I'm surprised I haven't seen much talk about this version here, or Xfinity Mobile in general. It is definitely the best option in price (to purchase a single Note 9 with little service commitment) over the unlocked version without being being too much of a hassle to get the rebate.
For myself, that means I activated a prepaid line (T-mobile, $10 sim, $6 for 2 months of service) to port to Xfinity in order to get the rebate. I'm on Sprint's 1 year free plan until the middle of next year, and since I already subscribe to Xfinity Internet at home, I might as well use that as an advantage to get the discounted phone. Since my main # is on Google Voice, I use their call forwarding to the carrier number currently, so I can do the same on Xfinity -- forwarding calls for the first month (or 2) until I can request an unlock code. For the first few months, I will actually use the service in part and keep it active to get the rebate (and get paid for it!), since I also have a BankAmeriDeals $50 cashback offer from Xfinity Mobile once 2 monthly billing charges hit. The timing was very sweet on that one, ha!
For others, I understand this offer might be too much work, as would be the alternate solution of switching carriers altogether to Xfinity Mobile, which is more than likely why it doesn't have that much appeal. That being said, I wanted to point out that this option is available, and start this thread for discussion on supported bands related to the Xfinity, or Comcast (CCT) model.
Known/deduced information so far:
128 GB model #s: SM-N960UZBACCT (Ocean Blue), SM-N960UZPACCT (Lavender Purple)
512 GB model #s: SM-N960UZBFCCT (Ocean Blue), SM-N960UZPFCCT (Lavender Purple)
I cannot find any information on the supported bands for this CCT variant other than (what I hope is) a limited list from the Xfinity website (B2, B5, B13, B4, B66).
Is the below assumption incorrect? I've been on Google devices for a while and I've been out of the loop with Samsung:
1) Once released, factory unlocked US firmware (XAA) can be flashed to this CCT (or any other) US carrier variant, and this should enable the bands supported by the US unlocked firmware.
Finally, if anyone has a previous Galaxy S9 or similar on Xfinity, can they comment if the bands on the device are the same or similar to the Verizon (VZW) variant?
References:
SM-N960 model number differences
Cellular frequencies in the US
I disagree that it's definitely the best option for a discount in price. Verizon BOGO and T-mobile $500 off are better, in my opinion. Yes, they're bill credits, but I'm not going anywhere anyway. More money off = better to me. I think T-mobile is the best one since it's basically just half off the phone.
I have Comcast and had Verizon. I thought about the Xfinity thing but then it's the same old game is taxes and fees increasing your bill. I'd pay about $36/mo for 3GB (still restrictive) and then with taxes and crap I'd be at $45/mo for limited data and I'd be watching my usage still (as I did with my 3GB on Verizon). Instead, I opted for T-mobile and will be paying $33/mo (as part of a 6-line account) for unlimited data and no taxes and fees. That makes me a happy camper. Plus with T-mobile Tuesdays, I'll get free Pandora Plus for year, I get free Netflix for life, free MLB TV each season, etc. I'm loving this company so far! And for $10 more, I can get 20GB of 4G Hotspot a month. ?
Anyway, I really did consider Xfinity wireless. The biggest turnoff was the lack of phone options, promotions, and the data is costly.
PsiPhiDan said:
I disagree that it's definitely the best option for a discount in price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is why I clarified for a single phone purchase. I think I needed to be more specific and mention without a long term service commitment. With any other carrier I would have needed to:
(1) Do a credit pull
(2) Stay with the carrier for 2 years to deal with bill credits (no thanks)
(3) Pay more than I do now for service (current bill w/ Sprint's free 1-year plan is <$20/mth for 4 lines) -- I'm not staying w/ Xfinity after I get the rebate, heh. Once the Sprint taxes+fees gravy train is over I'll see where I move
If anyone has any insight for the supported bands on CCT (Comcast/Xfinity models) I'd appreciate it.
Would US XAA firmware be able to be cross-flashed to this CCT (or any other) US carrier variant to enable the bands supported by the XAA US unlocked firmware? From the searches I did yesterday, it seems like it is possible, but may require a modified Odin version?
vacaloca said:
This is why I clarified for a single phone purchase. I think I needed to be more specific and mention without a long term service commitment. With any other carrier I would have needed to:
(1) Do a credit pull
(2) Stay with the carrier for 2 years to deal with bill credits (no thanks)
(3) Pay more than I do now for service (current bill w/ Sprint's free 1-year plan is <$20/mth for 4 lines) -- I'm not staying w/ Xfinity after I get the rebate, heh. Once the Sprint taxes+fees gravy train is over I'll see where I move
If anyone has any insight for the supported bands on CCT (Comcast/Xfinity models) I'd appreciate it.
