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So let me tell you how this went down...
First, I go to a local Best Buy Mobile store to check out the Moto G for my girlfriend. They tell me they can't sell me one in the store until Jan. 9th, but if I purchase one online and choose to pickup in the store, I could get one. So I stand in the store, buy the phone on my GS4, and pick it up at the counter. Weird process, but whatever.
So I bought the phone. The lady at the register assured me that I would be able to use this on her line (which is a contract line). Go to activate it, and find out that it can't be done until the 9th. That's cool, no problem. Once I get home, I find out that the phone will only work on a prepaid line and BestBuy did not inform me of this. I go back up to the store to return it, but they won't take it back because it's opened. Oh, I forgot to mention, the lady at the damn counter was the one who opened it!
So, is there ANY way that I could get this to activate on a contract line without having it activated on a prepaid line for 6 months, or am I screwed? If not, is there a good way to bypass the activation and use it solely as a wifi "tablet" (for my girlfriend's kid)?
If I actually am screwed, anyone want this thing for $80 shipped in the continental US?
That's a lie about it being opened. I have returned prepaid phone there on several occasions. There is something either shady about your story or the person working but something isn't adding up here.
Sent from my XT1034 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
There is no SIM slot right?
big gulps huh? said:
That's a lie about it being opened. I have returned prepaid phone there on several occasions. There is something either shady about your story or the person working but something isn't adding up here.
Sent from my XT1034 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I thought something was fishy about that too. I'm going to try and take it back when someone else is working.
szymgio said:
There is no SIM slot right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, there is no SIM slot.
rngrdanny22 said:
If not, is there a good way to bypass the activation and use it solely as a wifi "tablet" (for my girlfriend's kid)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can bypass the activation easily, simply hit next 1 time, pull down the notification center, click on the multitasking button and swipe away the activation screen quickly, and boom! You have a $100 iPod touch alternative (which is why I bought it) I recorded a short video to show you, wiped it real quick because I just got it yesterday anyways
Code:
youtu.be/qhphsyRFEy4
rngrdanny22 said:
Yeah, I thought something was fishy about that too. I'm going to try and take it back when someone else is working.
Correct, there is no SIM slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't make sense to buy device without SIM slot...
szymgio said:
It doesn't make sense to buy device without SIM slot...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why? CDMA phones have never used SIM slots. It's only with LTE now that Verizon and Sprint have used SIMs in their phones
wws12 said:
Why? CDMA phones have never used SIM slots. It's only with LTE now that Verizon and Sprint have used SIMs in their phones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like to have choice.
uhm it was my impression that with bestbuy you can return prepaid phones opened within 14 days, the part you left out of your story is how long you waited to return the phone!
rngrdanny22 said:
So let me tell you how this went down...
First, I go to a local Best Buy Mobile store to check out the Moto G for my girlfriend. They tell me they can't sell me one in the store until Jan. 9th, but if I purchase one online and choose to pickup in the store, I could get one. So I stand in the store, buy the phone on my GS4, and pick it up at the counter. Weird process, but whatever.
So I bought the phone. The lady at the register assured me that I would be able to use this on her line (which is a contract line). Go to activate it, and find out that it can't be done until the 9th. That's cool, no problem. Once I get home, I find out that the phone will only work on a prepaid line and BestBuy did not inform me of this. I go back up to the store to return it, but they won't take it back because it's opened. Oh, I forgot to mention, the lady at the damn counter was the one who opened it!
So, is there ANY way that I could get this to activate on a contract line without having it activated on a prepaid line for 6 months, or am I screwed? If not, is there a good way to bypass the activation and use it solely as a wifi "tablet" (for my girlfriend's kid)?
If I actually am screwed, anyone want this thing for $80 shipped in the continental US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice
skyhawk21 said:
uhm it was my impression that with bestbuy you can return prepaid phones opened within 14 days, the part you left out of your story is how long you waited to return the phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon phone has only been available for 3 days. He's no way near the 14 day limit. Love the attitude.
szymgio said:
I like to have choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool story, brah. Nonetheless, I guess you missed the fact that he bought this for his girlfriend who is under contract with Verizon which is a CDMA carrier. You can't buy a GSM phone and use it on a CDMA carrier. The only time one would need a SIM card slot is if you're using it on Sprint or Verizon's LTE network and since this phone doesn't have LTE....
Thanks for the responses guys! I'll try the unlock method later tonight when I have the phone in hand again (girlfriend still has it at the moment).
As for the return policy, I agree with y'all. I probably should be able to take it back, but the lady at the counter seemed like she might have been new or something. I actually tried to take it back about 4 hours later, so way within the 14 day window mentioned earlier.
On a side note, I won't be using the phone either way as I just went ahead and bought a like-new GS3 from a friend that she is going to use (wish I would have known he was selling it PRIOR to all this). If I can use it as a tablet, I'll just let her kid have it, but if not, I'll try and take it back again.
Will keep everyone posted!
keep us posted guy, I might take you up on that offer.
Good luck.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
sicembaylor said:
Cool story, brah. Nonetheless, I guess you missed the fact that he bought this for his girlfriend who is under contract with Verizon which is a CDMA carrier. You can't buy a GSM phone and use it on a CDMA carrier. The only time one would need a SIM card slot is if you're using it on Sprint or Verizon's LTE network and since this phone doesn't have LTE....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use this phone with other CDMA carrier?
So I can buy one at best buy at 99 usd and use or not? No need anything like an active line or anything else?
Sent from my Moto G
Lay295 said:
You can bypass the activation easily, simply hit next 1 time, pull down the notification center, click on the multitasking button and swipe away the activation screen quickly, and boom! You have a $100 iPod touch alternative (which is why I bought it) I recorded a short video to show you, wiped it real quick because I just got it yesterday anyways
Code:
youtu.be/qhphsyRFEy4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alejandrissimo said:
So I can buy one at best buy at 99 usd and use or not? No need anything like an active line or anything else?
Sent from my Moto G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read post above. I my self haven't bought one yet. buy looks like we can
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Alejandrissimo said:
So I can buy one at best buy at 99 usd and use or not? No need anything like an active line or anything else?
Sent from my Moto G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. After being told they didn't have any at my local store I was happy to inform them that they had 8 of them in stock which was very easy to find out online, and a little arguing about whether or not they could sell it yet, as well as a call to their Verizon rep, I finally was able to procure a Moto G without activating it. Hoping to find out this will work immediately with PagePlus.
Good news everyone, I was able to bypass the activation screen and unlock the phone for "tablet" use (using the methods mentioned in this thread). After playing with the phone for a little while, I gotta say, I actually like the thing! While we won't be using this as a phone, I will probably keep it to use as a MP3 player for the house.
I played around with the features a little and the only real disappointment that I saw was the camera. Maybe I'm use to the 13MP on the GS4, but the picture quality just didn't seem very good. Better than my girlfriend's old iPhone 4, but lacking nonetheless.
Willieumm said:
Correct. After being told they didn't have any at my local store I was happy to inform them that they had 8 of them in stock which was very easy to find out online, and a little arguing about whether or not they could sell it yet, as well as a call to their Verizon rep, I finally was able to procure a Moto G without activating it. Hoping to find out this will work immediately with PagePlus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me know how that works out. I tried and the pageplus rep said that the phone was unable to work, and it needed to be 'unlocked.' I wonder if I just got someone who didn't know what to do.
