https://www.t-mobile.com/devices/5g-phones?icid=WMM_TMNG_C_19NETWRK5G_JXY3B6IVGF90PZUQV18612_HP
Yea i think im going to upgrade, i love the color accents , and itll be a lil bit of an upgrade from my OP7PRO
Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk
Depending on the price, I may be all over this. I would be upgrading from a 6t
Only difference from 7Pro is a little better CPU . The storage is down to 128gb instead of the 256gb I have. Is the Snapdragon 855+ worth it to upgrade ?
---------- Post added at 03:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:29 PM ----------
Also only the 7T is coming to TMobile right now. There is no 7T Pro till later this year and that is going to be the 7T Pro Mclaren . No release date for the McLaren yet .
philiptibbs said:
Only difference from 7Pro is a little better CPU . The storage is down to 128gb instead of the 256gb I have. Is the Snapdragon 855+ worth it to upgrade ?
---------- Post added at 03:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:29 PM ----------
Also only the 7T is coming to TMobile right now. There is no 7T Pro till later this year and that is going to be the 7T Pro Mclaren . No release date for the McLaren yet .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. The T-Mobile 7t Pro McLaren went up for "pre register" today. They no longer have the 7 Pro available. So yes, 12gb ram, quad hd screen, and 256gb storage is an upgrade over the 7t, which is the only other OnePlus device currently available on T-Mobile
I've already pre-registered as well. Was about to pull the trigger on the 7 Pro since I was so disappointed in the Pixel 4. Glad I waited.
QUICK QUESTION:
Going back to the Nexus 5 days, I've always bought my Nexus/Pixel phones outright directly from Google. This will be my first phone that isn't a Nexus/Pixel. I'm assuming this will only be available through the T-Mobile store, and not directly through OnePlus. If so, is there any benefits if I pay for the phone all upfront with T-Mobile. I'm assuming that gets rid of the SIM lock, but what about updates and everything. Does that automatically switch the software from the locked down T-Mo one to the OnePlus update track? Or would I have to unlock the bootloader and switch to the international version software to get updates directly from OnePlus? Thanks in advance!
charesa39 said:
I've already pre-registered as well. Was about to pull the trigger on the 7 Pro since I was so disappointed in the Pixel 4. Glad I waited.
QUICK QUESTION:
Going back to the Nexus 5 days, I've always bought my Nexus/Pixel phones outright directly from Google. This will be my first phone that isn't a Nexus/Pixel. I'm assuming this will only be available through the T-Mobile store, and not directly through OnePlus. If so, is there any benefits if I pay for the phone all upfront with T-Mobile. I'm assuming that gets rid of the SIM lock, but what about updates and everything. Does that automatically switch the software from the locked down T-Mo one to the OnePlus update track? Or would I have to unlock the bootloader and switch to the international version software to get updates directly from OnePlus? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Paying it off will NOT switch it to international software. I believe Your updates will still come from T-Mobile unless you go through the unlock process with both TMobile and OnePlus.Keep in mind, since there is technically no international version of the 7t Pro 5G McLaren because it is currently going to be a T-Mobile exclusive, I don't know how that will work as far as "converting" it to international software goes. Hopefully someone can correct me if I'm wrong
When you pre registered did you get any indication of price yet?
Ryano89 said:
When you pre registered did you get any indication of price yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pre registered and no indication of price
I pre registered too for the 7T Pro McLaren ! I have the 7 Pro right now .
Ryano89 said:
Paying it off will NOT switch it to international software. I believe Your updates will still come from T-Mobile unless you go through the unlock process with both TMobile and OnePlus.Keep in mind, since there is technically no international version of the 7t Pro 5G McLaren because it is currently going to be a T-Mobile exclusive, I don't know how that will work as far as "converting" it to international software goes. Hopefully someone can correct me if I'm wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang! I completely overlooked that aspect of it. You're right, as there probably won't be an unlocked version of the ROM to switch to in the US. So I'd be completely at the mercy of T-Mo when it comes to updates and bloatware EVEN AFTER PAYING IT ALL OFF UPFRONT!!! That sucks... I'm used to getting updates straight from the source with Google phones, and absolutely hate the additional "features" carriers put on their version of the phones.. That's the reason I buy my phones outright upfront. But more importantly, I like having the factory image in case something goes awry. Especially since I want to unlock and root using Magisk. I'm assuming the factory image wouldn't be available through T-Mobile either... Now I'm contemplating if I should just get the 7 Pro straight from OnePlus just for the added peace of mind. Hmm...