Would US XAA firmware be able to be cross-flashed to this CCT (or any other) US carrier variant to enable the bands supported by the XAA US unlocked firmware? From the searches I did yesterday, it seems like it is possible, but may require a modified Odin version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the S8, all of the S and Note line devices that are US based have the exact same hardware and features. It's the exact same phone with different carrier software. What funny is, if your unlock the device and just pop in another major carrier sim, Xfinity apps and bloat will be gone and the carrier sim you put in will populate.
Jammol said:
Since the S8, all of the S and Note line devices that are US based have the exact same hardware and features. It's the exact same phone with different carrier software. What funny is, if your unlock the device and just pop in another major carrier sim, Xfinity apps and bloat will be gone and the carrier sim you put in will populate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to hear. So assuming anything else is unchanged in the Samsung ecosystem, the US XAA firmware can be loaded onto any US carrier variant, yes? My understanding is that the different carrier firmwares enable/disable specific bands.
If root was available, it would seem that bands could be added regardless of the carrier firmware [1], however, root seems unlikely for a new flagship device unless the engineering firmware happens to leak.
References:
[1] https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/qualcomm-phones-add-lte-band-using-qxdm-t3785458
vacaloca said:
That's good to hear. So assuming anything else is unchanged in the Samsung ecosystem, the US XAA firmware can be loaded onto any US carrier variant, yes? My understanding is that the different carrier firmwares enable/disable specific bands.
If root was available, it would seem that bands could be added regardless of the carrier firmware [1], however, root seems unlikely for a new flagship device unless the engineering firmware happens to leak.
References:
[1] https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/qualcomm-phones-add-lte-band-using-qxdm-t3785458
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, the bands that are open is dependant on the SIM Card inserted. The firmware on the device has every single supported US carrier required files with the exception of a small few. Carriers such as Total Wireless or the Walmart ones won't have firmware specific files, but because those carriers don't have their own towers, the device will use the files for the carriers that own the towers.
Example of Xfinity mobile. They just use Verizon towers for their service coverage. Xfinity however piggie backed their files or Verizon's in the firmware. Rooting could allow more bands to open.
Man I would love to see some hardware hacking of the S and Note series to allow them to work fully on Google's Project Fi.
I have the Xfinity Note 9, and having come from Verizon I immediately save the $20 line access fee, so it's a win if you want to be on the Verizon network.
So far my only complaint is that voicemail isn't transcribed. Should be, but doesn't seem to work.
For those wondering, Mobile Hotspot (using your device as a hotspot) works just fine with either plan. It's just hard to Google search for an answer because Xfinity has mobile hotspots that augment their signal.
I made the switch and save money too. Got the $300 rebate card, save $20/month so it is less when you factor it all in. That's $540. [emoji3]
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
I am currently with Fido for my cellular phone service running a old import( 2016), Huawei Honor Note 8, from Toronto, Canada area, and interested in the Vivo X Fold and this Fido support webpage shows that it should work along with Gishan Canada for Fido APN settings for the Vivo X Fold but I am concerned after hearing that the Vivo X Fold VoLTE is not working in Canada from senior forum member Frcraig, despite all of his efforts.
I have read about the Vivo X Fold phone in general to understand about it's issue being a Chinese only ROM and most likely no Global Rom is coming for software ( I currently own and have dealt with this the past 6 years on my Huawei Honor Note 8). I can also live with it's limited multi-tasking (i.e. hardware quality/form factor amazing and hope updates will only improve the multi-tasking in the near future) I also understand that amongst the top foldables in similar full size phone format/foldable format: HUAWEI Mate X2, Vivo X Fold, Oppo Find N, and the Samsung Fold 4 are the only ones at this point (Surface duo 2 is more a two screen device with a distinctive separation/hinge in the middle) that compete with each other. I am not a fan of the narrow front screen of the Samsung fold 4, hence the Vivo X Fold direction.
For the Vivo X Fold I understand from a senior member here on the forum, Frcraig (Thanks so much for all of your efforts and sharing thus so far) that VoLTE on this phone is not available from Canadian carriers, because they did not pay any of the Canadian carriers the VoLTE certification, and the reason why it can't be turned on. Without VoLTE, the phone will drop to 3G if available but because 3G in Canada is going to be phased out starting in Dec 2023 and generally not available in the States, this is a major concern for people interested in this phone if in Canada.
