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Chinese Phones

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Looking at any online store, you will quickly find hundreds of imitations of the iPhone and devices from Nokia, the Nokia and other manufacturers, produced by Chinese companies and sold under various brands. See, for example, these two models announced at DealExtreme:

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At first glance, seem a Nokia N95 and an iPhone, but are actually a "NokLa N95" and a SciPhone, two clones made in China. Despite the interface trying to mimic the original system, they provide only some basic functions (calendar, editor text, play MP3 files, AAC and 3GP videos, etc..) combined with a camera that takes blurry photos and a WAP browser, without allowing the installation of applications and no support for 3G or other advanced function.

Naturally, they do not run the S60 or the iPhone OS, but a much simpler system (more below). They are made with the purpose of deceiving the public who do not know well what is a smartphone and does not know the functions of the original products, and unfortunately, have had success in work, to reach some point of recommending them in forums and communities .

Having the unit in hand, it is very difficult to see that this is a copy (as light, bad finish, even on screen touchscreen devices that mimic the S60 3ed., Shortcut keys printed on the bottom, and so forth). The big problem is that they are often sold on auction sites, as if they were original equipment. The seller can swear that this is a Nokia N95, but you get to buy, in fact, the imitation.

The most interesting is that, even among clones, there are better devices and lower quality because it is common for a manufacturer cut the firmware of a model launched by another and will produce a similar copy (or clone of a clone ), definitely a weird situation. Most of them do not pass through the electromagnetic emission tests and many do not even have a valid IMEI, or appliances are simply illegal, considered a problem even in China itself.

In addition to the copies, there are also several original models, usually produced by the same manufacturers that offer similar functions. These are less bad, because at least you know what you're buying. It is the case with "Foston, which are quite common here in Brazil:

Although the price is tempting, they are, in fact, only cell donkeys that do not support even the installation of applications in Java. You can listen to music, watch some video formats, watching TV, using the receiver analog present in some of the models, open TXT files and make voice calls, but nothing much beyond that. Like it or not the applications pre-installed, you are restricted to them. The only possibility of changes in the system is to find a modified firmware, but in this case the chances of success are low, due to the large number of models and variations.

It started with MP3 players, to play music. When the standard MPEG4 (for video files) has been gaining popularity, some manufacturers decided to get ride by launching the "MP4" capable of playing videos, low quality in 3GP format.Eventually, someone had the idea to include cameras in devices, taking advantage of the wide availability of sensors for webcams (where images are captured with a resolution of 320x240 or 640x480 and are then interpolated to reach 2.0 or 5.0 MP promised). Enjoying the precedent, decided to call the devices "MP5", resulting in the sequence.

The next step was to include telephony components, making the devices also offer the function of cells. Then came the "MP6" which were soon followed by "MP7", incorporating an analog tuner, serving as a TV in your pocket.

Almost all these devices are based on the MTK chipset MTK MT6225 or MT6226, produced by MediaTek(http://www.mediatek.com), which also produces a huge volume of chips and controllers used in DVD players and GPS devices. They are integrated chipsets, processors based on ARM7EJ-S, slow to the current standards (below 100 MHz clock), but in contrast, are much cheaper, hence the popularity among the Chinese manufacturers.

The external appearance and the visual interface, varies widely according to the apparatus, but the basic characteristics of devices based on MTK chip are:

* Support for audio files in MP3, AAC or WAV; 
* Supports 3gp videos (with the H.263 codec) with a resolution of 176x144 and up to 12 FPS; 
* Reader e-books ", which only supports TXT files; 
* Calendar, calculator and some simple applications; 
* Less than 1 MB of internal memory free; 
* Support for cards up to 2 GB (and some of the 4 GB cards that do not use standard SDHC); 
* 220x176 or 320x240 screen, with touchscreen; 
* Not support the installation of applications; 
* Includes some simple games in Java (which runs using the native support offered by the processor, more below), but does not include a JVM, which prevents the installation of other games or applications in Java; 
* Camera of 640x480 (the images are interpolated, resulting in 1.3 MP, 2.0 MP, 3.0 MP, or whatever the value included in the specifications).

As commented above, many models also offer a TV tuner off, with a retractable antenna and / or support the use of two SIM chips, which operate on a system similar to that obtained when using a dual-sim adapter, where (although only one transmitter) the device switches periodically between the two chips, which can receive calls on both. You can also choose between the two chips in time to make calls.

