AUG 2024 UPDATE: WiFi started working again! It remains a mystery why it stopped. (Previous update) JUL 2024: I've had this phone for almost 5 years now, and recently, the WiFi just stopped working. I cannot connect to any WiFi network. I tried tweaking various settings and rebooting the device multiple times, but it didn’t work. I can still connect to the Internet via mobile data, but it’s not ideal (e.g. downloading maps offline can be upwards of 500MB, and mobile data is way more expensive). I haven’t had that happen with any other device, but I’ve had devices that just refused to boot after years of use, or other weird things. Take that as you will. Everything else still works fine!
@@annafilou Đừng làm rơi, đừng để gần cửa sổ( nơi đó sẽ có nhiều hơi ẩm), tốt nhất nếu không sử dụng bạn nên để nó vào tủ hút ẩm, điều đó có thể giúp thiết bị của bạn có tuổi thọ lâu nhất có thể.
It is so rare to find a review of a device that is being done much later after the user has used the device for awhile, it's a real pleasure to see this, thank you very much. I'm looking for a small e-book reader and this phone might be right up my alley. Saw on your calendar the entry for Naschmarkt and Wien Mitte, so greetings from Vienna to Vienna I guess:) Thanks again!
So glad to read this! I was debating whether to make this review after all, because the next models are already out, it's a lot of work to make the video and I was scared nobody would watch it. I don't live in Vienna anymore - greetings from Greece! 👋😊
@@annafilou Reviews of long term tests are so rare, I really do appreciate it. There are just some quirks and little details that only become apparent after longer usage that nonetheless change the overall experience immensely and that after the initial first reviews no one ever talks about. Then you buy something after watching those first reviews and later notice things and wonder "why did no one ever mention that?" I see, have fun in Greece then:)
Just 8 minutes into the video I said to myself “forget Hisense A5” this the best phone review I ever watched. No dramatic intro or background music no quick scene cuts. Everything is going so smooth. I couldn’t help myself to stop eating my breakfast, paused the video and leaving this comment. This girl deserves a lot more subs so I just subscribed. Keep up the good work!
@@annafilou I don't get the point of using such devices like the Hisense e ink phones , when Android 10 already had a Bedtime mode, turning the screen to B&W
@@danteerskine7678 E-Ink is not just a regular screen in black and white. It's a lot more similar to a piece of paper, than an LCD or OLED. It uses ZERO battery to display a picture forever, and only uses energy to change what's displayed on the screen. In practical terms that means the screen is always "on" but the battery life is as good as if you never turned it on. Also, the visibility in sunlight is perfect. Compare looking at your phone in bright sunlight vs looking at a newspaper. So these devices are perfect for GPS navigation. They're also great for reading, since you're not looking at the screen. This got me thinking about making a video like "what's the deal with E-Ink screens?" Would that be helpful?
I just got A5 Pro a few months ago. It works fine. In terms of E-reader function, Kindle Paperwhite 3 beats it. But after all it is a phone with much larger RAM and better SOC.
Great review, it's nice how you go into the details of pretty much everything! And yes, a video on minimalist launchers would be pretty cool! Personally I've been using Before Launcher for a while, but it's kinda buggy and I'd love to see what kind of alternatives there are out there. Also, just to let you know, this video doesn't show up on my feed for some reason. I guess there's some RUclips bullshit going on?
Thank you!! 🙏🙏✨ My intention was to tell people everything there is to know about the phone, as quickly as possible. Well, RUclips is pretty buggy so I'm not very surprised 😅 I also like Before Launcher, especially the notification vault feature! But noticed some bugs too and setting up folders is tedious 🙄
I have! It's nice but not really my style. The subtle animations also wouldn't look great on the e-Ink screen. And using this phone I prefer the KISS launcher because it's so simple that it looks great on this screen and it allows me to find apps fast without having to scroll.
Thank you! 😭 I want to review the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, which I got last month. Also the Whoop fitness tracker that I got a couple of months ago. But there's no theme or strategy here, I just want to review whatever I have. And it's pretty time consuming so TBH I just don't prioritize it. Although it's enjoyable too. 😊
I was looking up their music player when I saw this in the suggestions, this was a really well done review. I wish this was available in a global version. Speaking of less distracting launchers, I really like ratio launcher, though it can be considered more distracting than the one you shared, I like their functionality of bringing all chats onto the home screen and other features. Though it's free in my country I have read it's paid in Europe, so that can be a barrier.
I've tried Ratio a few times but didn't like it. The unified chat experience doesn't work as expected either. It's too complicated IMO. And it's free here in Europe as well!
Awesome review, thanks! If you did more reviews I think you would do very well, as you are great to watch, genuine and informative! PS. surprised to see Greek, Χαιρετίσματα Άννα!😄
Superb video :) One difference a5 vs a5 pro cc (and other subtypes) is speed mode, videos run just fine I am about to try to use it as main phone - I learned a lot here, thank you :) It is the so much more interesting take on a known and really longterm used device you showed here I would like to see more often... not the unpack or used one week...
I get what you mean about the unpack-and-use-once videos! I don't have that many electronic devices to review tbh. My other devices aren't E-Ink. I was thinking of reviewing the Galaxy Z Flip3 (been using for 3 months) and the Whoop fitness band (been using for about 4 months)
Hi thanks so much for this review! I would love a video dedicated to different types of minimalistic launchers for this phone. I am considering the A5pro as a light phone alternative, since they cost almost the same. Thank you
I love this mug too! My parents got it before I was born. Now if it breaks I have no idea where to find a similar one. (Thankfully I have two!) And you're very welcome 🤗
Thank you a lot for thise video! Keep it up, you seem like a fantastic youtuber and I'd love to see more of your opinions about minimal apps and how to build a useful and healthy digital environment. I feel like my smartphone has been ruining my life for a while and I really need to get to know more simple devices and apps that can enrich my life instead of inducing mindless scrolling for hours...
Thank you! That's so nice to read 🙏 Being busy with work, I find it hard to make the time to make videos or to even try out new devices and apps. I love tech and have struggled (sometimes still struggle) to prevent it from sucking my life, but I don't want to go full digital minimalist either. My position is somewhere in the middle and I really like devices and software that respects my time and enriches my life. I hope to reflect that in my work as a digital designer too.
