Don't Google also spy on us?

Interestingly, the Redmi Note was reportedly found transmitting data in the background even after being rooted or after being flashed with another firmware on top. OCWorkbench speculates that the transmission process had been hardcoded into the Xiaomi Redmi Note.

It is missing Band 20 at 800Mhz, so no 4G on O2/GiffGaff/Tesco etc.

The seller offers 1 year warranty with buyer responsible for return shipping costs, and after the first month you must also pay their shipping costs. Aliexpress also have their own buyer protection scheme which covers you if you don't receive the item within 60 days and for 15 days from receipt if the item is faulty or not as described but you will still have to return the item to China at your expense. In practice, I wouldn't want to rely on the seller's the warranty.

There is an official global rom for this model from Xiaomi and while I can't predict how long it will remain updated, they are still providing official updates for devices that released several years ago.

Does this work on all 4G networks in UK?
What's the warranty like, if any, from this seller?
Will the ROM get update regularly for at leastca year?

Thanks.

oooh. nice size battery.

Good chance of customs charge however.

6.65% quidco

This or the Ulefone Power??... Thoughts.

Rich

One word for this phone - Phenomenal -

When the 3gb ram 32gb one drops a bit i'm going for that,If this had two sims and an sd slot i would snap it up.

How is the reception on vodafone network for xiaomi phones?

Top deal for a quality phone

​Its a tough one!

im using a redmi note 2 at the mo

would this be much of an upgrade?

how does it take to arrive to uK?

how long*

This or the s5 from Amazon?

Oh, no sd slot. Silly.

Warning these Xiaomi phones got hard coded spyware in them which you can't remove even you flash global rom.
Here's proof http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/is-xiaomi-secretly-sending-smartphone-user-data-to-chinese-servers-567686

Interestingly, the Redmi Note was reportedly found transmitting data in the background even after being rooted or after being flashed with another firmware on top. OCWorkbench speculates that the transmission process had been hardcoded into the Xiaomi Redmi Note.

Good deal but would spend bit more for the 3gb ram version if you want to use original rom. MIUI is a ram hog.

just search Xiaomi spying hardcoded in google you should find all the info.

Don't Google also spy on us?

took me four attempts with three cards before I managed to put the order through. Is this normal? Sure hope it was worth it.
I was on the verge of ordering the vodafone smart ultra 6 for a family member before I came across this. Certainly seems better designed. Hope the screen is at least as good. Many thanks OP

Has anyone got first hand experience of the camera on this? I've seen some negative reviews.

More chance if they use DHL shipping. However there was a seller guaranteeing to refund fees for a higher upfront cost.

Plenty of youtube videos giving the info on this. You need to separate the copper circuit from the plastic sim and then glue that to the microsd so its not as straightforward as just glueing the whole plastic sim to it :wink:

http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/blog/2016/03/how-to-enjoy-dual-sim-and-micro-sd-simultaneously-on-the-galaxy-s7/

I just ordered the 3GB version for £137 so planning to do this to mine having come from zopo speed 7 which had dual sim + seperate micro sd.

​Not heard of this before. Very cool

I ordered the redmi note 3 pro prime when it was posted here... got it in 8 days no customs charge, they put on the declaration that its a gift/mp4 player that only cost $50. so only if customs decide to cut open the parcel to check, its very unlikely

Can't think why anyone in China would be interested in my text messages or photos. Anyway, I run my major crime syndicate and all criminal activities on an Apple phone because they can't be hacked and are made by totally trustworthy Americans. Oh wait..

Ridiculous that anyone would believe this Sinophobic nonsense..

As someone who bought this when it was on special for £127 I can say it's a brilliant phone for what you pay. However, I would not really recommend this to those that just want a phone that works out of the box. The installed rom on the phone is in english, however you will come across random things that are in chinese.

I would highly recommend removing the current rom and sticking something better on it. I know Cyanogenmod is currently a WIP, but you can install an EU MIUI rom which is much better once you have unlocked your bootloader.

The shipping time took about 2 1/2 weeks and I wasn't charged any import tax that you normally would from China.

took 9 days for me to receive the redmi note 3 pro prime, marked the item as mp4 player so no custom charges either

Edit: Nevermind

Good price - they also have 3GB RAM /32GB ROM version for £137

with the 32gb model i probably wouldn't need any more.

