VOLTE + Custom ROM on One Mobile?

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Hrafn42

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#320332 1-Aug-2025 20:46

Given that, when you exclude Samsung (who have made VOLTE impossible for custom ROMs), there is no overlap between the manufacturers in One Mobile's list of "approved" phones, and the manufacturers in LineageOS's list of "officially" supported devices, I was wondering if anybody could suggest any phones that are known to:

1) support VOLTE on One Mobile; whilst

2) running a custom ROM (preferably, but not necessarily, LineageOS -- as that's what I'm used to)?

Other (non-dealbreaking) phone preferences are:

1) wireless charging;

2) a smaller phone; and

3) a cheap-but-reliable phone (I only use my phone for the occasional call, photo and playing music on a BT speaker -- I don't live on my phone -- so don't need the 'latest and greatest' features).

Thanks.

Asteros

265 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3399134 1-Aug-2025 20:56

I think you'll have to experiment. Pixel 6 or newer supports VOLTE on One NZ using the default Google software. But then you can load your Custom ROM and see whether they have the One NZ VOLTE profile supported. Off the top of my head the Chinese Brands are locking down their bootloaders so no Custom ROMs.

grantius

18 posts

Geek

#3399138 1-Aug-2025 21:20

Xiaomi phones that don't have the profile work if you do the dialler code

shk292

2857 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#3399317 2-Aug-2025 13:39

Possibly a dumb question but what’s the benefit of a custom ROM when you “only use my phone for the occasional call, photo and playing music on a BT speaker”?

Hrafn42

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3399322 2-Aug-2025 14:18

Asteros:

I think you'll have to experiment.

I was hoping to avoid, or at least minimise, the expense and time consumed, in such trial and error.

"Pixel 6 or newer supports VOLTE on One NZ using the default Google software. But then you can load your Custom ROM and see whether they have the One NZ VOLTE profile supported."

Pixel 6 would seem to be an option. I may however have trouble sourcing a reliably "factory unlocked" phone for sale. An initial search seems to indicate that this aspect is poorly documented by sellers -- and could add an additional layer of expensive trial and error. (I don't however know how specific this issue is to that model or that make.)

"Off the top of my head the Chinese Brands are locking down their bootloaders so no Custom ROMs."

Does that include Xiaomi? They have a fairly wide range of models listed in the LineageOS "officially supported" list.

"Error: Sorry. Your post contains too many quotes."

What the ... Heck? I got this error message because I attempted to quote the post I was replying to in three snippets, so I could make it clear which bit of that post each bit of my reply was to. So I'm just using quote-marks and bolding instead.

Hrafn42

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3399323 2-Aug-2025 14:23

grantius:

Xiaomi phones that don't have the profile work if you do the dialler code

Is that known to apply to all Xiaomi models? Is there a list anywhere of models that have been tried and are known to work/not work? Again, I'm looking to minimise the amount of trial and error, by asking such questions before I go out and buy a phone.

Hrafn42

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3399325 2-Aug-2025 14:42

shk292:

Possibly a dumb question but what’s the benefit of a custom ROM when you “only use my phone for the occasional call, photo and playing music on a BT speaker”?

A strong personal preference for a clean, uncluttered, consistent device and user interface. I've been putting a custom ROM on all my Android phones and tablets, whenever that was possible, for the last decade, and have been very happy with the outcome. My few encounters with stock ROMs have been less satisfactory.

And yes, I am aware that I could take a phone with a stock ROM and debloat it. That is on my list of alternative options (as is going to another provider). However I'm attempting to do as much of a cost/benefit/risk assessment as I can before spending time and money on an option.

"Measure twice, cut once."

Asteros

265 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3399334 2-Aug-2025 15:40

Graphene on Pixels 6 or newer with Volte works with One NZ. Pixels generally have unlocked bootloaders. It's my understanding the number of manufacturers allowing the unlocking of bootloaders is very small and decreasing every year. Although I'd try using the stock Pixel OS as it might suit your stated needs and get the newest version you could afford as Pixel 8 onwards receives 7 years support (through to 2030).