Best DUAL SIM android phone?

[kingcedz]

just received my Alcatel 913D.

Initial thought: very pleasantly surprised!

as I mentioned before, the phone is manufactured by TCL communication in China, which is a trustworthy manufacturer. total cost about $180 and shipping is free. no custom duty/tax involved in the process either, bought it from ebay, and only took 1 week to arrive.

Overall, the phone is very well built with a combination of metalic chrome and matt plastic finish, not at all feel like a budget phone. The build quality is comparable to HTC Sensation in my view. and its a very compact size (not bulky at all!) and very light, probably only slightly bigger than the old Motorola RAZR clamshell.

The phone support GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz + WCDMA 900/2100MHz.

The screen resolution is not very high though, and the UI seems have a bit of lag.

I will post a more detailed review once i have a bit of time with this little devil, especially the hardware configuration. and also, my A60 should arrive next week and when it does, i ll have a better comparison of the dual sim performance.

long story short, i take my initial review back. The phone turn out to be a disappointment.
will post details after I got my A60 as comparison.

 

[drsnuggles]

Just received my FET T8888 and wan to get stuck in. Issues so far. Windows XP PC asks for Qualcomm HSUSB driver. Anyone know where to get one ? ..... Not tried on Win7 yet. Struggling with Google Navigator - doesn't appear to work on 3G - only Wifi. Want to root the phone so I can fully control. Sure I've seen a guide somewhere.

Enjoy!

 

[Genna]

Fly iq260 Android dual sim smartphone coming soon

there is a poor information about spec of this one, but some is:
Android 2.3.4,
processor 650MHz, it seems that it to be MTK6573 dual core
Display 3.5", QWGA 320x480, capacitive, multi-touch
rear camera 3.2Mpx with auto focus, front 0.3
3G, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bt
1400mAh
no any info about RAM
lighting sensor and accelerometer
expected price 200-220$

 

[kingcedz]

Fly iq260 Android dual sim smartphone coming soon

there is a poor information about spec of this one, but some is:
Android 2.3.4,
processor 650MHz, it seems that it to be MTK6573 dual core
Display 3.5", QWGA 320x480, capacitive, multi-touch
rear camera 3.2Mpx with auto focus, front 0.3
3G, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bt
1400mAh
no any info about RAM
lighting sensor and accelerometer
expected price 200-220$

interesting, is fly a reliable manufacturer?

 

[Crake]

Fly iq260 Android dual sim smartphone coming soon

there is a poor information about spec of this one, but some is:
Android 2.3.4,
processor 650MHz, it seems that it to be MTK6573 dual core
Display 3.5", QWGA 320x480, capacitive, multi-touch
rear camera 3.2Mpx with auto focus, front 0.3
3G, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bt
1400mAh
no any info about RAM
lighting sensor and accelerometer
expected price 200-220$

Just like all the other chinese Mtk6573 phones available...

 

[Genna]

interesting, is fly a reliable manufacturer?

I am owner of Fly phone, model MC170 within almost 2 years, and I am very satisfied with its quality and reliability. He had several deadly downfalls, but it still works without any problems.
in regards of Smartphone, I dont know exactly, but as far as i know Fly just is a buyer of production in OEM manufacturers

 

[florisz]

yeah just be careful, don't confuse Motorola SPICE Key XT317 with Xt531 they are different phones, agree that Motorola need to sort out their naming convention.

as it stands the dual sim version has not been released and for the last two months I have not seen any updates about it. Philips rekon their 4.3inch will be released on Diwali which is 26th october, but they have yet to release any more specs about it, at this rate i would say Philips will beat moto in releasing their dual sims. I would assume the philips specs will be at least equal most probably better than the xt531.

