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Hey
The first (Android) smartphone with camera that can really compete with the digital cameras and no section for it?
Modding it would be great
Altek A14 Leo
Altek Leo Section
regarding the serious problems the Altek Leo has, as no google apps, not even market, no rooting published, no adobe flash, firefox will not install and so on,
a section would be useful for the distessed owners of this camera phone which
is more a fumble phone than a smart phone. Its advantages are a very good lens, an outstanding CCD chip, a xenon flash and professional camera software.
True, is buggy
I bought one actually and despite it being pretty buggy, I just absolutely love the camera.
Definitely needs some software love though:
1) Interface is pretty sluggish and 2.1 isn't helping, the latest android performance improvements would be nice.
2) Touch-screen is strangely inaccurate. Swype was a must for me.
3) Battery life is pretty bad (not certain how much a newer Android would help, but any amount of powersaving fixes would help).
4) Buttons/widgets to lock the screen (e.g. Extended Controls) don't work.
5) The camera button doesn't open the camera when the phone is locked (debatable I guess, but imo, the camera button should just open the camera, period).
6) Default alarm clock doesn't ring randomly.
7) Not to mention apps randomly crashing, strange animation bugs in the Album viewer, no google apps, terrible GPS, etc.
But despite those, I've managed to work my way round them and am in love with it.
Alex
I have one of these and I do like the quirkyness .
I would love to improve the experience by modding.
Quirkyness fits well
To continue the list (more than enough for a forum)
- Backups by Titanium, AVG or Nandroid do not work because i have no idea
how to root the Altek Leo.
- WLAN range is still very short and does not always an automatic reconnect.
- I could not manage to make any browser play flash files, but the moboplayer
plays flv files well.
- Apps like soundhound say the microphone is blocked.
About half of the apps i need are not available because they will not install
or they are exclusively available over google market and getting them from
file hosters seems a bit risky to me. Most of this problems seem to be caused
by the small software space of 120 MB for files and 83 MB for running
applications.
But i will keep the Altek Leo and use it because the camera prooved itself
as outstanding among mobile phones.
- I use the application stores Applanet, Amazone Appstore, Handango,
SlideMe SAM and the tools Memory Booster Lite, Android Tweak.
Does anyone discovered any other useful helpers for this half of an
ANDROID device ?
"We do not need any adobe flash, we have got a real xenon flash."
Where To Buy
Does anyone know where to pick up/order one of these units?
Here To Buy
Search at Ebay, you will need a Paypal account.
I bought mine from Wifigadget.
Eason of Yupitek provides International Customer Service,
have a look at the facebook pinwall.
Thanks for the tips! Really like Memory Booster and Swype.
If you're on a mac, the "missing sync" from markspace is well worth the buy - particularly given that there does not seem to be a way to add a Google account under accounts and sync - it's missing on my altek leo! Anyone elses too?
Also recommend "Lookout" if you're worried about virus from no easy way to get apks other than file sharing sites.
Despite the quirks, very happy with this all-in-one device - music player + phone + camera - 3 down to 1! Fantastic!
Vignette
Sidenote, 'Vignette' is the perfect app for this device.
It doesn't fix any of the quirkiness, but it's a photo manipulation tool which complements the fantastic camera perfectly.
You can take your pics and then touch them up making the phone a studio for all things photography.
You can purchase it from the AndAppStore.
By poor battery life, how many days do you get out of it?
root and market
Has anyone tried the Gingerbreak exploit? I heard it might work on older devices. Also, if you don't trust file sharing sites and want stuff from the market. You could try running an emulator and installing the Market on that, then sideloading the APKs. I haven't tried it myself yet, but it seems there are a lot of people doing this. Here's one HOWTO which is specific to Mac but I think it's prety much the same or at least you should be able to use the same system image. http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1387830/how-to-install-android-market-app-on-the-emulator there are lots of other links if you google "android market emulator" I don't have the Leo yet because they're sold out in Taiwan, but I've got mine on order. I'm most interested whether the google apps work at all if they're sideloaded. I've just sort of bricked my older Cyanogen device. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Oh, here's a Windows specific link - http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/10004/accessing-android-market-from-android-sdk/
and be careful with Gingerbreak!
There's also UniversalAndRoot to try http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=747598
and SuperOneClick http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
Poor battery-life
@rocky7st
It depends on usage. Light usage is ok. Any sort of medium/heavy usage won't get you through the day.
I bought it from an ebay seller which sent me 2 batteries which was helpful:
cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230614421067
It's is useful since it allows me to occasionally geek out with the camera, playing with apps or using the GPS (i.e. 2 hours straight) and and it'll completely run out of juice by late afternoon.
I usually wait till I get home to recharge it on those occasions, but it's been very useful to be able to switch to the backup battery if I'm out and about and I really need to use the phone.
@everyone_else
On the topic of side-loading apps, my gf has an Android phone with a market on it, so I use the "Astro" file manager which allows you to "Backup" the apks, and then I transfer them to my phone via email.
I've been unable to get my device to show up with adb, so not far enough to try SuperOneClick.
UniversalAndRoot says something like "unable to root"
Z4Root says "running root exploit" and does not progress..
That's bad news but good to know at the same time. Hopefully there will be a method soon. Still waiting on mine but I unbricked my older one. Seems to be an almost total lack of hands-on reviews (outside of a trade show) so I thought someone might be interested in this one. Also, I emailed the author to see whether and how he installed the Market app.
http://120x160.com/old-entries/216-hardware-review-altek-leo-a14-camera-phone
Cheers for the reply jackflap. Do you guys know anything about the Android 2.2 upgrade, I've heard Altek is meant to be releasing it next month.
Okay, I got SuperOneClick working so I have root. ADB worked in windows after installing the Altek software.
ADB in linux still cannot find the phone..
So I tried installing various vending.apk files but keep getting MISSING SHARED LIBRARY or out of date SDK.
@daktak I've been trying to develop for the Leo but have not been able to get ADB to work in windows. Where did you obtain the Altek software?
Hi All,
I am a complete noob here and non technical.
Recently bought an altek leo with the sole purpose of loading an app called Passport Photo Plus and using the device to create passport photopgraphs and to send by Bluetooth to a compatible printer.
We have been doing this on other android smartphones but wanted to use the altek due to its camera features.
It appears that our desired app is ony avaiable on Market.
Being non -technical we have tried and failed to find a way to install this app on our leo.
I'm sure there may be other apps available but we specifically want this one due to it's features.
Does anybody know if this can be done, and if so how? Can anybody point me in the right direction (in easy to understand non tech terms please!)
Would happily pay a small fee for succesful step by step instructions (not sure if I can post that here, if not please ignore / mods pls delete).
Many thanks in advance.
Hello everyone!
First of all sorry for my bad English. I represent smartphones distributor from Kiev, Ukraine. We have contacted with GooApple sales director and have got GooApple V5 sample phone for tests before bulk orders.
All I can say: it's just not ready for international market at the moment and unfortunately they are not very much interested in positive firmware or hardware changes.
They have made firmware ios_11.12.08 for our last recall but non of our issues have been resolved + one added: it doesn't react on first home button push after lock screen, it only shows unlock screen after the second home button push or fast twice push.
Here is our issues list:
Phone's battery draining, runs out too fast!!! After full charge it runs out 75% battery life for 4 hours of usage: 1 call during 5 min., video watch during 8 min., music during 6 min, looking thought photos during 5 min., taking 3 pictures with the camera. 1,5 hour is just for walkthrough over the interface, settings, lock/unlock. 3,5 min. video takes about 5-6% of battery life. And it's without any gaming, internet surfing, making videos. Other time it's just holding.
Screen has some lightness flickering. Backlight blinking, flashing a little bit from the sides and left top corner.
Connect button (in putting Wi-Fi password mode) doesn't work. Just can't connect to any locked Wi-Fi network.
Bad Wi-Fi catch signal even with a close to phone router.
Doesn't remember icons location on springboard bar after moving around and reboot the phone.
Showing the last called phone number in background when sending USSD commands (checking balance or any anything else).
The input keyboard should be the same as iOS with working English and Russian (now it doesn't work) and customization ability in the General folder in Settings.
Booting animation should be the same as iOS with Apple logo only.
Creating folders (put in and put out icons) and moving icons around doesn't work properly.
The font in Calendar, Time, Dial is not the same as iOS.
