[Q] Buying a Desire HD - Desire HD General

Im going to europe(france) for december and am considering buying a HTC Desire HD while im there.
I'm from South Africa so i know i should get an unlocked handset if i want it to work here. (But i am aware of unlocking etc, so im not too concerned)
I would like advice on the carriers that tend to lock and brand their phones, prices and availability of the phone there? Are there also any other issues that i should be aware of if im planning on buying the handset in another country?
Thanx in advance.

If anything happens, you may not be covered by warranty, and if you discover fault when back home, you cannot just pop over to France to return it to shop.
To make sure you get an unbranded, unlocked phone, buy online, as most shops sell phones linked to a carrier, and without overheads of running a shop, they are normally cheaper. Also warranty is normally with HTC rather than carrier like Vodafone or 3.

Related

warranty question

all heros have 12 month warranty right? you dont need to apply for it? if anything goes wrong with your phone then you just need to contact htc ? am i right?
thanks
That very much depends on where you are physically located, and where you physically bought the device.
My phone came from T-Mobile UK, and comes with a 1 year warranty. If I have a problem with the device in that time, I should go back to the original vendor (i.e. T-Mobile UK) to seek remedy. In addition, even though I only have a 1 year warranty, my statutory rights are not affected - see this link
Bear in mind that this is going to be covered differently in other regions.
Regards,
Dave
i bought it from ebay. its a simfree version
so will it still be covered.?
thanks
I couldn't tell you definitively.
Assuming you are in the UK, if you bought it from a UK company on Ebay and is was sold "new", then they are responsible. The same may well apply across the EU, but I'm uncertain of this.
If it was bought as second hand from an individual, the situation is not so clear, but it is probable that the original retailer should still be required to honour the warranty.
Regards,
Dave
I faced that issue some time ago and i contacted htc for a problem.
well from what they told me, if the phone wasn't bought at an official htc vendor, then you have no business with htc. Only thing you can do is you can send your phone to htc to get repaired or checked but you'll have to pay for it ( even if you have a guarantee from a shop)
You should contact the store where you bought the phone. And the catch at these local stores is that you should have your guarantee and receipt on your name to be able to claim it. so buying on ebay ...... i cant say for sure

I Bought A O2 Locked HTC HD2, Bad Idea?