Ryano89 said:
When you pre registered did you get any indication of price yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, no. In fact, I never even received any email indicating I pre-registered...
charesa39 said:
Dang! I completely overlooked that aspect of it. You're right, as there probably won't be an unlocked version of the ROM to switch to in the US. So I'd be completely at the mercy of T-Mo when it comes to updates and bloatware EVEN AFTER PAYING IT ALL OFF UPFRONT!!! That sucks... I'm used to getting updates straight from the source with Google phones, and absolutely hate the additional "features" carriers put on their version of the phones.. That's the reason I buy my phones outright upfront. But more importantly, I like having the factory image in case something goes awry. Especially since I want to unlock and root using Magisk. I'm assuming the factory image wouldn't be available through T-Mobile either... Now I'm contemplating if I should just get the 7 Pro straight from OnePlus just for the added peace of mind. Hmm...
Unfortunately, no. In fact, I never even received any email indicating I pre-registered...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible that the OnePlus 7t Pro rom could work, I just don't know if the 5g modem would make it incompatible or not
Also, Pre registered on T-Mobile for the 7T Pro McLaren. I'll be interested in the price, release date, trade in, etc.
Ryano89 said:
It's possible that the OnePlus 7t Pro rom could work, I just don't know if the 5g modem would make it incompatible or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm... Maybe. I'll probably wait then to see if there is a solution to switch it to the international version. I wouldn't even care about losing 5G connectivity if everything else worked and I could get updates straight from OnePlus. 4G is perfectly fine with me for now. At least until 5G matures. I've been reading so many negatives about T-Mobile's lag in updates vs the unlocked models.
Careful with OnePlus and 5G - they are not reliable.
The 7 Pro 5G hasn't been getting support, we have no open betas and threads get closed/ignored on their forums.
Sources don't get updated so there is no custom ROMs or Kernels that work on this device.
6/6T got Android 10 before we even have a promise of it.
iRhyiku said:
Careful with OnePlus and 5G - they are not reliable.
The 7 Pro 5G hasn't been getting support, we have no open betas and threads get closed/ignored on their forums.
Sources don't get updated so there is no custom ROMs or Kernels that work on this device.
6/6T got Android 10 before we even have a promise of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, that's good to know. Although the McLaren 5g will launch with 10 on it, I'm concerned about future updates
Ryano89 said:
Thank you, that's good to know. Although the McLaren 5g will launch with 10 on it, I'm concerned about future updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As am I. Won't pay full for. If there is a trade in deal then I'll get it. Otherwise there's no incentive.
strictlyphat said:
As am I. Won't pay full for. If there is a trade in deal then I'll get it. Otherwise there's no incentive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if they're banking on the 5G connectivity as an incentive, they're sadly mistaken. Especially considering they only have it in like 6 cities throughout the US right now.
charesa39 said:
Yeah, if they're banking on the 5G connectivity as an incentive, they're sadly mistaken. Especially considering they only have it in like 6 cities throughout the US right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I could care less about 5g. Home and work I get over 100mbps with 4g. I just want that McLaren phone. The trade in on OnePlus 6t last year was incentive enuff and I got it. The 7t, 0 incentive so it's still sitting on TMobile shelf. If McLaren has no incentive I'll order stick with my 7 pro.
https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/1/19102891/tmobile-5g-network-launch-test-speeds-impressions-samsung
I can't see why anyone would pay the premium for 5G at this point. As stated, the connectivity is just not there. This article is 4 months old but the challenges are not SW or even device related, they are infrastructure. By the time any carrier has a 5G offering that is widely available, the current generation of devices will be obsolete.
Wondering how the reception is on the Chinese version in the U.S like on T-Mobile? Can anyone share their experiences? Any dropped calls, how's the 5g and 4g lte? The Chinese version says tencent on the back of the phone.
For 5g, it only has band 41 2.5GHz. It's missing band 71 600 MHz and the other 260 and 261 bands for 5G high speed mmwave.
For 4G LTE, it's missing bands 66, 12, and 71.
There's also a guide here showing you how to enable voLTE. Maybe someone can try that and share.
I'm trying to decide between global or tencent but the tencent is like $200-$300 cheaper because of the missing bands and you can get it in lower storage capacities than the global one. Wondering how it actually performs in the U.S
Sugaaa said:
Wondering how the reception is on the Chinese version in the U.S like on T-Mobile? Can anyone share their experiences? Any dropped calls, how's the 5g and 4g lte? The Chinese version says tencent on the back of the phone.
For 5g, it only has band 41 2.5GHz. It's missing band 71 600 MHz and the other 260 and 261 bands for 5G high speed mmwave.
For 4G LTE, it's missing bands 66, 12, and 71.
There's also a guide here showing you how to enable voLTE. Maybe someone can try that and share.
I'm trying to decide between global or tencent but the tencent is like $200-$300 cheaper because of the missing bands. Wondering how it actually performs in the U.S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My buddy has the tencent version and has no signal at times, when I do on my a version. Stop being cheap, and spend the $ for the a version. No band 12,66, and 71 is a deal breaker imo.
bs3pro said:
Stop being cheap, and spend the $ for the a version. No band 12,66, and 71 is a deal breaker imo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
512gb is overkill for me. I'd be fine with 128gb. I'd only pay $1000+ for iPhone 12 pro. imo, Android over $1000 isn't worth it due to its faster depreciation. Trying to see how the Chinese one actually performs.
