Hey there guys.

Anyone able to tell me if vodafone re-brand the software on their phones as much as they used to?

I remember back to the days of the first camera phones and they used to totally re-do the software on the phones and deem them pretty much un-usable!

Thanks

Phil

I got mine from Vodafone and whilst it does have Vodafone specific stuff on it, you can still use the Nokia updater to get the latest software so I've not had any issues with it.

I think they still block VOIP on the handset as they did with the original N95, so if you want to use SIP and internet calling you will have problems.

Nokia updater will update the firmware to vodafones latest, but that may not be the latest version currently available for the sim free handset.

Another thing to consider, the original N95 and the new N96 have the ability to add more memory using micro SDHC cards, the N95 8GB has no such ability and you are stuck with 8GB ram. The original N95 has no problems with 16GB cards, so if you want more storage in the future get the original N95 or N96.

I debranded my N95 8GB and stuck the latest firmware on it after day 1. It went from something like V10.x.x to version 30.

Bear in mind this could cause problems with your Vodafone warranty. Also, it will render the pre loaded Spiderman 3 movie(if loaded at all) useless unless you back things up and even that isn't a guarantee.

Edited 19 October, 200817 yr by dstev2000
Spelling

I debranded my N95 8GB and stuck the latest firmware on it after day 1. It went from something like V10.x.x to version 30.

Bear in mind this could cause problems with your Vodafone warranty. Also, it will render the pre loaded Spiderman 3 movie(if loaded at all) usless unless you back things up and even that isn't a guarantee.

Same here, and yes, it lost the video. Still worth doing though.

Can you go back to the original rom for warranty issues?

My other option is to get it from three. Its slightly cheaper but not as many minutes and txts.

Phil

IF you can find the original file then it's possible.

De branding the Three handset can cause some hassle.

The generic Nokia firmware doesn't have apps like 'Planet 3' which, from what i'm told by others, is quite important for accessing certain features.

No, you cant go back to a branded version UNLESS the branded version available is the same version as the generic installed or newer - which is nigh impossible, as Variants are always behind the generics.

Either get the N95v1 or N96. The N95 8GB is restricted in not having a card port.

9/10 back flashing will wreck it requiring a trip to the service centre.

De-branding technically does invalidate your warranty but that will be down to the service centre picking the issue up. If you debrand you take a chance that if anything else goes wrong you will have to pay for it but it's your choice.

Another thing I've just thought of is to just buy my own unlocked handset.

I'm only paying £12.49 a month with t-mobile which includes web'n'walk!

If that went up to £32/35 it will cost me more than it would just to buy the handset myself and i would be tied into an 18th month contract!

Phil

Another thing I've just thought of is to just buy my own unlocked handset.

I'm only paying £12.49 a month with t-mobile which includes web'n'walk!

If that went up to £32/35 it will cost me more than it would just to buy the handset myself and i would be tied into an 18th month contract!

Phil

No it wouldn't. The difference is less.

£35-12.49 = £22.51

£22.51x18=£405

They are currently £599 sim free and unlikely to come down much. You might get a few deals but you will be lucky to see one the right side of £500

I was thinking more along the lines of e-bay (around £300) or CEX CeX : we buy and sell Games, DVDs, PC Hardware & Software, Phones and electronics online (£340 with 12 month warranty).

I got my last phone from CEX (T-mobile mda vario III).

Then again... if i just get it on Three without the mobile internet add-on (still get msn and skype for free) then its only £27 and I will be able to use it in austrailia at the minutes etc will just come out of my allowance!

phil

I got mine £230 off eBay, Voda branded but unused. Doesnt bother me so much as im on Voda anyway and when my contract is up in March i will switch to O2 on a sim only deal and unbrand the phone myself. Obvioussly i would have to contact the seller to get his original reciepts in the event of a warranty issue, but its a risk you take i suppose, and its insured anyway so i could always use that.

I got my Vodafone branded N95 8GB for £200 off ebay as well. It was in mint condition. I also got rid of my sh|te Tocco via Mazuma for £90

And what's wrong with the 8 gig model? It's more than sufficient for 99% of users.

I onyl have a 6gig card in my current phone and thats only just half full now.

I don't use it for music (i have an iPod for that).

8GB in my eyes is ample storage for most users unless you're wanting to use it as an mp3 player then yes, 16gb would be better.

Phil

Its a damn sight less glitchy and quicker than the standard N95 and the N96 for that matter, though im sure better firmware will sort the 96