Heres the story:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First I was going to buy it off Amazon, unlocked, £450 <-- Awesome!
But then I checked the next day, and it went up to £519, not sure if there was an original error or I was just very unlucky, needless to say I was very angry and dissapointed
So I headed over to ebay, I wasn't finding anything to great (price wise) but then I found a O2 locked brand new HD2. As I was going to use an O2 PAYG sim card anyway, I decided that that would be the phone I bought
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everything seemed fine, but just now I've been reading around on forums (includng xda) and Ive seen that O2 models mess around with the HD2's software, ripping some of the things out of it (like the wifi router), so now Im worried im not going to have a very good version.
+ The phone is an unwanted upgrade from the guy on ebay, I didnt think that would make any difference going together with a PAYG sim, but now Im worrying.
Final question, will I have O2 branding on the back?
[★] said:
Heres the story:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First I was going to buy it off Amazon, unlocked, £450 <-- Awesome!
But then I checked the next day, and it went up to £519, not sure if there was an original error or I was just very unlucky, needless to say I was very angry and dissapointed
So I headed over to ebay, I wasn't finding anything to great (price wise) but then I found a O2 locked brand new HD2. As I was going to use an O2 PAYG sim card anyway, I decided that that would be the phone I bought
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everything seemed fine, but just now I've been reading around on forums (includng xda) and Ive seen that O2 models mess around with the HD2's software, ripping some of the things out of it (like the wifi router), so now Im worried im not going to have a very good version.
+ The phone is an unwanted upgrade from the guy on ebay, I didnt think that would make any difference going together with a PAYG sim, but now Im worrying.
Final question, will I have O2 branding on the back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont worry. If the o2 software bothers you you can always put a stock htc rom on. See here for information.
Oh and there is no o2 branding on the case and barely any in the ROM either tbh. I have one myself. Im considering following the above guide 2moz just for the hell of it although i havent had any probs with the o2 rom so far.
[★] said:
Heres the story:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First I was going to buy it off Amazon, unlocked, £450 <-- Awesome!
But then I checked the next day, and it went up to £519, not sure if there was an original error or I was just very unlucky, needless to say I was very angry and dissapointed
So I headed over to ebay, I wasn't finding anything to great (price wise) but then I found a O2 locked brand new HD2. As I was going to use an O2 PAYG sim card anyway, I decided that that would be the phone I bought
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everything seemed fine, but just now I've been reading around on forums (includng xda) and Ive seen that O2 models mess around with the HD2's software, ripping some of the things out of it (like the wifi router), so now Im worried im not going to have a very good version.
+ The phone is an unwanted upgrade from the guy on ebay, I didnt think that would make any difference going together with a PAYG sim, but now Im worrying.
Final question, will I have O2 branding on the back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No external branding from what I'm aware, but using goldcard / hardspl (when its out) you can flash to any standard rom and get the features back
damn you optiknerv, you beat me too it
Wow thanks guys, another LOAD off my mind, geez xda forums are great
So there are no problems right?
Oh and what are your views on the fact that its somebody elses contract upgrade?
[★] said:
Wow thanks guys, another LOAD off my mind, geez xda forums are great
So there are no problems right?
Oh and what are your views on the fact that its somebody elses contract upgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you got it cheap and it aint broke. Fool them!!
Mines O2 free upgrade on my contract. There is zero branding on the hardware and pretty much the only O2 branding i have seen on the phone is there wallpaper. I have filled out the form on there website to get it unlocked in case I ever need to use it on another network.
The only problem i have with it is that i am going have to jump through the hoops of using the goldcard method the flash it but i guess that's not to hard.
bzdemes said:
Mines O2 free upgrade on my contract. There is zero branding on the hardware and pretty much the only O2 branding i have seen on the phone is there wallpaper. I have filled out the form on there website to get it unlocked in case I ever need to use it on another network.
The only problem i have with it is that i am going have to jump through the hoops of using the goldcard method the flash it but i guess that's not to hard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by jump through hoops, whats the problem?
Also could you send me a link to the form for unlocking? I'm thinking it might be a good idea for the future. Could I unlock now and keep my O2 PAYG card in it as normal, I could right? It would just be like using the sim card in a phone that was locked from the start
bzdemes said:
Mines O2 free upgrade on my contract. There is zero branding on the hardware and pretty much the only O2 branding i have seen on the phone is there wallpaper. I have filled out the form on there website to get it unlocked in case I ever need to use it on another network.
The only problem i have with it is that i am going have to jump through the hoops of using the goldcard method the flash it but i guess that's not to hard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What form is that? Havent heard of that.
branded HTC devices
I made some bad experiences with an o2-branded HTC Touch HD from Germany. In case of warrenty HTC told me to contact an o2-shop in order to get it repaired. It took some extra time to get it back because I had to give it to o2 (and they sent it to htc) Therefore I decided to buy a HTC HD2 without any branding to avoid this kindergarden games this time and forever.
The second point is that (if you don't want do use HSPL) branded roms are published not that regularly as stock-unbranded are.
PS: o2 costumers help each other all across Europe, don't they?!!
weichei said:
I made some bad experiences with an o2-branded HTC Touch HD from Germany. In case of warrenty HTC told me to contact an o2-shop in order to get it repaired. It took some extra time to get it back because I had to give it to o2 (and they sent it to htc) Therefore I decided to buy a HTC HD2 without any branding to avoid this kindergarden games this time and forever.
The second point is that (if you don't want do use HSPL) branded roms are published not that regularly as stock-unbranded are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true but he has bought it second hand and so he doesnt have a warranty as a second owner. Flame me if ive got buyers rights wrong.
Good choice. You can install the WiFi router separately and the total ammount of branding on the phone is the wallpaper which you can change. And the O2 doesnt seem to have half the bugs that people are complaining about.
My handset speaker doesnt crackle, all of my SMSs send with no problem, there are no spelling mistakes and all is well with the phone!
I think this is the correct link
https://www.o2.co.uk/apps/help/help?qid=1&q1=2&route=unlocking&case=Handset Unlocking Form
basically O2 are unlocking there phones for free. Sounds like it takes a while for them to give you the unlock code. Think it told me 28 days or something. I am in no rush to have it unlocked just figured its worth doing just in case.
That is true but he has bought it second hand and so he doesnt have a warranty as a second owner. Flame me if ive got buyers rights wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thats one of the only problems I have with it, Its not really second hand though, its unopened, but I guess that still kinda counts as SH. Heres a question for you, is there anyway I can get new warranty on it from either O2 or HTC ?
Reading the warrenty agreement in my O2 HD2 i bought on ebay, it mentions about second hand buyers, (i should have read it a bit more); but its a case of, if you can show proof of purchase, it should be no problem.
MidnightDraven said:
Reading the warrenty agreement in my O2 HD2 i bought on ebay, it mentions about second hand buyers, (i should have read it a bit more); but its a case of, if you can show proof of purchase, it should be no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, well it was an upgrade, so He said there was no reciept with it? shall I just ask for all paper work he has for it ?
[★] said:
Ahh, well it was an upgrade, so He said there was no reciept with it? shall I just ask for all paper work he has for it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He will be able to print his receipt in his "My o2". I can print all my upgrades etc from this screen. Although the info in minimal, its better than nothing. Also take a note of his address and print off the ebay item as proof of purchase.
Please also note, regardless that the phone is second hand you will have warranty with it. The warranty is covered on the handset regardless who owns it. fact.
Mines an upgrade and the only bit of paper work i have for it is a single piece of paper confirming the order that came with the handset. Pretty much just has my name, the phones name and a return sticker on it. So i don't imagine he will have anything that will help you use the warranty.
It needs to be your proof of purchase.
Otherwise there's no proof it belongs to you.
In the end Ive decided Im going to cancel the one on Ebay and buy a brand new one from expansys, it may be a little more, but at least its got warranty, I can return the product If I need too and its not unlocked.
I just hope the guy on ebay doesn't get too angry at me

Replacment LCD screen

Okay, just purchased my first Snap (s521 - purchased off eBay, quite sure it's an Asian version) a couple of weeks ago and been thoroughly happy with it. Haven't taken the plunge to HardSPL it and put on a cooked ROM (just concerned I suppose - shouldn't be though, I know). Yesterday with all the excitement of boxing day, managed to crack the LCD screen, and now can only see half the screen (the other half is white with a couple of really nice ink marks - would probably look like a butterfly if I looked hard enough.....lol ).
Been searching real hard on the internet, and can't seem to find a replacement for it any where. I'm from Australia, and only 1 carrier has the right's to the Snap here at the moment, therefore general repair shops don't seem to want to know about it.
Can anyone recommend a place to purchase a new screen? Any and all help greatly appreciated.
Cheers, Chris.
Hi
Im still looking for a replacement screen for one of ours as well. The only place in AU i can find is www.fonebiz.com.au
They quoted me $135 to install a replacement screen. They won't sell the screens seperatley though.
Hopefully it helps.
Matt
Thanx for that Matt.
I sent an email off to them this weekend, and I was waiting for a reply. They are supposedly the only authorised HTC repair centre in Australia, but I've read many bad reports about them in other forums. But I suppose $135 is far better then several $100's to get a new one. Fonebiz pretty much has the market to themselves in Australia until HTC allows other businesses to sell the Snap (once the contract with Telstra ends). If I come up with anything, I'll let you know as well.
I'm just surprised that I can't seem to find any for sale any where in the world. Not on eBay, through various stores in other countries - it's almost like we have a very specialised phone, with very little after sales / parts need.
Yep i would have thought it would have been easier to get a screen from the US or HK but no luck.
Ive had nothing but issues with fonebiz in trying to get phones replaced that are dropping reception and freezing. Hopefully you get through ok, they were quick to reply to my emails during business hours so you may need to wait till tomorrow for a response.
go to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=405566
and
http://cnn.cn
Another reff
http://www.mikechannon.net/page4.html
http://www.jetcitydevices.com/htc-snap/screen-repair
Thanx Harunjo,
After many calls and email to the Australian HTC help line, and then later to the SEA help line, I find out that my phone's serial number shows that the phone was destined for sale in Indonesia. No repair shop in Australia can source the screen except for the official repair centre, which refuses to touch the phone as it was purchased from overseas. Therefore I had 2 choices;
1. Send it to Indonesia to get fixed - Couldn't do as the phone number is not connected.
2. Go through one of the Global Repair Centres.
After contacting Honk Kong, UK, and trying to contact US (really bad time difference with Australia), I decided to follow through with the email contacts with SEA help, and just sent the phone off to Singapore today. Hopefully I will get it back within a few weeks.
One thing I'll say is that every person I spoke to at HTC were more then willing to do everything they could to help me, I just suppose it has everything to do with the whole repair / exclusivity / contract deal with Telstra in Australia - plus a fairly arrogant phone repair company that thinks they are so extremely fantastic that they decide how things work - wish I had a business that was so profitable that I could turn fully paying customers away on a whim (just ranting, couldn't believe how hard it was to try and get this phone fixed - seam to get a lot of bad press through forums does this repair business).
Anyways, as much as the whole experience may have turned me off HTC phones (as this is my first), I like them so much already, that I'll stick with them, just make sure the next phone I get is from Australia or has been out in Australia for a while and has full repair support.

Got Branded O2 Network SGS2 instead of Factory Unlocked... What to do?

Today I recieved my SGS2. I bought that online. The seller told me that it is factory unlocked but when I saw the O2 Logo at Startup, I got it that its Branded.
I called the Seller and he said, He will send Unlock Key to me and that will make it Factory unlocked OR If I want to replace, He can send me Factory unlocked.
Guys tell me what to do? Should I change it or Replace it?
Do you think branded phones are better or factory Unlocked?
There's actually two separate issues. Getting the SIM unlocked is no big deal and once it is you can use it freely on any carrier. A branded phone is supported by the carrier that branded it. That means unique updates that are usually rolled out after Samsung's general releases. I don't know about O2, but most carriers add their own customizations, apps, and settings to their phones. They may or may not bother or effect you. There's instructions in the dev section on how to "unbrand" a branded phone. It requires rooting and some time and skill. If you don't want to go though the hassle return the phone and ask for an unbranded one.
Personally, I'd always go for the unbranded option if it's given. The only reason is that when you get your next phone in xx months time, you can sell an unbranded a lot more favourably than a branded one, even when SIM unlocked.
That's the experience I've had, so it's only my opinion.
jjdoctor said:
Today I recieved my SGS2. I bought that online. The seller told me that it is factory unlocked but when I saw the O2 Logo at Startup, I got it that its Branded.
I called the Seller and he said, He will send Unlock Key to me and that will make it Factory unlocked OR If I want to replace, He can send me Factory unlocked.
Guys tell me what to do? Should I change it or Replace it?
Do you think branded phones are better or factory Unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
replace it if given the option. naturally.
johncmolyneux said:
Personally, I'd always go for the unbranded option if it's given. The only reason is that when you get your next phone in xx months time, you can sell an unbranded a lot more favourably than a branded one, even when SIM unlocked.
That's the experience I've had, so it's only my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Seller gives one year warranty, but he says he has to open the seal of the box to confirm that units have all accessories and LCD is not damaged before shipment since he imports those.
How would I know that he has De-branded that phone and sent me again?
If A set is De-Branded, How can I find that it was previosuly Branded..?
More likely that there's something dodgy about your seller.
Stock O2 UK firmware has minor branding .One an O2 boot screen and two minor bookmarks on web browser for O2 .
Original O2 Product code is G|T-I9100KAO2U with CSC KD1O2U.
Debranded means removing original firmware and no way to tell what was their before .Apart from stuff in the box with an O2 label or the O2 Product code on the Box .
jje
What will happen if you return is he will de brand your device hence why he has told you he would have to open to check. That is bull, he should no what stock he has. Your im a sticky situation but i guess it all depends on if you are planning on rooting your device and planning on flashing custom Roms cus if you was then not a alot to worry about, keep what you got or REFUND
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Branded means it has branding on it does not mean it is sim locked .
Factory unlock in this respect suggests that he will unlock the locked to a network so any sim card can be used ..
NOTE OP you have double posted this question which is a waste of everyone's time answering the same question twice .
jje

