I am looking to possibly acquire an Android handset to replace my Motorola featurephone and I want something I can play with and hack.
Specs I need:
1.UMTS 2100 and UMTS 900 as thats what my carrier uses.
2.Physical QWERTY keyboard
3.Good hardware specs
4.Readily available on the open market with no carrier lock and all features working including sideload, android market and tethering (I am in Australia if that makes a difference)
5.Running FroYo
6.Easily hackable, rootable and moddable.
I was considering the HTC DeeZire Z but with all the noise about how the G2/DeeZire Z has locks preventing you from changing the system files, it doesnt sound like the right phone (I want one that doesnt fight you every step of the way).
You might wanna shop around. I guess the best way is to find your preferred device/or device you think fits you well and check its development under Android Rom development, check issues being reported, see if you can live with em and make a decision surely noone will tell you mate buy this but you can easily find out all you need by asking device specific questions on the appropriate device thread. Hope that helps.
Motorola droid 2?
Related
Hi everybody,
I have been trying to catch up on the recent development in android porting.
Now, I am planning to get a new phone. Since my carrier does not sell the g1, I am wondering which would be the best working alterntive? Meaning which port would allow to use most/all feature of android?
I do need gps working now or in the near future to make this a viable alternative to me.
I have been looking at the ports of which I already know of, being the port to the vogue and to the diamond.
To my understanding (please correct me) the vogue lacks the gps hardware.
So the only device left is the diamond. Or are there any other phones which I have overseen, that sport gps, and a progressing/working port of android?
To sum it all up:
Which device gets the most attention by the dev community regarding the port of android to it?
Which one is at the moment the best working port (which device)?
Which phone poses to be the most promising device for a fully fledge port in the future?
I would be quite thankful, if anybody in the know, or even someone the porting community could give me some insight or even a proper roundup on my options here.
regards and thx for your help and insights in advance,
trial
Vogue has the GPS hardware, but AFAIK, GPS is far off for any Android port.
General Mobile is coming out with an alternative Android phone, it also has dual sim slots.
http://www.generalmobile.com/new/Default.aspx?PageName=Products&ProductId=200
I'm waiting for this to come out and to see some reviews.
Check the Google Android developer page.
You can buy a developer version phone for $399
All you have to do is register as a developer which cost $25(I think).
Edit: Not really for porting to but you did mention you couldn't get a G1, so I'm assuming you're open to a native Android phone.
ok guys.
first of all, thx for your replies.
i am not really planning to get the real g1 (even the dev version), since i am not really satisfied with its hw.
i figured it'd be easier to get a used htc device off ebay, which would be capable of running android.
So, I'd be willing to wait - which device looks the most promising in running a full android port?
Is there any effort whatsoever on the gps for the vogue or any other device? Is it likely that it will work at all?
thx for your info again
I previously had no Android experience and recently bought Xperia X10 Mini Pro as suggested by friends in a haste as an upgrade from my Nokia E63. After purchasing it, I found it out to be more of a downgrade.The phone itself is outdated but that is a different issue.
Web browsing is better, I got GPS and music is a major overhaul. But the inability to do proper multitask and lack of GSM-GPRS Dual Mode means this is not gonna replace my E63. Sadly, as deep as I have searched, Dual mode is not as easily available among Androids and proper multitasking requires huge RAM compared to Nokia. So I need suggestion on a cheap android that can truly replace, suppose a Nokia E71. Does such an Android phone really exist?
ZTE blade maybe the best one for the guy had no Android experience, or a better one， MOTO defy.
I don't think so
waylz3344 said:
ZTE blade maybe the best one for the guy had no Android experience, or a better one， MOTO defy.
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ZTE models are sadly not available Here in Kolkata. That model would not have suited me either. But DEFY is a seriously good mobile. Got good RAM, Armv7, PowerVR GPU, long battery life. Price is within my capability. It is also water/scratch/dust resistant. Are u sure that it supports dual mode? The website does not mention.
I didn't understand the issue with camera clearly, If I get the GREEN version does that mean camera will never work for me using CM9? [I am damn sure India gets green. Guess I'll have to sacrifice ICS then]
From this post it seems that Moto Defy supports Dual Transfer Mode. The only concern that remains now is about ICS update and the camera. Can anyone clarify that?
When it comes to pricing, no one can beat Nokia
There are lots of cheap Android phone available in the market, but you have to compensate in the screen resolution, speed etc. I wud recommend you Galaxy S (i9000) if you can afford...cheaper than dat is Galaxy ACE & Galaxy GIO.