The sim card pin code enter should be the same as iOS.
How to delete apps like Call Log, PowerOff... chinese QQ and others?
Reminders, Maps, Weather Stocks iReader apps should be in English.
Browser app should be renamed to Safari.
Gallery app should be renamed to Photos.
Phone key at dialpad should be renamed to Keypad.
Must speed up fake iOS usage response, performance.
Must speed up screen rotation/orientation response.
Must replace red ! (exclamation) to the Sending progress bar when sending messages/SMS.
Must replace chinese word to english word Call at the dial pad.
Make possibility of adding your own ringtones in the Settings.
Make double tap or pres hold the home button for multitask, running apps view like on iOS with appear at the bottom of the screen.
Make possibility of completely close/kill apps taking up memory and running in the background.
Make dialing numbers sound quieter (it's set to max by default).
Make lock/unlock sound quieter (it's set to max by default but should be possible to customize).
Make full-screen camera mode when taking photos.
Correct + - add sound mode when playing video, music (quiet sound from 2 to 6 bars and after 6 bars it's big increase in sound).
Remake Videos app (it should redirect/open phone's gallery instead of SDcard content).
Remake YouTube app (it should be in English or redirect/open youtube.com).
WLAN folder in Settings should be renamed to Wi-Fi.
Phone warms up when gaming, talking, videos.
It doesn't recognize sim card enter when ON.
Word Wednesday comes out of the Calendar app icon.
Power On/Off button dangles, swing around with sound.
Upper background part can be seen when charging.
While start pinching any picture from the center it zooms in with imprecision to the side of the picture.
Battery life doesn't shows properly on lock screen (it shows all empty when screen corner shows less of 20% battery life).
It Reboots by itself few times during the day when locking the screen.
If you know any other issues please add them by numbers 39, 40....
Or if you have solutions for any of the issues please also add it by the 1-38 numbers.
I hope we can make it better together!
Possible Solutions to Gooapple V5 issues.
Generally speaking, I don't think that all these reasons are real for every V5 phone around. Did you wipe out every data BEFORE flashing the new rom? If not, certain applications may have been running multiple times (i.e.: Maps in my case when I did that). I am using the android rom (not the iOS one) and I have not all these problems whatsoever.
Possible solutions:
1. Try and see if you have data enabled or GPS is on. This device has a hardcoded (R) Roaming on (i.e. you can't turn it off) plus it's not (yet) capable of 3G data. Turn both of them off while not needing them helps A LOT.
2. Not an issue here with newest android build; maybe your screen has issues. I've had some friends with original iPhones having the same flickering as yours. Turned out to be their retina display.
3. Not true. I'm connecting on both my wifi spots at home both Wep and WAP/PSK. Wifi is low powered though and need you to be NEAR the wifi router / spot (see below).
4. True! Just 5 meters away and a mid-wall makes the difference. They really need to boost their receiver.
5.Try reinstalling AFTER you've made a complete wipe data/factory reset. THEN install the rom. This might fix the issue.
6.I'd really like to see a list of USSD commands if you have one available for this phone... (pm me??? )
7.Same for Greek keyboard. I've overcame the problem by installing Greek Input Method from the market.
8.Heh. +1
9.It works for me for both android and iOS roms.
10,11.I agree.
12.You'll have to be 'root' to do so. The only way I've found to do so is the program superoneclick (google it). After rooting the V5, download from market 'Root Uninstaller'. Works perfectly even with the 'protected apps' like the one you mentioned. I know that you don't have 'market' on iOS rom so here's what I did:
I've had a factory reset first, then installed Android rom and THEN the iOS rom. I've also installed a program called 'Go Launcer EX'. This pops up when unlocking the device asking you what launcher you prefer, this way you have the best of both worlds.
13-16: Agree.
17 & 18: The problem is the retina display with the slow (relatively) 650MHz MTK6573 processor. The G3 (previous model) had a smaller screen that the cpu was able to handle. On android rom things are better though...
19 & 20: Agree.
21: On android you can do so by adding your custom ringtones on a folder called /alarms, /ringtones etc on your sd card. Should work for us too (didn't try it yet).
22. Agree.
23. I am using an app from market called: Advanced Task Manager does the trick.
24-31. Agree.
32. I didn't go that far!!! I guess you're right.
33 & 34. Yep.
35 & 36. I haven't got such a problem. Consider the retina screen of yours has a problem / issue?
37&38. Nope. Works alright here.
Finally another issue with no solution:
39. GPS lock. The GPS won't operate properly in EU (Greece) where I live. Takes forever to find satellites and it won't lock to a fix point even if you wait 10 mins. This is what I'm after right now and if I have a proper solution I'll post it here.
Thanks for putting up this thread Cyber_dude. If you need anything I'll be more than glad to help!
Thanks for your reply.
We have talked with GooApple for about a week now and sure I have made all needed such as wipe data before firmware update. That's because you are basically using Android ROM. Customers buying phones like this one because they just want iPhone for less and want everybody else think they got an iPhone. So using Android on any iPhone replica is just not right. It should run fake iOS and should be at least 60% of the original one. This phone costs $300 icnl. shipping at resellers (price of used iPhone 4 on eBay) and I think user interface should be well polished and flawless for that money.
Yes, Maps on last gooapple_ios_11.12.08 works in English now. But after resolving one problem they made two others, like it doesn't react on first home button push after lock screen, it only shows unlock screen after the second home button push or fast twice push.
1. That's not a solution! Sure I have turned everything like wi-fi, gps... off. But customers want it to be fully functional phone, without thinking: "ohh., have I turned my phone's wi-fi and gps off to kepp the battery alive?" It's shouldn't be like that!
They have you used so low capacity 1050mAh battery. (but we think it's even less). The original iPhone's has 1420mAh. And there are even 2200-2430mAh on the market today. They have changed screen, ram, cpu but keep the same battery. It's just stupid. And it's smaller then iPhone's battery so you just can't replace it. It works maximum up to 3 hours in active usage mode without gaming. (with full brightness on, because turning it less on this screen is just sacrilege).
That's they have answered about that: "when making a phone, we have to consider a lot of things, especially the cost, when everything is as great as iphone 4, the price will be too..."
2. Yes, it's old issue, it resolves after reinstall.
3. It's true. It works on you because your wep password is large then 8 characters. It doesn't work with less passwords like mac or iPhone.
5. Yes, new firmware resolved that.
6. I mean USSD commands for checking balance.
But here is a command to enter EngineerMode: *#67876#*
7. Stock keyboard is a crap. I use Smart Keyboard Pro.
8. I can change robot with apple booting animation but can't change gooapple name at the beginning. I think it's logo.img at the rom zip file. I have tried to delete it and make other changes to the rom but can't sign it. It's always shows sign error at the install.
9. It works but it works very-very badly. Then you are trying to move icon to other position it creates a folder with other icon, it's so annoying.
12. I have also made the root with the SuperOneClick. And delete Chinese apps with Root Explorer.
Thanks for Go Launcer EX advise. What else it can help us with?
17 & 18. They used MTK6513 it's cuted MTK6573 without 3G. It's not the best one anyway.
21. Yes, I also want to try to add custom ringtone to media directory folder.
23. Yes, I also use Advanced Task Killer Pro on gooapple_ios_11.11.30 but they have added double tap home button like iPhone to kill running apps on gooapple_ios_11.12.08
35 & 36. These issues are real and haven't resolved on new roms. That's not screen problem, I can make a screenshot if needed.
37. This one is also real. Can also make a screenshot.
38. Haven't seen this issue on gooapple_ios_11.11.30
39. Maybe you should try to test it in EngineerMode Have you tried to use any other GPS third-party application?
I didn't know about this issue because I haven't tried GPS, no need with this battery.
Do you know how to replace chinese word (Call) to english word Call at the dial pad? Because it's immediately catches the eye when using. I have decompiled the Phone.apk with APK Edit program but all image files are normal over where, chinese word is not an image file. I don't know how to change it.
Just lets keep this thread go by adding new issues and how to solutions.
Got my V5 about 2 weeks ago. Been playing with it for a while - tried both the newer roms and currently running the ios version that is made available about 10 days ago. Been working fine for me, except I may gps is very slow (can take up to 10 minutes for it to find me), and the built in FM Transmitter does not work. I also have various chinese apps which I was not able to delete. I will try the latest rom to see what improvemements it has.
