I'm looking to buy a Z Ultra in order to better support my FM apps on the Xperia Z* line of phones and tablets.
I understand GPE is guaranteed to be bootloader unlockable, and can be had at Expansys new for US $350 now.
But there are more ROMs and other development for the non-GPE models. Someone was working on a tool to convert non-GPE ROMs to GPE, but that doesn't seem too fruitful so far I guess. Maybe in future... ?
The problem with non-GPE Z Ultras is that many are bootloaded locked, and it seems very difficult to guarantee any Ultra bought is bootloader unlockable.
There are slightly used Z Ultras on EBay here in Canada for about $280 US. Good price, and the ads say "Unlocked" (Factory not specified, so I'd guess aftermarket SIM unlocked) but I understand Canadian Rogers phones are BL locked, and probably Canada Bell phones too.
I'd think that "Factory Unlocked" (for SIM of course) would imply BL unlockable, but I read posts here and there throwing doubt on that.
Anyone know that "Factory SIM Unlocked" from Hong Kong for example are guaranteed BL unlocked ?
Otherwise, I guess I'll just go the GPE route.
Thanks !
There are slightly used Z Ultras on EBay here in Canada for about $280 US. Good price, and the ads say "Unlocked" (Factory not specified, so I'd guess aftermarket SIM unlocked) but I understand Canadian Rogers phones are BL locked, and probably Canada Bell phones too.
I'd think that "Factory Unlocked" (for SIM of course) would imply BL unlockable, but I read posts here and there throwing doubt on that.
Anyone know that "Factory SIM Unlocked" from Hong Kong for example are guaranteed BL unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bell and rodgers ZUs are both bootloader locked, and I think some un the UK (t-mobile?) were as well. I would think that any others should be bootloader unlockable. My two (one from SG and the other may be from HK?) both were unlockable.
Someone was working on a tool to convert non-GPE ROMs to GPE, but that doesn't seem too fruitful so far I guess
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Click to collapse
I was working on a tool, but as I dont have a GPe it was difficult and I gave up. I think the only real bug left was baseband related, so no radio.
blueether said:
Bell and rodgers ZUs are both bootloader locked, and I think some un the UK (t-mobile?) were as well. I would think that any others should be bootloader unlockable. My two (one from SG and the other may be from HK?) both were unlockable.
I was working on a tool, but as I dont have a GPe it was difficult and I gave up. I think the only real bug left was baseband related, so no radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I actually decided to go for a Z2 Tablet straight from Sony for now. Deal seemed good; equivalent of $440 US.
Should be BL unlockable buying direct.
Z Ultra may be in my future still.
Related
Looking to get a ZU, preferably the 6806 since I'm with AT&T, and I found one for sale from Canada, probably on their Bell Mobility network...
Does anyone know if this would this work here in the US?
Also, on a side note, anyone familiar with any issues purchasing from Canada via ebay... customs, duties, taxes, etc.?
Thanks in advance.
chinee1 said:
Looking to get a ZU, preferably the 6806 since I'm with AT&T, and I found one for sale from Canada, probably on their Bell Mobility network...
Does anyone know if this would this work here in the US?
Also, on a side note, anyone familiar with any issues purchasing from Canada via ebay... customs, duties, taxes, etc.?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Bell phone will (might be unlocked) have a sim lock, and worse they are all bootloader locked so no easy root and no custom ROMs
blueether said:
The Bell phone will (might be unlocked) have a sim lock, and worse they are all bootloader locked so no easy root and no custom ROMs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate being such a newbie...
- What does having a sim lock mean?
- I thought the Z ultra 6806's were sold as unlocked phones... has a different meaning?
- I'm not interested in customizing the the ROM, or rooting, or anything similar, (at least not yet) so this is not an issue for me.
