Quite a quirky device, still unique in having both a regular 5 inch full HD screen and a 4.7 inch e-ink screen. Originally over £500, this is the cheapest I've ever seen it. Use code YOTAPGB for this price ($119.99).
I will fourth. Ordered an android box a month ago. They didn't bother sending it until last week and provided wrong tracking info. Claimed it was being sent from Switzerland, now says China. Now they have given correct tracking and says its delayed with yodel. Wouldn't bother with them again
sam_of_london
14 Nov 164#4
I will third that. Got a phone recently full of viruses . Very hard to return.
ruddygood
14 Nov 164#3
l will second that through my own experience..(gear worst)
Latest comments (56)
MrPuddington
18 Dec 16#56
I would not call it busted, because it works very well in some situations. But the standard setting seems to cause a lot of ghosting over time, that just does not get removed. I think if you install YotaMirrorCfg and fiddle with it, you should be able to fix it, but I have not invested the time to test it. There is a great forum for it on xda.
beastman
18 Dec 16#55
Sorry, to confirm, MrP, your eink is busted as well?
adyDeals
8 Dec 16#53
Yotamirror works fine with latest RU firmware - install RU 124 with Yotaphone Flasher, then OTA update
MrPuddington to adyDeals
8 Dec 16#54
That's what I did, and Yotamirror would not start. I am not the only one with that problem. For now, Android 4.4 is fine, and it even passes safetynet.
MrPuddington
24 Nov 16#51
First of all this was not a cheap phone, it started to retail 2 years ago around 500 pounds. So in terms of price, it is a top range phone, although the reviews will clearly tell you it is actually only a mid range phone with a gimmick.
That being said, it does feel quite nice and quick. At this price, it is perfectly reasonably if you only use one screen. But there are big issues with the software. This is the Chinese model, and there is no update for it, so you have to flash the Russian software, which is far from straight forward. Then it updates for hours, installing one patch at a time.
In the process, safetynet begins to work, so you should be able to use it for NFC payment and Pokemon Go. But the updates also break Yotamirror, so you can no longer use normal apps on the second screen. I have also seen reports that the russian software breaks 4G, but my experience is not conclusive.
beastman to MrPuddington
8 Dec 16#52
Useful info. Does anyone know if there is a UK friendly version that updates without breaking the Yotamirror software? It would be a pretty pointless eink phone if that didn't work.
Still waiting in my one from CEX, it's on the way, hopefully tomorrow.
Really looking forward to playing with it which I haven't with a phone / gadget for some time, I think YouTube on e-ink is pretty cool really, everything looks like Take On Me by Aha :wink:
Edit, got it today, really impressive seems faster than my S5 and has a decent FM radio which I didn't know.
I have been watching YouTube and iPlayer bids on the e ink absolutely fine, its only when you watch sports (football) and really fast moving images that it goes a bit too hectic, browsing and everything else with it has been really good.
I could happily use the e-ink all the time, if only it had a backlight, much easier on the eyes over time.
Great gadget thanks for the heads up OP.
_g_
16 Nov 16#48
Cheers - am aware of e-ink skins. Have got an e-ink kindle somewhere and seen various others, but known it's come along a bit since then. Was looking at external screen options too - not that I'm actually that bothered by live laptimes myself.
craigfoley
16 Nov 16#46
Looks awful
submerged to craigfoley
16 Nov 162#47
Need to turn mirror mode off lol
_g_
16 Nov 16#44
How bad is the lag? Can you force any app to use the e-ink screen?
I want a daylight readable screen for laptiming on a motorcycle at trackdays etc.
(Connected to external GPS and OBD 2 sensor by bluetooth).
submerged to _g_
16 Nov 161#45
You can switch full android to the rear screen using a shortcut on the home button. The lag is due to the refresh rate of the eink screen but it is so easy to see in bright daylight.
submerged
16 Nov 16#43
Had a YD201 version of this a few weeks ago. It updates to Lollipop soon as turned on or at least the international version does. You can turn the chinese model into the international version I read. It had sept 2016 security patch too.