Question, how did you root the phone? I downloaded superoneclick, but keep getting hung on the "waiting for device". I have usb debuggin on, and tried it both with "usb connect" on and off (the setting in the phone to establish a usb connection to a PC). Instead of using this "usb connect" feature, do I need to download some type of usb driver for this phone? If so, can you provide details? I've tried various usb drivers for MT6513 but nothing yet works - even tried something called PDANet which installed some type of software oin the phone and said it was connected, but still the superoneclick failed. Any ideas?
Oh, by the way I found a vending.apk that works on the ios rom. See link below
http://www.mediafire.com/?khpvzmzwwaqyxdm
Thanks
I have uploaded the drivers for GooApple V5, here is the link: http://www.mediafire.com/?h6hr1ckrf3sc7cj
How to root your GooApple V5:
Make sure you use Win XP.
Download drivers file from the link above and unzip it.
Phone Settings -> Applications -> Unknown sources, on
Phone Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging, on
Phone Settings -> Applications -> Development -> to keep awake, on
Phone Settings -> Applications -> Development -> Allow analog location, on
Connect the data cable, turn on USB storage in the phone.
In the Windows Device Manager (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Device_Manager) find your phone, open properties and install or update the drivers from the unzipped folder.
Reboot your computer.
Now download the SuperOneClick from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682 If you run XP, install .NET Framework v2.0 or above.
Shut down your antivirus/firewall.
Turn off USB storage in the phone. Make sure you do not mount the sd card.
Run the SuperOneClick BOOT process. If it's not success from the first time try it again.
After that install the Root Explorer to your phone, go system/app, push Mount R/W button and delete any app you want.
Thanks for the vending.apk, here are also some tips for it: http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/how-to-install-new-android-market-2-2-6-on-your-device/
Cyber_Dude, thanks for the engineering mode code. You've done a nice job on the rooting info. Just for the story: I've done it on W7, 32bit and worked alright too. Newest superoneclick has the ability to forcibly ask for Admin privileges. Drivers have to be installed manually though.
I've found out into the Engineering menu that there's a CPU Frequency test that reports a high of 806MHz. THAT would be awesome to have when needed. Do you have any *working* utility that is able to over clock the MTK6573 CPU of it? I've tried some from the market but with no luck whatsoever.
Some info on the WiFi boosting would be helpful too. I've been digging into the /etc directory and found out several conf files that may, or may not do the job. I'd rather not alter the values on my own though...
Ah, finally another addition:
There seems to be an issue importing/exporting my contacts from the phone to google.com. Plus the Account and Sync options on the settings menu isn't reporting the respective field (i.e.: only Picassa, books and gmail is able to sync. Contacts is not on the list).
Thanks.
Cyber_dude - thanks for the rooting details. Got my V5 rooted today, and it worked from my vista laptop (didn't need a xp PC). I deleted the 9 chinese apps no problem including the chinese market app.
The vending.apk I provided works whether you root or not - however now that I'm rooted I will keep your instructions in mind if I want to upgrade to a different market version.
I'm still on the Dec1/2011 ios rom - anyone know what the newer ios rom (Dec10/2011) has to offer? I have tons of apps and settings personalized, so I'm not really wanting to wipe the phone to load the latest ios rom unless I know it will have some improvements.
Only problems I still have, which I would appreciate feedback on, are:
1) gps is very slow to find my location (can take up to 30 minutes). Funy thing is that as I scroll on the map it refreshes fast, and I can find addresses and streets, but it just can not find my location?
2) ther built in FM Transmitter does not work - would love to get this working since I do not have bluetooth stereo in the car. FYI - found other fmtransmiiter.apk apps on the net - can I just replace my existing same app on systems/bin to make it work?
Thanks
Have you tried it with the 'new' Android UI ROM? How does it perform? I'd really like to see some videos - youtube only has 13 and I've seen them all ..
DanADaMan said:
Only problems I still have, which I would appreciate feedback on, are:
1) gps is very slow to find my location (can take up to 30 minutes). Funy thing is that as I scroll on the map it refreshes fast, and I can find addresses and streets, but it just can not find my location?
2) ther built in FM Transmitter does not work - would love to get this working since I do not have bluetooth stereo in the car. FYI - found other fmtransmiiter.apk apps on the net - can I just replace my existing same app on systems/bin to make it work?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Same thing here. From the data sheet (from Mediatek) of the MTK6573 (which this phone has) the update location should be as fast as 10ms (that's 1/100 of a second) so something is DEFINITELY wrong.
2) I think you'll have to 'sign' it somehow. There are some apps that are supposed to provide 'signed' apps but never got to work with one; so I have no experience.
Cheers
macsga, DanADaMan, you are welcome.
I think cpu overclocking is not in time now and it also can make even worse. But we'll be glad if you can find any good, stable working app for that and test it. The only thing need to be overclocked now is the iOS UI, it should have to be polished well to match the original one.
For WiFi boosting, have you tried Wifi Fixer or Wifi Analyzer, you can change your WiFi channels with it.
GPS chipset is very bad. It's just a copy, fake phone, so they have used the cheapest hardware parts for it, we should reconcile to it. Unless they somehow fix it in new firmware, but I don't think it's gonna happen in near future. The main market for this phone is China, so they don't hasten with any international changes. As GooApple sales director said to me: "we sold more then 500pcs aday, should this problem happend to every phone, i think all the phone should return to us". So maybe chinese people are just not as demanding as we are, and they are happy with the phone? Anyway, I think with a good administrative force all listed issues can be resolved in just one week.
By the way, as I know they are planning to produce new phone in January with the 3G support. No info about any other new hardware at the moment.
Meantime we have to add new issues to the list:
39. GPS is very slow to find my location (can take up to 30 minutes).
40. Built in FM Transmitter does not work.
41. Importing/exporting my contacts from the phone to google.com. Plus the Account and Sync options on the settings menu isn't reporting the respective field (i.e.: only Picassa, books and gmail is able to sync. Contacts is not on the list).
42. In last gooapple_ios_11.12.08 firmware it doesn't react on first home button push after lock screen, it only shows unlock screen after the second home button push or fast twice push.
Updates in the last gooapple_ios_11.12.08 firmware:
Increase in task manager.
Blocking state to increase unread text message reminder.
Debug chinese QQ picture upside down.
Some Google applications added (en maps, gmail, voice..)
Task Manager.
Standby SMS prompts.
Double-click the home button shows running/standby apps and kill possibility like in original iOS.
Plus issue 42 added.
I haven't tried all new features in gooapple_ios_11.12.08 I don't want to use it because of the 42 issue. Now I'm using previous gooapple_ios_11.11.30 version. If anyone already installed and running the gooapple_ios_11.12.08 please give us your feedback.
DanADaMan, maybe you should try to make the data backup in stock recovery mode first and install firmware update after that? Maybe this should keep all your apps in and give you the new firmware? (haven't tried by myself)
jontelang, Sure, Android UI works much better with it, but I personally don't want to use it on this phone, it would be too simple and means you gave up making iOS UI ROM better.
As a side note, I've noticed that the phone is able to provide extraordinary 2D & 3D performance. I don't agree with the comment "It's just a copy, fake phone, so they have used the cheapest hardware parts for it, we should reconcile to it." you posted earlier Cyber_Dude, because I've seen cheap devices and this is nothing like it.
I do believe that the dev team has issues supporting the phone chipset due to the novelty that presents at the current time. This processor came out only at the end of June 2011 (fairly new).
News about MTK MT6573 Processor
Monday, June 13, 2011 3:25:26 AM America/Los_Angeles
Since the release MTK MT6516 processor, there is lots of Android phones in the market, which support GSM network and dual SIM card smartphone. But later, when Qualcomm, Broadcom and other smartphone processor manufacturer access into the field, mtk's dimmed. MTK MT6573 is the only hope in the future.
The end of June, 2011, we will share the latest trends with you, with the following new star.
Time: the first smartphone with MT6573 processor has been assembled, the major integrators, solution providers have had contact with, the reaction generally very good, have begun to prepare the relevant program models. As far as know, next month the first smartphone with MT6573 processor will unveiled.
Performance: As MT6573 is positioned in the low-end smartphone, we should not expect performance of deification, but the actual test performance to facilitate more than Qualcomm MSM7227, while MT6573 with the 3D acceleration in the multimedia DSP will give you a surprise. Currently sent to the integrators, solution providers of 3G features are still several prototype debugging.