Hi great review! I’m considering buying it, I see they’re available on eBay unlocked for Google store. But I was just wondering is it possible to fully turn the device off or is it constantly on Lock Screen mode until the battery completely drains? It’d just be nice to know that I can turn my phone off if I ever needed to! Also I assume that the backlight can be turned off so that it wouldn’t be a problem at night? Thanks !
Ah, yeah, of course you can turn it off. The screen will be “on” in a sense but it will only display a message reading “POWER OFF”. ;) And yes, the backlight can be turned off.
So good to see long term review with extensive going through a lot of parts. I wonder how different is readibility on color eink, I figure that color eink has less readability without backlight...
Glad you liked it! I don't imagine it'd be very different 🤔 I've heard color E-Inks have slightly worse contrast but it seems (from photos) that it's not a huge difference.
Not as far as I'm aware. If you're looking for an e-Ink tablet with pen support though take a look at: - the Remarkable 2 (very expensive) - Onyx Boox Poke 3 - Xiaomi Moaan W7 The last two being more reasonably priced. I haven't tried them though!
Hi Anna! I really liked your review, thank you for taking the time to make it :) I ordered mine off ebay and it came the day before yesterday, however the camera doesn't work and the battery drains in around 12 hours when just reading in airplane mode, so I'm sending this one back. Could you by any chance recommend a reputable seller?
Hi Anna, thank you for the video. Your video was so clear and detailed. As a reviewer you are excellent and should make more videos. Bravo!! BTW, I want to use this phone primarily as a Kindle. How well does the Kindle app work on this phone, in particular can one make notes whilst reading? Thank you in advance
Thank you for the kind words Ken! I want to make more reviews but I'm short on time. Hopefully soon. The Hisense A5 makes for a great Kindle reader. The Kindle app works just as well as it does on any Android phone. Of course you can take notes normally. Note that since the screen is smaller than that of a dedicated Kindle, you need to turn pages more often but that's a minor inconvenience.
Hi Anna. I loved your review. I'm looking at purchasing the A5 pro and your video has definitely inspired me. One question. Is it possible to delete the pre-installed apps? My aim is to create a super minimalist smart light phone and wondered what your thoughts would be on achieving this with the Hisense.
Thanks! Yes, you can delete *most* pre-installed apps. (I think you couldn't in the past? But I just checked and it’s possible now.) You can't delete the basics, like the Gallery though, as well as a couple of the Chinese-name apps (I don't know what they do). Since you’re going for a minimalist phone though, I image you’ll install a custom launcher, so you won't have to see the few apps that you cannot uninstall.
@@annafilou thank you for your reply. That’s good about installing a minimalist launcher, i noticed you touched on that at the end of the video. Great review, it was very help.
I just want an affordable EInk reader with: 1. access to kindle, pdf reader and spotify 2. bluetooth or 3.5 mm jack for audio 3. physical page turn button there... a business idea. I tried to make it DIY and it is hard and expensive for a hobbyist to do alone.
So what's stopping you from getting this phone? You don't have to use it as a phone and it does everything you want. 😛 (You can use the volume keys as a physical page turn button in virtually all reading apps.)
@@annafilou it is very tempting. I agree with you. But for me the deal breaker is the size, which is too small, and the price, which is too high. For the same price I can get the latest Kindle Oasis.
Hmmm true. I'm pretty sure there are some small (~ 8-inch) E-Ink Android tablets that fit your requirements. Although I guess you've done for research so then again maybe not.
I solved the micro b port issue by buying a cheap magnetic adapter, I just keep it plugged into phone all the time, it hardly sticks out. USB C would allow faster charging, but who needs that if battery rarely drops under 50%. Slower charging is good for batteries life, according to AIDA64, I am still getting 4160 out of advertised 4000 mAh. If I want color I can always mirror the screen to TV or to computer through cable, using developer options and adb... This phone can run 1080p video on an external screen no problem. I think front light failed on my phone, when I try to turn it on, it just blinks for a second and goes off. But I also haven't updated the OS in a while, maybe that has something to do with it? Dropped phone once from front suit pocket, and it survived. Not having NFC on basic model might be a thing to mention in such review.
Dennis, NFC isn't a Google Pay thing. It's a communication protocol used for many things. Think of it like Bluetooth (although it does different things): Headphones use Bluetooth, but Bluetooth isn't limited to use with headphones only :) Search for NFC tags for a few use case examples.
They might have a DAC if its got higher quality audio through the jack regardless of the inbuilt speaker vs jack audio. I'm really interested in something like the light phone or this phone or like the pine phone.
@@annafilou eh... I'm no engineer but I used to mess around with DJ toys and stuff and have chosen phones with DACs over the years, use a couple DACs on my computers... Its just like an amp for extra quality/volume if you use heavy reference headphones instead of crappy hurr durr look at my air pods for audio lol... Even some cheap phones have DACs on board sometimes... Especially some of the stuff from LG... And its night and day if you're using decent headphones
Thanks for the review, very helpful. What keyboard are you using around 13:15? And have you found a way to connect the calendar app to a CalDAV account?
The keyboard is Fleksy. I find it very good for this type of screen because it's very forgiving. I haven't tried connecting a calendar but it seems people recommend an app called DAVx⁵ for that. It's a paid app in the Play Store so I'm not sure how you'd make it work without Play Services… Perhaps you can try contacting the developer.
Yeah, lately they've added a lot of (IMO) useless features but you can safely ignore them or turn them off in a lot of cases. You can also try finding an older APK through APKMirror or a similar site. The app used to be very minimalistic.
@@annafilou I'll try that out. In terms of minimalism, am looking for a way to make the UI primarily black and white; any icon set to recommend perhaps?
In 15:23, this phone numbers seems not belongs to public service, but hotlines of some companies, for example, “盛辉物流" is a logistic company, and ”安诚财产保险“ is a property insurance company. So i think this number might be a part of phone embed advertisements :(
hi, great review! I want to buy this device to my father-in-law, as he reads a lot of books, but I did not understand if this screen has inner lighting, to be able to read in the dark? Please explain. If it's not, then it makes little sense to buy.