Its not a cheap chinese phone though it is cheap. Amoled full hd screen is very nice and it's a solid build quality too. It also has QI wireless charging which works perfect and NFC so android pay works too.
Not many phones at this price come close to be honest. I sold mine purely because I prefer 5.5 inch phones but really wanted to try it since it's price drop.
davewave
16 Nov 16#42
nice idea, perhaps not from this seller though, judging by the comments.
mattmerch
16 Nov 16#41
highly unlikely to get an update one of the drawbacks of the cheap phones :disappointed:
credington
16 Nov 16#40
Android 4.4. You kidding me right?
adriansk
16 Nov 16#39
Heat.
Looks interesting, still wouldn't buy it.
Khairul
16 Nov 16#38
About a year ago I actually thought to myself it would be nice to have something like this and I discovered the Yotaphone when it was at full price. Talk about depreciation!
irishsea
16 Nov 16#37
Ive been looking for 2 weeks for a phone to replace my Lenovo note, £100 is my limit as I break phones a lot and mostly use it for a few apps and to read ebooks (3 a week) how the reading on this? I was considering the sales at carphone warehouse. But the ebook gimc has me interested. I go through about 2 phones a year lol. Water damage from it starting to ran when on the motorcycle gets a few. Dropping the others.
cpatuzzo
15 Nov 16#30
Does this have 2 Yottabytes of storage?
DonkeyKonk to cpatuzzo
16 Nov 16#36
No. :wink:
spudmachine
15 Nov 16#35
Yup, code does not work for me either - it comes up as GBP 109.
This looks pretty interesting, and I'd go for it if the code still worked.
Proveright
15 Nov 16#34
I love the gimmick of two screens . On the downside the battery is too small by today's standards and there is no dual sim or extra card slot to increase storage . Android may or may no update and the bands coverage could be an issue. I am amazed that smart phone manufacturers cannot get the basics right . If I was designing a phone I would start with a big screen followed by the biggest battery available and the availability to increase storage by cards to what ever you want , then dual sim .
NFC is a security hazard / minus for me .
I have never had a problem with Gearbest . When you buy from a Chinese Company expect delivery in a couple of Months , anything sooner is a bonus . If you want fast delivery then pay more and buy from
Amazon .
Sub £100 still looks good for a gimmicky phone . If anyone can get a code to work again please post .
HUKD keeps getting me to spend money on items I did not know I needed !
sffs
15 Nov 16#33
Code isn't working any more for me - puts the price up!
Apy2k
15 Nov 16#32
Will android smartphones from gearbest work on uk android marketplace to download apps?
jaydeeuk1
15 Nov 16#21
Does look cool, but insta-cold for me. Shame its not £100 as at least you could have credit card protection
escortboy to jaydeeuk1
15 Nov 16#31
Just add £4 of accessories?
kye1987
14 Nov 164#5
I will fourth. Ordered an android box a month ago. They didn't bother sending it until last week and provided wrong tracking info. Claimed it was being sent from Switzerland, now says China. Now they have given correct tracking and says its delayed with yodel. Wouldn't bother with them again
shadey12 to kye1987
15 Nov 161#29
if you mean it was sent by Swiss post, that's normal.
it doesn't mean it's in, or come from Switzerland, try looking on Yodel tracking,
if it's on Yodel tracking it's in the UK,
it's does say parcels can take up to a month or so.
if that is all your having a go at, buy from amazon and get it next day,
a2tmfk
14 Nov 165#2
gear worst. avoid
Megacamz to a2tmfk
15 Nov 161#28
Personally never had a problem with them.
tissot22
15 Nov 16#26
russian Iphone killer:)))) has been launched in 2014 and russian mobile operators managed to sell only 600 handsets in the 1st year. $50 000 000 has been spent on its development and promotion.