Help?
having a sim lock means the phone will only work with the provider that sells the phone, in canada only bell is the exclusive dealer for the XZU, if you want to use this phone on any other network you will need to buy an unlock code. they go for about $30 and takes a day, you provide them with your IMEI and they will email you the code when its processed.
im in canada but since the phone is from bell and im on rogers i had to get the sim unlocked for it to work on my network.
if the phone for sale is a bell phone then no it isnt unlocked, the only other local place to buy it is from the sony store and those come sim unlocked, the only huge difference from the bell phone and sony store is that the bootloader is locked for bell, if you read the previous post that means its harder to root and we can not use custom roms ( personally for me its not a huge downfall since i like the oem roms more atm)
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks at&t uses band 4 for lte so does bell and rogers ( i receive lte) so it should be fine.
the only thing you have to worry about to use the phone is spend an extra $30 for sim unlock.
if anything in my post is wrong feel free to correct everyone as im just trying to be helpful =)
caesu said:
having a sim lock means the phone will only work with the provider that sells the phone, in canada only bell is the exclusive dealer for the XZU, if you want to use this phone on any other network you will need to buy an unlock code. they go for about $30 and takes a day, you provide them with your IMEI and they will email you the code when its processed.
im in canada but since the phone is from bell and im on rogers i had to get the sim unlocked for it to work on my network.
if the phone for sale is a bell phone then no it isnt unlocked, the only other local place to buy it is from the sony store and those come sim unlocked, the only huge difference from the bell phone and sony store is that the bootloader is locked for bell, if you read the previous post that means its harder to root and we can not use custom roms ( personally for me its not a huge downfall since i like the oem roms more atm)
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks at&t uses band 4 for lte so does bell and rogers ( i receive lte) so it should be fine.
the only thing you have to worry about to use the phone is spend an extra $30 for sim unlock.
if anything in my post is wrong feel free to correct everyone as im just trying to be helpful =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply... the listing says the phone is unlocked, so I will have to make clear inquiries... if i decide to purchse this item.
Thanks again for you help.
I picked up a Z1 C6906 and to my surprise the bootloader is not unlockable. Going to be selling the phone and getting a white Z2 D6503 instead, but only if the bootloader is indeed unlockable. Given the Z2 has not been released in the USA [yet?], chances are this unit on Amazon is bootloader unlockable right? It is an international version.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-FACTORY-...?ie=UTF8&qid=1401728940&sr=8-2&keywords=d6503
Does anyone know a good place to pick these up online for a decent price?
If it's not carrier branded it shouldn't have an unlockable bootloader.
se1000 said:
If it's not carrier branded it shouldn't have an unlockable bootloader.
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Click to collapse
You mean should right?
I thought the same and the Z1 I got was carrier unbranded from Sony but a US model - which I suspect is the locked bootloader issue I encountered.
If carrier branded, then locked blootloader that cannot be unlocked
If not carrier branded, then locked bootloader that can be unlocked
Of course, you may want to ask the retailer to confirm before purchase.
se1000 said:
If carrier branded, then locked blootloader that cannot be unlocked
If not carrier branded, then locked bootloader that can be unlocked
Of course, you may want to ask the retailer to confirm before purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not all carrier branded one is not allowing unlock the bootloader... like mine.... I purchased it from Telstra and have got Telstra firmware and boot splash.
but I was be able to unlock my bootloader.
But it is true that not many career is not allowing you to unlock the bootloader. So check it with display model just type in *#*#7378423#*#* at caller and go to service info　then tap configuration.... and bottom of that screen they say bootloader unlock allowed:yes/no.
Retailer often will not tell that kind of information to customers.
I buy Z2 in Phones4You (London) and i have unlocked bootloader
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
se1000 said:
If carrier branded, then locked blootloader that cannot be unlocked
If not carrier branded, then locked bootloader that can be unlocked
Of course, you may want to ask the retailer to confirm before purchase.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily true, I got my Z2 from 3 and it had a 3 splash screen and bundled software but the phone was both network unlocked and bootloader unlockable.
kakkaroto said:
Not necessarily true, I got my Z2 from 3 and it had a 3 splash screen and bundled software but the phone was both network unlocked and bootloader unlockable.
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Click to collapse
Certain carriers such as 3 may ship with an unlockable bootloader, but for the purposes of what the OP is asking, that's a gamble. Plus, I haven't seen a list of carriers and the state they ship Z2 bootloaders in anywhere as a reference either.
urgh bootloader unlock: NO
argh! just checked and my O2UK Z2 says its not playing, anything I can do, I wanna go full root!