Check if HUAWEI is available in your location, they are the cheapest highly loaded Android devices here in Oman.
zte monte carlo nice
Problem is, none of the mobiles you mention has Dual Transfer Mode in official specs, while even the latest Nokia, the Lumina 800 mentions Dual Transfer Mode (MSC 32) clearly in its specs. It is sad how Symbian died due to lack of interest from the part of application developers, but it had the best multitasking among all mobile OSes. In Android, whenever I minimise Opera Mini to do something else, I am always afraid that perhaps opening the next file will unload the browser in background; while in S60, u can have 20 apps running and 20 tabs open in browser in a handset with only 128 MB RAM, if pushed to its limit, the device will reboot but never ninja kill apps in background.
I can provide many links where people complain about lack of DTM in their Androids. Sony Vivaz is a S60 and it supports DTM.
Some said that editing build.prop allows DTM in some HTC phones. I have tried that in X10 Mini Pro and it did not work. Seems the radio antenna itself is cheap.
I recently ran a test in my X10 Mini Pro by starting a file download in it and sending a barrage of SMSes from another phone simultaneously. The download failed, none of those SMSes arrived ever.
So please mention how u know that those devices suggested have DTM. It is necessary.
I think I need to update my question. From this post, it seems that SE does not provide DTM as 3G already supports multiple connections. SE may think that there is no necessity of this technology in this age of 4G but in India 3G is both costly and rare.
I need GSM DTM, not the simultaneous voice and data capability of 3G.
Edit: I have subscribed for 3G. I was shocked to find that good quality 3G is cheaper than US here. It will be activated within 24 hours. Lets see if dual mode works now; else I'll have to get another handset with better radio.
Update: Ok HSDPA allows simultaneous voice and data in this handset. But 3G drops during calls perhaps due to poor signal so I need stock ROM to force WCDMA only.
Ok, so I'm pretty new to this whole Android thing, but I'm not daft and know a think or two about computers and software, so I'm not a complete 'noob'...
However, to spare me the drama of trawling through thousands of pages, I have a few quick concise questions, and would appreciate concise answers.
So I bought a generic handset, branded as an Onyx Dragon though AnTuTu benchmark app tells me its a Yusu... details and specs from Chinavision.com (search Onyx Dragon).
I initially bought it because I needed a new phone (been on a Moto V3 Razr for about 6 years!) so got this cos it was cheap and looked good. Runs Froyo on what I have found to be pretty **** hardware (MT6516, advertised as 416MHz but shown to be around 207MHz, but not sure if this is main CPU or radio core...) with not a lot of RAM. I installed an 8Gb SD card to save the apps and keep as much free internal space as possible, in case the OS supports disc memory (?). The wireless is good and screen works well, but the GPS, navigation and camera are rubbish, but they are not why I bought it; I have a decent camera and I can read a map. Its definitely 'entry level' so I'm not too bothered if I brick it.
Since I got it, and seeing the many cheap 'clones' out there, I'm keen to get into them a bit more and start developing. I already rooted it with z4root, BusyBox and Superuser all installed fine. ROM Manager is running but because I don't know the actual brand I'm not yet running ClockWorkMod (doesn't show up in the list). I'm keen to install Gingerbread or maybe even CyanogenMod 7, but cannot flash the ROM without CWM. Can anyone tell me what phone 'model' I should use for this particular handset?
I can't overclock the chipset, but have been looking at other clones to play with, such as htc Incredible G11i Pro clone from etotalk.com and 'CyberStar' 3G handset with MT6573 650MHz chipset (also from Chinavision).
Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with these clones? They look great and if they work as well as the budget model I have now then there is certainly potential. Sure, they may not be as good as a genuine Galaxy or Nexus, but then the price reflects that. However, as a cheap development platform you can't really go wrong! I'd like to see faster processors and more hardware mod ability such as clocking, just to see what is possible. Anyone tried ICS on one of these? I read elsewhere that if Froyo runs ok on a cheap device then GB should be better. My friend has GB 2.3.3 on a genuine $500 Galaxy S2 and I'd love to show him up with a rooted and clocked clone running ICS for a fraction of the price!!
Well, thats not as concise as I would like, but it covers pretty much everything. One last thing though, I cannot install ES File Explorer 1.6.1, it will download from Market and attempt to install but then fail. The latest version I have is the pre-installed 1.4.2.2. I've tried everything I can think of; downloading on my Mac and copying via USB to install from Astro making sure ES is not running, failed. Tried uninstalling ES with ROM Toolbox having root access and disabled AVG, failed. Tried to launch new version from package options, failed. I have installed ES Task Manager v1.2 but cannot use all the features as it says File Explorer needs to be updated, and needless to say updating it from the prompts failed as well... Any ideas? I'm thinking a flash to GB should include the latest version (or better alternative).
