It's early but I'm possibly relocating to Shanghai and currently have an AT&T phone I'm considering picking up at 6P but not sure my options in regards to sim cards and such over seas and there's no better place to ask than XDA. Thank you in advance for helping!
Hey, in case you still need info: I read that Huawei partnered with AT&T and China Telecom on the 6P, but you might want to double-check if there were separate releases. China Mobile and China Telecom often use a China-developed variant of network standards. In my case, I got China Mobile SIMs that stranded me on only EDGE networks, on my Nexus 7 2013 (LTE) tablet and an older Motorola Defy+ (3G/HSDPA). China Telecom even told me to go to China Unicom. You'll find most foreigners using China Unicom, partly because you can use your imported mobile no problem.
That said, if you buy a 6P in the Huawei store, or directly at one of the service providers, you'll of course have no problem.
I'm editing this to put the important thing I wrote at the top as well:
go to willmyphonework.net and select all types of nexus 6P (only 2 types) and all types of networks (only three types). You will see what sort of network coverage you get - I love that site so much.
I am by no means an expert in this area.
But I am using the 6P in Beijing and I am quite happy with my choice. However, I don't find visiting Phone stores etc easy - perhaps Shanghai will have more access to English speakers than Beijing... I have heard that some of my colleagues (non-tech) are now finding success with Xiaomi, one plus, and Huawei directly putting google services on their phones. I still end up assisting most who can't afford the iphone option and need google flashed onto their android devices.
2 things I have noted.
1. I was warned about it prior to buying, but did not fully understand. You need to follow a couple of processes to remove the problematic exclamation mark/wifi issue. You will have wifi, but it will be annoying each time to manually enter new networks each time until you do this.
2. If you root and flash new ROMS - unless you have internet access that has been redirected or vpn'ed (I don't know correct terminology, sorry) at the router level, you'll get stuck at the scanning for networks stage of device setup. You can't skip the network set up either. You just stare at a 'this will take 2 minutes' for eternity.... The fix is to find a network - like starbucks or some other western type of router set up. Then it allows you to skip the network initial set up.
I don't use China unicom, but that's because when I arrived in China 6 years ago, they sucked in terms of phone coverage. They are much better now apparently, but I have my china mobile number, and I don't really feel the need to change my set up.
If you have any worries about your phone working and which network to use, go to willmyphonework.net and select all types of nexus 6P (only 2 types) and all types of networks (only three types). You will see what sort of network coverage you get - I love that site so much.
Have fun in Shanghai! and you know ... Don't get Shanghaied
You will not get China Mobile and China Unicom LTE access with the US variant of N6P because of the lack of bands. With the international variant I have, you are free to roam the country and nearly all bands are covered. Sadly, no mainland China store will sell the N6P, unless you're willing to go to the chaotic imported phone market and seek for one - it's recommended that you get it through your US importers.
And yes, like said above, you need to root and do some (easy) steps to prevent the WiFi exclamation mark from showing up, otherwise your phone will refuse to automatically connect to WiFi even if the hotspot does have internet access.
Andy, thank you again for your advice and help in regards to the wifi problem.
USF guy, as for buying from taobao (online store) or markets, it might be fraught with difficulty for non-Chinese. My suggestion is to buy from as official as you can. Buy in HK is a good option.
The reason is because you just don't know what your getting from online sellers. For example, on my last travel to Guanzhou, I stumbled accross a phone market that was six blocks wide and long and sold every imaginable mobile phone internal and external. I very much doubt it is the only market of its kind in guangzhou and China. Simply, I don't think it would be too difficult to buy and make and sell counterfeit devices - and honestly, you might find it best to just pay the extra 400 rmb that gives you peace of mind.
You're very right about that kind of market - they might not sell fake devices these days, but the source and originality (i.e. not disassembled or no replaced parts) are questionable at best.
However, buying from HK will give you a charger that's unusable in mainland unless you purchase an adaptor separately. The only genuine option is from Taiwan, where an int'l variant is sold with mainland-compatible charger. If @USFguy is willing to arrange a trip there this would be a feasible solution. If not, then the only partially reliable one is to try and find one through US importers - at least they're more reliable than Taobao.
P.S. My own Taiwan N6P is bought on Taobao. There are many trusted importers out there, and for a device this new and this unpopular in China, there's no motivation for counterfeit.
Well, not exactly. There is one band working.
Tried Project Fi (using China Unicom) and China Mobile, most times you can still get LTE outside, otherwise, Edge you know.
I was in Shanghai last Christmas and purchased a pre-paid SIM card from China Mobile, it works fine. I also tested UniCom or China Telecom using my friends' sim card, Nexus 6P works fine with all of them: 4G LTE.