You can use the root tools in the dev sections
Sent from my D6503 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I bought one from Amazon USA and the bootloader isn't unlockable.
Xperia Z2 from the official Amazon vendor in European stores, like Amazon France come with an unlockable bootloader, so do ones from the Sony store. Anything else is a gamble, beware that most vendors that ship to the U.S. get the HK or Taiwanese models from existing local carriers to save a few bucks, because they are cheaper and sim unlocked, which is probably what happened to the OP.
Most users don't even care/try to unlock the bootloader, so the vendors rather increase their margins the way they can.
I suggest you return the unit you've got if you can't unlock the bootloader, especially if you bought it at the full price.
Hi everyone. I'm planning on buying Xperia Z2. I'm in Canada and the cheapest price I found is $700 at a Bell Mobility dealer. Since Bell probably wants people to buy their service, is there anything I should know for example is there a way Bell could lock it up? If I buy it outright from Bell and want to use it with Rogers, is this a problem, for example would I have to pay to get the phone unlocked? Thanks in advance.
EDIT: are there any other downsides of buying it from a carrier, for example would the boot loader not be able to be unlocked?
imgoingtowin said:
Hi everyone. I'm planning on buying Xperia Z2. I'm in Canada and the cheapest price I found is $700 at a Bell Mobility dealer. Since Bell probably wants people to buy their service, is there anything I should know for example is there a way Bell could lock it up? If I buy it outright from Bell and want to use it with Rogers, is this a problem, for example would I have to pay to get the phone unlocked? Thanks in advance.
EDIT: are there any other downsides of buying it from a carrier, for example would the boot loader not be able to be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
buying from a carrier almost always has downsides, %99 of the time,
downsides being non unlockable bootloader
(rare) not sim unlockable
sim locked
Envious_Data said:
buying from a carrier almost always has downsides, %99 of the time,
downsides being non unlockable bootloader
(rare) not sim unlockable
sim locked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but is there any place I can buy from that gaurantees an unlockable bootloader?
Anywhere that stocks simfree/factory unlocked Z2's.
Can you not buy through 3rd party, but still with network subsidy? In UK there are many such vendors who partner up with the network but sell what are essentially SIM free, therefore sim unlocked, phones.
imgoingtowin said:
but is there any place I can buy from that gaurantees an unlockable bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buying from the Sony store is unlock-able bootloader.
Another downside to carrier supplied devices is the bloatware!
Hey,
I have recently bought an Xperia Z ultra, and when i was about to CM11 it, i found out that the boot loader unlock allowed is NO.
Now where is live, i brought the phone through and import shop. so the procedure to obtain a operator key and send to Sony is impossible.
I can access my fastboot, i have even rooted my phone, but i really want custom roms and kernels to be an option.
I know that the usual answer to this is that its impossible. But i would appreciate if we discuss it to progress on this as i have seen too many people with this issue and i think it needs a solution. I would request the admin/moderators to keep this thread alive.
Now does anyone know why is it impossible ? is it hardware or software ?
any directions or people that i can personally request to work on this ? any leads ? i am really desperate, i really cant afford to spend that much on a phone again.
is the Xposed Framework any possible solution for this ?
any ideas information is helpful......
There is no solution, or one being worked on that I know of. In one thread it has been asked and a very good hardware hacker said that even taking the back off and putting a Xperia into it's maintenance mode you cant unlock a BL for these locked devices.
Have a read of the hard brick thread for the details
there seems to be a way, just a thought.
Upon on reseaerch, i am finding out a Linux command called kexec seems to be favour here. Since it can bypass kernel and force a custom one...
