FI G6. The process was the same as a retail us variant.
Mine unlocked just fine. Have to get key from Motorola.
Yes, I searched. And yes, I realize this may be a trivial question. But I've done no tinkering on my past 2 phones so real rusty on anything other than VZW purchased phones.
First, I live in a VZW-only area, so different carriers is not an option. And its time for me to do a phone upgrade. Because we're on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G6 seems the best option for a new phone with warranty.
QUESTION: For any of you that purchased the Moto G6 unlocked from Motorola, Amazon, etc. (not the Play, etc etc) for use on Verizon using your existing SIM card, have you had any problem getting the phone to work correctly on Verizon?
The reason I ask is purchasing the G6 on Verizon is $240 + $30 upgrade + free shipping = $270 vs. on Motorola the unlocked G6 is currently $229 + free shipping = $229 ... then just swap my SIM card and do the phone switch on the VZW site.
I'm not a VZW user, but I did some digging for you.
Verizon uses 3 LTE antenna bands -- 2, 4, and 13 -- all of which the Moto G6 has. So, you should be fine as long as the service is good.
Here are the sources if you wish to take a look for yourself:
https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g6-9000.php
https://www.frequencycheck.com/carriers/verizon-wireless-united-states
It should work but keep in mind you will probably never see custom roms specific that device. It does have the ability to root and use twrp if memory serves me right. With that you can install Generic System Images from the Treble Development forum here. These are a new rom format that are universally compatible with devices shipping with Android 8 and newer. Because of the universal format, and it's a newer way of making roms, not everything may work.
Sent from my moto g(6) plus using Tapatalk
JoeGatto said:
I'm not a VZW user, but I did some digging for you.
Verizon uses 3 LTE antenna bands -- 2, 4, and 13 -- all of which the Moto G6 has. So, you should be fine as long as the service is good.
Here are the sources if you wish to take a look for yourself:
https://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g6-9000.php
https://www.frequencycheck.com/carriers/verizon-wireless-united-states
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Thanks! Appreciate this info ... its something I used to check into but being so rusty on stock phones, didn't even think about the various bands. Glad to have those links!
cvhovey said:
Yes, I searched. And yes, I realize this may be a trivial question. But I've done no tinkering on my past 2 phones so real rusty on anything other than VZW purchased phones.
First, I live in a VZW-only area, so different carriers is not an option. And its time for me to do a phone upgrade. Because we're on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G6 seems the best option for a new phone with warranty.
QUESTION: For any of you that purchased the Moto G6 unlocked from Motorola, Amazon, etc. (not the Play, etc etc) for use on Verizon using your existing SIM card, have you had any problem getting the phone to work correctly on Verizon?
The reason I ask is purchasing the G6 on Verizon is $240 + $30 upgrade + free shipping = $270 vs. on Motorola the unlocked G6 is currently $229 + free shipping = $229 ... then just swap my SIM card and do the phone switch on the VZW site.
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i use straight talk through the verizon network on my retail -6 g6. works perfectly. just pull the trigger as long as its not the amazon version. i got mine at best buy for 250$
Dadud said:
i use straight talk through the verizon network on my retail -6 g6. works perfectly. just pull the trigger as long as its not the amazon version. i got mine at best buy for 250$
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Thx! And, yeah, I did a quick look at the Amazon version ... and ran the opposite direction.
cvhovey said:
Yes, I searched. And yes, I realize this may be a trivial question. But I've done no tinkering on my past 2 phones so real rusty on anything other than VZW purchased phones.
First, I live in a VZW-only area, so different carriers is not an option. And its time for me to do a phone upgrade. Because we're on a tight budget, the Motorola Moto G6 seems the best option for a new phone with warranty.
QUESTION: For any of you that purchased the Moto G6 unlocked from Motorola, Amazon, etc. (not the Play, etc etc) for use on Verizon using your existing SIM card, have you had any problem getting the phone to work correctly on Verizon?
The reason I ask is purchasing the G6 on Verizon is $240 + $30 upgrade + free shipping = $270 vs. on Motorola the unlocked G6 is currently $229 + free shipping = $229 ... then just swap my SIM card and do the phone switch on the VZW site.
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Click to collapse
I use an unlocked Moto G6 I bought from Target on Verizon, I went into a corporate store, ported my number from ATT to Verizon and had no issues, everything works, volte, visual voicemail, ect.
luigi90210 said:
I use an unlocked Moto G6 I bought from Target on Verizon, I went into a corporate store, ported my number from ATT to Verizon and had no issues, everything works, volte, visual voicemail, ect.
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Thx ... I'm going ahead to get this phone!