Some of the models are tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900) and do not work with Live, while others are quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900) and work with all operators. All support the network data, but it is limited to GPRS, with EDGE support, much less the 3G. The internal browser is a WAP browser rather limited, which can not be replaced due to the inability to install applications.

Some recent devices are based on processors MTK MTK MT6227 or MT6229. The main difference is that these chipsets support the cameras of higher resolution. The MT6227 supports cameras up to 2.0 MP, while the MT6229 supports cameras up to 3.0 MP. Naturally, the fact that there is support from the chipset does not mean that manufacturers are really using sensors of 2.0 or 3.0 MP (which are much more expensive than the 640x480), only that the possibility exists.

Both MTK MT6225 and MT6226 chips as the new MT6227 and MT6229 are based on the same processor-S ARM7EJ.What changes, Clocks are supported (the MT6229 is the fastest, as would be expected) and the auxiliary components included in the chip.

The four are able to execute Java bytecode natively (with support for Jazelle extension) which allows the inclusion of Java games in almost every household. Some of the newer devices (like Sciphone i68) also include a functional JVM, which opens the door for the installation of additional applications, albeit rather limited, due to incompatibilities and stability issues.

Searching the web, you find some of the firmware with support for Java to download. However, you can not use them to add support for Java in old equipment, because appliances with Java include a larger amount of RAM.

The operating system used is the "MTK OS" which is in turn a modified version of the Nucleus OS(http://www.mentor.com/products/embedded_software/), a system RTOS devices onboard. The term "RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) does not refer to an operating system in particular, but to a class of multitasking operating systems, for devices shipped, robots and other niches, where the response time is a factor important.

In the case of phones, using the MTK OS is not much to do with him being a RTOS, but simply with the fact he is a lightweight system that offers good support to the processors used and can be customized quickly. This ease of customization led to the many different interfaces used in the apparatus (with the iPhone guy, of S60, etc..), Although this is, indeed, the same system:

Some examples of interfaces used in equipment with the MTK OS
Some examples of interfaces used in equipment with the MTK OS

Most devices use flash memory chips as a memory of 4 MB of storage (less than 1 MB free), combined with additional 2 or 4 MB of RAM, which gives an idea of how simple is the MKT OS. A little internal memory, of course, is complemented by a Flash memory card (some devices also include a non-removable drive, 1 or 2 GB), whose capacity is what usually appears in the ads.

This first generation of devices based on the MTK chip, has been gradually replaced by a new generation of clones, chips based on TI OMAP 200 to 400 MHz, typically with 64 or 128 MB of RAM. Most of these new machines run pirated versions of Windows Mobile (generally from the firmware of the HTC devices), but there are also some models with copies S60 (extracted from the firmware of Nokia devices).

Naturally, they are more similar to the originals, since, despite the bugs and missing components, run the same operating system. Some of them are imitations of the iPhone, which gave rise to the rumor that it was possible to install Windows Mobile on it:

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These devices based on TI OMAP processors are more expensive than the previous, since the projects are more complex and more expensive components used. This shows that when used similar components, the difference in cost between the devices of Nokia (and other manufacturers) and the clones, not really so great that.

Most of the equipment based on MTK chip cost (abroad) between 90 and $ 100 (varies slightly, in spite of external differences), while the new models cost usually between 140 and 200 dollars. Some models with Wi-Fi and GPS enough to overcome the mark of $ 300, as in the case of this copy of the HTC Touch:

Even discarding all moral questions, they would not be good options to buy, because many of them have obvious limitations of previous models, such as lack of support for 3G or EDGE (GPRS support only), lack of support for SDHC cards and the use of bad cameras. Another problem is that Windows Mobile and Symbian systems are much more complex than the MTK OS, which results in many bugs and problems of implementation.

Even equipment manufacturers such as Nokia and HTC, which make a work of extensive correction of bugs and updates are often launched on the market with serious problems in the software (usually later corrected through firmware updates). It would be very smart to expect that manufacturers who produce counterfeits of the same apparatus, using copies of the system extracted from devices with different specifications, can do a better job.