Related
Hello All,
Just recently came across a T8282 for sale, At a local thrift store of all places (lol).
Aside from some screen scratches (I assume these did not come with a factory protector/layer I can just peel off?) and missing the stylus + SIM card, But It works perfectly.
Anyway,
This is my first "Real" cell phone or "Modern" I guess you would say.
I've always used Prepaid service and Phones provided by the Prepaid Carrier, As has my family.
We all use Virgin Mobile, And I already have an established account with funds on it for them.
Also, They just added a very reasonable monthly Data Package Plan that seems to be the best deal around in prepaid.
Would there be any possible way to use Virgin Mobile Service with my new T8282?
I'm aware Virgin does not ussualy use SIM cards (or at all) in there phones, But, I've seen some Virgin Sim cards up for sale on auctions sites that appear to be available from outside the US.
Would I be able to make one of these "Foreign" SIM Cards work properly inside the US?
And if not~
What is a good Prepaid Service Provider that uses SIM cards I could switch over to?
I'm aware prepaid is not really the way to go with a phone like this, But I'm not really a hardcore user, And Non-Contract has always got me through just fine.
Sorry if this is in the wrong area.
Oh, And does this phone come already unlocked? Or will I need to do that also?
Bad news I'm afraid
The T8282 is a European GSM/UMTS handset and as such won't work on Virgin Mobile in the US (which uses the Sprint CDMA network)
You'll need to switch to a US carrier which uses GSM - AT&T and T-Mobile are the two big networks which do. In addition, you'll only get voice and GPRS data as the phone can't use the 3G frequences used in the US (the T8285 was the version with US bands)
Virgin Mobile is a global brand, but each country runs its network seperatly. You won't be able to pick up a SIM card and expect it to work on the US Virgin network.
As ther T8282 wasn't sold officially in the US, it will already have been unlocked if it has been used with a US network.
There's other people here which have used a T8282 in the US, it's worth searching the forums.
*Facedesk*
Thanks for all the info handsomedog.
I kinda figured Virgin wouldnt work out, But had to ask.
I dont mind switching Carriers as long as its a prepaid service, But did not count on the phone not being able to "Fully" function... That really sucks.
Hi board,
I've been closely following the Droid Pro since its announcement, as I love the form factor, and I was wondering if it would ever land in Europe - and as far as I am concerned, in France .
I couldn't find anything about that, but maybe I missed something!
Thanks for any hint!
It does have European 3G(along of course American CDMA 3G), so you could always buy one off ebay get it unlocked and you should be set for use with whatever sim you choose(default is Vodaphone as they have majority shares in Verizon).
Thanks for the advice. Do you know in what the unlocking process consists?
I've read that it was basically hardwired against AT&T & other Verizon competitors but that it would be free for the rest of the world.
Well so far from what I read the Droid 2 and Pro do not work in America or Canada without a firmware hack, but people at XDA are working on to fix that. The unlock is fairly simple, as you call the carrier up and ask for unlock code which should be free if have customer with good standing account, or been with them for like 90 days. I am sure code(s) will be listed somewhere in the coming weeks(it just came to retail stores today as it was online only at first) if you google it.
Google seems to not care about rest of the world with their devices, only the USA I guess.
I got myself a Nexus 7 2013 4G LTE from the USA to use here in Egypt and I've read numerous posts about it not supporting normal GSM phone calls with a lousy reason that it is a tablet not a phone. YEAH SURE, then why Samsung, Asus (own devices) and many others offer the functionality ?!
Anyways I said ok, I will use it only for Internet Data the realized even that is a pain to do.
Here in Egypt we use pre-paid SIM cards and that requires USSD functionality which Nexus 7 4G LTE lacks so every time I need to renew or charge my Data plan, I have to take the Nexus 7 out of the case, pop out the SIM card, pop it in my iPhone, renew/recharge, pop it out of phone and back into the Nexus 7. How convenient! .
Any way to fix that ?
I don't know about Egypt, but here in Australia, just about all PrePaid services can be recharged online. Instead of taking the SIM out, why not just use the one already in your iPhone, and recharge using the iPhone's browser?
r9800pro said:
Google seems to not care about rest of the world with their devices, only the USA I guess.
I got myself a Nexus 7 2013 4G LTE from the USA to use here in Egypt and I've read numerous posts about it not supporting normal GSM phone calls with a lousy reason that it is a tablet not a phone. YEAH SURE, then why Samsung, Asus (own devices) and many others offer the functionality ?!
