2D 3G Shutdown: Pixel 3 4G Compatilbility

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › 2D 3G Shutdown: Pixel 3 4G Compatilbility

SamF

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#319895 12-Jun-2025 14:22

I was under the impression that my "4G" Pixel 3 would be fine after the 3G shutdown, but reading previous posts and given 2D's automated checking systems telling me otherwise, I'm beginning to wonder.

Someone mentioned that one way to check basic 4G compatibility was to make a call and see if the network mode drops to 3G.

However, I can't see where I can view the current network mode on my phone.

Anyone got any pointers / ideas?

This is my phone

Network Compatibility Details

2D Compatibility Detailed Details

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#3383253 12-Jun-2025 15:22

https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_3-9256.php

This one?

SamF

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#3383254 12-Jun-2025 15:26

quickymart:

https://www.gsmarena.com/google_pixel_3-9256.php

This one?

Yeah, but the 'Global' edition, not the Japanese only variant

nztim

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TEAMnetwork

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#3383255 12-Jun-2025 15:36

To Test

Option 1 - Text 3G to 550, this is a horribly inaccurate as all it does it test your registered SIM card against a list of known supported phones
Option 2 - Hotspot your phone to your laptop, get a constant ping running to 8.8.8.8 (ping -t 8.8.8.8) while doing this Make a voice call (or call your phone) and see if the ping drops for 2 or so pings, if it does then your phone is dropping to 3G
Option 3 - download an app called itest which is in the apple/play store (costs about $2) this will test VoLTE with your current Carrier

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grantius

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#3383262 12-Jun-2025 16:52

Call your voicemail and look to see if the 4G icon on status bar changes to 3G (with wifi off)

SamF

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#3383270 12-Jun-2025 17:13

grantius:

Call your voicemail and look to see if the 4G icon on status bar changes to 3G (with wifi off)

Ah, turning off the WiFi now shows me the 4G / 3G indicator in the status bar, plus I found that if I go to the 'Internet' status bar drop down item I can see the current network connect mode.

Unfortunately for me it appears to drop down to 3G, which I'm guessing isn't good news.

However, everything I can find online says that VoLTE is supported on this phone so...???

Linux

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#3383271 12-Jun-2025 17:18

Just cause the handset supports VoLTE does not mean it is going to work on 2degrees with VoLTE or any other NZ mobile carrier

The issue is not just VoLTE many handsets hand down calls off VoLTE to 3G for emergency calling ie 111,911 etc so this is another major issue

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SamF

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#3383272 12-Jun-2025 17:22

Linux:

Just cause the handset supports VoLTE does not mean it is going to work on 2degrees with VoLTE or any other NZ mobile carrier

The issue is not just VoLTE many handsets hand down calls off VoLTE to 3G for emergency calling ie 111,911 etc so this is another major issue

<Sigh>, so much for 'standardisation', haha :D

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#3383273 12-Jun-2025 17:24

This handset was released in 2018 about time you upgraded anyway

SamF

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#3383274 12-Jun-2025 17:26

Linux:

This handset was released in 2018 about time you upgraded anyway

Well that's the real sad side to this tale; I only bought this phone (refurbished) a few months ago!
But I made sure it had 4G support, just in case!! :D

Linux

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#3383275 12-Jun-2025 17:30

You purchased a 2018 handset a few months ago sorry but I have to ask why?

SamF

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#3383277 12-Jun-2025 17:32

Linux:

You purchased a 2018 handset a few months ago sorry but I have to ask why?

It had all the features I wanted / needed (or so I thought).

Why would I pay more for a newer phone which gives me no additional benefits?

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#3383278 12-Jun-2025 17:34

You just worked out why!

SamF

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#3383279 12-Jun-2025 17:37

Linux:

You just worked out why!

Hindsight is always 20:20 :)

I thought I had my bases covered, but alas it appears not.

Asteros

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#3383280 12-Jun-2025 17:40

Yeah tough situation OP. You will have to get a newer phone to work with VoLTE. Probably best to stay away from parallel imported phones and get one on the tested list of 2degrees.

If you are adventurous, you could tinker with your pixel 3 to try to get VoLTE to work. This could be risky but can be found somewhere in here https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=97&topicid=298485

SamF

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#3383282 12-Jun-2025 17:46

Yeah, looking at various 'non-official' ways to enable VoLTE as it appears that there is some kind of Google-level country / carrier restriction in the phone itself.

No guarantee that even if I can 'enable' VoLTE that it'll actually work, but hey, at this point I don't really have anything to lose!

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