I'm curious what bands the lenovo legion phone is going to have on its unreleased global variant too. If that comes with volte support, and priced significantly less than than the version a rog, I'll probably go with that.
Sugaaa said:
512gb is overkill for me. I'd be fine with 128gb. I'd only pay $1000+ for iPhone 12 pro. imo, Android over $1000 isn't worth it due to its faster depreciation. Trying to see how the Chinese one actually performs.
I'm curious what bands the lenovo legion phone is going to have on its unreleased global variant too. If that comes with volte support, and priced significantly less than than the version a rog, I'll probably go with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Move along then. My buddy is sending his tencent rog back. It works terrible. That legion is terrible. Sounds like you should just but an apple.
bs3pro said:
Move along then. My buddy is sending his tencent rog back. It works terrible. That legion is terrible. Sounds like you should just but an apple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You seem pretty experienced with the rog phones. Have you owned the first or second model because I'm mostly wondering how they perform after 2-3 years. I'm trying to get a new phone that will last me around 3 years without getting buggy and slow. If you have had one of the older ones, how are they after like 2 years with the updates? I read that asus also stops updating after the first year so does that affect overall performance after 2-3 years
Sugaaa said:
You seem pretty experienced with the rog phones. Have you owned the first or second model because I'm mostly wondering how they perform after 2-3 years. I'm trying to get a new phone that will last me around 3 years without getting buggy and slow. If you have had one of the older ones, how are they after like 2 years with the updates? I read that asus also stops updating after the first year so does that affect overall performance after 2-3 years
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the rog2, but get new phones every few months. Sorry, cant help there. Like i said, just buy an apple, very good HW, and SW is very reliable with plenty of updates.
bs3pro said:
I had the rog2, but get new phones every few months. Sorry, cant help there. Like i said, just buy an apple, very good HW, and SW is very reliable with plenty of updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I'm considering the rog 3 is because of the amazing Emulator support on 3ds,psp, and ps2 which iphone lacks. Just wish there was more info out there on this phone.
Sugaaa said:
The only reason I'm considering the rog 3 is because of the amazing Emulator support on 3ds,psp, and ps2 which iphone lacks. Just wish there was more info out there on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
INFO? Like what? I just gave you the answers. This i why i deleted the other thread. People dont like the answers they get, so they assume its BS. The tencent is not worth the savings IF you live in the US. Plain and simple.
bs3pro said:
INFO? Like what? I just gave you the answers. This i why i deleted the other thread. People dont like the answers they get, so they assume its BS. The tencent is not worth the savings IF you live in the US. Plain and simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Sugaaa said:
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, I just told you. 12gb, 512 IS the smallest in usa. Whatever, I'm done repeating myself
Sugaaa said:
I don't understand how there's only a 512gb variant in the global version. On their global website, it says upto 512gb so their should be 256gb and 128gb variants too but there are none for sale.
If there was the other variants, the price would match their Chinese version and I would buy it on the spot.
What also bothers me is no definite release date in the u.s. so I don't know when to look forward to when they release the smaller storage size, I grow impatient easily
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
TehAdventurer said:
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong. The Hong Kong version is a also. It's the one I have. There's also Germany A version
Thanks for the clarification but I still think the point stands for the actual specs as opposed to the region of production
bs3pro said:
Wrong. The Hong Kong version is a also. It's the one I have. There's also Germany A version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you put a link to the chinese version a you bought on ebay for 1000 if it's even still available. I'm only seeing global version a 12gb 512gb for 1200
TehAdventurer said:
bs3pro is right in this case. First and foremost, your money your choice, but you can only buy what is available on the market. At present the only A Version (which is the expected version to be made available in the US) specs are 12 GB + 512GB or 16GB + 512GB and are imported model. That said an A Version from wherever and an A Version from the US are both still A Versions with the same internal modem for T Mobile bands. It still remains to be seen when and if a 128 GB or 256 GB models are released with the A Version modem.
However, it is ill advised to purchase a model that is severely lacking band coverage as both the Tencent and B Version modems do not have support for LTE bands 66 and 71 which are important to T Mobile in particular. Honestly what is going to save you more money, buy a phone missing crucial bands because it's cheaper, and then having to get a new phone due to lack of coverage and performance, or wait and see your options and then decide.
If you are truly in dire need of a new phone you may just want to consider a different brand and shop around a little because impatience won't do any good for you or your wallet.
