I intend to buy the most latest and powerful dual-sim (GSM) android phone available in the market today. Based on the discussions in this thread, I note that for "dual sim dual active" android phone class, it seemed that ZTE U960 is still the best and there has not been any new phone yet to be released soon that will replace it. Is it correct?
Moving to the "dual sim dual standby" android phone class, from the news I found out that Mediatek has issued its latest chipset for dual sim (dual standby I assume) android phone, namely MT6577. From my checking in etotalk website, this chipset has quickly been adopted by three major brands (in addition to other chinese brands) in their latest phones, namely:
ZTE V970 [www.************/print_page_p3164&ei=nXwmULGWG4m8rAfxpoHAAQ&usg=AFQ jCNGt3zB7YCbAAAnvpXq9CC8h7u8TIA]
HuaWei U8836D / U8832D / Ascend G500D
[www.************/huawei-u8832d-shine-dual-sim-43qhd-3g-wcdma-android-cpu-mt6577-dualcore-10ghz_p3029.html]
Lenovo A789
[www.************/lenovo-a789-3g-wcdma-dual-sim-android-404-ics-multilanguage-mt6577-dualcore-10ghz-wvga_p3047.html]
together with one other significant competitor:
Blu Vivo 4.3
[www.gsmarena.com/blu_vivo_4_3-4901.php]
From the specs being provided in the above-mentioned websites, the following is the comparison:
Huawei (dual camera 5mp / 0.3mp, 4.3" screen TFT-LCD and 1930mAh battery)
Lenovo (dual camera 5mp / 0.3mp, 4" screen TFT-LCD and 2000mAh battery)
Blu Vivo (dual camera 8mp / 1.3mp, 4.3” screen super AMOLED and 1600mAH battery)
ZTE (single camera 5mp [no dual camera], 4.3” screen IPS-LCD and 1600mAh battery)
Which phone is the most recommended one?
In addition, I found a comment stating that: "with the announcement of the MT6577, MediaTeK claims it easily outperforms Qualcomm’s dual core CPU Snapdragon MSM8255" [www.chinaphonereview.com/mediatek-release-mt6577-dual-core-processor]. Can this claim be verified?
I intend to buy the most latest and powerful dual-sim (GSM) android phone available in the market today. Based on the discussions in this thread, I note that for "dual sim dual active" android phone class, it seemed that ZTE U960 is still the best and there has not been any new phone yet to be released soon that will replace it. Is it correct?
The U960 is defiantly not the most powerfull dual-sim phone after dual-core MT6577 has been released. It has a much faster CPU. I would also say that single-core MT6575 is just as fast as the U960's MSM8255. Note that the CPU in U960 is single core.
The U960 is however, the only avalible dual-sim smartphone that is dual sim full active, which means that both sim's are active, even when there is an active call on one sim. On other dual-sim phones the other sim will be busy. A nice feature, and if you wan't that, you have no other choice.
I expect to recive my ZTE V970 in the next week, and will post my impressions here once I receive it.
For reference I have had the ZTE U960, so I know that phone first-hand. Right now I have a Lenovo A750 (MT6575).
why would u want dual sim? im not exactly clear on the advantage/
My phone is more, i don't want to use my personal phone for business.
have to travel a lot for business between several countries, sometimes ,it is much better for me to have different sim cards for each of the country , saving money.
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on the whole,the dual SIM android phone is still very convenient. Can select the appropriate network service according to the circumstances, for example a card to call cheap, another card to send text messages cheap, can be a better choice. There is with the android systemwhen the same person sent text messages, whether sent to your phone which cards can be displayed in a text message package for easy viewing.
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I recived my ZTE V970 today from e to talk today, and have had it running for about an hour now, so this is my warry first impressions:
Build quality seems good, and I fint the design higend. If seems quite slim. The back is in plastic, a litte like rubber (anti slip). Feels ok.
The screen has good coulors and can easely be seen from different angles. About the same coulor quality as U960 but you can see that it has a higher resolution. No problems with touch quality.
Google Apps is fully working, and even my local bank app is there. Also paid apps works with no problem (note this is not standard, but installed by this specific seller).