Programs: MT6573 and MT6516 share same pins, and the both chips can be exchange without any hardware change, this will save cost on design for smartphone manufacturers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Via: http://android-sale.com/blog/news-mtk-mt6573/
macsga, But have you test it side by side with the iPhone 4 (not talking about 4S)?
Sure if comparing with other copies it's a winner. It's the best choice if you want to buy an iPhone replica for the price of the used iPhone 4 and you're not too picky. But it's a huge contrast with the original iPhone 4 UI performance, speed and hardware. And at the present time it's not totally ready for the wide international market due to the all listed issues. That's why I have started this thread, all together we can make it better. Unfortunately GooApple's dev team/engineers do nothing for it, local market and the new phone's version is their main goal at the moment. I know that because I've contacted with the GooApple sales director for the last 3 weeks.
As I have posted before they used MTK6513 it's cut MTK6573 without 3G support. It's good but not the best one. Anyway CPU is not the main problem of GooApple V5. The low capacity battery is much bigger failure. The android-sale.com is just a reseller, they can write anything they want to sell the phones more efficiently.
Hehe, I do have a 4s and (you're right) side by side there's nothing like it. That's why I gave up on iOS UI and turned to the android native one. I do believe that it's a perfect android testbed though. And for 230 Eur (retail price) that the 32Gb model cost me; well I can't really complain.
So; I totally agree! Let's try and make it better
The UI might be faster if you lower the resolution (i.e.: draw @ 480x320 and not the retina native resolution this phone has). It's zoom capabilities should cover the gap and reduce choppiness. Of course, this is just a crazy thought of mine...
macsga, Where have you got it for 230 EURO for 32GB? Official resellers like android-sale.com and rofen.net selling 32GB model for $319.99 (245 EURO) without shipping cost.
How could you lower the resolution? And why? If you want lower resolution you just should buy cheaper GooApple 3G version and it has faster UI response: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqAevweocKs
Cyber_Dude said:
macsga, Where have you got it for 230 EURO for 32GB? Official resellers like android-sale.com and rofen.net selling 32GB model for $319.99 (245 EURO) without shipping cost.
How could you lower the resolution? And why? If you want lower resolution you just should buy cheaper GooApple 3G version and it has faster UI response: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqAevweocKs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it before the EUR/USD was at 1/1.29 which is what you just calculated . The lower resolution (magnified) would in my opinion give the fast and smooth feeling the 3G has.
As per why I didn't go for the 3G, I did not, because of the retina display the V5 has. The official replacement for a retina display from Apple goes up to 390EUR+pnp, where I got the whole phone for 230 (OK plus 11$ shipping). In the meanwhile I have an android phone to play with (apart from my 4s). Fair deal.
I just wiped the phone and tried to load the ios 12-08-11 rom. Got an error something about not being a signed rom. I reinstalled the ios 12-01-11 ios rom no problem.
Anyone else have problems loading the latest ios rom?
Thanks
is this real?
i have heard that the Gooapple v5 is very good, and it is the same display as the real iphone 4, and can exchange with the iphone 4 display, does this ture?
DanADaMan said:
I just wiped the phone and tried to load the ios 12-08-11 rom. Got an error something about not being a signed rom. I reinstalled the ios 12-01-11 ios rom no problem.
Anyone else have problems loading the latest ios rom?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are newer ones from 2011.12.10 on http://rom.gooapple.com use those. Hopefully you won't have the same issues. Correction: Unfortunately the new Android one is not signed- The iOS though works OK
---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:01 PM ----------
lovebargaining said:
is this real?
i have heard that the Gooapple v5 is very good, and it is the same display as the real iphone 4, and can exchange with the iphone 4 display, does this ture?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's real. You can watch exchanging one another, on youtube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=s7nUkSdzOqo
The flickering at the corners of the screen is annoying on mine, has this developed from the latest ROM or did you guys see it in previous? I've only had it a few days and updated straight away. I've resorted to the android UI cos the IOS one was sluggish but am more than happy to swap back to help?!
What I did find was GTA III kills this phone. On launch the intro plays but as the game launches the screen goes black and the phone will not respond to any button pressing for an hour, then I think it kills the process and the phone comes back. Just don't try, unless someone can tell me otherwise?
Mine responds on one click of the home button right now but Wireless is pants and so is GPS!
---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 PM ----------
How do I tell if I loaded 2011-12-08 or 2011-12-11?
I downloaded them on the 15th and loaded the Android one without any complaints of it being unsigned? Did it over the top of the version it came with though so not fresh install...
EDIT:
Thought it was worth adding how to get into engineers menu:
Dial “*#67876#*”
Is there a way to turn WiFi Tx from 20 to 40 or even more?
I need to root mine still
I never noticed flickering and I have to say that the latest 'iOS' rom is a bit faster on my device resulting in a rather good imitation while the previous was very choppy.
The only drawback is that the UI crashes every now and then. I do like the 'long press' function of the home button that is able to kill apps in the 'official' iOS mode plus I think for the 1st time since I owned this phone that I like more the iOS UI to the android one.
I do have to offer a couple of tips that I found through my xda search:
1. Using a program like Root Explorer (root) you may want to make the following directories as Read Only: /data/tombstones and /data/system/dropbox
This has as a result, that the phone won't be able to log into the main phone memory thus trimming down your available space.
2. *IF* you're using the iOS UI version of the rom you can safely(?) remove the following apps (I state them as bloatware) via Root Uninstaller (root):
-QQ input method and keyboard
-Chinese market
-Chinese Youtube (Yuku)
-Chinese Maps
-Chinese Weather (3 entries, remove all three)
-Chinese iBooks (Google books does the job)
3. Add the following app: Locale Select from the Market and choose your language of choice.
4. If you search the xda site you will be able to find signed Google Apps that (most of them) work with this phone.
Ah, one last thing: I found the best player for playing p0r... erm, Movies, MoboPlayer with the additional ArmV7VFP3 plugin. Supports almost every codec and srt file out there and respective char encodings. Please ignore the message: This program is not compatible with your device. Works like a charm, I swear.
Cheers.
Dear X2 users,
I am thinking about purchasing X2, and I would like to ask you to share your experience with this device, and also help me understand a few moments. I am pretty new to nowadays devices, and my experience is limited to rooting and changing rom on old galaxy nexus years ago.
1. Firstly, I see users post updated firmware in this forum for X2, different GEM versions. How do I know which version will I purchase? Can it be viewed somewhere in settings/menus? In the shops of my country, this device is called "Mediapad X2 LTE". I want to know the version to be able to understand which updates and customization might be available for this device.
2. Secondly, I would like to ask your opinion about the amount of RAM. Unfortunately, 3 GB version is not available in my country, none of the suppliers can offer it. I don't want to buy it online from other countries, because locally purchased device may have extended warranty, warranty against braking/losing/water-destorying the device etc. So, I can buy 2 GB version or nothing. I shall use the device for movies via VLC, internet browsing, youtube videos, calls, alarm clock, a few news apps. I never play games, and almost never use camera. I think 2 GB of RAM should be enough, but I would like to ask you to share your memory usage just to be sure.
3. Say I will have a reason to rood the device and change the recovery to TWRP. And say after some time something will stop working, and I will need to bring the device to warranty service. Will it be possible to restore the standard recovery and un-root the device to avoid any questions at warranty service?
4. This post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/mediapad-x2/general/emui-3-1-apps-multiscreen-t3193389
Does it mean that it is possible to make X2 display two different programs at the same time, like e.g. on galaxy note 4 ?
5. I've read that sometimes preinstalled apps are slowing down the device and are useless. What is your experience? Is it necessary to get root to remove this bloatware?
Thank you for sharing your experience in advance
Hi
Just my sharing to your 5 questions:
1) There are 3 variants for X2 --> GEM-701L, GEM-702L and GEM-703L depending on which country. I noticed GEM-701L is prevalent in Europe (eg. Russsia), GEM-702L in Asia except China (eg. Hong Kong, Taiwan) and GEM-703L is for the China market. So far Huawei seems to have concentrated the ROM upgrades for the model GEM-703L which currently is at Android 5.11. The other 2 models are still at Android 5.0.5. If you're able to have physical access to the X2 in your country's shop, you can check the model by SETTINGS--->ABOUT PHONE--->MODEL NO.
