Database Users

It's not Rooting, its Openness says google

I found this article VERY interesting, and thought some of you may enjoy it.
Posted by Google themselves; http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2010/12/its-not-rooting-its-openness.html
If you don't understand that, the people at digimoe made it more clear...
http://digimoe.com/google-says-andr...droid-os-is-made-for-rooting-nexus-s-included

As a developer phone, that's certainly true. I don't know. I mean Samsung doesn't have a reputation for locking their phones down hard, even on the non-google line. A reputation for **** development and longterm support, perhaps. And maybe that was google's thinking in choosing them as the Nexus 1 follow up. Certainly google has plenty to gain by helping Samsung out on the Galaxy S line. We'll see what the future brings.
But it's also easy for Google to talk about openness while sitting in the comfy confines of Mountain View. Can anyone go find me Google's support number for the Nexus S?

Not exactly Google's number, but there is this:
http://www.google.com/nexus/#/help
Google provides the OS, but Samsung is the manufacturer and the one in charge of quality control is responsible for support. This is as it should be.
They do provide a direct support phone number, it is just for Samsung.

good read.

T313C0mun1s7 said:
Not exactly Google's number, but there is this:
http://www.google.com/nexus/#/help
Google provides the OS, but Samsung is the manufacturer and the one in charge of quality control is responsible for support. This is as it should be.
They do provide a direct support phone number, it is just for Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point was that it's easy to call for openness when you don't care about the consequences. Would you rather Tmobile/Samsung provide a link to root your phone at the time of purchase that also immediately voids your warranty? I doubt most here would take that offer.
I like Google's talk about openness, as selective as it may be. But I suspect the manufacturers and carriers roll their eyes when they get these lectures, and I don't necessarily blame them.

WoodDraw said:
My point was that it's easy to call for openness when you don't care about the consequences. Would you rather Tmobile/Samsung provide a link to root your phone at the time of purchase that also immediately voids your warranty? I doubt most here would take that offer.
I like Google's talk about openness, as selective as it may be. But I suspect the manufacturers and carriers roll their eyes when they get these lectures, and I don't necessarily blame them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except for 1 thing, they are choosing to of their own free will sell a device that is based on a free, open source operating system that has a license that states a requirement of openness, and even that their source modifications are required to be submitted back to the source tree.
The drivers are proprietary, and that is fine - even if it is the reason for the requirement for us to use leaked ROMs to get all the hardware to work. Rooting does not change the drivers, and this discussion ended at rooting. That said even after rooting the parts that get changed are just the open source parts that the devs have the source for because it is in the AOSP depository.
If they don't want to support your changes to the OS that is their prerogative, but they still have a responsibility to support the hardware for defects.
At some point I would like to see someone with the money, time, and conviction sue their carrier when they refuse to honor the warranty because it was rooted. See that clause breaks many of the original licenses that make up the various parts of the OS. In fact they are required to provide a copy to the GPL or at least a link to it AND the source itself. They know they can't win this, which is why I think they like to say it voids the warranty, but as long as the phone looks like it is stock (which is more about not supporting errors you introduced) then they don't really look too hard.
If they don't want to let people exercise their rights under the various open source licenses, then they should stick to devices with enforceable, proprietary operating systems like iOS, Windows Mobile, Symbian, and Web OS.

"Openness" is an excuse, obviously.
I like how Google is trying to save face, and that other site is trying hard to help them along.
People these days seem to just be less concerned about security.
Actively fixing security holes doesn't matter for an OS that cannot be esily pushed out to users as updates. Does it really matter if you fix security holes, but half o fyour users never recieve those fixes?
Well, yea, it does... Just not as much as they think it does.
Also the sandboxing thing is a joke, studies have been conducted and lots of Android apps are sharing data with each other foe the benefit of Advertisers, etc.

Please pay attenrion for Samsung users

Hello all
I ask everyone who has a device from Samsung company not to close the tab and read to the end of this post.
I'll start with the prehistory. My first Android-tablet was Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7. I was incredibly happy because it was a unique device. Screen, build quality, metal, processor and capacious battery. I could not get enough of. I bought it for $ 721. it was in June of last year, I must say he has a birthday coming up.
And just a month later I got an update ice cream sandwich. It was the best firmware, and no matter what that summer, Google released a jelly bean.
Time passed, and Samsung is not going to renew our wonderful tablet to the latest version of android. I was waiting for. My patience ran out in March 2013.
March 7 I began to send in the forums with the topic of the samsung galaxy tab 7.7 messages with calls about the attack of the official pages of Samsung in social networks messages such as "We want Jelly Bean for Galaxy Tab 7.7!!!".
We are bombarded official page Samsung USA, Samsung and Thailand. I want to believe that they have heard our cries and dissatisfaction. And 29 days ago, Samsung launched the upgrade to Jelly Bean for Thailand. And that's it. certainly present in the firmware English language, but what about those who live in the countries of the CIS? Those who know neither Thai nor English language. The same China and Japan!
29 days have passed. and no region except Thailand did not get updated until now. I wrote about this in support of Samsung, the country where I live (Ukraine), but I was told that there is no information about the update, and until.
So my dear friends, and just those who are indifferent to our problem, and in general the problem of updating all Samsung devices, I urge you to attack samsunga page on facebook and other social networks. I think it will suit us more than the banner of
"I hate samsung for that instead of an update for my device, it produces a copy of it with a modified design !!!."
official Samsung Support page on Facebook
official Samsung Thailand page
Samsung Mobile Thailand
I will be grateful for the repost of this topic in any topics on xda/social networks
Thanks All