I am hoping that there can be a possible a resolution to this and started this thread to explore possibilities and/or solutions as this is a major concern!
Would like to know if anyone in Canada has been able to get the VoLTE to work/turn on?
I understand that it is greyed out and can't be turned on in the mobile settings- maybe because:
1) it hasn't been certified (Vivo has not paid any of the Canadian carriers the certification fee) even though it works on most bands including 5G in some cases?
2) sim card is not the latest, and therefor can't offer the VoLTE option?
I spoke to a Rogers technician from technical support today, speaking about the above VoLTE issue, the issues that Frcraig is already experiencing with his new Vivo X Fold. We spoke about the phone bands in general should work according to the phone bands it offers. Rogers Technical support, the lady I was speaking to, Stephanie, for over 30 min, had also put the question on their live global message board to see if there was any specific answers, and received mixed answers- i.e. yes and no, and did not have a definitive answer, but 5 points were made:
1) Can not give a guarantee that the phone will work with VoLTE and not aware of this licensing issue
2) Should work as it does have the 4G and LTE bands - make sure you have an updated Sim Card
3) Confirmed that the 3G is going to be removed in the near future (Dec 2023, after speaking to Frcraig)
4) She Suggested to try a BIOS code to switch it on: "*#*#4636#*#*" on the phone dial pad, as it is a universal code to switch that radio on if it is off, or turn off and back on to reset it - I found a video showing this process using the Redmi Note, @ the 5 min time stamp - Note also very important, prior to doing this, the Sim Card in your phone should be relatively new, and if not get yours replaced, so the sim card has that option/ability to use the VoLTE service from the updated current Sim Card hardware
5) Suggest to use Google search term: what to do if volte is not working - for more information
I am also wondering if this phone absolutely does not work with the VoLTE, that maybe after the 2023 3G removal, that Canadian carriers will update/allow at that time, as I understand the phone can work on the VoLTE as it has the 4G and LTE bands on pretty much all the Canadian Carriers.
Hopefully this community forum and interested parties can find a solution to this VoLTE problem, that I am told is an issue,
so those who do have the phone please confirm that you have the latest Sim Card and have tried the steps above
and/or if someone else has work-around solutions... maybe through rooting the phone or something?
Message to https://www.vivo.com/en/support page through their email
(also commented on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vivocareGlobal a quick question also)
I am in Canada interested in getting the Vivo X Fold, but finding out that Canadian carriers (main ones here in Canada: Rogers and Bell) from local XDA Forum on the Vivo X Fold (https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/vivo-x-fold.12651/) do not allow the VoLTE 4G to be turned on here in Canada even though carriers support 4G and LTE bands on your phone.
VoLTE is the major Voice Over LTE 4G communications standard protocol, that allows us in Canada with local carriers to talk on the phone with others.
See forum feedback from XDA member that is in Canada with your Vivo X Fold phone:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...e-fence-as-to-which-one.4473827/post-87216075
for his feedback and efforts to get VoLTE to work, i.e. it is not working!
Is there a reason why the VoLTE 4G is greyed out and can't be turned on, on the Vivo X Fold her in Canada, thereby making voice phone calls not possible on your phone through this standard voice communications protocol?
There are a lot of interested people here for the Vivo X Fold in Canada that want a quality foldable phone and don't want to use the Samsung fold because it is too narrow on the front screen,
but looks like we are forced to get it as it is the only foldable that will work on Canadian carriers! Your phone is the only other possible choice BUT DOESN'T HAVE VOLTE 4G WORKING with any of the carriers here in Canada!
Have confirmed this with Rogers and Bell putting their current Sim Card in, and the option to turn on VoLTE is greyed out, i.e. can't be turned on by either cellular service.
I know T-Mobile in USA, the Vivo X Fold works on their network, but why not at least one carrier in Canada?
(There is talk that Vivo got their phones certified for use with T-Mobile in the USA, but no carriers were certified (paid registration fee so that it works with carrier) in Canada, leaving us Canadians that want to use any of your phones, not able to because the VoLTE can't be turned on in the phones mobile service settings.
Can you tell me why this is not working and/or reason why VoLTE is not able to be turned on?
Is there anything that can be done about this?