A good example of a manufacturer specialized in producing copies is the HRF (also known as Hi-Tech), which manufactures various forged models, including devices with pirated copies of Windows Mobile, many of them running TouchFlo interface (used by the HTC devices in the Touch-line), also pirated. Strangely, the door is an open, accepting orders via web and maintains a catalog in http://www.hrfpower.com/:

HRF of these devices are what we call the "first line of copy." After them we have many others, the second, third, fourth, fifth, etc.. which obviously do not have websites and catalogs.

A good place to learn about the equipment manufactured in China and find the real manufacturer is DIYTrade a B2B system that lists the products of most manufacturers, not only the more obscure: http://www.diytrade.com

There is no shame in relation to the nature of the products. The copies are openly advertised as copies, with information on the actual manufacturer and under the brand names under which they are sold. This clone of the Nokia N93i screenshot, for example, is advertised as "identical to the original", but turn the same MTK OS with the interface that mimics the S60, like almost all others:

Most manufacturers offer the option of putting their own brand products in the dealer (just buy a quantity of units), as for example the case of Foston. Many think the Foston is a manufacturer, but in fact it is only an importer that sells some of the products in Brazil.

In conclusion, already beginning to emerge on the horizon some phones based on Android, which can be a solution to some manufacturers out of illegality and move to develop their own models. As the Android is distributed under a license that allows redistribution, manufacturers can simply go to use it in compatible devices without having to hack other systems. This may lead to a new crop of models based on it.

Unfortunately, old habits are not easy to leave. The first Chinese with Android is "Sciphone Dream G2(http://mysciphone.com/G2Specia.asp), an imitation of the HTC G1, produced by the same company that pioneered the clones of the iPhone:


Despite the name, it is well below the specifications of the HTC G1, starting with the absence of the sliding QWERTY keyboard. The USA also display a lower resolution (320x240, against the original 320x480), touchscreen with a less sensitive film. The processor (a TI OMAP 200 MHz) is considerably slower, the camera of "4 megapixels" USA, in fact, a sensor, 1.3 MP (with interpolation via software) and it also lacks 3G support, but limited to and GPRS (different from previous models) also EDGE.

Besides the issue of increased costs (as to support the HSDPA is almost mandatory to include an additional controller to perform the processing of signals), another reason for appliances manufactured in China do not include support for 3G is that the standard process of implementation in China is not the UMTS (as used in Europe and Brazil), but the TD-SCDMA, which is the standard Chinese.

Although ultimately being sold around the world, the devices are primarily intended for the Chinese domestic market (which is not modest, as the country has more than 1 billion people), so that probably will take until the manufacturers will offer models with support for UMTS, which has just canceling any advantage with respect to cost.

In conclusion, it is important to emphasize that not all equipment manufactured in China are bad or are copies of other devices. In addition to all the major manufacturers that have factories in China, there are also many Chinese manufacturers that respectable, with good or bad quality, produce their own models, such as ZTE (which is relatively unknown here, but it is one of the largest manufacturers in China) and K-Touch.

The big problem is that manufacturers of generic devices that produce low quality, are the best conditions for selling their products at low prices, so that they end up being the most exported and, consequently, the most known here.


Comments

Eric Karthik 2 years ago

Nice article. People usually buy such phones even when they know its a chinese counterfiet because the price is low.

Come on, how many people actually use applications like word/pdf/others on there mobiles ???

On the fence 2 years ago

I have a bit of a dilemma. i really want a nokia n97, but they usually sell at around $900 dollars (were talking aussie dolllars here). what if i buy a chinese copy? i have seen some online for around 200 dollars that look super similar, except that the text on the screen is in chinese. Could you change the language? would it act similar to the real version? or maybe, could you buy the cheap phone and somehow put the original programming into it?

also, is it possible to buy the phone from the factory it is made in, in germany, instead of through a shop or the nokia website?

Ancillotti 2 years ago

Well, you evaluate what functions nokia interest you. The Chinese versions are very functional and encompass many functions.

And I know the Chinese version of the N95, it just falls back on the camera. And a rough translation Brazilian Portuguese pro out that it is identical theme té smaller version than the original.