OK. You have taken the trouble to write this and I have taken the trouble to read it.
My own criticism of Samsung lies in the slowness of the update to the latest versions of Android in the first instance. But Samsung are not alone in this regard, that is not an excuse as such but it is a reality of owning an Android device. That is, outside of a Nexus, I hasten to add to ward off those of a pedantic disposition.
Secondly that this tardy update is exacerbated by the long drawn out releases for each territory's firmware. This was an overall nine month process in the case of Ice Cream Sandwich v4.0.4.
Nonetheless, Samsung did come through and now has released the initial firmwares for Jelly Bean 4.1.2 with, presumably, the remaining territories to follow in due course.
To repeat this fact for emphasis, Samsung has released JB for our devices. I should know, I am running the Singapore version on my Netherlands Tab.
Looking at the state of Android fragmentation generally, I have to content myself with gratitude and applaud Samsung for not forgetting about us. However late in the day this might be. In my opinion it is churlish to whinge in the manner of your post. Lack of patience is a personal failing and so is an inflated sense of personal entitlement. Why look to transfer these personal shortcomings as being Samsung's responsibility?
As for your slogan "I hate samsung for that instead of an update for my device, it produces a copy of it with a modified design !!!." Sorry but I don't understand it, it is doesn't make sense to me and certainly I will not hate Samsung. I would respectfully suggest that you reconsider this effort and phrase your concerns in more positive, constructive and helpful sentiments. Attacking, hating and bombarding are not tactics that I would ever employ.
So there is no way that I will be party to such a petition. Other opinions may vary of course.

Still waiting for ANY kind of official JB support for the P6810 model. Although I blame them, don't hate them for it though.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda premium

I can only say this.. ..
Patience is virtue.. ..
I waited 3-4 months for JB after it first came out.... Now after its available for P6800... amazingly I'm still on ICS...

If you so desperately need JB and don't understand Thai or English, have this resource pages translated in Google.
You'll find instructions to upgrade via Mobile ODIN, using the Thai or Singapore versions.
Then, do the same to download and activate the specific language you need.
I am already running JB with the SIngapore version and Portuguese language pack on a device bought in the Netherlands.
It is not cool to point out Samsung tardiness, while not doing all you can do to solve your problem.
I should also point out that, if you want to be a tech enthusiasts as we all are and a "must have the latest" kind of enthusiast, as you seem to be, you really should find a way of learning English, or you'll be continuously frustrated.
Just a thought...
XK

The USA has another reason: Most 7.7 are locked to Verizon. I felt fortunate to receive ICS. Samsung will point to Verizon and say it's up to Verizon and Verizon will say...

XDAKhan said:
If you so desperately need JB and don't understand Thai or English, have this resource pages translated in Google.
You'll find instructions to upgrade via Mobile ODIN, using the Thai or Singapore versions.
Then, do the same to download and activate the specific language you need.
I am already running JB with the SIngapore version and Portuguese language pack on a device bought in the Netherlands.
It is not cool to point out Samsung tardiness, while not doing all you can do to solve your problem.
I should also point out that, if you want to be a tech enthusiasts as we all are and a "must have the latest" kind of enthusiast, as you seem to be, you really should find a way of learning English, or you'll be continuously frustrated.
Just a thought...
XK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is, people shouldnt have to do all this to get jb for their mobile devices.
It's not just a Samsung problem. Sony too is dragging their feet with the updates. The real issue is android. Instead of a different version for each region, it should be a universal update. And a language pack should be available for download via google play.
I can see why Samsung decided to test out tizen. Although it would be a lot easier to stick with windows....
And samsung should stick to making devices.

vbx said:
The problem is, people shouldnt have to do all this to get jb for their mobile devices.
It's not just a Samsung problem. Sony too is dragging their feet with the updates. The real issue is android. Instead of a different version for each region, it should be a universal update. And a language pack should be available for download via google play.
I can see why Samsung decided to test out tizen. Although it would be a lot easier to stick with windows....
And samsung should stick to making devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed.
Mentioned nearly the same thing in past threads, although I still believe is fully Samsung. Not too difficult for THEM to compile P6810 JB firmware after (Asia) already releasing it for its brother. Maybe they over comitt themselves with too great a range of products, and those products that sell volume have much greater priority?
As you said, language packs are the way to go
Sent from my GT-I9500 using xda premium

vbx said:
The problem is, people shouldnt have to do all this to get jb for their mobile devices.
It's not just a Samsung problem. Sony too is dragging their feet with the updates. The real issue is android. Instead of a different version for each region, it should be a universal update. And a language pack should be available for download via google play.
I can see why Samsung decided to test out tizen. Although it would be a lot easier to stick with windows....
And samsung should stick to making devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And please tell me, what reason is there on Android's code that forbids a single universal update?
All firmware versions work with all devices (of the same model obviously). You can use a modem for any region. You can enable languages that aren't enabled by default. Android allows all that.
The problem isn't Android. It's the manufacturers' internal organization, the specific contracts with local operators, and the required tests by local regulation agencies that limit official availability.

Yotaphones affected with rootkits and backdoors, can it be true?

