For questions about the hardware of Android devices
27
votes
11answers
988 views
Where can I find a comparison of Android devices?
I recently got fed up with my previous smartphone (name omitted) and I'm considering switching to an Android based phone. However, I have been stumped by the sheer number of handsets. I'm more than ...
23
votes
4answers
32k views
Why can the Nexus 7 display so much more content on-screen than the Galaxy Nexus?
The Galaxy Nexus is 1280x720, and the Nexus 7 tablet is 1280x800.
I realize that the tablet is physically larger, but it's screen resolution, not display size, that determines screen real-estate.
...
15
votes
4answers
13k views
How do RAM and processor speed affect overall performance on Android?
Since Android can be installed on wide range of devices, I'm wondering how important RAM and the CPU speed are to the performance of a device. There are always tradeoffs when something is increased ...
14
votes
5answers
33k views
What Android phones are ANT+ hardware enabled?
I'm trying to gather information regarding ANT+ hardware support in Android phones. Basically, what Android phones have ANT wireless hardware?
ANT and ANT+ ( http://thisisant.com/ ) as wireless ...
12
votes
1answer
3k views
How does Android calculate battery consumption by apps?
How does Android measure energy used by individual hardware component?
How does Android measure energy used by each individual process?
11
votes
2answers
605 views
How can I find out the make and model of the chips in my device?
I'm trying to find out what kind of GPS receiver is in my phone. Every spec sheet is vague on this. I can easily find out what kind Soc or CPU it has, but parts like GPS and FM receivers, Bluetooth ...
11
votes
1answer
7k views
How to tell if your phone is refurbished
Is there a way to tell if an Android phone is an original or a refurbished product?
9
votes
3answers
4k views
How do I find out what wifi chipset my phone has?
I've got LG Optimus One phone (model LG-P500h). How do I find out what wifi chipset my phone has? Is there a general mechanism that will work for all phones?
8
votes
2answers
588 views
Can we connect a normal earphone / headphone to a Android device?
Can we connect a normal earphone / headphone (those that we connect to the Desktop PC) to the Android phone or devices?
This is because I notice that the one on the left (the original one that come ...
8
votes
1answer
2k views
Does the Google Nexus 7 support external keyboards?
Can I use an external keyboard with a Google Nexus 7? Will the Nexus pair with an Apple Wireless keyboard? Are there other companies that make compatible keyboards?
8
votes
2answers
588 views
Easiest way to reduce power consumption to phone only
Sometimes I'm in a situation where I can't charge and want to have phone service as long as possible. I won't care if nothing else is enabled.
What's the easiest way eliminate as much other power ...
7
votes
5answers
49k views
How to get hardware specs of Android device?
How can I find information on the hardware of my Android device like processor architecture, RAM, etc?
7
votes
3answers
1k views
Any concerns using LED flashlight apps?
I've always wondered with flashlight apps, especially ones that use the LED light(s): Is there any risk of shortening the life of the LEDs? I noticed one app ("ASettings") gives a warning that doing ...
7
votes
1answer
1k views
Can I disable the hardware 'Search' button?
I'm teaching my 85 year old mother to use her first phone. Her first ever bit of computing. The first use is texting and I've removed all the apps from the main screens except for the messaging app, ...
7
votes
3answers
1k views
How water resistant is the HTC Desire?
I read on another question that the Motorola Defy is a good choice if you want a water resistant phone. I assumed I wouldn't get the phone wet so water resistance was not a factor I considered when I ...
7
votes
4answers
927 views
Is there an Android PMP equivalent of the iPod Touch? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Are there any devices that are like an iPod Touch, but run Android?
In other words, is there a piece of dedicated hardware designed (or shipped with) Android that is ...
7
votes
1answer
2k views
What is JTAG in regards to Android?
I see the term JTAG used for reviving dead Android devices that otherwise don't respond to anything and aren't seen when USB connected. It seems that it's something done from the physical hardware ...
6
votes
1answer
278 views
What is Phablet?
How to define a phablet?
I first read this word in article about "ZTE building some Galaxy Note-style phablets". This is something larger than a smartphone, but smaller than a tablet. But where is ...
6
votes
2answers
3k views
Where are the water damage indicators on a G2?
I got a G2 from eBay and it looks pretty nice. I'm just inspecting to make sure everything is good before I start using it. The battery has a white water damage indicator, which is good, but the ...
6
votes
1answer
135 views
Linux on Android and HW support
I see that there are some projects about installing Linux on an Android Device, but how is the Hardware support?
If I install linux, can I have access to the hardware via Python, like in Android?
6
votes
1answer
2k views
How can I make the button on my headphones control something other than the stock music player?
When I press this button, it plays/pauses the stock music player. I don't use the stock music player--I use a comination of Last.fm, Grooveshark, and Winamp. I would like to make the button play/pause ...
5
votes
4answers
1k views
What to check when buying a used device
I'm thinking about buying a used Android device and I want to know what should I check on the device before I buy it?
Is there an app or something that does some sort of testing on the phone?
Are ...
5
votes
1answer
322 views
What do the 2 pins on the back of the Nexus S do?
I'm really frustrated with a Nexus S turning off while in my pocket. I'm wondering if it has something to do with the pin positions, or these 2 strange back pins and contacts on the cover that don't ...
5
votes
1answer
2k views
Do Samsung tablets have the same USB connector as Apple's iPad?
It seems that the USB cable for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (and other Samsung tablets) looks like the one used for Apple's iPad or iPhone.
Is it the same?
5
votes
3answers
1k views
Is my phone liable to explode if I charge it with a charger that came with a different phone?
My friend and I both have droids and we often user each other's wall chargers out of convenience. I was told that it's possible that my phone might explode if it's charged with a charger that wasn't ...
5
votes
1answer
1k views
Google Nexus 4 weird sound problem
Are there any solutions to the Google Nexus 4 weird sound problem? This is how it sounds.
Will Google replace the phone?
I am in Singapore and bought this phone through a friend in the US.
There is ...
4
votes
2answers
318 views
When do Force Closes imply hardware problems?
In general: how do you know if random Force Closes (FC) are due to faulty hardware or not?
I experience a few FC's per day on standard apps (Skype, Facebook, Chrome) using stock Ice Cream Sandwich ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
How can I determine Max CPU speed at runtime?
I'd like to know the max cpu speed for the processor on an Android system at runtime. I've seen at least a couple different techniques that result in the current cpu clockrate, but not the max.
Root ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Power button fails to work consistently on Motorola Droid. Workarounds?
When I press the power button on my Motorola Droid, nothing happens (usually). Just to get my phone to turn on after being shutdown, I have to plug it in to the charger cable. Once booted, however, I ...
4
votes
1answer
425 views
What do I need to improve performance of the Android emulator?
I currently use Ubuntu 10.10, and I find the emulator extremely slow. However, I have an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU (T5200 processor) with 4G of RAM. What do I need to improve performance? Better hardware? ...
4
votes
2answers
250 views
Multitouch hardware on Android devices
Are all touch-screens on modern devices multitouch capable on hardware level (if software supports it)?
If not than how to detect if touchscreen screen by itself is multitouch or not?
4
votes
1answer
2k views
What does “NFC Connectivity (Optional)” mean for the Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II?
I'm considering to buy a Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II. In the specs, I've read "NFC Connectivity (Optional)". What does that mean?
It seems that the first batch of phones won't have an NFC chip. Is it ...
4
votes
1answer
566 views
Apps can't see the light sensor but automatic brightness works anyway?
I don't have a toggle for automatic brightness in my phone's settings menu and I cannot install apps like Lux Auto Brightness that depend on the light sensor. I can, however, turn automatic brightness ...
4
votes
2answers
852 views
Is GSM telephony feasible on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9?
I'm looking to buy a small tablet to use as a "table phone" for use with a headset, and for video telephony. GSM telephony is a must - I don't want to rely entirely on Skype, or Internet connectivity ...
4
votes
1answer
426 views
How do I load android 2.3.4 onto my dev phone?
So, I have an original Droid (rooted), that is also my working cell phone. Can I load 2.3.4 onto it to develop accessory apps?
If so how do I load the new OS?
4
votes
1answer
1k views
What's the difference between the 5 Samsung Vibrant models?
I have a T-Mobile Galaxy S Vibrant, which has the Samsung model number SGH-T959. However, Samsung's download page has 5 different sub-models: SGH-T959ZKATMB (appears to be the "default"), ...
4
votes
1answer
184 views
GT-I9100G screen replacement
I have a GT-I9100G and the screen went bad, I'd like to replace it but all the screen replacements on amazon are for the GT-I9100 version. They look the same but I am still not sure if this will work ...
3
votes
4answers
2k views
Free system information for Android such as Everest for Windows
There is any apk that shows the system and hardware information about my Adroid phone??? I mean an aplication such as Everest (or msinfo32) does for Windows.
3
votes
2answers
425 views
Will the HTC Desire HD have superior hardware than the Samsung Galaxy S?
I'm thinking about ditching my iPhone and going Android, so far the best contenders are the HTC Desire HD and the Samsung, which one has superior hardware specifications?
3
votes
3answers
4k views
Barcode scanner hardware (sleeve) for Android devices
I am developing several Android Apps that requires barcode scanning (inventory, POS, etc.). Does anybody know about any barcode scanner hardware for at least one Android device, preferably hardware ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
Are there any landline phones running Android?
I'm looking for a landline phone (not necessarily cordless) which runs on Android and gives me the associated control, customisability, and for a bonus, market access. Does such a thing exist?
3
votes
1answer
281 views
Where is the NFC hardware located?
I noticed that certain Samsung batteries say "Near Field Communication" on them.
Is the NFC h/w located in the battery? Does it differ by the manufacturer of the Android device?
A friend of mine ...
3
votes
1answer
6k views
What are the minimum hardware specifications for Android?
As per the title, what hardware do I need to be able to run various versions of Android?
3
votes
1answer
523 views
Does Android have a “device driver” architecture?
Since 1990, when a new version of Windows comes out, the (only) thing that stops PC owners from upgrading is whether there are compatible device drivers for their hardware (network adapter device ...
3
votes
1answer
361 views
Difference in GPS hardware
I'm currently coding a gps location application, and I have found out, that there is huge difference between hardware and units.
Having tried on the Wildfire S, Galaxy S2, GalaxyTab 10,1, and others, ...
3
votes
1answer
518 views
Is a Class 10 MicroSD overkill or is a Class 6 adequate? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Is the class rating of my MicroSD card relevant?
I don't see any speed class or × rating markings on the 2GB card that came with my phone. Is a Class 10 card going to be ...
3
votes
1answer
610 views
How to test suspected hardware on Android
I have a problem with my HTC Sensation that I think is either due to problems with the electronics that interfaces to the battery or a memory problem. Basically the phone turns off spontaneously by ...
3
votes
1answer
92 views
How do you open an EVO 3D to access the battery or SD card?
How do I open an EVO 3D? I have one right here and I tried googling it, but I dont have the manual and it isn't intuitive. I would like to view the microSD card and switch it out at will.
3
votes
1answer
515 views
Can a USB pen/hard drive be used with a Logitech Revue?
Can the Logitech Revue play videos and display images from a USB pen/hard drive?
What are the hardware specifications of the Logitech Revue?
3
votes
1answer
618 views
Vibration stopped working on Galaxy S2
I can't work out why, but it seems the vibrate and haptic feedback functionality on my SGS2 stopped working recently. First time it failed it seemed to come back after a reboot, but it's since died ...
