Its about time to replace my Samsung Alias 2. One of it's biggest faults is the proprietary charging port, although I must give it credit for surviving this long.
Im looking for a "dumb" phone to replace it. My only true requirement is that it works on Verizon, but my primary wish after that is a USB type C charging port since thats becoming the new universal port. Failing the availability of a dumb phone with type C, I can settle for micro USB.
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These are some features I dont need, but would like to have. Even having one of these features would be nice if you can suggest a phone with it:
Cheap Well, I guess I dont want to pay 150 bucks for a flip phone if I can avoid it.
Compact. Remember the Samsung Juke? I would love a phone that was similarly small.
Smart'ish They don't make a phone with Android that doesn't require a data plan do they? How about something with well thought through apps added into it's functionality? My Alias 2 was somewhat useful in this regard, especially with it's full keypad to type in notes.
Swiss army knife A phone with blutooth, flashlight, etc, maybe things I might not have thought of that could help out in a pinch.
Durable Something at least solidly built
Exceptional Battery A phone that either had exceptional standby time or the ability to swap in AA batteries in emergencies would be very useful.
Any thoughts everyone?
Related
Hi, I'm back ... I start this new thread to expose my concepts about phones, I'm not a professional but I try to imagine some original devices with some originals spcecifications ...
All your comments (good or bad) are welcome ...
I'm usually inspired by HTC and my latest concept is one of them ...
The entire concept and the others are here --> NAK PHONE DESIGN
[NEW] 3 March 2011 --> Second part of the concept, the TUBE TABLET (2nd post) ...
[NEW] 21 April 2011 --> Third part of the concept, the STICK PHONE and the TUBE LAPTOP (3rd post) ...
Hi, here is the second part of my HTC TUBE Concept ...
Hi, here is the third part of my HTC TUBE Concept (and the last) ...
The entire concept and the others are here --> NAK PHONE DESIGN
Here's the HTC STICK PHONE for the TUBE Tablet ...
and the HTC TUBE Laptop ...
Interesting concept but why make the whole cartridge thing? I don't think many people will be swapping out the internals of their phone often enough to justify it.
Nice concepts!
Interesting...like the size & curves!
I had already seen pictures of the concept and find it gorgeous
I wouldn't be interested by the multiple cartridges (I had already the dual boot on my former HD2 and for my daily use I don't see the point in sticking with more than 1 OS. It's cool for testing but otherwise ...Just my opinion ).
iDroidFan said:
Interesting concept but why make the whole cartridge thing? I don't think many people will be swapping out the internals of their phone often enough to justify it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree with this point.
I just don't see the concept clicking with what customers want.
The only possible advantage IMO would be that if you dropped your phone and damaged the casing or screen, you could quickly and easily replace it yourself but beyond that, it doesn't seem like practical concept.
I would love a cartridge based phone that would let me have multiple ROMs loaded onto the cartridges, and switch OS by rebooting with another one.
Not for everyday use, but rather for developing
cool, al like this
For the interest of the cartridge, more than the choice of the hardware level (and of the price !!!...), you will see soon the part 2 of this concept ... In next few days ...
good
i like this design.
What if the concept was beyond just the cartridge though? After all, a smaller cartridge footprint could enable you to have the internals in different housings. For example, a much smaller housing for a more discrete phone, say for going out in the evening, when you don't want the bulk but still want all your 'stuff'?
Or a rugged housing for sports/camping/mountain biking/etc?
Or perhaps an in-vehicle version where you just slot the thing into a console in the vehicle, rather than the phone into a cradle?
Finally, you could have an at home/office version where you slot it into a small footprint dock that has higher spec hardware but still uses the data and applications on the device.
I personally can see far more uses for the internals in other housings idea rather than the single housing, multiple internals. That said, both would work together as you can use any internal module in any housing..
From a manufacturer's point of view this *could* work. One standard screen/housing/connections with multiple options of different phones "internals".
