Database Info

Ladies and gentlemen, your two cents.

Hey XDA,
My beloved Omnia 7 has sailed off into my sister's hands, and I was left stranded on an island of sadness, phoneless.
But no matter, as the power of the intertubes brought me here, and much other places.
I am looking for a savior budget phone.
And I found one.
No, folks, it's not a WP7 device as you may have anticipated, ala the shining turd that is the Nokia Lumia 610 (or some other
generic, faecal device). I have ventured to the lands of china and have explored options I would have not dared to before due to fear
of SARS, rape, and being casually ripped off by scamers.
And guess what, brotha? It appears like the Hero 9300+ is my guy.
Yeah, yeah, I know. A clone, not to mention a modified one. But if this is a turd, it's a sparkling one, worth a whole $200 dollars.
Some specs (the most important + drawbacks):
-CPU: MTK6577, two cores running at a generic 1GHz. Seems like a piece of ****, but one that flies pretty fast. Antutu scores look rather promising.
-GPU: SGX-531. The old cousin of our modern SGX-540's and 544's. Not bad, not great. It does the job for me given I can play
generic time wasters like Dead Trigger at a solid 30fps with next to no lag.
--OS: Android 4.0.4 (marketed off as 4.1 JellyBean; the developers thought they could fool us English folks by editing the SDK during ROM creation, har har har. ******s.)
-RAM: 512MB. This may be a problem given ICS takes up what, 300MB? Plus I want to run a launcher (Why? Because **** you, that's why) which will take up additional memory space.
-Camera a world class piece of ****. 5MP marketed as 8MP, records video at who knows what resolution. (I will be installing another ROM for this bad boy which will enable 1080p recording unless you guys have better suggestions how to pimp this thing up).
BEST PART: Gorgeous 5.3 inch display.
Anyways, that's that for specs.
Price is $210, with Fedex delivery, from Pandawill (Safe? Not safe? Hm, got PayPal covering my ass anyway).
THE ULTIMATE QUESTION:
Is there anything around this price that beats the **** out of this but has a display which is not too small?
Am I making the right decision here?
Thanks matey for giving this your two cents. It's all appreciated.
LINK:
http://www.pandawill.com/i9300-smar...oid-40-mtk6577-1g-ram-3g-gps-wifi-p66034.html

I highly doubt you would find another phone that isn't from china that has those specifications and price tag, however, I still wouldn't buy the phone because...well it's from china and not of a legitimate/recognised phones manufacturer. I would instead pass this phone and maybe save up another 100 dollars and get a phone of similar specs (maybe not the same screen size) from htc, sony, samsung etc. just for the security, support, safety and the mods

jman2131 said:
I highly doubt you would find another phone that isn't from china that has those specifications and price tag, however, I still wouldn't buy the phone because...well it's from china and not of a legitimate/recognised phones manufacturer. I would instead pass this phone and maybe save up another 100 dollars and get a phone of similar specs (maybe not the same screen size) from htc, sony, samsung etc. just for the security, support, safety and the mods
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey matey, thanks for the reply.
I don't think I can agree with you more. This is a huge risk and I know it, although review have been rather positive (which, I must say, is encouraging).
Given the price point and the fact that I need a phone ASAP, I am not so sure I can bang out another $100 bucks for an imaginary phone with similar specs; I mean, this thing performs closely to the galaxy nexus- a ~$500 device. I also found out that Chinese phones are going to be blessed with new quad and oct core processors in Q4 2012 and Q2 2013, respectively. Going to be an insane jump, but I bet they will be price accordingly.
Thanks for your response nonetheless, I'll definitely go ahead and snoop around for brand devices right now.

Israeleet said:
Hey matey, thanks for the reply.
I don't think I can agree with you more. This is a huge risk and I know it, although review have been rather positive (which, I must say, is encouraging).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to see you coming around in your mindset... imho, buying some Chinese knockoff is only asking for trouble. If it were my decision to make, I'd find a friend with an old Android you can use and buy a real phone with a warranty, a little support, and some quality behind it. The specs may be one thing, but if I know Chinese knockoffs, everything about the case/finish/etc will be absolute junk.
I'd rather use a non-Android for a while, personally...

SparkyXI said:
Glad to see you coming around in your mindset... imho, buying some Chinese knockoff is only asking for trouble. If it were my decision to make, I'd find a friend with an old Android you can use and buy a real phone with a warranty, a little support, and some quality behind it. The specs may be one thing, but if I know Chinese knockoffs, everything about the case/finish/etc will be absolute junk.
I'd rather use a non-Android for a while, personally...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was actually looking into WP7 devices earlier because my previous device was one. I am sad to note that nothing compares other than an old Samsung Focus (much like my Omnia) from the US for $170. I mean, it's not too bad, but I feel it's time for an upgrade. I snooped around other shops, nothing comes close to the Hero, but your suggestions have shaken me up a bit. I'll be wary as this online buying thing is no game of tag- they can disappear on you.