I returned my Verizon prepaid moto g today to BB. I did not have any issues. They did check to see if it had been activated. They turned the phone on and seeing the activate wizard appear turned it off. They only thing I didn't get back was the $0.70 for a 911 fee.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Just found this article and I thought I'd share it with y'all. Hopefully it won't get pushed back again.
http://phandroid.com/2015/02/25/exclusive-verizon-nexus-6-launch-march-12th/
This should put its release right around the release of the Galaxy S6 and maybe HTC one M9. What do y'all think of this?
I think what could they POSSIBLY be doing that requires them to release it this long after other carriers? Does it take that long to test if bloatware works on it? Are they just trolling? Or are they fighting back and forth with Google trying to get permission to lock down the bootloader like a chastity belt?
i am pissed at vzw .. i waited patiently for this day. and no release.
i may wait till march 12th. but if they don't release it then i am off to tmobile
I'm trying to decide if I want to wait. I unfortunately am stuck on the edge up program. I really want the nexus 6 though but not if VZW has ruined (like they usually do). And I fear that they are ruining it right now.
quick question guys
i have 2 lines. mine is a galaxy s3 that has been out of the 2 year contract since september. i have been waiting for verizon to release the nexus but i am sick of getting jerked around besides i live out in the sticks so i am forced to use a network extender because i have no signal at my home and i just found out t-mobile has wifi calling and texting.
my other line is my brothers lg g3 that he got in september of last year. so he is still paying it off.
question 1.. will t mobile pay my early termination fees if i decide to switch.
question 2.. will my brother be forced to pay off the remaining balance of his phone? or does t mobile pay that too if he transfers his phone to t-mobile?
thanks guys for any input
kidhudi said:
quick question guys
i have 2 lines. mine is a galaxy s3 that has been out of the 2 year contract since september. i have been waiting for verizon to release the nexus but i am sick of getting jerked around besides i live out in the sticks so i am forced to use a network extender because i have no signal at my home and i just found out t-mobile has wifi calling and texting.
my other line is my brothers lg g3 that he got in september of last year. so he is still paying it off.
question 1.. will t mobile pay my early termination fees if i decide to switch.
question 2.. will my brother be forced to pay off the remaining balance of his phone? or does t mobile pay that too if he transfers his phone to t-mobile?
thanks guys for any input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't it be easier to ask T-Mobile directly?
Try their free test run first before you switch. I tried them and while their corporate customer service was flat out amazing, the signal was terrible anywhere but large cities and the WiFi calling was a joke, literally had the 56k dial tone pop up during conversations...
srphoenix said:
Try their free test run first before you switch. I tried them and while their corporate customer service was flat out amazing, the signal was terrible anywhere but large cities and the WiFi calling was a joke, literally had the 56k dial tone pop up during conversations...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks that is a great idea. i live in central NJ so far i am seeing good things about the coverage in my area. and towards NY.
i will try the free test drive thing and see if it is a good fit for me.
it looks like they will pay the termination fees. and according to their site they will give my bro 130 dollars for his phone as a trade in.
maybe he would have better luck on swappa or ebay.
but it will cut my bill from 700 minutes of phone (old plan i never updated) and 2 gb of data each for 180 a month from verzon to unlimited phone text and data from t-mobile for 129 a month which includes the financing for the nexus 6.
thanks guys for the info
I hear this may be due to VoLTE implementation for the N6. Does that mean that if I bought the Motorola/Google Play version that I'm out of luck with VoLTE?
http://phandroid.com/2015/02/26/exclusive-verizon-nexus-6-march-12-android-5-1-volte-support/
If this is true, it make the lateness of the release almost null.
I got mine from t-mobile I hope I get VOLTE because I really miss my web and phone at the same time.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
Google no longer allows carriers to preinstall their own apps on Nexus phones. Lollipop has a new feature that checks to see which carrier's sim card is in the phone. Then it downloads the so-called bloatware to the phone during initial setup just like Nokia's carrier branded Windows Phones do. I am curious though. Google previously said that Nexus 6 phones bought from the Google Play store would work on any of the big four USA carriers. Is this still true? Can I take an unlocked Sprint Nexus 6 phone (if unlocking is even required) and pop in a Verizon sim card?
One note of interest no one has mentioned. I read that it will be 5.1 out of the box. Could this possibly mean that we will see 5.1 before the March Verizon release date?
techguy378 said:
Google no longer allows carriers to preinstall their own apps on Nexus phones. Lollipop has a new feature that checks to see which carrier's sim card is in the phone. Then it downloads the so-called bloatware to the phone during initial setup just like Nokia's carrier branded Windows Phones do. I am curious though. Google previously said that Nexus 6 phones bought from the Google Play store would work on any of the big four USA carriers. Is this still true? Can I take an unlocked Sprint Nexus 6 phone (if unlocking is even required) and pop in a Verizon sim card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats incorrect google is allowing carriers to install apps but need to be able to be removed. Check the att thread out.
If u buy a carrier branded device like the nexus 6 from att unless that is paid off the phone is sim locked. Also depends on if the devices are sim locked. As of right now i know that the att is sim locked till the device is paid out of contract or bought paid in full. then u can request a key. All nexus 6 OS firmware are the same. Its a universal software. Just added bloat per company will be added for updates.
Edit: Also google even stated that now updates wont come as fast for carrier devices pending partners.
---------- Post added at 12:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 PM ----------
RayEdmondson said:
One note of interest no one has mentioned. I read that it will be 5.1 out of the box. Could this possibly mean that we will see 5.1 before the March Verizon release date?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly dont think it will be released out of the box. I think the phones will come with 5.0 and then you can update to 5.1. Also there is rumors verizon may not allow these devices on edge.
the_rooter said:
I honestly dont think it will be released out of the box. I think the phones will come with 5.0 and then you can update to 5.1. Also there is rumors verizon may not allow these devices on edge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source of this rumor? I'm not aware of any device they carry that isn't available on Edge. Not sure why this would be any exception.
akellar said:
Source of this rumor? I'm not aware of any device they carry that isn't available on Edge. Not sure why this would be any exception.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its all he said she said on xda. Check in this thread or a few other verizon threads for the nexus. Some think verizon wont and some say verizon will. We actually wont know till the 12th.
Edit: I had a few verizon reps straight out tell me they look down at the rooting/flashing community because they claim it hurts their network. Thats why tmobile is so popular. If they do not allow nexus 6 on edge that would force customers to either pay full or sign a contract. I am not saying its true or not. Just from observation on here.
the_rooter said:
its all he said she said on xda. Check in this thread or a few other verizon threads for the nexus. Some think verizon wont and some say verizon will. We actually wont know till the 12th.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL randoms on XDA are hardly a reliable source of info. There's been everything from "Verizon will never get the device" to "Verizon will lock it down, put 50 logos on it, and rename it something else". It's people guessing, making things up, and hating on Verizon because that's the cool thing to do.
akellar said:
LOL randoms on XDA are hardly a reliable source of info. There's been everything from "Verizon will never get the device" to "Verizon will lock it down, put 50 logos on it, and rename it something else". It's people guessing, making things up, and hating on Verizon because that's the cool thing to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is still a big chance and possibility since verizon looks down to the community here that they could do that. Verizon doesnt like google. They like samsung and apple. They careless about everything else and what the customers want. Makes you think that how come verizon allows the use of developer devices on their network for limited phones. Mostly samsung. Verizon is always out to make more money. I again am not saying they will not allow it on edge, but it still can be a possibility coming from the fact that its unlockable and cant be altered too much by them.
Edit: Also never stated they were reliable. Just stating from how verizon is and what people think. Anything can be possible with how verizon will take this phone.
the_rooter said:
Thats incorrect google is allowing carriers to install apps but need to be able to be removed. Check the att thread out.