Interesting idea.
rTiGd2 said:
What if the concept was beyond just the cartridge though? After all, a smaller cartridge footprint could enable you to have the internals in different housings. For example, a much smaller housing for a more discrete phone, say for going out in the evening, when you don't want the bulk but still want all your 'stuff'?
Or a rugged housing for sports/camping/mountain biking/etc?
Or perhaps an in-vehicle version where you just slot the thing into a console in the vehicle, rather than the phone into a cradle?
Finally, you could have an at home/office version where you slot it into a small footprint dock that has higher spec hardware but still uses the data and applications on the device.
I personally can see far more uses for the internals in other housings idea rather than the single housing, multiple internals. That said, both would work together as you can use any internal module in any housing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this point completely. I'm actually already sorta doing this type of thing by swapping my SIM card to and from my Galaxy Tab and my Galaxy S. I'll usually bring my Tab with me to work, but use my Galaxy S for when I'm traveling light and hanging out with friends etc.
It would be even cooler though if my semi-internal hardware cartridge could remain powered on while I hot-swap it from my phone to my tablet to my desktop dock or car dock etc etc. THAT would be super cool, and practical. Kinda like what Motorola is trying to do with the Atrix, but maybe in a more elegant manner.
Step666 said:
I have to agree with this point.
I just don't see the concept clicking with what customers want.
The only possible advantage IMO would be that if you dropped your phone and damaged the casing or screen, you could quickly and easily replace it yourself but beyond that, it doesn't seem like practical concept.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's more practical and cost efficient if you think about it. This is a really slick and just awesome design, but what if you hardly use your phone? You aren't going to need a 1.5 Dual Core processor with a 12 MP camera, you may just want the starter pack.
Then people don't have to pay for a high end phone with features they aren't going to use. It's actually really smart and practical....I like it.
You need to send this to HTC, go to the manufacturing plant, and start building this phone!
EDIT: I just went on your site, and you really need to send these ideas to HTC or something. You have some really nice ideas, designs, and talent..I'd seriously buy all of these phones.
missparker76 said:
I had already seen pictures of the concept and find it gorgeous
I wouldn't be interested by the multiple cartridges (I had already the dual boot on my former HD2 and for my daily use I don't see the point in sticking with more than 1 OS. It's cool for testing but otherwise ...Just my opinion ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Valid Point, I dont why you would want all the confusion, Not to kill your concept NAK but at least a 32GB also 4G should be available on all model. that just me!!!
Amazing concept! I would sell a kidney to get one Just kidding, but its a really awesome design
oh~man! This is great! I would like to buy one
Do you accept preorders for this beauty?
Love it.
I work in a repair shop and lately we have started doing cell phones. Normally we just order the ports as needed, but i was wondering if the ports were universal for phones so that we could order about 200 have minimize wait time.
Or are they brand or model specific?
Personally you are the one that should know this, esp if you are in the repair buis........that's like taking your car to a shop and then not knowing if your car is diesel or gas by looking at the model.
Id be bummed having non trained techs working on my equipment and should never happen no matter the product.
That being said I think the port supplier would be a better place to look, or cell phone repair forums, I'm sure there are people here who know, but there is more professional sources.
Although I have no experience in the sector, seeing as how most usb ports on phones are mini-usb, i highly doubt that the solder points will change with the phones. They are being made universal for a reason, this way it keeps costs down for everyone
They are female Micro USB B, atleast all the ones that I have seen so far are.
As for the actual port, there are several different versions of them depending how they attach to the actual circuit board. They depend on orientation of the port (Horizontal or vertical) and pad type (SMD or through hole. I know this because just last week I ordered some for some other project.
My best guessfor phone would be SMD horizontal, but this is just a guess by its looks from outside, I have never seen a disassembled board.
