Help For Buying A Cheap Android Smartwatch - Other SmartWatches

Hey guys. I want to buy a cheap smartwatch (my budget is around Rs7k-8k, that's about 100$) that runs full android. Key specs for me are a good battery backup, min 2gb of ram and 16gb storage, an amoled round display,and a waterproof rating(need not be swimproof). I have really looked a lot for the best watch for me, and I have narrowed the list to the Kospet Hope 4G. Please somebody suggest a better watch if available. Thanks!

Related

exetech phone watch

http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/11/exetech-xs-3-smartwatch-hands-on/
Anyone know more about this watch?
Pretty expensive. And no back? Battery exposed, I dunno...
I have no clue why there is no back.
ronaldheld said:
I have no clue why there is no back.
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Click to collapse
It would make sense if they plan to have different capacity batteries, but it only comes with 450mAh (versus Omate 600mAh). And even if you could use a thicker battery, that smartwatch is enormous to begin with (didn't engadget mentioned 20mm?). I don't see anything special about it, it looks very thick and bulky, open back makes it vulnerable, and the price tag of $450 when similar smartphone-watches cost $200?!? They must be smoking the same thing as I'm Watch
That is basically a Glorified ZGPAX - It's running the exact same 4.0.4 ICS operation system as ZGAPX.
differences:
Who knows the actual processor speed of this exetech watch, but it's also a mediatek device like the zgpax, so it's probably the dual core 1Ghz
No mention of ram
Less storage only 2GB vs 4GB (zgpax)
MUCH more bulkier looking
All good to know even if I am not buying one.
Exetech XS-3 vs. EC309 TIGON SmartWatch
ronaldheld said:
http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/11/exetech-xs-3-smartwatch-hands-on/
Anyone know more about this watch?
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Click to collapse
The functionality and specification looks at lot like the EC309 TIGON SmartWatch-SmartPhone, except that the latter can be bought for roughly half the price.
It seriously looks like they're going to sell this backless. I mean, look at the battery, it's got all the markings the back plate usually would have. Imagine how much fun you'd have if you got water in there and that battery shorted out right on your wrist =P
It's actually being sold at their homepage: http://exetech.tictail.com/
It's 349€. I find that as a tasteless joke. What a ripoff.
I am certain it will sell, just not to whom.

[Q] anyone have ZGPAX S6?!

Please i want to buy this one, but i can't find any reviews on it at all..
I hope anyone can help me to make right decision..
Thanks in advance
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
From what I can find it's an MT6577. The MT6577 is a two year old chip that if you look at the S5, EC-309 and other threads, is known for issues when it comes to smartwatches. MediaTek also has a habit of packaging half finished firmware with security holes and BT issues.
Money vs overall device, you would be better off looking at a MT6572 or MT6582 based standalone smartwatch. And if all the MediaTek based smartwatch devs can get together then I expect a number of issues to go away.
Ok thank you loki for this deep knowledge information...
So can you recommend me a standalone one with this price range has better specs or at least with more recent chip?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
the zgpax s5 has a thread and it seems to be a good watch. I dont think that the company producing this watch would make the s6 worse than the s5, if anything it should be better than the s5. I plan on buying this in a few weeks.
m34n1ng said:
the zgpax s5 has a thread and it seems to be a good watch. I dont think that the company producing this watch would make the s6 worse than the s5, if anything it should be better than the s5. I plan on buying this in a few weeks.
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I am not sure how good the S6 is, but I was very interested. My only issue with all current Android 3G phone watches is that they seem to have the same specifications, which based on an earlier response, is a dated technology, and I wonder if it really is worth $130+ USD, when you can get smartphone with much better specs for less money.
What intrigues me with the s6 is that it seems to have the look I will be expecting from the rumored Samsung Galaxy Solo due out later this year.
I for one am opting for a Kickstarter phone watch (the XS-4) that seems to be a quantum leap in technology (MTK6592 octo-core processor, Android 4.4, waterproof and LTE among other neat specs.). Granted it sells for over $250 USD and it a Kickstarter campaign.
