[REVIEW] Phablet/Console Much i5 (5" Quad-Core)
Note
Due to the limitations of this forum, i cannot put the full version of the review. THIS IS NOT THE FULL REVIEW ARTICLE
For the complete version of this review visit my blog .
Package contents(Unboxing y full description of the package contents)
When the package is opened, we found the following elements that, i understand, are part of any standard shipment for this product.
Much i5 Device
Quick guide
Guarantee sheet
MicroUSB cable
USB Wall charger
3550 mAh Battery
Serial number sticker
About first impression
My first impression of the device was so good. I really feel that the device materials and quality is distinct that other devices i tested.
There is lots of details that make a difference, from the device design, or the software included, or the customization made on the system, etc.
The first time you boot the device, you get a screen to register an iMuch account. This is not required really, but you can do these steps to gain access for Much services (note: most in chinese). In my tests, i remove my Much account, and i can use the device without problems.
(First boot)
There is a icon called Much Helper, that really is a quick guide to use the device, that is so interesting and helpful (this come in english), and show you in short steps the main features of the device and how to use.
Is really nice get a device like this that manufacturer take care about heir users, and provide ways to get familiar and comfortable with the device like this (and in english, a common language).
Another thing that i get may attention is that this device come with no much bloatware, and the games listed are to download from the google playstore (instead of a separated store with software from a non clear origin)
Most of this games are free, or demo versions.(and i thanks for it, because the system come with no unecessary software pre-installed)
Product information
According with the manufacturer, or searching info on web pages, we can found many sources of information about the device and sometimes these information may be not consistent (may be different from one web page to other), and this may cause some confusion for anybody that wants to get info about this product.
On this section i will post the info i get from the manufacturer (or is not possible, the web page that i consider more reliable), listing only the relevant points for a tech analysis of the product, and omit these points that don´t get any relevant info about the device (as many time we found on many pages, things such video capabilities, mail capabilities, etc, that really are software based features that we can install on the device, and not a real feature of the device itself)
CPU(RAM): MTK6589 quad-core 1.2GHz Cortex A7
GPU: PowerVR Series 544
RAM: 1G RAM LPDDR2
Internal: 4GB ROM
Screen size: 5"
Screen resolution: 1280x720
Screen Type: IPS Panel, Multitouch 5 points
Operating System: Android4.2 (Much Launcher)
Storage: MicroSD(TF) support 64GB storage expand maximum
Sensor: Nine-axis sensing (gyroscope, electronic compass, and gravity sensing), and light-sensitive sensing, close up sensing
Camera: Main camera of 8 MPx, digital zoom, auto focus, microspur support, Flash LED. Front camera of 0.3 MPx;
Network Function: support WCDMA 850M/2100M GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHZ, HSUPA(high speed uplink):up to 11.5 Mbps,HSDPA+( high speed downlink):up to 42.2 Mbps
Wifi: 802.11b/g/n
bluetooth: V4.0LE +EDR
GPS: with AGPS support
Buttons: 4 action buttons, 2 Shoulder buttons, 2 special buttons (configurable), DPAD and 2 analog sticks.
Video Play: Hardware decoding, maximum resolution up to 1280x720P, H.264, MPEG4, MPEG2, VC-1, H.263
Audio System: D-class amplifier , AAC speaker (2x0.5w)
Power Supply: 3550mAh Lithium battery
Charge: dual interface charge, (Bottom) Micro USB charge interface 1A charge, (Top) Micro USB charge interface 500mA charge maximum.
TV-Out: Mini HDMI interface (support 1080P)
USB: MicroUSB OTG 2.0
Dual standard SIM card(WCDMA/GSM) + MicroSD(TF) card
size: 184.0x88.0x14.7mm
Antutu X Benchmark
Summary:
RAM Operation: 1089
RAM Speed: 502
CPU integer: 1819
CPU float-point: 1242
2D graphics: [720x1280] 646
3D graphics: [720x1280] 3294
Storage I/O: 832
Database I/O: 515
CPU frequency: 1209 MHz (x4)
Multitask: 2661
Dalvik: 780
Total: 13380
ClockWorkMod Recovery (Custom Recovery)
Android have a special mode called Recovery, that is used many times to recover the device if this have problems to run properly, but there exist an alternative Custom Recovery that add a lot of new functionality and tools, and one of the most popular is one called ClockWorkMod Recovery.
There is a full functional version of this recovery that run on this device.
One of the most important features of this custom recovery, is the NANDROID generation, a way to generate a full backup of the nand (where the operating system resides) to a directory, and can be used as a recovery point for the device in case of semi-brick, or simply if you want to get a clean firmware on it.
