I plan to buy the RAZR, but if buy a US version here in India, will I get future OS upgrades or will my phone be locked?
I had this same question whilst buying my HD7, the shop dealer showed me a T-mobile HD7 and a regular one. Fearing the fact that it will be locked while upgrading, I bought the regular(local) one. ( there was a good 10k difference between the two.)
And like we all know there are two versions, Motorola Razr and Droid Razr, if I pick the latter, will I not be getting any benefits/upgrades or there will be no problems at all?
Hi
Not relevant to the question you have asked, but I have one question and one point:
Question: How much cheaper are you offered the Droid Razr compared to the regular Razr?
Point:
I had found out re Blackberry, that the new 9930 (CDMA version of 9900) does not work with Vodafone in India as Verizon has put some block on it. Ebay sellers in India state that the 9930 will not work with Vodafone India.
Now, could there be a similar block with the Droid Razr as well?
As to your question, I am sure someone on XDA would post the upgrades as they become available for the Droid Razr, it might not be OTA, but I don't think I have heard of an update that has been released that XDA have not also made available manually.
Let me know if the Droid Razr is significantly cheaper than the Razr. If it is, I don't mind visiting Mumbai to pick it up at a cheaper price.
Charusen said:
Hi
Not relevant to the question you have asked, but I have one question and one point:
Question: How much cheaper are you offered the Droid Razr compared to the regular Razr?
Point:
I had found out re Blackberry, that the new 9930 (CDMA version of 9900) does not work with Vodafone in India as Verizon has put some block on it. Ebay sellers in India state that the 9930 will not work with Vodafone India.
Now, could there be a similar block with the Droid Razr as well?
As to your question, I am sure someone on XDA would post the upgrades as they become available for the Droid Razr, it might not be OTA, but I don't think I have heard of an update that has been released that XDA have not also made available manually.
Let me know if the Droid Razr is significantly cheaper than the Razr. If it is, I don't mind visiting Mumbai to pick it up at a cheaper price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi..
Firstly, the device hasn't hit Indian shores...secondly, like I mentioned, when I wqs going to buy the HD7, the Tmobile was 10k cheaper than the legal/local one... I got my for 28 and the US version was 18k...that's a lot...thirdly you are right, someone would post the update here and I don't need to worry about the warranty, as the phone itself doesn't have any, considering its a US device...i am just wondering if its worth the gamble...
If the price difference is as big as your HD7 experience and I could check out a piece in store before committing my money, I would take the risk in buying a Droid Razr. Rs.10K buys a lot of additional stuff, pays a lot of bills...
(Also subject to no network blocks in India like I had read about the Blackberry 9930).
Charusen said:
If the price difference is as big as your HD7 experience and I could check out a piece in store before committing my money, I would take the risk in buying a Droid Razr. Rs.10K buys a lot of additional stuff, pays a lot of bills...
(Also subject to no network blocks in India like I had read about the Blackberry 9930).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i honestly doubt there will be any sort of block...just that is shouldnt turn out to be a CDMA..as these type of phones dont have a SIM card slot...yes, agree 10k is a lot, but paying that extra 10k is also a lot of peace of mind.
If something goes awry tomorrow, i know i can screw Motorola's happiness. But if the phone is unlocked/jail broken and a US edition, i can say good bye to that 18k and head to the Himalayas...
Your call, all I wanted to know is that can I have a working/functioning US version here in India...?
Also do you know there is a Driod Razr and a Motorola Razr. Droid ones are for US and the rest are for global..
circleofomega said:
I plan to buy the RAZR, but if buy a US version here in India, will I get future OS upgrades or will my phone be locked?
I had this same question whilst buying my HD7, the shop dealer showed me a T-mobile HD7 and a regular one. Fearing the fact that it will be locked while upgrading, I bought the regular(local) one. ( there was a good 10k difference between the two.)
And like we all know there are two versions, Motorola Razr and Droid Razr, if I pick the latter, will I not be getting any benefits/upgrades or there will be no problems at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
US version ie Driod Razr is a CDMA device and most networks in India are GSM so i suggest not to go for the US Droid Razr coz CDMA devices are generally locked to their respective networks and Indian CDMA operators wont entertain Verizon devices...
JainB said:
US version ie Driod Razr is a CDMA device and most networks in India are GSM so i suggest not to go for the US Droid Razr coz CDMA devices are generally locked to their respective networks and Indian CDMA operators wont entertain Verizon devices...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree. Its safe paying that extra bit. Also, am not planning to buy it anytime now seeing the current chaos of some having the green tint and not others...a couple of months lets say?
Hi to everyone. I was planning to change my atrix with the razr maxx, but unfortunatly verizon phones don't work here in italy.
Do you know if motorola is planning to bring the maxx in europe?
Thanks in advance!
Inviato dal mio MB860 usando Tapatalk
stanley79 said:
Hi to everyone. I was planning to change my atrix with the razr maxx, but unfortunatly verizon phones don't work here in italy.
Do you know if motorola is planning to bring the maxx in europe?
Thanks in advance!
Inviato dal mio MB860 usando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will be a few Motorola devices with 3.300mA worldwide about 3 months from now. Razr maxx may get other nanes and specs. New gadgets will feature improved cam (13MP), ICS with on-screen buttons, and ever a bigger screen. Take note of this.
Thanks
Sent from my XT910 using Tapatalk
so I'll wait till summer and maybe buy a razr maxx. What I need of this phone is the huge battery... can't stand without ;-)
Thanks!
Inviato dal mio MB860 usando Tapatalk
I am from Romania and I am waiting also for RAZR MAXX in Europe Thank you for this thread. I will be a hard waiting
Contact with Motorola UK
Just like you I live in Europe and I really like the specs on the RAZR MAXX phone. After reading dozens of sites with rumors I decided to contact motorola.
They replied the following:
"Discussion Thread
Response Via Email (Anton) 30/03/2012 08.31 AM
Customer Reference number:120329-022592
Dear Mr ***,
Thank you for contacting Motorola.
We regret to inform you that the Droid Razr MAXX will not be available on the European market.
Kind regards,
Motorola Mobility
0870 901 0555
*Here stands motorola,com* (But I'm not allowed to post it yet)
I replied with a couple more questions, mostly about the rumored(?) GSM version in China. When I hear more, I'll let you know.
Think I'll just get a kit to transform my xt910 to MAXX.
I posted this in another thread too, hope I won't get into trouble for reposting.
I've emailed motorola today. This is their answer:
Thank you for contacting Motorola.
We are sorry to inform you that we have currently no plans regarding the release of the Droid Razr Maxx in Europe. We would like to advise you against importing a phone that has not been manufactured for your region since we cannot guarantee its 100% compatibility with the European networks and in case you need a repair our repair centres would not be able to help due to the lack of necessary parts.
