Fanvil X4U vs X4U V2 - Is it just a firmware difference?

[BElias]

I've just started using Fanvil phones for a few deployments that need router phones.

I received an order for what (I thought) were V2 models, but the labels on the phone didn't indicate V2. So, I booted the phone and looked at the System --> Information screen...it said "Model: X4U". It was on firmware 2.12.1. I figured it was an old shipment, and was just about to send them back - but then I tried updating the firmware on one of them.

I uploaded firmware 2.12.16.17, and now the same System --> Information screen shows "Model: X4U V2".

So, my question is: Is the difference between X4U and X4U V2 just firmware? And if not, how do you know what hardware model you have?


Thanks.

 

[TheodorosG_3CX]

For all the inquiries you can check the guideline as all this information is included there:
• https://www.3cx.com/sip-phones/fanvil-x3-x5/

 

[BElias]

Hello. I appreciate the quick reply, but that doesn't really answer my question.

I need a router phone, and I would like to use an X4U. Can I purchase any X4U and update the firmware to make it into an X4U V2, or is there some different hardware that I need to buy for this?

 

[TheodorosG_3CX]

The information in the provided link is clear, only the X4U-V2 can be a router phone:


This must be the model and not update an X4U to the latest firmware that will work like an X4U-V2.

 

[BElias]

Please look at the following image. They are from exactly the same phone (where the physical phone label and the box says "X4U"). The one on the left is before firmware update, the one on the right is after.

The model changes from X4U to X4U V2 after the firmware update.

Also after the update, it works fine on 3CX as a router phone (X4U V2).

 

[TheodorosG_3CX]

Yes this might change however the label in the back of the phone what information gives you?

 

[JohnS_3CX]

@BElias V1 and V2 phones contain different hardware and their firmware is not interchangeable.

- You cannot upgrade to a V2 using a firmware update.
- The V2 hardware will say "Rev.B" in small letters on the back label.
- Your UI also shows Hardware V2.0 which indicates this is indeed a V2 phone.

My guess is the factory firmware was old and inaccurate and you probably do indeed have a V2 device, but confirm via the label please.

 

[Fanvil Technical Support]

@BElias The most obvious difference is that you can see "Rev.B" on the nameplate on the back of the V2 hardware.