2) Based on your usage description personally I think 2GB RAM is sufficient. Of course the general rule is the more RAM the better.
3) Yes it is possible to un-root your X2 and restore it back to stock status.
4) Yes - this is the split screen feature available if you're on GEM-703L models only.
5) I never had the experience of the X2 pre-installed bloatware affecting my usage so far. Anyway to prevent the effect of bloatware slowing down the device if you experience it, you can "disable" these pre-installed apps from the MANAGE APPS within the SETTINGS. No need to root the device to disable it. After reboot these bloatware won't start anymore. But to remove/uninstall these then you need root access.
To add on to your Q1, another way to check which model is the X2 in your country's shop is by checking the LTE Bands that is supported as stated in the advertisement of your shop:
GEM-701L
LTE Bands 1/3/7/20/38/40
Model: GEM-702L
LTE Bands 1/3/7/8/28/38/39/40/41
Model: GEM-703L
LTE Bands 1/3/7/38/39/40/41
Hope the above helps.
---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:51 PM ----------
To further add-on, the coming Android Marshmallow 6.0 Huawei has announced officially that they'll upgrade the GEM-703L only
Darn. I hope the 702 to 703 method will allow a 6.0 update
Rudolpht said:
Darn. I hope the 702 to 703 method will allow a 6.0 update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well keep our fingers crossed, will attempt it when it comes.
kpcheang2 said:
Hi
Just my sharing to your 5 questions:
1) There are 3 variants for X2 --> GEM-701L, GEM-702L and GEM-703L depending on which country. I noticed GEM-701L is prevalent in Europe (eg. Russsia), GEM-702L in Asia except China (eg. Hong Kong, Taiwan) and GEM-703L is for the China market. So far Huawei seems to have concentrated the ROM upgrades for the model GEM-703L which currently is at Android 5.11. The other 2 models are still at Android 5.0.5. If you're able to have physical access to the X2 in your country's shop, you can check the model by SETTINGS--->ABOUT PHONE--->MODEL NO.
2) Based on your usage description personally I think 2GB RAM is sufficient. Of course the general rule is the more RAM the better.
3) Yes it is possible to un-root your X2 and restore it back to stock status.
4) Yes - this is the split screen feature available if you're on GEM-703L models only.
5) I never had the experience of the X2 pre-installed bloatware affecting my usage so far. Anyway to prevent the effect of bloatware slowing down the device if you experience it, you can "disable" these pre-installed apps from the MANAGE APPS within the SETTINGS. No need to root the device to disable it. After reboot these bloatware won't start anymore. But to remove/uninstall these then you need root access.
To add on to your Q1, another way to check which model is the X2 in your country's shop is by checking the LTE Bands that is supported as stated in the advertisement of your shop:
GEM-701L
LTE Bands 1/3/7/20/38/40
Model: GEM-702L
LTE Bands 1/3/7/8/28/38/39/40/41
Model: GEM-703L
LTE Bands 1/3/7/38/39/40/41
Hope the above helps.
---------- Post added at 03:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:51 PM ----------
To further add-on, the coming Android Marshmallow 6.0 Huawei has announced officially that they'll upgrade the GEM-703L only
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for such a detailed answer. I have visited a local shop, so it is GEM 701. I tried to load the device with software, and I didn't exceed 1 GB of RAM usage. So I guess 2 GB should be enough in all cases of my non overloaded usage.
Just a couple more questions:
6. Does this device have a one handed operation, when all the screen becomes smaller and moves to the right side of the screen? Samsung and some other phones with big screens has this functionality, but I didn't find it in this device. Is it there?
7. I installed Apex launcher and Nova launcher on that device in the shop, because I prefer the app drawer (secondary menu for apps instead of all of them being on the desktop). With these launchers half of desktop in each homescreen is black. Do you have any experience of these aftermarket launchers? Did you have any issues? What may be the reason for the half of the screen being black? Haven't found any similar topics anywhere on the web ...
8. Just for a curiosity - GEM 701 and two other versions are basically different for their supported radio bands. How come the split-screen functionality is dependent on that?
Thank you again for your time sharing the experience
astuntas said:
Thank you so much for such a detailed answer. I have visited a local shop, so it is GEM 701. I tried to load the device with software, and I didn't exceed 1 GB of RAM usage. So I guess 2 GB should be enough in all cases of my non overloaded usage.
Just a couple more questions:
6. Does this device have a one handed operation, when all the screen becomes smaller and moves to the right side of the screen? Samsung and some other phones with big screens has this functionality, but I didn't find it in this device. Is it there?
7. I installed Apex launcher and Nova launcher on that device in the shop, because I prefer the app drawer (secondary menu for apps instead of all of them being on the desktop). With these launchers half of desktop in each homescreen is black. Do you have any experience of these aftermarket launchers? Did you have any issues? What may be the reason for the half of the screen being black? Haven't found any similar topics anywhere on the web ...
8. Just for a curiosity - GEM 701 and two other versions are basically different for their supported radio bands. How come the split-screen functionality is dependent on that?
Thank you again for your time sharing the experience
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6. Does this device have a one handed operation, when all the screen becomes smaller and moves to the right side of the screen? Samsung and some other phones with big screens has this functionality, but I didn't find it in this device. Is it there?
[kpcheang2] Currently no. I"m not sure if they will implement it via future ROM feature upgrades.
7. I installed Apex launcher and Nova launcher on that device in the shop, because I prefer the app drawer (secondary menu for apps instead of all of them being on the desktop). With these launchers half of desktop in each homescreen is black. Do you have any experience of these aftermarket launchers? Did you have any issues? What may be the reason for the half of the screen being black? Haven't found any similar topics anywhere on the web ...
[kpcheang2] I never used these 2 launchers so I can't comment much. Could it be these launchers are targeted at smartphones because some APKs have display related issues when working in smartphone or tablet modes as there are too many resolution variations for Android devices. You may want to write to the developers to confirm.
8. Just for a curiosity - GEM 701 and two other versions are basically different for their supported radio bands. How come the split-screen functionality is dependent on that?
[kpcheang2] The split screen feature was implemented in B106 ROM of the GEM-703L - that's why it's available to owners of GEM-703 If you follow their official upgrade path. They never upgrade the ROM for GEM-701 and 702 so far. However if you want to try flashing the B106 onto the 701 to see whether it works at your own risk and of course voiding the warranty. I did it on my 702 and I got the feature working although the B106 was meant for 703.
Thank again for your time sharing the experience, it helps a lot to get things clearer.
Today I visited the shop again. Now I installed all the apps I use, and looked how they performed. I installed firefox, chrome, vlc, contacts plus, and a few other. Then I launched stock apps - youtube, google playstore, and something more. The device was taking 1.2 GB of ram. So now I am sure 2 GB is enough.
All the apps performed without any issues, at least as much as I could have tested. There was a tiny lag during browsing with firefox at moments when apps were being downloaded and installed in the background via Play store, but this is totally reasonable.
Then, I tried all the different launchers to see if I can get the broken background fixed with any of them. I tried again Apex and Nova and looked at their settings without any luck to solve the problem. Then I tried Action launcher and Google Now launcher - they all had the same black marks on the screen. So I guess it is a firmware issue, not related to the launchers. This means I will have to live with the default launcher if I purchase it.
I took a better look at preinstalled apps. There are none! Playstore, contacts, chrome, video player and a couple others, thats all. No bloatware at all. Nothing is launched after the phone is started.
I also tested GPS - it went very smooth, in a few seconds it connected to 8 or 10 satelites and gave a good accuracy despite I was inside the building.
I am now confused between X2 and Note4. I put them side by side in the shop. Note4 was really noticeably faster in performance, better firmware, multiscreen function, etc. But, while Note has advantages, most of them are not important to me - the screen of Note4 is ridiculously small - it is not a phablet, it is a phone with normal size screen (for a phone).
So I am heading towards X2. It is also almost twice cheaper, but that does not play the main role in decision ...
Just one more question about X2: I didn't manage to launch any additional widget. I didn't find anywhere in the settings to enable them. But there are two preinstalled widgets: google search window and a big clock. So it looks that it should be possible to have a widget in the homescreen of X2, but I can't find anywhere how to do it, nor I succeeded to do it in the shop. Is it possible? If so - how?
