Global or Chinese - Xiaomi Mi 8 Questions & Answers

Is there anyone that would recommend steering clear of the Chinese version of the Mi 8? There about £30 ($50) cheaper than global versions on AliExpress and I am thinking of purchasing one.
I currently have a Huawei P20 and am frustrated with the lack of development so have decided to take the plunge with my first Xiaomi.
As a background to my phone use I generally go between different roms (AOSP and carrier stock) and always obtain root.

Related

CN model worth it in USA? Anything I ought to know before purchase?

Looking to pick up a CN 128gb variant. Is the Mi 8 worth it for sub $400? I'm able to flash global ROM ton the CN variant right?
https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Xiaomi-Mi-8-6-21-Inch-6GB-128GB-Smartphone-Blue-405269.html
I use T-mobile and just want to make sure I'm not missing purchasing the above. Anything I should be aware of with the Mi 8 using it outside of CN or other markets? (I've owned the Mix, Mi 5 and redmi note 4, so not my first xiaomi rodeo) .
I was initially torn between the Mix 2s and Mi 8, but remembered how I hated the FFC on the Mix and it at the bottom. Video chatting wasnt possible as I'd be upside down (duo. has this been fixed?). Mix 2s is about $450 for equivalent 128gb.
tlxxxsracer said:
Looking to pick up a CN 128gb variant. Is the Mi 8 worth it for sub $400? I'm able to flash global ROM ton the CN variant right?
https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Xiaomi-Mi-8-6-21-Inch-6GB-128GB-Smartphone-Blue-405269.html
I use T-mobile and just want to make sure I'm not missing purchasing the above. Anything I should be aware of with the Mi 8 using it outside of CN or other markets? (I've owned the Mix, Mi 5 and redmi note 4, so not my first xiaomi rodeo) .
I was initially torn between the Mix 2s and Mi 8, but remembered how I hated the FFC on the Mix and it at the bottom. Video chatting wasnt possible as I'd be upside down (duo. has this been fixed?). Mix 2s is about $450 for equivalent 128gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a CN version with global rom here in Canada. Only real drawback is no Google Pay. Other thing is if it comes unlocked by seller you won't be able to relock BL without bricking it. But if you plan on locking yourself, be ready for the 15-30 day wait period.
SENSEI888 said:
Using a CN version with global rom here in Canada. Only real drawback is no Google Pay. Other thing is if it comes unlocked by seller you won't be able to relock BL without bricking it. But if you plan on locking yourself, be ready for the 15-30 day wait period.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google pay is not working as safetynet check has failed. You can make safetynet pass by flashing Magisk which will root systemlessly and hide from safetynet. Am on the latest stable global rom with magisk 17.2 and google pay is working great
tlxxxsracer said:
Looking to pick up a CN 128gb variant. Is the Mi 8 worth it for sub $400? I'm able to flash global ROM ton the CN variant right?
https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Xiaomi-Mi-8-6-21-Inch-6GB-128GB-Smartphone-Blue-405269.html
I use T-mobile and just want to make sure I'm not missing purchasing the above. Anything I should be aware of with the Mi 8 using it outside of CN or other markets? (I've owned the Mix, Mi 5 and redmi note 4, so not my first xiaomi rodeo) .
I was initially torn between the Mix 2s and Mi 8, but remembered how I hated the FFC on the Mix and it at the bottom. Video chatting wasnt possible as I'd be upside down (duo. has this been fixed?). Mix 2s is about $450 for equivalent 128gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually there are differences between bands, but as far as I have read, they both seem to support the same bands and have pretty much the same features. But as mentioned, you will have issues with Google Play, and a large majority of threads have people trying to go from the Chinese rom to the Global rom. As for your chosen vendor, I'm not a fan of any of those Chinese vendors, especially when many of them are known to install what is referred to as "vendor roms" (this is typically a modified stock MIUI Chinese ROM with Google Play installed and a damaged version number which stops MIUI from updating, thus stopping Google Play from being deleted by an update). These vendors have been known for installing malware on the phones as it has been discovered before. If you've purchased from them and are happy with them, by all means do, but there is one reputable mega store in the US that is selling these devices, but 64GB global models only, and they're not as "cheap" as the ones you're looking at. If you are curious:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/co...alSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search&Ntt=Xiaomi
