Cheap(ish) Android phone with large screen and good battery life

tdenson · 12-01-2015, 13:24

I have just invested in Sonos multi-room speakers at home and want to use an Android phone as a dedicated remote control. It would be nice to have something that could go say for a week before recharging and also ideally a 5(ish) inch display. I guess I could use a tablet but I think the form factor/size of a phone is more suitable for a remote. I don't care about performance, camera etc. just need a decent screen and battery. Any suggestions ? As it happens I have a dual SIM Wiko which is 4.7" and seems to have very good battery life and only cost £120, but just wondering whether there's something that fits the bill even better (budget up to £200, say).

Mark in Essex · 12-01-2015, 13:51

I'm guessing something like the Motorola Moto G (2nd generation) would be best, but suspect you would have to turn off mobile phone side of it and syncing etc to get it to last a week (only have WiFi on when it's not in standby and Bluetooth off).

tealady · 12-01-2015, 14:12

A week and a 5" display sound a bit incompatible. Maybe something like this would bridge the gap ?
http://www.firebox.com/product/4942/...FUbMtAodi14APA

WelshBluebird · 12-01-2015, 14:22

I seriously doubt you'll get any smartphone lasting a week unless you simply don't use it at all!

corf · 12-01-2015, 14:27

No sim card seriously helps battery life on smartphones.

tdenson · 12-01-2015, 14:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by corf

No sim card seriously helps battery life on smartphones.

Surely putting it in airplane mode and then reenabling wifi would have the same effect ?

tdenson · 12-01-2015, 14:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by tealady

A week and a 5" display sound a bit incompatible. Maybe something like this would bridge the gap ?
http://www.firebox.com/product/4942/...FUbMtAodi14APA

Well my Wiko lasts 4 or 5 days when lightly used which is what this would be.
As far as an external power pack is concerned, I am no stranger to them since I already have half a dozen. However, I might as well plug it in to a charger seeing as by definition it's at home.

tdenson · 12-01-2015, 14:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by WelshBluebird

I seriously doubt you'll get any smartphone lasting a week unless you simply don't use it at all!

Well that's the point - I wouldn't be using it much at all, just to control the audio. To be fair, I didn't really spec very well what I want. I suppose really it comes down to standby time.

corf · 12-01-2015, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdenson

Surely putting it in airplane mode and then reenabling wifi would have the same effect ?

yes it would, I can get an old iphone 4 in aeroplane mode to last a week when used as an alarm clock.

Chrysalis · 12-01-2015, 15:57

actually a week+ is very doable on android phones but you will need to root the phone for sure.

I recently got a oneplusone which has a 5.5inch screen. The battery life was originally hideous because google play services kept the phone awake when the screen was off, now a custom kernel, rooted and greenify all done it drains about 4-5% a day although it is currently in airplane mode as I havent put a sim in it, I expect it should still drain less than 10% a day tho with a sim in it.

My ACE regurly lasts 2 weeks between charges, my S3 wil llast 10 days.

My S5+ is harder due to lack of custom kernels, the default samsung kernel has issues with wakelocks on wifi and modem. But currently its running not too bad, 2 days 14h since charge and 88% battery. It is not in airplane mode.

Oneplusone phones are cheap for their spec.

rjb101 · 12-01-2015, 16:37

how about a tablet instead if your not going to use it as a phone?

tdenson · 12-01-2015, 17:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjb101

how about a tablet instead if your not going to use it as a phone?

Pay attention at the back

I did say "I guess I could use a tablet but I think the form factor/size of a phone is more suitable for a remote."

tdenson · 12-01-2015, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

actually a week+ is very doable on android phones but you will need to root the phone for sure.

Oneplusone phones are cheap for their spec.

You've set me a challenge there, bet I can do it without rooting

I will look at the Oneplusone thanks

Chrysalis · 12-01-2015, 18:19

Also if you root a oneplusone it doesnt void warranty.

tdenson · 12-01-2015, 18:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

Also if you root a oneplusone it doesnt void warranty.

I'm confused. If I go to the Oneplusone website it tells me the only way I can buy it is by getting an invite or winning a contest. However, I can go to Amazon and buy it - what gives ?

rosetech · 12-01-2015, 19:32

Why not use an iPod Touch? You could also try the Galaxy media player - not sure about the battery requirement.

I use my nexus 7 for my Sonos remote control, but have the app loaded on my phone just in case it is not to hand.

Chrysalis · 12-01-2015, 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdenson

I'm confused. If I go to the Oneplusone website it tells me the only way I can buy it is by getting an invite or winning a contest. However, I can go to Amazon and buy it - what gives ?

I dont know how amazon are ok just selling it, I managed to get an invite. Amazon costs more but its a way to get it quicker.

Just reread first post, I dont think the oneplusone has a infrared sensor.

tdenson · 12-01-2015, 20:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

I dont know how amazon are ok just selling it, I managed to get an invite. Amazon costs more but its a way to get it quicker.

Just reread first post, I dont think the oneplusone has a infrared sensor.

What is the price via an invite ?

ir not required

Gigabit · 12-01-2015, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

I dont know how amazon are ok just selling it, I managed to get an invite. Amazon costs more but its a way to get it quicker.

Just reread first post, I dont think the oneplusone has a infrared sensor.

They're Chinese models, which are imported because they can be purchased without an invite.

The whole invite system is just a bogus attempt to drive up demand, I hope you realise that.

tdenson · 13-01-2015, 00:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabit

The whole invite system is just a bogus attempt to drive up demand, I hope you realise that.

Yes, that's what puts me off them

Chrysalis · 13-01-2015, 01:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigabit

They're Chinese models, which are imported because they can be purchased without an invite.

The whole invite system is just a bogus attempt to drive up demand, I hope you realise that.

Of course. I am not stupid, but since its cheaper to buy via invite thats what I did.

Good news for the S5 LTE-A a custom kernel is finally been developed.

tdenson · 13-01-2015, 10:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

Of course. I am not stupid, but since its cheaper to buy via invite thats what I did.

Good news for the S5 LTE-A a custom kernel is finally been developed.

I'll repeat my question - what is the price via an invite ?

VDUBster · 13-01-2015, 10:59

The Sony Xperia M2 is a good phone with a large screen. I paid £120 from Carphone Warehouse a couple of months ago so you may be able to get it cheaper now.

12-01-2015, 13:24	#1
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,214	Cheap(ish) Android phone with large screen and good battery life I have just invested in Sonos multi-room speakers at home and want to use an Android phone as a dedicated remote control. It would be nice to have something that could go say for a week before recharging and also ideally a 5(ish) inch display. I guess I could use a tablet but I think the form factor/size of a phone is more suitable for a remote. I don't care about performance, camera etc. just need a decent screen and battery. Any suggestions ? As it happens I have a dual SIM Wiko which is 4.7" and seems to have very good battery life and only cost £120, but just wondering whether there's something that fits the bill even better (budget up to £200, say).

12-01-2015, 13:51	#2
Mark in Essex Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,644	I'm guessing something like the Motorola Moto G (2nd generation) would be best, but suspect you would have to turn off mobile phone side of it and syncing etc to get it to last a week (only have WiFi on when it's not in standby and Bluetooth off).

12-01-2015, 14:12	#3
tealady Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: colchester Posts: 15,352	A week and a 5" display sound a bit incompatible. Maybe something like this would bridge the gap ? http://www.firebox.com/product/4942/...FUbMtAodi14APA

12-01-2015, 14:22	#4
WelshBluebird Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 720	I seriously doubt you'll get any smartphone lasting a week unless you simply don't use it at all!

12-01-2015, 14:27	#5
corf Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,458	No sim card seriously helps battery life on smartphones.

12-01-2015, 14:29	#6
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,214	Quote: Originally Posted by corf No sim card seriously helps battery life on smartphones. Surely putting it in airplane mode and then reenabling wifi would have the same effect ?

12-01-2015, 14:30	#7
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,214	Quote: Originally Posted by tealady A week and a 5" display sound a bit incompatible. Maybe something like this would bridge the gap ? http://www.firebox.com/product/4942/...FUbMtAodi14APA Well my Wiko lasts 4 or 5 days when lightly used which is what this would be. As far as an external power pack is concerned, I am no stranger to them since I already have half a dozen. However, I might as well plug it in to a charger seeing as by definition it's at home.

12-01-2015, 14:32	#8
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,214	Quote: Originally Posted by WelshBluebird I seriously doubt you'll get any smartphone lasting a week unless you simply don't use it at all! Well that's the point - I wouldn't be using it much at all, just to control the audio. To be fair, I didn't really spec very well what I want. I suppose really it comes down to standby time.

12-01-2015, 14:45	#9
corf Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,458	Quote: Originally Posted by tdenson Surely putting it in airplane mode and then reenabling wifi would have the same effect ? yes it would, I can get an old iphone 4 in aeroplane mode to last a week when used as an alarm clock.