Work in progress for z1 here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2462799
Just leaving this link for other users like me, who might be searching... And also requesting to post replies here to see how much demand we have for this issue..
sp has something going on too
Xperia sp seems to have been worked upon in this matter recently http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2377972&page=7
kexec for ultra
Kexec for the ultra itself
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2615708&page=4
Are there any developers I can call out/plead to regarding this matter?? its really frustrating to have this much of a powerful device and not play with it. I miss CM.
unlocked bootloader if it says no
I had no idea that the sony z ultra had some units that couldn't be unlocked. why would sony do this, it says being able to unlock your bootloader is important to sony. They even gave me an unlocked code from their site. I bought an factory unlocked phone, so stupid that this one here can be unlocked and that one can't. so am I stuck with a locked bootloader now? I sold my Lg because of this crap now I am dealing with it again ****
BrownDog99 said:
I had no idea that the sony z ultra had some units that couldn't be unlocked. why would sony do this, it says being able to unlock your bootloader is important to sony. They even gave me an unlocked code from their site. I bought an factory unlocked phone, so stupid that this one here can be unlocked and that one can't. so am I stuck with a locked bootloader now? I sold my Lg because of this crap now I am dealing with it again ****
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's your carrier that has locked it (Rogers, i'm guessing?). There are only a couple of carriers that locks down the bootloader, like Rogers, O2 (i think) and another one that we're aware of.
It was bought factory unlocked from store no carrier involved which makes it even more crazy. I guess I will sell this model and get different one. Does the gpe have this stupid restriction on its model. I really like the 6.4 inch screen and don't want to go down in size. I am already going to get the nexus 6 so I definitely want a z ultra also
BrownDog99 said:
It was bought factory unlocked from store no carrier involved which makes it even more crazy. I guess I will sell this model and get different one. Does the gpe have this stupid restriction on its model. I really like the 6.4 inch screen and don't want to go down in size. I am already going to get the nexus 6 so I definitely want a z ultra also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's shouldn't be locked. Only a couple of carriers locks the bootloader. The GPe's bootloader is unlockable.
@BrownDog99 type *#*#7378523#*#* and check if you haven't. I don't think I've seen a factory one they is bootloader locked. What model? And from where did you buy it?
Ya i tried that it says no bootloader unlock. I bought it from a used cell store in toronto. It has a factory unlocked sticker on it, with no carrier apps installed or anything. Maybe it was a carrier phone, weird it came factory unlocked and with no carrier apps installed. I rooted it and put a dual recovery for lb and of course installed xposed. No custom kernel for me I guess. Too bad. I think it is Rogers and Bell that lock down the bootloader. I am impressed with the speed of it for a 800 snapdragon.
(I would use Unlocked version on Tmobile) No bloat with Unlocked version and T mobile folks said tether will work fine etc. i.e. Tmobile software not needed. Looking for suggestions for either phone. Thx in advance.
the b&h version doesnt come out until may 11th just fyi.
svengalis said:
the b&h version doesnt come out until may 11th just fyi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
B&H site now says May 1st. I called LG but was unable to get any scoop.
It would be great to get feedback from the forum on whether it would make sense to wait for the unlocked version or just get the T mobile verison now.
Thx
The RS988 would work just fine on T-Mobile. It will most likely receive less updates than the T-Mobile variant. For example the US991 Unbranded G4 that B&H sells still doesn't have Marshmallow. I'd assume the trend to continue.
RS988 comes SIM unlocked out of the box.. while the T-Mobile version does not but depending on if you buy it outright or are in good standing sometimes T-Mobile will unlock the SIM.
Bootloader on the RS988 will be locked. I'd expect T-Mobiles version to have a better shot at bootloader unlock... but maybe not. RS988 certainly has no edge over the T-Mobile version here tho. Both are locked at the moment. T-Mobil's may eventually get unlocked officially from T-Mobil update in the future... RS988 has no shot at that and it will take a bootloader exploit to unlock.
You can't really lose either way in my opinion... though you get more free perks with the T-Mobile version. Free 360 camera for those who buy tmo model until April 5th (tomorrow).. on top of the battery.
autoprime said:
The RS988 would work just fine on T-Mobile. It will most likely receive less updates than the T-Mobile variant. For example the US991 Unbranded G4 that B&H sells still doesn't have Marshmallow. I'd assume the trend to continue.
RS988 comes SIM unlocked out of the box.. while the T-Mobile version does not but depending on if you buy it outright or are in good standing sometimes T-Mobile will unlock the SIM.
Bootloader on the RS988 will be locked. I'd expect T-Mobiles version to have a better shot at bootloader unlock... but maybe not. RS988 certainly has no edge over the T-Mobile version here tho. Both are locked at the moment. T-Mobil's may eventually get unlocked officially from T-Mobil update in the future... RS988 has no shot at that and it will take a bootloader exploit to unlock.