GPS has EPO assistance. First lock took about 2-3 minutes, which is not fast.
Performance seems good. It performance smooth and fast. AnTuTu score is 5374.
Once again, note that this is my wary first impressions, but they are good
Feel free to post any questions you might have.
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to EmilF For This Useful Post:
OK, I received the A789 on Monday from etotalk. I have it running in parallel with my A750and here are my first impressions:
Build quality nice, slightly slimmer and bigger than the A750. Looks ot as bulky. The back cover grips well in hand.
The screen Pleasant and same size and quality as the A750. No problems with touch quality.
Google Apps Installed by etotalk. Works well. No problems with geographic apps i.e Park-Line, Paris Metro. My Dutch bank app works well.
GPS has EPO assistance, A-GPS. Bit slow to lock.
FM Transmitter Can be useful to listen to Nav instructions on your car radio
Performance Better than the A750. Tested with SPB Shell 3D and Asphalt 6. AnTuTu score is 5302.
Edit: Network Location problem sorted with Mobileuncle tool. Binding issue Problems For some reason, the Location service does not work. Apps can ot find location with the Network Location services. I have reported the problem to etotalk with screen shots. Will post update.
Remarks I like the phone, good feel, good performance, classier look than the A750. I only think it's a pity the Lenovo didn't release this phone with 1GB RAM
Feel free to post any questions you might have.
Last edited by AD2554; August 15th, 2012 at 09:38 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to AD2554 For This Useful Post:
OK, I received the A789 on Monday from etotalk. I have it running in parallel with my A750and here are my first impressions:
Build quality nice, slightly slimmer and bigger than the A750. Looks ot as bulky. The back cover grips well in hand.
The screen Pleasant and same size and quality as the A750. No problems with touch quality.
Google Apps Installed by etotalk. Works well. No problems with geographic apps i.e Park-Line, Paris Metro. My Dutch bank app works well.
GPS has EPO assistance, A-GPS. Bit slow to lock.
FM Transmitter Can be useful to listen to Nav instructions on your car radio
Performance Better than the A750. Tested with SPB Shell 3D and Asphalt 6. AnTuTu score is 5302.
Problems For some reason, the Location service does not work. Apps can ot find location with the Network Location services. I have reported the problem to etotalk with screen shots. Will post update.
Remarks I like the phone, good feel, good performance, classier look than the A750. I only think it's a pity the Lenovo didn't release this phone with 1GB RAM
Feel free to post any questions you might have.
do you know a simple way to remove the etotalk animation in start up and shut down? It very annoying me! And where i can find the right USB driver for Windows 7? Thanks.
For all i confirm your positive test on A789, very good phone!
do you know a simple way to remove the etotalk animation in start up and shut down? It very annoying me! And where i can find the right USB driver for Windows 7? Thanks.
For all i confirm your positive test on A789, very good phone!
To remove the sound, use root explore to rename \system\media\bootaudio.mp3 and shutsound.mp3 to shutsound.mp3.old/bootaudio.mp3.old
do you know a simple way to remove the etotalk animation in start up and shut down? It very annoying me! And where i can find the right USB driver for Windows 7? Thanks.
For all i confirm your positive test on A789, very good phone!
I have the Lenovo boot animation on my A750 courtesy of Cybermaus
3 files in
I copied these in the to replace the existing ones and changed permissions. No more annoying etotalk advertising. Just the Lenovo butterfly
I have the files on Dropbox and can make them available if required.
As for the driver for Win7, sorry but can't help you you on this one
yes, i will appreciate your files so much ..you tried this change on Lenovo A789, right?
Can you explain me how i can change permissions (i never made this..)? Thanks!
yes, i will appreciate your files so much ..you tried this change on Lenovo A789, right?
Can you explain me how i can change permissions (i never made this..)? Thanks!
I got the files from my A750 and copied them to the A789
Get the ES File Explorer from Google Play.
I have made screen shots on how to change permissions. Your phone must be rooted.
Open file explorer and allow it superuser access.
