Chinese Android Phones 3 - Read First Post!

wilsixon · 07-10-2020 4:32pm

My Redmi 9 just arrived - looks good. Any advice on best (easiest and safest... don't want anything to stop working!) way to remove all MIUI bloatware from somebody with experience? Thanks

marcbrophy · 07-10-2020 5:08pm

Is it the 9S?
I put mine on the xiaomi.eu rom as soon as I could!
Once you register to allow yourself to unlock the bootloader, you've to wait 168 hours (1 week) for it to work

wilsixon · 07-10-2020 5:24pm

marcbrophy wrote: »

Is it the 9S?
I put mine on the xiaomi.eu rom as soon as I could!
Once you register to allow yourself to unlock the bootloader, you've to wait 168 hours (1 week) for it to work

No, it's the Redmi 9 Global version from banggood: https://www.banggood.com/Xiaomi-Redmi-9-Global-Version-NFC-6_53-inch-Quad-Rear-Camera-4GB-RAM-64GB-ROM-5020mAh-Helio-G80-Octa-core-4G-Smartphone-p-1692835.html?rmmds=search&ID=6290310&cur_warehouse=ES

Was hoping I didn't need to change roms. Is there an easier way? Or are there other benefits to doing that?

mjp · 07-10-2020 5:28pm

Have Redmi note 8 pro and been onto Vodafone to activate wi fi calling on this as doesn't show up as option when go into wi fi settings. After numerous calls and being sent around the houses by their technical support I was told that they only allow wi fi calling on recognised I phone samsung and some huawei devices. Anyone have experience of this of being unable to use wi fi calling on some of android phones mentioned on this thread.

marcbrophy · 07-10-2020 5:30pm

wilsixon wrote: »

No, it's the Redmi 9 Global version from banggood: https://www.banggood.com/Xiaomi-Redmi-9-Global-Version-NFC-6_53-inch-Quad-Rear-Camera-4GB-RAM-64GB-ROM-5020mAh-Helio-G80-Octa-core-4G-Smartphone-p-1692835.html?rmmds=search&ID=6290310&cur_warehouse=ES

Was hoping I didn't need to change roms. Is there an easier way? Or are there other benefits to doing that?

You know, I'm not really sure if I'm honest.
I found the ROM site and it listed all the improvements they make, along with the bloatware they remove and I was sold.
I didn't really look much more into it than that

Suckit · 07-10-2020 10:15pm

wilsixon wrote: »

My Redmi 9 just arrived - looks good. Any advice on best (easiest and safest... don't want anything to stop working!) way to remove all MIUI bloatware from somebody with experience? Thanks

There are a few ways. (I think there is an actual Mi bloatware remover tool too).

https://fossbytes.com/miui-hidden-settings-for-xiaomi-remove-bloatware/

https://selivan.github.io/2020/02/25/removing-bloatware-from-xiaomi-miui-android.html

fixXxer · 08-10-2020 11:01am

Anyone seen any cheap prices on a Mi Band 5?

Inquitus · 08-10-2020 11:14am

Is it only Huawei of the Chinese phone manufacturers who are banned from Play Services? It seems that there are workarounds you can do to get them on a Huawei phone, but Google and Huawei seem to patch these as they release updates, not sure I can live without Google Services, and not sure the hassle of trying to bypass the prevention techniques is worthwhile given they patch so regularly. Thoughts?

fixXxer · 08-10-2020 11:19am

Inquitus wrote: »

Is it only Huawei of the Chinese phone manufacturers who are banned from Play Services? It seems that there are workarounds you can do to get them on a Huawei phone, but Google and Huawei seem to patch these as they release updates, not sure I can live without Google Services, and not sure the hassle of trying to bypass the prevention techniques is worthwhile given they patch so regularly. Thoughts?

Could you install Lineage OS on the phone instead?