What did you eventually purchase?
I have X710D and did have a bad experience with the seller, but eventually found another seller who I have now purchased many phones from with great success.
In relation to Chinese phones, I have to say walk with care as many fiddle the OS version number and it always pays to ask as many questions as possible prior to purchase. If there are features that you want then ask for confirmation, if they don't know then treat this as a warning about the seller.
Quality: I have no problem with the quality of build of Chinese phones. I do however have an issue with some stupid design decisions - like the 3.5mm headphone jack on the X710D - can't take standard headphones.
Just found out that the X710D has stopped manufacture, so hope that a better design is coming.
9300+ looks promising.

Hi all.
I too was in the market for a new phone and purchased a 9300+ from a site called Android for cheap and I can tell you it's a great phone. It's zippy and handles anything you can throw at it. I'm running wp8 custom on mine and it looks beautiful on the big screen. I'd recommend this phone to others as have I already. Gaming on it has no lag and due to the multi touch screen its really responsive.
I've had mine for 3 months and I think when I eventually purchase a new phone it will probably be a newer model of the same phone..... If they are still in existence then lol.
All in all its an awesome phone. I don't think you will be disappointed
Sent from my 9300+ using xda premium

[Q] Android phone up to 200$ - what to buy? Are chineese clones woth the money?

Hello,
I'm looking for Android phone up to 200$.
Not sure if should I buy something kinda outdated (like htc desire with old android) or rather fairly new construct like chineese clones (something like hdc i9300 or something else on mtk6575/6577). with recent android version Those chineese phones have quite good specs, but it's a lot of mess with them (sometime they claim to have ips screen, sometime the vary same model say it's amoled, even single alieexpress auction in one place is stated that it has ips screen while few lines lower says its amoled).
Very hard for me too choose. Are there any reputable reviews of those clones? Lots of reviews look more like commercials saying only good thigs about phone.
What would you choose?
I just want pretty standard things like :
responsive UI (hate lagging)
wifi (really working not just 1m away router)
good screen usable in sunlight (perfect would be ips) between 3.5 and 4.8 inches.
web browsing option
capable of runinng few apps at the time (browser, calendard etc) - don't care about games, although it would be nice to view movies.
and pretty decent battery (so like 2days at least of working)
GPS
decent camera which could replace separate compact camera.
Phone must be new.
Is anyone really happy with clone bought from china? Not only after buying but also after few months of use?
Could you point sellers you've been satisfied with? I know there are ratings with aliexpress, but many users buying barely know what they are buying, and even if phone is lot worse then specs say they give good feedback. E.g. Few months ago on polish auction site (like ebay) there was a guy selling fake pendrives (256mb capacity while claiming to have 32gb - altered somehow to show fake capacity) and most users left him positive feedback.
thanks in advance

Please use the sticky at the top of this section for all phone decision questions. Thank you. Thread closed.

[Q] Novatech Ntab II 9.7

Hi,
I'm interested in buying a Novatech Ntab II 9.7 from Novatech UK.
I tried to find some reviews on the tablet but could not find any except videos on unboxing and just doodling around. The only proper reviews I found were for older versions or the windows one. Can someone who owns this Android tablet provide a review on it please?
Other questions which I'd like to have answered would be battery quality, wifi stability, feel and responsiveness, camera quality.
My use will be for reading and web browsing - no gaming involved. Is this some other Chinese made tablet or the build quality is better?
Also can someone provide feedback please on how accessible is Amazon Web store? This table comes without Google Play
Another question would be on the rooting side. Anyone got to root it themselves? They offered to root it for 40GBP but am seeing it as too expensive. Any custom roms for it?
I cannot post the URL to the website but if one is interested a quick google search for novatech ntab ii 9.7 will give the result
Wish you all a happy & blessed Easter!

novatech ntab ii
Hi,
I have the ntab ii.
For the price (£179), its well made, aluminium casing, feels good in the hand, a little on the heavy side, but has long battery life, so thats ok with me.
The screen is excellent, and overall its very well specced.
It also takes a 64gb micro sd card without any difficulty (this needs to be formatted to fat32 to work). Novatech were of the opinion that this is not compatible, but it is and I've advised their tech department who seemed grateful for the info on their own product!
As for rooting it, I'd like to do the same, but can't find any info on it. I asked novatech, but they gave a nonsensical answer that seemed to avoid the question. I also note that the version they sell now has kitkat (mine has 4.2.2). Either way it still doesn't have google play store.
Amazon store is really pretty crap, and overall, despite being a great tablet in terms of design, build and spec, not having google play store is a major, major flaw with this product. You can get by without it, but it really reduces the enjoyment of the purchase. I'm not sure why they have to use this cut down version given that android is meant to be freeware, (no doubt google imposes it on them to maintain market dominance).
Wifi stability is fine, a bit weaker than my laptop, but thats to be expected. Works fine in my 2 bed flat. I haven't really used the camera, so can't comment on that. As stated, the screen is superb, so for browsing / reading you won't be dissapointed there if you decide to buy.
I'm 50:50 as to whether or not I'd recommend this product. At first I thought I was getting a great deal for the price, which in theory you do, but after a few days of realising just how poor the amazon store is compared to google play, I was left thinking that with the benefit of hindsight, I'd probably fork out the extra cash and get something with google play installed.
If it can be rooted however, that would change everything, as it would mean that you get the well specced tablet for a great price running kitkat with no restrictions. I'd gladly pay £30 to get mine rooted and increase its functionality. Who offered to do yours for £40?
Happy to answer questions, and would gratefully receive any info on rooting this device.
Cheers.