Tap on UP to go to root
Scroll down to System
Scroll down to Media
Copy the 3 zip files there. Do not unzip them
Long press on each to get the options
Scroll down to Properties - Change
Set the permission as in screen shot
Hi,
I saw some of you already get a ZTE grand V970.
I ordered the same one from etotalk but it has a bogus firmware so it does not start (I can access recovery mode, but when booting I get a 3G orange snake... and the phone stucks). Could you maybe publish the firmware somewhere? it is 4 days I am waiting an answer from them... but it looks like they need to involve the engineers... so I can not use the phone at all. Sorry for asking to you but I did not find any other way to get the initial firmware (of course probably there are only chinese sites where I could download it... but it is not easy for me to find how
Hi,
I saw some of you already get a ZTE grand V970.
I ordered the same one from etotalk but it has a bogus firmware so it does not start (I can access recovery mode, but when booting I get a 3G orange snake... and the phone stucks). Could you maybe publish the firmware somewhere? it is 4 days I am waiting an answer from them... but it looks like they need to involve the engineers... so I can not use the phone at all. Sorry for asking to you but I did not find any other way to get the initial firmware (of course probably there are only chinese sites where I could download it... but it is not easy for me to find how
Thanks a lot in advance for your help.
sareju
I just cotact their skype.
They help me solve the problem soon.
Maybe you can try it.
Yes they are pretty fast (I received the phone in only 4 days...). I have to wait the engineer "We forwarded your problem to our engineers, they are developing a ROM for you".
This is what they wrote me today. I am pretty confident... but you know... it is now 3 days I am waiting.
Hi,
I have a few question to v970:
1) has it gorilla glass?
2) is there SW for sound profile management (vibrate, silent, flight...), that can handle both 2 sim cards?
3) is there SW, that can record calls for both 2 sim cards (total recall for example)?
Hi,
I have a few question to v970:
1) has it gorilla glass?
2) is there SW for sound profile management (vibrate, silent, flight...), that can handle both 2 sim cards?
3) is there SW, that can record calls for both 2 sim cards (total recall for example)?
Could you try it for me?
Thank you very much.
PS:I would like to buy HuaWei U8836d :-)
1) I think it is real glass, not gorilla glass. Don't know how to test it?
2) You can define profiles (General, Meeting, Silent and so on) and easily change between them. You can change directly by pulling down the status bar, and there is a ton of free widgets available to change directly from home screen.
As I believe is the chase for all MT657x phones, you cannot define seperate profiles/ringtones for the two sim's. I have only seen that on Quadcom based dual sim phones (like U960).
3) I will test, and get back on this
I was looking at the U8836d as well, but it is 100$ more expensive and 99% the same phone. ZTE is also a really good and professional brand, that provides ROM updates.
I bought a new MT6577 phone ZTE V970 from etotalk
CPU: MTK6577 ARMv7 Cortex-A9 Dual-core 1.0GHz
GPU: PowerVR SGX531 Ultra
Android V4.0
1G RAM
They provide a mod rom to me for upgrade the phone.
Before the rom, ZTE V970 performance has been significantly increased after improving.
Thanks etotalk.
Last edited by bigfootboy1; August 18th, 2012 at 04:29 AM.
Because I read: Смартфон поставляется с операционной системой Android 4.0, сам производитель обещает скорое обновления до Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
The smartphone comes with the operating system, Android 4.0, the manufacturer promises a quick update to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
I got the files from my A750 and copied them to the A789
Get the ES File Explorer from Google Play.
I have made screen shots on how to change permissions. Your phone must be rooted.
Open file explorer and allow it superuser access.
Tap on UP to go to root
Scroll down to System
Scroll down to Media
Copy the 3 zip files there. Do not unzip them
Long press on each to get the options
Scroll down to Properties - Change
Set the permission as in screen shot
Please note you are doing this on your, own at your own risk.
Hi is there any way to change the recovery into English?
I just want to remove all the chinese crap from my phone. But I would like to get a full nandroid backup for safeside.
BTW > I have bought the phone from a ********** seller $177 including DHL delivery to uk , overall very satisfied, arrived in less than 48 hrs. rooted and google play installed. got a screen protector , a leatherlook pouch and a stylus as gift.