Haha I might! I was thinking about getting a model with a color screen. 🤔 But they have a tablet now too which might be more useful, so I might get that instead… In any case, I'll surely make a video. 👌
I really wanted this phone, but the only place I can buy it is on Aliexpress, and the taxes in my country make it too expensive.. would love to own a "kindle phone"
Wow, probably the best review Ive seen for this device. Thank you ! Some other reviewers mentioned Google Play Store & Services can be installed with some hooks. Does anyone know if this is possible ?
I suppose it's possible, like most things when it comes to software, but I haven't personally tried it. I suggest searching on xda developers. Personally, I like knowing that Google can't track me when I'm using the A5.
Can you do banking on it ? Banking apps work? Also do you still use it as a smartphone replacement, does WhatsApp work, video calls etc. thanks for the review
Yes, I still use it. Banking apps generally do NOT work because they rely on Google Play services which this phone does not have. WhatsApp and pretty much every typical app that's not a banking app works. Keep in mind that if a bank's application does not work, you could probably do everything you need to via the bank's website (but it depends on the bank).
@@annafilou thanks for that Anna. Just happen to see that all Hisense phones as of recently, their entire lineup provides google play out of the box, which is good to have I bet.
I think I would have preferred the color version, but it didn't exist when I bought the one I did. But it depends on what you want it for. If you want a minimal “detox” phone to combat phone addiction, then the monochrome one would be better. In all other cases, I'd take the color version. If you're gonna get one now though, it's best to get one of the next versions because the A5 doesn't have a fingerprint scanner.
Your review was really really really helpful to me. However, I have one question. Will you suggest this still? I just need a decent ebook reader which can also act like a music player during read time, and this is the only one I got in that category. And thank you once again for making this detailed review video
I would totally suggest it. It still works just as well as it did when I first got it and I still use it from time to time over my standard smartphone. Personally I'd look into getting one of the newer models because they have a fingerprint sensor while the A5 doesn't. But if the A5 is cheaper and you're fine with the lack of a fingerprint sensor, go for it!
Hi friend, first of all, thank you so much for this review. I loved it! Your pleasant voice and the way you explain everything so well give me the satisfaction of knowing that I'm going to buy something good and well-recommended. I was looking for information about this phone because I also checked out the Light Phone, but I needed something with at least WhatsApp and Spotify, and I think this is the best option, even though this model is a few years old. It seems to have everything I was looking for, and my eyes can rest a little from so many screens with exaggerated lights. I have a question about WhatsApp. You mentioned that even when you set the option not to kill the application in the background to save battery, sometimes it still does it and you lose notifications. Have you been able to fix this in any way to not miss them? I hope you make more videos about this model or any newer ones if you have changed phones. They are a delight to watch. Thank you very much, and I hope you have a good day :)
If you disable all background restrictions, apps should work fine! Thanks for the kind words. I still have the phone! It’s my secondary device and I mostly use it in summer months when I spend a lot of time outside in bright sunlight.
Thanks for the wonderful and honest review of this phone. Would like to confirm that this phone doesnt support Google Play Services natively right? It is because I bought Hisense a5 Pro CC few days back from AliExpress and after several days of trying to sideload the apk apps I normally use, mostly google apps (keep notes, gmail, maps, gboard, calendar, calculator) most of them doesnt work well. Im well informed by the seller that the A5 Pro CC doenst have Google Play Services natively instead offer A5 if I wanted Google Play as advised. Sorry, quite long intro/story. Then saw this video saying NO Google Play Services. I'm now confused.
The Hisense A5 does NOT natively support Google Play services. It's possible to flash a custom ROM (firmware) that includes Play Services though (I haven't done that). I've come across stores that sell this modded version of the A5, so that's probably what the seller meant. Still, keep in mind that that's not supported or endorsed by the manufacturer and it's not official firmware.
This was a great and incredibly informative review of a phone I am considering picking up soon. My current phone, a Moto G5 I picked up new old stock a few years ago is starting to struggle more with my day-to-day use and I think I would be okay with an e-Ink display. Neat how you have a similar selection of sideloaded apps, I use F-Droid, Aurora, KISS Launcher and OsmAnd~ and a half functional call recorder on my current phone. The Tencent location services are worrying though, as Tencent is a rather infamous large and evil Chinese company. The aggressive killing of background apps even with this disabled seems concerning, but it shouldn't be as broken as the Hammer Iron 4 phone I've considered switching to before. Otherwise the firewall feature seems great, my previous Huawei phone had this too, great for blocking adverts and increasing security. With the gestures navigation, is it possible to open the recent apps screen? This is the square button in the navigation bar and usually activated by swiping further and maybe shortly holding.
Isn‘t Google just as evil as Tencent though? Either way, some large corporation gets my data-either Google or Tencent. Feels the same from my personal POV… I so wish for a smartphone that *works* without *any* reliance on big tech. Would be awesome if you can point me to any relevant projects if you know of any. Heads up, the Hisense A5 is pretty outdated by today’s standards. Hisense has newer models with fingerprint sensors and some even with color E-Ink displays. The A5 still works fine though. And yes, you can open the recents view via the gesture navigation as in other phones.
@@annafilou thanks for taking the time to reply in such detail. While I dislike either and avoid them where this does not cause major inconvenience, I do consider Tencent as slightly worse than Google. There is the PinePhone for running a mobile Linux distro, but I personally don't feel confident switching to that nor want to deal with the limited software selection. Otherwise I've heard of the Volla phone having a fully de-googled Android fork, along with their hardware also working with mobile Linux. It's also possible to root an existing phone and install a different OS like LineageOS on it, but I have not explored this as I rather have my phone just work. Since I've more thoroughly examined Hisense's range of e-ink phones, of which the newer A5 Pro CC Colour seems like the one that'd work for me. It has Android 10, USB-C, a fingerprint reader and a colour e-ink display that still refreshes quickly (the non-pro version is sluggish by comparison). The problem with the newer models is that they are also too large for my taste and get significantly more expensive. I'm not afraid to buy an older phone as my current phone is from 2017, still runs Android 7, yet works reliably after side-loading alternatives to most included G-apps. Good to know, I asked as I saw another review mention that you can't go to the recent apps, this is evidently false unless changed in a newer release. And I will probably be able to change some of the gesture behaviour with SystemUI tuner, which can let you change some hidden settings. I am still somewhat worried of things they might have changed, but overall it seems to resemble my previous Huawei phone so it probably works fine.