They didn't tell me if the China version is GSM or CDMA. I've asked that too.
buy from ebay
If I buy from ebay, how do use it without sim card? CDMA have micro-sim for verizon. How do I avoid the screen when I on the device (sim is needed to use this phone popup screen)? Any idea?
Contact with Motorola UK part 2
"Dear Mr xxx,
Thank you for contacting Motorola.
Unfortunately since it's an American unit, we can not guarantee that it will work in the EU.
It will most likely work on European networks, but please note that if you would purchase a device from America or China it will not be covered by a warranty in your country.
Motorola has not any plans on releasing a GSM unit of this device in Europe.
Kind regards,
Motorola Mobility"
Not good... The only option left is getting the regular RAZR with the bigger battery kit. Or just wait for a different phone...
Also keep in mind that all of these replies from Motorola state they don't have plans to release the "Droid Razr Maxx" in Europe. Well, that goes without saying. No "Droid" phone has ever been released in Europe. The "Droid" name is licensed by Verizon, and they're the only cellular operator in the world that officially releases phones with that name.
The Motorola Droid phones on Verizon almost always always see international GSM releases, but they're released under a different name and model number. Even though they're almost always pretty much identical on the hardware front, they're considered completely different phones. For the RAZR MAXX, such a release wouldn't be difficult since the radio already supports GSM (it's just not enabled on the Verizon version).
So while there hasn't been any confirmation of a GSM release in Europe, given Motorola's release history, it's definitely a possibility that there will at least be a GSM compatible version released at some point.
You are right about the name of the phone. It will probably be named differently. Still, if a GSM (compatible) version is coming, it will take a while. And I read somewhere a developer's version is already out. Although that one will have no warranty. Not that I will be getting warranty on an American or Chinese phone... Just by checking this forum, there are still a lot of things that are causing troubles. Without warranty, I regret to say that I will not be buying it.
This weekend I checked out two big cellphone companies (in the Netherlands) what they had to offer. They both mentioned the Xperia S and the still mysterious Galaxy S3. When I asked about the Razr Maxx, they both had to check if it was coming at all. Only one of them said it "might be in a couple of months".
I still have a month or two before I need to decide, so I'll just wait it out.
The Droid RAZR Maxx is coming to Europe, minus the Droid branding and LTE radio, in May of this year. Motorola has just announced its plans to release the 4.3-inch Android smartphone with a 3,300mAh battery in select markets across Europe and the Middle East. Although the Android version isn't specified, we can probably expect it to still be running Gingerbread like the US variant, with an upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich somewhere in its future.
http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/3/2922020/motorola-razr-maxx-europe-middle-east-release-date-may
---------- Post added at 01:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 PM ----------
BASINGSTOKE, UK – Apr. 03, 2012 – All day, every day - that’s how much you use your smartphone. With its impossibly thin and lightweight design, Motorola RAZR™ MAXX boasts features with the wow factor and a battery that can handle even the most demanding lifestyle. Customers across Europe and the Middle East will be able to start talking, texting, typing, watching and more for even longer from May 2012.
source: http://mediacenter.motorola.com/Pre...la-RAZR-MAXX-from-Motorola-Mobility-3a5c.aspx
i had HD calls and volte in my Galaxy S9+ but i dont think it works on M20P
is it supported and if it is how do i enable it?
According to PDADB, the phone CAN do this...for both CN and Global versions 128/256:
http://phonedb.net/index.php?m=devi..._128gb_lya-lx9__lya-l29__lya-l0c__huawei_laya
I believe Huawei firmware HIDES the toggle of voLTE by default...but should work automatically when your device is connected over 4G LTE. My limited understanding is - by default it's already enabled, as its dependent on your location and carrier, too.
So, if you think it requires activating, which i don't think is the case, here's what P10 users did:
https://www.solvemix.com/index.php/android-smartphones/1778-huawei-p10-volte-making-calls-solved
If for whatever reason you think it's NOT activated or not working and want to visually SEE the toggle (and enable if disabled) then the following process requires ROOT access which you current'y don't have on your phone, unless you have a chinese ROM:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUfmiDBPczw&t=6s
There, you can use an app like ES File Explorer and add a line of code in the BUILD.PROP file...It worked perfectly fine on my P10+ and my "VoLTE Calls" setting now shows and was automatically switched to ON.
Google and YouTube are your friends dude.
RoOSTA
VoLTE is activated by default on Mate 20 Pro, at least on the French ROM.
Can anyone on Optus in Australia confirm if VoLTE works via a non-Optus purchased Mate 20 Pro?
Follow here for more info.
RockStar2005 said:
Follow here for more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this response was in relation to my Optus question, thank you, but I'm not sure how that topic that refers to T-Mobile US relates Optus AU.... I have actually been following that thread and in my opinion M20Pro VoLTE won't work in US due to the carriers not supporting Mate 20 Pro full stop.
VoLTE is still not a defined standard hence carriers must enable specific devices for VoLTE and a device often must have carrier specific firmware on the phone for it to work. I assume VoLTE does work with Optus since they are offering the phone but hoping for confirmation.
To be more specific, I'm looking to purchase a Mate 20 Pro soon. I'd rather buy from JB Hi-Fi for the (hopefully) speedier firmware updates direct from Huawei but if VoLTE is confirmed working with Optus, and the only way to get VoLTE working is via purchasing the phone from Optus, then I would do that.
ero69 said:
If this response was in relation to my Optus question, thank you, but I'm not sure how that topic that refers to T-Mobile US relates Optus AU.... I have actually been following that thread and in my opinion M20Pro VoLTE won't work in US due to the carriers not supporting Mate 20 Pro full stop.
VoLTE is still not a defined standard hence carriers must enable specific devices for VoLTE and a device often must have carrier specific firmware on the phone for it to work. I assume VoLTE does work with Optus since they are offering the phone but hoping for confirmation.
To be more specific, I'm looking to purchase a Mate 20 Pro soon. I'd rather buy from JB Hi-Fi for the (hopefully) speedier firmware updates direct from Huawei but if VoLTE is confirmed working with Optus, and the only way to get VoLTE working is via purchasing the phone from Optus, then I would do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi ero,
This is just in response to some of the general questions in this thread.
What is Optus anyway?
Oh ok it's an Australian phone retailer.
Yeah that would be awesome if you could do that. Good luck man!!
Unless the Dual SIM has T-Mobile VoLTE, I'm screwed if I want the Mate 20 Pro though! lol Just sux. Part of me wants to say F it and just get it anyway, but not having access to like Band 12 sux. My area (Chicagoland) is about to get Band 71 as well from T-Mobile, and of course these phones don't have that either. FML! lol
roosta said:
According to PDADB, the phone CAN do this...for both CN and Global versions 128/256:
http://phonedb.net/index.php?m=devi..._128gb_lya-lx9__lya-l29__lya-l0c__huawei_laya
I believe Huawei firmware HIDES the toggle of voLTE by default...but should work automatically when your device is connected over 4G LTE. My limited understanding is - by default it's already enabled, as its dependent on your location and carrier, too.