This is an interesting one. How a phone can be waterproof without covers, for example Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini and Sony Xperia M4 Aqua. I think there are no more waterproof phones like this (without cover). I also think that it's nicer, you don't have to open covers every time you need to charge phone or even thinking about that port would get loose/damaged over time (some xperias are saved from that because magnetic charging ability). What do you people think about all this?
I would not want a "waterproof" without a case phone, as this would be sealed with no access ports of any kind, not earphone jacks and not SD or SIM card slots, as any port covers will over time weaken/break, if humans are to be relied on to seal them, making it no longer waterproof.
Apps, who really cares, since they are not the phone.
Touch screen with the option of having a physical keyboard for those that want or need them, even if the keyboard has to be part of a case and Bluetooth.
Universal standard charging port placement, so that third party cradle makers can make adjustable charging cradles that will fit more phones.
EXTERNAL charging connectors for cradles that can fit a wide range of cases that would also have external charging connectors. This would help in reducing the number of phones that have charging ports that die.
Physical layout of the phone will always be a personal choice based on what is out there. If screen or phone size gets too big, the marketplace will let the makers know that as soon as those phone does not sell, no matter how great the phone is. No one will hold a 7 inch tablet sized phone up to there ear to make phone calls (often).
Hello, I've been on the market for something to replace my Nexus 4, which I use much like an Ipod touch, in the respect that I only use it on wifi and wont attach it to a cell service provider. I'd appreciate your input on what phone to get.
I'd like as many hardware features as possible, for a price range of 400 bucks maximum. The Essential phone, and Motorola Z2 play and Force are a few I had in mind. The Essential phone is missing a good camera, and I'm skeptical about Motorola after watching my dad try to navigate their horrible customer service. They killed his phone with an update and sold him a dud as a replacement, although some of the mods add functionality Id be interested in if you guys can recommend one they won't patch-kill.
I tend to use my device for a number of things, but virtually never as a phone. It just happens that nowadays most android devices that are small enough to carry in my pocket are garbage if they weren't designed with the functionality of a phone in mind. Past devices I've bought and liked are the Toshiba Thrive 10.1 and Nvidia shield portable, offering on board ports for HDMI and etc without adapters. I can live with using Type C adapters for a more pocketable device however. I like compatibility with other devices for data transfer or flying a drone, controlling LEGO Mindstorms, etc. I have not rooted devices for fear of ruining them, but if there is such a thing as "as close to being rooted without being rooted", I'd be interested.
Please note that I need these features:
*Android OS, preferably Oreo and better, pure android or better preferred
*USB OTG, type C plug, 3.1 for using an adapter to turn it into a workstation via HDMI, USB and ethernet ports added on.
*NFC for editing nfc tags
*Good camera for everyday pictures but also close up pictures of LEGO models in particular
*64 GB storage minimum, 128 and/or expansion preferred.
*1080P screen or better. I can live with or without whatever weird notch or bezel thing.
I can live without these but if they happen to be there then all the better:
*Headphone jack
*Fingerprint reader
*Water resistant/nanocoating
*Wireless charging
I've checked out XDA's recommended phones, but it seems their recommended phones cap off at the 250 dollar price range and without my preferred 128 on board storage or are missing NFC or something, unless I'm missing a separate "up to 400 bucks" article. They are all surely a vast improvement to my Nexus 4, but significantly under my budget while missing some things I'd prefer. I'm hoping I can just spend a bit more to hit more of my marks.
Thank you for your time and input!
Update/Bumping
Added more info on my preferences to original topic, I found out USB Type C 3.1 is what I need if I want to use an adapter to use a dock to give it Ethernet, HDMI out, keyboard and mouse support, etc.
Someone suggested the Nokia 7 Plus, a very good candidate though it has USB Type C 2.0, which supports data transfer OTG but not a work station dock. Still have to keep the 7+ in mind, has some good features despite this.
Hi pretty new here still, and already getting a new phone lol.