Anyways I said ok, I will use it only for Internet Data the realized even that is a pain to do.
Here in Egypt we use pre-paid SIM cards and that requires USSD functionality which Nexus 7 4G LTE lacks so every time I need to renew or charge my Data plan, I have to take the Nexus 7 out of the case, pop out the SIM card, pop it in my iPhone, renew/recharge, pop it out of phone and back into the Nexus 7. How convenient! .
Any way to fix that ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It's a tablet....not a phablet. It's not meant to be a phone intentionally. Other devices are... Because they intentionally make them that way.
2. It's sold as a USA device. This has nothing to do with Google not caring about anyone outside the USA. The model doesn't currently have all the support for international use. That's why it's currently only sold in the USA.
Yes it does stink. But I believe Google made it clear the limitations I would have outside the USA. Maybe an update will be released that will add some functionality that will help your situation.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
sola fide said:
1. It's a tablet....not a phablet. It's not meant to be a phone intentionally. Other devices are... Because they intentionally make them that way.
2. It's sold as a USA device. This has nothing to do with Google not caring about anyone outside the USA. The model doesn't currently have all the support for international use. That's why it's currently only sold in the USA.
Yes it does stink. But I believe Google made it clear the limitations I would have outside the USA. Maybe an update will be released that will add some functionality that will help your situation.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, all variants of the Nexus sold on the Australian Play Store as well as through various retailers. It's not a US exclusive.
iPWNtehNOOB said:
I don't know about Egypt, but here in Australia, just about all PrePaid services can be recharged online. Instead of taking the SIM out, why not just use the one already in your iPhone, and recharge using the iPhone's browser?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried charging online but for some reason when the SIM is in the Nexus 7, it won't work so I have to put the SIM in my iPhone first for either online or USSD charging. I think it has something to do with some network requests that is blocked or can't function on the Nexus 7
sola fide said:
1. It's a tablet....not a phablet. It's not meant to be a phone intentionally. Other devices are... Because they intentionally make them that way.
2. It's sold as a USA device. This has nothing to do with Google not caring about anyone outside the USA. The model doesn't currently have all the support for international use. That's why it's currently only sold in the USA.
Yes it does stink. But I believe Google made it clear the limitations I would have outside the USA. Maybe an update will be released that will add some functionality that will help your situation.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1-As I mentioned, I am ok with it not having a phone functionality but at least they should've made it fully functional with mobile data
2-Actually I've also tried Nexus 7 LTE EU model (from the UK) and it has the exact same issue and the only difference is 4G LTE frequencies that are a little bit different but it is not a problem because we still don't have 4G LTE coverage here and H+ is fast enough for me.
Many people complain about the same thing in Google forums but no official response yet
sola fide said:
1. It's a tablet....not a phablet. It's not meant to be a phone intentionally. Other devices are... Because they intentionally make them that way.
2. It's sold as a USA device. This has nothing to do with Google not caring about anyone outside the USA. The model doesn't currently have all the support for international use. That's why it's currently only sold in the USA.
Yes it does stink. But I believe Google made it clear the limitations I would have outside the USA. Maybe an update will be released that will add some functionality that will help your situation.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to challenge (1).
The fact is that the chip they use for mobile data IS a full phone chip. You can use it for voice calls or data. Similarly, it can support up to 7 bands in LTE and HSPA+. So this isn't a choice not to include - it's a choice to BLOCK a feature. This is the same with SMS. Worse, the LTE bands for Canada are 4 and 7 but we don't get the EU model - which supports those - we get the US model which only supports 4. Worse, the US model only uses 6 of the 7 bands. They *could* have include 4 & 7 on the US model, but didn't. So Canada kind of got the worst of both worlds.
If Google simply didn't include a phone app and left it up to you to find one, I'd be ok with this. Like you say - it's a tablet and Goog wasn't marketing it AS a phone, so no foul. But they went further and not only removed the API in the OS to support phone service, they blocked the chip. That's going somewhat farther than 'we didn't intend for this to be used to as a phone' to 'we're not going let you use this as a phone in any way, ever.' they actually had to put in EFFORT to prevent you from using it as a phone.
Something similar happened with SMS. In 4.3, you can use SMS, it's just poorly supported. They chose not to include the Messaging app and only put in minimal SMS receiving software. Kind of stupid because a lot of PAYG services let you top up using a text message. Still, as we found out - if you get the Messaging app from the Nexus 5, bingo - you get send and receive SMS.
But in 4.4 - they actually *removed* API to make this trick not work. That's not a casual thing. It's intentional.