And I have a Hi-F003 Iphone, very good one is weak in aesthetics to OS even more so it encompasses many functions useful.

peterander 2 years ago

Chinese mobiles are not much reliable when compared to branded ones. But the happy thing is that you can try out all the latest mobile features. Good post

Michael 2 years ago

Thank you for this description of the "MTK OS" and Chinese cell phones. I just bought a phone here in China, and the inability to add java programs was perplexing. Now I understand why. Not sure if I'm going to return it or just live with it.

wordsword 2 years ago

For every product manufactured you can find a minimum of one clone in china and people really don't complain just for a simple fact that it comes at a throwaway price. Nice hub.

ComputerWizard 2 years ago

What

ComputerWizard 2 years ago

What's funny is everyone wants the amazing american phones that are expensive as hell, but they are all made in CHINA. Look at the bottom of all those fancy gadgets. Made in China, so whether u buy the knockoff(do your research first) or the "real" one, they are made in the same exact place with a big price difference hmmmm..... which one will i choose. Seems like a no brainer to the intelligent, low on cash consumer.

james flynn 2 years ago

i agree with computerwizard i have the e90 clone with java hpdsa bluetooth ect.. it rocks infact its better than the origional

gap 2 years ago

hi how do u take screenshots of a MTK device

Ancillotti 2 years ago

I did not understand ..

digitalpimp 2 years ago

@ComputerWizard (?)

Wow.. I find it amuzing how you didn't get the article. Yes, almost all of those 'amazing American phones' came from China, BUT those were actually made with strict standards, quality control, class A parts, etc., set by the big time companies who legitimize their manufacture. These knockoffs, on the otherhand, were made by low-budget corporations, therefore, compromising the criteria I've mentioned above.

PS: I own a BlackBerry Curve 8900 clone and I'm lovin' it bit by bit.

hassam 2 years ago

Nice Work!

Jay 2 years ago

Listen. Chinese clones are getting better and fast. I've been using them for quite a while now here in Lebanon, latest of which is the 9700 Blackberry which has Wifi, Bluetooth, TV etc...

Of course one cannot use original OSs, but all the same, if that's not a priority, then the newest generation of Chinese made clones are great value for money. Just buy the better ones, that's all.

doew 2 years ago

Thank You for all the details inside of MTK OS.

Do you think this newer version slim iphone clone with MTK OS is the same as you talk about? Thank in Advance.

The link is : http://www.fastcardtech.com/goods.php?u=14707&id=4

Ancillotti 2 years ago

Thank you for your comment.

Que'eu this guy speak is a older version.

This showed that the site you are much more atuasi processors are much more powerful.

ramon 2 years ago

Thank you for your sharing.

Please have a check the link:http://www.aliexpress.com/fm-store/701662

Ken James 23 months ago

I use Venus S6, a chinese phone, please what web browser can I use to browse faster.

Thank you very much

Ken JAmes

Ancillotti 23 months ago

Hello, Ken James. Thanks for your comment.

Your phone has support for java?

I've been looking for him and we would find no such option.

A browser that I use a lot is the Bolt, fast and with several useful function

chinabuy 22 months ago

Your hubpages is very pretty. Done a good job...

http://www.chinabuye.com

ashraf 22 months ago

Thank you for the details it is a nice work, but as the others said it is all about money i don't care about iphone ORIGINAL OS form Apple while i can't put food on the table for my family.All i care about is saying Hello through the phone and if there are some gadgets like the fake chinese phones with low price, why not to enjoy them!

mini spy cameras 22 months ago

I love your hubpages very much, it is my second time to view your pages.

http://www.chinabuye.com/2-0-12mp-digital-video-ca

Yogi 22 months ago

So can I download any software on my Gfone touchscreen mobile..like THEMEs...Games..Java etc

Sarvesh Mishra 22 months ago

excellent work,

well explained and I think one can clear all his/her the doubts regarding the MTK Devices(Chinese Mobles).

Thanks Sir,

I've bookmarked this page.

cikoo 21 months ago

DBX Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading enterprise and exporter in mobile phone spare parts, digital camera spare parts, game spare parts. we are the headquatered on Shamian Island, Guangzhou city, China. Shamian island is on the side of Pearl river, the land mark of Guangzhou city. The largest market of mobile phone spare parts is nearby so we can get the latest information from the market everyday.

Our team engage in mobile phone spare parts and accessories manufacturing for more than 10 years. DBX sales team can provide the best service and communication with our customers, since we can speak English, Spanish, Russian and Chinese. Purchasing and QC team will ensure the quality of our products and our logistic department can ship the products quickly and safely.