Patience has its reward. I always choose the free but relatively slow delivery from china and have never been charged extra duty on the six occasions i've done it. The express couriers such as dhl will charge duty plus an admin charge on anything they believe cost more than £34. They are as sharp as nails at this sort of thing.

I just wish this had NFC I know most don't see it as a problem but the fingerprint scanner and android pay means this isn't worth upgrading from my current SU6, however SU6 is annoying me now because I'm having to deal with more with VR in my work and it doesn't have a gyroscope, I was given a really nice universal VR headset that fits the SU6 perfectly, alas it doesn't sodding work. I'm afraid all of these tradeoffs will make me eventually shell out for a proper phone although I do love saying to people that this phone cost me £100!

This isn't the pro version. The Pro version has 3gb RAM

For those asking about networks

RK Technology
GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
TD-SCDMA
4G bands LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 7(2600), 38(2600), 39(1900), 40(2300), 41(2500)

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/mobile-phone/how-tell-whether-phone-is-supported-by-your-network-3597426/
http://www.gsmarena.com/network-bands.php3?sCountry=United+Kingdom

Hi JustinBedford
Do you have a link for the 32gb version you bought for £137.

Cheers

There are two versions of the Pro
16GB - 2GB Pro
32GB - 3GB Pro Prime

Ok the names must be different outside of China. In China the versions are called the Redmi note 3 (2gb) and Redmi note 3 pro (3gb)

Must admit it is a little confusing...

Yes there is a non Pro cheaper version (16GB - 2GB) which has the somewhat inferior MediaTek Helio X10 chip

And do you think Google and Apple are not doing the same?

Redmi Note 3 is an mtk x10 processor.
The pro version, 16gb and 32gb are snapdragon 650.


There is also the smaller screen version, the Redmi 3, this has snapdragon 616.

got one of these from s previous offer, really great phone for the money IMHO, took about two weeks from despatch, five days to despatch. one huge problem which I've not managed to solve, due to lack of 64 bit win pro PC, is replacing the seller installed ROM, which has Trojan! Get a sealed box one is my advice. oh yes didn't pay any duty

​This is the pro version as it doesn't have the mediatek CPU it has the snapdragon

MrB123 - Which seller was yours from and which programme detected the trojan?

Ahhh I see . Thanks for explaining

Seller, Goldway, Trojan detected by Malawarebytes and another I don't tend the name of

Thanks

​i hope you got the redmi note 3 pro prime version with the snapdragon 650 and not the 32gb mediatek version at that price cos that is a fantastic price if you did!

I got one from Gearbest that had their own rom. Stuck the global one on, 7.2.3.

The note 3 is a really good budget smartphone. Runs O2 and its partners in 3G only, Shame. It does run with 2 sims AND a Micro 128Gig sd card. Huge card no issues. I have had one for a couple months 256$. Great phone nice size display.Just one point I forgot to mention. Do check your SD card before installation. I got one from China and it had an auto run program which installs a Trojan virus. Yes it was in a sealed packet.

Do you mean it takes 2 sim cards and an sd card or is it the glue trick with the sd card.

.[/quote]Do you mean it takes 2 sim cards and an sd card or is it the glue trick with the sd card.[/quote]No I just used the sims and card. It is very tight, took three attempts to do it.. but that's what its designed to do. The glue trick is two fold one you can keep the sim in place on the SD card,, Good idea. The youtube trick is taking a sim apart and gluing it. Looks easy but didn't have to do it.

I am tempted with the note 3 pro but as other have said, it doesn't support the 800MHz. I am with Vodafone and they support 2600MHz 4G, has any tried this phone on Vodafone and got 4G with the 2600MHz?

I just bought this for £112.41, added to 7.5% Quidco, bringing it to a nice £103.98 if it tracks. :smile:

Regards
Flea

Where was that deal from? I am hopefully getting one from Hong Kong if my friend finds one there. Failing that I will have to order online.

Here you go Wildcard.

They also have the 3GB Prime version for £147.54.

Enjoy.