Last edited by abynk; August 20th, 2012 at 05:22 AM.
You can try to scratch display and you will see, if it is glass or gorilla glass :-), but in preview on youtube at 1:30 I saw a lot of small scratches on brand new device, so I was asking.
Yes, 100 $ is 30% of price, but for gorilla glass, when I'm not using any case...
Has v970 notification led for missed calls and sms?
Thank you.
to bigfootboy1
How did you get mod rom? Has Etotalk a FTP or some repository? Did you pay for moded rom?
to All
What do you think, will be update to 4.1 JB for ZTE v970 or Huawei U8836d?
Last edited by neveceral; August 18th, 2012 at 04:59 AM.
You can try to scratch display and you will see, if it is glass or gorilla glass :-), but in preview on youtube at 1:30 I saw a lot of small scratches on brand new device, so I was asking.
That is a test, I won't do Anyway, had the phone for about a week now, carry it in my pocket with no screen protector or case, and so far no scratches.
Quote:
Originally Posted by neveceral
Has v970 notification led for missed calls and sms?
Thank you.
Yes it does have LED notifications. E.g. flashes green for new messages, red for low battery...
Hi guys, really glad I found this forum! I've been looking everywhere for reliable info on the Lenovo A789. If you don't mind, I have a few questions before I decide to buy:
1) Does this have LED notifications for missed calls/texts etc (ie. flashing buttons) as I've seen different answers to this.
2) How easy is it to root? Etotalk offer this as an additional service but if it's just a matter of using one of the Market apps, then that's easy enough to do for me.
3) Does the Google Playstore/Market come preloaded or do you have to install through an apk? Is this straightforward.
4) How is battery life? I know this will depend on your use but in general compared to your usual phone.
Received my ZTE V970 the other day. Spent a few days with it now so like EmilF, I'd also like to share my thoughts on the device.
Delivery to London took 3 days and unfortunately I was hit with a customs charge (Ł14.10).
I ordered some screen protectors which were included in the box. I'm not 100% sure that they are specifically for this particular handset as there is a cut-out on the top right (maybe for a front facing camera of a similarly designed device?). However, apart from this, it is a 100% fit and the screen response doesn't seem to be affected.
Speaking of similarly designed devices, I've noticed that the Newman N1 seems to have the exact same body, button and port layout and even rear camera and lens position. Although it is stated to have an 8mp camera and a front camera too. Could the screen protectors be for this device? I have one of these on back order with etotalk so I'll update when it eventually arrives.
Back to the V970, after spending a few days with it, it is a fantastic phone for the price. EmilF has already highlighted the positives of this handset and I agree. Very slick and fluid. I've managed to set-up 2 SIM cards (Vodafone & T-Mobile) successfully with ease.
I was currently using an iPhone 4S and a Sony Xperia Ray but I have now sold both of those. In terms of smoothness and speed, it blows away the Xperia Ray. Obviously I found the iPhone UI and apps more polished but I can do everything I need to do with the V970. I will probably end up buying the new iPhone anyway but I can safely say that I am very happy with this purchase.
The battery does seem to deplete quickly and I'm sure it takes longer to charge than my old Iphone 4S but these days I'm used to charging my phones every night.
Etotalk have installed their own custom ROM. There is an Etotalk logo and sound on startup and shutdown. Anyone know how to remove this? There is also an Etotalk Tools app for updates, recovery, engineer mode etc.
One problem I have is that the keyboard seems to have no English dictionary. There are no word suggestions as I type, and for some reason, 95% of the words I have typed have the red line underneath them. Any suggestions?
Hi guys, really glad I found this forum! I've been looking everywhere for reliable info on the Lenovo A789. If you don't mind, I have a few questions before I decide to buy:
1) Does this have LED notifications for missed calls/texts etc (ie. flashing buttons) as I've seen different answers to this.
2) How easy is it to root? Etotalk offer this as an additional service but if it's just a matter of using one of the Market apps, then that's easy enough to do for me.
3) Does the Google Playstore/Market come preloaded or do you have to install through an apk? Is this straightforward.