Working hours If you have any problem, our sales team is on line from 9:30 to 6:30 (GMT +8), from Monday to Saturday. If we are not on line, you can leave message to us, we willl reply in 24 hours.

www.dbx.com.cn

BLU 19 months ago

How do i get a driver for MT6227 Nokia N85i phone - PC Suite,etc

MM 18 months ago

Excellent post!

I red it after I had bought an AIR PHONE No 4.

I totally agree that the operating system and the applications are very basic.

However, it is a low cost device offering a dual sim support and It looks like the original i phone 4.

Finally it is a "cost-effective" solution.

bob 18 months ago

not every1 can afford an ariginal phone so and every1 have to live so y not make something that looks like the original and can give almost the same results for those who cant afford the ariginal..

DrLex 18 months ago

Very nice article. I recently bought a cheap iPhone 3G clone (model 'i9+++') out of curiosity, just to see how bad it would be. It _is_ bad. It allows to install Java apps, but most are unusable either because the thing is so incredibly slow or because there is no hardware 'OK' button. The screen is also poor and the camera is worthless. The only thing they copied well is the "slide to unlock". It does cost only 10% of a real unlocked iPhone 3G, but it also offers only about 10% of the functionality.

The Chinese do make some of their own models and some are actually quite good. For instance, they're pretty much the only manufacturers of affordable watch-sized phones, and they were making them long before Samsung and LG. For a watch phone the limitations of Nucleus OS aren't a big issue, because nobody's going to do extensive web browsing on such a small device anyway.

mclien 17 months ago

nice article. At least some infos about MTK OS.

But my issue isn't the clone stroy at all, because my intrest is in the watch phones, for which (to all I know) no "originals" exists.

I'm more interested in how to transfer data between the divice an a GNU/Linux OS.

So I need some more infos about if/who to get the data transfered. If it's somehow possible to transfer data to my host system in some sort of usual data (text, thml, xml, whatever) it should be possible to set up a shell/ pearl.. script for synchronizing.

Any hints?

Thanks

john.maco 12 months ago

Personally I would stay away from these Chinese phones (remember you get what you pay for). Sony and Motorola rocks!

One more thing, I saw your articles on traffup and don't think you need to assign 99 points to your websites. I always use my points wisely and never cross the 20 point limit. Hope you'll learn to use traffup in a better way.

Ancillotti 12 months ago

Hi, John.maco! Thanks for reading my hub, comments and leave a tip!

You would be a good friend.

Cheers!

myi4u 12 months ago

I just think it's not worth using these phones. There are several cases where the batteries of these phones exploded and even causing death. I wouldn't want to gamble my life away but purchasing cheaper mobile which might look almost the same as the original ones but totally different functions.

Still, you have made us realise as to what extend the Chinese market has expanded. Great hub!

Ancillotti 12 months ago

Myi4u, thanks for comment my Hub! I'm glad you stay here!

lsy 10 months ago

this article is realy gr8.im using the one claimed to be blckbrry 8900,its js disgusting!java seems to be installd bt no game/app that instals sccessfuly!it says;critical info is missing.annoying!nokia or sumsung rock!

Kylie 9 months ago

Hello

I hope you can please help me, I have tried everywhere else and asked everywhere else with no luck.

I just got a Chinese phone (MT6225), looks like a iphone and the operating system it has is terrible!!! How can I download the Android Operating System on it?

The users manual is just as useless, it doesn't even state what phone this is.

Please help???

Kylie

Pretoria, South Africa

kylie4d@gmail.com

samer 8 months ago

nice subject

i have E66chinse phone and i want to support it with java and net

how i can do that

warm regard

good articel 8 months ago

this article is very good. you will find some great watch phones at www.ibuygou.com.

John Kilpatrick 8 months ago

I just want to say that the most expensive things is not the best one,and the best one is not the most expensive.

what we need is the most suitable one. why refuse the cheapest chinese phones?

http://www.awholesalecompany.com

James 8 months ago

dang that looks like a complex phone

http://chinawholesale.me

HC 7 months ago

I have a chinese (iphone) clone but someone broke the LCD, does anyone know where I can get a replacement? and if so how much do they cost? The phone still holds a charge, rings, accepts text message etc, but with the LCD smashed I can't unlock the screen. Can any offer suggestions? Thanks ;-)

Crash 7 months ago

another person that obviously hasn't used a clone... oh I love uninformed reviews... try I love my pomp M3 *clone* !!!