You can't really lose either way in my opinion... though you get more free perks with the T-Mobile version. Free 360 camera for those who buy tmo model until April 5th (tomorrow).. on top of the battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, just the feedback I was looking for. I'll grab the T-mobile version and report back. Don't laugh...I'm transitioning from WebOs. I look forward to educating myself about the G5 and Android with the help of this site. Thanks again!
autoprime said:
The RS988 would work just fine on T-Mobile. It will most likely receive less updates than the T-Mobile variant. For example the US991 Unbranded G4 that B&H sells still doesn't have Marshmallow. I'd assume the trend to continue.
RS988 comes SIM unlocked out of the box.. while the T-Mobile version does not but depending on if you buy it outright or are in good standing sometimes T-Mobile will unlock the SIM.
Bootloader on the RS988 will be locked. I'd expect T-Mobiles version to have a better shot at bootloader unlock... but maybe not. RS988 certainly has no edge over the T-Mobile version here tho. Both are locked at the moment. T-Mobil's may eventually get unlocked officially from T-Mobil update in the future... RS988 has no shot at that and it will take a bootloader exploit to unlock.
You can't really lose either way in my opinion... though you get more free perks with the T-Mobile version. Free 360 camera for those who buy tmo model until April 5th (tomorrow).. on top of the battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well damn that sucks. i want the unlocked version cause im not sure which carrier i want to choose.
B&H Photo email about bootloader
svengalis said:
well damn that sucks. i want the unlocked version cause im not sure which carrier i want to choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say this is reliable yet as B&H model isn't actually available yet but I emailed them last week about this , tech support guy named Adam emailed back this week saying the bootloader is unlocked, I emailed back asking if he knew the difference between sims unlocked and bootloader unlocked, he said yes and confirmed bootloader also unlocked- I am a skeptic until I see it but, imho I do think it would give them an edge in sales and they have no vested interest in the carriers so I'm waiting to see (I also want it now but...) I also wonder if software will have less bloat. I'm thinking that all US models will all be locked but LG will give the unlock codes out for international models as they are claiming to be friendly to developers, and B&H has a good chance to be in that same boat. Still have hope for this
Only one bloat app on tmobile are T mobile acct app....evrythig else you can delete
Sent from my LG-H830 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Another thing that has me scratching my head, is how come they're the only ones that are selling this model?
I tried looking elsewhere online and don't see any major retailer selling it.
B&H model thoughts
I am still waiting to see what B&H model looks like (mostly because the money is short this month) but after reading more on this thread, I am leaning more towards the T-Mobile version, mainly because I would probably get better product support should the phone have problems in the beginning, also willing to wait for unlock when/if it comes. mail orders are risky and no one knows what this variant will be like until they get one and then they would probably have to deal with LG for problems after 30 days - while B&H doesn't have a vested interest in carriers, they also don't have an interest in getting the bootloader unlocked (if locked, and this sounds likely despite what I was told).
T-Mobile also has EVS out of the box
Another reason to consider the T-Mobile version is it has Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) enabled out of the box where as the unlocked version may never get it. Might not be a big deal but if your on T-Mobile already, why not go with it.
PDXG5 said:
Awesome, just the feedback I was looking for. I'll grab the T-mobile version and report back. Don't laugh...I'm transitioning from WebOs. I look forward to educating myself about the G5 and Android with the help of this site. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My wife's G4 was purchased from B&H four months ago and received the marshmallow update two weeks after we got it.
update on B&H vs T-Mobile version bands
I just found a post here at xda forums about the variant lg g5 models - what I've been waiting for to make a decision on T-Mobile vs B&H choice. this may or may not matter to everyone. I notice a slight difference in the bands among variants, might be important to allow full range of carriers before deciding. I would look at this link to see if the missing bands are important (T-Mobile is not very good in my area so having more available bands in the B&H model would be important to me if these stats are accurate.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g5/how-to/info-autos-g5-thread-t3350648
here is another link on variant LTE bands:
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Chea...on-T-Mobile-and-Sprint-use-in-the-USA_id77933