However I found this neat phone,Buy Android 2.3, MTK6573 hd7 b63m cellphone, 3g Capacitive dual sim celular, Android 2.3 phone MTK6573 3G WCDMA Star A3 Capacitive screen WIFI TV GPS Unlocked Mobile phone at Aliexpress.comwhich I'm really tempted to buy, one thing I don't quite get though, is they say its 256mb RAM and 512mb ROM.. yet in the system info screen show under RAM it says 446 free (meaning 512mb) does that sound right to anyone else??

I bought this phone from China mobile and received it 20-10-2011.(within 2 weeks) I'm very happy with the way it works(fast enough and good reception compared to MTK6515).
Problem is that it has only 256mb storage memory. After 10 apps installation(moved all possible to SD-card(16GB) I can not install anymore apps(only 18mb storage left).
MOST important problem. The phone comes with MALWARRE! I looked at my phone bill. The phone send sms messages to Chinese numbers; 13738199970 and 13738199961. For oktober it were only 2 sms messages, but I don't know what it sends...
Also I found a Russian Forum that says it has to do with an app called
caivs.apk (com.android.caivs.app).
I don't know what to do and how to stop this sending of sms messages.

 

[kingcedz]

I bought this phone from China mobile and received it 20-10-2011.(within 2 weeks) I'm very happy with the way it works(fast enough and good reception compared to MTK6515).
Problem is that it has only 256mb storage memory. After 10 apps installation(moved all possible to SD-card(16GB) I can not install anymore apps(only 18mb storage left).
MOST important problem. The phone comes with MALWARRE! I looked at my phone bill. The phone send sms messages to Chinese numbers; 13738199970 and 13738199961. For oktober it were only 2 sms messages, but I don't know what it sends...
Also I found a Russian Forum that says it has to do with an app called
caivs.apk (com.android.caivs.app).
I don't know what to do and how to stop this sending of sms messages.

sounds bad. those sms could well contain privacy information regarding yourself (contacts, gmail password, etc etc).

 

[drsnuggles]

I bought this phone from China mobile and received it 20-10-2011.(within 2 weeks) I'm very happy with the way it works(fast enough and good reception compared to MTK6515).
Problem is that it has only 256mb storage memory. After 10 apps installation(moved all possible to SD-card(16GB) I can not install anymore apps(only 18mb storage left).
MOST important problem. The phone comes with MALWARRE! I looked at my phone bill. The phone send sms messages to Chinese numbers; 13738199970 and 13738199961. For oktober it were only 2 sms messages, but I don't know what it sends...
Also I found a Russian Forum that says it has to do with an app called
caivs.apk (com.android.caivs.app).
I don't know what to do and how to stop this sending of sms messages.

What I would do if I where in your shoes:
1) Root the phone
2) Install the app "Root uinstall"
3) Backup all apps using "Root uinstall"
4) Uninstall strange system apps with "Root uinstall" until the weird behaviour is gone.
Presto . Good luck!

 

[Genna]

...Also I found a Russian Forum that says it has to do with an app called
caivs.apk (com.android.caivs.app).
I don't know what to do and how to stop this sending of sms messages.

I have read this russian forum
It is quite known problem for this phone. This apps is pre-installed with the ROM, it may send two sms per day on follow numbers: 13738199934, 13958137024, 13738199989, 13738199961, cost around 0.18$(for Russia) per the one.
So, Firstly you need to make the root for your phone, then using "Root Explorer" (or similar apps) remove file caivs.apk by address:/system/app/caivs.apk
By the way, there is the red lightning message into a main post that "phone Does have 512RAM+512ROM MB, and this point have not to be discussing anymore!"

 

[florisz]

I have read this russian forum
It is quite known problem for this phone. This apps is pre-installed with the ROM, it may send two sms per day on follow numbers: 13738199934, 13958137024, 13738199989, 13738199961, cost around 0.18$(for Russia) per the one.
So, Firstly you need to make the root for your phone, then using "Root Explorer" (or similar apps) remove file caivs.apk by address:/system/app/caivs.apk
By the way, there is the red lightning message into a main post that "phone Does have 512RAM+512ROM MB, and this point have not to be discussing anymore!"