EDIT: To try and put this to rest, Asus Taiwan is the only country who produces and sells A Versions phones, here is the ROG phone 3 store page. These are the only models currently for sale that support T Mobile here in the States link for posterity, sorry if it's not allowed:
store.asus.com/tw/category/D5913
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That was some solid advice. I found the taiwan version online for around $1250 with tax which was the lowest. I was going to get that and the asus kunai 3 gamepad for $200-$300 but I ended up ordering the oneplus 8 pro 12gb 256gb for $820 with tax and I'll just pick up the razer kishi gamepad for $100. I find it suits my needs better after finding out the oneplus 8 pro runs all the same games in the emulators and it's ip68 water resistant. Plus, I save $500-$600 and it has all the same tmobile bands. Just gonna miss out on that 6000mah battery.
I couldn't even find a decent case for the rog 3 let alone a water resistant one. It's a must for working out.
Sugaaa said:
Thanks. That was some solid advice. I found the taiwan version online for around $1250 with tax which was the lowest. I was going to get that and the asus kunai 3 gamepad for $200-$300 but I ended up ordering the oneplus 8 pro 12gb 256gb for $820 with tax and I'll just pick up the razer kishi gamepad for $100. I find it suits my needs better after finding out the oneplus 8 pro runs all the same games in the emulators and it's ip68 water resistant. Plus, I save $500-$600 and it has all the same tmobile bands. Just gonna miss out on that 6000mah battery.
I couldn't even find a decent case for the rog 3 let alone a water resistant one. It's a must for working out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's honestly was I was trying to get at. There's no reason to try and force yourself to like a phone that doesn't check every box for you, especially at it's price point. It's much better to get something that makes you happy and functions well than something that you forced yourself to like. Glad I could help!
Background:
I am located in Canada running a old import( 2016), Huawei Honor Note 8 which I really have liked - screen 2560*1440 and hardware quality running the EMUI & Android ver 8 and last security patch Jan 2021, with the last year, l lost Google account access as Google or the phone itself won't allow account authentication from it no longer, which is an ecosystem that I use personally and also need for work - Google Classroom (teacher). i.e. no access to Google play and or their services now, plus I have to re-initiate some apps from minimizing/crashing ., so....
Looking at the Vivo X fold as a possibility (also the Sam Fold 4). I know the hardware is far superior compared to other foldables and I like the quality and front screen size of the Vivo X Fold.
Aware that the software is not going to work without tweaks and fiddling around in some cases, so I am on the fence with this at the moment. I am waiting to see what the Samsung Fold 4 has to offer, but suspect it will not change much from the fold 3, short of SOC update, camera update, hinge update, inside screen film thickness improvement to 60 microns, slight size update for the better, from leaks.
Meanwhile, knowing Vivo X Fold is a Chinese import (software isn't going to work 100% which I can live with and understand from my current phone), my biggest concern is multi-tasking looks very weak from reviews I have seen it compared to the Fold 3, with the Mate X being the best, but it doesn't have Google services which I need - so hence software and multi-tasking will be better on the Fold 4 with s-pen, BUT screen size and hardware quality is a BIG negative for me in comparison to the Vivo X Fold.
Questions:
Hence the reason why I am on the fence with the Vivo X Fold. Vivo claims 3 years of updates and so maybe they update, fix, and improve the multi-tasking but it may never get fixed, nor does it look like there will be a global version put out at this point - am I right, and has Vivo in the past been good with update improvements after phone is released?
Any of you that are currently using the Vivo X Fold here in America as a main driver phone have any further thoughts on - if this Vivo X fold is the best foldable option, as the Samsung fold 4 I suspect is not going to be much of an improvement (size/quality) when it is announced Aug 10?
Also, on the Vivo X Fold, has anyone successfully used the Alexa App for smart home control, I assume this will work with the Chinese ROM like most other apps right - anyone confirm this?
As for purchasing the Vivo X Fold, I have read here, that Wonda ships really quick (less than a week to Canada) and also heard good things with Gizpro but 20 days to get, so maybe Wonda is the best option (currently a little cheaper too, about $50), any further thoughts?
Q-Prof said:
Background:
I am located in Canada running a old import( 2016), Huawei Honor Note 8 which I really have liked - screen 2560*1440 and hardware quality running the EMUI & Android ver 8 and last security patch Jan 2021, with the last year, l lost Google account access as Google or the phone itself won't allow account authentication from it no longer, which is an ecosystem that I use personally and also need for work - Google Classroom (teacher). i.e. no access to Google play and or their services now, plus I have to re-initiate some apps from minimizing/crashing ., so....
Looking at the Vivo X fold as a possibility (also the Sam Fold 4). I know the hardware is far superior compared to other foldables and I like the quality and front screen size of the Vivo X Fold.
Aware that the software is not going to work without tweaks and fiddling around in some cases, so I am on the fence with this at the moment. I am waiting to see what the Samsung Fold 4 has to offer, but suspect it will not change much from the fold 3, short of SOC update, camera update, hinge update, inside screen film thickness improvement to 60 microns, slight size update for the better, from leaks.