Hi, I heard on the news that russian and chinese phones may be stuffed with rootkits and backdoors straight from the factory. One reporter mentioned mob/gangs involved.
Can this be true? People have so much personal info on their phones that would be interesting to thieves. And hardly a way to keep them out or to check if you're safe.
I know that there's always a risk, and I'm not going back to a dumbphone. Just wondering if the russian and chinese phones could be the greater risk here.
Not that I particularly trust Apple, Google or Samsung, but I do trust them not to take my phone hostage by ransomware or steal my creditcard info.
The brand Yotaphone is new to me, I really like the idea of the EPD. I tried to get a YD201 a couple of weeks ago, but they're sold out. Now I am considering to buy the Yotaphone 3 when it arrives. But this rumor has me rethinking if I should. Any thoughts on this?

The yotaphone was actually cleared for use in USA a couple of years ago.

joepie67 said:
Hi, I heard on the news that russian and chinese phones may be stuffed with rootkits and backdoors straight from the factory. One reporter mentioned mob/gangs involved.
Can this be true? People have so much personal info on their phones that would be interesting to thieves. And hardly a way to keep them out or to check if you're safe.
I know that there's always a risk, and I'm not going back to a dumbphone. Just wondering if the russian and chinese phones could be the greater risk here.
Not that I particularly trust Apple, Google or Samsung, but I do trust them not to take my phone hostage by ransomware or steal my creditcard info.
The brand Yotaphone is new to me, I really like the idea of the EPD. I tried to get a YD201 a couple of weeks ago, but they're sold out. Now I am considering to buy the Yotaphone 3 when it arrives. But this rumor has me rethinking if I should. Any thoughts on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a link to these sources?
Its probably just paranoid people speculating.
I own a YD206, and is great.
If you really are convinced that there are rootkits and backdoors, just install an antivirus of your choice and run a full scan.

I heard it on the news, so no links unfortunately. It's not like I made up the news either, but it's not so unthinkable if you ask me. I do wonder about my data, and don't mind asking somebody else's opinion.

IIRC it was BLU phones sending user data back to China and that was only because of a third party service called adups which provided the OTA. BLU doesn't make hardware they rebrand existing phones from China, and I remember reading somewhere they don't make the firmware either which is how this fxxk up occured.
Both the actual yotaphone hardware and firmware are unique and not rebranded like BLU. Yota also can't go to another company like BLU did and ask them to make the firmware since their phones have the EPD. I'm confident yota is safe, and besides it's Facebook and Google you have to worry about since they actually collect a fxxk ton of your data.
TL;DR Yota is most likely safe. It's BLU, Google and Facebook you need to worry about.
I own a YD201 (Yotaphone 2) btw.

Hi LeslieKawiti,
That makes sense. Besides, if Yota would be caught that would be the instant deathblow for the brand. It being a niche phone, maybe it's not the best target for a money scam.

It's this stupid Russian hackers bull**it.
But I did once buy a Chinese IP cam, that was infected. Firmware had a virus that enables them to use your internet for DDOS. I updated it with the official firmware and that fixed it. It was something a seller or somebody in transport did, I don't think manufacturer could afford to do something this 'evil'. But who knows what tomorrow brings.

LeslieKawiti said:
IIRC it was BLU phones sending user data back to China and that was only because of a third party service called adups which provided the OTA. BLU doesn't make hardware they rebrand existing phones from China, and I remember reading somewhere they don't make the firmware either which is how this fxxk up occured.
Both the actual yotaphone hardware and firmware are unique and not rebranded like BLU. Yota also can't go to another company like BLU did and ask them to make the firmware since their phones have the EPD. I'm confident yota is safe, and besides it's Facebook and Google you have to worry about since they actually collect a fxxk ton of your data.
TL;DR Yota is most likely safe. It's BLU, Google and Facebook you need to worry about.
I own a YD201 (Yotaphone 2) btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get the googlesearch removed?
I have issues on 6.1 update,
# pm disable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
for example does not work and I can not deactivate it in user mode as well.

cyanID_ said:
How did you get the googlesearch removed?
I have issues on 6.1 update,
# pm disable com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox
for example does not work and I can not deactivate it in user mode as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are talking about the persistent search box, I installed Nova Launcher and ditched it in no time.
---------- Post added at 04:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:57 PM ----------
…although, that’s a bit out of track, me thinks.

Thanks for the temporarily fix
Yes sir, you are correct. Thanks for the advice of installing another launcher.
Still though disabling/hiding softbricks the phone by either bootloop on disabling or freezing on removing
this google system app by force.
It is very sad to have no control about the phone in that aspect.
-> Further the app is occasionally asking different data from phone which can be seen with xprivacy.
Under these internet, serial, activites, location/list and phone/listen. (without using search or audio input)
This sounds creepy to me.

