@AppLee
Hello all. I'm new here and love all the work you all are doing on Ubuntu Touch. In the United States, the Google Pixel 3a is cheap and readily available. Some of the other phones I've been looking at to run Ubuntu Touch are quite expensive to get in the United States, especially the Fairphone 5. I'd imagine the prices of any phone requiring imports could continue to increase.

Currently, I have been testing with the Google Pixel 3a. Alfred's work on this has been amazing. I'm sure all users of this device will agree! The only thing preventing me from using it as a daily driver is the lack of VoLTE. I'm able to get data over 4G, but I can't get phone calls. Phone calls only occur on 2G. On 4G mode, I can call out, but people can't call in. On 2G mode, I can call out and people can call in. For data priority, I have to switch it to 4G mode. For phone call priority, I have to switch it to 2G mode. 2G is important because I can only receive calls in this mode. The 2G/3G/4G mode won't swap the call down to 2G for me to receive it. I doubt swapping down to 2G is possible, but I could be wrong.

I may need to be pointed in the right direction on how to test. I'm not sure where the project left off and who all may be interested in continuing the development further. However, I want to show my appreciation for all the work done so far and see if this could potentially be taken further by a small group. I know Alfred is incredibly busy and can't dedicate as much time for it. However, for people in the US, the Google Pixel 3a presents a low bar of entry and great accessibility into the world of Ubuntu Touch for those who may want to try it out, learn more, etc.

If any notes can be left and a maybe a direction of where to go with incorporating VoLTE, that would be helpful! I don't know how I can help other than potential testing. I don't know anything about scripting for VoLTE, etc. However, maybe with some notes and research, a group can gather to learn more and help out!

In the worst case scenario that VoLTE won't come to the Google Pixel 3a, another phone recommendation may be needed for users in the US. If there is a phone recommendation that can run VoLTE, 5G, MMS, and Ubuntu Touch 24.04 that is in US, please let me know. I'd like to continue trying to see if I can make Ubuntu Touch a daily driver for me. Again, thanks for all you do!

@Futura

I found a support article and a news article that references the patch:

https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/12240791?hl=en

https://www.androidheadlines.com/2022/06/june-update-pixel-phones-enables-volte-roaming-many-carriers.html

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.

@Futura

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!

@Futura @Eric-H

I put a question on the Q&A call about the Android version used. Please include any additional information needed. Thanks!

A group on the forum is trying to see if we can setup VoLTE for the Google Pixel 3a. An image was found on Github created by @fredldotme . However, we could not find documentation on the Android version used and a general installation process to being testing. This is where we are right now.

From @Futura ,

"I will say after experimenting this morning with LineageOS for the 3a XL flashing 22.2 with the base version of 12.0.0 (SQ1A.220205.002, Feb 2022) was the most stable for me. I am not sure if 19.1 and 22.2 use the same base version of stock android, or if @fredldotme used a different specific version."

Thanks for everything you all do to support Ubuntu Touch and the amazing Pixel 3a port!

@Futura

No worries! I didn't feel any pressure! I was just holding off until I could feel more confident on the steps to install and test. However, it sounds like we are potentially further along with your help. I'm still new to this, so your help is much appreciated!

Just let me know when you feel confident enough to move forward, and I can build out a pipeline. I'll add the notes of what you are testing with and say that this is in Alpha build with a notice of potential risk. That way we don't have some random user installing it thinking it will work 100% or something. Sound good?

@Futura @Eric-H

I haven't done Step 2 yet for building the pipelines. I was trying to figure out the Android Image and Installation Process. I wanted to include that in the description, so everyone knows the exact steps on what to do with the image. I may be getting ahead of myself though. I can certainly build out the pipeline if we feel we need it now.

@Futura

Good info! Thanks! I saw this on the link you sent. It is in the device info file. Does this shed any light on your theory? Can we use this information to try to match up the right Android version?

deviceinfo_bootimg_header_version="3"
deviceinfo_bootimg_os_version="12"
deviceinfo_bootimg_os_patch_level="2022-09"

Also, it sounds like we have some additional questions on the install process, right?

@kyleh

Great! Thanks so much! We are currently waiting to know what Android version the image is built for. Once we hear that, it sounds like we can begin testing.

@Eric-H

I looked into Matrix, and it looks good so far. I'll research it more and see if I can get it set up. Thanks for the recommendation!

@Eric-H

Thanks! Good to know I wasn't missing anything in the documentation. Sorry, I don't use Telegram.