Jaime 7 months ago

I have a Samsung Corby II clone, but I can not instal any app, when I want to install an app I get a message "No enough space" but really I have enough space in my phone and SD memory. The telephone is nice the same original, but you can not do more with them.

Chairman 6 months ago

Sear all , I have KINXINDA Mobiles E66 Touch screen , its Chinees Mobile with WiFi and its working good , but when I would like to setup program like Nimbuzz or Skype at the Mobile , it fail ....have no idea why it failed?

I hope you can help me to improve my set

savgcs 6 months ago

nice moble

saad 6 months ago

plsss tell me that there is any way to instan themes in my Qmobilw e990

kk 6 months ago

iam using nasaki ts4 and its excellent.a chinese mobile hahahah better than a lot of phones

nasaki ts4 6 months ago

does nasaki ts4 supports JAVA?if yes How?

nasaki ts4 6 months ago

does nasaki ts4 supports JAVA?if yes How?

Marcos Vives Del Sol 6 months ago

MTK phones are not always so crappy. Right now I'm texting this from a Huawei U7610 (sold worldwide as Orange Panama) with a 240*400 touchscreen, WiFi, Bluetooth, MPEG4, Opera Mobile, 3G, and Java for 39 euros

sree 5 months ago

whatever anyone say china phones aren't even a little bit good.it doesn't support any apps and even if it dies the choice is limited and many may not work due to hardware's inability.besides what the hell do someone need such phones for.they are a total waste.i have had one and it sucks.while reading through i found that many doesnt have any idea about using phones other than calling.just because it is cheap it doesn't mean that you should buy such crap.

fastjanow 5 months ago

I have read this whole hub,I got in here to research MTK.I just want to say kudo's to you all for your use of the english language.I'm probably the only American here.Ancillotti you have taught me volumns again thank you and all of you who have added your knowledge.

Agbaragba Gaston 4 months ago

I love ur insight to chinese fake mobile world...... These guys think we are fools. I want an advice on HTC Snap mobile phone. I want to buy it and its tagged made in taiwan, i dont knw whether taiwan has a good reputation for mobile phones manufacturing and to knw how competent is the phone especially to play flash content online.

ronnie 4 months ago

I have an iphone 3gs clone and i cannot connect it to my computer.It shows usb connected and after a second it shows usb removed.Is there any way to solve this problem.

Ancillotti 4 months ago

Kyllie sorry to inform you that there is no such possibility also had one of these devices. But the limitation of ram does not allow him to run android.

city boy 4 months ago

is it posible to installe an original software on a chianes phone which can allow it to downloard

Ancillotti 4 months ago

We do not deny these devices. More oq ue lack them is a better job, a higher finish.

Ancillotti 4 months ago

Sorry for the delay been out for months, a good friend try to buy the piece in one of these sites or dealextreme.com aliexpress.com and looking for some specialized phones that they will do the repair.

Ancillotti 4 months ago

I've had an iphone clone F003, and unfortunately he has so much potential but the poor quality of parts made ??lasted little.

Ancillotti 4 months ago

I appreciate your comment and check back often

Ancillotti 4 months ago

It is not possible due to lack of memory to run an original system.

smart phone 3 months ago

nice article, nice smart phone

dude 3 months ago

erm I've seen mtk phones that runs at over 600mhz uses android + supports java wifi and multimedia

dude 3 months ago

and that was from about 2 years ago when this article was written

carmelfenix00 2 months ago

i bought a dapeng t8500 cellphone.i thought it was a android os,but it is a mediatek os(mtk).is there anyway to download apps.

saliqma 5 weeks ago

am using iphone 4 chines maid so how to install application

Juliet Castro 5 weeks ago

I am traveling to England for a week, and my Apple iPhone is CDMA (Verizon), so it cannot connect to the UK GSM cell net. So, I bought a compact Chinese MTK phone for under $30 USD to take with me. It does not have all the features or quality of my expensive iPhone, but the features it has work fine. The cost of the phone and a pre-paid UK sim card will provide service on my trip for less cost than renting a phone for a week in the UK! And when I get back home, I will still have a backup phone to keep in reserve.