Take note that this backup (nandroid) is a image of the NAND, this means, there will be stored all your configs, users, passwords, accounts, etc. Is a good idea to get a clean firmware insatlled on the device, and install and configure all your base programs (file admins, cloud services, google account, etc) and then get a nandroid for your personal use. When you get back to this image/backup, you will get a clean and configured system, saving lot of time on basic configurations and installing basic software.
The installation of CWM on this device is easy. For this, i follow the next thread on XDA forum:
How to install CWM on most rooted mtk devices
This method is based on Rua1 tool (a russian guy that develop a specific MTK took), and i will try to explay step by step.
First, you need the drivers ADB installed on the system. If you don´t get yet, then download and install PDANet (for windows, there is the 4.12 installer).
Then install PDANet, and when the program ask for connecting the device (USB), connect your Much.
Program will install drivers (if ask to you, select "other manufacturer" for generic drivers)
When you get installed this program, then go and download "MTK Droid Root & Tools | MediaTek Android Smartphone" ver 2.4.8 (from this thread on XDA)
Run the program. If the antivirus or firewall warning about a unknown thread, ignore it.
The program will run adb and connect with your device. No matter if you set root for ADB and Apps in System Settings, the program will inform that the device is not fully rooted. (there is a yellow rectangle)
Press ROOT button.
When finished, the rectangle will be green
(I will do a copy paste from XDA thread, because is well explained what you must to do)
Click on the tab 'root,backup,recovery' and select 'to use boot from phone' then click on 'recovery and boot' and shortly after a dialogue box will appear asking if you want to 'make cwm recovery automatically' click yes
System start to generate the CWM version.
Is possible that the tool show a dialog with a warning "ATENTION! There is a probability to damage the boot block!". Select "Yes"
Android Games
Asphalt 8: Airborne
(Using Tincore to control the game)
Jet Set Radio
Bard´s Tale
Dead Trigger
N.o.v.a. 3
Using HDMI TV Out, External controller (PXN8633 Wireless controller with USB receiver) and Tincore to map the controller to screen.
Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour
Using HDMI TV Out, External controller (PXN8633), and Tincore for mapping.
Ravensword
Grand Theft Auto Vice CityUsing External Controller and Tincore for mapping.
DraStic (Nintendo DS)
Zelda Phantom Hourglass
PPSSPP (Playstation Portable PSP)
Lego Indiana Jones 2
Mame4Droid Reloaded (Arcades)
Garou: Mark of Wolves
Marvel vs Capcom
Retroarch
Arcade (MAME) - Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
PSX - Tekken 3
N64Oid (Nintendo 64)
Bad Fur Day
(Gameplay)
About Battery
Some words i must to say about this point. This device is the first handheld gaming console that i forgive to take care constantly about battery level. In fact, using as a normal smartphone and as a gaming console, is a heavy use for me, more than my normal smartphone (i like to use a Motorola Razr), and my phone, only as phone, battery is not longer than Much device.
I don´t know how many hours it can be working, but i´m sure is enough for most of users that want a good duration.
Check the following screenshots:
These 3 screenshots was taken when i get in home, in night (well, really when i remember to take these screenshots)
The most important of these screenshots, are that the device was working as normal usage, with WIFI enabled, one SIM card enabled, and most time (when i´m in train or bus) with Bluetooth enabled (for bluetooth audio), with all normal options for a smartphone standard enabled (GPS, Vibration, etc), and most important, playing normally, and the battery, well, you can see the images. For this reason i can mention that i forgot to check constantly the battery level, to calculating how many time i can play, or anything.
And of course, the battery is replaceable, then if you really need more battery duration, simply buy another battery pack, and carry with you to replace when you go out of power.
Final words
Apologize for the mistakes i did writing in english. As many of you know, this is not my natural language, but i did my best to try to bring to you a readable and understandable article that, sincerely, i hope is useful.
And remember this is not a full article review. It is only a Summary.
Zalu2!
Deen0X
re-install MUCH I5
Hello,
I have one Much I5. This device was bricked somehow and I need to re-install it. I made all the instruction on your blog but after pressing Vol- android screen suddenly disappear and I can only see ireadygo screen and I could not do anything else. Could you help me to re-install this device may be from pc ?
Thank you & best regards,
* Source - bbs.ejiayu.com
Jiayu officially Rollout Kitkat 4.4 (Trial ver. / Beta ) for Jiayu G4S .