So, if you think it requires activating, which i don't think is the case, here's what P10 users did:
https://www.solvemix.com/index.php/android-smartphones/1778-huawei-p10-volte-making-calls-solved
If for whatever reason you think it's NOT activated or not working and want to visually SEE the toggle (and enable if disabled) then the following process requires ROOT access which you current'y don't have on your phone, unless you have a chinese ROM:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUfmiDBPczw&t=6s
There, you can use an app like ES File Explorer and add a line of code in the BUILD.PROP file...It worked perfectly fine on my P10+ and my "VoLTE Calls" setting now shows and was automatically switched to ON.
Google and YouTube are your friends dude.
RoOSTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got this on..
But im not sure its the same the hd calls on S9+ sounded amazing
I really want to know how to enable it for Optus
RockStar2005 said:
Hi ero,
This is just in response to some of the general questions in this thread.
What is Optus anyway?
Oh ok it's an Australian phone retailer.
Yeah that would be awesome if you could do that. Good luck man!!
Unless the Dual SIM has T-Mobile VoLTE, I'm screwed if I want the Mate 20 Pro though! lol Just sux. Part of me wants to say F it and just get it anyway, but not having access to like Band 12 sux. My area (Chicagoland) is about to get Band 71 as well from T-Mobile, and of course these phones don't have that either. FML! lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in Chicago on T-Mobile (via MintSim) and Volte is not currently working on my Mate 20 Pro. But I also have a P20 Pro (which like the Mate 20 Pro isn't sold or supported in the USA) and Volte works fine on that phone with the same sim card. I had a similar issue with the Mix 2 (Volte) and Mix 2S (no Volte) but on Xiaomi phones there is a way to force enable Volte by entering a dial code. There doesn't appear to be anything similar with Huawei, unfortunately.
jhs39 said:
I'm in Chicago on T-Mobile (via MintSim) and Volte is not currently working on my Mate 20 Pro. But I also have a P20 Pro (which like the Mate 20 Pro isn't sold or supported in the USA) and Volte works fine on that phone with the same sim card. I had a similar issue with the Mix 2 (Volte) and Mix 2S (no Volte) but on Xiaomi phones there is a way to force enable Volte by entering a dial code. There doesn't appear to be anything similar with Huawei, unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my 10 pro has it but my 20 pro doesnt. Same tmo usa here. im going back tothe 10 pro as the 20 pro is going back to clove.
jhs39 said:
I'm in Chicago on T-Mobile (via MintSim) and Volte is not currently working on my Mate 20 Pro. But I also have a P20 Pro (which like the Mate 20 Pro isn't sold or supported in the USA) and Volte works fine on that phone with the same sim card. I had a similar issue with the Mix 2 (Volte) and Mix 2S (no Volte) but on Xiaomi phones there is a way to force enable Volte by entering a dial code. There doesn't appear to be anything similar with Huawei, unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, how many subsidiaries does T-Mobile have now?? lol They just bought Metro PCS too (now it will be called T-Mobile "Metro").
Yeah I just verified in the T-Mobile forum that the L29 Dual SIM ALSO DOESN'T have VoLTE either on T-Mobile. F'ing sux!!
Yeah I had verified last week that the P20 Pro has it on T-Mobile, but at this point I'd prefer to have the newer model, or just wait until the P30 Pro comes out next spring. Hopefully THAT has VoLTE AND Band 71 too!!!
I'm so tired of having to always check on this for unlocked phones. It just ends up limiting my options, which I really DON'T appreciate, at all.
Really? Wow. I WISH Sony and Huawei had that force enable code for VoLTE too. That would be awesome! I've noticed (and confirmed) that all 2018 locked phones from T-Mobile still have VoLTE, but it's been removed from the settings and "baked" in, so you can't turn it off. Of course you can still make a call and verify you have it as the call of course stays in 4G LTE the entire time. But yeah.........that's the story with the S9+ which my cousin has, the OnePlus 6T which I just bought from them. I was about to complain to T-Mobile lol but then I saw something on their site that explained all that.
I just really resent that I have to choose between the #1 camera phone and if I want great reception or not on my phone. It shouldn't be that way. Not fair at all. And I know it's all b/c our government thinks they and ZTE are spying on us. But I simply haven't seen enough proof to verify any of that.
No VoLTE support from Telstra in Australia either. I had it enabled on on my Pixel XL (stock unbranded firmware), which is the same sim card that is now in my Mate 20 Pro, but yeah no dice! Telstra has a list of mobiles that they currently support but it's only phones that they currently sell.
Apple iPhone 6 onwards, Apple Watch 3 onwards
Samsung Galaxy devices, S7 onwards, Note 5 onwards, A5 onwards
Google Pixel devices
LG devices G5 onwards
Telstra Signature Premium & Enhanced devices
Sony devices Xperia Z5 onwards
So I really have my doubts whether they will ever support Huawei phones. Which is really annoying because I was just starting to really love RCS messaging on my Pixel.
RockStar2005 said:
Man, how many subsidiaries does T-Mobile have now?? lol They just bought Metro PCS too (now it will be called T-Mobile "Metro").
Yeah I just verified in the T-Mobile forum that the L29 Dual SIM ALSO DOESN'T have VoLTE either on T-Mobile. F'ing sux!!
Yeah I had verified last week that the P20 Pro has it on T-Mobile, but at this point I'd prefer to have the newer model, or just wait until the P30 Pro comes out next spring. Hopefully THAT has VoLTE AND Band 71 too!!!
I'm so tired of having to always check on this for unlocked phones. It just ends up limiting my options, which I really DON'T appreciate, at all.
Really? Wow. I WISH Sony and Huawei had that force enable code for VoLTE too. That would be awesome! I've noticed (and confirmed) that all 2018 locked phones from T-Mobile still have VoLTE, but it's been removed from the settings and "baked" in, so you can't turn it off. Of course you can still make a call and verify you have it as the call of course stays in 4G LTE the entire time. But yeah.........that's the story with the S9+ which my cousin has, the OnePlus 6T which I just bought from them. I was about to complain to T-Mobile lol but then I saw something on their site that explained all that.
I just really resent that I have to choose between the #1 camera phone and if I want great reception or not on my phone. It shouldn't be that way. Not fair at all. And I know it's all b/c our government thinks they and ZTE are spying on us. But I simply haven't seen enough proof to verify any of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMobile doesn't own MintSim. MintSim is a budget MVNO that pays for use of the TMobile network. I don't really think TMobile is blocking access to Volte for the Mate 20 Pro for political reasons either or they would have done the same thing to the P20 Pro. The fake controversy involving our president and Huawei happened before the Mate 10 came out and there's no question that it was politically motivated nonsense or Canada, the United Kingdom and all of Europe wouldn't allow Huawei phones to be sold by any carrier in the country who wants to offer them.