These phones may be cheap and inferior to the quality units from large brands, but they serve a purpose well. There are many people who would not have cell service without something in available for little money.

Krishna 2 weeks ago

can we change Operating System of chinise phone? or update it.

Ancillotti 2 weeks ago

What operating system?

Ancillotti 2 weeks ago

Juliet Thanks for the input. At this point you are correct. Work very well in this type of occasion. But most of these devices have a very low shelf life. As the main unit for those who need various resources like the Iphone 4 softiscado he has sadly lacking. As a mobile low cost and affordable it is excellent. I've had two of these before having my Galaxy S is an exceptional player.

Ancillotti 2 weeks ago

which model?

nedc 12 days ago

Thanks for this useful insight Ancillotti. I just returned from a trip to China and was taken in by the super-cheap touchscreen phones. I looked at a Samsung Galaxy S2 clone and ended up buying one. The one I looked at over the counter even had GPS. The identical looking phone I received in the box doesn't have GPS. It's a BlueBo H911 with MTK6235 processor, Java, dual Sim, G3, wifi all working but it has no Android functions such as Apps market. In fact I cannot even add my own ringtones or wallpaper. I guess you get what you pay for. I have found a site where someone has rooted this phone but I haven't managed to yet. http://goo.gl/1y36o I guess anything is possible if you have the time and expertise and don't mind the possibility of bricking the phone. I'd like to see if I could turn it into a real Android phone not a look alike but I don't have the time to develop custom ROMs and stuff these days.

Ancillotti 9 days ago

Friend, thank you for your cooperation.

You are correct in time there is nothing that can be developed. I believe that the only limitation to run a decent android 2.1 up. Be hardaware. When you have a Hiphone F003 was studying a lot this device. And its greatest limitation to port android softaware was an item in memory ram that needs to be android 128mb up something very unusual in this device. The system used by them eh MTK OS that is simple yet it fulfills the role that eh present a similar interface to the model copied. But I wonder what else you've been working on this unit

nedc 8 days ago

Hi Ancillotti

I have managed to change the wallpaper to one of my own pictures at last by using MTK Phonesuite 6235. Even that is not perfect. It allows better access to the phone's files but not anything in the system. As far as I can see it only uses .midi and the old .iMelody sound files for ring tones. As you say, even for Android 2.2, the recommended minimum RAM is 128Mb and the phone only has 64. A work colleague has changed a similar phone to Android but the result was too slow and crashed a lot so it wasn't worth it. He downloaded a custom ROM for it and did some reprogramming of his own. The phone internal storage is only 13Mb so that makes it hard to install much. I have put a 16Gb SD card in mine but that only allows more music etc.

You are right, it does the job of being a phone, send texts, play music, even play movies. It has the most basic touch screen, one point of contact only and doesn't rotate completely. The touch keyboard rotates when the phone is turned but it doesn't stretch to fit the screen. I am sure if I spent the time I could fix few things but maybe I should have just spent more money and bought a real Android phone :)

I am currently invetsigating a different project with a Japanese imported car GPS/DVD player. It is an HDD model but the OS is ROM based and I want to change all the graphics to English, load a New Zealand map and make access to the music system easier. I like a challenge but like the phone it is a lot of work.

Ned

Ancillotti 5 days ago

NEDC Thanks for sharing your experience. Indeed he offers a very limited hardaware to make changes that can adapt to your goals.

Tell me more about this project that you and your partner are working. Have you taken a look at the tablet made ??in china I have seen some interesting products very promising.

nedc 4 days ago

I looked at a few tablets and like the phones they look like good copies. I tried an iPad lookalike with 32GB of storage and bargained the price down to 1200RMB I didn't really want to buy one but was interested in the price. It appeared to have everything and had an excellent display. It worked smoothly but slowly suggesting that there wasn't much actual RAM. It is probably just like the phones in that it is just a picture that makes us believe it's an iPad and not the operating system. I believe many of the Chinese made tablets are also based on MTK CPUs There were some very convincing Samsung Galaxy Tab copies too. I just downloaded a theme for my phone that makes it look like an iPhone but I did that with my old Nokia too running Symbian OS!

If the manufacturers had put enough RAM in the phones they could probably run Android provided you could produce the drivers. My work colleagues said his brother customised the ROM for his phone and it still doesn't have the right drivers so he has reflashed with the original ROM to get it going again.

Ned

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