4) How is battery life? I know this will depend on your use but in general compared to your usual phone.
Thanks for the info guys
The A789 does not have a LED indicator. I bought it from Etotalk alreadty rooted with Gogole Market and apps already installed. I just cleaned it out a bit more to remove all chinese apps.
Battery life has been good. I charge the phone about 6 hours at night. I use Whatsapp a lot, wi-fi, G+, some FB, Dropbox often and other network related apps. I do not play games or use Youtube alot.
I do advise you to install Es Task Manager or similar to control the start up apps. It will extend the battery life
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Which one dual sim phone would you recommend and why? I can hardly see any bigger differences but form what I can see the ZTE V970 is now preferable by most.
Which one would you recommend from:
ZTE V790 (released, no front camera)
Newman N1 (release end of August)
Lenovo A789 (released)
any other in this price range - up to 250 USD
How long is the warranty period for ZTE? I have never came across this brand - any good?
I have also found other re-sellers than e-to-talk which are cheaper - any on the recommended (this for priv please).
Many thanks to many of you for already big chunk of knowledge!
Which one dual sim phone would you recommend and why? I can hardly see any bigger differences but form what I can see the ZTE V970 is now preferable by most.
Which one would you recommend from:
ZTE V790 (released, no front camera)
Newman N1 (release end of August)
Lenovo A789 (released)
any other in this price range - up to 250 USD
How long is the warranty period for ZTE? I have never came across this brand - any good?
I have also found other re-sellers than e-to-talk which are cheaper - any on the recommended (this for priv please).
Many thanks to many of you for already big chunk of knowledge!
I only have the lenovo a789 , and it is highly recommended by me,
My Android history-
HTC magic> HTC desire > Viewsonic V350(crap) >Star A3(another crap)> ZTE u960 >Lenovo A789.
I still use U960 for me because it is DSDA , A789 is my wife's phone.
We paid $177.65 including dhl shipping to UK , ordered via **********. Recevied phone in 3rd working day , rooted and google play installed. Also a leather pouch and screen protector came free. not going to use the case.
Last edited by abynk; August 19th, 2012 at 06:33 AM.
Reason: added some info
The A789 does not have a LED indicator. I bought it from Etotalk alreadty rooted with Gogole Market and apps already installed. I just cleaned it out a bit more to remove all chinese apps.
Battery life has been good. I charge the phone about 6 hours at night. I use Whatsapp a lot, wi-fi, G+, some FB, Dropbox often and other network related apps. I do not play games or use Youtube alot.
I do advise you to install Es Task Manager or similar to control the start up apps. It will extend the battery life
Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.
I'm disappointed the A789 doesn't have LED notification as I find that very useful for when I have the phone on silent. Looks like I'll have to go for the ZTE V970 or Newman N1
Etotalk have installed their own custom ROM. There is an Etotalk logo and sound on startup and shutdown. Anyone know how to remove this? There is also an Etotalk Tools app for updates, recovery, engineer mode etc.
To remove the sound, use root explore to rename \system\media\bootaudio.mp3 and shutsound.mp3 to shutsound.mp3.old/bootaudio.mp3.old
Quote:
Originally Posted by mannyp
One problem I have is that the keyboard seems to have no English dictionary. There are no word suggestions as I type, and for some reason, 95% of the words I have typed have the red line underneath them. Any suggestions?
I use Swiftkey, so I have not really used the stock keyboard.
The red underlining can be disabled under "Settings" -> "Language andinput" -> Untick Spelling correction.
Which one dual sim phone would you recommend and why? I can hardly see any bigger differences but form what I can see the ZTE V970 is now preferable by most.
Which one would you recommend from:
ZTE V790 (released, no front camera)
Newman N1 (release end of August)
Lenovo A789 (released)
any other in this price range - up to 250 USD
How long is the warranty period for ZTE? I have never came across this brand - any good?
I have also found other re-sellers than e-to-talk which are cheaper - any on the recommended (this for priv please).
Many thanks to many of you for already big chunk of knowledge!