Concerns for Security? (no, not the lockscreen video)

Hi,
I am currently testing a few dual-sim phones for use by a few people within my company. We purchased one Note 9, a few S9s and a OnePlun 6T (it's like Christmas early at my work).
First discovery was that "new, factory unlocked dual-sim" on Amazon doesn't always mean that. Since dual/sim phones aren't sold directly by Samsung, we had to buy them on Amazon and at the very least, one of the S9s was not new. It had a specific knox setting for a bank in south america so that did not come from the factory. So not having a trusted source for dual-sim Samsung is not something I like.
I then purchased a 6T directly from OnePlus and this one is clearly straight from the manufacturer. I'm happy with that and with the fast updates, but now that two phone manufacturers are making the news for security reasons, it doesn't make me confident that OnePlus doesn't gather data without users knowing. Huawei and ZTE are being boycotted left and right for security purposes, companies are shifting towards what I think in an illusion of safety by focusing on products made in the US (doesn't mean chips aren't made in China).
So for my own curiosity, are there people out there concerned by the fact that OnePlus phones are made in China and that as of right now, two electronics manufacturers are involved in security concerns?

Everyone is spying on everyone : Rule #1 , destroy one country's economy by hitting it's strongest companies : Rule # 2
Now all depends what kind of security you are looking for. Samsung has made an "enterprise edition" of the Note9. with
Huawei has very slow updates and being in the US (i guess you are based there) forget about it. This for obvious guarantees, etc...
OnePlus is a great company, it had it's issues in the press oneplus-phones-collecting-sensitive-data But i think this was dealt with.
now depends in what business you are in, and how sensitive your information is.
I hate to say this, but Apple does offer good security (apparently) and now you can order dual SIM cards, or even use e-sim + nano SIM.
Now if someone REALLY wants to know things about you, they will find out. Thus the famous "I gOt nOtHinG tO HiDe".

Everyone is logging data they shouldn't and without consent I'm sure OnePlus is still doing it even if you select disagree, Google is the worst offender all of their services log everything best way to avoid is to run AOSP and FOSS apps avoid stock roms and Google services if you value privacy.

Nic2112 said:
Hi,
I am currently testing a few dual-sim phones for use by a few people within my company. We purchased one Note 9, a few S9s and a OnePlun 6T (it's like Christmas early at my work).
First discovery was that "new, factory unlocked dual-sim" on Amazon doesn't always mean that. Since dual/sim phones aren't sold directly by Samsung, we had to buy them on Amazon and at the very least, one of the S9s was not new. It had a specific knox setting for a bank in south america so that did not come from the factory. So not having a trusted source for dual-sim Samsung is not something I like.
I then purchased a 6T directly from OnePlus and this one is clearly straight from the manufacturer. I'm happy with that and with the fast updates, but now that two phone manufacturers are making the news for security reasons, it doesn't make me confident that OnePlus doesn't gather data without users knowing. Huawei and ZTE are being boycotted left and right for security purposes, companies are shifting towards what I think in an illusion of safety by focusing on products made in the US (doesn't mean chips aren't made in China).
So for my own curiosity, are there people out there concerned by the fact that OnePlus phones are made in China and that as of right now, two electronics manufacturers are involved in security concerns?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn off all feedback to OnePlus and the phone does not make any pings to strange servers.
I have my phone rooted and have installed apps that log access to ip addresses. I haven't see anything strange in a month.
I'm not concerned and turned logging off.

tech_head said:
and have installed apps that log access to ip addresses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm listening...

I don't buy any devices that can't run Lineage. You can remove the logging programs entirely if you are worried about them still reporting back to OnePlus after opting out. I removed a long list of things, and my phone still works. The couple Huawei devices I've had, and actually are still in the house, run Lineage, so not really worried about them either.
I only buy devices that can be unlocked, and with the intent of running Lineage on them, so I don't really care what software comes on them. Heck my OP 5T sat new in the box until Lineage was released, I used my Nexus 5X while I waited.

Thanks for your feedback.
There's a huge push towards not using Huawei network equipment or not doing business with people who do so. I'm not worried about someone knowing too much about what I do with my phone because between Facebook and Google, anyone can buy that information. The security I'm more concerned about is information theft, leaking screenshots like OnePlus supposedly did at one point, text files filled with "key words" like another news story mentioned. We are even reconsidering laptops and putting a huge emphasis on computers not made in China. I'm guessing the political situation with the Huawei CEO isn't helping the situation either.

Nic2112 said:
The security I'm more concerned about is information theft, leaking screenshots like OnePlus supposedly did at one point, text files filled with "key words" like another news story mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a OnePlus device? Remove the offending programs if you insist on running OxygenOS? You can secure your own device. Don't like Google collecting information, you can go without Google if you really wanted too. I just see this whole thing as a none issue I guess?
Nic2112 said:
We are even reconsidering laptops and putting a huge emphasis on computers not made in China. I'm guessing the political situation with the Huawei CEO isn't helping the situation either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which leaves you with? What devices aren't made in China or made from components from China? I'm not sure any one device is more secure than another.
Anyone see this story:
Germany Refuses To Ban Huawei, Citing Lack of Real Evidence
This is why open source, and open devices are so important. We need things we can update, and things that can be audited. Some people may argue that makes them vulnerable but I disagree.

OhioYJ said:
Which leaves you with? What devices aren't made in China or made from components from China? I'm not sure any one device is more secure than another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's also something I brought up, you can say Samsung phones don't say "Made in China" but it's highly likely that some components in there are which would have their own security flaws.

OhioYJ said:
You have a OnePlus device? Remove the offending programs if you insist on running OxygenOS? You can secure your own device. Don't like Google collecting information, you can go without Google if you really wanted too. I just see this whole thing as a none issue I guess?
Which leaves you with? What devices aren't made in China or made from components from China? I'm not sure any one device is more secure than another.
Anyone see this story:
Germany Refuses To Ban Huawei, Citing Lack of Real Evidence
This is why open source, and open devices are so important. We need things we can update, and things that can be audited. Some people may argue that makes them vulnerable but I disagree.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly why I unlock my BL and root my phone.
Once that is done, I own it and can do what I want.