Q-Prof said:
Message to https://www.vivo.com/en/support page through their email
(also commented on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vivocareGlobal a quick question also)
I am in Canada interested in getting the Vivo X Fold, but finding out that Canadian carriers (main ones here in Canada: Rogers and Bell) from local XDA Forum on the Vivo X Fold (https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/vivo-x-fold.12651/) do not allow the VoLTE 4G to be turned on here in Canada even though carriers support 4G and LTE bands on your phone.
VoLTE is the major Voice Over LTE 4G communications standard protocol, that allows us in Canada with local carriers to talk on the phone with others.
See forum feedback from XDA member that is in Canada with your Vivo X Fold phone:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...e-fence-as-to-which-one.4473827/post-87216075
for his feedback and efforts to get VoLTE to work, i.e. it is not working!
Is there a reason why the VoLTE 4G is greyed out and can't be turned on, on the Vivo X Fold her in Canada, thereby making voice phone calls not possible on your phone through this standard voice communications protocol?
There are a lot of interested people here for the Vivo X Fold in Canada that want a quality foldable phone and don't want to use the Samsung fold because it is too narrow on the front screen,
but looks like we are forced to get it as it is the only foldable that will work on Canadian carriers! Your phone is the only other possible choice BUT DOESN'T HAVE VOLTE 4G WORKING with any of the carriers here in Canada!
Have confirmed this with Rogers and Bell putting their current Sim Card in, and the option to turn on VoLTE is greyed out, i.e. can't be turned on by either cellular service.
I know T-Mobile in USA, the Vivo X Fold works on their network, but why not at least one carrier in Canada?
(There is talk that Vivo got their phones certified for use with T-Mobile in the USA, but no carriers were certified (paid registration fee so that it works with carrier) in Canada, leaving us Canadians that want to use any of your phones, not able to because the VoLTE can't be turned on in the phones mobile service settings.
Can you tell me why this is not working and/or reason why VoLTE is not able to be turned on?
Is there anything that can be done about this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what its worth, you can enable VoNR for stand alone frequencies. in developer settings or with a dialing code. The problem is that while these phones can connect on n78 Stand Alone networks, (3500mhz) the Canadian telecoms have just started using this frequency and it is only in a few major cities. They are also not using Voice Over 5G (VoNR) so even when the n78 band reaches your area, you would have to wait for the carrier to switch their technology for voice calls from VoLTE to VoNR. So far only T-Mobile (in Seattle and Salt Lake City) have turned on VoNR.
frcraig said:
For what its worth, you can enable VoNR for stand alone frequencies. in developer settings or with a dialing code. The problem is that while these phones can connect on n78 Stand Alone networks, (3500mhz) the Canadian telecoms have just started using this frequency and it is only in a few major cities. They are also not using Voice Over 5G (VoNR) so even when the n78 band reaches your area, you would have to wait for the carrier to switch their technology for voice calls from VoLTE to VoNR. So far only T-Mobile (in Seattle and Salt Lake City) have turned on VoNR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So 5G works but VoLTE 4G doesn't! Yeah, I see that band for Rogers, Bell, Telus, Virgin, and Koodo. Do you think that the VoNR may be up by Dec 2023, in large citiy like Toronto... maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Vivo X Fold voice communication then?
I called Rogers and asked that exact question, and they said VoNR (Vo5G) "isn't on the horizon". In the US T-Moblile has switched it on in two test cities - Seattle and Salt Lake. Rogers contracts with Ericsson for their VoLTE and 5G technology, and Ericsson has rolled out VoNR for other clients in other countries - so it is coming, just not soon. I'll cross my fingers it is here before Canada shuts down 3G.