OnePlus and Blue are the only Chinese phone brands that have ever been caught putting spyware on phones sold in the United States. One Plus has been caught multiple times. Do you see any action being taken against either brand by the White House?
Volte compatibility with TMobile could be fixed in a software update from Huawei but since they are no longer selling their phones here I wouldn't count on it.
jhs39 said:
TMobile doesn't own MintSim. MintSim is a budget MVNO that pays for use of the TMobile network. I don't really think TMobile is blocking access to Volte for the Mate 20 Pro for political reasons either or they would have done the same thing to the P20 Pro. The fake controversy involving our president and Huawei happened before the Mate 10 came out and there's no question that it was politically motivated nonsense or Canada, the United Kingdom and all of Europe wouldn't allow Huawei phones to be sold by any carrier in the country who wants to offer them.
OnePlus and Blue are the only Chinese phone brands that have ever been caught putting spyware on phones sold in the United States. One Plus has been caught multiple times. Do you see any action being taken against either brand by the White House?
Volte compatibility with TMobile could be fixed in a software update from Huawei but since they are no longer selling their phones here I wouldn't count on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok. Yeah I don't know what the real story is. Maybe Huawei got the P20 Pro certified but decided not to do it for the Mate 20 Pro cuz it lost confidence in it selling well in the U.S.?
No I haven't seen any action. Only Huawei & ZTE have been named. And then I read that ZTE paid Trump $500 million as an investment in some new hotel resort he's opening up IN CHINA and then suddenly after that he decided they were no longer a threat. lol F'ing politics!!
Yeah I don't think the Mate 20 Pro will EVER get that update. lol So for now I'll happily keep my T-Mo OnePlus 6T with modded GCam app (aka same software used on the Pixel phones) and see what Huawei (and Sony) do in 2019.
This comparison vid is interesting.
To me, it seems that the Pixel 3 is better for daytime shots and tends to be seemingly more color accurate as well, while the Mate 20 Pro wins out for night shots. But Pixel 3 has a ****ty battery and I'm not big on its looks, and the Mate 20 Pro.............no VoLTE no access to Band 12 during calls, and also no Band 71. Such BS!!
RockStar2005 said:
Oh ok. Yeah I don't know what the real story is. Maybe Huawei got the P20 Pro certified but decided not to do it for the Mate 20 Pro cuz it lost confidence in it selling well in the U.S.?
No I haven't seen any action. Only Huawei & ZTE have been named. And then I read that ZTE paid Trump $500 million as an investment in some new hotel resort he's opening up IN CHINA and then suddenly after that he decided they were no longer a threat. lol F'ing politics!!
Yeah I don't think the Mate 20 Pro will EVER get that update. lol So for now I'll happily keep my T-Mo OnePlus 6T with modded GCam app (aka same software used on the Pixel phones) and see what Huawei (and Sony) do in 2019.
This comparison vid is interesting.
To me, it seems that the Pixel 3 is better for daytime shots and tends to be seemingly more color accurate as well, while the Mate 20 Pro wins out for night shots. But Pixel 3 has a ****ty battery and I'm not big on its looks, and the Mate 20 Pro.............no VoLTE no access to Band 12 during calls, and also no Band 71. Such BS!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pixel phones have terrible build quality and lots of problems you mostly don't find out about unless you go to the official Google Pixel Support Site. They cost twice what they should at launch. I would steer clear of Pixel Phones or at least go to the official Google site and read owner comments. Owners are frequently shocked by the poor quality and many serious issues since they read nothing but fantastic things in places like XDA and Android Authority.
I learned this the hard way personally after having been a huge Nexus fan but the Pixel Phones feel much less premium than the Nexus phones in terms of build quality and design and list for twice as much.
The Pixel XL ran so hot Google support strongly suggested using it without a case and the phones suffered in very large numbers from permanent hardware failure dubbed the black screen of death which was comparable to the bootloop of death on the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P.
XDA, Android Authority and Android Police have never written a single word about those problems.
The Pixel 2 had a problem from launch where taking pictures would crash the phone, requiring a reboot. XDA, Android Authority and Android Police didn't write about the problem until 8 months after launch--when Google officially acknowledged the issue and released a software fix.
The oleophobic screen coating on the Pixel 2XL display (which is what prevents oil smudges and difficult to clean fingerprints on smartphone displays) started to wear off after less than 6 months of use. I have never owned any phone where that ever happened and the Pixel 2XL is supposedly a $1000 premium phone.
Those are only a few examples.
jhs39 said:
Pixel phones have terrible build quality and lots of problems you mostly don't find out about unless you go to the official Google Pixel Support Site. They cost twice what they should at launch. I would steer clear of Pixel Phones or at least go to the official Google site and read owner comments. Owners are frequently shocked by the poor quality and many serious issues since they read nothing but fantastic things in places like XDA and Android Authority.
I learned this the hard way personally after having been a huge Nexus fan but the Pixel Phones feel much less premium than the Nexus phones in terms of build quality and design and list for twice as much.
The Pixel XL ran so hot Google support strongly suggested using it without a case and the phones suffered in very large numbers from permanent hardware failure dubbed the black screen of death which was comparable to the bootloop of death on the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P.
XDA, Android Authority and Android Police have never written a single word about those problems.
The Pixel 2 had a problem from launch where taking pictures would crash the phone, requiring a reboot. XDA, Android Authority and Android Police didn't write about the problem until 8 months after launch--when Google officially acknowledged the issue and released a software fix.
The oleophobic screen coating on the Pixel 2XL display (which is what prevents oil smudges and difficult to clean fingerprints on smartphone displays) started to wear off after less than 6 months of use. I have never owned any phone where that ever happened and the Pixel 2XL is supposedly a $1000 premium phone.
Those are only a few examples.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I won't buy Pixel ever I think. I have a friend who bought the 3 XL and returned it b/c he said battery life was awful. GSM Arena confirmed this on at least the 3 (69 hours, ouch!).
I've heard some bad things about the Pixels, but WOW! You have really opened my eyes here jhs! Thank you for sharing this information.
I will just continue to use my new T-Mo 6T with GCam mod. I'm very happy with the phone overall! Next year I will very likely (though not def) upgrade to either the Huawei P30 Pro, or else any of the following are possible: Sony Xperia XZ4 Premium, Samsung S10+, maybe iPhone too, or else OnePlus 7. We shall see. Right now I'm siding towards the P30 Pro.
