@Ultrahub wrote:
Hello everyone,
Just to let you know I did order the OP7 from B&H. Not the original T-mobile version suggested by will13am but the unlocked North American version for $50 more than the $300 price that was mentioned earlier. The upside is that this version WILL update without having to be connected to a T-mobile network. The extra $50 is worth it to me. It's arriving tomorrow.
Great to see how many in this community are 'listening' out there, and how knowledgeable you are. Thanks to all.
@Ultrahub , I should set the record straight on software support. The T-Mobile version does not require you to be a T-Mobile customer to get OTA updates. When I turned on the phone, connected to WiFi, I was immediately able to update to the November 2020 security patch. So, there are no differences that I can tell for software updates between the two models. As for bloatware, the only app I found in the app drawer that is T-Mobile related is their app for managing user accounts. This app can be hidden away.
The major difference with the T-Mobile model is that the software has been modified to disable SIM2 and the SIM tray is single SIM only. A single IMEI has been assigned to the device. So even if the second SIM is enabled via transition to the global model software, both SIMs will be assigned to the single IMEI. This does not appear to be a hindrance in any way to device functionality.
As for switching the software over to the global model, it does take a few hours to read up on the instructions, download the software tools, drivers, fastboot zips and install them. The fine folks at xda have also provided an unbricking tool just in case something goes off the rails. The risks of catastrophe are low. Note that the modifications only changes the software to the global model. The phone still identifies as a T-Mobile for what that's worth. Anyway, I have successfully completed the transition on my phone. A dual SIM tray has been ordered. I am going to help a friend to do the modification on the weekend.
Is the extra cost worth it? For those who don't want the hassle of modding phone software, definitely. I have been unlocking bootloaders and rooting phones from the day that I bought a used LG Optimus One which interesting was a T-Mobile variant. I could not pass up on the savings. Besides, it is part of the fun of getting a new phone.
One last thing, if you want to use custom sound files for notification, alarm, ringtone, a workaround is required. The sound settings has a big limitation. Only sound files in the system partition can be selected. You need to install a music player that has an option to make a sound file the default for notification, alarm, ringtone. The music player has to be given permission to change system settings.
Enjoy the new phone! Give the GCam port a try.