I gave up on the XS-4 and I have bought myself the CL-W211, which is another branding of the Zgpax S6. I will review it once I get it in a few weeks.
probstc said:
I am not sure how good the S6 is, but I was very interested. My only issue with all current Android 3G phone watches is that they seem to have the same specifications, which based on an earlier response, is a dated technology, and I wonder if it really is worth $130+ USD, when you can get smartphone with much better specs for less money.
What intrigues me with the s6 is that it seems to have the look I will be expecting from the rumored Samsung Galaxy Solo due out later this year.
I for one am opting for a Kickstarter phone watch (the XS-4) that seems to be a quantum leap in technology (MTK6592 octo-core processor, Android 4.4, waterproof and LTE among other neat specs.). Granted it sells for over $250 USD and it a Kickstarter campaign.
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The thing to look for when buying a android watch phone, is that you don't necessarily look for the newest / fastest but rather to acknowledge there WILL be compromises between price, battery life, performance due to the size of the watch.
things you want:
1. battery life
2. waterproof/resistance
3. at least dual core
4. at least 512mb ram
5. at least Android 4.0
things you DONT want
1. LTE or even 3g
2. octo-core
3. short battery life
4. single-touch capacitive display
The xs-4 failed aboved also its kickstarter... if you ever get it it'll be 2 years from now and it'll still be old tech and bad battery life.
s5/6 is an okay product however its battery life is problmatic..
like the other guy said, much better to look for a mtk6572 device which should cost ~$200 online.
beggerking said:
The thing to look for when buying a android watch phone, is that you don't necessarily look for the newest / fastest but rather to acknowledge there WILL be compromises between price, battery life, performance due to the size of the watch.
things you want:
1. battery life
2. waterproof/resistance
3. at least dual core
4. at least 512mb ram
5. at least Android 4.0
things you DONT want
1. LTE or even 3g
2. octo-core
3. short battery life
4. single-touch capacitive display
The xs-4 failed aboved also its kickstarter... if you ever get it it'll be 2 years from now and it'll still be old tech and bad battery life.
s5/6 is an okay product however its battery life is problmatic..
like the other guy said, much better to look for a mtk6572 device which should cost ~$200 online.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice, and BTW, because it was "too good to be true" and failed other Crowd Funding efforts, I have abandoned the pledge for the XS-4. With just over 44 pledges and two days left on Kickstarter, I think that there is too much risk with this product. I also have memories from my previous pledge for the Neptune Pine, which has turned into a fiasco - Fortunately I took there offer for a full refund when they failed to meet their first delivery dates.
In the meantime, I did order the CL-W211 (exactly the same watch as the Zgpax S6), and when I receive it, I will add a review.
Review of the Zgpax S6
needo said:
Please i want to buy this one, but i can't find any reviews on it at all..
I hope anyone can help me to make right decision..
Thanks in advance
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a review of the ZGPAX S6:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_-1Nfp3gCo
19mm thick
probstc said:
Here is a review of the ZGPAX S6:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_-1Nfp3gCo
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Click to collapse
For $129, i can live with the low screen resolution and the 2MP cam, but it's19mm thick, shame, far too thick for me.
Other then that, i would have purchased it, cuz all seems good for the price. :good:
needo said:
Please i want to buy this one, but i can't find any reviews on it at all..
I hope anyone can help me to make right decision..
Thanks in advance
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just received my ZGPAX S6 today (labelled CL-W211), and here are my first impressions:
Pros:
- Bloatware free, full Android 4.04
- Screen is bright, easy to read and responsive
- Device has decent performance for such modest specifications
- So far all the features tested have work. I still have to test the GPS.
- Speaker quality is excellent
Cons:
- Battery life is terrible, especially if you use many of the phones features at once
- WiFi reception is very weak
- Build quality is not the best and makes you wonder about durability
- Chinese instructions and power plug were useless and a bit of a joke considering where the device was being shipped to
I think this watch phone has potential, and will serve me well as a proof of concept until more sophisticated models are released.
The zgpax s5 or sy have both not 2 finger multitouch?
Sometimes in videos it looks like it has.