Really unprofessional support and a dodgy vibe

I was pretty hyped every since this device got announced. Saving up my money and arranging for shipping beforehand so I could snatch it ASAP but actually no, I won't be getting this device at all.
I'll tell you the experience I went through when I tried asking their support if they'll release 16gb version of the device so I don't end up regretting jumping the gun on the 12gb one.
Whole experience was dodgy af from support not being able to speaking proper English at all to constantly being asked for personal data that I'd later realise wasn't being user to better answer my questions at all.
For example I asked if there's a trade in program and they reply asking what device I'm using. I take that as OK there is but maybe not every device is elegible so I reply with my current device only to be then told that there's no program at all??? ( Why did they ask what device I'm using then idk and they haven't bothered answering when I questioned them... )
I was also asked where I currently live when I asked if there's a 16gb version on the way and what it would cost. That was before I asked for trade in program, so I thought they might be asking in order to tell me the price for my region but no. Once again, they have no idea if 16gb version is in production and they just inquired for my info again for no reason.
Mind you, the English is completely broken and the reply turnaround is few days to a week per response at best, so I really didn't feel like dragging the conversation around asking why they want to know all of that beforehand.
After all of that I don't feel like I can trust a company like this not to be looking into my personal data during my use of the device. Paying 700$ or maybe upwards of 800$ if 16gb version ever gets released is way too much for not having an ease of mind of what might be going on in the background.
I understand that their reasoning for where I live might be justified but never in the conversation did they inform me ahead of time on what the purpose is for all the data collection is. They haven't answered why they want to know what device I'm using if there's no program in the first place so I'll assume that previous reasoning was also an excuse thought up to justify their inquiry.
I'm pretty bummed to see that as a company they haven't changed much from their early days. They might have improved the OS, introduced better hardware and all but the core of the company is still both shady af and completely non organised.
This all plays a major factor in why I won't be getting this device, just thought I'd let others know too if they are thinking of going for it.
Picture is below, you will have to read from the bottom to the top to follow the conversation.

I don't want to nit pick. you are right in some points. but I'd like to point out a few things.
you're giving them questions in English, which they need to translate then organize into a response then re translate it back for you to understand.
They are based in Hong Kong, So I would assume the number of local English speaking people a small sub section of an already crippled tech giant (due to US sanctions of ZTE) have the space to employ customer service agents in English. when their main market is China.
They tell you to look at the site for information on the sale of the devices in question.
After your question of If a device with 16gb of ram would be available. if the site says no, there is no plan.
so you had your answer to your original Question. they asked what region so they could confirm what devices where available to you. because some parts of the world cannot receive their devices.
your question on the 12gb to 16gb upgrade must have been a mis-understanding.
you can read that in their response. they said there would be no way to upgrade a 12gb to 16gb. to them thats a technical impossibility.
they didn't understand that you meant trade back your 12gb RM5S for a 16GB version.
they though that you were asking if you could upgrade the hardware of your 12gb model.
at least thats how I understood their answer of your question.
they may have asked you what device you where using because they honestly though you were contacting support for a Nubia device. when you said you had a different phone altogether, they were trying to tell you that they did not support your device. as in Nubia don't do customer support for Huawei.
after that you blew up at them for general question to find out what market you were in to see if you would be able to even buy any model.
you took that way out of bounds dude. they are still trying to do their best. with awful translation programs.
your questions were understandable to an English person but you got to understand WHO you're chatting with. and how they will see and understand your messages.
even putting some some of your messages into google translate. going to Chinese simplified then translating it back to English what do you get? because that's only half of about what they will understand from your questions.
I think they did a professional job of explaining to you that you needed to look at the information on the market site of your location. and that they couldn't give you support with your Huawei because its not a supported model of their Nubia support team.
Also you should Hide your personal Email address when posting things online.

Patrick Morgan said:
I don't want to nit pick. you are right in some points. but I'd like to point out a few things.
you're giving them questions in English, which they need to translate then organize into a response then re translate it back for you to understand.
They are based in Hong Kong, So I would assume the number of local English speaking people a small sub section of an already crippled tech giant (due to US sanctions of ZTE) have the space to employ customer service agents in English. when their main market is China.
They tell you to look at the site for information on the sale of the devices in question.
After your question of If a device with 16gb of ram would be available. if the site says no, there is no plan.
so you had your answer to your original Question. they asked what region so they could confirm what devices where available to you. because some parts of the world cannot receive their devices.
your question on the 12gb to 16gb upgrade must have been a mis-understanding.
you can read that in their response. they said there would be no way to upgrade a 12gb to 16gb. to them thats a technical impossibility.
they didn't understand that you meant trade back your 12gb RM5S for a 16GB version.
they though that you were asking if you could upgrade the hardware of your 12gb model.
at least thats how I understood their answer of your question.
they may have asked you what device you where using because they honestly though you were contacting support for a Nubia device. when you said you had a different phone altogether, they were trying to tell you that they did not support your device. as in Nubia don't do customer support for Huawei.
after that you blew up at them for general question to find out what market you were in to see if you would be able to even buy any model.
you took that way out of bounds dude. they are still trying to do their best. with awful translation programs.
your questions were understandable to an English person but you got to understand WHO you're chatting with. and how they will see and understand your messages.
even putting some some of your messages into google translate. going to Chinese simplified then translating it back to English what do you get? because that's only half of about what they will understand from your questions.
I think they did a professional job of explaining to you that you needed to look at the information on the market site of your location. and that they couldn't give you support with your Huawei because its not a supported model of their Nubia support team.
Also you should Hide your personal Email address when posting things online.
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I wish I could give you a hundred likes for this.
As a matter of fact, I was equally thinking along the same lines as your response when I was reading his post.

