Dual boot Ubuntu mobile OS and Android
Fully integrated Ubuntu desktop PC when docked
Fastest multi-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage
Micro-SIM
4.5in 1,280 x 720 HD sapphire crystal display
8mp low-light rear camera, 2mp front camera
Dual-LTE, dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, NFC
GPS, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer
Stereo speakers with HD audio, dual-mic recording, Active Noise Cancellation
11-pin connector providing simultaneous MHL and USB OTG
3.5mm jack
Silicon-anode Li-Ion battery
64 x 9 x 124mm
Exclusive to Indiegogo backers. The Edge will NOT be available to buy at launch.
Specs to be finalised as late as possible to ensure the best available components.
Dual-boots into Ubuntu mobile OS and Android; converts into a full desktop PC.
Works with LTE and GSM networks, including Verizon and Sprint.
Perks include all charges for US and UK, including VAT and delivery.
Standard manufacturer warranty will apply once manufacturer is selected.Zero cost to backers if the campaign is unsuccessful.
Please support this campaign and spread the word. We're all enthusiasts here and this phone is the one that will push the limits beyond all others.
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ubuntu-edge
Another member here made a great comparison chart to the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S4
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2385872
Thank you.
Sent from my Nexus 10
This will be a nice unique phone/pc. Hope it will get funded.
Edge price drop, $695, NO LIMIT!
Sent from my One X
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As the tablet market continues shrinking, many Chinese tablet manufacturers are now focused on finding new business opportunities, marketing other digital stuffs such as wearable gadgets, mini PCs and TV boxes. Brands such as ifive and Beneve haven’t even released any new products for months. However, as the leading brand in the Chinese tablet market, Cube still manages to release new slates every month, including budget tablets such as the iWork 8 Dual OS Edition and high-end business-focused slate such as the Cube i7. The Cube i6 Air 3G Dual OS we are reviewing here is a revised version of the original Cube i6 Air 3G, which was released in the end of last year. Besides the added capability of running and switching between two operating systems, there is no other noticeable difference from the original model.
Cube i6 main specs:
OS: Android 4.4 & Windows 8.1 with Bing
Display: 9.7-inch IPS, 10-point multi-touch, IGZO
Screen Resolution: 2048 x 1536 (4:3)
CPU: Intel Atom Baytrail-T Z3735F Quad-core Processor
CPU Frequency: 1.8GHz
GPU: Intel HD Graphic
RAM / Storage: 2GB / 32GB
Function: WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, A-GPS, OTG, Miracast
WiFi: 802.11 b/g/n, WiFi hotspot
3G: WCDMA 900MHz, WCDMA 2100MHz
2G: Network Frequency: 900MHz, 1800MHz
Camera: 5MP back camera, 2MP front camera
Battery: 8000mAh
Extend Port: TF Card Slot, SIM Card Slot, Micro USB Port, 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Weight & Size: 500 g / 237 x 170 x 8.8 mm
Design & build
The Cube i6 Air 3G Dual OS has the exact same design as the original i6 Air 3G: built upon premium looking metal materials, the feel of the tablet is very solid in hand and there are no obvious gaps or noises when handling where the front and rear panels meet.
The front is dominated by a 9.7-inch IPS capacitive screen, with a 2MP camera above (in portrait), there is a speaker gate, a rear-facing camera and some branding on the Aluminium back.
Physical keys, ports and slots are all on the sides of the tablet body. A Micro USB port (for charging and data transmission) and a 3.5mm headphone jack is on the top side.
While a power button, a volume rocker, a Micro SIM card slot and a Micro SD card slot are located on the right side.
The Micro SIM tray can be easily pulled out with our own fingers, no need of an awkward ejection tool some of the tablets and smartphones require.
The tablet isn’t the lightest 9.7-incher I have picked up, but it’s still what I would consider an okay weight for this category at 500 grams, especially considering that it has a metallic rear. At 8.8mm thin it’s not chunky, nor is it super slim.
Screen and sound
The i6 Air 3G Dual OS sports a 9.7-inch IPS display at the resolution of 2048*1536, by Apple’s standards, this is a Retina display. The screen is extremely sharp and clear, the colors are rich and vivid. Viewing angles are good, generally as what you would expect from an IPS screen. And the brightness is decent, as well, but due to the reflectiveness of the screen it would be nice if it could go a few notches higher, especially when used outdoors.