Crossbow to tissot22
15 Nov 16#27
Wasn't that at the £500 price though?
DevilWithin
15 Nov 161#25
Must resist... so hard to resist gimmick phones...
shadey12
15 Nov 16#24
he's had a recently bought phone from GB for at least 6 months,
for more laughs have a look at his own post for a master plug adaptor and someone elses post for a 32" blaupunkt, TV yesterday from amazon.
(I know blaupunkt is spelt wrong)
Mightyjinjo
15 Nov 16#17
bought a Mi5 off them has there own firmware installed. can't update it at all. freezes constantly
I will third that. Got a phone recently full of viruses . Very hard to return.
shadey12 to sam_of_london
15 Nov 163#15
no you didn't,
you went to the pound shop took a photo of random item to post as a deal,
then came on hukd to moan about something and troll.
Gollywood to sam_of_london
15 Nov 161#22
So Mr Perfect got it wrong? :smile:
chrisredmayne
15 Nov 16#20
If the ink is like a kindle expect it to break pretty quickly!
georgescookie
15 Nov 16#19
sorry yes, i mean band 20/800mhz
CampGareth
15 Nov 16#18
Be warned these are the chinese model not the international one so iirc do not support all the bands in use in the UK. For instance with 3 and this phone I'd have 1800MHz (band 3?) covered but not 800MHz (band 20?)
Maverick77
15 Nov 161#16
Also recently bought one of these from Gearbest. Great phone which works fast running on android KitKat (anyone know if it's updatable?). As poster above gearbest had it with me within 5 days. No problems with this phone at, great for the morning commute reading ebooks!
Astec123
15 Nov 162#14
While this seems a great deal for the price, I'd personally not consider buying from Gearbest anything more than smaller items and orders around £30-40. Just not worth the risk of it not arriving, having warranty issues, customs problems and so on.
I still can't believe no one has taken this concept and pushed for it on other devices like convertible laptops or tablets as I think a lot of consumers would snap it up, even if it's a little bigger than the average device but it means they only have to carry one device with them to have 2 functions.
georgescookie
14 Nov 16#6
ive had mine for a few months and its been solid. the second screen is useful but i personally only use it for notifications, not much use for anything else as options are limied and its laggy. mine has band 80 (for O2), this version does not, fyi
omgpleasespamme to georgescookie
15 Nov 16#13
Band 80? Are you sure you've got that right? Maybe you mean 800MHz?
I voted hot before I realised this doesn't have 800 MHz, shame I can't take it back now.
DonkeyKonk
15 Nov 161#12
I have been googling about and can't find the yd201 version anywhere reputable for under £200 or so, but have just ordered what is hopefully a grade A one from CEX online, they have another one left if anyone is interested.
They also have a grade B, and also the yd206 version grade A for the lower price of £125 (so I am pretty sure the yd201 is the one to go for).
I had a good experience with buying from CEX online before, no hassle in getting full refund back to card in store within 14 days, ideal for such a purchase really.
Looks like a great phone for me, playing music podcasts and reading news apps is my main thing.
One issue seems to be cases ? I guess a bumper is the best, ?
sunama
15 Nov 161#11
Seeing that video is hypnotic, especially the e-ink screen - that looks great and uses less power. The problem is that the e-ink screen has lag.
DonkeyKonk
14 Nov 161#10
This looks really good, just been looking at some reviews, Michael Fisher of Pocket now liked it alot, and this recent review is very good... https://youtu.be/sHY6Vqm44wk
He has a link to be able to buy the version we need in the UK YD201, for £130, but is out of stock / sold out now, shame.
plummz
14 Nov 161#9
I've had this phone for a month now and really rate it. Its a nexus 5x for half the price and an e ink display that is genuinely fun & useful. Gear Best got it to me in 5 days so good on them
plummz
14 Nov 16#8
I got this last month, paid £106. I love it - a nexus 5x for half the price & the e-ink is fun. Gear Best got it to me in 5 days so good on them.