++EDIT: I also tested FM radio in the shop in this device. It was very bad quality. I tried different headphones for antena, with all of them the sound was inappropriate. So, even though FM radio is available, actually it is useless because of unacceptable quality. PS: the radio signal was really good because all the other stereo devices were playing without any issues.
astuntas said:
Thank again for your time sharing the experience, it helps a lot to get things clearer.
Today I visited the shop again. Now I installed all the apps I use, and looked how they performed. I installed firefox, chrome, vlc, contacts plus, and a few other. Then I launched stock apps - youtube, google playstore, and something more. The device was taking 1.2 GB of ram. So now I am sure 2 GB is enough.
All the apps performed without any issues, at least as much as I could have tested. There was a tiny lag during browsing with firefox at moments when apps were being downloaded and installed in the background via Play store, but this is totally reasonable.
Then, I tried all the different launchers to see if I can get the broken background fixed with any of them. I tried again Apex and Nova and looked at their settings without any luck to solve the problem. Then I tried Action launcher and Google Now launcher - they all had the same black marks on the screen. So I guess it is a firmware issue, not related to the launchers. This means I will have to live with the default launcher if I purchase it.
I took a better look at preinstalled apps. There are none! Playstore, contacts, chrome, video player and a couple others, thats all. No bloatware at all. Nothing is launched after the phone is started.
I also tested GPS - it went very smooth, in a few seconds it connected to 8 or 10 satelites and gave a good accuracy despite I was inside the building.
I am now confused between X2 and Note4. I put them side by side in the shop. Note4 was really noticeably faster in performance, better firmware, multiscreen function, etc. But, while Note has advantages, most of them are not important to me - the screen of Note4 is ridiculously small - it is not a phablet, it is a phone with normal size screen (for a phone).
So I am heading towards X2. It is also almost twice cheaper, but that does not play the main role in decision ...
Just one more question about X2: I didn't manage to launch any additional widget. I didn't find anywhere in the settings to enable them. But there are two preinstalled widgets: google search window and a big clock. So it looks that it should be possible to have a widget in the homescreen of X2, but I can't find anywhere how to do it, nor I succeeded to do it in the shop. Is it possible? If so - how?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vey detailed research you've done on the X2. You're like me - I did similar "touch" and "install" routine on the X1 (my country has no X2) just to make sure I'm comfortable with the X2 (they're both similar in size and capacity except for CPU and dual SIM LTE support).
As for widgets, yes you can install the default or 3rd party widgets. Just put 3 fingers on the home screen for 1-2 seconds and then lift up. The home screen will shrink to let you customise it. Once of the available customisation option is to add widgets (shown at the bottom). The list of available widgets will be the pre-installed ones plus other 3rd party apps that has widget capabilities.
astuntas said:
Then, I tried all the different launchers to see if I can get the broken background fixed with any of them. I tried again Apex and Nova and looked at their settings without any luck to solve the problem. Then I tried Action launcher and Google Now launcher - they all had the same black marks on the screen. So I guess it is a firmware issue, not related to the launchers. This means I will have to live with the default launcher if I purchase it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uh no. this is android. everything is possible and with the huawei firmware its more tweakable. you just didnt look hard enough.
to make another launcher default you just need to do the following:
actually, just see this video. its all the same for all huawei.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YozCv4lZNM
cylent: the launchers do work. The problem is that half of the homescreen becomes black with nothing on it with an aftermarket launchers
kpcheang2: I will try to edit widgets in the shop tomorrow by your explanation. But I think this won't play the main role and I will buy X2 anyway
I use Nova and it works well full screen. Are you opening Multi Window for some reason?
So, today I was in the shop again. Firstly, I tried widgets, and I also tried homescreen toggle switches - apparently, everything is working.
Then I tried again to make Nova launcher work. It was still a black screen - I tried different settings in the phone and different settings in Nova - nothing helped. This is how it looked:
https://youtu.be/Y2ZyaQFMYio
In the video, firstly I am on standard launcher, then I turn on the Nova. "Home" button returned me to the default launcher because Nova was not set as default. I later set it to default, but doing that didn't change anything.
Then I restarted the phone - still the same. Then I changed the background image (in Nova) - and it started to work normally - no black screen! Changed it to a few other backgrounds - it was still working good. Not sure what was the exact issues, furthermore it was the same with ALL aftermarket launchers, and in two different shops with two different devices (both GEM701 with B003 FW). So I will call this issue also solved.
So now everything is clear I guess. I will order a glass protection and silicon cover for X2, and as soon as they arrive - purchase the phone.
Thank you again everybody, especially kpcheang2, for help and all the information, it would had been difficult to find out everything without you. Thank you!
Glad it's working! I typically like glass protectors, but the device shipped with an installed protector. I use a flip smart cover on every device I had so I figure that buys me enough protection.
kpcheang2 said:
6. Does this device have a one handed operation, when all the screen becomes smaller and moves to the right side of the screen? Samsung and some other phones with big screens has this functionality, but I didn't find it in this device. Is it there?
[kpcheang2] Currently no. I"m not sure if they will implement it via future ROM feature upgrades.
7. I installed Apex launcher and Nova launcher on that device in the shop, because I prefer the app drawer (secondary menu for apps instead of all of them being on the desktop). With these launchers half of desktop in each homescreen is black. Do you have any experience of these aftermarket launchers? Did you have any issues? What may be the reason for the half of the screen being black? Haven't found any similar topics anywhere on the web ...
[kpcheang2] I never used these 2 launchers so I can't comment much. Could it be these launchers are targeted at smartphones because some APKs have display related issues when working in smartphone or tablet modes as there are too many resolution variations for Android devices. You may want to write to the developers to confirm.
8. Just for a curiosity - GEM 701 and two other versions are basically different for their supported radio bands. How come the split-screen functionality is dependent on that?
[kpcheang2] The split screen feature was implemented in B106 ROM of the GEM-703L - that's why it's available to owners of GEM-703 If you follow their official upgrade path. They never upgrade the ROM for GEM-701 and 702 so far. However if you want to try flashing the B106 onto the 701 to see whether it works at your own risk and of course voiding the warranty. I did it on my 702 and I got the feature working although the B106 was meant for 703.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi.
Is it possible to manually update the Gem-703l B106 onto Gem-702L, to get split screen?. Or do we need to unlock bootloader and root first?
Aznbull said:
Hi.
Is it possible to manually update the Gem-703l B106 onto Gem-702L, to get split screen?. Or do we need to unlock bootloader and root first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock and root first.
Aznbull said:
Hi.
Is it possible to manually update the Gem-703l B106 onto Gem-702L, to get split screen?. Or do we need to unlock bootloader and root first?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to unlock bootloader, root first before you can apply the modded ROMs
I got the Mate 20 X from Italy, delivered two weeks after order on November 12 for € 829, VAT and 2-years warranty included. It is a nice silver device 6/128 (don’t need more memory). My first hands-on impression? I was shocked.
I had pure Chinese phones before (Huawei and Lenovo) and I know how to deal with them. That wasn’t what upset me. And it wasn’t EMUI either, I like some of its functionality and I know how to customize it.
But my previous phone was Mate 10 pro (international, not Chinese), which really works well and comparison with a newcomer is what really shocked me. The EVR_AL00 came slow and clumsy with those big fat letters and ugly ios-like icons on the screen. I tried to improve the look with increasing the smallest width in the developer options, but original resolution came back with every reset.
So what I did first, is factory reset (I usually perform it on every new phone). I lost Google Play but I didn’t care, I intended to install and adjust Google apps anyway.
And then I started to customize the phone. Basically, it means “dechinezed” and “deiosinezed” it and make it usable for my purposes as the daily driver. Eventually, I succeeded and like before I don’t regret that I bought the Chinese phone as I never regretted before. I believe that my customization demands would request almost the same amount of work and effort with the “international” version.
And with “dechinezed” I don’t mean to be impolite, actually, I like some of the features of China phones, some of them after years comes to western phones as well (night sight, close all apps etc). I just prefer the more Android look of the phone (even more than currently, Google delivers).
The actual status of my phone is as follows:
In the beginning, when I started phone manager, the performance never exceeded 69%. It seems that later it adapted and healed itself (maybe with help of AI) and now performance is usually over 90, close to 100% and the phone suddenly becomes snappy and smooth, slightly better than Mate 10 pro. As expected, the battery life is due to its capacity and with my way of use it could easily survive two days. I don’t have exact data on SOT and other parameters of the battery performance yet. By adjusting the text and display size (both too small) under settings/display the phone gets a nicer look and more usable size of applications.