I encountered no fixed or dead pixels on my unit, unlike the Teclast P98 Air I reviewed which had two fixed/stuck pixels. I noticed no light bleed on the i6 Air 3G Dual OS’ display, either.
With that said, this is still far from being the best tablet display we have laid our eyes on. Already spoiled by the Quad HD PLS displays on the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab Pro 8.4 and the super vibrant AMOLED displays on the SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S series, the i6’s display could only be rated “good” by our standards now, even though it is better than most of the displays on tablets priced under $200.
The 5-point capacitive touch screen was highly sensitive to our gestures, allowing us to pinch-zoom, swipe with ease and draw with all the fingers on one hand in Windows Paint.
The T100's speakers delivered audio that was loud enough to fill a large room. Whether we were playing Ed Sheeran’s bass-heavy "Sing" or the Toni Braxton' guitar-centric "Spanish Guitar", the sound was fairly accurate, though a bit hollow and tinny. The 3.5mm audio jack has a good loud volume output with plenty of bass and clarity. However I heard a buzz of electrical interference every now and then over my headphones when not playing music or videos. When there was active audio output, the issue was not as noticeable.
Storage
The i6 Air 3G Dual OS only comes with a 32GB eMMc storage option at this stage and this is unlikely to change. Our unit has an eMMc flash chip, which produced some good speed and very nice 4K random write scores for an eMMc drive. But here also comes a sign of oddity if you look at the default partition scheme. The 32GB of eMMc storage integrated is split up into two partitions: Windows is on one (24GB), Android 4.4.4 is on another (8GB). There's no direct, automatic sharing of photos, documents, or other app data between the two operating systems. The explanation by Cube makes sense – it is to prevent users from deleting important system files of one OS while they are running on the other OS. Fortunately, the Micro SD card slot supports cards up to 64GB, and is the only mean for the two operating systems to share files.
Connectivity
As the model name indicates, this is a cellular tablet which has access to 3G network (WCDMA and GSM). The reason why Cube doesn’t give a 2015 tablet 4G support is probably due to the cost of making this device. Still, it does offer enough data speed for most tasks such as web browsing, social network feeds and online chatting.
Besides 3G and Wi-Fi, the i6 Air 3G Dual OS also offers a lot of other connectivity options: the built-in Bluetooth 4.0 makes it easy for us to connect the tablet with headphones or input devices, the GPS can be used to precisely tell your location.
The Micro USB port on board supports USB on the go, and connect USB storage or input devices via an adapter.
Operating system
With most of the dual boot tablets, you get a boot screen selector with a choice of Android or Windows when you boot them, but with the i6 Air 3G Dual OS, you don’t. The tablet will automatically enter the operating system from which you shut the tablet down.
Below is an OS switching video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ue0WeIKH-o
Switching between the two operating systems is conveniently accomplished by tapping a software icon on the screen. The switch isn't instantaneous, the tablet need to perform a full reboot to enter the other operating system, but fortunately it only takes less than half a minute.
Cube has done zero customization to both operating systems, so you get a clean Windows 8.1 and a stock Android 4.4, which is not a bad thing, especially for people driven insane by the poorly designed UI on some of the Chinese budget smartphones.
Performance
Powered by an Intel Bay-trail Z3735F with a clock speed of 1.3GHZ and a maximum boost speed of 1.8GHz and coupled with 2GB of RAM, this dual boot tablet can tackle basic office and web tasks with ease. It can even play 4k video, but the screen doesn’t match the full 4K resolution, and there isn’t HDMI port on board to output the graphics to a larger display.
Intel's integrated graphics pale in comparison to high-end cards from AMD and Nvidia, but they're still a lot quicker than even the best-of-the-best integrated GPUs from the ARM chipmakers. In the 3D Mark Ice Storm test, the i6 Air 3G Dual OS returned a score of “maxed out”. In other benchmarks’ 2D and 3D segment, the i6 also got relatively high marks.
Benchmarks aside, in the real world use, the i6 performed like a boss in Android, handling even the heaviest Android tasks with ease. In Windows, things are a little different, all the apps installed from the Windows 8 app store ran smoothly on the i6, with no lag or stutters at all; the i6 did struggle a little bit with some of the demanding Windows desktop applications such as graphic-intense 3D games as well as image and video editing software. Fortunately, the most important productivity tool – the Microsoft Office, which was perfectly compatible with touchscreen operations, ran smoothly on this slate. Even better, the retail version of the i6 Air 3G Dual Boot includes 1 year subscription of Microsoft Office 365, making the tablet an even better bargain.