Since I have had my Hisense A5 CC Pro Color for a bit over a week. This phone does have USB-C and a very responsive fingerprint reader on the back. I can confirm that the Hi-Fi functionality of the jack works well, it gives the internal amp some significant power making it drive my DT770 headphones beautifully. The screen also displays colours with 25% saturation, at the cost of lowering total brightness to 75% of what it would have been on a black and white model. In practice it straight up looks like a paper print, about the quality of a newspaper or better when using the clear mode. The faster modes can even handle a bit of video playback better than this one, but the colour screen has significant ghosting even in the clear mode, unless manually clearing the screen. It's resolution feels both significantly higher and lower than the rated 720x1440 simultaneously. Getting notifications to work properly was a challenge, but I succeeded with MicroG and changing relevant app settings in 5 different places. The software is pretty neat actually, though the media player notification displays black text on a black background, leaving the title unreadable. Neither the lock screen nor statusbar display notification icons, for those I have to open the notification drawer, which I can do with the fingerprint sensor too. Luckily I was able to disable the Tencent location services in the settings, the included store stays active but doesn't get in the way. All Chinese (untranslated) apps but the store and iFly could be disabled or removed, though occasionally a Mandarin folder name or interface text shows up. It's a great phone for me which works well after taking the time to set it up in a way I like, with 3rd party apps for most tasks. I do keep the factory phone, SMS and calculator apps in use, those are pretty good and I especially appreciate the phone-call recording. Notifications are now reliable, but it was very finicky to set up in a way that actually works, with MicroG as the more well-documented old Huawei GMS apps don't fully work. The occasional Chinglish is cute, the daily saying on the lock screen is fun, occasionally it annoyingly picks up US formats while I used a 3rd party app to switch it to British. Even my banking application works on it, though I don't think I can pay with it (but I have not tried this yet).
@@WyvernDotRed That's all very interesting, thanks for sharing! For some reason, I didn't get a notification about your previous message. I suppose your banking applications might work because of MicroG? Or they just don't have the restrictions that the banks I use have. 🤔
Hello! Nice review, does it have Bluetooth? Did you test some scrolling pages (pdf files) remote controller? Did you use it with Osmand or anyother live gpx navigation app?
Thanks! Yes, of course it has Bluetooth. 😛 It doesn't have IR so you can't use it as a TV remote, if that's what you mean. I've used it with pretty much every major free GPS Navigation app, including OSMand, HERE and Google Maps, and it works perfectly. 👌
Thank you so much for this review! Do you know if any of the physical buttons can be mapped to turn the page in reading apps? I use the kindle app currently. I’ve been trying to figure that out before purchase the phone. I saw an option in settings for the e-ink button to “reverse the next page” - is that a translation error for turning the page maybe?
I think the setting applies to the built-in reading applications, which are in Chinese so they're not usable for me… As far as I know, whether you'll be able to map the device buttons to turn the page depends on the specific application you're using. For example Instapaper (the read-it-later service) let's you do that, but the Kindle app doesn't (I think?).
Follow up - I bought one: you can set the volume buttons to do page turns in the kindle. The eink button doesn’t work. You can also use the faster rendering modes and use infinite scroll, or pair a controller (like xbox or switch) and use those buttons to turn pages. My fave is the controller method.
This might be my solution for mitigating night-time phone browsing. I always listen to RUclips videos when I sleep, and I’m thinking the Vanced client would work on this, since it uses a third-party replacement/client for Google Play Services anyway.
Possibly! I use Newpipe which doesn't require Play Services. Note that you can still use this phone at night, since it has a backlight (or front light? Since it's E-Ink). The monochrome display kinda naturally discourages excessive use though.
Hi! Does this have a notes application? To write notes? I’ve been an iPhone user for years because I love the notes app on them but it makes my eyes tired, I’m looking something small like this for notes 🤩 Great video thank you!
I don’t know! I got it from my parents who must have gotten it before I was born! It’s my favorite cup! I got excited to hear there are more! I’ve seen another one in the wild in Greece (where I’m from too). Thanks to Google Lens, I just now identified it as a “Churchill Staffordshire Earthenware Mug”. Somebody sells it on Etsy and notes: “Vintage from before 2000”.
@Anna Ha! Well I'm in Sydney, Australia, but my grandparents were from Ireland and may have picked it up in the UK before they came here 🤔 funny that pre-2000 is basically vintage now, which makes me feel old 😄 Great review by the way. Love the coffee and chat vibe.
I don't have WhatsApp (but it should work) and I guess that the Gmail app *might* require Google Play Services to run (which the A5 doesn't have) because it's made by Google. The other apps should work. You can still use another email client (I use FairEmail) and add your Gmail account though, so no worries.
Hello, I want to get my hands on a device like this, or any other versions of it, but i cant buy any. Do you have any tipps where to buy any of them, or how to get a used one or something ?
Yeah, sadly they stopped selling in retail a couple of months ago. Now they only do wholesale. I don't know where else you can buy it. ☹️ Your best shot is probably to Google it.
Since this device probably won't work in the US networks, as a wifi capable device how would this work to be used as a media device? Downloading movies, music, books, podcasts to be used daily and have all phone calls directed to an esim smartwatch? So it will be a handheld device specifically not as a phone
I assume (but I can't know for sure) that it would work on US networks. After all, when Europeans travel to the US, their phones still work, right? The Hisense A5 works fine in the EU. And you can always compare the bands the phone supports with those your network does (look up the info online). If you use it without a SIM, it will still work fine, like any phone. And the battery will last a lot longer. IMO it's a bit small to be used as a media device, but it's up to you.
