Question re: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (Unlocked )

[ChrisRay_881215]

Hi Folks

I'm thinking of buying an Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 (Unlocked ).

I'm wondering, although it's not 5G, whether Smarty supports this model of phone.

Any info would be appreciated

Cheers

Chris 

[JJP2]

No reason why it won’t work on Smarty, although of course it will only work on 3G and 4G.

Dont worry about Smarty’s approved  list of phones. My Asus Zenfone 9 wasn’t on the list, but works fine. 

If you are looking at Xiaomi, have a look at phones of their one time sister brand, Poco.

TechSpurt, AKA Chris Barraclough, one time editor of “What Mobile” magazine, does some very good reviews of mainly android phones on the “TechSpurt” YouTube channel. 

[MSF]

@ChrisRay_881215  As @JJP2 says, it should work fine on 3G (while we still have it) and 4G.

[Decembersangel]

Hi @ChrisRay_881215 👋
Just be aware of the 4G 'Volte' capability issue with any phone on a SMARTY plan. Some of us recently got an email stating our mobiles were not supported as only Volte compatible devices will work with their 4G network 😠
This is the post discussing it.....
https://community.smarty.co.uk/t5/chats-hacks/3g-switch-off-volte-supported-on-all-other-networks-bu...

The best way to check your device compatability is to use the advice of 'dawdie'.

Looks like many of us are either going to have to jump ship to other network providers that support 'non' Volte devices or end up having to purchase a Volte compatible device to stay with SMARTY.

[JJP2]

https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/mobile-phone-providers/article/the-uk-3g-network-switch-off-what-you... 

VOLTE is “Voice Over Long Term Evolution” 

“Long Term Evolution” is another name for 4G.

With 3G in the process of being switched off, you will have to have a 4G or 5G compatible device to use any network, not just in the UK either.

There are no networks, at home or overseas,  that will support non VOLTE devices, due to the switching off of 3G networks. 

[Decembersangel]

Thanks @JJP2 👍
So let me get this straight (as I'm so confused by all the differing info/advice)...

1) 'Basic' 4G compatibility is supported by SMARTY?

2) 4G Volte connection is 'extra' (available on some phones) but not necessary?

3) This is a screen shot of my phone and as you can see neither 'Volte provisioned / Wifi calling' are available options (unless they can be set up... I just don't know how!) but I have 4G so I don't need to buy a newer phone?

Apologies if I am coming across as an idiot but I just need to get this straight in my brain otherwise it throws its own carnival of weird and wonderful thoughts x x x

[JJP2]

VoLTE will definitely be necessary, as when 3G is switched off, calls will be placed over 4G (AKA “LTE” or “Long Term Evolution)

This Ofcom article may be helpful :

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/advice/3g-switch-off 

EDIT : From the “Hmmm this is new” thread, I see you have a Nokia 3, which apparently DOES have VoLTE capability :

https://www.techmesto.com/enable-volte-vowifi-nokia-android/ 

[ChrisRay_881215]

Many thanks guys.

@Decembersangel, my research tells me this particular model has indeed VoLTE capability...although a little convoluted in its enabling.

And thanks too for the info @JJP2... I will have a looksee.