Regards
Flea

Thanks for the link flea. I have seen dreami mentioned on another thread on here & I heard they are reliable :smiley: I have never known such a complex phone to buy, I have sent my friend the details but this phone has so many version sounding almost the same its tough going. Especially bearing in mind not all shop sellers are going to be 100% reputable so they are trying their best but I guess they don't want to get me the wrong version? Even the official xiaomi site lists an alternate seller on the website as I had hoped that would be simple option to just go into their main store :/

Hey , anyone know how to make the the top bar bigger on the Global rom? It's tiny and I can't read the text easily :S

Weird cash back tracked at £12.00. Would make this £100.41. Bonus if it pays out at this level. O.O

Regards
Flea

​I'd recommend not posting the same question on multiple links.

You're best finding the miui and xiaomi website forums together with xda developers. They're Tue best places for technical possibilities.

​mine did this too

My mi4c is filled with malware/adware that I can't remove. I've never had this problem with any other china phone or tablet. I do not trust xiaomi and regret buying a xiaomi phone.

7.3.2.0 is out.

​Flash it with the global ROM? or another firmware like cyanogenmod

​when did you get this? mine is showing no update

I thought I was decided on getting the 3gb version but now I am considering the 2gb version which seems slightly better value for money? Is the performance very similar? Also may I ask when buying from alixepress/dreami is it best to use a credit card such as the clarity card for best rate as I see the prices are in US dollars. £116 is a great price. If it does get stopped for customs inspection what is the charge likely to be? Is it 20% of total value?

​sorry just seen your question. it was from dreamli as mentioned by others with topcashback. should be delivered in naxt cpl days actually

I still can't get the OTA

What ROM have you got now?

7.1.9.00

]Aliexpress[/url]
Hope the link has taken. I have bought four from this company now. They even phoned me this morning from China (04.00hrs their time) to check a note I put on the order for DHL. the bonus with these guys is there is no import duty.

How do you know there's no import duty?

How do you guys pay for this? Do banks charge for comverting to ud dollars?

How do you guys pay for this? Do banks charge for comverting to ud dollars?

​Like 250 orders experience from banggood/ gearbest

​i use their alipay. Haven't encountered any charges

little confused, sorry..You say you ordered from aliexpress, but that you have experience of no duty from banggood/gearbest.
Is it dependant on the courier?

I read on a few threads on here that DHL almost always charge the import duty where applicable

I have several friends that have ordered from this company (('TOPONE' look just above here and click my text.)) I have personally ordered 4 now from them. Service from them has been exemplary. They open the packet and put on the latest software and also Google. If you look in the thumbnails to the left they also guarantee no duty or VAT paid in the EU via DHL. I have never paid. I could not believe that they called me this morning on a query. The phone is excellent value for the money. I seem to recall somewhere that if the value is below a certain amount as a gift that you don't get charged. Almost everyone I know at work has one now. Great phone and no issues.

Not one person I know has paid it. They have even posted to a friend in Albania and he didn't pay anything either. Non-EU

Thanks for the info.

Seems that works out at over £150 from that seller with shipping.

You realise this is the 3gb/32gb version for just a few quid more. 112 plus shipping is the cheapskates version 2gb/16gb that you want I think.

Do you think quidco will pay out? I see there is also topcashback @ 5% so quidco is the better option @ 7.5% worth a try I reckon

Ok thanks I didnt realise that this thread/price was the 2GBversion. Now I understand the price difference . Just need to decide whether to get this or possibly the ulefone future or something else!

Have you ever thought that someone might not want or need the higher specification at a higher price? You call it a 'cheapskates' version but at 25% more expensive, for RAM and storage I will never use is pointless and a waste of money. I could say the 3GB version is the 'more money than sense' version, but I wont as that's the joy of choice, buy what works for you.

I had a quick look round and the going rate for the 3GB Pro prime was circa £140, which would make it £28 more expensive and a lot more than 'just a few quid more', unless that is you can provide a link to the 3GB pro prime version for about £115?

Regards
Flea

Cash back should always be treated as a added bonus. If it tracks and gets paid out, BONUS! if not, better luck next time.

Personally with Quidco, I've had eight disputed claims over the last two years, all but two of them (£4.47 total) were paid on appeal. So for me, failure rate on cash back is quite low.

