Phone versions: Global Version, EU, Rostest and for the Chinese market. What is their difference?

Types of MIUI firmware

MIUI firmware highlights functionality combined with simplicity and comfort. But they also have a disadvantage - they are a little confusing for beginners.

China ROM

China ROM is a version of MIUI firmware released exclusively for the Chinese market. That is, it is only available on those mobile phones that are sold in China.

In addition, all new Xiaomi products work on China ROM. Therefore, if you are planning to order a recently released smartphone from Aliexpress or another similar platform, be prepared to flash it yourself. The Global ROM won't be unveiled until a few months after the initial reveal.

Types of Xiaomi firmware

What are the disadvantages of China ROM for us Russians? That:

1. Multilingual is not provided. While in Russia, you will not be able to switch your mobile phone to Russian. China ROM only has two languages ​​- native Chinese and English.
2. Chinese services have been uploaded, which are useless for the residents of our country. Among them are a geolocation service for China, Internet browsers that do not support many applications due to internal policies, and dialers that do not recognize Russian operators. These services are not only useless, but can also harm the operating system.
3. There is not a single Google service. And Android followers use the Google Play store, Gmail mail and the Google Chrome Internet browser every day.

And its advantage is the price. Smartphones with China ROM are significantly cheaper than those with Global ROM.

Global ROM

The most important advantage of Global ROM is multilingual. It contains all more or less common languages.

Determining Xiaomi firmware in the menu

A smartphone with Global ROM does not have Chinese services or strange hieroglyphs, and upon startup it is possible to add a Google account with all the ensuing consequences - linking to a disk, music, etc. But remember that the main account is not Google, but Mi.

Stable ROM

Stable ROM is the best option for most users, especially for those who have discovered Xiaomi. Although this version of MIUI firmware is updated less frequently (once every two months), it works smoothly.

Developer ROM

Developer ROM is ideal for advanced users. This version of the MIUI firmware is not completely finished and, as a result, is updated almost every week. If you have always wanted to participate in the evaluation of new something new, then there is no better way. At the same time, do not forget that the “unfinished” version of the firmware means slowdowns, lags, and causeless shutdowns. Yes, in a few months there will be no trace left of the jambs. But if stability is important to you, then skip the Developer ROM.

MIUI Ported ROM

MIUI Ported ROM includes almost all custom builds, and 99.99% of them are unofficial. The prevalence of such firmware is explained by the fact that outside of China, Xiaomi smartphones are installed with software from other developers.

Most often, MIUI Ported ROM is based on a reliable firmware version or on a developer version, but with the obligatory elimination of errors. Updates are released and are done according to schedule. But installation is done manually and remains at the discretion of the owner.

Poor quality custom builds

Unfortunately, in addition to MIUI Ported ROM, there are also low-quality custom builds. They can be found on “gray” mobile phones. They have a terrible translation and equally terrible optimization, and as a bonus there are a huge number of errors.

If you are unlucky and come across a low-quality custom build, you will most likely curse both Xiaomi and all of China. Under no circumstances should you buy a smartphone with a low-quality custom build or throw money away.

Local MIUI ROM, etc.

Local MIUI ROMs are unique because they are tailored to a specific type or operator of cellular communications. The most popular are WCDMA ROM MIUI and TD ROM. The first will be available on mobile phones supporting 3G WCDMA, and the second in China.

MIUI firmware can also be classified by size:

1. Full ROM. This version of MIUI firmware can be installed on completely “clean” smartphones. She is also able to solve problems that could not be dealt with in any other way. Such software includes all the main services, so it is not surprising that it weighs a lot - about 2 GB.
2. Incremental ROM. This is not a MIUI firmware version, but just an addition to it to fix errors. Typically, it can be downloaded over Wi-Fi. The weight is small, ranging from 20 to 200 MB.

MIUI firmware also comes with OTA and manual updates. OTA occurs for all official versions of the operating system. Sometimes an over-the-air update is not possible because something has changed in the system files. The way out of the situation is to download the new MIUI firmware. Well, it’s clear that custom builds don’t have OTA.

Differences in cost

From a technical point of view, the EU version of Xiaomi can be used without restrictions in Russia; the Global version of the firmware will be installed on it, and the smartphone will support all cellular network bands.

The difference between an EU device and RosTest is that it will not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. And, of course, the Xiaomi warranty will not work for the Chinese version if you bought it from Russia.

Only phones with a RosTest certificate have an official Xiaomi guarantee.

But our sellers got out of this situation, because it is profitable to import EU Xiaomi to Russia, their price is 10-15% lower, the quality is the same and the firmware with Russian language support is already installed. Therefore, the warranty is given by the store, not the factory. If something happens to your phone, contact the store and they will take care of the repairs if the breakdown was not caused by your actions.

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Package

If a smartphone is created for the international market, then its packaging is marked Global Version (EU), and the inscriptions are in English. Such a mobile phone already has global firmware installed at the factory and has Russian language.

