Global Rom or Global Version, What would you do?

[redrooster62]

I want a New phone and I would be using it in Canada. I have been looking mostly on Aliexpress
because I can save quite a bit of money. I am looking for a Motorola because suppose to be clean android and
little or no Bloatware at least the version from Canada. I know nothing about downloading Roms and don't know the meaning of what Rooting is
so I have to keep things simple. My dilemma is do I get a Global Version because I will get OTA updates with no hassle or a Chinese Version that the seller has flashed a Global Rom on? The Chinese with the global rom may or may not get OTA updates but is cheaper than a True Global Version from Aliexpress.
The seller says I can update the phone myself? I don't mind updating if the phone notifies me of an update and I just have to Tap to install
but I don't know if it is that easy? What should I do?
Also Motorola doesn't have any Global Version I can find like Xiaomi has but even they do not have all models in Global Versions.

 

[xXx yYy]

I would never buy a phone off AliExpress because this seller is known to sell fake produccts.
Generally, AliExpress is a great place to source your merchandise only if you know how to find genuine products on the site.

 

[ze7zez]

(...) I have been looking mostly on Aliexpress
because I can save quite a bit of money. (...)

By looking for cheap buys and not knowing anything about the device, you really won't save anything.
In my opinion, it will be better for you if you buy on the local secondary market a phone from a year or two ago, which was categorized as mid-range on the day of its release.

 

[galaxys]

Be careful with any to good to be offer's! Do your homework while shopping...

 

[redrooster62]

Yes I know about that. A genuine seller has the money back guarantee protection through aliexpress. The sub par ones do not. I bought a Redmi Note 8 Pro 3 years ago with no problems.

 

[redrooster62]

Done lots of homework. When I see a Samsung S22 for $200 I know it's a fake.
The sellers with the guarantee are what I look for.

 

[redrooster62]

So now we have got past about shopping on Aliexpress
Is anyone going to comment if the Chinese with a global rom be ok given my skill level or forget it and only buy a true "Global Version"?
My only problem about the CN/Global Rom is getting system and security updates.

 

[xXx yYy]

Updates get rolled by OEM if they deem it necessary. Has nothing to do what ROM initially is flashed. Providing updates causes enormous costs, which OEMs naturally try to avoid because it reduces the profit margin.

Only with Google devices ( AOSP based ) you can be sure to always get latest updates.

 

[redrooster62]

So why then if you buy a Chinese phone flashed with a Global Rom the sellers says OTA updates not supported?

 

[xXx yYy]

1. My understanding: Global ROM, as also Chinese ROM, is software, whereas Global Version is hardware. But I may err as always.

2. OTA stands for Over the Air ( FOTA – Firmware Over the Air ). It refers to the wireless delivery of new or updated software or firmware to devices such as smartphones and tablets.
The OTA process is self-explanatory in that it delivers updated software wirelessly or ‘over the air’. These updates are distributed over Wi-Fi or mobile broadband using a function built into the smartphone or tablet’s operating system or through a special OTA app that’s given root access. The update goes out to all the designated smartphones or tablets from one central control panel.

 

[redrooster62]

I am following you sort of. I know that updates are sent OTA.
What I need to know is how will I get these software and firmware update if the seller is saying "OTA updates" not supported after they install the Global Rom?
My experience so far with pervious cell phones is this process happens automatically with maybe the hardest thing to do is accept it by a Tap.
If this process is complicated because it is not supported I can't continue about thinking to buy as I am not a Tech Savvy cell phone guy.

 

[mayer2]

the answer is very simple: you have to take care of possible updates yourself

 

[redrooster62]

No Problem but is it easy like a matter of Tap Yes to update or is like loading another updated Rom?

 

[hash5414]

I don't know if you figured it out or not but in my opinion if you are saving a good amount go for Chinese version and you can simply flash a global one and root your device to get your device certified
Updates will not be the issue you can install the updates the only issue will be after every update you have to root your device again

As you said you don't know how to root. root is something you should have at least basic knowledge to do soo otherwise you may brick your device

So facts are Infront of you if you still think it's worth buying and you can manage the struggle