Regards
Flea

And don't forget the possibility of paying import and vat. 16GB ram runs out of space very quickly. The ROM/RAM price upgrade is minimal when compared to iPhone upgrades. where is the £115 version without VAT or duty, not including my link.

You would have the same possibility of paying import duty and VAT whether the phone is 2GB/16GB or 3GB/32GB when they are both sourced from the far east. So sorry you lost me, that comment made little to no sense.

As I said specifications is personal choice, 16GB doesn't run out for me, I just don't know how others can run out so easily, must be either installing a lot of carp or bad storage management. 16GB was fine on my HTC One M8, and it will be fine on this one. Personally I don;t need any more.

Then you go on about iPhones, seriously, what's one brands cost of upgrades got to do with another?
Its like me saying, paying £800 extra on a Ford Fiesta for authentic leather is an absolute steal, because on a Porsche 918 it costs £20,000. /facepalm

Let me directly quote you from a few posts ago, "You realise this is the 3gb/32gb version for just a few quid more" this whole post was for a 2GB/16GB, not a 3GB/32GB version, so your either very mistaken with your reading/posts and thought this deal was for the 3GB version, or as I said prove your claims that the 3GB model can be had for a few quid more elsewhere.

Regards
Flea

There are a lot of tests out there and comparisons giving head to head speed results between the redmi pro 3 note pro 16gb (2gb ram) & 32gb (3gb) and there is very little in the benchmark scores. I currently am running out of space and have done for a while now but am only using a 8gb Motorola moto g 4g. For me I would prefer 32gb just incase but I will be fine with the 16gb so I have ordered that one as I think it is slightly better value for what looks very similar overall performance. There is an argument in the future say 2yrs time when 3gb ram may be more necessary say but by then there will be a whole host of other handsets around as well. I would rather keep the spend towards the £100 mark & get a new one again when I feel I need it & current performance is lacking. My moto has a really low spec camera & only 1gb ram. It's super tough & great little phone for what it cost but is somewhat limited performance wise of late with a pause each time a command/app is requested.

Hi again Flea, Am I right in thinking you also ordered from Dreami? They have asked me if I want them to put the Google play store on or leave the box sealed? I hear some sellers are putting virus/spyware loaded ROMs on. Is it best to get sealed box or let them put the ROM on for me?

Hi there WIldcard.

I did order from Dreami, and mine just got delivered by Royal Mail. Air packaged and marked as MP3 player $42. No import extras for me, sweet! 12 days from order to delivery, but in reality it was not sent out from the warehouse till 17/05/2016, so one week for delivery which is good.

Extras in the package were a UK travel plug, clear plastic case, sim size converters, sim card extractor pin and screen protector.

But to answer your question, I asked them for sealed box. I prefer to sort things out myself, then I know exactly what has been done to it. As I work in the IT field, I've been flashing ROMs and rooting phones for many a year. Its not a hard process and there are many guides on how to do it, but if you are not so good at this or don't want the hassle, opt for them to put their ROM on it.

Regards
Flea

Many thanks for the info fleabum. It sounds like you are a bit more knowledgable than me but I know a little bit myself & have had a look at the guide. It sounds like most are putting the global ROM on it themselves. Let me know how you get on? It sounds like different sellers put different ROM versions on so I thought like you it made more sense to get a sealed box version and sort it myself.
Enjoy

Not a problem, always try to help.

I have just flashed global rom onto mine, fastboot version 7.3.2 (kenzo_global_images_V7.3.2.0.LHOMIDD_20160419.0000.19_5.1_global). I used this guide to help out along the way :- Tools, Tips & Tutorials - MIUI DEVICE TEAM - Flash (Unbrick) Redmi Note 3(SD) with Locked Bootloader

I have also asked for a Xiaomi legitimate unlock code from their website here :- http://en.miui.com/unlock/. With this I should be able to install any rom on it I please with little hassle, but it does take upto 10 days they say.


Regards
Flea

​Great guide ... but if you don't have experience in this or unsure, don't try it. Correcting things that go wrong is a pain in the proverbial for Xiaomi Phones largely down to MiFlash not being as user friendly as other brand tools such as Odin for Samsung.

The Xiaomi forums are great, but it is hard to find things on there due to the annoying system where you have to reply In order to view or access downloads.