I WOULD'VE prob bought the Mate 20 Pro if it had T-Mo VoLTE (it doesn't, unlike older P20 Pro) and preferably also Band 71, which T-Mobile is about to deploy all over Chicagoland (where I live) by year's end.
So what is everyone looking at to replace the v30 for 5g and beyond. Thx...
Maybe LG V60?
Wysłane z mojego LG-H930 przy użyciu Tapatalka
skretch said:
Maybe LG V60?
Wysłane z mojego LG-H930 przy użyciu Tapatalka
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except LG V60 (allegedly flagship phone!) only has 1080p vs the QHD 1440p all LG flagship phones have had for years. I've had 1440p since 2014 Moto Quark and I'm NOT downgrading.
They did that for the stupid dual display gimmick, so resolution would match on both screens. Give me ONE good screen. I don't want two.
I use the HDMI out & MiraCast (not ChromeCast) on my V30 frequently. So I'd be looking for phones that could do both of those.
ChazzMatt said:
Except LG V60 (allegedly flagship phone!) only has 1080p vs the QHD 1440p all LG flagship phones have had for years. I've had 1440p since 2014 Moto Quark and I'm NOT downgrading.
They did that for the stupid dual display gimmick, so resolution would match on both screens. Give me ONE good screen. I don't want two.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see the 60Hz being a bigger fail. I got a Realme X2 Pro after my LG V30 and I'd take 1080p 90Hz over a 1440p 60Hz any day. Not to mention that this panel looks better than what my LG looked like with a grainy display (that honestly didn't bother me at all at the time, but this one looks much clearer).
adsubzero said:
I see the 60Hz being a bigger fail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that too. In 2020 for flagship phone you need 1440p and more than 60Hz. Even the OnePlus Pro (which has so much stuff removed -- like headset jack, no microSD card) has 1440p and more than 60Hz.
I make fun of OnePlus for their misleading lies but in this one case they are giving better display than LG.
newbe1droidx said:
So what is everyone looking at to replace the v30 for 5g and beyond. Thx...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on what aspects of LG V30 you liked and stuff that you didn't like.
For example if you liked wired audio, your choices are very limited.
Anyone hear about motorola one fusion plus?
Well, I'm a Verizon customer. The two I have been looking at on their website are the one plus 8 (they don't offer the pro) and the LG v60. Pluses and cons for both. The LG is about $50 more, so in the end, that might be the deciding factor. But, I'm not looking too seriously right now. It will still probably be awhile before I get a new one.
These are the two "flag ship" phones I have been looking at. Not really looking at the Motorola razor or the Samsung ones as they are both quite a bit more costly.
gimpy1 said:
Well, I'm a Verizon customer. The two I have been looking at on their website are the one plus 8 (they don't offer the pro) and the LG v60. Pluses and cons for both. The LG is about $50 more, so in the end, that might be the deciding factor. But, I'm not looking too seriously right now. It will still probably be awhile before I get a new one.
These are the two "flag ship" phones I have been looking at. Not really looking at the Motorola razor or the Samsung ones as they are both quite a bit more costly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you wait until next year -- after December 31, 2020 -- Verizon will drop CDMA and be LTE only. At that point, it might not matter so much if it's a "Verizon" phone or just a carrier unlocked phone.
For instance, the 2020 VERIZON Galaxy Galaxy S20 doesn't have a microSD card while all other variants (including Samsung's official carrier unlocked) does have microSD card. Why doesn't Verizon's? Allegedly because Verizon's 5G antennas are too bulky -- so they had to save space somewhere. But you STILL need a special case for the Verizon Galaxy S20, as it's not the same size as other carrier S20, even without microSD slot! Verizon also dropped RAM from 12GB to 8GB Did AT&T drop the microSD card and reduce RAM? They use the exact same flavor 5G as Verizon... Or is it because (for now) Verizon has CDMA, LTE, and G5 antennas? Well, next year they won't.
What’s likely happening here is that Samsung needed to figure out a way to bring mmWave support to the Verizon Galaxy S20 without increasing manufacturing costs too much. For whatever reason, it decided dropping the RAM amount by 4GB and ditching the microSD card slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also don't be swayed by 5G claims. "mmWave" with higher frequencies -- the variant Verizon and AT&T are building out -- is aptly named. It basically can't even pass through a mm of glass window. T-mobile is building out lower frequency 5G which travels for longer distances but is like 200mbps instead of 500mbps. Still fast enough!
Point is, I don't care about 5G since it is going to drain battery life.
ChazzMatt said:
For instance, the 2020 VERIZON Galaxy Galaxy S20 doesn't have a microSD card while all other variants (including Samsung's official carrier unlocked) does have microSD card. Why doesn't Verizon's? Allegedly because Verizon's G5 antennas are too bulky -- so they had to save space somewhere. But you STILL need a special case for the Verizon Galaxy S20, as it's not the same size as other carrier S20, even without microSD slot! Verizon also dropped RAM from 12GB to 8GB Did AT&T drop the microSD card and reduce RAM? They use the exact same flavor G5 as Verizon... Or is it because (for now) Verizon has CDMA, LTE, and G5 antennas? Well, next year they won't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon has a long storied history of procuring nerfed versions of smartphones, unfortunately. It's one of the many reasons I walked away from them. Great signal; horrible everything else.
Caffination said:
Verizon has a long storied history of procuring nerfed versions of smartphones, unfortunately. It's one of the many reasons I walked away from them. Great signal; horrible everything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto. And they're also well known for lying and saying a phone won't work or isn't allowed on their network, even though you can take an activated SIM and drop it in with no problem (eg, my V30 H931 (originally) which runs fine with VS996 installed).
This is why I switched to Total Wireless. They don't play the dumb IMEI game that VZ does, you save money, and you still get VZ towers.
Caffination said:
Verizon has a long storied history of procuring nerfed versions of smartphones, unfortunately. It's one of the many reasons I walked away from them. Great signal; horrible everything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, long storied history. Here's my Verizon story which covers 2014 - 2016 involving lying and nerfing...
1) Verizon lied about the 2014 Droid Turbo being global exclusive. It wasn't even exclusive device to Verizon in the U.S. and I proved it to the dismay of XDA Verizon fanbois.
2) In 2016, Verizon delayed giving Marshmallow update for six months while all other worldwide versions had that update, because 2014 Droid Turbo with Marshmallow was equal or better to all their other 2016 NEW phones Verizon were trying to sell. So, they nerfed the Droid Turbo until after the 2016 Q3/Q4 back-to-school and holiday sales had finished.