As an aside for those facing the issue of VoLTE not being enabled on this device with Canadian carriers, there is a work around to voice calls dropping to 3G (and therefore no voice calls once 3G is shut down). I subscribed for $10 per month to a Google Voice business account, which gives me a Halifax, Nova Scotia phone number and calls placed with the Google Voice dialing app go out over mobile data, so I can place voice calls via the 5G network. I can't tell the difference between voice quality on VOIP over 5G and regular 3G voice. These calls do consume mobile data (as opposed to unlimited voice minutes) but I ran a log to see how much data these calls were consuming, and for the past 30 days I've used Google Voice for 1,800 minutes (30 hours of talking!) used just over 1 GB of mobile data. On my 80 GB monthly plan I don't know how I could ever exceed that even if I let my wife talk on the phone : )
frcraig said:
As an aside for those facing the issue of VoLTE not being enabled on this device with Canadian carriers, there is a work around to voice calls dropping to 3G (and therefore no voice calls once 3G is shut down). I subscribed for $10 per month to a Google Voice business account, which gives me a Halifax, Nova Scotia phone number and calls placed with the Google Voice dialing app go out over mobile data, so I can place voice calls via the 5G network. I can't tell the difference between voice quality on VOIP over 5G and regular 3G voice. These calls do consume mobile data (as opposed to unlimited voice minutes) but I ran a log to see how much data these calls were consuming, and for the past 30 days I've used Google Voice for 1,800 minutes (30 hours of talking!) used just over 1 GB of mobile data. On my 80 GB monthly plan I don't know how I could ever exceed that even if I let my wife talk on the phone : )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To clarify though, for my understanding, the Vivo X Fold and other Vivo's for that matter for the most part depending on bands and the carriers here, will generally work on the 4G and LTE, and 5G if available, but not on the VoLTE 4G (which is voice over the 4G and LTE as a communication protocol for regular standard voice phone calls... but because Vivio didn't certify/pay any of the Canadian carriers, the sim cards will not allow you to turn it on and/or allow you to use it even though it is just a software switch as the phone could work as it does with other carriers such as T-Mobile in the States. - Hopefully I am correct so far....
So, the next question based on what you mentioned about the Vo5G.... would that not also required Vivo to have certified/pay the carriers upfront to use that communication protocol through the sim card when it becomes available (voice over 5G), as some of the carriers offering the 5G Bands with the Vivo X Fold are already running off the 5G for Data.
To have voice over 5G (Vo5G), isn't it similar to VoLTE 4G's lack of certification/payment to the carrier from Vivo, i.e. if they didn't pay for VoLTE 4G, then they surely didn't pay for Vo5G also, right?
Using subscription VOIP over 5G as a monthly cost is a great idea and patches this problem of the voice calling when 3G is dropped with and added cost to your phone service. As you mentioned all of those calls equate to a small amount of your data which is good... so an option that allows you to pay a little extra to have a call service better than Skype is a way-out, to still have phone service if you have a Vivo and no 3G for here in Canada.
Side note, I use a VOIP service when I got rid of my Bell landline for the house, which looks like it can be also linked to a "softphone" that I am already paying for, so there is that...
I never bothered to set-up on my phone, as I use the cellular service for my voice calls.
LOL, you have me thinking here, maybe the Vivo X Fold may be still be a possibility... if I could live with this... on the fence with both, Ugh... Samsung Fold 4 revile and pre-orders start Wed... I know you already suggested the Samsung as your choice now that you know about this VoLTE... just that the Vivo's front screen improved width, quality material/feel is a big weight with the tradeoff being no s-pen, better software-multi-tasking/apps... oh and working VoLTE for this side of the earth...
if I went with Samsung, I probably get their new ear buds and watch also as I don't have either. I think I am going to the store again and look at the Samsung Fold 3 in my hands again... every time I have, it is just so narrow and I am so use to my quality phone with the 7" screen, I have used since 2016.
Q-Prof said:
To clarify though, for my understanding, the Vivo X Fold and other Vivo's for that matter for the most part depending on bands and the carriers here, will generally work on the 4G and LTE, and 5G if available, but not on the VoLTE 4G (which is voice over the 4G and LTE as a communication protocol for regular standard voice phone calls... but because Vivio didn't certify/pay any of the Canadian carriers, the sim cards will not allow you to turn it on and/or allow you to use it even though it is just a software switch as the phone could work as it does with other carriers such as T-Mobile in the States. - Hopefully I am correct so far....
So, the next question based on what you mentioned about the Vo5G.... would that not also required Vivo to have certified/pay the carriers upfront to use that communication protocol through the sim card when it becomes available (voice over 5G), as some of the carriers offering the 5G Bands with the Vivo X Fold are already running off the 5G for Data.
To have voice over 5G (Vo5G), isn't it similar to VoLTE 4G's lack of certification/payment to the carrier from Vivo, i.e. if they didn't pay for VoLTE 4G, then they surely didn't pay for Vo5G also, right?
Using subscription VOIP over 5G as a monthly cost is a great idea and patches this problem of the voice calling when 3G is dropped with and added cost to your phone service. As you mentioned all of those calls equate to a small amount of your data which is good... so an option that allows you to pay a little extra to have a call service better than Skype is a way-out, to still have phone service if you have a Vivo and no 3G for here in Canada.