If u buy a carrier branded device like the nexus 6 from att unless that is paid off the phone is sim locked. Also depends on if the devices are sim locked. As of right now i know that the att is sim locked till the device is paid out of contract or bought paid in full. then u can request a key. All nexus 6 OS firmware are the same. Its a universal software. Just added bloat per company will be added for updates.
Edit: Also google even stated that now updates wont come as fast for carrier devices pending partners.
---------- Post added at 12:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:39 PM ----------
I honestly dont think it will be released out of the box. I think the phones will come with 5.0 and then you can update to 5.1. Also there is rumors verizon may not allow these devices on edge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google has never made such a comment publicly regarding carrier bloatware and software updates. There's nothing to prevent someone from flashing a factory image designed for Google Play store devices to a Verizon Nexus 6 either, for example. They have, however, stated that Nexus 6 phones always come with no bloatware installed. The bloatware is downloaded during initial setup depending on which carrier's sim card is installed. The main question I have though is if I buy a Nexus 6 from the Google Play store can I pop in a Verizon sim card and have it work on Verizon's network?
Hurts their network? doubt that, because they allow dev editions to function on said network.
If it truly hurt, then none of them would be allowed, it's a $$$ thing.
I'm looking for a new phone and the Axon 7 was looking like the clear choice but I'm starting to have serious doubts. The phone works perfectly with AT&T and T-Mobile networks, it takes a process to get it to work with Verizon and doesn't work at all with Sprint. This raises the obvious question, what about roaming? I'm not sure who has agreements with who for roaming coverage, but you can see that this would leave only two networks for roaming and that is assuming there is an agreement. How will the phone act when there is a stronger signal from a tower that it can't actually work with, despite being using the same frequency? I just don't know. Who has agreements with who? Have any of you guys tested roaming? T-Mobile in my area is only worthy of consideration with roaming, hence my concern. I want a versatile phone so I can switch providers at will.
If you can answer ANY of the following, please do so.
1. How do I make sure I get the "A2017U" model? I see lots of Axon 7s for sale and the model is never specified.
2. How big of a deal are the slow updates? What will you do when they inevitably top updating at all?
3. IF I get this phone I will likely keep the stock ROM to keep double tap to wake, shake for light etc. plus it doesn't seem like it's worth it according to Axon 7 owners. Is rooting, bootloader and recovery to stock reliable at this point?
4. Do you think the 128GB/6GB RAM models are worth it? It seems that some have sold for as low as $400 used but they tend to be over $500.
5. Are there "A2017U" models with this enhanced storage and RAM? How do I tell?
6. What native ways are there to unlock the screen? Of course there is pass, pin and fingerprint, any others?
7. What is your batter life like?
My last couple of questions are perhaps a bit off topic, do any of you happen to know details about the Axon 7 Max? I'm wondering what the speaker setup is. Honestly, I don't like the fact that is has a "3d" display which is really gimmicky and supposedly is old tech. Does anyone here have experience with this tech? I wish they were going with a nice screen like the one in the regular Axon 7. I will probably stick to the regular Axon 7, the 5.5" screen is still bigger than my LG G2's screen and it's cheaper.
7th1rt3en said:
I'm looking for a new phone and the Axon 7 was looking like the clear choice but I'm starting to have serious doubts. The phone works perfectly with AT&T and T-Mobile networks, it takes a process to get it to work with Verizon and doesn't work at all with Sprint. This raises the obvious question, what about roaming? I'm not sure who has agreements with who for roaming coverage, but you can see that this would leave only two networks for roaming and that is assuming there is an agreement. How will the phone act when there is a stronger signal from a tower that it can't actually work with, despite being using the same frequency? I just don't know. Who has agreements with who? Have any of you guys tested roaming? T-Mobile in my area is only worthy of consideration with roaming, hence my concern. I want a versatile phone so I can switch providers at will.
1. How do I make sure I get the "A2017U" model? I see lots of Axon 7s for sale and the model is never specified.
2. How big of a deal are the slow updates? What will you do when they inevitably top updating at all?
3. IF I get this phone I will likely keep the stock ROM to keep double tap to wake, shake for light etc. plus it doesn't seem like it's worth it according to Axon 7 owners. Is rooting, bootloader and recovery to stock reliable at this point?
4. Do you think the 128GB/6GB RAM models are worth it? It seems that some have sold for as low as $400 used but they tend to be over $500.
5. Are there "A2017U" models with this enhanced storage and RAM? How do I tell?
6. What native ways are there to unlock the screen? Of course there is pass, pin and fingerprint, any others?
7. What is your batter life like?
My last couple of questions is perhaps a bit off topic, do any of you happen to know details about the Axon 7 Max? I'm wondering what the speaker setup is. Honestly, I don't like the fact that is has a "3d" display which is really gimmicky and supposedly is old tech. Does anyone here have experience with this tech? I wish they were going with a nice screen like the one in the regular Axon 7. I will probably stick to the regular Axon 7, the 5.5" screen is still bigger than my LG G2's screen and it's cheaper.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get the A2017U by buying it in the USA. Not through Aliexpress for example. Getting another model is not the end of the world anyways... the modem is very much alike, it only differs from others on specific places like Japan and I think Spain.
Slow updates? We got Nougat before the Oneplus 3T. The real problem is that ZTE's updates add one feature and break 3 other things that are totally unrelated, then they release an update with fixes and break other things... But at this moment everything is working just fine. And even the S8 had similar problems, e.g. not working SD card, so there is no safe bet on the software department regarding OEMs
All the unlock and root stuff is dangerous on this device. If you fucc up too much you can still get an RMA and pretend like you woke up and the device didn't... otherwise you can pay a fee to get it reflashed. Also some ROMs have the shake to turn the flashlight on and dt2w thing, for example Resurrection Remix. But the stock ROM is really good especially if you slap a launcher on top of it, and there is no real reason to root besides apps and maybe some specific Xposed modules you would want to have
6 GB ram and 128 GB storage, plus force touch... your judgement. I literally NEVER use more than 3 GB of RAM even while gaming intensive stuff. Repeat, NEVER. There are some people who might be mining bitcoin with their phones or whatever, and fill up the RAM, so if you're one of them then go ahead and buy an A2017. Also so much storage for what? Use an SD card, and if you need dual SIM support, do that guide where you stick the SIM's guts to the SD card. And force touch might be interesting, but I'm not sure whether it is utilized on Android's apps... may be useless
No enhanced A2017Us AFAIK. I'm almost 100% sure that there aren't enhanced A2017U's, only A2017s.
Pass, PIN, pattern, fingerprint. Wouldn't know why you'd want any more. The fingerprint sensor placement is really comfortable despite the huge skepticism.
Battery life... Most people are reporting ~5 hrs SOT. I can get that on stock Android N. And if you feel adventurous and install a custom LOS based ROM, a full black theme, a kernel, and AKT profiles, you can easily double or sometimes triple that, depending on your usage.
Right now I'm using stock A2017G Android 6.0.1 with AKT profiles. I usually put it on Extreme battery saving and the phone still behaves like a flagship should (with the occasional ΒΌ second freeze every half a minute). some people (especially A2017 people) reported hideous drain, mostly on standby. But those are just isolated cases...
And the last couple of questions, no idea. Is the 3d screen they want to use like the one in the 3DS (2 pixel arrays with different angle of view)? I'm pretty courious...
Choose an username... said:
Getting another model is not the end of the world anyways... the modem is very much alike, it only differs from others on specific places like Japan and I think Spain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The U model is very much different from the rest. It has 3 CDMA bands (global has 0), and LTE bands that are only used in North America (absent from global model).