It's one thing not to put in a feature that's not required when it takes effort to *add* it - it's quite a different thing to *block* a feature that would be there if you did nothing.
The whole idea of the Nexus line was 'pure Android'. These are supposed to be the 'hero' models that show what you CAN do with pure Android and let developers do what they want. Yet clearly, Google is intentionally blocking certain functions that would be there otherwise.
And some of us (myself included) think that kinda sucks.
As a non-American, I'm also going to challenge (2) just a bit...
Google makes money from everyone... not just Americans. They intentionally sell their products around the world and collect data from non-Americans to use to generate revenue. Europe alone has almost 500M people - more than the US. China and India together is almost 1.5B people. Those are rather large markets.
Yet consistently, Google suffers from the same 'country blindness' that other US companies have. If you're going to sell a product outside the US, you have to be aware of, and take into consideration the differences. What makes this ironic is that OUTSIDE the US, there's a lot of standardisation. For example, all of Europe uses GSM and has 2100MHz as their primary HSPA+ frequency. This means phones work everywhere. They use DVB-T for digital TV everywhere. The US (and sadly, Canada since we get dragged along for the ride) insists on using different tech. So the biggest carrier uses the antiquated CDMA system and other carriers use the incompatible TDMA system in order to prevent customers moving between carriers. You use ATSC for digital TV which almost no one else uses.
Google Glass is US only. So is Wallet. And Voice. What makes Wallet so odd is that the US is actually way behind the curve with chip and pin and NFC based payment systems. If they actually skipped the US and focused on Europe and Canada, they'd get further faster and might even help encourage US retailers to accept the technology. What makes Voice so odd is that other US companies that don't have their heads up their.. ahems... can provide World-Wide VoIP at nearly free cost NOW. I use MagicJack on my Android tablet (you know - to make phone calls that you're not supposed to do because it's not a phone), yet while my American friends can call ME for free - I can't call them (well not using Google Voice anyway).
Are there alternative? Yep. But that doesn't justify or rationalise away Google's bizarre choices. That's like suggesting that it's ok that the main bridge in your city collapsed because there's another bridge on the west side of the city.
Hello,
I'm interested in a Note 4 as an International travel device to utilize local SIM cards in whatever country/region I happen to be in (primarily the EU and Africa). I'm primarily focused on versitle connectivity for voice and text communication as well as navigational apps.
I'm having trouble deciphering the various versions (C vs. F vs. U) because I'm, admittedly, a total novice at this. So, best unlocked version to be the most versatile wordwide? Thanks.
AWB229 said:
Hello,
I'm interested in a Note 4 as an International travel device to utilize local SIM cards in whatever country/region I happen to be in (primarily the EU and Africa). I'm primarily focused on versitle connectivity for voice and text communication as well as navigational apps.
I'm having trouble deciphering the various versions (C vs. F vs. U) because I'm, admittedly, a total novice at this. So, best unlocked version to be the most versatile wordwide? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would have thought something like a Nexus 6, which has only one version, would be more suitable?
AWB229 said:
Hello,
I'm interested in a Note 4 as an International travel device to utilize local SIM cards in whatever country/region I happen to be in (primarily the EU and Africa). I'm primarily focused on versitle connectivity for voice and text communication as well as navigational apps.
I'm having trouble deciphering the various versions (C vs. F vs. U) because I'm, admittedly, a total novice at this. So, best unlocked version to be the most versatile wordwide? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you from and where would you be buying the handset from? Also this band stuff only matters if you are bothered about LTE. Europe /East Africa are on standard 900/2100/1900 mAh 3G which have great coverage everywhere and are universal across the note 4 line.
If you want to not think about this, get an iphone 6 seriously. It's truly a universal phone and will work on about every network out there. (speak from experience)
jayesh said:
Where are you from and where would you be buying the handset from? Also this band stuff only matters if you are bothered about LTE. Europe /East Africa are on standard 900/2100/1900 mAh 3G which have great coverage everywhere and are universal across the note 4 line.
If you want to not think about this, get an iphone 6 seriously. It's truly a universal phone and will work on about every network out there. (speak from experience)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm from the States and will most likely buy the handset online. I already have iPhone 6 that is a contract phone with AT&T, but it's my personal phone and I'd like to get a dedicated work/travel phone. Also, I need my travel phone to be Android based to run my nav program. I'm leaning towards the Note series because of the size/display/expandable memory as this will most likely fill the space of a laptop for periods of time.
Nexus 6? I'm haven't even explored other options outside the Galaxy series... Way to many options out there!