Meanwhile, knowing Vivo X Fold is a Chinese import (software isn't going to work 100% which I can live with and understand from my current phone), my biggest concern is multi-tasking looks very weak from reviews I have seen it compared to the Fold 3, with the Mate X being the best, but it doesn't have Google services which I need - so hence software and multi-tasking will be better on the Fold 4 with s-pen, BUT screen size and hardware quality is a BIG negative for me in comparison to the Vivo X Fold.
Questions:
Hence the reason why I am on the fence with the Vivo X Fold. Vivo claims 3 years of updates and so maybe they update, fix, and improve the multi-tasking but it may never get fixed, nor does it look like there will be a global version put out at this point - am I right, and has Vivo in the past been good with update improvements after phone is released?
Any of you that are currently using the Vivo X Fold here in America as a main driver phone have any further thoughts on - if this Vivo X fold is the best foldable option, as the Samsung fold 4 I suspect is not going to be much of an improvement (size/quality) when it is announced Aug 10?
Also, on the Vivo X Fold, has anyone successfully used the Alexa App for smart home control, I assume this will work with the Chinese ROM like most other apps right - anyone confirm this?
As for purchasing the Vivo X Fold, I have read here, that Wonda ships really quick (less than a week to Canada) and also heard good things with Gizpro but 20 days to get, so maybe Wonda is the best option (currently a little cheaper too, about $50), any further thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of the Canadian mobile phone carriers will enable VoLTE on Vivo phones, so your voice calls will drop to 3G which will become problematic when the Canadians follow their neighbors to the South and shut down 3G networks. My choice for foldables would be Huawei, Vivo, and Samsung, in that order, but because there are no Google services with Huawei I have to choose between Vivo with no VoLTE in Canada or Samsung which has VoLTE support from all the Canadian carriers. I like my current Vivo X Note, but know that as VoLTE will be required in a year or so in Canada in order to place voice calls, I will probably invest in the Samsung.
frcraig said:
None of the Canadian mobile phone carriers will enable VoLTE on Vivo phones, so your voice calls will drop to 3G which will become problematic when the Canadians follow their neighbors to the South and shut down 3G networks. My choice for foldables would be Huawei, Vivo, and Samsung, in that order, but because there are no Google services with Huawei I have to choose between Vivo with no VoLTE in Canada or Samsung which has VoLTE support from all the Canadian carriers. I like my current Vivo X Note, but know that as VoLTE will be required in a year or so in Canada in order to place voice calls, I will probably invest in the Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for you input, Interesting frcraig,
Nice to hear from someone who is using the Vivo X Fold and likes it. I am going to hold, to see what the Samsung Fold 4 has to offer, but your feedback sounds like the Vivo X Fold in Canada is not going to be a good choice without the VoLTE / 3G issues and appreciate your insight....
For Huawei being a better choice and I agree with the the BIG issue with no Google account services, as reviews have talked about its flexible, efficient, and smooth multi-tasking, but personally I am a little concerned with the outside fold form factor and breakage.
I was not aware of this VoLTE limitation, and assume this is something you know from your current carrier, I assume?
After checking what exactly VoLTE is, I looked up my current provider (currently with Fido in Canada re VoLTE) and this Canadian APN site which say the Vivo X Fold is overall 100% compatible, with 4G on LTE band 7 and possibly also 4 and 17 in some locations, so it "looks like" Fido will work with VoLTE, unless I am missing something?...
Why do you say Canadian mobile phone carriers will not enable VoLTE on the Vivo phones... is it because it is an import, if so how do you know this?
Any further info on Vivo's Android Origin OS for this phone in terms of possible updates to improve the multi-tasking based on recent and past track record, experience with using the Alexa App, or purchasing direction?
Q-Prof said:
Thanks for you input, Interesting frcraig,
Nice to hear from someone who is using the Vivo X Fold and likes it. I am going to hold, to see what the Samsung Fold 4 has to offer, but your feedback sounds like the Vivo X Fold in Canada is not going to be a good choice without the VoLTE / 3G issues and appreciate your insight....
For Huawei being a better choice and I agree with the the BIG issue with no Google account services, as reviews have talked about its flexible, efficient, and smooth multi-tasking, but personally I am a little concerned with the outside fold form factor and breakage.
I was not aware of this VoLTE limitation, and assume this is something you know from your current carrier, I assume?
After checking what exactly VoLTE is, I looked up my current provider (currently with Fido in Canada re VoLTE) and this Canadian APN site which say the Vivo X Fold is overall 100% compatible, with 4G on LTE band 7 and possibly also 4 and 17 in some locations, so it "looks like" Fido will work with VoLTE, unless I am missing something?...
Why do you say Canadian mobile phone carriers will not enable VoLTE on the Vivo phones... is it because it is an import, if so how do you know this?
Any further info on Vivo's Android Origin OS for this phone in terms of possible updates to improve the multi-tasking based on recent and past track record, experience with using the Alexa App, or purchasing direction?