@@annafilou You replied! haha i have my youtube notifications off so i just happened to revisit your review I was thinking of getting this A5 or the A9 but the problem with the a9 is that they stopped supporting microSD expansions I was actually hoping to put 500 or more GB of microSD onto the phone so it can be a media server (casting films/tv) to my television But also the A5 is it capable of using apps like Uber or Lyft? its actually important that i can use things like that with a camera i can use it to scan QR codes and ride scooters
Depends on what you value. The A5 Pro isn't much more expensive than the A5 so it might be worth it for you. Considering you will just use it as an e-reader, then the only differences would be the fingerprint scanner and USB-C type port that the A5 Pro has. For example, if you no longer keep around micro USB cables, or if you find the thought of unlocking it with a PIN instead of your fingerprint, then it's worth it.
No idea, but I assumed India uses the same bands we do in Europe. You can find network comparability information on any website that sells the phone; then you can check which bands you use in India and see if they're supported. It'd bet money that they are, for what it's worth.
Is it possible to install Uber and Google Maps in this paper phone? I'm inclined to buy it, but I need Uber and Google Maps. I live in São Paulo. We really need this apps here.
Google Maps yes, I use it all the time. I don't have Uber here so I don't know about that… various apps that need to use your location rely on Google location services which are not available on phones without Google play services, like this one. I'm honestly surprised that Google Maps works.
Looking at this phone but I'm in the US and was warned we might have limited to no networks that are compatible with this. Are you in the US? Large city? Any network issues?
Videos/Video Podcasts: Since I listen to a lot of podcast style youtube videos or videos where I just glance at the screen occasionally for visual reference of what they are talking about while doing something else I’m found having the ability to ‘play’ videos on my Boox Nova Air C surprisingly convenient, for all that said device isn’t exactly pocketable so not very portable for listening on the move and when carrying other things, so I’ll be looking for something smaller like the Hisense in future. Although that being said I do not recommend watching said videos on eink, or at least the Nova, aside from the occasional reference glance at the screen for context, because that seems to be a one way ticket to a headache as your eyes and brain strain themselves trying to make sense of things. Also Boox eink colour and fast settings plus ghosting during videos as things are stretched to the max doesn’t make for a good colour experience with videos, the colours are better for stationary and plainer things in my experience so looking to try grey scale instead next time plus unlike the Nova the next device wouldn’t need to be able to fit pdf or show potentially important colour coding in study materials, so don’t really need colour this time. - Thanks for the long term review! Keep coming back to your video both intentionally and unintentionally when searching for various things. XD So thanks again for sharing this amazing long term review!
Haha thanks, that's nice to hear! Maybe you can try a RUclips client like NewPipe that allows you to play the audio in the background, if you mostly want to listen to the videos.
Hi Anna, I'm wondering if you use your phone less than you would with a standard phone? Would it help one to be less distracted one's phone, especially in social situations, since the display is simpler?
Yes and no. I used it less for things I typically do with my regular smartphone (mindless Instagram scrolling LOL) but more for reading ebooks and articles ;)
The screen of this phone is identical to a piece of paper. If you can read books without hurting your eyes, then you can use this too. 😊 I guess what hurts your eyes is the light emitted by regular screens. In this phone you can optionally turn on a front light but you can use it without having the screen emit any light at all. Of course then you'll have to depend on sunlight or a lamp at night.
I don't know because I don't have a newer one. But I'd assume the new ones are better? I kinda want a color one but don't know which shop to trust. The one I got mine from has closed.
Hey. Would this phone work with "active" QR codes? For example on my bus and train system we use these kind of moving "active" QR codes rather than static.
I'm not sure what you mean by active QR nor by whether the phone "works" with them. (How can a phone work or not work with QR codes?) If you're talking about the ability to use an image on your lock screen, you need to change that image, it cannot change by itself.
@@annafilou most QR codes are passive images. There are many QR codes today in transportation services for example which use QR codes that are in motion to avoid people screenshotting and sharing tickets.
@@northernswedenstories1028 if it's a QR code that refreshes every few seconds, no reason it wouldn't work. You would have to keep the related app open of course, but the e-ink display can show it normally, with some flashing on refreshes.
I didn't. In the past I saw a shop that sells it with Google Play Services but know it's not official. They've installed a custom ROM. Personally I'd be afraid it might malfunction.
how;s the experience like to text on this? seeing that most of the time e-ink screens would need time to respond to your input and update the message accordingly - is it tolerable or it is just downright unworkable?
It's totally fine. Obviously a bit slower than on an LCD and I wouldn't really try the swiping method to type. I use a keyboard called Fleksy (it's free) which was originally made for blind people so it's very forgiving. In short, you can text on it just fine, no complaints and I've done it a lot.
I wish Wal Mart would sell the HiSense A5 during Black Friday Sales this November. And the Color Version A5 Pro CC. They would all be sold out really fast.
AUG 2024 UPDATE: WiFi started working again! It remains a mystery why it stopped.
(Previous update) JUL 2024: I've had this phone for almost 5 years now, and recently, the WiFi just stopped working. I cannot connect to any WiFi network. I tried tweaking various settings and rebooting the device multiple times, but it didn’t work. I can still connect to the Internet via mobile data, but it’s not ideal (e.g. downloading maps offline can be upwards of 500MB, and mobile data is way more expensive). I haven’t had that happen with any other device, but I’ve had devices that just refused to boot after years of use, or other weird things. Take that as you will. Everything else still works fine!
Crap
@@enterthevoidIi not to worry, it came back after a week or two… No idea why or how but it seems to work normally again! Gave me a big scare.
@@annafilou Đừng làm rơi, đừng để gần cửa sổ( nơi đó sẽ có nhiều hơi ẩm), tốt nhất nếu không sử dụng bạn nên để nó vào tủ hút ẩm, điều đó có thể giúp thiết bị của bạn có tuổi thọ lâu nhất có thể.
It is so rare to find a review of a device that is being done much later after the user has used the device for awhile, it's a real pleasure to see this, thank you very much. I'm looking for a small e-book reader and this phone might be right up my alley. Saw on your calendar the entry for Naschmarkt and Wien Mitte, so greetings from Vienna to Vienna I guess:) Thanks again!