Crossvxm said:
Usually there are differences between bands, but as far as I have read, they both seem to support the same bands and have pretty much the same features. But as mentioned, you will have issues with Google Play, and a large majority of threads have people trying to go from the Chinese rom to the Global rom. As for your chosen vendor, I'm not a fan of any of those Chinese vendors, especially when many of them are known to install what is referred to as "vendor roms" (this is typically a modified stock MIUI Chinese ROM with Google Play installed and a damaged version number which stops MIUI from updating, thus stopping Google Play from being deleted by an update). These vendors have been known for installing malware on the phones as it has been discovered before. If you've purchased from them and are happy with them, by all means do, but there is one reputable mega store in the US that is selling these devices, but 64GB global models only, and they're not as "cheap" as the ones you're looking at. If you are curious:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/co...alSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search&Ntt=Xiaomi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if said device comes with a vendor ROM, would it still be possible to flash CN ROM onto it or unlock the bootloader and flash global ROM? Or does the vendor ROM cause issues with all that?
I dont have an issue with flashing magisk, I usually do on all devices I unlock, nor do i worry about TWRP. May even flash an AOSP Pie rom.
My main concern is getting off the vendor rom if it comes with it. I know in the past you could (I think)
I appreciate everyone's input and feedback. Does anyone have a recommended aliexpress vendor to buy from? I see popular, high rated ones with lots of sales but they too are CN model with global ROM flashed..
tlxxxsracer said:
So if said device comes with a vendor ROM, would it still be possible to flash CN ROM onto it or unlock the bootloader and flash global ROM? Or does the vendor ROM cause issues with all that?
I dont have an issue with flashing magisk, I usually do on all devices I unlock, nor do i worry about TWRP. May even flash an AOSP Pie rom.
My main concern is getting off the vendor rom if it comes with it. I know in the past you could (I think)
I appreciate everyone's input and feedback. Does anyone have a recommended aliexpress vendor to buy from? I see popular, high rated ones with lots of sales but they too are CN model with global ROM flashed..
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Click to collapse
Actually now that you mention it, one of the main reasons Xiaomi made it so hard to unlock the bootloader was to eliminate third party reseller issues, specifically the vendor rom issue. Now that anti-rollback has also been implemented, I believe that vendor rom issues are no more.
I don't know much about AliExpress, but I do know that it is more trusted than say GearBest and AliBaba. I skimmed through their site, perhaps it is best to buy from the ones with highest orders and good reviews? Ironically, I came across their site for the first time in a quite a while today when I Googled "Mi 8 camera glass protector". They actually have tempered glass for the camera, so I'll probably have no choice but to give them a try.
Anyhow, if you're going to install a custom rom, vendor rom doesn't matter since you'll be unlocking the bootloader anyways.
Getting back to your original question, $400 doesn't seem like a major deal, seeing that AliExpress has the global 8GB+256GB model for $40 more.
The Mi 8 isn't without it's share of camera issues. The video recording on the Mi Mix 2S looks and sounds much better than on the Mi 8. But they both have their share of pros and cons, with the Mi 8 still being the winner of both (depending on your preference). The Mi 8 has a much better looking display (Samsung's Super AMOLED vs JDI's IPS LCD) although as you may know OLED wears off if if not properly taken care of. The Mi 8 has a much higher max brightness too, and the battery life is said to be much better (mine averages at over 6 hours with the brightness at half with heavy web browsing of 3+ hours), but the notchless design of the Mi Mix 2S looks MUCH better. The notch isn't an issue for the most part.
Lastly, I haven't MetroPCS (excuse me, Metro by T-Mobile now ), basically the same thing as T-Mobile. You'll be happy to know that this phone fully supports LTE, 4G (HSPA+) and so on, even VoLTE (make sure you set your region to Hong Kong or India for that to work)!