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frcraig,
I was looking at several of your recent comments already, and see your efforts/limitation of getting (provisioning) VoLTE on your phone, that doesn't allow you to select VoLTE on your phone and your Roger Carrier in Halifax is giving you the run-a-round with different answers, meanwhile your wife's import phone does, both not purchased from the carrier, so sorry to hear, as this must be very frustrating.
You would think this VoLTE issue, someone would have an easy solution/tutorial to it, to get this to work.
I am now wondering if I call Fido or one of the big three carriers such as rogers, in Toronto, if there would be any different answers/support? I have accounts with both, my current phone with Fido and home internet with Rogers.
Side question, noticed you have the Note X from your comments, how you liking that phone other than the VoLTE issue?
Q-Prof said:
frcraig,
I was looking at several of your recent comments already, and see your efforts/limitation of getting (provisioning) VoLTE on your phone, that doesn't allow you to select VoLTE on your phone and your Roger Carrier in Halifax is giving you the run-a-round with different answers, meanwhile your wife's import phone does, both not purchased from the carrier, so sorry to hear, as this must be very frustrating.
You would think this VoLTE issue, someone would have an easy solution/tutorial to it, to get this to work.
I am now wondering if I call Fido or one of the big three carriers such as rogers, in Toronto, if there would be any different answers/support? I have accounts with both, my current phone with Fido and home internet with Rogers.
Side question, noticed you have the Note X from your comments, how you liking that phone other than the VoLTE issue?
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No issues other than VoLTE. I've debloated the phone and replaced the Chinese and Vivo stock apps with their Google equivalents. The voice activation for the Google Assistant "OK Google" won't work because of the baked in Chinese voice assistant, but I just put a widget for Google Assistant on the home screen and tap it to get the phone to listen to Google voice commands (send texts, etc.) Android Auto and Google Maps history don't work, but I never liked Android Auto anyway. There are few oddities, like Google Messages won't display notifications when the phone is in dark mode, but I replaced the stock app with Chomp and it works fine. The issue with VoLTE is interesting. After the adoption of 4g (LTE) phones continued to drop to 3G connections for voice calls. The Voice over LTE technology was added to firmware for all modern phones, but the settings for VoLTE only appear in Settings/Mobile Networks if the SIM card from the carrier is configured to make those settings appear. You can't enable VoLTE without the settings on non-rooted phones. You can connect to 5G without any problem on these phones and the connection is great for downloads, streaming, etc., but without VoLTE enabled voice calls drop to 3G. The carriers won't provision their SIM cards to allow you to enable VoLTE unless the phone manufacturer has paid them to "certify" their device for VoLTE on the carrier's network. It is really just a licensing fee, which Vivo won't pay to the Canadian carriers because with the low volume of sales in Canada it isn't in their economic interest to do so. They have certified their devices with T-Mobile in the US and with most UK and European carriers, so they can enable VoLTE, but Canadian carriers have only certified Samsung and Apple products and a few older Huawei devices like the Mate 20 X. Because I often travel to the States I use a Google Voice number to place and receive voice calls over the 5G networks when I'm there. VOIP on mobile data sounds the same to me as HD Voice on VoLTE and it gets the job done, and I'm content with 3G voice here in Canada while those networks are still up. The CRTC has approved their shutdown in December 2023.
frcraig,
Really appreciate you sharing the details and depth of the VoLTE not being offered with the Vivo's phones in Canada.
That is a shame that Vivo wont pay the licensing fees to at least one carrier in Canada, at least that would give us Canadians one option, as I really wanted to get the Vivo X fold (very sad now, feel like contacting Vivo to give them my feedback on them not getting the certification licensing for VoLTE) and would have happily switched carriers.... was even looking at their Note X, as that is basically a new version of my current old import ( 2016), Huawei Honor Note 8 with the 7" screen, as Vivo''s phones remind me of Huawei, their quality and offerings, and in the case of the Vivo X Fold, the wider form factor, which I really appreciate.
So the carrier could offer it but wont over money "certify"... I wonder (lol, wishful thinking) if it would be possible to just pay a surcharge from our end, if it is really just about money. Making calls over Data like Voip is doable, but the whole point of having the phone is to be able to make those voice calls through the current cell protocols.
Here I was worried about the multi-tasking software, hoping it would be improved with future updates and very much willing to live with the usual import Chinese software issues, as I have already done the last 7 years, now knowing that the Voice over LTE is not provisioned on the sim cards for Vivo phones and with the 3G as you say is going to be phased out after Dec 2023, doesn''t leave much options for voice calls and seems so unfair to users. I feel like calling my provider up and giving them an ear full, as to why they can't offer some kind of solution for us, so people can get the phone they want to buy. Shame about Huawei''s Google services as that would be my second choice for their fold with the smooth multitasking. If Vivo were more directly offered/known here in Canada (with VoLTE licensing), I am sure they would have a lot of people switching from the Samsung folds to Vivo's X fold, as it is a form factor and quality that would prevail.