Personal I would go for a model with 1 GB of RAM, that better match the CPU speed (A789 only have 512MB). Also A789 has a smaller screen and lower resolution.
Warranty is mostly unto the sellers. ZTE is a good and well established Chinese brand, that have been producing phones for years.
I buy from e-to-talk because I have good experiences with them. They help with ROM updates, root and so on.
Personal I would go for a model with 1 GB of RAM, that better match the CPU speed (A789 only have 512MB). Also A789 has a smaller screen and lower resolution.
Warranty is mostly unto the sellers. ZTE is a good and well established Chinese brand, that have been producing phones for years.
I buy from e-to-talk because I have good experiences with them. They help with ROM updates, root and so on.
and what about front camera in zte v970.is there front camera present in zte v970?
This phone seems neck to neck with Desire V in terms of speed and memory, but with two main advantages on paper:
1) It's claim to have "unique 'Dual SIM dual on'..." feature. If I understand it correctly, this is equivalent to Dual Sim Dual Active similar to ZTE U960 (line A can call line B), and not simply Dual Sim Dual Standby like the other Dual Sim phones.
1) It's claim to have "unique 'Dual SIM dual on'..." feature. If I understand it correctly, this is equivalent to Dual Sim Dual Active similar to ZTE U960 (line A can call line B), and not simply Dual Sim Dual Standby like the other Dual Sim phones.
It's always hard to understand the foggy samsung terminology.
For example the galaxy ace duos has a fake dual on function, practically it does automagically the call forwarding from a one sim to the other (you can do it manually in any dual sim phone, and usually you pay for the diverted call)
Quote:
I m just glad that these big boys are now taking Dual Sim a bit more seriously.
Seriously ? Well... more seriously than in the past, but not seriously enough.
A phone which is just announced and which is still not on par with the almost one year old U960 is a more a shame than a breaking news.
__________________
Looking for easy instructions to get your ZTE-U960 updated to the 02B08 ROM ? Take a look here
To remove the sound, use root explore to rename \system\media\bootaudio.mp3 and shutsound.mp3 to shutsound.mp3.old/bootaudio.mp3.old
I use Swiftkey, so I have not really used the stock keyboard.
The red underlining can be disabled under "Settings" -> "Language andinput" -> Untick Spelling correction.
Thanks EmilF, really appreciate it. However, I have located the files in the Root Explorer app that was already installed and when I select the file and select rename, it states "cannot be renamed because the file system is read-only". What can I do?
Swiftkey is great, I think I will be using this from now on. Thanks.
Finally, I checked out your review on lowyat (I'm assuming that it's you!), can you please tell me which weather widget you are using? And how can I install this new ROM that has increased performance? Thanks again.
Device(s): Samsung B5702 Duos, Samsung Galaxy S Duos
Carrier: Not Provided
Thanks: 2
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Just like Solutor said - it´s a shame, that none of the brand mobile manufacturers is able to make a serious dual sim phone with two radios.
For about 3 years i'm using Samusng B5702 and i'm satisfied. But...I need a new toy Unfortunately, none of the phones with touch screen is capable to replace it. The only one, which could, is ZTE U960.
3 years and only 1 phone comparable. Veeeery sad.
Seriously ? Well... more seriously than in the past, but not seriously enough.
A phone which is just announced and which is still not on par with the almost one year old U960 is a more a shame than a breaking news.
well, at least there are a lot more choices now than before.
U960 was a great phone, but I prefer to look at things more optimistically and hope the newer generation of dual sim androids are going the right way.
To begin with, the likes of Desire V and Galaxy S Duos are ICS based which is a already a much better iteration of Androids. The fact that now major manufacturers such as Motorola, HTC, Samsung are all in the Dual GSM Sim arena (all with European release) is a good sign for this niche market.
Who knows, maybe there will be a Galaxy Note DUOS, or Nexus DUOS soon.
Sorry if this has been mentioned further back in the thread but acer are launching the Liquid Gallant Duo, 1ghz, 1gb ram, ICS, 4gb storage, 5mp camera.
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Anyway, had the phone for about a week now, carry it in my pocket with no screen protector or case, and so far no scratches. 