AWB229 said:
I'm from the States and will most likely buy the handset online. I already have iPhone 6 that is a contract phone with AT&T, but it's my personal phone and I'd like to get a dedicated work/travel phone. Also, I need my travel phone to be Android based to run my nav program. I'm leaning towards the Note series because of the size/display/expandable memory as this will most likely fill the space of a laptop for periods of time.
Nexus 6? I'm haven't even explored other options outside the Galaxy series... Way to many options out there!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Nexus 6 is a great phone with pure android but without an SD card slot...if you want many features then go with the note 4...it doesn't really matter which one you get the F has a Snapdragon quad core processor and the C an Exynos octa-core and some different LTE bands...you will be good whichever you chose.
910U is the best. get that one. i roam around EU/HKG a lot and the 910U is excellent - it just works.
Nexus 6 is junk compared to the note 4.
Tom540 said:
I would have thought something like a Nexus 6, which has only one version, would be more suitable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two versions - XT1100 and XT1103, being international and us versions respectively and with differing LTE bands.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2866827
Do I need to be concerned about the phone being region locked? If ibuy a N910C/F/U from Amazon here in the States, is there a protocol to ensure its truly a global phone that is useable in any region, bands permitting, with region local SIM cards? I've read a few things discussing the region of the phone + region of the sim + region of the first 5 minutes of call time with respect to "unlocking the phone". If I bought a Note 4 off Amazon, traveled to Europe or East Africa and put in a local SIM card... Am I good to go?
If not, what would be my best course of action if I wanted to buy the phone now, here in the US, but have it such that I can globe trot and not be concerned.
Simple answer seems to be iPhone, but I set on the Note 4. Any advice is appreciated.
I'm in the US and would like to know where to buy the 64GB version. My google search only revealed some off-shore sites that I have never heard off and want to make sure that members here can vouch for the sources they got their phone from.
Thanks
anosis said:
I'm in the US and would like to know where to buy the 64GB version. My google search only revealed some off-shore sites that I have never heard off and want to make sure that members here can vouch for the sources they got their phone from.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this: http://www.grossoshop.net/huawei-ho...-4g-lte-3-64gb-gold-shipping-from-europe.html
It's shipped from Italy and it has 24 month EU warranty. Shipping cost is to pay separately though but it's not a big deal.
You can get it cheaper but with China warranty and service in China is really something. I'll never try it again.
First make sure the networks will function in US.
I bought chinese version PLK-TL01H on oppomart(Phone was delivered within 3 days by DHL). LTE is NOT working on AT&T, however HSPA+ is working and it is kinda sufficient for me.
p13rr0t said:
I bought chinese version PLK-TL01H on oppomart(Phone was delivered within 3 days by DHL). LTE is NOT working on AT&T, however HSPA+ is working and it is kinda sufficient for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since s7yler has published this excellent site link: http://www.willmyphonework.net/, finding phone connection possibility is no big deal anymore. If you're from the USA, you'll have 2G and 3G in any network but those from CDMA side (like Verizon) and you'll have 4G on Sprint (at least in cities) and providers using its network (like Defense). And you can always buy additional data pay as you go sim as you have two sim slots.
piskr said:
Try this: http://www.grossoshop.net/huawei-ho...-4g-lte-3-64gb-gold-shipping-from-europe.html
It's shipped from Italy and it has 24 month EU warranty. Shipping cost is to pay separately though but it's not a big deal.
You can get it cheaper but with China warranty and service in China is really something. I'll never try it again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
p13rr0t said:
I bought chinese version PLK-TL01H on oppomart(Phone was delivered within 3 days by DHL). LTE is NOT working on AT&T, however HSPA+ is working and it is kinda sufficient for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
piskr said:
Since s7yler has published this excellent site link: http://www.willmyphonework.net/, finding phone connection possibility is no big deal anymore. If you're from the USA, you'll have 2G and 3G in any network but those from CDMA side (like Verizon) and you'll have 4G on Sprint (at least in cities) and providers using its network (like Defense). And you can always buy additional data pay as you go sim as you have two sim slots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks guys. I am on Cricket mobile which essentially is ATT. Their data is limited to I believe 8mbits/s anyway so LTE even if it doesn't work is not that big of a deal. I have checked that all other bands 3G (HSPA+) and 2G work. I am no stranger to non US phones if you check my sig, so making sure I have supported bands is usually my first filter to decide if a phone makes my list.
I'll check out the sites you all provided.
Be very careful, Oppomart stole me almost 400eur on refound (sent me a used mobile of another old model and i sent back), they just wait PayPal time expire, don’t let time expire even they implore. Do not trust Oppomart.
I buy from aliexpress and pandawill, it never happen something like this.