Another thing, It;s too bad that T-Mobile and others were not allowed into the Canadian market, as this would be good for healthy competition, to bring our high premium mobile and internet phone service prices down, as Canadian companies have a monopoly on us.
frcraig said:
No issues other than VoLTE. I've debloated the phone and replaced the Chinese and Vivo stock apps with their Google equivalents. The voice activation for the Google Assistant "OK Google" won't work because of the baked in Chinese voice assistant, but I just put a widget for Google Assistant on the home screen and tap it to get the phone to listen to Google voice commands (send texts, etc.) Android Auto and Google Maps history don't work, but I never liked Android Auto anyway. There are few oddities, like Google Messages won't display notifications when the phone is in dark mode, but I replaced the stock app with Chomp and it works fine. The issue with VoLTE is interesting. After the adoption of 4g (LTE) phones continued to drop to 3G connections for voice calls. The Voice over LTE technology was added to firmware for all modern phones, but the settings for VoLTE only appear in Settings/Mobile Networks if the SIM card from the carrier is configured to make those settings appear. You can't enable VoLTE without the settings on non-rooted phones. You can connect to 5G without any problem on these phones and the connection is great for downloads, streaming, etc., but without VoLTE enabled voice calls drop to 3G. The carriers won't provision their SIM cards to allow you to enable VoLTE unless the phone manufacturer has paid them to "certify" their device for VoLTE on the carrier's network. It is really just a licensing fee, which Vivo won't pay to the Canadian carriers because with the low volume of sales in Canada it isn't in their economic interest to do so. They have certified their devices with T-Mobile in the US and with most UK and European carriers, so they can enable VoLTE, but Canadian carriers have only certified Samsung and Apple products and a few older Huawei devices like the Mate 20 X. Because I often travel to the States I use a Google Voice number to place and receive voice calls over the 5G networks when I'm there. VOIP on mobile data sounds the same to me as HD Voice on VoLTE and it gets the job done, and I'm content with 3G voice here in Canada while those networks are still up. The CRTC has approved their shutdown in December 2023.
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FrCraig,
I was on the phone with Rogers Tech support today, started a new thread here about no VoLTE on the Vivo X fold in Canada.
I know it seems that this is a full stop - no VoLTE from what you have found out, but just in case someone else has had success, they could share their experiences here, as I am sure there would be a lot of interested users that would rather have the Vivo X Fold over the Samsung Fold 4, like myself, but the absence of VoLTE is a major issue.
I assume you did update you hardware Sim Card with your Rogers as another step to getting the VoLTE working also, right?
Yes. I'm using a new 5G Rogers SIM. I even went out to the Bell office and had one of their sales people put a his 5G Bell SIM into the phone to see if the VoLTE settings appeared, and they didn't. He called his tech support people and they said no VoLTE on Vivo phones. I'm assuming it is the same with Telus and Shaw.
Ok, that is good to know, so Bell also, wow... ugh hard to believe with such an amazing phone, at least the form factor and hardware quality a lot better than the Samsung fold.
Have you tried the BIOS code to switch it on: "*#*#4636#*#*" it is supposed to be a universal code to switch that radio on if it is off, or use it to turn off and back on to reset it - here is a video showing this process using the Redmi Note, @ the 5 min time stamp?
frcraig said:
Yes. I'm using a new 5G Rogers SIM. I even went out to the Bell office and had one of their sales people put a his 5G Bell SIM into the phone to see if the VoLTE settings appeared, and they didn't. He called his tech support people and they said no VoLTE on Vivo phones. I'm assuming it is the same with Telus and Shaw.
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Think I am going with the Samsung Z Fold 4 instead of the Vivo X Fold. I REALLY like the quality and form factor of the Vivo X Fold and would endure the lack of multi-tasking. Even with the rumored Vivo X Fold S possibly coming out in the near future with processor upgrade and the global Funtouch, without that VoLTE not working here in Canada, just can't do it.
I pre-ordered the Samsung Z Fold 4, the new Buds Pro 2, and the new Watch 5Pro, Phone case, etc., I hope I don't regret this as I am not happy with the front narrow screen, and don't think I am going to get use to it, but I am going to try it, focus on one hand operation on front screen and two hands on internal fold screen for usability.
Thanks again for all of the Feedback in several threads here, especially frcraig, very knowledgeable and helpful!
Q-Prof said:
Think I am going with the Samsung Z Fold 4 instead of the Vivo X Fold. I REALLY like the quality and form factor of the Vivo X Fold and would endure the lack of multi-tasking. Even with the rumored Vivo X Fold S possibly coming out in the near future with processor upgrade and the global Funtouch, without that VoLTE not working here in Canada, just can't do it.
