HTC

[Philio]

So I've been checking in with Vodafone sales for the last few weeks asking for status updates on the SGS2 and HTC Sensation.

In the end we got fed up waiting for Vodafone to sort out the SGS2 and got it from Phones4u instead, however I waited and got the Sensation, which arrived on Saturday.

During my chats with sales, I asked them on several occasions about Android branding and pre-installed apps. Each time I was given the same answers:

"Vodafone don't put branding or pre-installed apps on Android handsets any more"

This was the same story every time I asked, one representative even told me it was Vodafone's policy now to provide unbranded/unmodified handsets as consumers prefer it.

So I turn on my new HTC Sensation, and to my surprise VODAFONE SPLASH SCREEN!!!

I setup the phone and an app pops up, some update for VODAFONE 360.

So I look at the apps, there are yet more Vodafone apps, none of which can be removed from the device.

Now thankfully on this handset the "customisations" are fairly unintrusive, more than can be said from previous handsets I've seen, but I'm quite tempted to return the handset and take my business elsewhere out of principle.

Lies from sales aside, it's still a real shame that Vodafone are still too stupid to listen to customers and not put this rubbish on the handsets they sell. 

[EddyOS]

All networks do it, and it's been documented that Vodafone put their own FW on the handset. A quick look on XDA already has links to the FW versions available.

Only way of not getting a branded handset is to go to a 3rd party retailer once the SIM-free handset is available next month

[Philio]

You're missing the point, I'm not that bothered about the branding, more that sales told me on multiple occasions there was none.

[EddyOS]

Still, always best to go see a handset in person - buying blind will ALWAYS end in tears

[Mr_H]

If I was misled about a product by a sales person, I'd return it out of principle

In a few weeks you'll be able to get hold of an unbranded one (without having to flash it & invalidating your warranty)

[Wayne]

Hi Phillio

Thanks for your post here. I'm sorry to hear of the mis information you have been given here. I appreciate how frustrating this must be for you.

All handsets that we provide are branded except for the iPhone. For more information about branding, please read this thread.

Firmware

You do of course, have the option to return the phone within the first 7 days. However I hope you will stick with it and stay with us

Thanks

Wayne

eForum Team

[Nabs]

In all honesty Vodafone are in fact one of the better networks for branding, they have toned thier branding down compare to other networks.

Sales people are sales people, all they are interested in is selling you something and will happily talk rubbish as long as you part with your money. This is not specific to Vodafone but more the sales industry. I work for a large chain store and we have been working etremely hard over the past year to change that image customers have, unfortunatly our competition don't seem to care and are happy to misinform customer and in a lot of cases blatantly lie! These tactics are hurting the industry badly.

As has been mention if your still within your 7 day cooling off period and your not happy about it you can return your handset and wait a couple weeks for the undbranded release.