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Ok, so I'm pretty new to this whole Android thing, but I'm not daft and know a think or two about computers and software, so I'm not a complete 'noob'...
However, to spare me the drama of trawling through thousands of pages, I have a few quick concise questions, and would appreciate concise answers.
So I bought a generic handset, branded as an Onyx Dragon though AnTuTu benchmark app tells me its a Yusu... details and specs from Chinavision.com (search Onyx Dragon).
I initially bought it because I needed a new phone (been on a Moto V3 Razr for about 6 years!) so got this cos it was cheap and looked good. Runs Froyo on what I have found to be pretty **** hardware (MT6516, advertised as 416MHz but shown to be around 207MHz, but not sure if this is main CPU or radio core...) with not a lot of RAM. I installed an 8Gb SD card to save the apps and keep as much free internal space as possible, in case the OS supports disc memory (?). The wireless is good and screen works well, but the GPS, navigation and camera are rubbish, but they are not why I bought it; I have a decent camera and I can read a map. Its definitely 'entry level' so I'm not too bothered if I brick it.
Since I got it, and seeing the many cheap 'clones' out there, I'm keen to get into them a bit more and start developing. I already rooted it with z4root, BusyBox and Superuser all installed fine. ROM Manager is running but because I don't know the actual brand I'm not yet running ClockWorkMod (doesn't show up in the list). I'm keen to install Gingerbread or maybe even CyanogenMod 7, but cannot flash the ROM without CWM. Can anyone tell me what phone 'model' I should use for this particular handset?
I can't overclock the chipset, but have been looking at other clones to play with, such as htc Incredible G11i Pro clone from etotalk.com and 'CyberStar' 3G handset with MT6573 650MHz chipset (also from Chinavision).
Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with these clones? They look great and if they work as well as the budget model I have now then there is certainly potential. Sure, they may not be as good as a genuine Galaxy or Nexus, but then the price reflects that. However, as a cheap development platform you can't really go wrong! I'd like to see faster processors and more hardware mod ability such as clocking, just to see what is possible. Anyone tried ICS on one of these? I read elsewhere that if Froyo runs ok on a cheap device then GB should be better. My friend has GB 2.3.3 on a genuine $500 Galaxy S2 and I'd love to show him up with a rooted and clocked clone running ICS for a fraction of the price!!
Well, thats not as concise as I would like, but it covers pretty much everything. One last thing though, I cannot install ES File Explorer 1.6.1, it will download from Market and attempt to install but then fail. The latest version I have is the pre-installed 1.4.2.2. I've tried everything I can think of; downloading on my Mac and copying via USB to install from Astro making sure ES is not running, failed. Tried uninstalling ES with ROM Toolbox having root access and disabled AVG, failed. Tried to launch new version from package options, failed. I have installed ES Task Manager v1.2 but cannot use all the features as it says File Explorer needs to be updated, and needless to say updating it from the prompts failed as well... Any ideas? I'm thinking a flash to GB should include the latest version (or better alternative).
Thanks all in advance!
I don't think it's possible to run ICS on such a low spec'd device. This onyx dragon runs on a 416Mhz ARM9 processor with a 200 Mhz ARM7 GPU. Even the G1 that uses a 528Mhz ARM11 CPU can't run ICS well. I would suggest that you give up on theses crappy chineses devices. If you don't have money you can find a LG Optimus One for 100 bucks on ebay and it is A LOT better than any of these chinese crap phones
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
For CWM, take a look at this site http://www.koushikdutta.com/2010/02/clockwork-recovery-image.html and the quote below
Don't see your phone? Email me if you want to help me get it working!
And of course, all the source can be found on Github.
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Click to collapse
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
Hey all, thanks for the feedback. Basically, sure I don't want to spend a lot being a student, I don't have a lot, but I'm keen to get more out of what I can afford, hence the Chinese crap (yes it is crap but if it does what you need...) : ) just a shame I can't clock mine! Does anyone know if ANY MediaTec chips can be?
Sure, I think running ICS is a bit optimistic, but I'd still like to give GB or C-Mod a go, providing I can get CWM installed. I'd like to compile myself and even think about refining my own version, perhaps slimming down a newer version to run on low performance hardware. What's this about a special cable needed with a 3.5mm jack?
And am I right in thinking Honeycomb was only for tablets, not phones...?
droidscope said:
Hey all, thanks for the feedback. Basically, sure I don't want to spend a lot being a student, I don't have a lot, but I'm keen to get more out of what I can afford, hence the Chinese crap (yes it is crap but if it does what you need...) : ) just a shame I can't clock mine! Does anyone know if ANY MediaTec chips can be?
Sure, I think running ICS is a bit optimistic, but I'd still like to give GB or C-Mod a go, providing I can get CWM installed. I'd like to compile myself and even think about refining my own version, perhaps slimming down a newer version to run on low performance hardware. What's this about a special cable needed with a 3.5mm jack?
