Hello, guys!
I am interested in buying the Mate 8 from a Chinease retailer. My main motivation is that they offer lower prices on the device. However I am aware that there are some "risks" involved so I wanted to make this tread, hoping that some usefull advice can be gathered here.
Firstly, I understand that there are a couple of versions of the Mate 8. As far they are conserned the only ones worth considering are the AL10, L29 and L09 since the other versions, like DL00 for instance, have poor software support. Does this mean that the former enjoy regular software updates? In the case of the AL10 can one receive the uptades regulary if he is not residing in China? Does Huawei push montly security patches?
My second consern is regarding google play services. As far as I understand a buyer of an AL10 would receive the device without google play store and google services. Is it true that the device comes with a Huawei app store from where they can be downloaded? Are there any issues regarding the installation and regular usage of the play store and other apps that are downloaded on an AL10?After all it is a Chinease version so perhaps it was not meant to have play store on it.
Thirdly I would like to ask whether one should allow the retailer to install google play and multi-ling support? I ask this because it came to my knowledge that these vendors would usually install some kind of custom rom that does not have software support.
Is there something that I am missing? Would you have any further advice? Is there something else one must look after when buying a device from China?
I bought mine here
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1968447 (not sure if i can show a link to a store).
take a DHL and tell them to write on package that is worth about 80 usd to pay less taxes.
Ive got a DL00 version, 32 rom, 3 ram. Its multilanguage support with a play store and OTA updates support. Working great, smooth and fast. And it was cheaper than in polish store about 30% !
They got support on whatsapp and they help you in your problems.
I can highly recommend it to you. If you have any questions u can always prv me.
I bought the mate 8 just after it released in China (I went in person). I am now residing in Australia and still receive the updates as fast as others in China. The only issue is some apps and features (like the update change log) are in Chinese and I can't change it, not that bad for me but maybe it is for you.
It comes with Huaweis app store which upon searching google can install all the normal google apps like the appstore. I've had absolutely no issues using it normally here and every app and setting I need works.
I wouldn't get them to do anything to the phone because it's easy to do myself.
Repping the Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10
ItsMunday said:
I bought the mate 8 just after it released in China (I went in person). I am now residing in Australia and still receive the updates as fast as others in China. The only issue is some apps and features (like the update change log) are in Chinese and I can't change it, not that bad for me but maybe it is for you.
It comes with Huaweis app store which upon searching google can install all the normal google apps like the appstore. I've had absolutely no issues using it normally here and every app and setting I need works.
I wouldn't get them to do anything to the phone because it's easy to do myself.
Repping the Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am glad to hear that your device works properly!
I suppose when you first set it up you have the option to choose between English and Chinease right? Do you need to have a huawei account to download apps from the Huawei app store? If yes, did you have any issues setting it up? I am asking because I have heard that some people do have. Regarding the change log it would't botter me if it is in Chinease, but is there something more "major" that is also in Chinease and one should know of?
You can convert the China Version AL 10 to C432 Euroversion or C636 Asia Version.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-8/general/guide-how-to-switch-to-stock-firmware-t3374259
Ifo0 said:
I am glad to hear that your device works properly!
I suppose when you first set it up you have the option to choose between English and Chinease right? Do you need to have a huawei account to download apps from the Huawei app store? If yes, did you have any issues setting it up? I am asking because I have heard that some people do have. Regarding the change log it would't botter me if it is in Chinease, but is there something more "major" that is also in Chinease and one should know of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it's like any phone that has the option to change language on start up.
Had no issues setting up Huawei account. Not sure if it's needed or not though.
Repping the Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10
---------- Post added at 11:05 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:05 AM ----------
letschky said:
You can convert the China Version AL 10 to C432 Euroversion or C636 Asia Version.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-8/general/guide-how-to-switch-to-stock-firmware-t3374259
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm getting a broken link.
Repping the Huawei Mate 8 NXT-AL10
I've just bought the Mate 8 in Guangzhou on last Sunday (Sept 25, 2016) in a Huawei store. Installed Google services, sync contacts.. without any problem!
Does anyone know what the situation is with the Google play store? I believe they don't have it on Chinese phones.would it be on the global edition? Or would it be difficult to sort out if not? Thanks for any thoughts. I was thinking of trying this phone in the UK.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
The play store is usually preloaded on the Global ROMs that Xiaomi makes. From what I know, the only phones that get global ROMs are the ones that are sold outside of China. Even though the Mi Note 2 has a "global" variant, it's not being sold outside of China by Xiaomi directly. So I doubt they'll have a global ROM with Google play.