Hi,
Many thankjs for the review! That is one great review Now I have bought a Nexus 10 but your's will surely help other people considering the tablet.
With regards to the 40quids, its Novatech themselves who offered to root it, over their live chat.
Goodluck with the rooting
Matthew
Shrubmonkey said:
Hi,
I have the ntab ii.
For the price (£179), its well made, aluminium casing, feels good in the hand, a little on the heavy side, but has long battery life, so thats ok with me.
The screen is excellent, and overall its very well specced.
It also takes a 64gb micro sd card without any difficulty (this needs to be formatted to fat32 to work). Novatech were of the opinion that this is not compatible, but it is and I've advised their tech department who seemed grateful for the info on their own product!
As for rooting it, I'd like to do the same, but can't find any info on it. I asked novatech, but they gave a nonsensical answer that seemed to avoid the question. I also note that the version they sell now has kitkat (mine has 4.2.2). Either way it still doesn't have google play store.
Amazon store is really pretty crap, and overall, despite being a great tablet in terms of design, build and spec, not having google play store is a major, major flaw with this product. You can get by without it, but it really reduces the enjoyment of the purchase. I'm not sure why they have to use this cut down version given that android is meant to be freeware, (no doubt google imposes it on them to maintain market dominance).
Wifi stability is fine, a bit weaker than my laptop, but thats to be expected. Works fine in my 2 bed flat. I haven't really used the camera, so can't comment on that. As stated, the screen is superb, so for browsing / reading you won't be dissapointed there if you decide to buy.
I'm 50:50 as to whether or not I'd recommend this product. At first I thought I was getting a great deal for the price, which in theory you do, but after a few days of realising just how poor the amazon store is compared to google play, I was left thinking that with the benefit of hindsight, I'd probably fork out the extra cash and get something with google play installed.
If it can be rooted however, that would change everything, as it would mean that you get the well specced tablet for a great price running kitkat with no restrictions. I'd gladly pay £30 to get mine rooted and increase its functionality. Who offered to do yours for £40?
Happy to answer questions, and would gratefully receive any info on rooting this device.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Novatech themselves offer to root?! Cool. Will get back in touch with them. Maybe my last request was just a communication breakdown.
I'm kind of novice, but can anyone advise on the following...once rooted, does that mean I'm only half way there, I then need to find a suitable ROM to flash into the device with a fresh install of kitkat / jellybean with google play activated etc?
yancho said:
Hi,
Many thankjs for the review! That is one great review Now I have bought a Nexus 10 but your's will surely help other people considering the tablet.
With regards to the 40quids, its Novatech themselves who offered to root it, over their live chat.
Goodluck with the rooting
Matthew
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I have had one of these and it was very good value whilst it lasted. Unfortunately it died on me after 2 years.

[Q] Choose Between phone

Hi guys,
i need your help, i need to buy a new phone and I have two in mind: OnePlus One(64gb) and LG G3( 32gb/3gb ram).
I do gaming use and media consuming, I consider myself a medium/heavy user.
Wich one I should buy?
Thank you in advance.

When you're dealing with two high-end, respected phones, it really comes down more to personal preference, although there are some important factors to consider. You still need to procure an invite to order a OnePlus One, although that task is gradually becoming easier. Also, the One comes with Cyanogen preloaded. The removable battery and SD card on the G3 may also be important to you (they definitely are for me). Otherwise, the two handsets are extremely similar spec-wise, apart from the 1440p screen on the G3, which comes with its own benefits and caveats. You really cannot go wrong with either.

There are 3 threads already established that are devoted to discussions about devices, please read, and if necessary, repost your question in one of these threads: The what should I buy thread or the The Device Suggestion Thread or the The Device Comparison Thread.
There are also several other discussion threads that you probably should review to help you. They are What phone do you wish you had? or
The Worst Android Device That You've Ever Had & Why or even this place that talks about The best phone you ever owned.

What should I buy?

Hi guys, even though I'm the biggest android nerd, and knows pretty much everything about what phones available and stuff like that, I'm still wondering what phone I should buy. All the new releases, week after week, and specs flowing around, is really confusing. My beloved LG G2 is getting pretty old, so I'm looking for: Preferably 6" (5, 7" is also tolerable), good camera, large battery, a snappy processor, preferably aluminum body, and a price around 400-500$ (350-450€, 280-350£),And a availability in Europe. I know it could sound like a Nexus or a Mate 8, but I'm looking for something a little different. If you can think of something similar to above, then hit me!

We have a dedicated thread for such questions here, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620179
Many opinions to be offered there, so I'll close this thread. :good:
Thanks,
Darth
Forum Moderator