Side note, I use a VOIP service when I got rid of my Bell landline for the house, which looks like it can be also linked to a "softphone" that I am already paying for, so there is that...
I never bothered to set-up on my phone, as I use the cellular service for my voice calls.
LOL, you have me thinking here, maybe the Vivo X Fold may be still be a possibility... if I could live with this... on the fence with both, Ugh... Samsung Fold 4 revile and pre-orders start Wed... I know you already suggested the Samsung as your choice now that you know about this VoLTE... just that the Vivo's front screen improved width, quality material/feel is a big weight with the tradeoff being no s-pen, better software-multi-tasking/apps... oh and working VoLTE for this side of the earth...
if I went with Samsung, I probably get their new ear buds and watch also as I don't have either. I think I am going to the store again and look at the Samsung Fold 3 in my hands again... every time I have, it is just so narrow and I am so use to my quality phone with the 7" screen, I have used since 2016.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VoLTE options only appear by virtue of the carrier check and SIM, however Vivo has chosen to include VoNR options in the firmware that are not carrier check and SIM dependent. There is a switch in Developer Settings (which can also be activated with a dialing code) that enables VoNR.
Q-Prof said:
To clarify though, for my understanding, the Vivo X Fold and other Vivo's for that matter for the most part depending on bands and the carriers here, will generally work on the 4G and LTE, and 5G if available, but not on the VoLTE 4G (which is voice over the 4G and LTE as a communication protocol for regular standard voice phone calls... but because Vivio didn't certify/pay any of the Canadian carriers, the sim cards will not allow you to turn it on and/or allow you to use it even though it is just a software switch as the phone could work as it does with other carriers such as T-Mobile in the States. - Hopefully I am correct so far....
So, the next question based on what you mentioned about the Vo5G.... would that not also required Vivo to have certified/pay the carriers upfront to use that communication protocol through the sim card when it becomes available (voice over 5G), as some of the carriers offering the 5G Bands with the Vivo X Fold are already running off the 5G for Data.
To have voice over 5G (Vo5G), isn't it similar to VoLTE 4G's lack of certification/payment to the carrier from Vivo, i.e. if they didn't pay for VoLTE 4G, then they surely didn't pay for Vo5G also, right?
Using subscription VOIP over 5G as a monthly cost is a great idea and patches this problem of the voice calling when 3G is dropped with and added cost to your phone service. As you mentioned all of those calls equate to a small amount of your data which is good... so an option that allows you to pay a little extra to have a call service better than Skype is a way-out, to still have phone service if you have a Vivo and no 3G for here in Canada.
Side note, I use a VOIP service when I got rid of my Bell landline for the house, which looks like it can be also linked to a "softphone" that I am already paying for, so there is that...
I never bothered to set-up on my phone, as I use the cellular service for my voice calls.
LOL, you have me thinking here, maybe the Vivo X Fold may be still be a possibility... if I could live with this... on the fence with both, Ugh... Samsung Fold 4 revile and pre-orders start Wed... I know you already suggested the Samsung as your choice now that you know about this VoLTE... just that the Vivo's front screen improved width, quality material/feel is a big weight with the tradeoff being no s-pen, better software-multi-tasking/apps... oh and working VoLTE for this side of the earth...
if I went with Samsung, I probably get their new ear buds and watch also as I don't have either. I think I am going to the store again and look at the Samsung Fold 3 in my hands again... every time I have, it is just so narrow and I am so use to my quality phone with the 7" screen, I have used since 2016.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to complicate your purchase decision, several tech industry leaks in the past two days have suggested Vivo will release a new foldable (being dubbed "Vivo X Fold S" by Gizbchina). One Indian source said it may launch in the next few weeks and include a global version with FunTouch firmware.
frcraig said:
VoLTE options only appear by virtue of the carrier check and SIM, however Vivo has chosen to include VoNR options in the firmware that are not carrier check and SIM dependent. There is a switch in Developer Settings (which can also be activated with a dialing code) that enables VoNR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
frcraig, You keep surprising me with your in-depth knowledge and nuance's of technical detail.... so Vo5G/VoNR is not going to be a problem then, when "eventually" we get there on this phone. Lol, I think you have more insight and information than calling a Tech Support at a carrier, lol... thanks for the explanation and info.
frcraig said:
Just to complicate your purchase decision, several tech industry leaks in the past two days have suggested Vivo will release a new foldable (being dubbed "Vivo X Fold S" by Gizbchina). One Indian source said it may launch in the next few weeks and include a global version with FunTouch firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh man, I confirmed with a search, one on Aug 8 & 9, you're right on the ball with this. Bigfire member on another thread here, was asking about this very thing.