Rich_T
14 Nov 16#7
great phone, love mine.
ruddygood
14 Nov 164#3
l will second that through my own experience..(gear worst)
shredderbenjamin
14 Nov 16#1
really want this but can't justify it! amazing idea but I wish they'd just make an e-ink case for my oneplus 3!
Opening post
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Top comments
Latest comments (56)
That being said, it does feel quite nice and quick. At this price, it is perfectly reasonably if you only use one screen. But there are big issues with the software. This is the Chinese model, and there is no update for it, so you have to flash the Russian software, which is far from straight forward. Then it updates for hours, installing one patch at a time.
In the process, safetynet begins to work, so you should be able to use it for NFC payment and Pokemon Go. But the updates also break Yotamirror, so you can no longer use normal apps on the second screen. I have also seen reports that the russian software breaks 4G, but my experience is not conclusive.
Really looking forward to playing with it which I haven't with a phone / gadget for some time, I think YouTube on e-ink is pretty cool really, everything looks like Take On Me by Aha :wink:
Edit, got it today, really impressive seems faster than my S5 and has a decent FM radio which I didn't know.
I have been watching YouTube and iPlayer bids on the e ink absolutely fine, its only when you watch sports (football) and really fast moving images that it goes a bit too hectic, browsing and everything else with it has been really good.
I could happily use the e-ink all the time, if only it had a backlight, much easier on the eyes over time.
Great gadget thanks for the heads up OP.
I want a daylight readable screen for laptiming on a motorcycle at trackdays etc.
(Connected to external GPS and OBD 2 sensor by bluetooth).
Its not a cheap chinese phone though it is cheap. Amoled full hd screen is very nice and it's a solid build quality too. It also has QI wireless charging which works perfect and NFC so android pay works too.
Not many phones at this price come close to be honest. I sold mine purely because I prefer 5.5 inch phones but really wanted to try it since it's price drop.
Looks interesting, still wouldn't buy it.
:wink:
This looks pretty interesting, and I'd go for it if the code still worked.
NFC is a security hazard / minus for me .
I have never had a problem with Gearbest . When you buy from a Chinese Company expect delivery in a couple of Months , anything sooner is a bonus . If you want fast delivery then pay more and buy from
Amazon .
Sub £100 still looks good for a gimmicky phone . If anyone can get a code to work again please post .
HUKD keeps getting me to spend money on items I did not know I needed !
it doesn't mean it's in, or come from Switzerland, try looking on Yodel tracking,
if it's on Yodel tracking it's in the UK,
it's does say parcels can take up to a month or so.
if that is all your having a go at, buy from amazon and get it next day,
for more laughs have a look at his own post for a master plug adaptor and someone elses post for a 32" blaupunkt, TV yesterday from amazon.
(I know blaupunkt is spelt wrong)
just buy an iphone next time ****
you went to the pound shop took a photo of random item to post as a deal,
then came on hukd to moan about something and troll.
I still can't believe no one has taken this concept and pushed for it on other devices like convertible laptops or tablets as I think a lot of consumers would snap it up, even if it's a little bigger than the average device but it means they only have to carry one device with them to have 2 functions.
I voted hot before I realised this doesn't have 800 MHz, shame I can't take it back now.
They also have a grade B, and also the yd206 version grade A for the lower price of £125 (so I am pretty sure the yd201 is the one to go for).
I had a good experience with buying from CEX online before, no hassle in getting full refund back to card in store within 14 days, ideal for such a purchase really.
Looks like a great phone for me, playing music podcasts and reading news apps is my main thing.
One issue seems to be cases ? I guess a bumper is the best, ?
https://youtu.be/sHY6Vqm44wk
He has a link to be able to buy the version we need in the UK YD201, for £130, but is out of stock / sold out now, shame.