I had decided to keep EMUI launcher before I learned that the phone has a hard time with other launchers. I bought Nova Prime once, I consider it a great launcher, maybe the best, but even on my previous phone I used EMUI. The reason is in its features that I don’t want to sacrifice: dedicated Accuweather, swype gestures (now with 9), dark mode. I was never a fan of ios-like white themes, I always considered that Android’s color is black. Besides, what even Google admits now (and started to return black mode into its apps accordingly), the white mode consumes a lot more energy (especially with AMOLED). What is yet to admit is that it burns your eyes.
So, what I have now, is a fully customized EVR_AL00 that perfectly suits my needs. That means that it looks like Android, works like Android and behaves like Android. I replaced most Chinese apps with Google’s ones, installed additional that I use and tune the system. With tuning the system I mean screen adjustment and customization. Under Settings/Display/text and display size, I changed both values to small and thus converted ugly appearance of the display into something that suits size and purpose of the phone. I replaced IOS icons with the Android ones. Adjusted notifications and permissions for each application.
First I was thinking about keeping some Chinese apps that I considered useful, like Sky Mobile and a few others. But trying them I found out that all of them are more or less connected either with Chinese environment or payment system and therefore eventually I removed them all. After I had to perform the factory reset I was only got more careful with apps that I disabled. And according to my orientation, I kept Email, at least until Google implements dark color in Gmail. And kept useful utilities: (Manager, Gallery, Remote…).
Otherwise, I use Google Phone (the amazing last beta from: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-google-phone-v14-0-175904292-bubble-t3708218, thank you Martin), Messages, Translate (removed nonfunctional MS Translate), Auto, Duo, Voice, Photos, Trips, Pay, Assistant, Lens, Google, Chrome, and of course all Google system apps. I also use third-party apps like VLC, Xiaomi calculator and YouTube vanced. Pretty much everything works as expected, including notifications to the extent that suits my way of use. After I erased Hivoice, Assistant works together with the hot word, if the screen is turned on (never wished to use it from turned off screen). The red mic on notification bar of the attached picture shows that assistant is active.
All banks application work. Google Play is not working at the moment but I expect that it will eventually. Currently, failure is the result of poor synchronization between Chinese EMUI and Google Android. No point to call the bank, it is the last one to solve the problem. The problem will be solved with the new EMUI or Play Services, because there is no material obstacle for G Play (SafetyNet passed and bank card is recognized and could be used online). I have another identical payment system installed (Inteso SP) and it works flawlessly.
CUSTOMIZATION
In order to adapt the phone to my needs, I had to deal with existing Chinese application first. I had to either: 1) remove them, 2) hide them, or 3) disable (erase) them.
Removing apps
Removing apps was easy. Just uninstall Chinese in Settings/Apps. As I said, I did it thoroughly and indiscriminately.
Hiding apps
My overall objective is to have only one home screen page. I’m fed up with slippery pages interfering with gestures. And besides, I decided to use gestures (swype) as system navigation and therefore swyping between homepages could be annoying even more.
In order to have only one home page, I have to use folders and hide auxiliary functional apps (like download, OTA, backup, clock..etc).
Surprisingly I found that Tweaker for Huawei works pretty well with EMUI9, although it is an old application: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teammt.gmanrainy.emuitweaker&hl=en. One of its functions is triggering the abandoned EMUI gesture that enables hiding any application and thus removing it from the home screen without affecting its functionality.
Disabling (erasing) apps
To “remove” any nonremovable application without root you need a computer with the adb command-line tool. In fact, this method never removes any application, rather disables and hides it for the current user. So it doesn’t affect OTA and it doesn’t revert after reset either. It does come back after factory reset though.
The method of erasing an app works through adb (so adb must be installed on the computer – either Windows or Linux) and it requests the following syntax in command line:
1. adb devices (and after that setting permission on the phone)
2. adb shell
3. pm unistall -k --user 0 <package name>
where <package name> is not the name of the application as it shows but the name of the installed package, which must be discovered and one of the apps which could do that effectively could be found here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.itto.packageinspector&hl=en.
(for example: pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.huawei.wallet)
A basic idea what to disable could be found here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-10/how-to/guide-to-remove-apps-root-t3828324. Of course, what to disable always depends on personal preferences and therefore this list should be taken with a grain of salt.
So, after arranging applications there comes the final stage of making the phone Android again. EMUI makeover. For that, we need this EMUI editor: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mixapplications.themeeditor.
But there is a bad news. It doesn’t work with EMUI 9 (yet). What now? There are two possibilities: either finding a good theme and simply installing it (there are plenty of them, only I didn’t test if they are working with EMUI 9 (some of the android likes are to be found in the Playstore under Hamzio7 or here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-10/themes/pure-black-theme-emui-8-t3719904.
The other possibility is to find a phone with EMUI 8 and compile the hwt file there and transfer it to Mate 20 X. That is what I did. The system will warn you that it is an old version of the theme and it might not work well but skip that. It works just fine.
Don’t judge the solution by my design. I’m a modest guy, more practically oriented. You may have almost any design that you wish.
And of course, if you decide to experiment with this stuff yourself, you should be aware that you are the only one taking the risk. I honestly believe that you can’t, if you are not extremely innovative, irretrievably destroy anything, but even factory reset might be sometimes really annoying.
Good luck with your brand new Chinese Mate 20 X.
Great post Just a couple of questions:
1) Are your notifications working perfectly? By that, I mean without delay under both wi-fi and mobile networks, with screen on and screen off? If so, what did you do to achieve this?
2) Do you mind sharing where did you buy the device from?
Nice job! Looking even more forward to the arrival of my Mate 20 X!
@piskr
Would you mind give some steps to get google phone and Messages to work properly. When phone call comes in, my phone call screen does not come on. Messages only works sometime and sometime message does not send. Thanks.
Genoveffo said:
Great post Just a couple of questions:
1) Are your notifications working perfectly? By that, I mean without delay under both wi-fi and mobile networks, with screen on and screen off? If so, what did you do to achieve this?
2) Do you mind sharing where did you buy the device from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes, notifications work flawlessly in my extent of use, both with the screen on and off. I don't use exotics like telegram or whatsapp though. It's a matter of permissions and notification settings. Be aware that each notification had to be set separately and checked under application and under notification sector under settings. And also have in mind that if you install the third party phone, it is just addition of original phone (under app/system processes), and the later must remain active and has its own permissions and notification as well. Phone app has different system structure than SMS. You can simply erase Huawei messaging and replace it with the Google one (haven't tried others).
2) You can find here both color and memory variants: https://www.ilmultistoredelzazza.eu...l_Sim_EMUI_9_Android_9/p1748191_19236868.aspx
wingzero said:
@piskr
Would you mind give some steps to get google phone and Messages to work properly. When phone call comes in, my phone call screen does not come on. Messages only works sometime and sometime message does not send. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should really carefully check and set both permissions and notifications for each application. And remember that you mustn't neglect the system phone app.
piskr said:
You should really carefully check and set both permissions and notifications for each application. And remember that you mustn't neglect the system phone app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I checked all the settings and seem to be correct unless I missed some steps.
wingzero said:
I checked all the settings and seem to be correct unless I missed some steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. Here are my settings.
You do know there's an EVR-L international models, right? Why not just get that instead? That's what I have.
piskr said:
OK. Here are my settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for taking the time to post the screen shots. All my the settings are the same except I don't the phone app on your last screen shot. Did you download it or it's a stock app?
---------- Post added at 04:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:11 PM ----------
MishaalRahman said:
You do know there's an EVR-L international models, right? Why not just get that instead? That's what I have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's too late. I already bought the China version. It's too much hassle try to sell it.
wingzero said:
Thanks for taking the time to post the screen shots. All my the settings are the same except I don't the phone app on your last screen shot. Did you download it or it's a stock app?
---------- Post added at 04:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:11 PM ----------
It's too late. I already bought the China version. It's too much hassle try to sell it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's right, the last one is Google phone from the link I published and it works just fine (I really recommend it, it has so many opportunities). But you have managed to get notifications neither on the home screen nor on the lock screen? Neither for messages nor for the phone? If I were you I would go from setting to setting for this two apps and inspect every item very carefully. It is possible in this early stage of EMUI9 that it has some weird glitches occurring randomly on some phones but it is not very likely. A small overlooked detail in settings could mean everything.