You know, I was testing out a Fold 3 again today, thinking to my demise that this is most likely going to be the phone I will be reluctantly getting because my phone is really long in the tooth, Samsung has a monopoly here in Canada on the folds, and the fact that Vivo X Fold has the VoLTE issue which I think is a big negative.
Now that you have pointed out this Vivo X Fold S, and reading about the leaked improvements, hmm... two weeks.... I don't know, was intending to pre-order the Fold 4 tomorrow, and now have more questions.
If it is going to have the Funtouch Global version, does this mean that it would likely have VoLTE licensing... you had mentioned earlier that all Vivo phones will not work here because no VoLTE licensing here, with Canadian carriers?
Side note, the Xiami Mix Fold 2 just got teased and is thinner (5.4 vs 6.28 Vivo X fold vs 6.4 Sam Fold 3) and with the flat fold will be a lot thinner than the 14-16 mm of the Sam Fold 3.
frcraig said:
Just to complicate your purchase decision, several tech industry leaks in the past two days have suggested Vivo will release a new foldable (being dubbed "Vivo X Fold S" by Gizbchina). One Indian source said it may launch in the next few weeks and include a global version with FunTouch firmware.
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on the one hand I am disappointed with the development and I am hoping it's a small spec bump. But if it provides an ease transition between x fold and x fold s (e.g. fun touch installation) it could be very compelling.
I think that project is just for the people who are rooted and BLU to try.
Q-Prof said:
Oh man, I confirmed with a search, one on Aug 8 & 9, you're right on the ball with this. Bigfire member on another thread here, was asking about this very thing.
You know, I was testing out a Fold 3 again today, thinking to my demise that this is most likely going to be the phone I will be reluctantly getting because my phone is really long in the tooth, Samsung has a monopoly here in Canada on the folds, and the fact that Vivo X Fold has the VoLTE issue which I think is a big negative.
Now that you have pointed out this Vivo X Fold S, and reading about the leaked improvements, hmm... two weeks.... I don't know, was intending to pre-order the Fold 4 tomorrow, and now have more questions.
If it is going to have the Funtouch Global version, does this mean that it would likely have VoLTE licensing... you had mentioned earlier that all Vivo phones will not work here because no VoLTE licensing here, with Canadian carriers?
Side note, the Xiami Mix Fold 2 just got teased and is thinner (5.4 vs 6.28 Vivo X fold vs 6.4 Sam Fold 3) and with the flat fold will be a lot thinner than the 14-16 mm of the Sam Fold 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The VoLTE issue on Canadian carriers applies equally to the Origin OS Ocean and Funtouch versions of Vivo Phones. It also applies to Xiaomi phones (they release their new Mix Fold 2 tomorrow) but you can disable carrier checks and enable VoLTE on Xiaomi phones with a dialer code.
This is from Big WhiteDwarf in the comments section to me
"I live in Canada, too. In terms of volte, I unlocked my Xiaomi phone and flashed the xiaomi EU ROM, updated the Google carrier services component, then volte just works. I'm not sure if the Chinese ROM works the same way, but it can be done via software tweaks most likely. But to be honest, I don't really notice much difference with volte on or off and I don't really make calls too much these days. Btw, mix fold 2 won't get the EU ROM."
.... Not sure but you can only do this if you can get access to the bootloader which I understand in recent security update, that is no longer available now.
Finally received a response from vivo Customer Care about the VoLTE on the Vivo X Fold:
"Thank you so much for your email and we are sorry for the delayed reply. According to your email, we are sorry for the inconvenience. We appreciate your interest in purchasing our products. We are very sorry to inform you that our service is not available in Canada. Also like to inform you that, all our handsets have not yet been tested to see if data, Volte, and network service is compatible in another country. However, please note that we are still expanding our overseas market, if there is no official store in your country temporarily, we do not suggest you purchase vivo Phones from other channels since it’s inconvenient for you to repair the phone if is damaged. Also, we can not provide any service for other problems. We are not available in Canada right now but don't worry we are take your dimand as a suggestion and forward it to our concern team. Hope they will work on it and you will understand this fact."