Thank you all for the fast feedback. I will try if I can root this phone.
It is correct that the malware(probably caivs.apk) sends 2 SMS at the same time. The used phone numbers I can confirm are: 13738199970, 13738199961 and 17605370537. For Dutch client of Vodafone this cost you about 29eur cent per SMS. But most important is ofcourse, What info is inside the SMS?
The build of the OS is: b63m 20110926-101409 (there might be other builds that don't have this malware)

I still doubt the memory RAM and ROM. I also know there are even b63m models with 4GB of RAM(not including SD-card).
Here is my 'Quick system info' (when I still had the 2GB sd-card installed)
Say for yourself what you think the phones RAM and ROM is!?

 

[florisz]

So here we are 4 months later.

Are you still liking your dual SIM phone? Should I get it
or are there other options that you like?

Thanks!

I'm a dual sim user since the first replacement simcards(11 years ago) where you had to boot the phone to use the other sim.
Since then I have had 2 Samsung(non smartphone) dual sim(standby) phones which were extremely good, but NO smartphone.
My first dual sim(standby) smartphone was a MTK 6515(HOT HD9). Nice smartphone because it is Froyo and very good bright display, but;
- No real GPS
- Slow OS (when looking through pictures or browsing internet)
- Bad network reception
- only GPRS data network

Since the MTK 6573, like the B63M, this is all solved. It is;
+ fast,
+ real GPS (no data network needed)
+ good network reception
+ real HSDPA for first sim, GPRS for second sim
+ long battery life
+ Phone feels strong and is light
+ nice smooth finish of cover

- comes with SMS virus (see above, solvable)
- display is a little less readable in bright sunlight(same as Iphone 4)

Hope this helped you a little

 

[florisz]

(moderator deleted)

I can't believe that the specs of this phone are correct. An MK6516 cpu with android 2.3.x....
With android 2.2 this cpu was aready very slow. So this is not going to work.
I would noone recommend this phone!

I think 'scophone' is misusing the forum to make an advertisement for his/her shop.

Moderator, I say remove...

 

[Slug]

That's things cleaned up nicely for you, folks. Please use the "Report" button to let Staff know of any further spam or other undesirable posts.

 

[PeterBell]

I'm an ex-pat Brit, living in Philippines. I have been a Nokia user ever since buying my first mobile phone in 1994. However, with Nokia playing silly with two abandoned ventures into Linux-based OS and their recent adoption of Microsoft, I vowed that my next phone would be Android. Then, about a month ago, I found myself subscribing to a second operator and requiring dual sim. Quick research led me to believe that I wanted the Viewsonic V350. I discovered that the Viewsonic was not available in any local shop and the only dual sim Android I could find was the Cherry Mobile Orbit: Orbit | Cherry Mobile

I always thought that Cherry (Philippine market only?) did not manufacture their own handsets, but simply rebadged units from other manufacturers. However, I have not been able to find another phone of equivalent specification and design. Does anyone recognise this unit.

I purchased this phone on the spur of the moment. It seems to perform reasonably well except for two major complaints:
1) Battery life: Although I'm not a heavy user, it is necessary to recharge every night.
2) Signal strength: Firstly, the performance of the SIM2 position is markedly worse than the SIM1 position. Secondly, even the SIM1 doesn't hold a connection as well as any of my recent Nokias (an N82 and an N97mini).

I ascribe other shortcomings to my unfamiliarity with Android, such things as:
1) How do I split sms message threading for a contact - not every message to/from the same contact is a continuation of an earlier conversation.

2) How do I set up contact groups?

... etc .....

Anyway, all considered, this unit is usable and I will hang onto it until a much better alternative becomes available (do Samsung plan a dual sim version of the Galaxy S???)

 

[drsnuggles]

There is a new model to replace the T8888. It's called the FET K600S. The main difference is that it uses a faster cpu: 800 MHz Qualcom 7227A. It's still Android 2.2 though. Link. It costs $279.