Here's the full story:
MOTO QUARK
I bought three of the 2014 Moto "Quark", which was the best phone of 2014, the smaller sibling of the Moto Nexus 6. Both designed by Google when they owned Motorola -- with almost identical specs except for size. Remember these were awesome specs in 2014: 3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery (Quark). Yes, Quark had 5.2" display, but back then phones were smaller and until that year, the Nexus model number had NOTHING to do with screen size. It was merely the generation number. 2011 Nexus 3 (4.65"), 2012 Nexus 4 (4.75") 2013 and Nexus 5 (4.95") were all almost 5". The 4.95" Nexus 5 (2013) was merely the 5TH Nexus -- had nothing to do with screen size. But for some reason, Google decided the 2014 Nexus 6 should be 6" because their Nexus 7 tablet was 7"...
Until August 2014, Google was testing TWO different versions for the 2014 Nexus -- the 5.2" and the 6". They ended up going with the 6" and the 5.2" was re-purposed to be the Moto Quark. Ironically, the smaller Moto Quark had a larger battery (3900 mAh) than the larger Moto Nexus 6.
But about that time, Google was selling Motorola to Lenovo. So, to blunt the the competition from a FANTASTIC phone to compete with Moto Nexus 6, Google/Lenovo decided to sell the Moto Quark under different model names in different regions, different carriers. Stupidity, personified. "Quark" is the series code name, like "Joan" is for the V30. We all started calling it that because it was the SAME phone series, just like for V30, a US998 is same phone as EU H930. Just different firmware and (maybe) bands.
DROID TURBO/MOTO TURBO/MOTO MAXX
However, not only were they all the same series (like our V30 US998 and H930), but TWO of Quark models were exact clones of each other. Even same FCC ID.
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Verizon's version was called Droid Turbo (XT1254). And it was identical in every way -- including same FCC number to the Moto Maxx (XT1250) sold by other U.S. (regional) carriers. Well identical in every way, except the Moto Maxx had Motorola sanctioned bootloader unlock, while the Verizon Droid Turbo did not. The Moto Maxx XT1250 even ran on Verizon with Verizon SIM card, because guess why? It had the exact same FCC number, and thus had identical bands, etc. To Verizon's network, it was indeed a "Droid Turbo". (I predicted this was possible, then users proved it.)
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare said, "That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet."
So, the Moto Maxx XT1250 was basically the "Dev" version of the the Droid Turbo XT1254. Buy it, unlock bootloader, install TWRP, put in Verizon SIM card. You could even flash Verizon firmware if you wished. Much like our V30 US998 to VS996 Frankenstein. But remember this was back in 2014... Cross flashing Verizon FIRMWARE over XT1250 worked because it was ALREADY the same phone.
There was a 3rd Moto Quark (or 2nd if you count the XT1254/XT1250 clones as the same phone), called the XT1225. In India, this variant was sold as the "Moto Turbo (XT1225)." In Latin America, it was sold as Moto Maxx (XT1225). Yes, it had different bands from the Droid Turbo XT1254/Moto Maxx XT1250, but in a good way for me. It had no CDMA, but had extra LTE and HSPA bands, and had ALL the AT&T bands, including the new (at the time) LTE band 5. However, you could not buy this one in the U.S.
So, I bought three -- importing them from Puerto Rico and Mexico. Bootloader unlocked, rooted, ran CM 12.1 and LOS Revolution Remix ROMs. (No you couldn't cross flash XT1225 firwmare over XT1254/XT1250 or vice versa.)
XDA DRAMA
With these specs in 2014 (3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery) and the too huge size at the time of the Moto Nexus 6, I decided the Moto Quark was my best bet to upgrade from the 4.95" 1080p LG Nexus 5 with too-small battery.
With me, so far? OK.
Back then, XDA tended to segregate all models according to carriers. The T-mobile Galaxy Widget would be separate from the Sprint Galaxy Widget, which would be separate from the AT&T Galaxy Widget. SO, people would coming in to a forum would automatically assume THEIR carrier version was what people were talking about. (Back in 2017, also had this trouble initially with T-mobile H932 users even in this V30 forum. Coming from older phones, some users don't understand changes.) But in late 2014, XDA started lumping all the models together -- like this V30 forum is now. Except XDA mistakenly called it the "Droid Turbo" forum and wouldn't re-name it "Quark" forum -- even though ALL the variants were being discussed there.
Adding fuel to fire, Verizon LIED in all their release hype and claimed their Droid Turbo (XT1254) was a GLOBAL EXCLUSIVE. The device wasn't even exclusive to them in the U.S. much less the entire world. (U.S. XT1250 was identical device, ran on Verizon with Verizon SIM card and had easy bootloader unlock.)
"Droid" is a trademark owned by Verizon. They can call any phone a "Droid". So, technically yes the Droid Turbo was exclusive to Verizon. But the exact same phone (same FCC ID) was being sold by a dozen regional LTE/CDMA carriers under the "Moto Maxx" (XT1250) model name. I even provided links to those carriers where people could buy these Moto Maxx XT1250.
Once I pointed out this fact -- Verizon was LYING through their teeth, the XT1250 was not only the same phone as the Verizon Droid Turbo but in fact a better phone due to easy bootloader unlock, PAGES of heated arguments ensued. Ignorant Verizon fanbois didn't want to believe it. They wanted to believe Verizon had cornered the market on this FANTASTIC phone. They were grudgingly willing to believe perhaps other variants like Moto Turbo XT1225 (with different bands, different FCC ID) existed for OTHER countries, but BY GOLLY, ONLY Verizon had this phone in the U.S.! (How can you love a carrier that much, like they are God? Or believe carrier PR hype that much?)
If you know anything about electronics, same FCC ID number carries weight of law due to the ADA law for handicaps/disabilities. Your company can fined by the U.S Government and be sued in class action lawsuit for millions of dollars if you mis-identify the characteristics of an electronic communication device, which is identified by the FCC number. You can call it whatever you like (Droid Turbo, Moto Maxx) but the FCC ID number is the unique identifier in the U.S. There's no way deep pockets Verizon nor Motorola/Lenovo would open themselves up to that kind of liability.
Plus, the Verizon fanbois didn't like that other Quark variants being discussed in THEIR forum. But this XT1254/XT1250 clone proof REALLY got under their skin. They called me a liar and worse -- even though I had FCC documentation. One of the FCC documents is attached, but I had whole chain of evidence, that not only was Moto Maxx/Moto Turbo XT1225 same specs as Droid Turbo XT1254 (so all were Quarks in spite of different model names), but furthermore that Moto Maxx XT1250 = Droid Turbo XT1254 to 100th decimal point.