Thanks for the warning, I was unsure whether to let the seller put the global ROM on for me but having read the guide it looks like something I can do. I will probably get a friend who is more knowledgable on these matters than me to assist with the operation as you say I don't want to mess it up. I wouldn't have felt confident having a ROM with potential virus/spyware onboard.

Hey Flea,

I am considering getting the Redmi Note 3 Pro from the Dreami link which you posted up. Still debating whether to get the 3GB ram version of 2GB version.

I had a couple of questions:

1. Do you know whether you can flash anything other then MIUI on it? CM13 for example?
2. I believe you mentioned that you've bought phones from them before, just want to confirm that it is Dreami that you bought your phones from.
3. Do you know whether the battery can be replaced? It sounds like your in the IT business so I thought you may know whether it can be opened or not.
4. I have used MIUI 7 on my Galaxy S4 and had the following issues, can you advise whether you have had these issues before:
- GPS: I had to do a lot of fiddling around to get GPS working
- Google Chrome: With the build of MIUI 7 I have used on Galaxy S4 Google Chrome didn't work. It was a known issue, pages simply to not load, all other browsers worked apart from Chrome
- International numbers were not recognised, for example +44 numbers which are saved in my contacts where not being recognised when I had incoming calls, so I had to replace them with 0. Is that an issue with the Redmi Note 3 ROM?
- What PORT does it have on the bottom? USB Type C or the older style?
- Do you reckon MIUI 8 will ever come to the Redmi Note 3 line? Do they continue to support older devices like Cyanogenmod do?

I am currently looking into a replacement for my S4 and I was thinking of getting a refurbed S5 but the Redmi Note looks really tempting.
Thanks!

BTW anybody else can answer my questions if they like :innocent:

Bought my RN3Pro from Dreami
16GB - 2GB (£112.00)
Factory sealed as requested + free gifts
Took approximately twelve days to arrive (from order)
No tax to pay
Installed the Global Rom (took about two hours, never done it before lol)
Helps to use Windows 7 / 8 / 64bit
Installing / finding the drivers was the tricky bit as :
a) they weren't named the same as in the guide
b) little did I realise Windows 8 already had them installed...
Absolutely love this phone!
The battery life is amazing! Had to charge my previous GN3 every night, RN3 every 3rd / 4th night
Just checked again and its now down to $150.00... (~ £102.00) + TCB / Quidco
Possibly deserves a post in its own right
Dreami / Gold Version
Don't forget to order a Case and Glass Screen Protector whilst your at it

Is anybody using Vodafone on their Redmi Note 3? I made a separate thread on that:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/ask/what-frequency-vodafone-4g-2454703?p=28090925

What UK networks will work with 4G on the Redmi note 3?

Howdee ceanth,

I will do my best to answer your questions.

1) The phone is supplied locked, but there is information on XDA on how to 'fudge' unlock the phone using a patched file. You can request factory unlock from Xiaomi though their website, (I have done this) once its manifacture unlocked you should be able to install any rom you like, there was a few on XDA and some also on Xiaomi's own forums.

2) I used Dreami from aliexpress. I think their entire name is Hong Kong Dreami.

3) Its a sealed battery, so I personally would not bother trying. But saying that, there are other phones that have sealed batteries that have guides for changing. So I can't really help on this one.

4) Not really tested GPS much.
- Chrome works fine.
- Just looked at my contacts, I have them as +44 7967 XXXXXX ect, and when they call it comes up with their contact details/name but shows the number as 07967 XXXXXX.
- Mini USB not type-c.
- They release weekly dev builds which is more than the 'major' brands do. But with any phone, updates are not guaranteed.

Now the phone is £102 with a possible 7.5% cash back. Sure you could sell it on for cost if you don't like it ?

Regards
Flea

Cheers Flea,

Sounds really good. The last thing I would like to know is how much 4G i will get out of Vodafone, also if you are able to advise which network's 4G will not work on the Redmi Note 3.

If I get it im probably going to go for the 3GB ram version as I don't like to change phones often so my logic is that i'll go for the best I can get at this stage so it lasts longer.