So glad to read this! I was debating whether to make this review after all, because the next models are already out, it's a lot of work to make the video and I was scared nobody would watch it.
I don't live in Vienna anymore - greetings from Greece! 👋😊
@@annafilou Reviews of long term tests are so rare, I really do appreciate it. There are just some quirks and little details that only become apparent after longer usage that nonetheless change the overall experience immensely and that after the initial first reviews no one ever talks about. Then you buy something after watching those first reviews and later notice things and wonder "why did no one ever mention that?"
I see, have fun in Greece then:)
@@annafilou thank you for your world, its a great review
Just 8 minutes into the video I said to myself “forget Hisense A5” this the best phone review I ever watched. No dramatic intro or background music no quick scene cuts. Everything is going so smooth. I couldn’t help myself to stop eating my breakfast, paused the video and leaving this comment. This girl deserves a lot more subs so I just subscribed. Keep up the good work!
Damn, this is the kindest comment ever! Thank you so much ❣️
@@annafilou I really do mean it! Will have a look at your channel later on.
true!
This was a very chill review. It's nice that you seem to know what you're talking about, but you don't flaunt it at all.
incredibly thorough! thank you so much for doing this review a whole year later
I'm a bit embarrassed that I put it off for so long but it makes me happy to hear you appreciate the review nevertheless! 🙏
@@annafilou will you do more reviews? how are you?
@@annafilou I don't get the point of using such devices like the Hisense e ink phones , when Android 10 already had a Bedtime mode, turning the screen to B&W
@@federicogori9888 I'm good, thank you! Just way busier with work then I'd like.
@@danteerskine7678 E-Ink is not just a regular screen in black and white. It's a lot more similar to a piece of paper, than an LCD or OLED. It uses ZERO battery to display a picture forever, and only uses energy to change what's displayed on the screen. In practical terms that means the screen is always "on" but the battery life is as good as if you never turned it on.
Also, the visibility in sunlight is perfect. Compare looking at your phone in bright sunlight vs looking at a newspaper. So these devices are perfect for GPS navigation. They're also great for reading, since you're not looking at the screen.
This got me thinking about making a video like "what's the deal with E-Ink screens?" Would that be helpful?
my mind is boggled around how genius and great this is. thank you for the video.
Yeah, I wish more companies would make E-ink devices for consumers. You're welcome!
Brilliant reveiw- in depth but you also explain the technical details in a way that’s easy to understand :)
I just got A5 Pro a few months ago. It works fine. In terms of E-reader function, Kindle Paperwhite 3 beats it. But after all it is a phone with much larger RAM and better SOC.
Can you download apps like amazon, zoom , audible etc
Sure. I use Kindle by Amazon and it works fine. As long as the apps don't depends on Google Play Services, they all work.
Well yeah, you can get a dedicated e-reader for cheaper if that's what you want. 😛 This is an e-Ink smartphone, can do way more than just read books.
Great review, it's nice how you go into the details of pretty much everything! And yes, a video on minimalist launchers would be pretty cool! Personally I've been using Before Launcher for a while, but it's kinda buggy and I'd love to see what kind of alternatives there are out there.
Also, just to let you know, this video doesn't show up on my feed for some reason. I guess there's some RUclips bullshit going on?
Thank you!! 🙏🙏✨ My intention was to tell people everything there is to know about the phone, as quickly as possible.
Well, RUclips is pretty buggy so I'm not very surprised 😅
I also like Before Launcher, especially the notification vault feature! But noticed some bugs too and setting up folders is tedious 🙄
Have you tried niagara launcher? It's pretty great, I don't know with eink though
I have! It's nice but not really my style. The subtle animations also wouldn't look great on the e-Ink screen. And using this phone I prefer the KISS launcher because it's so simple that it looks great on this screen and it allows me to find apps fast without having to scroll.
Such a great review… i like your reviewing style: down to earth, honest… thank you!!!
Thank you, that's great to read! 😊
Such refreshing style of video, thank you for the thorough and very easily digestible content!
ive been considering e ink devices for a while now and this review might have convinced me to buy this. thank you
Sure! If you do buy it, can you let everyone here know from where? The shop I ordered it from all those years back has closed since.
@@annafilou Will do!
Why don't you make any more reviews? You did a stellar job here!
Thank you! 😭 I want to review the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, which I got last month. Also the Whoop fitness tracker that I got a couple of months ago. But there's no theme or strategy here, I just want to review whatever I have. And it's pretty time consuming so TBH I just don't prioritize it. Although it's enjoyable too. 😊
thanks for putting time stamps in the description
I was looking up their music player when I saw this in the suggestions, this was a really well done review. I wish this was available in a global version. Speaking of less distracting launchers, I really like ratio launcher, though it can be considered more distracting than the one you shared, I like their functionality of bringing all chats onto the home screen and other features. Though it's free in my country I have read it's paid in Europe, so that can be a barrier.
I've tried Ratio a few times but didn't like it. The unified chat experience doesn't work as expected either. It's too complicated IMO. And it's free here in Europe as well!
Awesome review, thanks! If you did more reviews I think you would do very well, as you are great to watch, genuine and informative! PS. surprised to see Greek, Χαιρετίσματα Άννα!😄
Haha thank you very much! I hope to make more reviews in the future as I genuinely enjoy it. Χαιρετίσματα επίσης 😁
Superb video :)
One difference a5 vs a5 pro cc (and other subtypes) is speed mode, videos run just fine
I am about to try to use it as main phone - I learned a lot here, thank you :)
It is the so much more interesting take on a known and really longterm used device you showed here I would like to see more often... not the unpack or used one week...
I get what you mean about the unpack-and-use-once videos! I don't have that many electronic devices to review tbh. My other devices aren't E-Ink. I was thinking of reviewing the Galaxy Z Flip3 (been using for 3 months) and the Whoop fitness band (been using for about 4 months)
Thank you so much.
PD: Your voice is soooo relaxing, just amazing. Thanks again
Aw, thank you! I wouldn't consider it relaxing at all, so I'm glad to hear you do.
Hi thanks so much for this review!
I would love a video dedicated to different types of minimalistic launchers for this phone. I am considering the A5pro as a light phone alternative, since they cost almost the same. Thank you
Wow..excellent review, kudos !
Thank you for this review! Helped me a lot in getting a feel of the phone's features. Keep it up! :D
Thank you!
Thank you for the review.
Just ordered one.
Greetings from México :)
Thank you! Greetings from Greece. Where did you order it from, if I might ask? Others might want to know
@@annafilou I ordered from aliexpress website. Knowing that it might have extra taxes once it arrives to my country, but I budgeted for that.
:)
Excellent review!! Good job 👏
First of all, I love your coffee mug 😍 Great review, thanks so much for sharing! This is sooo cool
I love this mug too! My parents got it before I was born. Now if it breaks I have no idea where to find a similar one. (Thankfully I have two!)
And you're very welcome 🤗
Great review as always.
Thank you a lot for thise video! Keep it up, you seem like a fantastic youtuber and I'd love to see more of your opinions about minimal apps and how to build a useful and healthy digital environment.
I feel like my smartphone has been ruining my life for a while and I really need to get to know more simple devices and apps that can enrich my life instead of inducing mindless scrolling for hours...
Thank you! That's so nice to read 🙏
Being busy with work, I find it hard to make the time to make videos or to even try out new devices and apps.
I love tech and have struggled (sometimes still struggle) to prevent it from sucking my life, but I don't want to go full digital minimalist either.
My position is somewhere in the middle and I really like devices and software that respects my time and enriches my life.
I hope to reflect that in my work as a digital designer too.
Awesome, loved the review. Keep up the great work 💙💜
Many thanks ⭐
Thanks for this review! Incredibly informative.
You're welcome!
This is really interesting it’s my first time seeing this
It is! E-Ink devices on general are fascinating. The technology is already starting to get more widespread.
I'd love this phone so much
The English translations you showed were correct. Crank call is just another word for prank call and is used in the US. Vishing means voice-phishing.
I didn’t know that. 🤔 Well, that just leaves the awful grammar then.
Hi great review!
I’m considering buying it, I see they’re available on eBay unlocked for Google store. But I was just wondering is it possible to fully turn the device off or is it constantly on Lock Screen mode until the battery completely drains? It’d just be nice to know that I can turn my phone off if I ever needed to! Also I assume that the backlight can be turned off so that it wouldn’t be a problem at night?
Thanks !
Ah, yeah, of course you can turn it off. The screen will be “on” in a sense but it will only display a message reading “POWER OFF”. ;)
And yes, the backlight can be turned off.
Phenomenal review. Thank you!
Amazing runthrough, thank you
So good to see long term review with extensive going through a lot of parts. I wonder how different is readibility on color eink, I figure that color eink has less readability without backlight...
Glad you liked it!
I don't imagine it'd be very different 🤔 I've heard color E-Inks have slightly worse contrast but it seems (from photos) that it's not a huge difference.
Great review 🙂👍
thank you for the fantastic review
Thank you for watching!
Hey, this review is amazing.
Thanks a lot!
Nice review, thank you so much.
Simple , clear narrative. Thanks Anna. Does Hisense series have anything with a note taking pen, please ?
Not as far as I'm aware. If you're looking for an e-Ink tablet with pen support though take a look at:
- the Remarkable 2 (very expensive)
- Onyx Boox Poke 3
- Xiaomi Moaan W7
The last two being more reasonably priced. I haven't tried them though!
Hi Anna! I really liked your review, thank you for taking the time to make it :)
I ordered mine off ebay and it came the day before yesterday, however the camera doesn't work and the battery drains in around 12 hours when just reading in airplane mode, so I'm sending this one back.
Could you by any chance recommend a reputable seller?
Hey, the store I bought from has since closed, so I can't personally recommend any sellers.
Excellent really helpful review- as a matter of interest if the screen protector is scratched can it be removed ?
Yes, it can be removed. It's just a sticker. But it's a matte screen protector and those are kinda harder to find.
Thank you, great Review.
Hi Anna, thank you for the video. Your video was so clear and detailed. As a reviewer you are excellent and should make more videos. Bravo!!
BTW, I want to use this phone primarily as a Kindle. How well does the Kindle app work on this phone, in particular can one make notes whilst reading? Thank you in advance
Thank you for the kind words Ken! I want to make more reviews but I'm short on time. Hopefully soon.
The Hisense A5 makes for a great Kindle reader. The Kindle app works just as well as it does on any Android phone. Of course you can take notes normally. Note that since the screen is smaller than that of a dedicated Kindle, you need to turn pages more often but that's a minor inconvenience.
Wow thanks amazing review!
Hi Anna. I loved your review. I'm looking at purchasing the A5 pro and your video has definitely inspired me. One question. Is it possible to delete the pre-installed apps? My aim is to create a super minimalist smart light phone and wondered what your thoughts would be on achieving this with the Hisense.
Thanks! Yes, you can delete *most* pre-installed apps. (I think you couldn't in the past? But I just checked and it’s possible now.) You can't delete the basics, like the Gallery though, as well as a couple of the Chinese-name apps (I don't know what they do). Since you’re going for a minimalist phone though, I image you’ll install a custom launcher, so you won't have to see the few apps that you cannot uninstall.
@@annafilou thank you for your reply. That’s good about installing a minimalist launcher, i noticed you touched on that at the end of the video. Great review, it was very help.
Such a good review. Thank you
Thanks for watching! 🙏
I just want an affordable EInk reader with:
1. access to kindle, pdf reader and spotify
2. bluetooth or 3.5 mm jack for audio
3. physical page turn button
there... a business idea. I tried to make it DIY and it is hard and expensive for a hobbyist to do alone.
So what's stopping you from getting this phone? You don't have to use it as a phone and it does everything you want. 😛 (You can use the volume keys as a physical page turn button in virtually all reading apps.)
@@annafilou it is very tempting. I agree with you. But for me the deal breaker is the size, which is too small, and the price, which is too high. For the same price I can get the latest Kindle Oasis.
Hmmm true. I'm pretty sure there are some small (~ 8-inch) E-Ink Android tablets that fit your requirements. Although I guess you've done for research so then again maybe not.