Choose an username... said:
No enhanced A2017Us AFAIK. I'm almost 100% sure that there aren't enhanced A2017U's, only A2017s.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ZTE USA did offer the enhanced model, dubbed the "Limited Edition", for a short period of time. It's no longer on their website, but you can google "zteusa.com Axon 7 Limited Edition" for more info.
xtermmin said:
The U model is very much different from the rest. It has 3 CDMA bands (global has 0), and LTE bands that are only used in North America (absent from global model).
ZTE USA did offer the enhanced model, dubbed the "Limited Edition", for a short period of time. It's no longer on their website, but you can google "zteusa.com Axon 7 Limited Edition" for more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the Limited Edition phones, are you sure they weren't just A2017s?
7th1rt3en said:
This raises the obvious question, what about roaming? I'm not sure who has agreements with who for roaming coverage, but you can see that this would leave only two networks for roaming and that is assuming there is an agreement. How will the phone act when there is a stronger signal from a tower that it can't actually work with, despite being using the same frequency? I just don't know. Who has agreements with who? Have any of you guys tested roaming? T-Mobile in my area is only worthy of consideration with roaming, hence my concern. I want a versatile phone so I can switch providers at will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The A2017U has all the major bands used by all US carriers. The roaming will be determined by the provider that you use the phone on. All phones try to stick to the native network as long as possible, and will only roam when there is no native signal, and even then the roaming is based off your carrier's agreements. Some carriers have regional roaming agreements (for example, in some areas, T-Mobile customers can roam onto AT&T), while some carriers have no roaming agreements at all (ex: if you're on T-Mobile, you can't connect to Verizon towers at all except for E911).
---------- Post added at 01:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 AM ----------
Choose an username... said:
Regarding the Limited Edition phones, are you sure they weren't just A2017s?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes because zteusa.com wouldn't sell the Chinese model in the US. The Chinese model doesn't have the majority of bands used in the US.
Choose an username... said:
You get the A2017U by buying it in the USA. Not through Aliexpress for example.
All the unlock and root stuff is dangerous on this device.
6 GB ram and 128 GB storage, plus force touch... your judgement.
Pass, PIN, pattern, fingerprint. Wouldn't know why you'd want any more. The fingerprint sensor placement is really comfortable despite the huge skepticism.
Battery life... Most people are reporting ~5 hrs SOT. I can get that on stock Android N. And if you feel adventurous and install a custom LOS based ROM, a full black theme, a kernel, and AKT profiles, you can easily double or sometimes triple that, depending on your usage.
And the last couple of questions, no idea. Is the 3d screen they want to use like the one in the 3DS (2 pixel arrays with different angle of view)? I'm pretty courious...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So buying used or on ebay could be a problem then, alright.
I just want root for apps, that was the main thing.
The fact that they are scarce makes the "enhanced" model overpriced anyway, it might be worth it if that wasn't the case.
I wear gloves at work that WILL generally work with touchscreens well enough to answer a call but perhaps not enough to reliably put in a code to read a text. Obviously they wont work with fingerprint scanner. That's okay thought, there are ways around that. It would just be ideal to have face or iris unlock. I like the Samsung S8 feature where it can tell if it's on your body or not but I knew not to expect that.
If the odds are as bad when flashing then I will just have to live with the battery life as it is.
Yeah, not sure about the 3D screen on the 7 Max. Actually, the guy in the video I watched stated that it was done better than previous "3D" screens. It should only work in landscape mode if it relies of viewing angles.
7th1rt3en said:
So buying used or on ebay could be a problem then, alright.
I just want root for apps, that was the main thing.
The fact that they are scarce makes the "enhanced" model overpriced anyway, it might be worth it if that wasn't the case.
I wear gloves at work that WILL generally work with touchscreens well enough to answer a call but perhaps not enough to reliably put in a code to read a text. Obviously they wont work with fingerprint scanner. That's okay thought, there are ways around that. It would just be ideal to have face or iris unlock. I like the Samsung S8 feature where it can tell if it's on your body or not but I knew not to expect that.
If the odds are as bad when flashing then I will just have to live with the battery life as it is.
Yeah, not sure about the 3D screen on the 7 Max. Actually, the guy in the video I watched stated that it was done better than previous "3D" screens. It should only work in landscape mode if it relies of viewing angles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh shoot sorry I forgot about like 4 other unlocking methods... You can use Voice recognition either from ZTE's own implementation or Google's. Also you have Google's On body detection to keep it unlocked when you have it with you, and Trusted places and Trusted Devices
Also there is a high sensitivity mode for gloves, never tried it myself though.
Also I said that the battery is even better on some select custom ROMs, but I never said it was bad... 5 hours of screen on time is a crapton! Imagine 10.
xtermmin said:
The A2017U has all the major bands used by all US carriers. The roaming will be determined by the provider that you use the phone on. All phones try to stick to the native network as long as possible, and will only roam when there is no native signal, and even then the roaming is based off your carrier's agreements. Some carriers have regional roaming agreements (for example, in some areas, T-Mobile customers can roam onto AT&T), while some carriers have no roaming agreements at all (ex: if you're on T-Mobile, you can't connect to Verizon towers at all except for E911).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, in the case of Sprint lot allowing Axon 7s on their network, this would change if it is using their network as part of a roaming agreement? In the case of Verizon not even working without a special procedure after a recent update, this problem goes away if one is just roaming on their network? What you are describing is just a normal roaming situation with a phone that works on all networks involved but I thought that the Axon 7 has unique problems with 2 networks. I even see it advertised on Amazon as not working with Verizon or Sprint AT ALL! This despite the fact that it has the necessary reception to do so. I just want to know for sure if it will roam on those networks given these problems.
xtermmin said:
Yes because zteusa.com wouldn't sell the Chinese model in the US. The Chinese model doesn't have the majority of bands used in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is that they are all on the secondary market at this point and there is no way to know for sure what one is getting.
Choose an username... said:
Oh shoot sorry I forgot about like 4 other unlocking methods... You can use Voice recognition either from ZTE's own implementation or Google's. Also you have Google's On body detection to keep it unlocked when you have it with you, and Trusted places and Trusted Devices
Also there is a high sensitivity mode for gloves, never tried it myself though.
Also I said that the battery is even better on some select custom ROMs, but I never said it was bad... 5 hours of screen on time is a crapton! Imagine 10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that's perfect! I didn't realize the on body was a google thing. No, the battery life is fine, it just sucks knowing it's capable of more but too risky to attempt. Do you happen to knows the details of the warranty? Does it matter who I buy from or if I buy used?
7th1rt3en said:
Oh, that's perfect! I didn't realize the on body was a google thing. No, the battery life is fine, it just sucks knowing it's capable of more but too risky to attempt. Do you happen to knows the details of the warranty? Does it matter who I buy from or if I buy used?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about the warranty from USA, I have an A2017G. With this model they give you one year of warranty and an additional year of VIP warranty which includes a free screen replacement for the first 6 months and water damage stuff...
I'm sending a couple of pics of the warranty. Just be advised: the warranty explicitly doesn't cover acts of God!
7th1rt3en said:
So, in the case of Sprint lot allowing Axon 7s on their network, this would change if it is using their network as part of a roaming agreement? In the case of Verizon not even working without a special procedure after a recent update, this problem goes away if one is just roaming on their network? What you are describing is just a normal roaming situation with a phone that works on all networks involved but I thought that the Axon 7 has unique problems with 2 networks. I even see it advertised on Amazon as not working with Verizon or Sprint AT ALL! This despite the fact that it has the necessary reception to do so. I just want to know for sure if it will roam on those networks given these problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Roaming is separate from Sprint's device activation policy. You'll hardly ever roam onto Sprint though, as they have the worst coverage of the big 4.