​Hey bud, MIUI8 is confirmed for the entire line in Redmi Phones. Also, I don't think it will work on Vodafone LTE but you can check here

http://willmyphonework.net/

Fleabum i see you had an HTC one m8 how does this compare.Got the Htc one m8 myself but do like dual sim phones,Also a worry for me is does the gps work last chinese phone i had took forever to get a gps signal.

​Hey Den. Don't have this phone, but GPS on my Xiaomi Mi4 works flawlessly.

I just installed GPS Test app to see how many I see compared to the HTC. Single test results.

Phones side by side on windowsill. Turned GPS on both and started app on both.

Xiaomi - 28 sats within 5 seconds, 3D location to 10 feet lockon within 7 seconds.
HTC - 25 sats within 27 seconds, 3D location to 10 feet lockon within 38 seconds.

Looks OK to me... but I'm not an expert tester. That means 1 of three things... 1, the Xiaomi has awesome GPS. 2, the Xiaomi had some sort of GPS tracking on before I turned it on, 3, I'm a total numpty and shouldn't be doing tests! :smiley:

The HTC One M8 is a very sold phone and unless you are unhappy with it then why upgrade?

Regards
Flea

I like the dual sim larger screen etc.If the one m8 was dual i wouldn't consider it.Even thought of a dual sim adaptor for the HTC but this does look a lot of phone for the money.

Not tested the dual sim, I prefer to keep my work phone totally separate from my personal one, and I don't really use enough data to justify a data sim. My primary use for a phone is calling people, followed by mobile contact information and diary.

At the price it is, I would suggest you get it, try it and see if you like it. If you don't you should be able to sell the Xiaomi on for the same cost if you don't like it or if you decide to keep it then sell on the HTC. I know music magpie are giving £78 for a HTC one m8 in good condition, maybe get a little more on fleabay or gumtree.

Regards
Flea

Hi Fleabum..

How did you request the sealed box? I want to order the dark grey one, but there's no option when ordering to add any note to the seller. Did you email them after you placed your order?

Thanks
Jacques

LOL. Apple phones upload your data to their servers too. Is that spying as well?

Just turn it off on the Xiaomi's if you don't want the uploads.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141023/technology-mobiles-and-tabs/article/xiaomi-really-spying-indian-user%E2%80%99s-privacy

Replied to your PM. But I will post the information here in case it helps anyone else.

"When I placed the order on aliexpress, there was a text box for 'message to seller' or some such. I just wrote in there, factory sealed box please.

After the order was placed, there was another section on the order to send a message about the order, I asked again here for factory sealed box too. They responded explaining that there would be only English/Chinese and no play store if I did that, and was I sure. I replied I was sure.

They then went on to say not a problem, and the package arrived factory sealed. I was very happy with the whole experience, their communication was good and always within 24 hours."

Regards
Flea

Hi again Flea, got my new phone last week. All looks very good so far (arrived sealed & build quality looks superb), did you get the unlock code from the official site ok from xiaomi. I don't think I will be setting it up for global ROM for a few days yet(I will let my mate help who does a lot of these type things) Also I read on another post on here somewhere that someone was running his with the Chinese rom still and was happy with that? I think he just installed the play store on it as it came, main benefit was for OTA updates I think? I have read the comparison & think the global ROM is the choice for most and is what I intend to do.

Yes I got a text with my unlock code and a link to the software you needed to do it.

Running the global rom, only downside was I could not select England as the local, so I went for Falkland Isles. Actually got an OTA update to the global ROM today, nice to see Xiaomi are doing the updates.

Very happy with mine for the price, battery life is awesome.

Regards
Flea

Sounds good, I think it's a good idea then to get the unlock code & maybe join you on the falkland isles . Do they send a link to the global ROM as well then? I know the ROMs are posted up on the guides but seems straight forward doing it this way.

Hi, Only just got back round to trying to sort this. Am i right in thinking if i request the xiaomi unlock code i can then use the update app on the phone to get the global rom. As currently I can only access the chinese version.
I have manually downloaded the global stable rom but it won`t verify the update (i assume it it protected)

Thanks for this info. I ended up buying a UK based device. The website you gave actually suggests Vodafone 4G will work on Band7-2600MHz.

Anyhow I guess I am out now, which is a shame since Vodafone is the only network which works in my flat so I am stuck with it :disappointed: