$279 paperweight? Few questions on the latest status

usboy

Hello,

Background:
After joining Banggood I started getting ads for so called "China-phones". As years went by, the specs on the phones went up and up and started to overcome regular smartphones from larger manufacturers. I had heard of really strange issues with "China-phones", but after watching and reading numerous reviews on different "China-phones", I decided to give it a go.

Based on previews, I preordered Oukitel K6. The phone arrived after a long while and it was a positive surprise.

I decided to up the ante and after looking at available new large capacity models available, I ordered Umidigi S2 Pro. As the device was brand new, there were no real reviews and I based my decision on the positive feedback on the available models.

My device has not yet arrived, but I am getting strong second thoughts from watching and reading real reviews of the phone.

Sorry for little repetition, I know that answers to some of the questions are in other threads, but I just want to make sure once and for all:

• With the latest official update, can I revert back to stock android launcher experience or can I replace the horrible UMIOS launcher with other launcher from the store? (Based on what I read, this is not possible in the latest official ROM)
• Are there plans to release OS where users can customize their phone like any other regular android device, changing the default launcher, etc.? (I could not find definitive answer)
• Are there plans to release stock android experience for S2 Pro similarly to S2 and other earlier devices? (Based on what I read, stock android is definitely not coming)
• Is it possible to root the device and install a decent distro on the phone and replace the faulty UMIOS ? (Based on what I read, this is not possible and might not change during the lifetime of the device)
  

I am thinking of returning the device immediately after it arrives, based on the horrible horrible reviews. Having a "iphone like" restrictive experience is definitely not what I was expecting when I preordered the device.

However, as I can see progress being made, like removing most of the crapware in the most recent official update, I wanted to make sure if I should give the device a benefit of a doubt.

Couple more questions:

• If I install the "Basic ROM", will my device show as "rooted"? (Based on other threads yes, but just wanted to make sure)
• Several threads mention the device closing background applications when it is not supposed to do that, is this fixed with the latest official update? (Issues with Facebook, Gmail, etc.)
  

Any answers very much appreciated and again, sorry for asking things in another thread, I just wanted to be 100% sure and get the latest info.

Best regards,
USBoy

tallnutt

I have not tried the unofficial basic ROM yet, but I am going to. The latest OTA update solved some problems for me, but the worst are still there: apps closing in background due to poor RAM management; notifications issues for some apps; sometimes the phone goes hot, slow and freezes. I think all of these are OS related but unlikely to get completely fixed even with the basic ROM. The only things that work well are the screen which is sharp and big, and the battery, which lasts for two days with normal use. If I were you though, I would send the phone back when you get it an buy a Xiaomi of equivalent price.

T.

pavanmankala

THE SINGLE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS 'CLEANING' OF BACKGROUND APPS. THIS MAKES THE PHONE SLUGGISH.

usboy

Thank  you for your replies.

I did initiate return and refund today, even though the device has not even arrived yet. I will return unopened box.

My learnings from this "adventure"? Avoid preordering devices, wait for real reviews which will mention serious flaws in the device like with S2 Pro.

Such a shame though, device with great hardware specs hampered by flawed OS.

Thank you

Seishin

usboy replied at 2018-2-8 07:12
Thank  you for your replies.

I did initiate return and refund today, even though the device has not ...

good choice...