It's easy to add Google play manually though. It works just fine for me on their Chinese ROMs.
*KiD CuDi* said:
The play store is usually preloaded on the Global ROMs that Xiaomi makes. From what I know, the only phones that get global ROMs are the ones that are sold outside of China. Even though the Mi Note 2 has a "global" variant, it's not being sold outside of China by Xiaomi directly. So I doubt they'll have a global ROM with Google play.
It's easy to add Google play manually though. It works just fine for me on their Chinese ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for that information. Sounds good. I've never tried a Xiaomi device so didn't know how hard it would be to install if it wasn't preloaded. Out of interest, how do you enjoy the mui ROMs in general? Not as heavy as touchwiz I take it?!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
dwj said:
Thanks very much for that information. Sounds good. I've never tried a Xiaomi device so didn't know how hard it would be to install if it wasn't preloaded. Out of interest, how do you enjoy the mui ROMs in general? Not as heavy as touchwiz I take it?!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MIUI is pretty much a complete UI overhaul buy I enjoy it a lot. I like to think it takes the best design elements from both Android and iOS and merge it into one beautiful experience.
Sent from my MI NOTE Pro using Tapatalk
skw5115 said:
MIUI is pretty much a complete UI overhaul buy I enjoy it a lot. I like to think it takes the best design elements from both Android and iOS and merge it into one beautiful experience.
Sent from my MI NOTE Pro using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Mi Note 2 is listed as available in the U.S. on the Xaiomi USA site. It says it is the Global Edition, and that it does NOT come with Play store loaded. I'm not sure if that would be problematic, or if it can be loaded some how. I'd think any Android phone would have Play store ability.
ewingr said:
The Mi Note 2 is listed as available in the U.S. on the Xaiomi USA site. It says it is the Global Edition, and that it does NOT come with Play store loaded. I'm not sure if that would be problematic, or if it can be loaded some how. I'd think any Android phone would have Play store ability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can side load it, it's fairly easy, or install a different ROM
Sent from my MI NOTE Pro using Tapatalk
Hi all
I have the Taiwan/international version of the Nokia 6.
I see everybody who bought the mainland version is looking for a root to get access to Google Play, which makes it tough to find information on this model.
Is there a root option available for the international version of the phone?
boyntonjamie said:
Hi all
I have the Taiwan/international version of the Nokia 6.
I see everybody who bought the mainland version is looking for a root to get access to Google Play, which makes it tough to find information on this model.
Is there a root option available for the international version of the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, what is the difficulty to access Google play with an international model(TA-1003). We all (TA-1000) Chinese Nokia 6 victims are thinking, all is good for you guys..
kanakarkku said:
Dude, what is the difficulty to access Google play with an international model(TA-1003). We all (TA-1000) Chinese Nokia 6 victims are thinking, all is good for you guys..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, Nokia poor management / publicity of model number confused, misled and victimize us - the royal Nokia users and early adopter. I'm deeply disappointed.
I'm not having any difficulty accessing Google Play, that's not the only thing you can do when you root an Android device.
It was quite plain to me that the mainland version of the phone didn't have access to Google Play - that's why I had one sent from Taiwan.
kanakarkku said:
Dude, what is the difficulty to access Google play with an international model(TA-1003). We all (TA-1000) Chinese Nokia 6 victims are thinking, all is good for you guys..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TA-1000 has a Tencent app and it names 应用宝
(bad english sorry
nokia 6
funny, 5.5 million viewers in the rom thread :angel:
To all those who want to know more about Project Treble please use this thread to discuss about it.
What is Project Treble?
Ans. Treble is the most significant low-level change to the Android platform to date. To simplify heavily, it separates the vendor implementation from the Android framework in an effort to avoid lengthy waits for updates. . Let’s break things down a bit more:
The full update process to bring a new Android version to devices is a long and complex topic.
The “vendor” usually refers to silicon-manufacturers such as Qualcomm, but can also refer to the maker of any other proprietary hardware found in a device. The “device maker” or “OEM” usually needs to wait for the vendor to update their code so the proprietary hardware works with the Android OS framework in a newer version of Android.
However, what is happening with Project Treble is that Google is requiring that any vendor-specific code be separated from the Android OS framework and instead live in its own vendor implementation. Usually this means that there is now a separate /vendor partition on Treble-enabled smartphones that contains a bunch of HALs (Hardware Abstraction Layers).
Furthermore, vendors must implement code that lets the Android OS framework communicate with HALs in a standardized way. This is done via HIDL (HAL Interface Definition Language). With this in place, an OEM can work on an Android update without having to wait on vendors to update their HALs. Theoretically, this should speed up the entire Android update process as vendors can update their code at any time through the Play Store.