[HELP] Am i being scammed?

Need some advice XDA. (im from the UK)
im aware of the common scam of second hand contract binded phones sold on eBay and other marketplaces where after they have been sold a few month down the line there IMEI is blacklisted and blocked and there is nothing you can do about it.
Is this happening to me?
I bought a s7 edge from eBay (sealed box g935f)
It was described as being "no network logo's factory unlocked"
I received it, opened it and it booted with 3 (three) network logo and then when i got through set up it was filled with reinstalled 3 network Apps.
now as far as i know if a mobile is has this branded firmware it is binded to a contract... am i wrong?
i messaged the seller and he assured me it was not a contract phone but was purchased from 3 and he said being as its a unlocked phone he assumed it would not have any logo branding on the software and seeing as he did not open the box he couldn't be sure.
in the end i asked for a receipt.. he provided this delivery note (attatched file) (i have crossed out his address and imei in paint)
-yes that really is the original picture quality (god knows if he really is just taking the piss or eBay hosting is terrible)
after i questioned this delivery note and bad quality image he got very irate and simply asked me to return the device for a refund and began accusing me of being a scammer saying that he will get the police involved if i send back a different handset and try to pass it off as the one he sent
What do you think?
is he trying to scam me with a contract phone?
or is he being honest can a non contract phone be on a network branded firmware?
Resumen:
its not a Scam, make sure that it works and keep it.
the logo is because of the rom.
---------------------------------------------
Look, this will help you, Three and other companies have the option to sell unlocket or locket phones, but all of the phones, has the Three's ROM, the rom, make sure that the phone works, and u have data and all, its fine..
misterashman said:
Need some advice XDA. (im from the UK)
im aware of the common scam of second hand contract binded phones sold on eBay and other marketplaces where after they have been sold a few month down the line there IMEI is blacklisted and blocked and there is nothing you can do about it.
Is this happening to me?
I bought a s7 edge from eBay (sealed box g935f)
It was described as being "no network logo's factory unlocked"
I received it, opened it and it booted with 3 (three) network logo and then when i got through set up it was filled with reinstalled 3 network Apps.
now as far as i know if a mobile is has this branded firmware it is binded to a contract... am i wrong?
i messaged the seller and he assured me it was not a contract phone but was purchased from 3 and he said being as its a unlocked phone he assumed it would not have any logo branding on the software and seeing as he did not open the box he couldn't be sure.
in the end i asked for a receipt.. he provided this delivery note (attatched file) (i have crossed out his address and imei in paint)
-yes that really is the original picture quality (god knows if he really is just taking the piss or eBay hosting is terrible)
after i questioned this delivery note and bad quality image he got very irate and simply asked me to return the device for a refund and began accusing me of being a scammer saying that he will get the police involved if i send back a different handset and try to pass it off as the one he sent
What do you think?
is he trying to scam me with a contract phone?
or is he being honest can a non contract phone be on a network branded firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who cares, flash BTU firmware and problem solved. In my country, a lot of people by phones they don't need on contract then resell them to make money. Nothing shady there. If the imei is clean, why worry?
Stevica Smederevac said:
Who cares, flash BTU firmware and problem solved. In my country, a lot of people by phones they don't need on contract then resell them to make money. Nothing shady there. If the imei is clean, why worry?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the UK people get a phone on contract with insurance sell them on ebay wait a month or 2 and then report it stolen . They get replacement phone and the guy who bought his old one gets a blacklisted IMEI and can't do anything about it