Suckit · 08-10-2020 3:52pm

Inquitus wrote: »

Is it only Huawei of the Chinese phone manufacturers who are banned from Play Services? It seems that there are workarounds you can do to get them on a Huawei phone, but Google and Huawei seem to patch these as they release updates, not sure I can live without Google Services, and not sure the hassle of trying to bypass the prevention techniques is worthwhile given they patch so regularly. Thoughts?

Auroraoss.com will help with most.

F-Droid / Fossdroid have some great alternative apps too, which are likely to be safer.

08-10-2020 7:42pm

Redmi note 9 pro for 240 or Oneplus 6t for 320?

I keep breaking phones at the moment so was trying to stay under 300...

Suppose I should start using cases too..,

bassy · 08-10-2020 7:44pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Redmi note 9 pro for 240 or Oneplus 6t for 320?

I keep breaking phones at the moment so was trying to stay under 300...

Suppose I should start using cases too..,

i would go for poco f2 pro for 25 euro more that the oneplus 6T

08-10-2020 7:46pm

bassy wrote: »

i would go for poco f2 pro for 25 euro more that the oneplus 6T

Is a lot of that price for 5g which I don't really care about?

Edit : I can see it's not. Thanks for the recommendation and I will consider

marcbrophy · 08-10-2020 7:51pm

I just got a 9 Pro today.
It's to replace my 9S, which is a great phone.

Can't fault them really

08-10-2020 7:55pm

Has anyone availed of a warranty with a Chinese phone?

I tried to return a refurbished Samsung but an post wouldn't carry it and couriers made it not worth my while.

I haven't had bad luck with Chinese phones to date but you never know

Tom Mann Centuria · 09-10-2020 6:51pm

Redmi Note 8T yay or nay? Looking to spend around the 180 to 200 max. This seems like a good bet.

Suckit · 09-10-2020 11:55pm

Tom Mann Centuria wrote: »

Redmi Note 8T yay or nay? Looking to spend around the 180 to 200 max. This seems like a good bet.

Good phone and price. Two others that also might be worth looking at are the Mi Note 9S or the Realme 6 which also may or may not drop in price on monday for amazon prime day.
Pretty even, but maybe the realme..

Tom Mann Centuria · 10-10-2020 12:40am

Suckit wrote: »

Good phone and price. Two others that also might be worth looking at are the Mi Note 9S or the Realme 6 which also may or may not drop in price on monday for amazon prime day.
Pretty even, but maybe the realme..

Thanks, I'll hang on and see. Not in a hurry, it's for my daughter.

Akrasia · 10-10-2020 12:43am

marcbrophy wrote: »

I just got a 9 Pro today.
It's to replace my 9S, which is a great phone.

Can't fault them really

Couldn’t be that great of a phone if it lasted less than 6 months.....

mr170 · 10-10-2020 10:08am

My son got the redmi note 9 pro. But we can't seem to figure out how to stop apps adding to the home screen when they are downloaded. Can't see an option in the Google play store. Any help would be great.

Tom Mann Centuria · 10-10-2020 11:19am

mr170 wrote: »

My son got the redmi note 9 pro. But we can't seem to figure out how to stop apps adding to the home screen when they are downloaded. Can't see an option in the Google play store. Any help would be great.

I don't have that phone but on mine I long press the home screen (like when you're adding widgets) and bottom right has preferences button, click that then there's an option to add apps to home screen, just turn that off.

wiz569 · 10-10-2020 11:32am

mr170 wrote: »

My son got the redmi note 9 pro. But we can't seem to figure out how to stop apps adding to the home screen when they are downloaded. Can't see an option in the Google play store. Any help would be great.

If you are running stock MIUI then you cant disable it as there is no app drawer so they need to go on your home screen, try using Nova launcher instead it will give you a app drawer.

mr170 · 10-10-2020 12:11pm

wiz569 wrote: »

If you are running stock MIUI then you cant disable it as there is no app drawer so they need to go on your home screen, try using Nova launcher instead it will give you a app drawer.

