VoLTE Implementation For Google Pixel 3a/3a XL
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@atarilinux
There is a pretty good chance that this may never come to fruition. I read somewhere in my research in the last couple of days that this requires a kernel patch that possibly never happened for the 3a/XL. This could easily be outdated information, and there is a LOT of that on the internet about UT and it really makes it hard to get a solid grasp on what is what.I'll be watching the Q&A call, but I am not exactly holding my breath for this to work. I have actually ordered a FP5, but if I can help this happen that would be amazing, I really love the Pixel 3a XL hardware.
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I've heard that the patch was made in the newer Android version, but that is not very specific (which one, etc.). I also heard that VoLTE was in the newer Android image file made by @fredldotme and that only testing was needed (but that hasn't been verified). Both of these statements could potentially be cleared up in the Q/A call I'm hoping.
Like you, I'm not holding my breath too much either. However, if both of these statements are indeed true, then we will be in a good place for the Google Pixel 3a hardware. Otherwise, I will also be considering a different phone capable of VoLTE and Ubuntu Touch.
If you don't mind me asking, how was shipping, etc. for the Fairphone 5 to the US? I'm assuming it is an expensive piece of hardware for us now, right? If you begin testing the Fairphone 5 in the US, I'd be happy to hear how it goes! It was my plan B as well, but I think I'd need to save up a bit before even considering it. That's part of the reason why I've been adament about trying to keep the Google Pixel 3a up to speed as a potential daily driver. I think it is at a great price point for someone to try out Ubuntu Touch....with a great port at that! Also, more daily drivers = more publicity. Let's see how the Q/A goes and then if we can't see a clear path forward, I will also be looking at the Fairphone 5. Thanks again for all your research and help!
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I found a support article and a news article that references the patch:
https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/12240791?hl=en
Main thing of note here.... It is VoLTE Roaming only for the Pixel 3a. Is there anything in the Android Repository for June 2022? Android 13 wasn't released until August 2022, and support for Android 12 ended on March 2025.
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@fredldotme @AppLee
Thanks for UBPorts for the great Q&A call and for featuring our question! I am going to post what I gathered from the call here.On Android 12 port for the Google Pixel 3a on GitHub:
*Source Material - Not Image
*Information on image build process, but not how to install it
*Built on top of latest Android 12.1 version for the Google Pixel 3a, but build not completedIssues with building/installing:
*Issue with getting image on phone
*Has retrofitted system super-partition, this means two partitions act as they are one
*Has not been installed in this type of environment, we would need to figure it outIssues with Carriers for Google Pixel 3a:
*Some Carriers dropped VoLTE connection for Google Pixel 3a. This happened in Austria to @fredldotme. Check to see if your carrier still plans on suppoting the Google Pixel 3a.Just a note from my research. Google only allowed VoLTE Roaming for the Google Pixel 3a. I'm wondering if this (and possibly age as well) has caused carriers to drop the Google Pixel 3a. If your carrier does not support the Google Pixel 3a or VoLTE Roaming, you can't test to see if anything works.
Should you wish to continue to try to get VoLTE on the Google Pixel 3a:
If old phones are regularly dropped from carriers, the Google Pixel 3a's VoLTE may no longer be supported even if the VoLTE code works. One would need to test with the latest Android build with the VoLTE Roaming patch to make sure one's carrier supports the Google Pixel 3a and VoLTE Roaming. This means using Android 12.1, not Ubuntu Touch. If one's carrier does, then you can join in trying to see if we can get VoLTE working on Ubuntu Touch for the Google Pixel 3a. However, keep in mind your phone's VoLTE could potentially be desupported in the future by your carrier.Should you wish to abandon the Google Pixel 3a as a daily driver phone:
For those in a non-European country who may be affected, a port to another easily accessible phone in your area with current VoLTE support may be preferable. Otherwise, if the means are available, a Fairphone 5 will be officially supported by the great UBPorts team. Make sure to check if your carrier supports the Fairphone 5 before buying. -
@atarilinux can we boot UT based on android 12 now?
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I could be wrong, but it sounds like a no for the Google Pixel 3a. The build is not install-ready. The super-partition issue has to be worked out first.
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I found something interesting on a super-partition. Maybe this can help with getting the super partition issue for the Google Pixel 3a resolved? I'd need someone more technical in this realm to weigh in.
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Do you still want to try this? If so, I can kick off Step 2 on GitHub. From my notes, this is what you stated last.
Lineage 19.1
Android 12.1 (September build)
Side load via TWRP, Do not use fastbootBased on the Q&A Call, I don't know if this is something you still want to try out because of the retro-fitted Super Partition issue and that the installation process is a bit unclear. Based on my reading, I'm assuming this is probably not an issue just to Ubuntu Touch or the Google Pixel 3a, but I could be wrong. I'm assuming this part has already been figured out somewhere and that we would just need to apply a similar fix to the Ubuntu Touch port.
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@atarilinux
After attempting to use LineageOS to connect to my cell network and test VOLTE, I found that my device would not even get cell service at all. MVNO reselling att.
I think even if I got that to boot, it would still not activate on my carrier.