What's your experience with the Chinese ROM on the device?

Hello, i looking to buying the Realme X50 5g on Aliexpress, but the only available version is the chinese official rom. Has anyone bought the phone with that rom installed? Whats your experience with it?
I have read that since the phone doesn't come with google play services installed and the apps that relies on google ofter fail and have trouble displaying notifications. Is this true?
And have you had any other problem with the device?
Lastly, in your opinion is it worth it to buy chinese rom phones to save a couple of bucks?
Thanks!
Realme x50 5G 12/256 Rom
I see that he is a little aggressive with the changes
In my case, I am from Mexico and I will have to use it in English. Although I see many apps that come in English and Chinese
I have not yet managed to put my Nova launcher or Chrome as main
I like to check all the applications. Then I will try to put all my data
I hope here I can find and solve all my doubts
casiburro said:
Hello, i looking to buying the Realme X50 5g on Aliexpress, but the only available version is the chinese official rom. Has anyone bought the phone with that rom installed? Whats your experience with it?
I have read that since the phone doesn't come with google play services installed and the apps that relies on google ofter fail and have trouble displaying notifications. Is this true?
And have you had any other problem with the device?
Lastly, in your opinion is it worth it to buy chinese rom phones to save a couple of bucks?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought this as the Chinese rom has English language as well as Chinese. I had to install g apps manually afterwards. found a web site that showed how to remove most of the Chinese system apps using adb. Still cannot get rid if Breen (voice command thing) and their own "Apps Market" app. This phone has a much better wifi and mobile signal than previous phone (Umidigi Z2 SE) I will never buy Umidigi again.
This phone (x50 5g) is the best bang for buck on aliexpress. It can be had for $230 incl shipping. does 333k in antutu better than 301k realme v5. same price as v5 better than realme 6/ 6 pro.
has almost every 4g band you will ever need. Just use it as 4g phone since you cant use the 5g bands anywhere except china. has excellent build quality, metal frame, gorilla 5 front and back. 120hz refresh rate. 30w fast charging, image stabilization.
I feel sorry for people buying this phone in Europe. 400 euros seems way to much when you can get china version for half the price. also stupid oneplus nord. why buy that one over this phone? its all the same company anyways. I don't see why this phone isn't more popular. I think its my next phone. like the above poster said, you can install google playstore and remove the chinese bloatware over ADB.

Question Vivo X70 Pro+ questions.