There is an app draw with Miui 11 and it's enabled. I just can't see an option to stop apps downloading to the home screen

wiz569 · 10-10-2020 1:03pm

mr170 wrote: »

There is an app draw with Miui 11 and it's enabled. I just can't see an option to stop apps downloading to the home screen

Ah OK sorry did not know that, haven't used MIUI in a few years, had a look in play store settings and its not in there so I'm stumped tbh.I use Microsoft launcher and there is a setting in there.

stockshares · 10-10-2020 1:19pm

mr170 wrote: »

My son got the redmi note 9 pro. But we can't seem to figure out how to stop apps adding to the home screen when they are downloaded. Can't see an option in the Google play store. Any help would be great.

Try this

Touch your home screen to bring up Wallpaper, Widgets and Settings.

Select settings

Then select More

Select Home screen.
There are two radio button options now, App Drawer or Regular

See if selecting App Drawer will work.

Don Imac2 · 10-10-2020 2:04pm

mr170 wrote: »

My son got the redmi note 9 pro. But we can't seem to figure out how to stop apps adding to the home screen when they are downloaded. Can't see an option in the Google play store. Any help would be great.

Touch and hold the app icon without launching the app. Then slide it it off your home screen to another area.

rizzee · 10-10-2020 3:03pm

mr170 wrote: »

My son got the redmi note 9 pro. But we can't seem to figure out how to stop apps adding to the home screen when they are downloaded. Can't see an option in the Google play store. Any help would be great.

On the main home screen, hold a blank area of the screen - click home settings (beside widgets / wallpaper, hopefully its the same on this device) - there's an option to toggle on/off '' Auto add new apps icons to home screen'')

marcbrophy · 10-10-2020 5:43pm

Akrasia wrote: »

Couldn’t be that great of a phone if it lasted less than 6 months.....

The 9S is a great phone, it's just missing NFC.
I'm swapping it out for the 9 Pro, which has NFC.
If you didn't use it, there'd be no reason I wouldn't recommend the 9S to you.
If you do use it, I'd recommend the 9 Pro

batman2000 · 12-10-2020 4:43pm

Hi has anyone looked at the Oppo X2 ? Any thoughts
https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_find_x2_lite-10176.php

cullenswood · 17-10-2020 8:42am

Daughter getting a phone for Christmas this year. Was going to go for the Redmi Note 8t from Amazon for £172 unless someone could tell me a more suitable phone for less than €200.

Odyssey 2005 · 17-10-2020 9:55am

batman2000 wrote: »

Hi has anyone looked at the Oppo X2 ? Any thoughts
https://www.gsmarena.com/oppo_find_x2_lite-10176.php

I got a Reno 2. Very happy with it. Excellent value and battery is excellent also.

stockshares · 17-10-2020 1:19pm

cullenswood wrote: »

Daughter getting a phone for Christmas this year. Was going to go for the Redmi Note 8t from Amazon for £172 unless someone could tell me a more suitable phone for less than €200.

I'm using a Redmi 9. The 8t doesn't have NFC. Compare both phones specs on Gsmarena phone finder.

It's on Amazon.es for €139. Check how much delivery costs. There are Parental controls if that's a concern.
https://www.hagglezon.com/en/s/Redmi%209

fixXxer · 17-10-2020 1:21pm

stockshares wrote: »

I'm using a Redmi 9. The 8t doesn't have NFC

It's on Amazon.es for €139 Inc delivery. There are Parental controls if that's a concern.
https://www.hagglezon.com/en/s/Redmi%209

8T does indeed have NFC. £172 would be expensive for it though. Should be available for ~€150

stockshares · 17-10-2020 1:34pm

fixXxer wrote: »

8T does indeed have NFC. £172 would be expensive for it though. Should be available for ~€150

Apologies.