Updated review on the ZGPAX S6
After having my S6 for the past 8 months, I am sad to report that my original concerns about quality build were justified, as the camera is no longer functional, and the original batter no longer holds a charge (I had to buy a spare one). What is most infuriating is the fact that ZGPAX has released an updated S6, using the MTK6572 processor, and therefore able to run Android 4.4, whereas the original S6 is limited to Android 4.04.
I even think the whole concept of a smartphone on a watch was flawed, as the ZGPAX failed in usability: It is difficult to have a device that when not used can last a reasonable amount of time, but the moment you do anything on it, the battery drains almost instantaneously. Also, while I love compact devices, a 1.54 inch screen is too small even for those with the best eyesight. Having a smart watch paired with a smartphone is still a decent option, but forget an all-in-one solution!
I have moved on (technologically), but to me this was the last straw in buying cheap Chinese tech, especially when the manufacturer abandons the product. For those who read this and are considering buying the ZGPAX S6, you have been warned.
Thanks for this post. But one has to really point out that for the price for such a watch and the fact that it is a "no name" brand. ie unbranded really. One would expect around 8 months to 12 months usage. It is not bad that your lasted for 8 months. It can now serve as a AP-tettering point connected to a small powerbank since it is still functional even with a very weak or non-functional battery. If you buy a branded product at 2.5 times the price, then expect that to last 2 years or around that. I expect most would switch after a year. It is no different from a phone where yearly switching seems to be the norm for many and a phone is clearly 3 to 4 times to price of the watch. My S8 is going on 7 months and I will replace it or add another in 6 months or so when the Android Wear software really comes of ago with funtionality and battery life. I really need a GPS-track on watch to last a full 12 hours on one charge. For now the Garmin Vivoactive looks like the closest match, but I will hold off for the next iteration. The screen is lower resolution as I expect 320X320 at the very least.

New watches from zgpax the s99 and the s83

it seems that smartwatches start to come out with lolipop instead of kitkat.
http://www.zgpax.com/androidwatch/41-55.html
http://www.zgpax.com/androidwatch/41-54.html
the question is: does it have a good battery life as D5\K18......?
With all that extra kit (camera, flash card & micro usb port) it's only got the same battery rating as the K8/D5/X1 - I don't see how it could last very long.
It must be very chunky in size as well I'm guessing....
pablo11 said:
With all that extra kit (camera, flash card & micro usb port) it's only got the same battery rating as the K8/D5/X1 - I don't see how it could last very long.
It must be very chunky in size as well I'm guessing....
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Click to collapse
if it is going to be as the thickness of the s8 then not that thick BUT if it is going to be as the s82 then yes it is going to be chunky, i also wonder about the battery life the s8 and s82 had terrible battery life when i used activity tracking apps and notifications apps or even just BT the battery did'nt last more then 6 hours :\
soniasophie9697 said:
if it is going to be as the thickness of the s8 then not that thick BUT if it is going to be as the s82 then yes it is going to be chunky, i also wonder about the battery life the s8 and s82 had terrible battery life when i used activity tracking apps and notifications apps or even just BT the battery did'nt last more then 6 hours :\
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Click to collapse
On the site they have released pics of the side. Seems to have the same 470mha battery. After pondering over the s8 or no.1 d5 (that goes out the window now with these running lollipop) I will ponder over the s83 or s99. I like the design of the s83. I have contacted them there at zgpax and they have said its not been released yet. It has a tf(sd) card slot and play store. They will let me know when released.
ExplosiveShiz said:
On the site they have released pics of the side. Seems to have the same 470mha battery. After pondering over the s8 or no.1 d5 (that goes out the window now with these running lollipop) I will ponder over the s83 or s99. I like the design of the s83. I have contacted them there at zgpax and they have said its not been released yet. It has a tf(sd) card slot and play store. They will let me know when released.
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Click to collapse
it is better you wait for someone else to buy it to see if it has synchronization app and what are the tracking activity apps it has, the s82 has 700 mAh and still did'nt last a day with usage and BT drained the battery really fast less than 2 hours, that is why i love so much the D5 even with heavy usage it last more than 10 hours and that's alot. i like the idea of sd card slot but not if it will be chunky and the battery life is the same as the other ones.
soniasophie9697 said:
it is better you wait for someone else to buy it to see if it has synchronization app and what are the tracking activity apps it has, the s82 has 700 mAh and still did'nt last a day with usage and BT drained the battery really fast less than 2 hours, that is why i love so much the D5 even with heavy usage it last more than 10 hours and that's alot. i like the idea of sd card slot but not if it will be chunky and the battery life is the same as the other ones.