Battery life
Cube claims the i6 Air 3G Dual OS can get 6 hours of battery life in video playback, and that’s almost exactly what we got during our time with this slate. The tablet packs an 8,000mAh irremovable Li-Po battery, which is the standard for a Chinese tablet this size. With 30% brightness (which is more than sufficient for indoor use) and Wi-Fi on surfing the internet and dong a few light tasks, I was able to get around 6 hours from the i6 Air in Windows or around 5.5 hours in Android. In our standard cngadget battery rundown test, the tablet lasted 6 hours and 19 minutes looping a 1080P MP4 video in Android before shutdown due to battery drain.
Cameras
The i6 Air 3G Dual OS has two cameras on board, one on the front and one on the rear. You don’t need anything better than the front-facing 2MP camera for video chatting, and the rear-facing 5MP camera also takes decent photos for Facebook and Instagram updates, and the shots even better those taken by some budget smartphones in overall image quality. But we would still not recommend anyone use a tablet this big as their main camera device.
Photos taken by the rear camera.
Wrap-up
The Cube i6 Air 3G Dual OS is one of the better bargains in Chinese tech today. For only RMB999 ($161), you get a full licensed Windows 8.1 running on a 9.7-inch Retina IPS display, one year of Microsoft Office 365, 3G connectivity and access to all your favorite applications in Android Google Play. That's not to say this tablet is perfect. The 24GB storage partition for Windows 8.1 is too small, the battery life isn’t all that satisfactory, you cannot actively choose the OS you want to enter in boot screen and there isn’t a hardware Windows Key on board.
If you want a more premium Windows slate today, you'll need to go for a much more expensive Intel Core-powered tablet, such as the $581 Cube i7 or the $403 PIPO Work-W8. However, if you want a 9.7-inch Windows 8.1 tablet that's good enough for most everyday tasks or a power Android slate, the i6 Air 3G Dual OS is an extremely compelling choice.
The good
Nice design and solid build.
Amazing display.
Licensed Windows 8.1 and one year subscription of Office 365.
Powerful performance in Android and decent performance in Windows 8.1.
Cellular network access and phone functions.
The bad
Audible buzz of electrical interference with headphones.
Below-average battery life.
No physical Windows key.
No OS selector in bootscreen.
No HDMI output.
Android storage
Hi, for Cube i6, is it possible to install apps on external SD card on android?
Hi, thx for the nice review. If you had to choose between the Cube , the Teclast, or the Onda , which one would you pick ?
Have you tried making an actual phone call ? If so what was the quality ? If not could you still try that ? And maybe also try with a bluetooth headset ? Thanks .
kevivs said:
Hi, for Cube i6, is it possible to install apps on external SD card on android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so, but it is possible to store the data packages of big applications on the SD card
xkinkykongx said:
Have you tried making an actual phone call ? If so what was the quality ? If not could you still try that ? And maybe also try with a bluetooth headset ? Thanks .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did try to make a phone call with a headphone and a Bluetooth speaker, the quality is good enough.
xkinkykongx said:
Hi, thx for the nice review. If you had to choose between the Cube , the Teclast, or the Onda , which one would you pick ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely Cube, the best among the second-tier Chinese brands, the first tier includes Huawei, Lenovo and ZTE.
Hi, Thanks for the answer, I already ordered the cube after long deliberation and research... Looking for some not too big wireless headset and a ' man bag' , and hopefully I'll have my 'all-in-one ' solution. Thinking of reviewing it myself in my own language, and also showing making a actual phone call in android and windows, I'll be the first ! Dunno why nobody seems to be interested in that, allthough the suc6 of the sales suggest otherwise..
Ι 'm about to buy one of these ... can it be rooted?
WindowsNT said:
Ι 'm about to buy one of these ... can it be rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, use VRoot or Romaster, try it
@jupiter2012
Any News About Update firmware ( windows 10 + Android 5 )
@jupiter2012
For Wifi problem ( in windows 8.1 )
i install this version of driver and singnal is better now
3845_Network_Driver_PPJT0_WN_3007.7.915.2014_A01 (Dell Venue 8 Pro 3845)
and about Maximum size of SD support :
i installed Sandisk MicroSD 200GB
it work n win & android
I thought it'd be interesting to see what the ideal phone would be for different people on this forum. I'd recommend "thanking" posts that describe phones you like as well. I envision one that would be over-spec'd for modern times in order to future proof it and make it last a long time.