Special procedure is not needed to get it working on Verizon. You just need to have an already-activated SIM card.
The problem is not unique to the Axon 7. It's the same as any other phone. For example, the Nexus 5 was not compatible with Verizon, yet Sprint users were able to load a custom PRL that allowed them to only connect to Verizon's towers (roaming, of course. Sprint has a roaming agreement with Verizon).
It's not advertised as being compatible with Verizon because it's not officially approved by Verizon and you need an already-activated SIM card in order to use it.
Yes, you should be able to roam onto them but that requires your carrier to have a roaming agreement with those other carriers.
What carrier are you on?
I completely misunderstood the Verizon issue, that isn't a big deal at all. I also didn't know that the sprint issue was just a matter of activation. ZTE is coming out with a Sprint phone so perhaps Sprint might reconsider. I'm currently using T-Mobile pre-paid, so no roaming and my phone does not receive band 12 so my reception sucks. I'm not sure what carrier I will end up on. I'm looking at all but sprint, including MVNOs.
7th1rt3en said:
So buying used or on ebay could be a problem then, alright.
I just want root for apps, that was the main thing.
The fact that they are scarce makes the "enhanced" model overpriced anyway, it might be worth it if that wasn't the case.
I wear gloves at work that WILL generally work with touchscreens well enough to answer a call but perhaps not enough to reliably put in a code to read a text. Obviously they wont work with fingerprint scanner. That's okay thought, there are ways around that. It would just be ideal to have face or iris unlock. I like the Samsung S8 feature where it can tell if it's on your body or not but I knew not to expect that.
If the odds are as bad when flashing then I will just have to live with the battery life as it is.
Yeah, not sure about the 3D screen on the 7 Max. Actually, the guy in the video I watched stated that it was done better than previous "3D" screens. It should only work in landscape mode if it relies of viewing angles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can definitely buy used ones without problems. Just make sure your buying the U.S version. Most, if not all, the 7s on Swappa are U.S. Swappa is much better for buying phones than eBay, and you can negotiate price. I bought mint condition for $280 last week (which I wish I waited, because now they're being sold at 260.
I asked my seller if he would provide original receipt for warranty, and I was able to register the device in my name (he hadn't registered it). Apparently all you need is receipt for proof of purchase date, so as long as you make that a term for the sale, transferring or using the warranty is no problem at all. Once again, this is also what makes Swappa great.
If you want a full 2 years, Newegg has open box deal for $315. I wouldn't think twice about that, and was considering it, but the phone I got was almost brand new and in mint condition for $35 less. Newegg open box items are always mint condition in my experience, and they were devices owned for less than 2 weeks.
5 hours of SOT to me is great. I'd say it's above average,, especially compared to my iPhone 7.
JoRocker said:
You can definitely buy used ones without problems. Just make sure your buying the U.S version. Most, if not all, the 7s on Swappa are U.S. Swappa is much better for buying phones than eBay, and you can negotiate price. I bought mint condition for $280 last week (which I wish I waited, because now they're being sold at 260.
I asked my seller if he would provide original receipt for warranty, and I was able to register the device in my name (he hadn't registered it). Apparently all you need is receipt for proof of purchase date, so as long as you make that a term for the sale, transferring or using the warranty is no problem at all. Once again, this is also what makes Swappa great.
If you want a full 2 years, Newegg has open box deal for $315. I wouldn't think twice about that, and was considering it, but the phone I got was almost brand new and in mint condition for $35 less. Newegg open box items are always mint condition in my experience, and they were devices owned for less than 2 weeks.
5 hours of SOT to me is great. I'd say it's above average,, especially compared to my iPhone 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've purchased 3 items through Swappa and never on ebay, if I buy used that is likely the route I will take. It seems that most of my concerns were unfounded and there were feature that I was not aware of, so that's great. I will take your advice on the warranty and receipt. Are you saying that you can transfer the warranty even if it HAD been previously registered?
7th1rt3en said:
I've purchased 3 items through Swappa and never on ebay, if I buy used that is likely the route I will take. It seems that most of my concerns were unfounded and there were feature that I was not aware of, so that's great. I will take your advice on the warranty and receipt. Are you saying that you can transfer the warranty even if it HAD been previously registered?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All they want is phone IMEI and receipt. Registering isn't even important it just skips the steps of proving purchase every time you want to use the warranty. I was able to register in my name, because previous owner never used the warranty, but even if they had used it, you can still use the warranty with the original receipt, and update the address that they have in their system for the phone. Just don't tell them you aren't the original owner, because technically it's not supposed to be transferable.
I do have one last question, just how bad is signal strength?
7th1rt3en said:
I do have one last question, just how bad is signal strength?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not bad at all for me. I get four bars at home when my iPhone 7 gets 2. I don't know why people say it's bad. Maybe I just got lucky.
7th1rt3en said:
I do have one last question, just how bad is signal strength?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, your mileage may vary... I have OK signal, but a lot of people complain about it. Go to the signal reception thread over at Real life review
Choose an username... said:
Well, your mileage may vary... I have OK signal, but a lot of people complain about it. Go to the signal reception thread over at Real life review
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing is that a lot of people do not state their location, their model or their build so it's hard to know exactly what the implications are. There is at least one guy in Europe who stated that he tested both the A2017G and A2017U and that the A2017U did considerably better. His idea is that if one has the A2017U and has a bad signal in the states that they should do an RMA. That phone had the B27 update which supposedly boosts performance according to multiple comments I've read. I guess what I could do is figure out when B27 came out and only pay attention to the comments of USA based users after that date, I'll do that and report back.
-----------------------------------------------B27 update-----------------------------------------------
-10dBm worse than my Nexus 6p
First time owning the phone that I noticed I got full bars
TMobile in NYC and no cellular reception issues so far
Dallas on T-mobile and reception/data speeds are not as consistent or fast as they were on my Galaxy S5
So b27 update made signal WAY better for me!
Tmobile here in south florida, i can tell you signal on this phone suxs
Signal strength improved drastically with the b27 update for US version
-----------------------------------------------B29 update-----------------------------------------------
I just recently got the phone, and I haven't noticed any reception issues
So far I've had comparable coverage & speeds as my LG G4.
The A7 just flat out had lower throughput. Mobile data wasn't the only area of weakness. Wifi too. (B29)
it has better signal in my house than a iPhone6 and my OPO (both using T-Mobile)
The US version I pulled out of the box has a production date of Nov 14. Around two months after the first update addressing the antenna. I have no issues.
When I went to update the software, the newest build was already installed. cell signal bar on my stats is all orange and broken. HTC 10, the signal bar is all green
B27 = 3 negative, 3 positive and 1 ambiguous
B29 = 2 negative, 4 positive
Anyway, thanks for the help guys.
So I have an s8 right now and while its a good phone I'm just not feeling it. I'm intrigued by the PH-1 but to be honest some of the reviews have me scared. I have Verizon and have read about the signal issues.
I guess my question is, have the latest updates fixed some of these issues and at this point how does it compare to the s8??
S8 pros
1.) Display is better(except for the curved edges)
2.) Better camera
3.) Water resistant
4.) Headphone jack
5.) Expandable storage
6.) WiFi and VOLTE on Verizon
7.) More cases and other accessories
Essential pros
1.) Display to body ratio is great, overall size is very nice
2.) Stock Android
3.) Very nice build quality
4.) Possibility of root and ROMs in the near future
5.) Should get updates quicker
6.) Something different
Edit...You could always get it from Amazon, and if you don't like it, you can return it within 30 days.