Hello all,
I would like to ask some of the owners in here some things since it's very difficult to find answers elsewhere.
First of all i would like to say that i'm between Vivo and Mi 11 Ultra.
1. Are you happy with battery life? Review sites say that battery life is mediocre, even worse than Mi 11 ultra. I'm a heavy user so i would hate if i have to charge the phone mid-day. Your impressions?
2. If i buy the phone from Tradingshenzen does it come with Chinese Rom? Is there such a thing like Global Rom which you can use to flash the phone?
In general how is the general idea of the phone?
I haven't had the phone for enough time and i don’t have a sim in it yet to comment on battery life. But regarding your question 2, if you are an English speaker in a country outside of China, my opinion is ONLY buy the Global version made and primarily sold in India. I had a Chinese version of the x60 Pro+ and only had problems using it here in the USA. Many notifications only in the Chinese language, lack of complete Google services, poor notifications (mail, sms, ring video camera, ESPN - not reliable.) I attempted to solve some of the problems by tweaking some of the code through adb and enabling some developer options in settings. But eventually I gave up and sold it. Now I have the x70 Pro+ from India and I love it. System software is solid with all Google services, screen is terrific, I like the size and the rounded edges. Notifications come through solidly. Everything in English. No need to tweak.
There is no option to flash and change the rom to global at the moment. The only option is to buy the global vesrion which is much more expensive and very close to S21 ultra and S22 ultra (https://www.ebay.it/itm/255221595456?hash=item3b6c647d40:g:A40AAOSwOZlhXqsW). With mi11 ultra is much easier but I have the same thoughts and I would buy vivo, but I could have xiaomi for around 675 £ from wonda.
Thank you very much for your replies.
I am from Europe, do you know any website which sells the Global version and ships to Europe?
I am from Poland and I did good research. I have sent it above,you can buy it only on Ebay. All other shops sell the CN version which is significatnly cheeper. I hope vivo will uclock the bootloader and it will be possible to flash the rom. In the other hand the S22 ultra will be cheeper than Vivo x70 pro plus (global ebay) and in my opinion is better to wait for X80 and hope they will sell global vesrion. I still wait for the price for OP 10 pro for EU.
Mariuszuzd said:
I am from Poland and I did good research. I have sent it above,you can buy it only on Ebay. All other shops sell the CN version which is significatnly cheeper. I hope vivo will uclock the bootloader and it will be possible to flash the rom. In the other hand the S22 ultra will be cheeper than Vivo x70 pro plus (global ebay) and in my opinion is better to wait for X80 and hope they will sell global vesrion. I still wait for the price for OP 10 pro for EU.
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Click to collapse
Thank your for your reply. It's a pity we can unlock the bootloader. Any news about the X80 release?
I really like their camera and i want to use the phone mostly for photos and videos.
Unfortunately, people were working on that wihout success. Regarding the release, I have found some information that this will happen or on 17th of February or in the summer of 2022. But the most important question is if there is a global version or if they sell the device in EU. I have pixel 4a and I'm looking for a new phone. FOr me the same, the most important are photos and maybe in 5% recording of the movies and working Android auto.
I think i will just make my friend send me the Pixel 6 Pro.
It's taking too long to wait.
Also i only want to buy the 512GB version of these phones
I would buy pixel but in Poland there is no google store, therefore 5g, volte and vowifi is not working. Mobile operators do not cooperate with google

Question Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, worth?

Hey guys,
I was looking for a new phone in the last weeks, and I found the Mi 11 Ultra.
My budget's 700 ~ 800 dollars
But I was looking in the Aliexpress, some announcements and I only found the Global ROM. After a search, I discover that this version can not work with some bank apps or the NFC.
This is true? Do you guys have some seller that sells a MI 11 Ultra without the bootloader unlocked? I need a phone with the Google and bank apps working.
Do you guys recommend other phones that are in the budget that I mentioned?
Thanks!
mlopess said:
Hey guys,
I was looking for a new phone in the last weeks, and I found the Mi 11 Ultra.
My budget's 700 ~ 800 dollars
But I was looking in the Aliexpress, some announcements and I only found the Global ROM. After a search, I discover that this version can not work with some bank apps or the NFC.
This is true? Do you guys have some seller that sells a MI 11 Ultra without the bootloader unlocked? I need a phone with the Google and bank apps working.
Do you guys recommend other phones that are in the budget that I mentioned?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chinese devices are not so interesting today
For the apps to work, you will need to root the phone and use Magisk hide or install a Xiaomi Eu rom.
https://xiaomi.eu/community/
Xiaomi 12 pro
Or buy a second hand worldwide version, that's what I have. Non rooted, global rom, banking apps fine, widevine and safetynet pass so google pay/wallet etc works too. NOWTV app doesn't work though :/
That's because of the the second screen. The app thinks it is casting or something. I tried to get sky to put it on the exception but they wouldn't. I bet the new galaxy fold with second screen will have same problem.
As a global version user (not global rom). It worth every single dollar I paid for it. No regret not even slightly
The China rom one can easily use nfc and other apps... I own one so I should know

Question Any country selling 12GB/512GB apart from CN ?