Screen size: between 5" and 5.2"
Phone size: similar size to Galaxy S6, but not a phone with a larger body than that
Back Camera: At least 16 MP, with high quality low-light sensor technology like that found in Samsung or Sony cameras
Front camera: don't really care, but something basic
Processor: (this is where it gets a bit more hypothetical) something that can get up to 2.8 GHz but only when required; typically would run closer to 1.5 GHz - basically, something that could run processor-intensive apps easily but would also have iOS-style performance for most normal activity.
RAM: 6 or 8 GB (for future proofing)
Storage: 64 GB minimum, or 32 GB with expandable storage
Battery: 4,000 mAh minimum
Security: Fingerprint sensor (something like the iPhone's sensor - the S6's sensor is still not terribly reliable), supports encryption without noticeable R/W delays
Cellular Radio: GSM and CDMA radios that can be switched on or off depending on your carrier to conserve battery, LTE-A radio,
Other: QuickCharging 3.0, Both wireless charging standards, shatterproof display (like the new Moto phone), both a regular micro USB and USB-C port, unlocked IR blaster (i.e., programmable, unlike Samsung, more like LG), front-facing speakers, waterproofing (like the Xperia Z3), Samsung Pay (or something like the OpenPay technology I've described), NFC
I think that covers it on the hardware side! On the software side, I'd either like something that gets timely updates, or something that's easy to unlock/root with open source files for all the cool technology. Now, some amazing smartphone manufacturer - please see this and make me my perfect phone!! #wishfulthinking
There are already existing discussions on this topic.
Thread closed.
Here you'll find specifications for Lenovo Phab 2 Pro provided by Gadgets NDTV.
General
Dimensions (mm): 179.80 x 88.60 x 10.70
Weight (g): 250.0
Battery capacity (mAh): 4050
Removable battery: No
Display
Screen size (inches): 6.40
Resolution: 1440 x 2560 pixels
Hardware
Processor: 1.8 GHz Octa-core
Processor make: Qualcomm Snapdragon 652
RAM: 4GB
Internal storage: 64GB
Expandable storage: Yes (via microSD)
Camera
Rear camera: 16-megapixel
Flash: Yes
Front camera: 8-megapixel
Software
Operating system: Android 6.0
Connectivity
Wi-Fi: Yes
Wi-Fi Standards supported: 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac
GPS: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
NFC: Yes
Infrared: No
USB OTG: No
Headphones: 3.5mm
FM: No
GSM/CDMA: GSM
3G: Yes
4G/LTE: Yes
Supports 4G in India (Band 40): No
Sensors: Compass/Magnetometer, Proximity, Accelometer, Ambient light, Gyroscope, Barometer
I'm very excited for about this phone. I hope there will be nice software development for it.
Definitely interested in the Plus and Pro versions of this device.
I've been using a Huawei Mate 7 for nearly a year now and I'm fine with the size factor of it, and I think I'd like the even larger size of the Phab 2. I can't wait to see some tests on the finished product and some camera samples. :fingers-crossed:
Good to know that it does have NFC, GsmArena doesn't have NFC listed for it, but not having USB OTG is a bummer. I also wonder if it has MHL and WiFi Direct.
I just signed up for when its going to be released, this might be my next new phone.
I would love it if this phone had CDMA compatibility. I'm stuck on Verizon in my area, so once again I'm disappointed...
thefinancemaster said:
I would love it if this phone had CDMA compatibility. I'm stuck on Verizon in my area, so once again I'm disappointed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't like it either. But unfortunately CDMA only takes up 15% of the market (mostly North America) while the GSM standard takes up 85% of the market share. So if I were a smartphone manufacturer, unless I had an exclusive contract with Verizon or Sprint, I'd put all my energy towards making my device compatible with the most broadly used standard.
CDMA is starting to make some inroads in other countries, so maybe that will spur more device manufacturers to include the CDMA frequencies in future phones.
Thanks for the insight Clarkson. I didn't realize that there was such a big difference, but I knew there was one. This may be extremely naive, but doesn't it seem like they could just include CDMA radios and charge an extra $20 or something? I have a Nexus 6P that I'm extremely happy with right now, but I'm always on the lookout for my next phone. This one is unlocked and I activated it on Verizon, so I know they can do it!
Phone doesn't have NFC I posted this on Lenovo site and got answer from "Lenovo"
Does it have NFC ?