To OP: I think it's time for you to do a little research on your own first rather than immediately looking for ways to point a finger.
Just my 2 cents

I gotta agree with Patrick, but at the same time I got hosed by Nubia with my RM5G and had a completely different yet still terrible experience. My phone arrived uncalibrated, I talked with Nubia Admin's and they agreed my phone was not calibrated correctly because the camera will switch from 16mp to 64mp, but the image quality is exactly the same, so the camera app is showing it's 64mp, but it can't produce it because it was never calibrated before it left the factory. Which means there's a whole batch of RM5G's out there that don't actually take 64mp photo's. I contacted Nubia countless times, they only actually responded twice, the first time they were really nice, apologized for the phone not working and gladly offered to take it back for an exchange. and after giving them all of my info, just like stated above where they're data hungry. They ghosted me. I tried again about a month later because the finger print sensor also stopped working and again, same process, ,they were nice, offered to take it back and exchange for a new unit, gave them all of my info again for the return label, and just like clock work, ghosted me.. fast forward 8 MONTHS LATER, I got an email (this was only a few weeks ago now) where they actually followed up asking if I still needed a return request for my phone. I said yes, they then asked for all of my info.. again.. even though it was literally in the previous email they responded to.. but sure, play by their game, gave it all again.. and ghosted.. it's been a few weeks now, probably going on about a month actually and I still haven't heard back from them lol.
To put it simply, they do not care about customers, Nubia is about making money, they just want their product in your hand, once it is, peace, later, seeya, goodbye.
So I gave up on them. I have all of it documented, made a few youtube videos, people hated me for bad mouthing Nubia but in all reality they're a terrible company. The RM5G is actually a deadly phone now that everything is fixed, but you gotta remember this is a phone that on launch showed up to my door unable to make a phone call because the software was so broken the microphone would turn off if you made a call, it only worked on speaker phone lol. It couldn't send MMS messages, and mine specifically doesn't even have a calibrated 64mp camera. It's complete junk. It looks cool, ,the idea is there, the platform is there, the software is trash, and the company should probably be stripped of rights to sell uncompleted products.
It was as later confirmed that the launch software was Beta because they didn't have it done for their launch day, so like I said earlier, clearly shows that rather than delaying launch to fix bugs, they cared more about getting their phones in our hands rather than actually having a good product.
I mean, it's great now, basically everything is fixed but the soiled taste in my mouth from this company makes this phone look good on my desk, I don't daily it, and if anyone asks about it I tell them it was almost cool but the company ruined it and I don't recommend people buy them because of Nubia's practices.
Kinda like what they did here with the 5S lol, lets just change the logo on the glass.. add a little piece of metal to the centre.. .boom, new phone, new software that actually works.. no we won't fix the 5G yet.. we'll make a new phone for $10 more instead of fixing the actually identical phone already in the wild that's riddled with issues.
Nubia cares more about making money, than they do making a good product. It's been working for them this long, why would they change? Sure it's shady but it's business, it sucks but that's the world we live in, if we don't like it, then we just won't buy their products again. I'm one of those. I still play with the 5G from time to time but I wouldn't daily this thing if my life depended on it.. Which not as life threatening as suggested, but I soft bricked my S20 ultra while playing around with One UI 3.0 flashes, and instead of putting my SIM into the RM5G, I just decided it was better to go without a phone for 3 days until I fixed my S20 Ultra than it was to deal with the bugs and headaches that follow with the RM5G.
Which is why I'm back, 8.11 came out and it's suppose to be good so I'm giving it another shot, maybe I could use it as an Android game console to toss in my bag or something if it's stable enough.
Anyway, kind of went off on a rant there. Nubia is trash, the phones are cool, but if you buy one, just pretend you're buying something without warranty, no customer support, and you're entirely on your own once you get it. You buy these phones AS-IS because Nubia doesn't give an F about you after the sale is completed lol

bencozzy said:
This is the redmagic 5s forum I think you posted on the wrong place.
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It's still the same phone, they both even officially use the same firmware now. 5G and 5S are the same phone, they just have a different piece of glass on the back.
However, I was just responding in coordinate to the OP having a bad experience with the company Nubia, as I also had a bad experience with the company, it's still relevant as the device doesn't matter when we're addressing the customer support we received.

Guys I need some help. If I am posting in the wrong place I apologize and please redirect me. My less than a month old 5S pulse (Christmas present we got both his and hers) literally just died while I was scrolling through my WeChat! I really loved the phone though up to that point. No the phone was not abused....I baby it! It had more than 90% charge at the time, was not running any apps so no stress, laying on the table beside me so not in my pocket or being charged. Literally just watching a photo on the screen and it suddenly dimmed black and died. No sign, no drama. Power button and volume buttons dont do anything....any ideas as to what to do are welcome :-(

I don't see a support thread for 5S here ...only 5G hence my above post

Phew thank God I saw this thread. Was really interested in the redmagic 6 pro, at £600 but stories like these freak me right out, I guess I'll be staying away.