For indepth information check out this pagehttps://www.androidauthority.com/project-treble-818225/
Devices with Treble support:
- Essential PH-1
- Google Pixel
- Google Pixel XL
- HTC U11 Plus
- Huawei Honor 8 Pro
- Huawei Mate 9
- Huawei Mate 10 Pro
- Sony Xperia XZ1
- Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact
- Asus Zenfone 4 (ZE554KL)
- Honor V10
- Huawei P10/ P10 Plus
Devices which will ship with Android 8.0 Oreo will be Treble compatible by default.
Older devices will become treble compatible if the OEM creates a vendor partition via OTA update, like the Honor 8 Pro.
Custom Roms:
As of now @phhusson is working hard to make his AOSP rom boot as a fully functional rom on all the Treble supported devices, go check out the rom thread here https://forum.xda-developers.com/pr...evelopment/experimental-phh-treble-t3709659"]
Check Treble Compability
Open a terminal app on your device and simply type the following command:
getprop ro.treble.enabled
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it returns a boolean value true, your device supports Treble and if false it doesn’t.
[NOTE: New devices with Treble support are launching so its not possible for me to update the supported device list, so they'll not make their name on my list, but you can surely ask about your device on the discussion thread]
My understanding of Treble is, from the *big picture* anyway, that the responsibility for hardware access shifts from Google to the individual device mfgs.
The hope for us is that new versions of Android can be distributed much more rapidly, because testing of new hardware (or changes to existing hdw) won't have to wait for the new OS to be done, and that the interface to the hdw will be separate from the OS.
Another hope would be that a devices 'life span' would increase? (or at least stay current longer).
AsItLies said:
My understanding of Treble is, from the *big picture* anyway, that the responsibility for hardware access shifts from Google to the individual device mfgs.
The hope for us is that new versions of Android can be distributed much more rapidly, because testing of new hardware (or changes to existing hdw) won't have to wait for the new OS to be done, and that the interface to the hdw will be separate from the OS.
Another hope would be that a devices 'life span' would increase? (or at least stay current longer).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Treble means separating the vendor source from the software source, the treble devices will have a separate vendor partition, in which the vendor source will be. Now the manufacturers will only require to make the Software bug free so that the user dosent face any problems in day to day usage. From @phhussons AOSP treble rom we can get a clear picture that by separating the vendor source, the Treble based AOSP roms will run on any Treble compatible device regardless of the SOC/hardware configuration.
venom928 said:
Treble means separating the vendor source from the software source, the treble devices will have a separate vendor partition, in which the vendor source will be. <snip>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yes that makes sense, it's not only the hardware source (vendor specific), it's also the vendors software (their mods and bloatware) that will be in the separate partition.
It really does sound as though this should speed up the time it takes for users to get updates of all kinds. It also seems pretty certain, non-Treble enabled devices will fall by the wayside. Doesn't seem there's any way around that?
AsItLies said:
Ah yes that makes sense, it's not only the hardware source (vendor specific), it's also the vendors software (their mods and bloatware) that will be in the separate partition.
It really does sound as though this should speed up the time it takes for users to get updates of all kinds. It also seems pretty certain, non-Treble enabled devices will fall by the wayside. Doesn't seem there's any way around that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For non-treble devices the only way is that the OEMs must release an OTA update which will create a separate Vendor partition, but OEMs won't do(except some recent flagships) that bcz they want sales of newer devices with Treble support. As far as time is concerned, suppose it takes 2-3months for an OEM to build a fully bug free update, but it will require 3-4weeks for the OEM to build that same update
venom928 said:
For non-treble devices the only way is that the OEMs must release an OTA update which will create a separate Vendor partition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it seems the consensus is that mfg's won't risk bricking the phones by doing that kind of an OTA update? We'll see fairly soon what they'll do with the older devices.
It's good that google is calling the shots with this and is insisting new Oreo devices have it. It's bad though that devices just a few months old that cost mucho bucks may go without it.
AsItLies said:
Yes, it seems the consensus is that mfg's won't risk bricking the phones by doing that kind of an OTA update? We'll see fairly soon what they'll do with the older devices.