Otherwise, I don't regret that I bought the Chinese version. Now I've got everything that I would have with the international variant. Only I don't have working Google pay yet, but so far I haven't seen a clear statement that it really works on international Mate 20x either. To work means to be able pay with the phone not only loading a card, that's what I did too. Otherwise, I got a good price (€660 before VAT), integrated call recorder and rooting opportunity.
And regarding crap, international one has it too. I've got international Mate 10 pro and I know it. Besides Chinese one additional western, baked in (MS, Facebook, Google's and third party's).
@piskr
The phone will ring on the google phone app but the screen does not come. I will play with the settings and figure it out. Thanks for all the help.
Thank you. This helped get me to a non-Chinese specifc phone.
Attachin my ADB run.
UPDATE: Please check out AJ's great thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-20-x/how-to/guide-remove-apps-adb-t3870727
I mistakenly removed one item (com.huawei.android.hwouc) I shouldn't have and I amnot getting OTAs (which I also turn off automatic ones in dev options, but if I want one, I lost it them).
Rudolpht said:
Thank you. This helped get me to a non-Chinese specifc phone.
Attachin my ADB run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I'm not well schooled on ADB. How would you apply this? And why 2 Zips? Gracias
See beginning of the thread and other threads on ADB. Same list, mine in txt or zip, same file, not necessarily good for everyone.
Sent from my HWEVR using XDA Labs
def-g said:
As I'm not well schooled on ADB. How would you apply this? And why 2 Zips? Gracias
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's my Spreadsheet with a quick guide in it along with the adb files you'll need.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mate-20-x/how-to/guide-remove-apps-adb-t3870727
Once you get the list of packages on your AL00 just run the fastboot command to remove each one.
wingzero said:
@piskr
The phone will ring on the google phone app but the screen does not come. I will play with the settings and figure it out. Thanks for all the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wondering if you had any luck. Some people actually use a phone as a phone
Sent from my HWEVR using XDA Labs
Rudolpht said:
Wondering if you had any luck. Some people actually use a phone as a phone
Sent from my HWEVR using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got it working. I am using the stable v.25 version. What I did was after selected the google phone as default dialing app, I go back to default apps and click the stock phone and then click the google phone again. I did this by chance and luck. Hope this will solve your issue. The stock phone app is horrible. Make sure you use the stable version. Good luck.
wingzero said:
I got it working. I am using the stable v.25 version. What I did was after selected the google phone as default dialing app, I go back to default apps and click the stock phone and then click the google phone again. I did this by chance and luck. Hope this will solve your issue. The stock phone app is horrible. Make sure you use the stable version. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man.
Sent from my HWEVR using XDA Labs
Now it's 27. And so far everything work. Regarding comments on the forum we are on the privileged side. Just be sure to set notifications and permissions right.
Hey guys, Im fairly new to this Note 20 Ultra and Android in general so I decided to ask this here but wasn't sure if I should make a separate topic for each anyways here we go I hope you can help me out:
1. How can I make it so when I receive text messages, notifications, etc... the phone screen turn on like iPhones?
2. I'm using Google Maps for navigation but it seems to be running at a very low FPS and it's not smooth at all, is there a way to make it run smoother/higher frame rate?
3. Whats the best way to fully format and reinstall the firmware on my Note 20 Ultra ( I have the unlocked US version purchased directly from Samsung )/ for reference I know I can do a reset from the settings but I wanna know if there is a way to hook it up to PC and have the phone completely wiped and install a fresh OS like I used be able to do on iPhone.
I-Siamak-I said:
Hey guys, Im fairly new to this Note 20 Ultra and Android in general so I decided to ask this here but wasn't sure if I should make a separate topic for each anyways here we go I hope you can help me out:
1. How can I make it so when I receive text messages, notifications, etc... the phone screen turn on like iPhones?
2. I'm using Google Maps for navigation but it seems to be running at a very low FPS and it's not smooth at all, is there a way to make it run smoother/higher frame rate?
3. Whats the best way to fully format and reinstall the firmware on my Note 20 Ultra ( I have the unlocked US version purchased directly from Samsung )/ for reference I know I can do a reset from the settings but I wanna know if there is a way to hook it up to PC and have the phone completely wiped and install a fresh OS like I used be able to do on iPhone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1: look into option within settings for edge lighting.
2: download maps locally to speed things up.
3: don't bother.
4: research the xda forums.
Limeybastard said:
1: look into option within settings for edge lighting.
2: download maps locally to speed things up.
3: don't bother.
4: research the xda forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for taking the time to reply at least but:
1. Already have edge lightning which is not what i was asking: ( Turn the screen on when receiving txt messages )
2. done that as well, doesn't fix the low sub 30 fps issue. looking for any hidden settings/mods to get higher fps in Maps
3. honestly that was not helpful, I'm simply asking what's the best way to go about it, not bothering is simply wasn't what I was looking for.
4. again thanks for taking the time none the less.
1. For this I use a third party app as the Note 20 does not have anymore the notification LED. This app is called aodNotify (from Play Store) and it has option to wake up the screen when a notification arives.
The phone itself does not have such an option, it has something else called "lift to wake" that will wake the screen if you pick it up from where it was standing....but that's regardless if you get a notification or not
2. Dunno what to say here, Maps works fine for me. Maybe reinstall the app, wipe its cache, things like this. But I presume you already tried these
3. Download your official firmware either from Sammobile site or using a tool like Frija, Samfirm (is deprecated) and such, then write the firmware on your phone using Odin. This will ensure you won't trigger Knox and that you'll have official firmware written as new
Sent from nowhere over the air...
I-Siamak-I said:
Hey guys, Im fairly new to this Note 20 Ultra and Android in general so I decided to ask this here but wasn't sure if I should make a separate topic for each anyways here we go I hope you can help me out:
1. How can I make it so when I receive text messages, notifications, etc... the phone screen turn on like iPhones?
2. I'm using Google Maps for navigation but it seems to be running at a very low FPS and it's not smooth at all, is there a way to make it run smoother/higher frame rate?
3. Whats the best way to fully format and reinstall the firmware on my Note 20 Ultra ( I have the unlocked US version purchased directly from Samsung )/ for reference I know I can do a reset from the settings but I wanna know if there is a way to hook it up to PC and have the phone completely wiped and install a fresh OS like I used be able to do on iPhone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the forums, welcome to Android, and welcome to the Note family!!
To start off with, there's going to be hiccups switching platforms. Apple and Android do the same things, but for different people. Apple just works, but it's the same experience across every device. Android requires some tinkering and customization, but the beauty is you CAN do that.
And some people just can't make the switch, and that's cool. I left Android for Apple years ago, but after months of trying to make it like my Android, I realized that was stupid and switched back to Android and never looked back. Then there's some people who switch platforms and love it. Then there's others who carry and Apple in one pocket, and an Android in the other, because they appreciate the differences.
1. I second AOD notify. I love that app and have used it on my Note 10, my Note 20, and plan to see if it works on the Z Fold 2 when it arrives next week. It can mimic the LED notification light, wake your screen, etc. Also, remember you have an Always On Display that will show all notifications without turning on the screen. I know that's not what you asked, but OPTIONS.
2. Do you have the adaptive refresh rate on? My Google Maps has never been choppy. My work phone used to be an Apple, but I don't remember it having smoother navigation than my Android. I wish I could see your two phones side by side to see what you mean.
3. We don't have iTunes, so you have to do a little more research and work, but we do have an equivalent for reinstalling the factory firmware. For Pixels it's a few command line commands. For Samsung, it's using a Windows application called ODIN.
I say this not to be lazy, but because it will genuinely help you way more...but use the search bar and do some research here. Also check out the the other Galaxy forums (S series, Note 10, even Note 9 and 8). You'll find many tutorials on how to flash the firmware with ODIN. More in depth than I could ever type here. I think I even wrote a guide back in the Note 8 days and posted it here.
But honestly, 99.9% of the time, flashing the firmware isn't necessary and is a waste of time. But, if you want to do it, you can!
The learning this new platform will be fun if you really dive in and start reading and learning. We were all new to Android one time as well. Some of us old farts, like me, came Blackberry and have been doing this for a while. Some people tend to forget they were new once too.
Search, read, then ask questions, and you'll be fine. Welcome!!