New Rom is available on Needrom.com. & bbs.ejiayu.com
Whats new :-
New and smart dialing Caller First, the new dialer will recommend common contacts based on your usage habits, automatic intelligent, easy Speed Dial; Meanwhile, some well-known companies or service numbers of calls, using Google's online database to match automatically displays the name, even if your phone does not store them .
Optimized for RAM. KitKat Android 4.4 has been optimized for the RAM occupied even fluent only 512MB RAM on some older phones to run. It also further optimized the system is running low with hardware, seems to be better in many smart wearing running on the device.
New icon, lock screen, start the animation and color scheme before the blue-green color design is changed into white / gray, more minimalist, another style icon further flattening, also built some new animations, the whole interface more beautiful, less resource-intensive. In addition, also joined the translucent style interface to ensure that the status bar and the navigation bar to play better results in the application.
Fullscreen mode :
now, whether you are looking at books, or use any application that can easily enter into full-screen mode, hide the virtual keys to bring more investment experience. Simply slide the screen edge, you can retrieve the keys, but also very convenient.
Wireless printing :
Photos you can use Google Cloud Print wireless printing your phone, documents or web pages, other printer manufacturers will quickly follow, publish related applications.
Screen recording feature :
Android 4.4 adds screen recording function, you can record all operations on the device for a period of MP4 video, and choose the aspect ratio or bit rate, and even add a watermark.
Low power audio and positioning modes :
Android 4.4 added a low-power audio and positioning mode to further reduce power consumption of the device.
New Bluetooth profile and infrared compatibility :
Android 4.4 built two new Bluetooth profile, you can support more devices, lower power consumption, including the mouse, keyboard and handle, but also be able to exchange with Bluetooth Map . In addition, the new infrared remote control interface can support more devices, including TVs, switches and so on.
Note :-
1, the upgrade to Android 4.4 version of Android 4.2 version must use the wire brush way to be, does not support the card brush approach. Please note before upgrading users to back up important data on the phone's original, to prevent loss.
2, released the first edition preferred domain version of Android 4.4 experience, there may be some BUG, yet to be discovered and perfect for user testing and experience to use.
3, for the Google Android 4.4 system software version newer, popular applications APK software may have some compatibility issues with pending application developers update the software version.
Awesome! I will try it as soon as i have time, someone antutued it??
Hi guys ,
I am a new user of this forum, I've been working on new and refreshing phone info app .
The app is called "Phone Info" and its free.
Description
Do you want to have detailed information on your phone or device?
Phone info app introduces you to your device down to the smallest detail.
Do you want to know the battery status? the model of your mobile phone? which sensors is your mobile phone equipped with?
Download phone info app and find out.
There are 5 categories
- System
Find out the model, the manufacturer, the hardware, the type of device, your mobile number, the Android version, the SDK version and much more
- Device
View the display resolution, ram, internal and external memory space
- Battery
Find out the status of your battery, is it in good condition?
It also displays the temperature, the voltage
- Network
Is wifi available? what ip address does your mobile have? Is NFC present?
- Sensor
What model and manufacturer does your accelerometer or gyroscope have?
Discover all the sensors on your mobile phone
These are just some of the information that phone info app gives you. install it in your device to view them all!
---------------------------------------------------------
Features 1.0.1
** new icon **
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Note: I'm publishing it here first because i know guys here are serious and if you encounter issues
you'll tell me about it so i can fix it.
Google play link
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=phoneinfo.com.phoneinfo
Hi
Please be gentle with me if this has been covered somewhere, I've searched high and low and been unable to find an answer...
There is a free app available on the playstore (made by a large home automation company) which I have downloaded on both an android phone and tablet. The app is missing one specific function on the tablet which is available on the phone, this is "intercom" functionaliy. According to the developer, this is by design - this is intended to promote their own hardware product for this task (also an android touch screen interface). However, I cannot afford to buy their device ($$$$s) and would like to have the app pinned and running on a cheap tablet. This works fine, apart from the lack of intercom.
The intercom function is a voip service and does not require a cellular connection, only a camera, microphone, speaker and network connection. I have proved this by turning off mobile data on the phone and can simulate the functionality on the tablet by using a seperate voip app and registering the tablet on the voip network.
My question: From my research it would seem likely the app is using the display size / resolution, "telephonymananger" or a combination of both to enable / disable the intercom function depending on the device type. Is there a way to circumvent this? i.e. is there a way to emulate a different screen size & property in telephonymanager? Ideally I could do this on a 10" fire HD tablet 9th / 11th generation, but if there is a similarly cheap tablet that would be much easier I would be willing to invest in that.
Grateful for any answer, advice, or direction anyone can offer.