1 answer
Lenovo · 3 hours ago
No it does not
Champagne Gold?
Any word on when champagne gold will be available? If I'm spending $500, why not be happy with the color?
The other disappointment for me is the micro USB. I suppose I can compromise on the lack of USB-C but I've been spoiled.
I currently use a ZTE Zmax Pro, a quick pick up after returning the Note 7. I discovered that I loved the 6-inch screen. Why not go for a 6.5 with higher screen resolution?
The camera and battery of the Phab 2 pro are much better. I'm a big OneNote stylus user so the screen real estate is more attractive to me than Tango.
[Queen OTE=H. Clarkson;67493220]Definitely interested in the Plus and Pro versions of this device.
I've been using a Huawei Mate 7 for nearly a year now and I'm fine with the size factor of it, and I think I'd like the even larger size of the Phab 2. I can't wait to see some tests on the finished product and some camera samples. :fingers-crossed:[/QUOTE]
I am glad the US is finally getting a phone this size with decent specs. I used to have the Z Ultra back in the past but their camera was dismal and had no flash but it was still a beast. I see the Phab 2 Pro as it's replacement for me as far as size, camera, screen resolution and full LTE support. I think Sony dropped the ball big time by not having a follow-up to the Z Ultra....I am currently using the Mate 8 but I have used the Mi Max and Honor Note 8 this year as well but the Mate 8 won me over and after I get this Phab 2 Pro..I will not get another phone for awhile
Z Ultra also had bezel from hell. Its touch screen eventually stopped working on me. I had the GPE.
4G LTE Verizon works
thefinancemaster said:
I would love it if this phone had CDMA compatibility. I'm stuck on Verizon in my area, so once again I'm disappointed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This phone works on Verizon 4G
Does this phone get calls over VoLTE or drop to 3G like the Phab 2?
01/26/17 EDIT: I had to go buy one to find out for myself... YES this device uses VoLTE (HD) For Calls.
Any thoughts on this phone? A few things that has got me interested is the 2x dual sim slots both being 4G supportive, Also almost identical specs as P8 lite that I have just trashed and broke beyond repair lol.
Features:
Android 6.0 OS
Equipped with the latest and highest technology Android 6.0 OS, experience in the software and operating performance Android
6.0 has been greatly optimized. According to tests, Android 6.0 enables the device life increased by 30%. So Vernee Thor
definitely will bring you a fluent and wonderful experience.
3GB RAM + 16GB ROM
With the large 3GB RAM, Vernee thor works smoothly and fast when you are playing games, watching videos or handling multiple
tasks. Besides, support 128 GB SD card and 16GB ROM allows you install all of Apps. So just establish your own media
collection for fun.
2800mAh 5V 2A Quick charge
The function of quick charge and large battery capacity will satisfy your need for power. 45 minute charge offers you
connected all day longer.
Fingerprint ID unlock
Just 0.1 second, you can unlock your smartphone. Faster, simpler, and safer are the features of Vernee Thor. Combine with
off-screen wakeup function, it will make your life more convenient and easier.
5MP + 13MP
The rear camera with 13MP of Vernee thor helps you to get more wonderful images and unforgettable memories. Faster focus,
more photosensitive element and more accurate color rendition.
5MP front camera, it is suitable for you to have a video calling, take a picture by yourself and with a wide angle to group shots.
Gorilla Glass 3 Glass Screen
Gorilla Glass 3 adopts Corning company’s unique Native Damage Resistance technology. It Not only has greater resistance to
breakage ability but also scratches visible degree decrease by 40% than the previous.
OTG
Read thhrough OTG converter can realize data exchange, external mouse, external keyboard, convenient and quick!
3D Arc Back Cover
With Aluminum alloy surface shell and 3D Arc Back Cover design imparts Vernee Thor good touch feeling and fashionable experience.
Safety
Vernee Thor has passed international certifications CE, MSDS and UN38.3, so you don’t need to worry about safety and rest
assured to use it.
Support 2G network: GSM 900/1900/2100MHz
Support 3G network: WCDMA 900/2100MHz
Support 4G network: FDD-LTE 800/1800/2100/2600MHz (Band20/3/1/7)
Dual SIM Card Dual Standby.
Support Wifi, GPS, Bluetooth4.0, FM, OTG, Turbo download,Gravity sensor, Proximity sensor, Light sensor
Your thoughts XDA on this phone or go get me another p8 lite or options to get a phone in same price range and spec or higher?