______
Mods got involved, thread was cleaned, people got warned and even banned. Months later, I ended up an XDA Recognized Contributor. Because of my extensive knowledge of the cell phone industry, I'm the one who figured all this out. I went looking through the FCC records and searching regional telephone carriers. Most people only know about the Big 4 (now Big 3) -- but there are many other carriers with their own towers and licences serving remote areas like in Appalachia, Alaska, parts of Michigan, etc. I'm not talking about MVNOs but actual carriers. Cricket and MetroPCS used to be regional standalone carriers before being bought by AT&T and T-mobile. Back then, LTE/CDMA carrier MetroPCS in particular would get the EXACT same phones as Verizon, but under a different model name. For instance, the Verizon LG Revolution = MetroPCS LG Esteem -- and LG didn't even bother removing the Revolution boot up animation from the media folder. It had both animations in the media folder. But it allowed Verizon to claim (fake) "exclusive" for LG Revolution. All that kind of stuff flies under the radar to people who only know about the major carriers.
As a result of all this conflict, XDA did open a separate Moto Maxx forum and moved all non Droid Turbo content over there. But the ironic thing is all Development (kernels, CM and later LOS ROMs) were posted there. So, Verizon "Droid Turbo" owners had to go over THERE (Moto Maxx forum) to get stuff, once Sunshine Dev team found an exploit to unlock the Verizon Droid Turbo variant bootloader about a year after release. Whereas, the Moto Turbo and Moto Maxx variants always had bootloader unlock, TWRP and ROMs. Droid Turbo was late to the party.
So, point is, Verizon lies about phones.
VERZION DELAYED OS UPDATE
Then, in July 2016 when Marshmallow update pushed from Motorola servers for ALL Moto Quark variants, the Verizon Droid Turbo did not get their update. Motorola confirmed they sent it to Verizon and it would be released by Verizon. When? Only Verizon knew. Maybe they were testing it? NO, they weren't. They were just sitting on it. Why? Because all the back-to-school new phone sales were starting, then the holiday new phone sales after that and the Droid Turbo specs were still too good. 3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery. THAT 2-year old phone with new OS would still be as good as or better than any new phone Verizon was selling! So, if they didn't update the OS, then people will have to buy new phone to get Marshmallow. Only end of December 2016 did Verizon finally release the Marshmallow update for their Quark -- and it immediately bricked the phones which had encrypted storage. So, Verizon had to pull the update for a couple of weeks, then release a revised version. That shows Verizon was NOT extensively testing it for six months, they were just sitting on it to nerf the Droid Turbo from being too good a phone so people with "old" phones would buy new ones.
Point is, Verizon will purposefully degrade (or delay updates) to an older phone to increase sales of newer phones.
They were also the first to insist upon bootloaders which could not be unlocked -- even for Google Nexus/Pixel phones.
ChazzMatt said:
Yes, long storied history. Here's my Verizon story which covers 2014 - 2016 involving lying and nerfing...
1) Verizon lied about the 2014 Droid Turbo being global exclusive. It wasn't even exclusive device to Verizon in the U.S. and I proved it to the dismay of XDA Verizon fanbois.
2) In 2016, Verizon delayed giving Marshmallow update for six months while all other worldwide versions had that update, because 2014 Droid Turbo with Marshmallow was equal or better to all their other 2016 NEW phones Verizon were trying to sell. So, they nerfed the Droid Turbo until after the 2016 Q3/Q4 back-to-school and holiday sales had finished.
Here's the full story:
MOTO QUARK
I bought three of the 2014 Moto "Quark", which was the best phone of 2014, the smaller sibling of the Moto Nexus 6. Both designed by Google when they owned Motorola -- with almost identical specs except for size. Remember these were awesome specs in 2014: 3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery (Quark). Yes, Quark had 5.2" display, but back then phones were smaller and until that year, the Nexus model number had NOTHING to do with screen size. It was merely the generation number. 2011 Nexus 3 (4.65"), 2012 Nexus 4 (4.75") 2013 and Nexus 5 (4.95") were all almost 5". The 4.95" Nexus 5 (2013) was merely the 5TH Nexus -- had nothing to do with screen size. But for some reason, Google decided the 2014 Nexus 6 should be 6" because their Nexus 7 tablet was 7"...
Until August 2014, Google was testing TWO different versions for the 2014 Nexus -- the 5.2" and the 6". They ended up going with the 6" and the 5.2" was re-purposed to be the Moto Quark. Ironically, the smaller Moto Quark had a larger battery (3900 mAh) than the larger Moto Nexus 6.
But about that time, Google was selling Motorola to Lenovo. So, to blunt the the competition from a FANTASTIC phone to compete with Moto Nexus 6, Google/Lenovo decided to sell the Moto Quark under different model names in different regions, different carriers. Stupidity, personified. "Quark" is the series code name, like "Joan" is for the V30. We all started calling it that because it was the SAME phone series, just like for V30, a US998 is same phone as EU H930. Just different firmware and (maybe) bands.
DROID TURBO/MOTO TURBO/MOTO MAXX
However, not only were they all the same series (like our V30 US998 and H930), but TWO of Quark models were exact clones of each other. Even same FCC ID.
Verizon's version was called Droid Turbo (XT1254). And it was identical in every way -- including same FCC number to the Moto Maxx (XT1250) sold by other U.S. (regional) carriers. Well identical in every way, except the Moto Maxx had Motorola sanctioned bootloader unlock, while the Verizon Droid Turbo did not. The Moto Maxx XT1250 even ran on Verizon with Verizon SIM card, because guess why? It had the exact same FCC number, and thus had identical bands, etc. To Verizon's network, it was indeed a "Droid Turbo". (I predicted this was possible, then users proved it.)
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare said, "That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet."
So, the Moto Maxx XT1250 was basically the "Dev" version of the the Droid Turbo XT1254. Buy it, unlock bootloader, install TWRP, put in Verizon SIM card. You could even flash Verizon firmware if you wished. Much like our V30 US998 to VS996 Frankenstein. But remember this was back in 2014... Cross flashing Verizon FIRMWARE over XT1250 worked because it was ALREADY the same phone.
There was a 3rd Moto Quark (or 2nd if you count the XT1254/XT1250 clones as the same phone), called the XT1225. In India, this variant was sold as the "Moto Turbo (XT1225)." In Latin America, it was sold as Moto Maxx (XT1225). Yes, it had different bands from the Droid Turbo XT1254/Moto Maxx XT1250, but in a good way for me. It had no CDMA, but had extra LTE and HSPA bands, and had ALL the AT&T bands, including the new (at the time) LTE band 5. However, you could not buy this one in the U.S.
So, I bought three -- importing them from Puerto Rico and Mexico. Bootloader unlocked, rooted, ran CM 12.1 and LOS Revolution Remix ROMs. (No you couldn't cross flash XT1225 firwmare over XT1254/XT1250 or vice versa.)
XDA DRAMA
With these specs in 2014 (3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery) and the too huge size at the time of the Moto Nexus 6, I decided the Moto Quark was my best bet to upgrade from the 4.95" 1080p LG Nexus 5 with too-small battery.
With me, so far? OK.