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Click to collapse
Of course I will not buy it now. Although I won't be using it for synchronization and not really the whole day. It will be my primary phone. I would have got the d5 but the lack of a sd card slot blew it for me. As I said its gonna be my primary phone. Hope someone gets it soon and reviews!
They're basically the same thing, but I think s83 is better, since it has it's camera on the front rather than the side. Buuuuut, it still looks tilted upwards, so I'm not sure.
It would be a HUUUUUUGE plus if they didn't have antenna in their bands anymore. I broke mine on the s8 and had to solder the piece of crap together with the antenna from s29.
Also, the touchscreen inaccuracy was really annoying, and I hope they fixed it.
Intellectus said:
They're basically the same thing, but I think s83 is better, since it has it's camera on the front rather than the side. Buuuuut, it still looks tilted upwards, so I'm not sure.
It would be a HUUUUUUGE plus if they didn't have antenna in their bands anymore. I broke mine on the s8 and had to solder the piece of crap together with the antenna from s29.
Also, the touchscreen inaccuracy was really annoying, and I hope they fixed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S82 has not 700 mh battery. I have one and a second battery, and have 500. The problem its that they said 700 but i think they had problems with battery and because of this they mount only 500. In many shops they yet say 700 but not.
The problems with ZGPAX S82 I had:
- Support: zero. Even they not respond any mail.
- Battery: not show the real percent so you can have 50% an in a few minutes down to 15%.
- Gps: lost a lot of sattelites or signal when you put on. Impossible use it like navigator to drive.
- Touch response: a few inacurate.
- Screen rotate: in many apps its impossible put it ok.
Mlessir said:
The S82 has not 700 mh battery. I have one and a second battery, and have 500. The problem its that they said 700 but i think they had problems with battery and because of this they mount only 500. In many shops they yet say 700 but not.
The problems with ZGPAX S82 I had:
- Support: zero. Even they not respond any mail.
- Battery: not show the real percent so you can have 50% an in a few minutes down to 15%.
- Gps: lost a lot of sattelites or signal when you put on. Impossible use it like navigator to drive.
- Touch response: a few inacurate.
- Screen rotate: in many apps its impossible put it ok.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the s82 hate this watch, i have 4 batteries and one of them is 700mAh and it did NOT improve battery life, i used it as i use the D5 now and the D5 is way better than the s82 in all specs.
soniasophie9697 said:
i have the s82 hate this watch, i have 4 batteries and one of them is 700mAh and it did NOT improve battery life, i used it as i use the D5 now and the D5 is way better than the s82 in all specs.
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Click to collapse
The s83 is available for order. Waiting for someone to review it. I suppose an android 6 one will come out next or following year.
ExplosiveShiz said:
The s83 is available for order. Waiting for someone to review it. I suppose an android 6 one will come out next or following year.
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Click to collapse
hey, where have you seen it for sale? on aliexperss it is still not available.
soniasophie9697 said:
hey, where have you seen it for sale? on aliexperss it is still not available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you have to send one of the people at zgpax an email. Go to contact us on their website and choose one of the people to email preferebly andy.lu.
ExplosiveShiz said:
Well, you have to send one of the people at zgpax an email. Go to contact us on their website and choose one of the people to email preferebly andy.lu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks
ExplosiveShiz said:
Well, you have to send one of the people at zgpax an email. Go to contact us on their website and choose one of the people to email preferebly andy.lu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Popu..._9&btsid=f9380bd6-c4c9-4243-83e1-1fd0b97b930a
it is on sale in aliexpress
soniasophie9697 said:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Popu..._9&btsid=f9380bd6-c4c9-4243-83e1-1fd0b97b930a
it is on sale in aliexpress
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Click to collapse
Tbh I like the s83 more. The sd card does it for me. And the round watches get cut out.