Quick Version
-Medium or + Cpu/Gfx performance
- affordable/cost effective (prefer $400 or -)
- Highly compatible with many ROMs, Recoveries, Easily unlocked either OEM allowed or well documented solid exploit, any other custom firmware capable etc.
- Prefer slots for SD card and/or Sim card work well, aren't jenky, if known. Decent Space if possible ~32GB+,
- True Airplane mode / Built in firewall? minimal concern but still nice
- Screen size, not a huge requirement, actually don't want something too large
- USB-C preference, very low on priority though
- "Tough firmware"? hard to perma-brick or has a good last resort that usually works, i.e. EDL cable or something
Original Post /Brainstorm below with more details
Little background, for the longest time I survived on an iphone 4s for various anti-social reasons
recently thats changed and been getting into phones more
Unfortunately I got suckered into a V500KL ZenFone 5 Live, a feature starved, bland, boot-loader locked, boring pos
well while trying to spruce it up i hard bricked it, and well, I brought it back
but in my frustration I destroyed something in the sim port while doing desperate last attempts before figuring out the correct UN-brick method.
(which Ive documented in my first post, its over in the zenfone 5 forum , check it out
oh and i promise the un-brick method didn't do it, shoving tweezers in a dead phone to see what i could reach, because phones been dead for days and YOLO was the cause of sim death lol.
so now i have a phone that can't be a phone... time for a new phone ya?
I wanna do it right and get opinions from pros and community opinions, so that would be here right?
So what am i looking for? decent performance, the V500KL was 2nd from the bottom pretty much for the ZenFone line i think.
I don't required the best for CPU/GFX performance, but definitely not bottom group tier.
With that said, affordable, no $1k phones please lol, maybe in the ballpark of.... $400 tops? the bigger bang but for less buck the better
I also want it to be a very compatible phone, i made the switch from my iPhone brand to android because they had a reputation, or used to, of being super customizable, rooting/jailbreaking was a non-issue etc.
Well i was shocked to find out that my V500KL had a locked bootloader with no OEM permission to unlock for that specific model.... i blame Verizon.
SO I want a phone that's unlock-able out of the box without having to do my own R&D on it, whether its OEM or a known solid exploit that's not going away either way works.
Also compatible with as many custom ROMs as possible, was very sad that CWM and TWRP were not compatible with my last phone and could never get magisk due to the boot loader.
- space, looking for 32GB give or take, with EASILY removable SD card expanded storage, not one that feels like its a d20 roll if its going to break every time
I suppose if i had to choose between the 2 it would be a smooth SD card slot though since I could always just get more SD lol, and this isn't something you can easily tell from a product sheet/page so input on this greatly appreciated .
- also extra plus if it has a easily removable sim card slot as well, or has a confirmed TRUE airplane mode.
(Verizon/Asus phones will still download FOTA/OTA updates even with wifi off and airplane mode on, mobile data off, etc.)
- Not really a screen size buff, so average size works i suppose, not against something a bit larger, but id rather it fit in something smaller than my cargo pockets
- Being USB-C would be nice, I've recently made a USB-C EDL cable so if it just so happens to be compatible or easily reconfigured for something/anything the phone may need one for could come in handy, fine with others though, more easy to get a charger from a friend, pros and cons i suppose.
- Tough to perma-brick, i abused the crap out of the software on my V500KL and never perma-bricked it, came close though, and its still not even bricked, i just fryed the sim card port... but its not bricked. Something hard to perma-brick would be nice, if it soft-bricks thats fine, and if hard-bricks are recoverable with an EDL cable thats a plus. Something thats just... perma-bricked prone somehow though, would make me nervous.
well that's all i can really think of....
if there's any key detail that needs to be added ill be happy to add, and if anyone else has a similar list feel free to thread hijack lol I'm just reaching for whats out there and really anything with some hands-on-experince information is appreciated. im in no rush and just wanna know whats good out there .