I was trying to remember what made me choose the Redmi 9 over it, it's a while since I compared them. Redmi 9 has larger battery and cheaper.

Comparison of specs below

https://m.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=9946&idPhone2=10233

cullenswood · 17-10-2020 1:40pm

Great, thanks Fix and Stock, will go with the 9 from Spain, delivery is €8 so all in for less than €150.

Appreciate the help

pickarooney · 21-10-2020 8:12pm

Any European warehouses stocking Xiaomi phones for under 200 quid these days?

GBX · 21-10-2020 8:16pm

pickarooney wrote: »

Any European warehouses stocking Xiaomi phones for under 200 quid these days?

Not sure if they are European based but check out edwaybuy.com

Suckit · 22-10-2020 12:30am

pickarooney wrote: »

Any European warehouses stocking Xiaomi phones for under 200 quid these days?

Amazon.es and amazon.de are usually fairly competitive on price.

https://www.amazon.es/s?k=xiaomi&i=electronics&rh=n%3A934197031%2Cp_89%3AXiaomi&s=review-rank&dc&__mk_es_ES=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&qid=1603322918&rnid=1692911031&ref=sr_st_review-rank

https://www.amazon.de/s?k=xiaomi&i=electronics&rh=n%3A3468301&s=review-rank&dc&language=en&qid=1603323013&rnid=1703609031&ref=sr_st_review-rank

ImARebel · 22-10-2020 9:02am

Poco launcher is worth a look too. I like it

orm0nd · 22-10-2020 9:44am

Delivery less than 48 hours from honorbuy. Very impressed with them and fedex

Paullimerick · 22-10-2020 10:36pm

Hows the going people. Time of the year. My daughter 13 has a p20 lite for 2 years now. Great phone she says. But wants a new one. Was on about an iphone 11. Too expensive i think. Whats as good people

Suckit · 22-10-2020 10:59pm

Paullimerick wrote: »

Hows the going people. Time of the year. My daughter 13 has a p20 lite for 2 years now. Great phone she says. But wants a new one. Was on about an iphone 11. Too expensive i think. Whats as good people

Poco F2 Pro maybe. Depends on budget I guess.

Paullimerick · 22-10-2020 11:30pm

Is that a good phone in comparison to the iphone 11

Suckit · 23-10-2020 12:20am

Paullimerick wrote: »

Is that a good phone in comparison to the iphone 11

What does your daughter want to use it for mainly?
It is comparable to the iPhone in terms of performance (maybe even better) etc., and for roughly half the price (either side).
It has a good camera, good battery and decent audio.
It is more than capable of handling games or most anything that I would expect her to throw at it.
Google Camera (gcam) can also be installed on it.

24-10-2020 8:33am

Poco F2 Pro.. Notchless display with pop up camera. IR blaster. Headphones jack. Under screen fingerprint. Very fast 30w charging and pretty much a two-day battery.

Still love it a few months in. Any iPhone would be a downgrade in features I care about.

scamalert · 24-10-2020 7:44pm

been a while since visited this forum, have my xiaomi M1, its showing its age a bit but still plows trough a lot what i need.

anyhow looking to upgrade my parents, they both own samsungs a3-a5 :? or whatever 4-6 year old phones barely 8-16gb memory, so pretty useless as slow and no storage on them.

my budget is around 300-350, for two phones, dont care much about camera quality, strong signal, clean android OS and 32gb of space at least main factors, and maybe fingerprint scanners main features looking at, and of course decent chip for speed.

looking at this below that seems to be on offer on amazon for 79quid, any advise would be appreciated or any simillar better choices. Prefer amazon just in case of issues as its easy to return etc, rather then ebay or going though Chinese directly sites.

So in short need advise on what's reliable and still would have decent functionality- then forking out for brand samsungs etc.

Xiaomi Redmi 9A 2GB/32GB (UK Version + Official 2 year warranty), Granite Gray