ExplosiveShiz said:
Tbh I like the s83 more. The sd card does it for me. And the round watches get cut out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for your age yes i think the s83 is better choice. most likely i'll wait with my order i want to see more videos before i decide.
soniasophie9697 said:
for your age yes i think the s83 is better choice. most likely i'll wait with my order i want to see more videos before i decide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey sonia
the s83 is now on aliexpress
link is : http://www.aliexpress.com/item/NEW-..._9&btsid=52398877-fcb1-4eb6-8a43-b842160fdfde
ExplosiveShiz said:
hey sonia
the s83 is now on aliexpress
link is : http://www.aliexpress.com/item/NEW-..._9&btsid=52398877-fcb1-4eb6-8a43-b842160fdfde
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now there are 2 5.1 square watches but which one is better. i'm considering the s99 or the kingwear as i said because the sd card but i want to see which has better battery life ( i did'nt have good battery life with zgpax watches) and which has better companion app
the lowest price that i found:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/The-..._9&btsid=46a34848-f84d-4f67-9c25-da633ffde383
ZGPAX S99
Hi,
I hope you can all help me. I run a company in the UK that rebrand Chinese products and bring them to market in Europe. My brand is called Superspot, and in the past we have made powerbanks, speakers, products for PS4 and more. They can be found for sale on Amazon, Mobile Fun and other sites in the UK.
However now we are considering taking the leap into smartwatches. I have read this thread with interest as two of the watches we are being offered are the i2 and s99.
Our preference at the moment is to go with the s99. This would see us rebrand the watch to our own brand, and in all likelihood we would rebox it, rewrite the manual, and generally tidy the product up so it was fit for 'western' consumption. We have had conversations with the manufacturers and at the moment they seem to be able to produce what we are looking for. Our sole route to market is through online platforms such as those mentioned above.
I wondered if you would be so good as to tell me your opinions on what the s99 is supposed to be able to do. Why would you buy or not buy this watch compared to others on the market? Would you spend $200 on this watch (£140) if it came with a years guarantee and was protected through Amazon etc? Why this watch and not a Gear S, swr50, LG Urbane, Moto 360? Do people really want a watch with sim-card functionality?
Also I would be interested to know opinion on a watch running full Android 5.1 lollipop as the s99 does. Does anyone have experience of how apps 'fit' onto the watch?
We are also being offered a myriad of colours, and we are tempted to go for various options including reds and oranges, as it seems to us a lot of smartwatches are going down the basic black or brown route. We want to offer something that looks different, is this a wise decision?
Finally we have the option of making the s99 with 8GB capacity instead of the standard 4GB. Would this be advantageous to the user?
I know this is a lot of questions, and I am a little worried about how this will be received (I've seen comments about rebranders on this thread!!!!), but ANY feedback will be gratefully received.
Many thanks in advance,
Seb
sebba16 said:
Hi,
I hope you can all help me. I run a company in the UK that rebrand Chinese products and bring them to market in Europe. My brand is called Superspot, and in the past we have made powerbanks, speakers, products for PS4 and more. They can be found for sale on Amazon, Mobile Fun and other sites in the UK.
However now we are considering taking the leap into smartwatches. I have read this thread with interest as two of the watches we are being offered are the i2 and s99.
Our preference at the moment is to go with the s99. This would see us rebrand the watch to our own brand, and in all likelihood we would rebox it, rewrite the manual, and generally tidy the product up so it was fit for 'western' consumption. We have had conversations with the manufacturers and at the moment they seem to be able to produce what we are looking for. Our sole route to market is through online platforms such as those mentioned above.
I wondered if you would be so good as to tell me your opinions on what the s99 is supposed to be able to do. Why would you buy or not buy this watch compared to others on the market? Would you spend $200 on this watch (£140) if it came with a years guarantee and was protected through Amazon etc? Why this watch and not a Gear S, swr50, LG Urbane, Moto 360? Do people really want a watch with sim-card functionality?
Also I would be interested to know opinion on a watch running full Android 5.1 lollipop as the s99 does. Does anyone have experience of how apps 'fit' onto the watch?