Also, I'm on AT&T and the signal strength is about the same as any other phone I've had recently.
As far as overall performance of the Essential phone, I would say it's just as good and smooth as the s8. It's not a smooth as the Pixel though. Unless you really need the best camera, you should be happy with the Essential.
I switched from the S8 on ATT. Overall I really like the Essential. It's been pretty trouble free for me. I like the S8, but hate touchwiz and the bloat so the Essential is very refreshing from that standpoint. I'm also seeing better battery life with the Essential and I no longer have inadvertent screen taps due to the curved screen on the S8.
lyall29 said:
S8 pros
1.) Display is better(except for the curved edges)
2.) Better camera
3.) Water resistant
4.) Headphone jack
5.) Expandable storage
6.) WiFi and VOLTE on Verizon
7.) More cases and other accessories
Essential pros
1.) Display to body ratio is great, overall size is very nice
2.) Stock Android
3.) Very nice build quality
4.) Possibility of root and ROMs in the near future
5.) Should get updates quicker
6.) Something different
Edit...You could always get it from Amazon, and if you don't like it, you can return it within 30 days.
Also, I'm on AT&T and the signal strength is about the same as any other phone I've had recently.
As far as overall performance of the Essential phone, I would say it's just as good and smooth as the s8. It's not a smooth as the Pixel though. Unless you really need the best camera, you should be happy with the Essential.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The possibility of root definitely is a plus!! I came from a pixel and that's was a nice option. From what I understand it should be pretty soon.
I think Amazon stopped taking returns on cell phones. Or changed the 30 day thing. Not sure.
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I'd get the Pixel 2 XL if I could do it over again. Essential is just too shady as a company and not consistent. I feel like I've been taken for $700.
mpetruzz said:
So I have an s8 right now and while its a good phone I'm just not feeling it. I'm intrigued by the PH-1 but to be honest some of the reviews have me scared. I have Verizon and have read about the signal issues.
I guess my question is, have the latest updates fixed some of these issues and at this point how does it compare to the s8??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the essential on Verizon and it's working great. VoLTE works no problem and signal has been a non issue for me. My wife had the s8+ but she loved my phone so much I had to get her one too lol. We weren't huge fans of the Samsung ui so having stock Android was a huge plus. The camera is just ok. Nothing special, certainly not as good as Samsung but neither of us use the camera like that to care. The feel and build is amazing too. And at $499 it's hard to beat for similar internal specs and 128gb.
To add to the cons listed by lyall29, the phone is heavy. Some might see this as a testament to the build quality but it just makes it harder to handle one handed. That said, I've gone from the pixel, to LG G6, back to pixel, to s8, then to note 8... I'd still choose the ph-1. That's mostly due to the curved screen of the galaxies, if this phone gets a really nice glass screen protector it will be nearly perfect for me....I really just want an LG g2/nexus 5 with updated specs.
QD2DC said:
I have the essential on Verizon and it's working great. VoLTE works no problem and signal has been a non issue for me. My wife had the s8+ but she loved my phone so much I had to get her one too lol. We weren't huge fans of the Samsung ui so having stock Android was a huge plus. The camera is just ok. Nothing special, certainly not as good as Samsung but neither of us use the camera like that to care. The feel and build is amazing too. And at $499 it's hard to beat for similar internal specs and 128gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure that VoLTE is actually working? I've only seen reports that it doesn't work on Verizon. I'm on AT&T and I have the setting switched on, but AT&T won't allow unlocked phones to use VoLTE. If your's is working, could you share how you got it to work? Thanks
Edit...AT&T actually has a webpage specifically for supporting the Essential phone. I'm going to call them and see if they can get HD Voice working for me. https://www.att.com/plans/essential-phone.html
I have VoLTE working on AT&T at the moment, but I had to configure my S8 IMEI and then move the sim over. Will be interesting to see what they tell you and certainly easier to just have it configured on the essential IMEI.
This is kind of a dumb question but how's the weight of the phone. Many reviews have said that its pretty heavy and almost make it hard to use with one hand.
mpetruzz said:
This is kind of a dumb question but how's the weight of the phone. Many reviews have said that its pretty heavy and almost make it hard to use with one hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that heavy. It definitely has a more substantial feel than other phones, which to me, says quality. It certainly can be used one handed.
Yeah I think I'll pull the trigger on one. Amazon has a 30 day return window so I'm covered if I don't like it.
I'm hoping I do cause this s8 has so many ****ing quirks!!
I actually just ordered the white one on amazon as I had some credit I forgot about so my total was 450!!
Orders the clear tpu case from viva madrid as well for just a bit of protection.
bugsy said:
I have VoLTE working on AT&T at the moment, but I had to configure my S8 IMEI and then move the sim over. Will be interesting to see what they tell you and certainly easier to just have it configured on the essential IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is definitely not working even though the setting is turned on. I can tell when I call my wife, the sound is not as clear as it was with my Note 8. I had VoLTE active on my Note 8, removed the Sim from the Note and stuck it in the Essential phone, and VoLTE doesn't work (the setting is on). I did call At&t and the "Advanced Tech Rep." told me that the Enhanced 4g services will not work on any phone that is not sold by At&t. If you want to be sure that you are getting VoLTE, try installing and activating At&t Call Protect. This app requires Enhanced 4g services.
lyall29 said:
Are you sure that VoLTE is actually working? I've only seen reports that it doesn't work on Verizon. I'm on AT&T and I have the setting switched on, but AT&T won't allow unlocked phones to use VoLTE. If your's is working, could you share how you got it to work? Thanks
Edit...AT&T actually has a webpage specifically for supporting the Essential phone. I'm going to call them and see if they can get HD Voice working for me. https://www.att.com/plans/essential-phone.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'm sure. I'm able to talk and surf at the same time and also get that HD symbol and clarity when talking to my brother who also has HD voice enabled on his phone. I already had it active and working on my s8+, so I just swapped Sims and I was good to go.
lyall29 said:
Are you sure that VoLTE is actually working? I've only seen reports that it doesn't work on Verizon. I'm on AT&T and I have the setting switched on, but AT&T won't allow unlocked phones to use VoLTE. If your's is working, could you share how you got it to work? Thanks
Edit...AT&T actually has a webpage specifically for supporting the Essential phone. I'm going to call them and see if they can get HD Voice working for me. https://www.att.com/plans/essential-phone.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon volte works perfectly on my phone. Has since day 1.
bill3508 said:
Verizon volte works perfectly on my phone. Has since day 1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess At&t is the only carrier that won't let anyone Enhanced 4g services. It's not a deal breaker for me, but it would be nice. I can't even get WiFi calling on an unlocked phone. It's been this way forever, so I'm used to it.