It's good that google is calling the shots with this and is insisting new Oreo devices have it. It's bad though that devices just a few months old that cost mucho bucks may go without it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The honor 8 pro got Treble via OTA because it was one of the best selling device, but some OEMs will prefer not to do that so that customers will shift to newer devices. Like OnePlus could have easily added Treble to atleast 5/5T but they thought of not doing it, just depends upon the OEM
venom928 said:
The honor 8 pro got Treble via OTA because it was one of the best selling device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, I did not know that, thanks. I better read more of the Treble threads to keep up to date
AsItLies said:
Wow, I did not know that, thanks. I better read more of the Treble threads to keep up to date
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep surely
Mate 9 as well
AsItLies said:
Wow, I did not know that, thanks. I better read more of the Treble threads to keep up to date
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mate 9 got treble as well with the Oreo update, major repartitioning as well.
revjamescarver said:
Mate 9 got treble as well with the Oreo update, major repartitioning as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mate 9 is in the list bro, check OP
revjamescarver said:
Mate 9 got treble as well with the Oreo update, major repartitioning as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Neighbor. Huawei is rapidly moving to the top of my list of phone mfg to buy. It doesn't look like the kirin processors have much los support, but with treble... well, it seems previous prerequisites are being turned upside down.
For sure, when one evaluates (buying) a phone, many factors are relevant. But for most (if not all) of us, how long the phone will stay up to date is probably at the top of that list.
Hope the other mfg's follow Huawei's lead here, else we'll have a lot of recently mfg phones with outdated sftwr soon.
AsItLies said:
Thanks Neighbor. Huawei is rapidly moving to the top of my list of phone mfg to buy. It doesn't look like the kirin processors have much los support, but with treble... well, it seems previous prerequisites are being turned upside down.
For sure, when one evaluates (buying) a phone, many factors are relevant. But for most (if not all) of us, how long the phone will stay up to date is probably at the top of that list.
Hope the other mfg's follow Huawei's lead here, else we'll have a lot of recently mfg phones with outdated sftwr soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei is the 3rd most fastest growing OEM after Apple and Samsung. What stops me from buying a Honor Device is the Kirin SOC and apps like Google Camera port dosent work on the devices except devices with Snapdragon SOC, so will wait for a device with the specs like the Mi A1 and a 18:9 display
venom928 said:
Huawei is the 3rd most fastest growing OEM after Apple and Samsung. What stops me from buying a Honor Device is the Kirin SOC and apps like Google Camera port dosent work on the devices except devices with Snapdragon SOC, so will wait for a device with the specs like the Mi A1 and a 18:9 display
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good point. So even with Treble, which SOC (the phone has) will still be relevant in some respects. I have a G6 and think a wide angle lens is da bomb, but could easily do without all the glass 'bling'.
Kirin SoC
venom928 said:
Huawei is the 3rd most fastest growing OEM after Apple and Samsung. What stops me from buying a Honor Device is the Kirin SOC and apps like Google Camera port dosent work on the devices except devices with Snapdragon SOC, so will wait for a device with the specs like the Mi A1 and a 18:9 display
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing at all wrong with the Kirin SoC, performance is on par with the Qualcomm SoC, only real downfall is that Huawei doesn't sell the Kirin to other oems, otherwise it would be more widespread. The Kirin 970 with its built in NPU and and gigabit LTE modem is going to give the Qualcomm 835/845 a run for their money. Of course the port of the new Google camera app is not going to give you more than the basic functionality as it was written specifically for Google pixel devices (it doesn't give you all the features on older Google or snapdragon devices either), I installed the port on my mate 9 and it was acceptable for basic camera functions but no matter what you do you're never going to get a port of something written for another device to have the same features or performance as the stock app written for your device.
revjamescarver said:
Nothing at all wrong with the Kirin SoC, performance is on par with the Qualcomm SoC, only real downfall is that Huawei doesn't sell the Kirin to other oems, otherwise it would be more widespread. The Kirin 970 with its built in NPU and and gigabit LTE modem is going to give the Qualcomm 835/845 a run for their money. Of course the port of the new Google camera app is not going to give you more than the basic functionality as it was written specifically for Google pixel devices (it doesn't give you all the features on older Google or snapdragon devices either), I installed the port on my mate 9 and it was acceptable for basic camera functions but no matter what you do you're never going to get a port of something written for another device to have the same features or performance as the stock app written for your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that the Kirin Processors are good, and the reason is Kirin is Huawei's home made processor so the pairing between Hardware and Software is perfectly optimisez for better performance and as far as Better Processing is concerned, after Apple Qualcomm holds the 2nd position no doubt, yeah in near future Kirin might surpass Qualcomm interms of performance no idea.