We are also being offered a myriad of colours, and we are tempted to go for various options including reds and oranges, as it seems to us a lot of smartwatches are going down the basic black or brown route. We want to offer something that looks different, is this a wise decision?
Finally we have the option of making the s99 with 8GB capacity instead of the standard 4GB. Would this be advantageous to the user?
I know this is a lot of questions, and I am a little worried about how this will be received (I've seen comments about rebranders on this thread!!!!), but ANY feedback will be gratefully received.
Many thanks in advance,
Seb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think it is better to ask on the thread of no.1 d5 and i2 and kingwear and finow q1 and on k18\k8 mini and k9 and x5 and x3 ppl who used more than just one watch. about the s99 no one has it yet so you wo'nt get any info about it from here. i brought all thread because many here change the watch if the find one that is better than what they have (as i do even though i love the D5), the standalone watches are better choices because they can be used without the need of the phone around.

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro (4 GB Ram)

Hi all
Just to say that the new Lenovo Tab 3 pro is out it has the 4 gb ram and the faster cpu.
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/comput...3-pro-10-tablet-64-gb-black-10155326-pdt.html
That must just be a typo on that site no? Why would they do that? If anything they would call it Lenovo Yoga Tab 4 Pro or something. I just got my Tab 3 Pro and love it but wish it had more ram, I was hoping they might announce a v4 at CES this week w/ more ram and faster cpu and the only other thing I would love is AMOLED screen.
Wow there is a 4gb ram one, so weird they just kept the name and everything. i just ordered it, this tablet is amazing only issue is the ram, if this 4gb model fixes the ram issues then it will be amazing. i wish they added amoled screen for the refresh but i guess we cant get everything.
This was a pretty quiet refresh. Bumped processor and RAM but didn't change anything else about it. They also released the Tab 3 Plus, which bumped the processor (8 core) and screen and moved to 2 gigs of ram. Seems like they are still selling the original Tab 3 as a lower-budget version.
Was sorta hoping to see a windows version of the Pro, but there's no sign of a release.
I just got the 4gb tab 3 pro today, I am going to try it out and will report back if the 4gb of ram solves the major issues plaguing the tablet due to the 2gb of ram (which wasnt used well to make matters worse). There is a minor bump in the cpu but its so minor I doubt that will be noticeable.
Would love to see a Tab 3 Plus review, doesn't appear to be much info online... Also limited info available in terms of a release in Canada. Might have to bite the bullet and order off Amazon USA. Thoughts on the Tab 3 Plus anyone? Seem affordable and decent enough specs for a media/games tablet.
Klvn88 said:
Would love to see a Tab 3 Plus review, doesn't appear to be much info online... Also limited info available in terms of a release in Canada. Might have to bite the bullet and order off Amazon USA. Thoughts on the Tab 3 Plus anyone? Seem affordable and decent enough specs for a media/games tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the plus the one with the 4gb of ram?
mike240se said:
Is the plus the one with the 4gb of ram?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The new Pro one mentioned above is the one with 4gb ram and has the projector. Appears Plus only has 3 gb of ram and is without the projector. Not very good with the technical spec stuff, so any tips/advice would be great! :laugh:
Plus:
Yoga Tab 3 - 10.1" Android Tablet Computer (Qualcomm Snapdragon 652, 3GB RAM, 32GB SSD, FHD) ZA1N0007US
Pro:
Yoga Tab 3 Pro - 10.1" Android Tablet with Projector (Intel Atom x5-Z8550, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD) ZA0F0099US
Klvn88 said:
Would love to see a Tab 3 Plus review, doesn't appear to be much info online... Also limited info available in terms of a release in Canada. Might have to bite the bullet and order off Amazon USA. Thoughts on the Tab 3 Plus anyone? Seem affordable and decent enough specs for a media/games tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was going to buy one, but some actual reviews started coming out. The lenovo software lets the system down. It's a fairly standard processor/graphics (not world beating, not a slouch) but there seems to be something going on with audio sync and with an intermittent screen flicker that's giving me pause.
The whole thing should prove to be rootable/flashable, but this tablet's probably too niche to attract much of an xda community (and I'm a novice in that regards)
Just for info, my Tab 3 (YT3-X50F) upgraded to Android 6.0.1 today!