Edit...I'm doing more research and some say their phones are getting VoLTE on at&t by using their Sim from a phone sold by at&t. I don't know why mine never worked seeing how I had my sim in a Note 8 with VoLTE, before the Essential. I'll keep trying. If anyone knows any tricks to get this to work on At&t, please let me know. Thanks
QD2DC said:
Yes I'm sure. I'm able to talk and surf at the same time and also get that HD symbol and clarity when talking to my brother who also has HD voice enabled on his phone. I already had it active and working on my s8+, so I just swapped Sims and I was good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got my Essential today and am really digging it..however i cant surf the web and talk at the same time. I had no problems earlier today on my Pixel and def have it on my account. Any info on settings i need is appreciated.
lyall29 said:
Are you sure that VoLTE is actually working? I've only seen reports that it doesn't work on Verizon. I'm on AT&T and I have the setting switched on, but AT&T won't allow unlocked phones to use VoLTE. If your's is working, could you share how you got it to work? Thanks
Edit...AT&T actually has a webpage specifically for supporting the Essential phone. I'm going to call them and see if they can get HD Voice working for me. https://www.att.com/plans/essential-phone.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works perfect, I'm usng it now. Secret is the Sim setup prior I think. I came from VERIZON HTC 10
I'm sure by now anyone with an Amazon Prime account has seen the advertisements for the $399.99 LG G6 and G6+ which is a great deal, and it's enough of one that I'm getting ready to retire my iPhone SE and make the switch over...especially since I can lengthen the warranty to two years total. What I cannot find out is which version Amazon is selling when it's released November 9th, 2017 and if T-Mobile and/or AT&T users will still have the normal functions like WiFi calling (which I rely upon) and VoLTE on each respective carrier. I'd rather not buy a Prime device only to discover that it doesn't have the same features as a carrier-specific device has and this has me worried. Buying a brand new unlocked G6 would give me the two years of full warranty on the device and hopefully all of the T-Mobile features offered on the carrier-specific model even if the bootloader isn't unlocked. Heck, I'd attempt a FlashFire to get new firmware onto the phone if it were made possible just to regain WiFi Calling/VoLTE but wanted input from others before I decide to go this route. I'm also not opposed to grabbing something like the LG V20 from BHPhotoVideo as well since this is the route I want to go. If you guys have any knowledge that I haven't been able to figure out in the last week of research I'd appreciate it very much. Cheers.
They go in depth with this story,not sure if it helps at all.
That's one of the articles I managed to find, and it did help out in figuring out which phone I wanted to invest in but I didn't get much more info on the device itself. Because it's an Amazon device we already know that it's not going to be able to have an unlocked bootloader which really stinks but that's the cost of buying a subsidized phone through Amazon. I considered just buying the LG V20 through BHPhotoVideo for cheaper so there are no integrated Amazon advertisements and it has a better internal camera (as far as specs go) but having 12MP+12MP vs 16MP is a little too close of a call to make any kind of speculation, although having 64GB of storage with the V20 would be nicer than the included 32GB in the LG G6. At least we have a micro-SD slot to have more storage in both models, which means that if we can get the phone rooted then App2SD won't be a problem.
I just know I'm ready to retire and sell this crappy iPhone SE and move away from the insane Apple prices to get a better device with a less restrictive environment. My only hope is that the LG G6 has the same characteristics as my iPhone SE, such as WiFi calling and VoLTE. I know it has all of the right LTE bands so that won't be an issue, and later on I'll probably just give Amazon more money to ditch the advertisements. I just wish that I could find a $450 LG G6 brand new that I could unlock the bootloader on, and that's my conundrum. It seems that if you want the subsized Prime version it's only $399 but if you want an subside-free G6 you still have to shell out $200 more.
P.S. Thanks for the quick response.
im already planning on getting this but i wont be able till at least black friday at the earliest. it fills all my needs now that the U11+ wont be available in the US. the model number for the 6+ is LGUS997U so im hoping that rooting will be possible along with custom ROMs. l hope someone else takes the plunge first.
droidbot1337 said:
im already planning on getting this but i wont be able till at least black friday at the earliest. it fills all my needs now that the U11+ wont be available in the US. the model number for the 6+ is LGUS997U so im hoping that rooting will be possible along with custom ROMs. l hope someone else takes the plunge first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm taking the plunge and it'll be here the day of release. Knowing Amazon's history with locking bootloaders it's already pretty apparent that unlocking it will not be a possibility but will still check irregardless in hopes that I'm wrong. At least I hope it can be rooted some how and figure out how to ditch all of the bogus Amazon advertisements without paying them another $50 to remove them from my device, and will report all of that information that I can find out on my own as well. The LG V20 directly from T-Mobile was my original go-to replacement but for the same amount of money I'd rather have the slightly faster LG G6 even if it is hampered by Amazon's crap. Considering I'm moving up from an iPhone SE this thing is going to be a massive upgrade.
EDIT: I've independently confirmed it will indeed have T-Mobile WiFi calling and VoLTE built into the firmware because Amazon did the same thing with the Moto G5s firmware that they molested. They might have injected it with Amazon bloatware but they did also include WiFi calling and VoLTE from each of the providers so there's a very strong chance anyone who uses this device on their home network will still have those features included with the LG line of phones.
bmurphr1 said:
I'm taking the plunge and it'll be here the day of release...........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES!!!! im so envious of you!! i hope that they can be unlocked as the price is just far too tempting. im going to try and contact LG USA and see what i can get from them. good luck and please keep us informed, cheers!!
I'm looking at the LG G6 also. I've been a Nexus user and am still using the N5X. Now that Google has went overboard with their pricing and are no longer making any devices that are good values, I'm looking elsewhere. I've always been an LG fan. I'm looking at the LG G6 as the price on it is excellent. There are a good number of carrier unlocked devices available for just over $400 and I think we will see some good sales between Black Friday and New Year's.
I was also considering the Amazon version but I'm not sure how difficult it will be to get rid of them afterwards.
gorilla p said:
....I was also considering the Amazon version but I'm not sure how difficult it will be to get rid of them afterwards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?? all it has is a few bloat apps but all you would need to do is flash another ROM. thats considering it can be rooted. im still debating on the 6+ or waiting for the HTC U12 which should be better than the U11+ or at least i hope.
Phone has arrived, is model US966, and even though is the international model still has VoLTE and WiFi Calling baked into the ROM. I've verified that it does indeed work as it should for T-Mobile as I have the Hanset + WiFi logo in my top left notification tray. So far it seems Amazon really did make this device into the most universal of all of the LG G6 devices that exist (aside from being unable to unlock the bootloader.
Amazon really put this firmware through the ringer..it does have mountains of bloatware that we can work around, but it works with T-Mobile WiFi Calling, VoLTE, and HD Voice (all confirmed by moving a dead zone in my house where I received full WiFI but could not obtain any indoor signal of any kind. I had several conversations that all sounded like I was standing right next to the person, and I had no cellular service at the time the call was made. Just as I suspected, they molested the G6 just like they did the Moto G5s into forcing it to support T-Mobile's feature sets and most likely the same for the other three providers as well.
bmurphr1 said:
Phone has arrived, is model US966, and even though is the international model still has VoLTE and WiFi Calling baked into the ROM. I've verified that it does indeed work as it should for T-Mobile as I have the Hanset + WiFi logo in my top left notification tray. So far it seems Amazon really did make this device into the most universal of all of the LG G6 devices that exist (aside from being unable to unlock the bootloader.
Amazon really put this firmware through the ringer..it does have mountains of bloatware that we can work around, but it works with T-Mobile WiFi Calling, VoLTE, and HD Voice (all confirmed by moving a dead zone in my house where I received full WiFI but could not obtain any indoor signal of any kind. I had several conversations that all sounded like I was standing right next to the person, and I had no cellular service at the time the call was made. Just as I suspected, they molested the G6 just like they did the Moto G5s into forcing it to support T-Mobile's feature sets and most likely the same for the other three providers as well.
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Do you know if it's possible to pay to remove the lockscreen ads? Also, are the ads just on the lockscreen or do they show up in other places?
I know you can pay to remove Kindle ads at https://www.amazon.com/mn/dcw/myx.html
Joe USer said:
Do you know if it's possible to pay to remove the lockscreen ads? Also, are the ads just on the lockscreen or do they show up in other places?