Patrick Morgan said:
I don't want to nit pick. you are right in some points. but I'd like to point out a few things.
you're giving them questions in English, which they need to translate then organize into a response then re translate it back for you to understand.
They are based in Hong Kong, So I would assume the number of local English speaking people a small sub section of an already crippled tech giant (due to US sanctions of ZTE) have the space to employ customer service agents in English. when their main market is China.
you took that way out of bounds dude. they are still trying to do their best. with awful translation programs.
your questions were understandable to an English person but you got to understand WHO you're chatting with. and how they will see and understand your messages.
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Hi, I'll jump into the conversation as it's similarly relevant to my case.
I agree with the rest of your arguments, but including the part where you, yourself mentioned possible nitpicking & in a limited context, will side with the OP.
I have a feeling you try to see the best in people & also in this case, focus on the "human being".
That's noble of you, but let's keep in mind that at the end of a day, we're (as client) making a financial transaction & expecting/owed reliable support. It's not the client's worry how the supplier (in this case, Nubia) sorts out his support structures, but the supplier, needs to manage client expectations & deliver a service of relevant quality.
1: I'd agree with the OP, that Nubia has terrible support.
- being fully aware that they are providing a global service (assuming OP reached out via the global or EU portal), should provide adequate support - meaning service desk agents or support staff with adequate command of the English language.
- responsiveness - my particular case has echoed OP's experience - terrible response times. To the extent of "some benefit", they did follow up on some questions with a week's/week & a half, delay.
- knowledge & eagerness to provide client satisfaction - they will never tell you that they don't know something but will consult internally & come back to the client with a satisfactory response (I was asking about the reason behind the differences in power adapters in the different regions - global/china).
- misc - not following their legal obligations & releasing adequate GPL code within required timelines (example: kernel).
- the device is crippled on unlocking the bootloader (fingerprint scanner stops working). Understandably, any activity AFTER unlocking a bootloader (example: messing with system files) is not RedMagic's worry, but the sole fact of just unlocking the bootloader should not cripple functionality. Relevant behaviour in other OEMs (Sony Xperia - the camera stopped working after unlocking the BL, but they fixed their approach in time).
2: they will not take ownership for blunders & do their best endeavours to make it up to the client.
Case: I ordered my phone on the 10th of April, it was stuck in processing for 2 weeks (their shipment policy mentions a maximum of 4 days for processing). It's still not here (major city in the EU). Even in the most pessimistic variant, the device should have been at my doorstep, yesterday at the latest & I'm looking at a delivery near the end of the week.
They cancelled the first FedEx shipment, were not forthcoming/(fully) transparent regarding the cause.
Mistakes happen, but if I were a supplier who's keen on building brand loyalty & focused on the quality of my service, I'd go miles to try to make it up to the client - in this case, I would have at least expected the fastest shipping & maybe a gesture of reparation (some accessories, or at the very least discounts for purchases in the future).
The only thing which kept me from going for the Black Shark 4 Pro was the absence of an under-display fingerprint scanner. I admit that RedMagic seems to be the current leader of the gaming phone niche, but other OEMs have caught onto this segment & in a year or two, should RM keep their current approach/practices, will start losing relevancy, as at the end of the day, client satisfaction is all that matters & this should be the foremost priority of any business owner.