Never expected that. The download is 992Gb.
Only had time to do the upgrade, so I can't tell you if it's improved performance or not.
I'm hovering over the "buy" button on this one and would love to hear any impressions. No reviews for the current model on Amazon.
ETA: Actually, there are a couple paid reviews by clueless Amazon grannies, but not much helpful.
kayakyakr said:
Was going to buy one, but some actual reviews started coming out. The lenovo software lets the system down. It's a fairly standard processor/graphics (not world beating, not a slouch) but there seems to be something going on with audio sync and with an intermittent screen flicker that's giving me pause.
The whole thing should prove to be rootable/flashable, but this tablet's probably too niche to attract much of an xda community (and I'm a novice in that regards)
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I'm a novice in that regards too. Thanks for your thoughts/findings, I saw the same thing regarding the audio sync issue in the limited reviews that I have seen. If it wasn't of that audio sync issue, I would probably have pulled the trigger already since it seems to be what I am looking for in terms of a media device, but even a slight audio sync issue would annoy the hell out of me!
Taosaur said:
I'm hovering over the "buy" button on this one and would love to hear any impressions. No reviews for the current model on Amazon.
ETA: Actually, there are a couple paid reviews by clueless Amazon grannies, but not much helpful.
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The Plus or the Pro? I just got the new 4gb RAM pro and its basically exactly the same as the 2gb ram pro that I am going to return. The differences are obviously the RAM and android 6.0 coming loaded on it. The RAM for me made a HUGE difference. The issue I had with my 2gb pro was that I couldnt play a vidoe in the background (yt red) and then browse websites. It would always close the video, I guess because it ram out of ram. Even worse is it would kill my screen dimming app in the background randomly when it needed ram and that has stopped as well. The 4gb of ram def makes a huge difference.
What sucks is I got the 2gb Pro for $350, and paid full price for the 4gb pro, so I am basically paying $150 more for 2gb of ram. Very annoying.
I am still considering sending both back though. I really need an AMOLED display, the lcd display is too bright for viewing in absolute darkness (99% of my usage) and the screen dimming apps work horrible on LCD screens it seems, they just reduce contrast but the screen is still giving off a lot of light. On the other hand the AMOLED displays just dim the pixels and it works so much better in dark rooms using dimming apps. The only thing keeping me from sending both back is the amazing jbl speakers and the atmos app, the sound on these tablets is mind blowing.
If I could just find a tablet with front facing high quality speakers and amoled screen that would be my perfect tablet, but one doesnt exist
---------- Post added at 06:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:17 AM ----------
Looking at the 3gb of ram non-pro model, the main drawback I see is the really low resolution of 1280x800 for me that is too low, I dont like getting a tablet lower than 1080p. EDIT: it seems amazon is wrong, it has a 2560x1600p display. Now I am thinking of sending back both my pro models (2gb and 4gb models) and getting this and saving $200. I dont need the projector or the extra storage and the 3gb of ram should be enough. The main thing holding me back is the bad review mentioned above. I assume this has the exact same display as the pro.
I wonder how the Snap dragon 652 compares to the Atom SoC in the Pro? Anyone any ideas? I assume it has quickcharge 2.0 since the 652 supports it, the pro has quickcharge as well but its some other standard is my guess. (12v a 2amps on my pro)
mike240se said:
The Plus or the Pro? I just got the new 4gb RAM pro and its basically exactly the same as the 2gb ram pro that I am going to return. The differences are obviously the RAM and android 6.0 coming loaded on it. The RAM for me made a HUGE difference.
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Definitely the 4GB Pro. The comparison with the old model is very helpful, thanks! My main concerns are the reports of sluggishness and screen flicker on the older model (attributed on XDA to forced /data encryption), and also whether the Lenovo skinning and/or bloatware are excessive. I'd rather not count on XDA support for such a niche and somewhat pricey model, and from what I've read the methods for the old Pro brick this one. But it sounds like the upgraded RAM and CPU help. Do you find app launching and transitions smooth overall, and the display stable? Any annoyances with proprietary or otherwise preloaded apps?