So, for Canadians, no VoLTE is a big issue, and they are straight out saying not to get their phone.
a japanese figured out how to unlock volte in japan. but u have to unlock the bootloader, root and patch an img file with magisk. then again, it's a risk for doing that. and it might not necessarily work in canada.
【簡単BLU】vivo X FoldでVolteを有効化する方法 | Re:Gadget
vivo X Foldを買ったのは良いものの、この端末はVolteに非対応。 おまけにコマンドから「LTE Only」にしないとSIMカードを読み込まない始末だ。 メイン機として買ったのにコレじゃあ使えないので、頑張ってVolteを有効化し
yukimejiyoung.com
shoho80 said:
a japanese figured out how to unlock volte in japan. but u have to unlock the bootloader, root and patch an img file with magisk. then again, it's a risk for doing that. and it might not necessarily work in canada.
【簡単BLU】vivo X FoldでVolteを有効化する方法 | Re:Gadget
vivo X Foldを買ったのは良いものの、この端末はVolteに非対応。 おまけにコマンドから「LTE Only」にしないとSIMカードを読み込まない始末だ。 メイン機として買ったのにコレじゃあ使えないので、頑張ってVolteを有効化し
yukimejiyoung.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing this. I wouldn't mind giving it a try, will keep 6oi guys posted.
shoho80 said:
a japanese figured out how to unlock volte in japan. but u have to unlock the bootloader, root and patch an img file with magisk. then again, it's a risk for doing that. and it might not necessarily work in canada.
【簡単BLU】vivo X FoldでVolteを有効化する方法 | Re:Gadget
vivo X Foldを買ったのは良いものの、この端末はVolteに非対応。 おまけにコマンドから「LTE Only」にしないとSIMカードを読み込まない始末だ。 メイン機として買ったのにコレじゃあ使えないので、頑張ってVolteを有効化し
yukimejiyoung.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing as instructions look promising! Having VoLTE access here in Canada would do two things, allow us to import and use this quality form factor phone in Canada with Canadian carriers as a main driver and therefor give Samsung Z Fold 4 some over-due competition which is badly needed.
There is a rumor that there is a Vivo X Fold S edition coming soon and may have a global rom.... I similar heard that the Oppo Find N Foldable will also will be coming out with a global version, and then there is the sleek thin Mix 2 with its great form factor, although software is ? and not refined as Samsung's.
If anyone in Canada (frcraig, rocky272727....) is willing to try this unlock procedure, please share here so we know if this is a possible fix for the VoLTE. I am sure the appreciation would go a long way, as I was on board with the Vivo X Fold with all of its concerns, but VoLTE is the big one that has stopped me from ordering it and have preordered the Z Fold 4 instead.
Side note: Isn't the bootloader now locked with a recent June security patch, i.e. making it impossible to unlock the bootloader? I understand when it is purchased, Giztop and Wonda both update and add Google on the phone to save customers the pain of trying to start the phone in Chinese which in turn I understand the Bootloader is permanently locked. You could when ordering, tell them not to update and hopefully it is still with the original rom that is unlockable, but not sure.
The Japanese instructions for unlocking the bootloader, rooting with Magisk, and installing the VoLTE enabler module are dated June 26th. If find that date odd. For these instructions to work you would need to have a pre-June version of the firmware, because the June 1st security update removed the unlocking vulnerability that this method relies on. Vivo hasn't added any firmware versions for the Vivo X Note or the Vivo X Fold to its downgrading tool, so if you upgraded (like I did) before using this exploit you are out of luck. The reason I ordered the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is that unlike Vivo, Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader, so I will root with Magisk (canary) and install the VoLTE enabler module the Japanese chap used.
frcraig said:
The Japanese instructions for unlocking the bootloader, rooting with Magisk, and installing the VoLTE enabler module are dated June 26th. If find that date odd. For these instructions to work you would need to have a pre-June version of the firmware, because the June 1st security update removed the unlocking vulnerability that this method relies on. Vivo hasn't added any firmware versions for the Vivo X Note or the Vivo X Fold to its downgrading tool, so if you upgraded (like I did) before using this exploit you are out of luck. The reason I ordered the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is that unlike Vivo, Xiaomi allows you to unlock the bootloader, so I will root with Magisk (canary) and install the VoLTE enabler module the Japanese chap used.
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Click to collapse
ur right, the guy wrote at the top of the page (in red) saying that the latest version of OS is blocked from unlocking the bootloader.... maybe i shouldn't update my OS....