The Mobile Phone Thread - Queries, decisions, discussions all here

Thad E Ginathom · 18th June 2021, 14:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by AutoNoob

Second, I want to update the 'hosts' file to block the ad servers by assigning them localhost ip [127.0.0.1]. This method blocks ads without tripping ad block checkers on most websites.

Is that possible on an unrooted phone? Can it be done with ADB?

NetfreakBombay · 18th June 2021, 14:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Is that possible on an unrooted phone?

Yes, method is convoluted though. There are apps that take care of this automatically.

Configure a VPN connection with fake provider
This fake provider will just route traffic to phone's real network, just after applying some filtering (AdBlock via DNS for example)

https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-...drain-0174614/

Thad E Ginathom · 18th June 2021, 15:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Yes, method is convoluted though.

Can the hosts fie be directly edited with an adb shell? Does this screw up stuff that needs to see an unaltered root partition?

I use 1.1.1.1 for DNS. I seem to recall that they offer additional filtering and vpn services, though I also seem to remember that that is chargeable.

My phone is rooted and adblocked. But I have never got around to rooting my tablet.

fhdowntheline · 18th June 2021, 16:10

Guys, I am looking for a bigger phone than my current iPhone 11 Pro. This one is working absolutely fine, not a single issue since 2 years. But I feel more comfortable using bigger screens for extended viewing (may be because of my mid 40s eyes) and often find myself squinting a bit while going through some apps on the iPhone 11 Pro.
Keeping aside the obvious choice of going to the 12 Pro Max or the upcoming 13 (12S?), I was thinking of getting back into the Android universe. With my penchant for changing phones every 3-4 years (I am a gadget-oriented person), I think the IPhone Max may be a bit expensive to replace in those intervals.
My primary needs are:
1) 6.6+ in screen size
2) Relatively clean UI
3) Assured OS update and security patches for at least 3 years as I need all those while I am using the phone.
4) Good camera set up.

The candidates are: i) Samsung S21 Ultra, ii) S21 Plus iii) One Plus 9 Pro, in that order.
I have read reports about the S21 Ultra as the only one that goes toe-to-toe with IPhone camera quality in most areas. It is pricey, but still cheaper than the Pro Max versions by about 25K.

S21 Plus seems to be a decent "middle" choice albeit with a FHD+ screen, while One Plus 9 Pro is a bit of a mixed bag at this point in terms of camera performance as per reports.

In fact, I intend to keep two separate devices for my personal and office work, since I don't quite like the idea of office software on my personal device. So there may be another cheaper android too (if I sell off the iPhone 11 Pro).
Alternative is to keep the 11 Pro for 3 more years and use it for one of the purposes.

The only disadvantage I see in moving to Android fully is that since I have a MacBook Pro as my daily personal machine, I would be losing a bit of the seamless integration if I get rid of the 11 Pro.

Any thoughts and suggestions?

mvadg · 18th June 2021, 16:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

My phone is rooted and adblocked. But I have never got around to rooting my tablet.

I use this DNS Changer app, though I should be using the developer's newer app Nebulo:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...erd.dnschanger

Free and open source.
Better than fiddling with the hosts file.
https://git.frostnerd.com/PublicAndroidApps/DnsChanger

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...rd.smokescreen

sandeepmohan · 21st June 2021, 06:09

What's the word on a Moto G 5G? Can it take Android 11?

Considering the above, the Moto G40 Fusion and maybe Redmi Note 10 Pro. A little reluctance with the Xiaomi as the body of the phone (Mi A2) separated in the middle (not due to a fall or anything). Phone functions fine. Otherwise, it ticks all the boxes and is superb.

Would like a stock Android experience and from a reputed manufacturer.

N4Nikunj · 21st June 2021, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

What's the word on a Moto G 5G? Can it take Android 11?

Dear Sandeepmohan,

I got Moto G 5G for my dad 4 months ago. UI is smooth but the camera in indoor lighting condition is strictly average. My 3+ years old OnePlus 5T takes better shots in indoor lighting than Moto G 5G.

Also, The weight of the device is too much as per my liking. Your view can be different for the same.

As far as Android 11 is concerned it will definitely get it. You can have a look at Moto G60 for almost the same price range and stock android experience.

aadya · 21st June 2021, 11:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by fhdowntheline

Guys, I am looking for a bigger phone than my current iPhone 11 Pro. This one is working absolutely fine, not a single issue since 2 years.
Any thoughts and suggestions?

Hold on to Iphone for now and get a S21 Ultra.

Emvi · 25th June 2021, 19:45

Reliance is all set to shake up the smartphone market in the coming days. Ultra affordable smartphone is what Reliance is gearing up to launch!

Link

Oxy · 25th June 2021, 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emvi

Reliance is all set to shake up the smartphone market in the coming days. Ultra affordable smartphone is what Reliance is gearing up to launch!

Link

1gb RAM, 8gb internal storage. Will be on a light version of Android called the Android Go. Only meant for first time smartphone users.

INJAXN · 25th June 2021, 23:39

I am looking for a new phone for my mother. Budget is ₹10,000/-. She is a light user, mainly uses Facebook and watsapp.

How is samsung M11? Or a MI phone will be better in this budget.

fhdowntheline · 26th June 2021, 06:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by aadya

Hold on to Iphone for now and get a S21 Ultra.

Thanks ! I went for it. The S21 Ultra is really a nice phone with great camera options and long battery life (atleast based on my usage patterns).

Emvi · 26th June 2021, 07:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oxy

1gb RAM, 8gb internal storage. Will be on a light version of Android called the Android Go. Only meant for first time smartphone users.

I am just guessing, you are probably talking about the Jio-Itel smartphone which has already hit the market.

Link

I believe the specifications of the upcoming smartphone is still undisclosed. It might sport a different set of specifications altogether, I am not sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by INJAXN

I am looking for a new phone for my mother. Budget is ₹10,000/-. She is a light user, mainly uses Facebook and watsapp.
How is samsung M11? Or a MI phone will be better in this budget.

Samsung M11 is a good phone in its price range. You may also consider Samsung M02s and F02s. Both the phones are within your budget and should meet your requirements comfortably.

Kosfactor · 26th June 2021, 07:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by INJAXN

I am looking for a new phone for my mother. Budget is ₹10,000/-. She is a light user, mainly uses Facebook and watsapp.

How is samsung M11? Or a MI phone will be better in this budget.

At the affordable range, best to stick with Redmi , it has not failed us yet since Redmi note 2. Affordable and lasts long.

ashvek3141 · 26th June 2021, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kosfactor

At the affordable range, best to stick with Redmi , it has not failed us yet since Redmi note 2. Affordable and lasts long.

+1

Nothing beats Mi in the sub 10k phones, and maybe even under 15k.

My mum has been using the Redmi 2, Redmi Note 3 & now Redmi K20 (for over a year). She’s super happy with the phones, especially the K20!

If not Mi, maybe you should check out the realme. Nearly identical specs with a different OS.

18th June 2021, 16:10	#11644
fhdowntheline Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Pune Posts: 2,487 Thanked: 7,462 Times	Re: The Mobile Phone Thread - Queries, decisions, discussions all here Guys, I am looking for a bigger phone than my current iPhone 11 Pro. This one is working absolutely fine, not a single issue since 2 years. But I feel more comfortable using bigger screens for extended viewing (may be because of my mid 40s eyes) and often find myself squinting a bit while going through some apps on the iPhone 11 Pro. Keeping aside the obvious choice of going to the 12 Pro Max or the upcoming 13 (12S?), I was thinking of getting back into the Android universe. With my penchant for changing phones every 3-4 years (I am a gadget-oriented person), I think the IPhone Max may be a bit expensive to replace in those intervals. My primary needs are: 1) 6.6+ in screen size 2) Relatively clean UI 3) Assured OS update and security patches for at least 3 years as I need all those while I am using the phone. 4) Good camera set up. The candidates are: i) Samsung S21 Ultra, ii) S21 Plus iii) One Plus 9 Pro, in that order. I have read reports about the S21 Ultra as the only one that goes toe-to-toe with IPhone camera quality in most areas. It is pricey, but still cheaper than the Pro Max versions by about 25K. S21 Plus seems to be a decent "middle" choice albeit with a FHD+ screen, while One Plus 9 Pro is a bit of a mixed bag at this point in terms of camera performance as per reports. In fact, I intend to keep two separate devices for my personal and office work, since I don't quite like the idea of office software on my personal device. So there may be another cheaper android too (if I sell off the iPhone 11 Pro). Alternative is to keep the 11 Pro for 3 more years and use it for one of the purposes. The only disadvantage I see in moving to Android fully is that since I have a MacBook Pro as my daily personal machine, I would be losing a bit of the seamless integration if I get rid of the 11 Pro. Any thoughts and suggestions? Last edited by fhdowntheline : 18th June 2021 at 16:14.
	(1) Thanks

21st June 2021, 06:09	#11646
sandeepmohan Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Wellington Posts: 3,133 Thanked: 5,444 Times	Re: The Mobile Phone Thread - Queries, decisions, discussions all here What's the word on a Moto G 5G? Can it take Android 11? Considering the above, the Moto G40 Fusion and maybe Redmi Note 10 Pro. A little reluctance with the Xiaomi as the body of the phone (Mi A2) separated in the middle (not due to a fall or anything). Phone functions fine. Otherwise, it ticks all the boxes and is superb. Would like a stock Android experience and from a reputed manufacturer. Last edited by sandeepmohan : 21st June 2021 at 06:37.
	(1) Thanks

25th June 2021, 19:45	#11649
Emvi BHPian Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: KA-21 Posts: 587 Thanked: 3,272 Times	Re: The Mobile Phone Thread - Queries, decisions, discussions all here Reliance is all set to shake up the smartphone market in the coming days. Ultra affordable smartphone is what Reliance is gearing up to launch! Link
	() Thanks

25th June 2021, 23:39	#11651
INJAXN BHPian Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pune Posts: 141 Thanked: 364 Times	Re: The Mobile Phone Thread - Queries, decisions, discussions all here I am looking for a new phone for my mother. Budget is ₹10,000/-. She is a light user, mainly uses Facebook and watsapp. How is samsung M11? Or a MI phone will be better in this budget.
	() Thanks