adwinp said:
Hi, I'll jump into the conversation as it's similarly relevant to my case.
I agree with the rest of your arguments, but including the part where you, yourself mentioned possible nitpicking & in a limited context, will side with the OP.
I have a feeling you try to see the best in people & also in this case, focus on the "human being".
That's noble of you, but let's keep in mind that at the end of a day, we're (as client) making a financial transaction & expecting/owed reliable support. It's not the client's worry how the supplier (in this case, Nubia) sorts out his support structures, but the supplier, needs to manage client expectations & deliver a service of relevant quality.
1: I'd agree with the OP, that Nubia has terrible support.
- being fully aware that they are providing a global service (assuming OP reached out via the global or EU portal), should provide adequate support - meaning service desk agents or support staff with adequate command of the English language.
- responsiveness - my particular case has echoed OP's experience - terrible response times. To the extent of "some benefit", they did follow up on some questions with a week's/week & a half, delay.
- knowledge & eagerness to provide client satisfaction - they will never tell you that they don't know something but will consult internally & come back to the client with a satisfactory response (I was asking about the reason behind the differences in power adapters in the different regions - global/china).
- misc - not following their legal obligations & releasing adequate GPL code within required timelines (example: kernel).
- the device is crippled on unlocking the bootloader (fingerprint scanner stops working). Understandably, any activity AFTER unlocking a bootloader (example: messing with system files) is not RedMagic's worry, but the sole fact of just unlocking the bootloader should not cripple functionality. Relevant behaviour in other OEMs (Sony Xperia - the camera stopped working after unlocking the BL, but they fixed their approach in time).
2: they will not take ownership for blunders & do their best endeavours to make it up to the client.
Case: I ordered my phone on the 10th of April, it was stuck in processing for 2 weeks (their shipment policy mentions a maximum of 4 days for processing). It's still not here (major city in the EU). Even in the most pessimistic variant, the device should have been at my doorstep, yesterday at the latest & I'm looking at a delivery near the end of the week.
They cancelled the first FedEx shipment, were not forthcoming/(fully) transparent regarding the cause.
Mistakes happen, but if I were a supplier who's keen on building brand loyalty & focused on the quality of my service, I'd go miles to try to make it up to the client - in this case, I would have at least expected the fastest shipping & maybe a gesture of reparation (some accessories, or at the very least discounts for purchases in the future).
The only thing which kept me from going for the Black Shark 4 Pro was the absence of an under-display fingerprint scanner. I admit that RedMagic seems to be the current leader of the gaming phone niche, but other OEMs have caught onto this segment & in a year or two, should RM keep their current approach/practices, will start losing relevancy, as at the end of the day, client satisfaction is all that matters & this should be the foremost priority of any business owner.
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- Nit picking, in terms of what device to buy, its a personal call. if you prefer to side with another that is totally OK and is not my problem.
- For seeing the best in people, you've not read my posts on Nubia support and their lack of actual support I've written a few times here on XDA.
in a basic manner, if the phone turns on, and the basic features advertised and (mentioned in the small print) is working as described, all other features and options are of a personal preference.
Features like - what do you mean I can't enable and disable the fan from the dropdown notification menu? or why is NFC not a togglable tile in the drop down menu either? ( both options have been added by custom app developer on our Telegram group) but Nubia have stated it was not intended and wont be added. (but they added those options in the 6 series devices {oh did they now?}) - strange how those that have already paid them money have been left behind on features that would be very easy to add) ( the code is freely available on github)
- Global service to sell devices. support its a toss up based on warranty ownership. (its why they only support devices that are bought directly from them) all stock is shipped from Hong Kong. its a Chinese business selling stuff from china. they use a translation app / program to communicate with most customers. there is a few people like Jerry here, that have decent enough command of the english language, but still fails to understand some things. their staff are all ... ALL Chinese. English is not the only Language in the world so they have to adapt to all other languages too. (redmagic Phones are actually sold more in the Indian / Arab regions of the world outside of the Asian / Chinese markets. so English customer services is actually a few steps below any kind of priority before their other more paying customer regions. which covers their response time. I usually get a 3-5 day time line. (maybe I'm more polite about my messages to redmagic.gg ?? ) maybeI dont know.
- My last message to them was about the current bug-list for the 8.59/7.60 roms all I got was. thanks we will forward to the department responsible. .. some 5 or so weeks ago. Go team red for that awesomely fast R&D department - Not.
- GPL source codes. ? what GPL source? were does it say they need to provide adequate sources? does this mean Nubia as well as almost every other OEM have broken the law?? OMgosh we need to bring all the peoples to court.
almost all OEM release old broken non up to date sources. even Nubia, Sony, Samsung, Xiaomi, IQOO, POCO phone, Mediatek, Qualcomm, Etc you will always find a few devcies that quite literally have no source at all published anywhere, and then you'll find sources that are so broken, with base drivers and other stuff that even making hardly boots on the required hardware. needin additional work to get booting, then bug fixed to get stable. nothing like the stock kernels that the oems release with up to date roms. for Nubia for example - the current A11 kernel they released is a almost direct copy of the base Android 11 kernel. just without some needed things to actually compile and boot. (even the triggers) you gotta make those yourself. - kernel source is provided as required by law. take Nubia to court if you need any more sources I'm sure google will help with that eventually in about 40 years.
fingerprint sensor being corrupted when unlocking bootloader is not a bug. Its actually a feature added to the device by Qualcomm. According to Jerry it was done on purpose and is not a bug.
Shipping and processing, sometimes can literally be out of their hands. with covid now some companies are required by law to close for 2 weeks. at their own loss, instead of advertising that their shipping processing center was closed or limited, its possible it was on hold for 2 weeks due to something they couldn't deal with.
but as customer processes like these are common, writing to them to find out what's going on with a 3 days delay before writing once again with the order number and a request for a refund usually gets them to contact you pretty fast.
client satisfaction at point of sale is all that matters. once they have your money, you don't get it back.
to be honest though. Jerry has, every time I've put someone in his direction for a genuine warranty service he has been on point and helped everyone he could. his estimates are rubbish though and he should stop telling people update will be out on X day because it nearly never true and never his fault (his fault he got the date wrong, but not his fault its delayed)
he's not in charge of software development but he can give suggestions and push requests that are demanded ALOT.
So if 3 people (in my current experience here on XDA and the some 700+ people on the telegram group) there is 3 people I have personally seen report the hz refresh rate issue on youtube and instagram and other common apps like this on the new Android 11. so unless there is a big. like a few thousand people getting in Nubia's faces about this on their twitter, facebook, and other social media sites and talking about the lack of support for updates etc like myself and few other members did back in January this year to get Android 11 for the global customers Nubia will sweep most of these things under the rug until its a big pile of crap they need to clean by dealing with it.
thats the only option for companies that don't respond or help. hurt their marketing image and they'll jump to help you.
privately request, or even publicly post here on XDA where most Chinese people wouldn't even know what this site is at a first glance and you're not getting the message to the right people.
contact support. when that does not work, go social and go big. its the only way to get the message through.