I pre-ordered the Samsung Z Fold 4, the new Buds Pro 2, and the new Watch 5Pro, Phone case, etc., I hope I don't regret this as I am not happy with the front narrow screen, and don't think I am going to get use to it, but I am going to try it, focus on one hand operation on front screen and two hands on internal fold screen for usability.
Thanks again for all of the Feedback in several threads here, especially frcraig, very knowledgeable and helpful!
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I mean even if you change your mind, the Fold 4 will hold its value for a good while after its launch (since you get the 512gb version as a free upgrade) so you could always sell it in the coming months if you don't like it. That's my plan since I too don't like the narrow outer screen and would love the Vivo Fold.
Yes you have a point... actually ordered the 1T storage version. For now I will keep the pre-order, the s-pen and the software is great on the Samsung Z Fold 4, but narrow form factor for the front screen is the big negative, the big gap at the fold I guess I can live with and the obvious crease, uhg... I will have to see how the Samsung eco system is, as I can always return it in the first week if I change my mind, or later also sell it.
On a new note, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is out and frcraig suggests that the VoLTE will be able to enable it unlike the Vivo line which can't. There is also a leak that a Vivo X Fold S update is coming out soon with the new Gen +1 chip and possibly a global rom, but it will still not have the VoLTE 4G for Canadian carriers. I really still like the solid quality hardware and form factor of the Vivo X Fold, but without the VoLTE 4G, definitely not going to work for me here with Canadian carriers.
So the newly released Xiaomi Mix fold 2 is my only other possible alternative now, which has that wide front screen form factor, has a thin sleek thickness, folds closed completely flat and appears to have less of a screen crease when open, but some of the trade-offs include lack of software refinement (big factor), mediocre camera, no wireless charging, multiple angled hinge mechanism (Samsung Flex mode) - all of which I could probably live with for the front wide screen form factor.... just not sure on the software yet.
You can also now consider the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2... If the SamEsung Fold 4 is not what you expected...
I mean... I was a little bit excited for the Fold 4 too and at the end... Same devise, same crease, same gap between the two parts when folded, Looks the same, Same narrow almost useless outer screen... Just a new CPU and new Cameras... The only plus the Fold 4 has over all other foldables is the Software! And that is a big one, unfortunately...
It is funny how things have changed... Once not many years ago, Samsung was making the best hardware and always innovating with it... One UI on the other hand was quite chunky and slow, with a lot of issues... And now...
Almost perfect software stack with great compatibility and worldwide recognition... but if you want great hardware look elsewhere...
OrionBG said:
You can also now consider the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2... If the SamEsung Fold 4 is not what you expected...
I mean... I was a little bit excited for the Fold 4 too and at the end... Same devise, same crease, same gap between the two parts when folded, Looks the same, Same narrow almost useless outer screen... Just a new CPU and new Cameras... The only plus the Fold 4 has over all other foldables is the Software! And that is a big one, unfortunately...
It is funny how things have changed... Once not many years ago, Samsung was making the best hardware and always innovating with it... One UI on the other hand was quite chunky and slow, with a lot of issues... And now...
Almost perfect software stack with great compatibility and worldwide recognition... but if you want great hardware look elsewhere...
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Yes, so true now, Samsung has the software refinement but not so much the hardware quality or innovation.
The narrow front screen form factor seems way too small and I am use to a 7" screen on my daily driver.
Agreed, after I get the Samsung Z Fold 4 to test out will have to make a decision then to send back right away and then the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 will be my second order and test... although with limited software reviews, I am concerned about the software on this one.
Q-Prof said:
Yes, so true now, Samsung has the software refinement but not so much the hardware quality or innovation.
The narrow front screen form factor seems way too small and I am use to a 7" screen on my daily driver.
Agreed, after I get the Samsung Z Fold 4 to test out will have to make a decision then to send back right away and then the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 will be my second order and test... although with limited software reviews, I am concerned about the software on this one.
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I would share similar concerns. But the funny thing is that I wonder if we could spoof the vivo x fold / others to receive exclusive software features from Samsung fold devices (I wouldn’t mind using the Samsung launcher with the two column google feed on the vivo x fold).
I can’t say if it is impossible or not as my vivo is running pixel exclusive features with root and pixelify. I wonder if the lead dev could provide some pointers on this …
domineus said:
I would share similar concerns. But the funny thing is that I wonder if we could spoof the vivo x fold / others to receive exclusive software features from Samsung fold devices (I wouldn’t mind using the Samsung launcher with the two column google feed on the vivo x fold).
I can’t say if it is impossible or not as my vivo is running pixel exclusive features with root and pixelify. I wonder if the lead dev could provide some pointers on this …
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Would be nice, but for me, sadly, no VoLTE, so I am not going near the Vivo X Fold now.
By all means though if someone has ideas on ways to improve the Vivo software, please share....
although from what I have heard, the June security update locked the software bootloader, and prevents downgrades, so no rooting the phone, hence no software tweaks now.