Back then, XDA tended to segregate all models according to carriers. The T-mobile Galaxy Widget would be separate from the Sprint Galaxy Widget, which would be separate from the AT&T Galaxy Widget. SO, people would coming in to a forum would automatically assume THEIR carrier version was what people were talking about. (Back in 2017, also had this trouble initially with T-mobile H932 users even in this V30 forum. Coming from older phones, some users don't understand changes.) But in late 2014, XDA started lumping all the models together -- like this V30 forum is now. Except XDA mistakenly called it the "Droid Turbo" forum and wouldn't re-name it "Quark" forum -- even though ALL the variants were being discussed there.
Adding fuel to fire, Verizon LIED in all their release hype and claimed their Droid Turbo (XT1254) was a GLOBAL EXCLUSIVE. The device wasn't even exclusive to them in the U.S. much less the entire world. (U.S. XT1250 was identical device, ran on Verizon with Verizon SIM card and had easy bootloader unlock.)
"Droid" is a trademark owned by Verizon. They can call any phone a "Droid". So, technically yes the Droid Turbo was exclusive to Verizon. But the exact same phone (same FCC ID) was being sold by a dozen regional LTE/CDMA carriers under the "Moto Maxx" (XT1250) model name. I even provided links to those carriers where people could buy these Moto Maxx XT1250.
Once I pointed out this fact -- Verizon was LYING through their teeth, the XT1250 was not only the same phone as the Verizon Droid Turbo but in fact a better phone due to easy bootloader unlock, PAGES of heated arguments ensued. Ignorant Verizon fanbois didn't want to believe it. They wanted to believe Verizon had cornered the market on this FANTASTIC phone. They were grudgingly willing to believe perhaps other variants like Moto Turbo XT1225 (with different bands, different FCC ID) existed for OTHER countries, but BY GOLLY, ONLY Verizon had this phone in the U.S.! (How can you love a carrier that much, like they are God? Or believe carrier PR hype that much?)
If you know anything about electronics, same FCC ID number carries weight of law due to the ADA law for handicaps/disabilities. Your company can fined by the U.S Government and be sued in class action lawsuit for millions of dollars if you mis-identify the characteristics of an electronic communication device, which is identified by the FCC number. You can call it whatever you like (Droid Turbo, Moto Maxx) but the FCC ID number is the unique identifier in the U.S. There's no way deep pockets Verizon nor Motorola/Lenovo would open themselves up to that kind of liability.
Plus, the Verizon fanbois didn't like that other Quark variants being discussed in THEIR forum. But this XT1254/XT1250 clone proof REALLY got under their skin. They called me a liar and worse -- even though I had FCC documentation. One of the FCC documents is attached, but I had whole chain of evidence, that not only was Moto Maxx/Moto Turbo XT1225 same specs as Droid Turbo XT1254 (so all were Quarks in spite of different model names), but furthermore that Moto Maxx XT1250 = Droid Turbo XT1254 to 100th decimal point.
______
Mods got involved, thread was cleaned, people got warned and even banned. Months later, I ended up an XDA Recognized Contributor. Because of my extensive knowledge of the cell phone industry, I'm the one who figured all this out. I went looking through the FCC records and searching regional telephone carriers. Most people only know about the Big 4 (now Big 3) -- but there are many other carriers with their own towers and licences serving remote areas like in Appalachia, Alaska, parts of Michigan, etc. I'm not talking about MVNOs but actual carriers. Cricket and MetroPCS used to be regional standalone carriers before being bought by AT&T and T-mobile. Back then, LTE/CDMA carrier MetroPCS in particular would get the EXACT same phones as Verizon, but under a different model name. For instance, the Verizon LG Revolution = MetroPCS LG Esteem -- and LG didn't even bother removing the Revolution boot up animation from the media folder. It had both animations in the media folder. But it allowed Verizon to claim (fake) "exclusive" for LG Revolution. All that kind of stuff flies under the radar to people who only know about the major carriers.
As a result of all this conflict, XDA did open a separate Moto Maxx forum and moved all non Droid Turbo content over there. But the ironic thing is all Development (kernels, CM and later LOS ROMs) were posted there. So, Verizon "Droid Turbo" owners had to go over THERE (Moto Maxx forum) to get stuff, once Sunshine Dev team found an exploit to unlock the Verizon Droid Turbo variant bootloader about a year after release. Whereas, the Moto Turbo and Moto Maxx variants always had bootloader unlock, TWRP and ROMs. Droid Turbo was late to the party.
So, point is, Verizon lies about phones.
VERZION DELAYED OS UPDATE
Then, in July 2016 when Marshmallow update pushed from Motorola servers for ALL Moto Quark variants, the Verizon Droid Turbo did not get their update. Motorola confirmed they sent it to Verizon and it would be released by Verizon. When? Only Verizon knew. Maybe they were testing it? NO, they weren't. They were just sitting on it. Why? Because all the back-to-school new phone sales were starting, then the holiday new phone sales after that and the Droid Turbo specs were still too good. 3GB RAM, 5.2" 1440p OLED, Qi wireless charging, 21MP camera, 3900 mAh battery. THAT 2-year old phone with new OS would still be as good as or better than any new phone Verizon was selling! So, if they didn't update the OS, then people will have to buy new phone to get Marshmallow. Only end of December 2016 did Verizon finally release the Marshmallow update for their Quark -- and it immediately bricked the phones which had encrypted storage. So, Verizon had to pull the update for a couple of weeks, then release a revised version. That shows Verizon was NOT extensively testing it for six months, they were just sitting on it to nerf the Droid Turbo from being too good a phone so people with "old" phones would buy new ones.
Point is, Verizon will purposefully degrade (or delay updates) to an older phone to increase sales of newer phones.
They were also the first to insist upon bootloaders which could not be unlocked -- even for Google Nexus/Pixel phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree and hate when carriers play games with updates . Android Manufacturers allowed carriers to rename and modify their smartphones and software, which was a mistake from the beginning. I dislike Apple, but i have to hand it to them when it came to their devices. None of the carriers could modify the software or hardware in any way. This meant that their devices performed exactly the way they were intended to, and software development was only under their direct control.
ibnturab said:
I totally agree and hate when carriers play games with updates . Android Manufacturers allowed carriers to rename and modify their smartphones and software, which was a mistake from the beginning. I dislike Apple, but i have to hand it to them when it came to their devices. None of the carriers could modify the software or hardware in any way. This meant that their devices performed exactly the way they were intended to, and software development was only under their direct control.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what Treble GSI images were supposed to fix, but don't. Because GSI images don't have the drivers and proprietary features major OEM (LG and Samsung) stock firmware have.
Wow great info chazz, opened my eyes for sure. So then which phones should we get then, unlocked and or international? Then which network for area of us we are in?