Xiaomi Global Version Packaging

Gadgets for Asians do not have Global Version (EU) markings on the boxes, and all words are written in Chinese. They do not have global firmware, but this is not a problem for Russian engineers. Our specialists use exactly this software.

Global and Chinese: how to find a stranger among your own

Xiaomi has grown from a software developer and regional smartphone manufacturer to an international tech giant. As the devices became available for mass consumption, the company introduced a regional distribution scheme.

How to determine what region your smartphone is for and why is it so important to know about it?

At the moment, Xiaomi smartphones are divided into two groups: for the Chinese and global markets. What are the differences?

• Software

“Chinese” work on the basis of MIUI, which lacks multilingualism (there is support for Chinese and English) and Google services. Instead of the usual applications, you will come across programs exclusively for the Chinese audience. Global models run on the international version of MIUI, which does not have these problems.

If you buy a smartphone in uncertified stores, you may end up with custom firmware. It is not official, therefore it is not updated using the usual method, has many software errors, poor translation of the interface and general instability of the system.

• Device operation

To improve the security of smartphones, Xiaomi has made adjustments to the device security policy.

If you install the global version of the firmware on a smartphone intended for the Chinese market, it may simply stop working.

In what cases is this possible?

1. When the bootloader is locked in the Chinese version of the smartphone when the global firmware is installed on it;
2. When flashing the Chinese version via the proprietary “Mi Flash” application;
3. In case of a software error leading to a critical error in the system;
4. With subsequent strengthening of the security policy.

For these devices to work, the smartphone's bootloader must be unlocked, but this also leads to a number of problems:

— Some applications may become unavailable. For example, bank programs check your device for security. One of the conditions for passing the test is that the smartphone's bootloader is locked. If the condition is not met, you will not be able to use banking applications. Also, if the user’s smartphone has an NFC chip, it cannot be used for contactless payment.

— An unlocked bootloader violates the security of the smartphone. It becomes more vulnerable to both external software and hackers. Accessing your data will become much easier on such a smartphone.

— Smartphones with an unlocked bootloader cannot receive updates over Wi-Fi. Over time, the gadget will become vulnerable to viruses, because it does not receive updated security patches. New features and features will also not be available to him.

How do you know if you have Global or Chinese?

Read on the box

Devices with global firmware have the corresponding “GLOBAL” inscription on the box. Also, basic information about the phone will be written in English.

You should also check the IMEI (the phone’s unique digital code) on the box and the smartphone.

• In your phone, enter the combination of characters *#06#;
• We check the number received with the number indicated on the box.

Check the contents

The Chinese version of the smartphone comes with a Chinese-style charging block (the charging plug will be flat). In the global version it is of the usual European type.

Check the software

The Chinese version of MIUI has the index “OEACNFA”, where the particle “CN” must be present. In the “global”, for example, “V10.0.1.0.OEIMIFH” and the particles are “MI” or “RU” (firmware for Russia).

IMPORTANT!

If the firmware index consists of not 4, but 5 numbers, it is custom (original – “V10.0.1.0.”, custom firmware – “V10.0.1.0.0.”).

We also recommend checking the MIUI version and restarting the device

. If, when you turn on your smartphone, the message “Bootloader unlocked” appears under the Mi logo, then most likely this is a disguised Chinese device.

Check IMEI

• Go to https://www.mi.com/en/verify/#/en/tab/imei
• Enter the IMEI of the smartphone and also the confirmation password;
• Click on the “Verify” button;
• The system will check your number against the existing database and indicate the firmware and authenticity of the device.

Xiaomi smartphones with global firmware in the Xistore store catalog.

Know everything about your smartphone with Xistore!

Charger

If you buy a smartphone for the international market, you will receive a standard charger included with a European plug. And if you decide to purchase a mobile phone for the Chinese market, you will find an appropriate charger - suitable for local electrical networks. True, with an adapter for European sockets, one cannot help but give credit to Xiaomi.

Xiaomi Global Firmware Charger

What is their difference? And so on in order.

Packaging and equipment.

Here the differences are obvious. The packaging of smartphones intended for the international market has almost all the inscriptions in English, as well as a red sticker with the inscription “Global Version”. All documentation is in English. The set includes the original charger with a European plug.

The Asian version (for use within China) does not have English on the box or in the documentation. Includes charger for Chinese socket. (This charger can be used with an adapter for a European plug).

Rostest or PCT comes with documentation in Russian and a charger with a European plug.

Phone firmware

At this stage of comparison, everyone has a lot of questions. For some reason, it is generally accepted that a reflashed phone is not as good or even cannot perform its functions. Let's dispel this myth.

The Asian version of the smartphone does not have Russian firmware from the factory. After leaving the factory, specialized services install the same Global firmware as in the Global Version. When selling, sellers, as a rule, mark such versions with the inscription about Global Firmware.

The most common:

Global ROM, Global FW (Firmware), Global firmware, Global firmware - they all mean the same thing.