Hey XDA, I just tested Moto Edge S30 Fusion in Australia (aka Moto S30 Pro) and really like the phone as it is the right size and dual sim functionality that I need. Unfortuantely it is only 128GB storage which is frustrating since the S30 Pro in China gets 512GB (and is actually cheaper to buy vs the 128GB in Australia!)
I saw a post Converting the x30 Pro (CN) to Edge Ultra (EU). Has anyone considered doing the same? Main concerns is loosing Google Pay and stock functionality by unlocking bootloader and it being detected by apps.
If we could buy Edge S30 Fusion with 256GB or 512GB in non-CN country it would be perfect !
If anyone is interested here are then links to Australian retailers:
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion 5G 128GB (Cosmic Grey)
With MOTOROLA provide a great product at a great price. Check out our bargain prices online at JB Hi-Fi
www.jbhifi.com.au
Motorola 5599577 Edge 30 Fusion 8/128GB Solar Gold at The Good Guys
Shop Online for Motorola 5599577 Motorola Edge 30 Fusion 8/128GB Solar Gold and more at The Good Guys. Grab a bargain from Australia's leading home appliance store.
www.thegoodguys.com.au
motorola edge 30 fusion - Solar Gold
also review:
Motorola Edge 30 Fusion – a diamond in the rough (smartphone review) - Cybershack
The Motorola Edge 30 Fusion may well be its ‘Goldilocks’ phone sitting above the new Edge 30 Neo and below the Edge 30/Pro/Ultra.
cybershack.com.au
Motorola Releases Additions To Edge 30 Phone Lineup | Canstar Blue
Motorola releases new additions to the Edge 30 lineup - the Edge 30 Ultra, Edge 30 Fusion and Edge 30 Neo. Read more at Canstar Blue.
www.canstarblue.com.au
Can't you just order from AliExpress, they install global rom themselves.
MagisterOfMysticStudies said:
Can't you just order from AliExpress, they install global rom themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A big NO in changing from CN RM to Global ROM.
Why? BECAUSE OF MOTOROLA'S TIGHT SECURITY
1. You can NEVER software update over the air. Yes, this is NEVER. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. You can NEVER re-lock your bootloader.
3. There will be a nasty WARNING MESSAGE ("Your bootloader is unlocked blah blah) everytime you restart your phone.
Why do you need to convert to global ROM when in fact, CN ROM OFFICIALLY SUPPORTS GOOGLE PLAY SERVICES.
How do I know? I own the X30 Pro.
You just need to toggle from Settings (see attachment as proof).
Pls don't make your life complicated.
Well, I don't think that the additional internal storage is worth it. I have a 256GB E30 Ultra and I just bought a 1TB sandisk microsd card and a usb-c reader. Transfer speed is nearly 100MB/s and I put the reader on my keychain so it is always with me.
I am considering the chinese with the global. My seller says I can get OTA? I see some say not supported but maybe there is a way around that. I would definitely get the CN version if I could uninstall the CN apps. I don't know how to do it but I know there is a way like Root or this tool and that one but that stuff is way over my level. I only know how to turn it on and use it.
redrooster62 said:
I am considering the chinese with the global. My seller says I can get OTA? I see some say not supported but maybe there is a way around that. I would definitely get the CN version if I could uninstall the CN apps. I don't know how to do it but I know there is a way like Root or this tool and that one but that stuff is way over my level. I only know how to turn it on and use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chinese Moto S30 Pro with seller-installed global rom is not updated via OTA. But you can update it manually by downloading the desired rom via fastboot. Remember to backup all your content before performing the upgrade.
Moto X30 Pro in CN = Moto Edge 30 Ultra
of course, if you buy the CN version it's not necessary to unlock the bootloader and convert it to Global ROM
I'm using the CN version without any issue
work like a rocket, just annoying me in Android Auto, nothing else

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