Thanks all in advance!
I don't think it's possible to run ICS on such a low spec'd device. This onyx dragon runs on a 416Mhz ARM9 processor with a 200 Mhz ARM7 GPU. Even the G1 that uses a 528Mhz ARM11 CPU can't run ICS well. I would suggest that you give up on theses crappy chineses devices. If you don't have money you can find a LG Optimus One for 100 bucks on ebay and it is A LOT better than any of these chinese crap phones
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
For CWM, take a look at this site http://www.koushikdutta.com/2010/02/clockwork-recovery-image.html and the quote below
Don't see your phone? Email me if you want to help me get it working!
And of course, all the source can be found on Github.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
Hey all, thanks for the feedback. Basically, sure I don't want to spend a lot being a student, I don't have a lot, but I'm keen to get more out of what I can afford, hence the Chinese crap (yes it is crap but if it does what you need...) : ) just a shame I can't clock mine! Does anyone know if ANY MediaTec chips can be?
Sure, I think running ICS is a bit optimistic, but I'd still like to give GB or C-Mod a go, providing I can get CWM installed. I'd like to compile myself and even think about refining my own version, perhaps slimming down a newer version to run on low performance hardware. What's this about a special cable needed with a 3.5mm jack?
And am I right in thinking Honeycomb was only for tablets, not phones...?
droidscope said:
Hey all, thanks for the feedback. Basically, sure I don't want to spend a lot being a student, I don't have a lot, but I'm keen to get more out of what I can afford, hence the Chinese crap (yes it is crap but if it does what you need...) : ) just a shame I can't clock mine! Does anyone know if ANY MediaTec chips can be?
Sure, I think running ICS is a bit optimistic, but I'd still like to give GB or C-Mod a go, providing I can get CWM installed. I'd like to compile myself and even think about refining my own version, perhaps slimming down a newer version to run on low performance hardware. What's this about a special cable needed with a 3.5mm jack?
And am I right in thinking Honeycomb was only for tablets, not phones...?
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Click to collapse
Yes you are right about honeycomb. As for the device. Without kernel source which will never be released due to copyright issues you may have a bit of trouble Modding it. CM only supports authentic devices and not clones as the hardware specs as you learned are faked and never true.
droidscope said:
Hey all, thanks for the feedback. Basically, sure I don't want to spend a lot being a student, I don't have a lot, but I'm keen to get more out of what I can afford, hence the Chinese crap (yes it is crap but if it does what you need...) : ) just a shame I can't clock mine! Does anyone know if ANY MediaTec chips can be?
Sure, I think running ICS is a bit optimistic, but I'd still like to give GB or C-Mod a go, providing I can get CWM installed. I'd like to compile myself and even think about refining my own version, perhaps slimming down a newer version to run on low performance hardware. What's this about a special cable needed with a 3.5mm jack?
And am I right in thinking Honeycomb was only for tablets, not phones...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi droidscope,
Not all the Chinese phones are crap there are a few very capable phones now entering the market and they are catching up the bigboys rapidly.
For more info & reviews on the latest Chinese phones check over here http://www.gizchina.com/category/phones/ Try to stick with the branded chinese phones such as Zopo, ZTE, Newman etc because there is at least some support where as the direct copy/clones have no support at all. If buying try to get the phone pre rooted because some of the Chinese phone are getting more difficult to root. I would look here http://www.etotalk.com/ if buying and select the MOD ROM $4.99 for most phones then the phone will come pre rooted with working playstore language etc. They do not 1 to 1 copys although some of the phones have more than a passing look of some of the more famous brands. I have used them a few times and they have not let me down be sure to email them first to ask about stock levels though.
I'm tossing and turning, and quite frankly I'm getting tired of deciding between which device I want to choose for my next all-in-one device.
Currently, I have an LG-G4, and a Nexus 6. I want to consolidate; that means dual-sim is the only option at this time.
I keep coming back to the Asus Zenphone 2 Lazer, or the Huawei Mate 8. I love how the Mate 8 looks, but also like the options of the Lazer.
In terms of ALL AROUND device rank, which would you choose? Why? I'm currently in South Korea, so I also need a device that is capable of using South Korean bands (KT Olleh specifically), but also allows me to use the device when I return to the states with minimal issue. I don't take A LOT of pictures with my handhelds, but that doesn't mean I need a potato for a camera. I don't use all of the space on my devices now, and none of them have over 16GB of storage. I also play with roms seldomly, as I prefer the natural MM firmware as of late.