Smartphones for the international market (Global Version), like the Rostest versions, already have the Global firmware pre-installed from the factory.

As a result, all three versions have the same firmware.

LTE frequency support (4G)

Smartphones for the international market are capable of operating on LTE frequencies Band 1, 3, 5 and 7, as well as 4 and 20, while mobile phones for the Chinese market can only operate on LTE frequencies Band 1, 3, 5 and 7.

It should be noted that the Band 4 LTE frequency is practically not widespread here, in Europe, or in the USA. But it is found in South America - Colombia, Chile and Uruguay. As for the Band 20 LTE frequency, it cannot be called popular either. Due to the low frequency (only 800 MHz) and, as a result, low speed, it is relevant as an additional frequency for megacities and as the main one for very small settlements.

Russian and foreign cellular operators use LTE frequencies Band 1, 3, 5 and 7, so there is no point in an additional frequency - the data transfer speed of a smartphone for the international market and a mobile phone for the Chinese market will be the same.

Eurotest and Rostest

EuroTest is a certificate that is issued for equipment sold in Europe, the USA and other countries (if it meets quality requirements). The document is valid worldwide with minor exceptions. These include Russia.

RosTest is another certificate, it is issued for a product that has EuroTest. In other words, RosTest is superimposed on EuroTest.

We think it will not be a discovery for you that RosTest increases the cost of smartphones. On average, people pay 20% more for mobile phones. Having RosTest gives you the right to free repairs at any official service center in Russia during the warranty period. But nowhere in the world are there such crazy prices for an additional warranty!

If you refuse RosTest, you will still have a warranty (12 months). It is provided by the store.

Thus, when choosing EuroTest, you seem to be going to another country to buy a smartphone in order to save money. If your mobile phone breaks down, there are three ways out of the situation:

1. Go to this country again and take advantage of the EuroTest guarantee.
2. Stay home and take advantage of the store's warranty.
3. Well, the most unprofitable option is to pay for repairs from your wallet. However, for some, this method of solving the problem is not so unprofitable. For example, if you need a smartphone urgently.

Let's summarize. The table shows the features of the Global Version (EuroTest, EU), RosTest and versions for the Chinese market.

Russian version (Rostest, RST, EAC)

Any device supplied from abroad, for example: a smartphone, wearable electronics and other type of gadget, undergoes mandatory certification for the Russian Federation, receiving the “Rostest” marking or, in a new way, “EAC”. Essentially, this is the same global version with a Euro plug, plus all the documentation is in Russian.

The EAC mark - also known as Rostest - is printed on the device itself and on the packaging box. The most important and only advantage of such certification is warranty repairs at any authorized service center in Russia. Don’t forget, you need to pay for services, and the buyer receives a 15-20% increase in the cost of the gadget.

Comparison table

Can an ordinary person differentiate between Xiaomi modifications?

Of course it's not difficult.

Xiaomi smartphone back cover

In order to determine which Xiaomi modification is in front of you - for the international or for the Chinese market, just check:

1. Packaging. For a smartphone for the Chinese market, all the inscriptions on the box are in Chinese, while for a mobile phone for the international market, the box is marked Global Version (for almost all models, on the side of the package, in the same place where the model is indicated), and the words are written in English.
2. Charging. Devices for Asians have their standard plug, while gadgets for export have a European plug (5V, 2A). In order to use the device for Asians in Europe, an adapter is needed.
3. Stickers. We mean protective films located on the screen and back cover. There are inscriptions on them. A smartphone for the Chinese market will have them in Chinese, while a mobile phone for the international market will have them in English.
4. Support for LTE frequencies (4G). Local devices are not compatible with LTE frequencies Band 4 and Band 20, but global gadgets work on them. The latter have higher 4G speeds and more stable work with Russian operators. For this reason, it is better to be a little patient and buy a smartphone with the Global Version (EuroTest, EU) than a mobile phone with a version for the Chinese market - with it you will not have any interruptions in communication.
5. Firmware. Everything is as simple as shelling pears here. If you are asked to choose one of two languages ​​- Chinese or English, it means that the smartphone was created for the Chinese market, and if there are many languages ​​and Russian is present among them, then the mobile phone is designed for the international market.
6. Specifications. Differences in technical specifications are rare, but they do occur. Let's give an example. Such a globally popular Xiaomi smartphone as the Redmi Note 4 may have one of two processors: either Mediatek Helio X20 9 (Chinese) or Snapdragon 625 (international). You can find information on this issue in the settings or by downloading a special application. Let's give another example. Let's take the Xiaomi Redmi 5 smartphone. The Chinese version is equipped with one slot that can accommodate two SIM cards or one SIM card and a flash drive. In addition to the hybrid slot, the international version has an additional slot for a second SIM card.

Xiaomi settings menu

That's all! Based on these criteria, you can understand whether this is an international or Chinese Xiaomi. As you can see, you don’t need to be a specialist or even understand mobile phones to do this.