12-01-2015, 15:57	#10
Chrysalis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Leics Posts: 581	actually a week+ is very doable on android phones but you will need to root the phone for sure. I recently got a oneplusone which has a 5.5inch screen. The battery life was originally hideous because google play services kept the phone awake when the screen was off, now a custom kernel, rooted and greenify all done it drains about 4-5% a day although it is currently in airplane mode as I havent put a sim in it, I expect it should still drain less than 10% a day tho with a sim in it. My ACE regurly lasts 2 weeks between charges, my S3 wil llast 10 days. My S5+ is harder due to lack of custom kernels, the default samsung kernel has issues with wakelocks on wifi and modem. But currently its running not too bad, 2 days 14h since charge and 88% battery. It is not in airplane mode. Oneplusone phones are cheap for their spec.

12-01-2015, 16:37	#11
rjb101 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,609	how about a tablet instead if your not going to use it as a phone?

12-01-2015, 17:23	#12
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,214	Quote: Originally Posted by rjb101 how about a tablet instead if your not going to use it as a phone? Pay attention at the back I did say "I guess I could use a tablet but I think the form factor/size of a phone is more suitable for a remote."

12-01-2015, 17:26	#13
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,214	Quote: Originally Posted by Chrysalis actually a week+ is very doable on android phones but you will need to root the phone for sure. Oneplusone phones are cheap for their spec. You've set me a challenge there, bet I can do it without rooting I will look at the Oneplusone thanks

12-01-2015, 18:19	#14
Chrysalis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Leics Posts: 581	Also if you root a oneplusone it doesnt void warranty.

12-01-2015, 18:33	#15
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,214	Quote: Originally Posted by Chrysalis Also if you root a oneplusone it doesnt void warranty. I'm confused. If I go to the Oneplusone website it tells me the only way I can buy it is by getting an invite or winning a contest. However, I can go to Amazon and buy it - what gives ?

12-01-2015, 19:32	#16
rosetech Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,058	Why not use an iPod Touch? You could also try the Galaxy media player - not sure about the battery requirement. I use my nexus 7 for my Sonos remote control, but have the app loaded on my phone just in case it is not to hand.

12-01-2015, 19:43	#17
Chrysalis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Leics Posts: 581	Quote: Originally Posted by tdenson I'm confused. If I go to the Oneplusone website it tells me the only way I can buy it is by getting an invite or winning a contest. However, I can go to Amazon and buy it - what gives ? I dont know how amazon are ok just selling it, I managed to get an invite. Amazon costs more but its a way to get it quicker. Just reread first post, I dont think the oneplusone has a infrared sensor.

12-01-2015, 20:39	#18
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,214	Quote: Originally Posted by Chrysalis I dont know how amazon are ok just selling it, I managed to get an invite. Amazon costs more but its a way to get it quicker. Just reread first post, I dont think the oneplusone has a infrared sensor. What is the price via an invite ? ir not required

12-01-2015, 20:53	#19
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	Quote: Originally Posted by Chrysalis I dont know how amazon are ok just selling it, I managed to get an invite. Amazon costs more but its a way to get it quicker. Just reread first post, I dont think the oneplusone has a infrared sensor. They're Chinese models, which are imported because they can be purchased without an invite. The whole invite system is just a bogus attempt to drive up demand, I hope you realise that.

13-01-2015, 00:18	#20
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,214	Quote: Originally Posted by Gigabit The whole invite system is just a bogus attempt to drive up demand, I hope you realise that. Yes, that's what puts me off them

13-01-2015, 01:00	#21
Chrysalis Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Leics Posts: 581	Quote: Originally Posted by Gigabit They're Chinese models, which are imported because they can be purchased without an invite. The whole invite system is just a bogus attempt to drive up demand, I hope you realise that. Of course. I am not stupid, but since its cheaper to buy via invite thats what I did. Good news for the S5 LTE-A a custom kernel is finally been developed.

DS Forums

Cheap(ish) Android phone with large screen and good battery life

13-01-2015, 10:54	#22
tdenson Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4,214	Quote: Originally Posted by Chrysalis Of course. I am not stupid, but since its cheaper to buy via invite thats what I did. Good news for the S5 LTE-A a custom kernel is finally been developed. I'll repeat my question - what is the price via an invite ?

13-01-2015, 10:59	#23
VDUBster Inactive Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,398	The Sony Xperia M2 is a good phone with a large screen. I paid £120 from Carphone Warehouse a couple of months ago so you may be able to get it cheaper now.