Btw, should we still update the dual sim wiki? It seems to miss a few MTK-chipset based phones.

 

[chamaruco]

Zte u960

 

[drsnuggles]

2) How do I set up contact groups?

Most contact list apps support groups. For example: GoContacts Ex.

 

[pwel]

Any opinions about idream g20
(see e.g. Dual SIM 3G Android Smartphone, Qualcomm 7227T CPU- Idream G20 - China Dual Sim Mobile Phone,3g Mobile Phone,Android Mobile Phone in Mobile Phone )
it is 800MHz MSM7227 and 3.8" screen. android 2.2 though

 

[Genna]

Orbit | Cherry Mobile

I always thought that Cherry (Philippine market only?) did not manufacture their own handsets, but simply rebadged units from other manufacturers. However, I have not been able to find another phone of equivalent specification and design. Does anyone recognise this unit.

I guess Cherry Mobile Orbit - is rebranded the Gigabyte GSmart 1310 Ray.

Look for its thread to find more information about your phone!

 

[pwel]

I saw XT532 was also offered at taobao.com for 2600 yuan which is about 300 euro too.


http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=13513823031&prt=1321605401489&prc=1

 

[drsnuggles]

Zte u960

The quickest and most expensive dual SIM I have seen so far. Interesting phone.

i'll order this android phone
A6380 Android v2.2 Dual Sim WIFI Smart Phone

To expensive for what it offers if you ask me.

 

[drsnuggles]

I saw XT532 was also offered at taobao.com for 2600 yuan which is about 300 euro too.

http://detail.tmall.com/item.htm?id=13513823031&prt=1321605401489&prc=1

If I understand correctly, it's only 2230 Yuan ~=260 euro or $350.

Do you know if they can ship the phone right now? Etotalk thinks it will be available in 2012, which is kinda far in the future.

 

[Times8]

I guess Cherry Mobile Orbit - is rebranded the Gigabyte GSmart 1310 Ray.

Look for its thread to find more information about your phone!

You can purchase The G1310 in Holland for only 185 euro's! I purchased it also their. Send them an e-mail: info@scopeq.com for more info!

 

[Times8]

I'm an ex-pat Brit, living in Philippines. I have been a Nokia user ever since buying my first mobile phone in 1994. However, with Nokia playing silly with two abandoned ventures into Linux-based OS and their recent adoption of Microsoft, I vowed that my next phone would be Android. Then, about a month ago, I found myself subscribing to a second operator and requiring dual sim. Quick research led me to believe that I wanted the Viewsonic V350. I discovered that the Viewsonic was not available in any local shop and the only dual sim Android I could find was the Cherry Mobile Orbit: Orbit | Cherry Mobile

I always thought that Cherry (Philippine market only?) did not manufacture their own handsets, but simply rebadged units from other manufacturers. However, I have not been able to find another phone of equivalent specification and design. Does anyone recognise this unit.

I purchased this phone on the spur of the moment. It seems to perform reasonably well except for two major complaints:
1) Battery life: Although I'm not a heavy user, it is necessary to recharge every night.
2) Signal strength: Firstly, the performance of the SIM2 position is markedly worse than the SIM1 position. Secondly, even the SIM1 doesn't hold a connection as well as any of my recent Nokias (an N82 and an N97mini).

I ascribe other shortcomings to my unfamiliarity with Android, such things as:
1) How do I split sms message threading for a contact - not every message to/from the same contact is a continuation of an earlier conversation.

2) How do I set up contact groups?

... etc .....

Anyway, all considered, this unit is usable and I will hang onto it until a much better alternative becomes available (do Samsung plan a dual sim version of the Galaxy S???)

Hi,

The Cherry Mobile Orbit is the GSmart G1310, you can purchase it in Holland (Europe) for only 185 euro. With 24 month product warranty. You can contact them by this email address: info@scopeq.com I purchased also my G1310 over-there, it's called SCOPEQ Trading.

Thanks...