Primary reason for consolidation is simply that. I hate carrying two devices. My Nexus 6 is my personal device, and pretty much the device I use to stream media (internet radio and Plex). My LG-G4 is the work phone that sees data, but primarily is used to communicate via text or phone with customers.
I'd like my device to use one sim for Data (LTE+ Cat 6), and the other pretty much just for voice/text services.
Thanks in advance!
Thread closed.
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1) I'm hoping someone can advise pls! I'm a very light user mostly for wsapp and sometimes maps/gps when walking (no gaming and occasionally watch youtube videos) so was hoping to find something £40-£50.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M20-Pro-...var=564119885073&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
There are others I'm looking at but they don't mention anything about the processor (sometimes it'll mention the number of cores but no name)? The specs seem way better than even xiaomi phones for the same money, I know there's gonna be no support updates etc. how important is that? Couldn't I just search for a custom ROM, try to upgrade to higher android version etc? Would it be difficult/impossible to find roms for an unbranded phone?
Also I've read that there's a possibility they could just be sneaky re-brands so potentially could be getting a xiaomi etc. phone for less?
2) I'm also considering paying a bit more if unbranded is a no-go. Xiaomi Redmi 7 3GB/32GB around £100 vs Xiaomi Mi Play 4GB/64GB if it's £6 more?
I like the extra ram and storage for only £6 more but the battery seems better on R7 and larger screen
MTK devices
supashaka said:
1) I'm hoping someone can advise pls! I'm a very light user mostly for wsapp and sometimes maps/gps when walking (no gaming and occasionally watch youtube videos) so was hoping to find something £40-£50.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M20-Pro-...var=564119885073&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
There are others I'm looking at but they don't mention anything about the processor (sometimes it'll mention the number of cores but no name)? The specs seem way better than even xiaomi phones for the same money, I know there's gonna be no support updates etc. how important is that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen some advertisements (on wish.com or Ali Express) for devices with no apparent name brand that mention having 10 core processors, dual sim, Android 9 and more. These are all MTK devices which pose difficulties if you want to flash a ROM into them to upgrade or change something. RCA tablets are MTK devices and I, along with many others have spent a lot of time just trying to gain access to such devices. It's been done. However, it has been more than difficult as of yet to find any compatible ROMs and these devices are extremely picky when it comes to using other ROMs. For those of us that are currently still working on it, we have yet to find anything compatible. That's not saying they are bad devices, they are actually pretty good I've had mine (the RCA Maven, Viking and Galileo) for years with little problems.
Casper Young said:
I've seen some advertisements (on wish.com or Ali Express) for devices with no apparent name brand that mention having 10 core processors, dual sim, Android 9 and more. These are all MTK devices which pose difficulties if you want to flash a ROM into them to upgrade or change something. RCA tablets are MTK devices and I, along with many others have spent a lot of time just trying to gain access to such devices. It's been done. However, it has been more than difficult as of yet to find any compatible ROMs and these devices are extremely picky when it comes to using other ROMs. For those of us that are currently still working on it, we have yet to find anything compatible. That's not saying they are bad devices, they are actually pretty good I've had mine (the RCA Maven, Viking and Galileo) for years with little problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Any MTK processor devices are difficult/unlikey to have custom roms or tweak/upgrade in any way?
MTK devices
supashaka said:
Thanks for the reply. Any MTK processor devices are difficult/unlikey to have custom roms or tweak/upgrade in any way?
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Theoretically there should be, but many here would rather work on the newest devices most of which are not MTK (Media Tek). They're not built like Samsungs and if you open one up the whole motherboard is the size of today's phones or roughly one quarter the size of the tablet which could be the reason they're so cheap. The only thing I've been able to flash into mine is the original stock firmware, anything else led to bricking. And recovering from a brick is difficult the SP Flash tool is nothing like the Odin3 we use for Samsungs.
Casper Young said:
Theoretically there should be, but many here would rather work on the newest devices most of which are not MTK (Media Tek). They're not built like Samsungs and if you open one up the whole motherboard is the size of today's phones or roughly one quarter the size of the tablet which could be the reason they're so cheap. The only thing I've been able to flash into mine is the original stock firmware, anything else led to bricking. And recovering from a brick is difficult the SP Flash tool is nothing like the Odin3 we use for Samsungs.
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Click to collapse
I have also bought uhans u300 and took a look at the Development & Support topic here, there's absolutely no way to upgrade it from Android 6.0?