As far as the ported app is concerned I prefer stock android/custom roms over stock roms(MIUI/EMUI) and if someone ports the stock huawei camera for Los/RR running on Huawei devices itself, I'll surely go with a Kirin device but right now thats not available so after installing a custom rom I'll prefer Google camera app, if not the ported one, I'll go with the one available in Apkmirror, though this is my own preference as I'm addicted to using stock android and google apps suite, lets see how much development the Honor 7X gets, if it gets Treble support via OTA I'll go with it else the Mi A1 as of now is my 1st choice
I'm wondering, and the answer may be 'We don't know yet', but...
Many of us have used custom ROM's to avoid using an OEM's UI, bloatware, etc. Because Treble enabled phones will have a 'Vendor' partition (which will include these UI's etc), will that then mean the mfg's specific stuff can't really be (completely) removed the way an after market ROM does?
Of course, there's always ways of disabling mfg stuff, but Roms like Los just do it all in one fell swoop (much easier).
Do we know at this point how this will work with Treble?
Cheers and Happy New Year
AsItLies said:
I'm wondering, and the answer may be 'We don't know yet', but...
Many of us have used custom ROM's to avoid using an OEM's UI, bloatware, etc. Because Treble enabled phones will have a 'Vendor' partition (which will include these UI's etc), will that then mean the mfg's specific stuff can't really be (completely) removed the way an after market ROM does?
Of course, there's always ways of disabling mfg stuff, but Roms like Los just do it all in one fell swoop (much easier).
Do we know at this point how this will work with Treble?
Cheers and Happy New Year
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SOC source code will reside in the vendor partition, for example The Pixel XL has SD835 so the source code of the SOC will be there in itz Vendor partition. So if you are using a Treble enabled device such as the Huawei Mate 9 which has its own custom UI, if u flash a custom rom on it, the stock OS will get completely removed and the run ROM will run on it.
The Mgf's UI is a part of the system nd not of the vendor partition.
I am planning to buy Honor 7x, I found a thread on 7X forum which has Mount points and partition layout details for 7x. In the details, i can see below line, does this mean that phone supports Treble once updated to Oreo?
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 21 Dec 24 10:46 vendor -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p47
Orignal thread link
https://forum.xda-developers.com/honor-7x/development/mount-partition-layout-profile-xml-t3727990
Thanks:good: in advance!!
indigo110 said:
I am planning to buy Honor 7x, I found a thread on 7X forum which has Mount points and partition layout details for 7x. In the details, i can see below line, does this mean that phone supports Treble once updated to Oreo?
lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 21 Dec 24 10:46 vendor -> /dev/block/mmcblk0p47
Orignal thread link
https://forum.xda-developers.com/honor-7x/development/mount-partition-layout-profile-xml-t3727990
Thanks:good: in advance!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is evident from past experiences that the Honor 7X might get Treble via OTA update as the case was with Honor 8 Pro. The Honor 7X's source code got released a few weeks ago and I got some info that the Open Kirin team will also support the 7X so I guess the Open Kirin team will also release a Treble supported rom
Do you guys think we will get Android 10 update?
Yup. Asus has confirmed that max pro M1 will get android Q. They made this statement during release of 9 pie.
william.johhn7! said:
Yup. Asus has confirmed that max pro M1 will get android Q. They made this statement during release of 9 pie.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its not confirmed and honestly don't keep high hopes.
I remember Asus promising two major updates to ZMP M1 at launch. A Q&A session with one of their official also indicated this. BUT "major system update" cannot be conclusively termed as Android P & Q if we go by the track record of companies. In fact, we have seen brands go back on their solemn promise (Moto ?) only to face backlash and then provide a delayed update.
Long story short - we have a good probability of getting Q but don't bet your life on it - not yet !
yes definitely we will get Android 10 on Pro M1 but in 2020 when google is about to launch android 11....remember android pie released officially by google and asus gave that after almost 10 months passed....with beta program and still too many bugs....we all know that asus camera result is so poor....IT IS STRICTLY NECESSARY ASUS SHOULD COMPLETELY CHANGE THEIR SOFTWARE ENGINEER TEAM OTHERWISE IT WILL LOSE MOBILE BUSINESS...
What about custom Rom development of Android 10, it has been officially launched today.
Here I have found an easy way! Unlock Bootloader Asus ROG Phone 2
If we get android 10 (no hopes though) camera2api will be enabled by default as Google made it compulsory in aosp. Possible?
z1_nile said:
If we get android 10 (no hopes though) camera2api will be enabled by default as Google made it compulsory in aosp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Compulsory? Since what version? I hope they ditch the Snapdragon Camera in favour of a good Google Camera.
SpiralX15 said:
Compulsory? Since what version? I hope they ditch the Snapdragon Camera in favour of a good Google Camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude read and research first.