bathcrow said:
Resumen:
its not a Scam, make sure that it works and keep it.
the logo is because of the rom.
---------------------------------------------
Look, this will help you, Three and other companies have the option to sell unlocket or locket phones, but all of the phones, has the Three's ROM, the rom, make sure that the phone works, and u have data and all, its fine..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So how can I tell if the phone is binded to a contract?
misterashman said:
So how can I tell if the phone is binded to a contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you should call three and ask them if the imei is binded, because you bought it.
bathcrow said:
you should call three and ask them if the imei is binded, because you bought it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately 3 won't release any information about it because Im not the one that bought it from them :/
misterashman said:
Unfortunately 3 won't release any information about it because Im not the one that bought it from them :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sadly i cant help you further than this.
bathcrow said:
sadly i cant help you further than this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks anyway! I think I'm just gonna have to return it. I can't afford to risk it.
As far as I know 3 don't sell phones separate from a contract unless you pay more than what Samsung charge lol
misterashman said:
Thanks anyway! I think I'm just gonna have to return it. I can't afford to risk it.
As far as I know 3 don't sell phones separate from a contract unless you pay more than what Samsung charge lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Three branded ROM but apparently it is unlocked? Suspect. He could have flashed a Three ROM on there but why didn't he say this? Suspect. Typically three branded ROM will come from Three directly.
Take videos of the phone working/booting up. Take multiple pictures of the phone from all angles. Return it via special delivery, probably £6-8 but totally worth it for peace of mind. He won't be able to claim it not being delivered since it MUST be signed for. Special delivery will cover you for around £500 in compensation (Can be bought new from Amazon for around £475).
Hope it all goes well. If you can, buy from a reputable company next time.
Galactus said:
Three branded ROM but apparently it is unlocked? Suspect. He could have flashed a Three ROM on there but why didn't he say this? Suspect. Typically three branded ROM will come from Three directly.
Take videos of the phone working/booting up. Take multiple pictures of the phone from all angles. Return it via special delivery, probably £6-8 but totally worth it for peace of mind. He won't be able to claim it not being delivered since it MUST be signed for. Special delivery will cover you for around £500 in compensation (Can be bought new from Amazon for around £475).
Hope it all goes well. If you can, buy from a reputable company next time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice I'll make sure to do that, going to post it today.
Galactus said:
Three branded ROM but apparently it is unlocked? Suspect. He could have flashed a Three ROM on there but why didn't he say this? Suspect. Typically three branded ROM will come from Three directly.
Take videos of the phone working/booting up. Take multiple pictures of the phone from all angles. Return it via special delivery, probably £6-8 but totally worth it for peace of mind. He won't be able to claim it not being delivered since it MUST be signed for. Special delivery will cover you for around £500 in compensation (Can be bought new from Amazon for around £475).
Hope it all goes well. If you can, buy from a reputable company next time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nowadays, phones from Three are sold unlocked, but still have some Three branding due to the CSC.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
foxmeister said:
Nowadays, phones from Three are sold unlocked, but still have some Three branding due to the CSC.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I didn't mean in the traditional sense that the phone is sim-locked, but that it is still branded somewhat, so it's more likely that it is an unwanted network upgrade from Three directly.
lol, what is this?
Its a smiley ...

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