Taosaur said:
Definitely the 4GB Pro. The comparison with the old model is very helpful, thanks! My main concerns are the reports of sluggishness and screen flicker on the older model (attributed on XDA to forced /data encryption), and also whether the Lenovo skinning and/or bloatware are excessive. I'd rather not count on XDA support for such a niche and somewhat pricey model, and from what I've read the methods for the old Pro brick this one. But it sounds like the upgraded RAM and CPU help. Do you find app launching and transitions smooth overall, and the display stable? Any annoyances with proprietary or otherwise preloaded apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have noticed screen flicker but I didnt notice it on the original 2gb pro either. Maybe that is only on the snapdragon versions? It's not really sluggish but its not extremely fast when web browsing for example, but its not sluggish. I havent rooted or removed encryption because one guy tried to unencrypt and load recovery using the method for the 2gb version and I think he bricked it, he said he was RMA'ing it back to Lenovo (hope he doesnt have issues, I would think he voided his warranty )
The RAM def helps I can say that for sure, as I mention I couldnt run anything in the background without it being auto killed, now no such problem so far. I think the 6.0 is pretty good, it feels better than the 5.1 on the 2gb version, seems they fine tuned things a bit. As far as bloat I find it to be fairly unbloated, but I didnt think the 5.1 2gb versionw as too bloated either. It had a horrible implementation of the OS it seemed (due to the ram issue, 2gb is not a lot but it shouldnt have been as bad as it was with 2gb). They must have cleaned that up because I notice it rarely goes over 1.6-1.8gb of ram used. I will pay attention to the display more, I havent used it much yet, but will report back after some more time with it while specifically keeping an eye on the display.
Was talking to a Lenovo Sales Rep on their online chat system about the audio sync issue and she was saying they have "received information that all issues have been fixed." I asked her to be specific about the audio sync issue and she confirmed they were told the audio sync issue has been fixed. Any idea if this is true or was she just saying what she thought I wanted to hear?
Really like the Tab 3 Plus, sooo close to pulling the trigger, esp now that Lenovo Canada has it available for purchase... with a 3-4 week estimated shipping time though. Lame!
I had a go of the plus this afternoon, but in the UK they are selling the Pro 64gb version for £350 quid and the plus version is £250. Anyway I thought i would get the Pro version again after all as it seems to be the best of the bunch.
Just ordered the 3 Pro 4GB. Hope it's a good tablet.
I just ordered it after reading tons of reviews... I will try to play with it trying to get debian running
Does anyone here face poor battery life? Android System consumes over 50% of the entire battery all the time.

Purchasing Advice

Hi,
Im looking for a cheap Smart watch with SIM and good GPS. I will probably only use it for running (though if it is good for day-to-day use I'll be even happier).
Right now I have a Gear S2, which I like a lot. Mainly because it is comfortable,its looks good and last for more than a day of work (actually close to two days). So for day-to-day I'm fine.
I was thinking about Finow X5+, but I found no real relivable review on forums. Also KingWear KW18, but there were some complaints about its GPS (and I need a good one).
I was also thinking about waiting for the new Google watches, hoping they will cost no more than 200$, or buyin a used LG urbane 2nd edition.
What do you think?
I'm not familiar with the KW15 or X5 specifically, but I own a couple of watches of that elk and a Gear S3. It's an apples to oranges comparison. The cheap Chinese watches try to do everything but execute it poorly. Running full Android, they're theoretically capable off running any app. But in reality, software crashes, poor battery, minimal water resistance, etc. keep it's potential from being realized. Because they're inexpensive, some folks are willing to tolerate their shortcomings. But if you're looking for a dedicated running watch, you're probably not one of them. Especially since you already have a Gear S2.
There are several GPS equipped watches/fitness trackers that have a good reputation with runners. Your SIM requirement is the limiting factor. At the sub $200 price point, you'll probably achieve a better result with a watch or tracker from Garmin, Polar, TomTom, or Fitbit plus a cheap phone that you take with you on runs if you need SIM capability. If you want a quality all in one device, it's not going to be cheap. The best options currently available are from Samsung and LG, as you know.
I think it is a wise advice. So I took a look at some GPS sport watches and they seems to be both good enough and cheap enough.

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