I know you can pay to remove Kindle ads at https://www.amazon.com/mn/dcw/myx.html
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Ads are on lockscreen and on the desktop, but the desktop widget no problem. When you unlock the device using your fingerprint though you never see the advertisements so it's not bothering me that much. I have yet to figure out if we can purchase the removal of advertisements though as I've only had these few short hours with the device, but every T-Mo function that you'd find on a carrier-branded device works on the Amazon Prime variant. If I can pay an extra $50 or so to get rid of the advertisements I probably will do just that.
In the mean time I tried to sign up for the second year of the LG G6 free warranty program, and since the phone is a US996 model device you can't complete the registration page. I e-mailed the help desk to see if we'll be able to register for the free second year of service as an Amazon agent said that there should be no reason that it shouldn't work. I will respond back once I get word from the LG team regarding the additional free year of warranty coverage.
EDIT: You can legitimately remove ads from the phone through Amazon but they want an extra $100 to just remove them. I'll wait on someone else to figure out how to hack the ads away from the firmware. I dig the LG interface though as it's similar to the iPhone layout and makes it easier for me to understand rather than having an app drawer like my Fire tablet does. The phone is definitely worth $399...not $499 though once you buy the removal of advertisements.
congrats @bmurphr1!! im happy it works well since like you i too am a tmo user. also, the model number is listed as 997U but you said its US996, is that right? anyway, i hope the bootloader can soon be unlocked because that would make this phone an amazing device.
droidbot1337 said:
congrats @bmurphr1!! im happy it works well since like you i too am a tmo user. also, the model number is listed as 997U but you said its US996, is that right? anyway, i hope the bootloader can soon be unlocked because that would make this phone an amazing device.
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I did, but it's actually US997 according to what I'm looking at right now on the Hardware info screen. My initial statement was a typo because I was in a rush to get this phone up and running since I'm moving over from the iOS world. Model number is confirmed US997 and the bootloader from what I've been able to ascertain so far is that LG is not unlocking the bootloader for the phone because they were strong-armed by Amazon to lock it down so that it couldn't be altered in any way - thus making people pay the $100 just to have advertisements removed from the device.
bmurphr1 said:
I did, but it's actually US997 according to what I'm looking at right now on the Hardware info screen. My initial statement was a typo because I was in a rush to get this phone up and running since I'm moving over from the iOS world. Model number is confirmed US997 and the bootloader from what I've been able to ascertain so far is that LG is not unlocking the bootloader for the phone because they were strong-armed by Amazon to lock it down so that it couldn't be altered in any way - thus making people pay the $100 just to have advertisements removed from the device.
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ugh!!... so its useless for those of us that want custom ROMs then? that sucks! i really hope someone finds a way to unlock it. i might just wait to see what the HTC u12 looks like. thanks for the info.
Just figured out how Amazon neutered this phone from being tampered with by individuals like us...they went and jacked around with the bootloader so that it freezes as soon as you boot into it. I'm very experienced when it comes to using fastboot on Android devices and I can tell you this bootloader has been tampered with. What happens is when you run "adb reboot bootloader" it reboots into the neutered bootloader and just freezes so that no commands can be sent or received from the device. If we could get the device-id then we could put it through the LG database, but Amazon found a way to mess with it just enough so that it crashes every single time you try to boot into it using the Android debugging bridge. That's how they crippled this phone so that no one would be able to flash new firmwares to the device or jack with it and remove their new found glory in LG devices. I'd love to be able to flash a non-Amazon bootloader only over to this phone to see if I could unlock it and catch on to something new but I'm too afraid to jeopardize my only working cell phone at the moment so I'd be worried about doing that. If the bootloader would unfreeze though and give us the code for a full bootloader unlock we could say byebye to the entire firmware OS and switch over to something like Lineage or better...assuming somebody has a kitchen that would work on an Amazon-molested US997 LG G6.
droidbot1337 said:
ugh!!... so its useless for those of us that want custom ROMs then? that sucks! i really hope someone finds a way to unlock it. i might just wait to see what the HTC u12 looks like. thanks for the info.
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I saw this on the latest Amazon Fire tablet and that's why I returned it. Now you see why I was hesitant.
I'm having a hard time deciding now, but I'm going there will be some solid $399 deals between Black Friday and Christmas. Otherwise, I might just get a OnePlus 3T.
gorilla p said:
I saw this on the latest Amazon Fire tablet and that's why I returned it. Now you see why I was hesitant.
I'm having a hard time deciding now, but I'm going there will be some solid $399 deals between Black Friday and Christmas. Otherwise, I might just get a OnePlus 3T.
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Amazon got smart and neutered all of their Prime-branded devices so that they can't be bootloader unlocked any longer. The only hope we have of actually achieving custom firmware on this device is by using something like FlashFire to perform a hot-flash on the device to move it to a non-Amazon firmware, which is what I did on my Fire 2015 (Ford) tablet that I still use occasionally at the gym to watch Netflix and YouTube when I steal their WiFi. If you wanted to buy the phone just to unlock the bootloader unfortunately you're SOL, but there's still a chance something could be in the works for this device.
Honestly, I'd rather see either a complete removal of the advertisements from the stock US997 Amazon Prime G6 or someone who was able to successfully flash a ZIP file using FlashFire to the G6 without completely killing it along with WiFi Calling/VoLTE/HD Voice. The first one isn't out of the realm of possibility, but the second one is just a pipe dream since I essentially require WiFi calling and VoLTE. We're gonna need to find a way to root this firmware and I haven't found a way to do so as of yet, though it is running Nougat 7.0 with the September security update.
gorilla p said:
I saw this on the latest Amazon Fire tablet and that's why I returned it. Now you see why I was hesitant.
I'm having a hard time deciding now, but I'm going there will be some solid $399 deals between Black Friday and Christmas. Otherwise, I might just get a OnePlus 3T.
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why the 3T and not the 5T? my brother has the 5 and loves it. i refuse to buy a device without expandable storage so that leaves me with few options....... well, few good options. im just gonna wait till leaks of the HTC U12 start to circulate. if that sucks ill just buy the regular G6.
droidbot1337 said:
why the 3T and not the 5T? my brother has the 5 and loves it. i refuse to buy a device without expandable storage so that leaves me with few options....... well, few good options. im just gonna wait till leaks of the HTC U12 start to circulate. if that sucks ill just buy the regular G6.
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Just the cost. OnePlus is upping the price with every release and I don't think the OP5 is that much better than the OP3T. Especially since I don't use my phone for anything crazy. My N5X still performs more than good enough for me. I have the GPU underclock and touchboost disabled to improve battery and still no lag at all. I really wish there was another affordable Nexus device. They should've come out with an Android One premium line featuring The 820 or 822 chipset.
I also received my Amazon us997 G6 yesterday. As mentioned earlier, the lock screen ads aren't very intrusive unless there are no other notifications at the time. If there are personal notifications like email, text message, missed phone call, etc. then the Amazon ad takes up about 15% of the lock screen. If no notifications are present, the entire lock screen is an ad. However, also as mentioned before, the double press of the finger print button makes the ads visible for the amount of time it takes to double press.
I run nova launcher and have not been bothered with any ads either.
Coming from big red on their lg g4 and having that special old plan, I did a SIM card chop with some cutlery scissors and made it a nano. Without getting too involved, an app like Foxfi is not needed on this phone. I will be keeping this phone primarily because of this. The price point, limited intrusive ads, 2 year warranty and not needing a special app previously mentioned have made this my newest phone.
Now i just hope lg has rid themselves of the nightmare Bootloop plague that has hit every lg phone that my family has owned.