And am I right in thinking Honeycomb was only for tablets, not phones...?
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Yes you are right about honeycomb. As for the device. Without kernel source which will never be released due to copyright issues you may have a bit of trouble Modding it. CM only supports authentic devices and not clones as the hardware specs as you learned are faked and never true.
droidscope said:
Hey all, thanks for the feedback. Basically, sure I don't want to spend a lot being a student, I don't have a lot, but I'm keen to get more out of what I can afford, hence the Chinese crap (yes it is crap but if it does what you need...) : ) just a shame I can't clock mine! Does anyone know if ANY MediaTec chips can be?
Sure, I think running ICS is a bit optimistic, but I'd still like to give GB or C-Mod a go, providing I can get CWM installed. I'd like to compile myself and even think about refining my own version, perhaps slimming down a newer version to run on low performance hardware. What's this about a special cable needed with a 3.5mm jack?
And am I right in thinking Honeycomb was only for tablets, not phones...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi droidscope,
Not all the Chinese phones are crap there are a few very capable phones now entering the market and they are catching up the bigboys rapidly.
For more info & reviews on the latest Chinese phones check over here http://www.gizchina.com/category/phones/ Try to stick with the branded chinese phones such as Zopo, ZTE, Newman etc because there is at least some support where as the direct copy/clones have no support at all. If buying try to get the phone pre rooted because some of the Chinese phone are getting more difficult to root. I would look here http://www.etotalk.com/ if buying and select the MOD ROM $4.99 for most phones then the phone will come pre rooted with working playstore language etc. They do not 1 to 1 copys although some of the phones have more than a passing look of some of the more famous brands. I have used them a few times and they have not let me down be sure to email them first to ask about stock levels though.
First of all I am a newbie to this I have only used my Android devices out of box from factory/Carrier.
I would like to update my SCH-I925 to Kitkat so it can run some apps that require higher than 4.1. It appears Verizon is not going to push any so since I am out of warranty I am willing to do what it takes without bricking my device. From my searching it looks like I need to do a few things to get to the point such as Backup, Root, Change Rom. I do ok with PC's but this is new territory for me. Could someone point me in the right direction for current information for my device and android version. Whenever I think I found something it seems to be dated or expecting you to be at a certain point already. If there are Apps free or Paid I am apposed to paying a few dollars to someone who made the job easier and safer. If it makes since I would not mind baking mine up and restoring it as is just to prove I can do it before I go further. I have listed by device information Bellow let me know if you need other info
Tablet
Model: SCH-I925
Android Version: 4.1.2
Baseband Version: I925VRAMk1
Build: JZ054K.I925VRAMk1
Hardware Ver: I925.03
Carrier: Verizon LTE
PC
Windows 8.1 64 bit
Is there support for this device
Getting the impression this device could be lost cause. Am I better off selling it since it works and getting a new device with Version such as Samsung 10.1 Tab 4. I like my tablet but need to get to at least 4.2. Other option would be to find another tablet that is not LTE and use my phone as hot spot though I would prefer not to
Buzz
Hi there,
I haven't found an appropriate forum to ask questions about the new Samsung Galaxy A3 SM-A300(FU), so I try it my luck here.
Chainfire already published its auto-root solution for the new device family, but it will take some time until a CWM or TWRP recovery will be available.
Chainfire's auto-root recovery works on my device, and I got the idea to use his working recovery to inject my own cached updates. Unfortunately, the recovery is locked by a certificate, it can't be used to run an own update script.
Is there a way to get the sources of chainfires recovery? It seems there is no possibility to contact chainfire directly.
I already tried to build my own CM-11 recovery but without success, can you give me at least some hints, how I get the needed board configuration? The common webtutorials seem to be outdated.
Thanks and regards,
cloooned
I think this model and forums should be added to XDA.
Who we should ask for it?
Yes, we need this forum....
Hi fellow members,
after my girlfriend got her Samsung Galaxy A3 aka SM-A300, I thought I'd check the forums for more infos around the "usual stuff", root, recovery, roms, kernels... etc.
Much to my surprise there is not even a forum existing about it, though the device is already out, when for other devices the forums will be created way in advance of the market-launch.
I used to develop a very bad impression about Samsung handhelds over the last years, but I have to say I'm seriously impressed with this phone.
It has a great build quality (Finally, Samsung! Just took you 4/5 years... ) and is really snappy despite beeing only mid-range. TouchWiz seems to have matured about 10 years, it just feels good and right, gone are the days of a laggy TouchWiz which many people considered crapware (me included).
Also SW-support seems great. The phone was bought last week and came with a kernel owith build date of December 2014. After initial setup there was already a SW-update available, with a kernel dated of February 10th, 2015.
For me it is the biggest Android-Surprise since years. Samsung finally delivering a well-built phone that doesn't look or feel cheap and offering great SW-support. I'd like to temporarily borrow my girlfriends A300 and give her my HTC One M7 instead, I find it that nice, though, again, beeing of only mid-range specs.
Never thought it would be possible to receive a kernel via official channels from Samsung which build date is less than two weeks ago.
YES, we need a dedicated forum to it.
Thanks!
The design is very appealing for a midrange device and also compared to a S5mini.
In case there will be no future mini version of the upcoming Galaxy S6, this will be the only alternative to a screen oversized phone and will replace the mini series.
cloooned said:
Hi there,
I haven't found an appropriate forum to ask questions about the new Samsung Galaxy A3 SM-A300(FU), so I try it my luck here.
Chainfire already published its auto-root solution for the new device family, but it will take some time until a CWM or TWRP recovery will be available.
Chainfire's auto-root recovery works on my device, and I got the idea to use his working recovery to inject my own cached updates. Unfortunately, the recovery is locked by a certificate, it can't be used to run an own update script.
Is there a way to get the sources of chainfires recovery? It seems there is no possibility to contact chainfire directly.
I already tried to build my own CM-11 recovery but without success, can you give me at least some hints, how I get the needed board configuration? The common webtutorials seem to be outdated.
Thanks and regards,
cloooned
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can take a look here http://opensource.samsung.com/reception/receptionSub.do?method=sub&sub=F&searchValue=A300
wird
l have this device from January....l've been searching for cwm recovery or custom things but only got root by CF........seems like this phone its a ghost sometimes l have the impression that l am the one and only owner of this.....no forum no disgussions about it........ a big shame l guess........
l hope in the near future somebody will begin with the development.....
Same here, seems like I'm in some alternative reality, where Samsung's never launched A3 although I'm holding it in my hand right now...
...or because its not a flagship phone, Samsung gives no support, at least compared to S6. Crap!
'A' series really hasn't caught the development thread anywhere. Seems like the Samsung community is awaiting the S6 and has disregarded the launch of anything prior to it.
I also have the A3 I am looking hi and low for details about is as I I seem to be missing the USB Host option for my USB drives what has really F'ed me off as might be mid ranged but its a option I would of thought it would of had since its a sealed SD card slot
In 2014-2015 it was the ZTE Zinger that was the $10 phone
Well the Zinger is dead but long live the new Zinger: the ZTE Paragon aka Z753G
http://www.zteusa.com/zte-paragon
It's the new $5 / $10 phone
Direct descendant of the ZTE Zinger / Whirl2 / Prelude2 / Salem
same dual-core cpu, same OS (kitkat)
(uses the exact same battery) Correction: very similar battery but slightly more narrow, not same fit
can start and run without a battery exactly like the zinger
But the paragon has improved 1GB of ram instead of old 512MB
also the screen is improved to bare minimum acceptable for 2016, 800x480 on 4 inches, vs the Zinger 3.5 inch 320x480
The Paragon is GSM, but there is also a CDMA model, the Zephyr Z752C:
http://www.zteusa.com/zte-zephyr
The Zinger was impossible to root - the old model Whirl2 with 4.3 could get partial root via ADB shell only. I suspect the Paragon and Zephyr will turn out the same.
ps. looks like the Sonata2 Z755 is directly related as well, same exact phone but with better glass and stereo speaker output? http://www.zteusa.com/zte-sonata-2
Does anyone know if this phone can be unlocked?
So no root for this phone? Too bad. Looks like a good phone for $10.
Based on our experience with the Zinger Z667T and Z667G, not only will this phone be unrootable, it will have write protected partitions.
Unless it turns out like the ZMAX where they missed something but I kinda doubt it.
_ck_ said:
Based on our experience with the Zinger Z667T and Z667G, not only will this phone be unrootable, it will have write protected partitions.
Unless it turns out like the ZMAX where they missed something but I kinda doubt it.
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Click to collapse
Do you know why ZTE locked it down so hard? Is there a benefit for them to do that? Isn't locked bootloader make the phone harder to sell?
Handsome Jack said:
Do you know why ZTE locked it down so hard? Is there a benefit for them to do that? Isn't locked bootloader make the phone harder to sell?
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Click to collapse
it probably allows them to sell themselves to phone carriers
When they can show the entire Z667 series has never been rooted or bootloader unlocked, they get the big leagues like T-Mobile and AT&T to show up and buy them for low-end sales of $10 phones
until the Z667 series, ZTE phones were pretty easy to root, the Concord became a little harder before it but even that fell eventually
Kinda surprised the zmax got rooted and bootloader unlocked, I thought it was a later generation but maybe not
Also remember after kitkat 4.4.4 many makes of phones have become very hard to root and bootloader unlocks a pipe dream
I got this phone for my 3 yr old kid because it was $5 - but I cannot figure out a way to even move apps to the SD card! It makes it pretty unusable. I've gone thru a few links about transferring apps using adb but that doesn't seem to work with this phone. Any thoughts about things I could try? Thanks
It may be possible to one-day root this device using the same technique that CrashXXL came up with for Motorola devices that have locked bootloaders. It's not simple but it is not that hard either once someone figures out what files need to be replaced and how to slide in supersu and busybox.
Basically he tricks the device to purposely brick by sending it commands under fastboot mode using pyserial.
That throws the device into qualcomm qload mode which is a very native way to flash to the rom that they use at the factory, etc. Qload drivers for windows x86/x64 are available.
Then he flashes very select parts over the rom with root/supersu in place using that qload mode.
That technique bypasses the write lock the bootloader does and also bypasses signature restrictions (however it does not allow for bypassing efuse and rom downgrades that are monitored by the bootloader)
Once you have root, even without write, you can then use xposed and gravitybox, etc. to make the rom do a lot of tricks normally found on cyanogenmod, etc.
For those that know what they are doing and know how to extract the existing rom using qualcom tools, you can look here to see what he does with the droid maxx/mini: http://forum.xda-developers.com/droid-ultra/general/droid-mini-maxx-ultra-root-pogress-100-t3071609
his pyserial and batch files are in here: https://yadi.sk/d/p458Cy0XineRC/Python
qload drivers are here: https://yadi.sk/d/p458Cy0XineRC/QDLoad9008 Drivers
_ck_ said:
It may be possible to one-day root this device using the same technique that CrashXXL came up with for Motorola devices that have locked bootloaders. It's not simple but it is not that hard either once someone figures out what files need to be replaced and how to slide in supersu and busybox.
....
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Click to collapse
Looks interesting but definitely beyond my skill set. Thanks for the ideas.
Anything at all on being able to permanently root the ZTE Paragon? (Z753G) Phone has half-decent hardware specs except for the crappy storage (1gb). Sorry for resurrecting an (almost) dead thread, but didn't find anything else on the forums about it and was wondering if anyone came up with a solution.....
wingnut90L said:
Anything at all on being able to permanently root the ZTE Paragon? (Z753G) Phone has half-decent hardware specs except for the crappy storage (1gb). Sorry for resurrecting an (almost) dead thread, but didn't find anything else on the forums about it and was wondering if anyone came up with a solution.....
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Did you ever get your Paragon rooted?
Unfortunately, no. I gave up and spent a few dollars more and found a good buy on a Verizon Prepaid Moto E (2nd gen). Verizon locked their prepaid version of the Moto E down so I haven't been able to find a way to tinker with it (yet!), but it's still a great phone. My ZTE Is currently collecting dust now, and occasionally gets used for something like streaming Pandora, but that's about it nowadays.... It's a shame, really.
Hi guys,
I want to find a cheap Android phone (around $100) which is good for AOSP and kernel development.
I need it cheap because I want to buy a lot of them for my classes in University (about 50 phones).
There are tons of cheap phones, but I am not sure that it will be easy to find Android and kernel sources for them.
I would prefer a vendor that open-sources all stuff, so I do not have to waste too much time for searching sources.
What would you suggest?
Max88888 said:
Hi guys,
I want to find a cheap Android phone (around $100) which is good for AOSP and kernel development.
I need it cheap because I want to buy a lot of them for my classes in University (about 50 phones).
There are tons of cheap phones, but I am not sure that it will be easy to find Android and kernel sources for them.
I would prefer a vendor that open-sources all stuff, so I do not have to waste too much time for searching sources.
What would you suggest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe Samsung Galaxy Trend Plus (if you can find many of them)
Sent from my GT-S7580 using Tapatalk
Cheap Phones
The FIGO Virtue 2 is about as cheap as you are going to get (50 bucks) for a phone running Android 5.1 out of the box. Not exactly a fire breather but it is complete. 512MB RAM 8GB ROM MT 6580 chipset. SMALL display. Feels like a toy when you pick it up.
Just got a first partially successful attempt at TWRP to at least not bring the whole thing down when booting to recovery but at this point all it will do is show me what I need to eventually fix and let me re-boot normally, but it is a start :good:
UPDATE 18 November 2016 - TWRP now appears to be fully functional (hacked a different one into it) so looking to create or find a CM 12 ROM for it.
The 5.1 implementation is delightfully devoid of bloatware although not quite the "pico" GApps option I would prefer with CM.
Easy to root with Kingo Root (use the APK rather than the PC version) and the standard MTK tools you can find online will work with it as well.
Their web site is figoglobal.com
They have some reasonable support staff as well. People who actually respond intelligently to e-mails and offer useful replies. Rarely if ever life telephone support but it is, after all, the 21st century and these are all rather inexpensive mass produced in China devices
TRY the redmi 3s