Great review 👍👏
I would LOVE a launcher video from you! :)
Thanks for the review, appreciate the honesty. PS. I have exactly the same coffee cups at home, I have a "tea" set too ☺️
Ha! What a coincidence. And I appreciate the kind words.
I solved the micro b port issue by buying a cheap magnetic adapter, I just keep it plugged into phone all the time, it hardly sticks out. USB C would allow faster charging, but who needs that if battery rarely drops under 50%. Slower charging is good for batteries life, according to AIDA64, I am still getting 4160 out of advertised 4000 mAh. If I want color I can always mirror the screen to TV or to computer through cable, using developer options and adb... This phone can run 1080p video on an external screen no problem.
I think front light failed on my phone, when I try to turn it on, it just blinks for a second and goes off. But I also haven't updated the OS in a while, maybe that has something to do with it? Dropped phone once from front suit pocket, and it survived.
Not having NFC on basic model might be a thing to mention in such review.
Indeed! I never use NFC so I literally forgot it exists 😂 But yes, this phone doesn't have NFC, for anyone wondering.
@@annafilou Even if it has nfc how are you going to use it if there is no Google pay?
Dennis, NFC isn't a Google Pay thing. It's a communication protocol used for many things. Think of it like Bluetooth (although it does different things): Headphones use Bluetooth, but Bluetooth isn't limited to use with headphones only :) Search for NFC tags for a few use case examples.
They might have a DAC if its got higher quality audio through the jack regardless of the inbuilt speaker vs jack audio. I'm really interested in something like the light phone or this phone or like the pine phone.
Interesting! I'm clueless when it comes to audio.
@@annafilou eh... I'm no engineer but I used to mess around with DJ toys and stuff and have chosen phones with DACs over the years, use a couple DACs on my computers... Its just like an amp for extra quality/volume if you use heavy reference headphones instead of crappy hurr durr look at my air pods for audio lol... Even some cheap phones have DACs on board sometimes... Especially some of the stuff from LG... And its night and day if you're using decent headphones
Thanks for the review, very helpful. What keyboard are you using around 13:15? And have you found a way to connect the calendar app to a CalDAV account?
The keyboard is Fleksy. I find it very good for this type of screen because it's very forgiving.
I haven't tried connecting a calendar but it seems people recommend an app called DAVx⁵ for that. It's a paid app in the Play Store so I'm not sure how you'd make it work without Play Services… Perhaps you can try contacting the developer.
@@annafilou Thanks, Fleksy looks good although a bit bloated for my taste, but can live with that.
Yeah, lately they've added a lot of (IMO) useless features but you can safely ignore them or turn them off in a lot of cases. You can also try finding an older APK through APKMirror or a similar site. The app used to be very minimalistic.
@@annafilou I'll try that out. In terms of minimalism, am looking for a way to make the UI primarily black and white; any icon set to recommend perhaps?
In 15:23, this phone numbers seems not belongs to public service, but hotlines of some companies, for example, “盛辉物流" is a logistic company, and ”安诚财产保险“ is a property insurance company. So i think this number might be a part of phone embed advertisements :(
Interesting! Never looked it up. Thanks
hi, great review! I want to buy this device to my father-in-law, as he reads a lot of books, but I did not understand if this screen has inner lighting, to be able to read in the dark? Please explain. If it's not, then it makes little sense to buy.
Thank you for this video❤️
if you buy -or find one with your friends- hiSense A7, please make video like this.
Haha I might! I was thinking about getting a model with a color screen. 🤔 But they have a tablet now too which might be more useful, so I might get that instead… In any case, I'll surely make a video. 👌
@@annafilou Can't wait ur video
I really wanted this phone, but the only place I can buy it is on Aliexpress, and the taxes in my country make it too expensive.. would love to own a "kindle phone"
Good review. Thanks.
Wow, probably the best review Ive seen for this device. Thank you !
Some other reviewers mentioned Google Play Store & Services can be installed with some hooks. Does anyone know if this is possible ?
I suppose it's possible, like most things when it comes to software, but I haven't personally tried it. I suggest searching on xda developers.
Personally, I like knowing that Google can't track me when I'm using the A5.
Can you do banking on it ? Banking apps work? Also do you still use it as a smartphone replacement, does WhatsApp work, video calls etc. thanks for the review
Yes, I still use it. Banking apps generally do NOT work because they rely on Google Play services which this phone does not have. WhatsApp and pretty much every typical app that's not a banking app works. Keep in mind that if a bank's application does not work, you could probably do everything you need to via the bank's website (but it depends on the bank).
@@annafilou thanks for that Anna. Just happen to see that all Hisense phones as of recently, their entire lineup provides google play out of the box, which is good to have I bet.
Great video, do you still carry the a5?
Yes, and it still works as it used to. I don’t use it very often though.
Great review ! Would you say the A5 is a better choice than the A5C ?
I think I would have preferred the color version, but it didn't exist when I bought the one I did. But it depends on what you want it for. If you want a minimal “detox” phone to combat phone addiction, then the monochrome one would be better. In all other cases, I'd take the color version.
If you're gonna get one now though, it's best to get one of the next versions because the A5 doesn't have a fingerprint scanner.
Good Job!!
Thank you! 🙏
Thanks for this great review! Can I ask what the typing experience is like? I imagine that there's some lag, no?
There is a liiiittle bit of lag but it personally doesn't bother me!
Your review was really really really helpful to me.
However, I have one question. Will you suggest this still? I just need a decent ebook reader which can also act like a music player during read time, and this is the only one I got in that category.
And thank you once again for making this detailed review video
I would totally suggest it. It still works just as well as it did when I first got it and I still use it from time to time over my standard smartphone.
Personally I'd look into getting one of the newer models because they have a fingerprint sensor while the A5 doesn't. But if the A5 is cheaper and you're fine with the lack of a fingerprint sensor, go for it!
@@annafilou Thank you so so much ☺️ I guess I’ll be going for this model as already have smartphone and it’s gonna be just for music and book reading.
pleasant voice indeed
Hi friend, first of all, thank you so much for this review. I loved it! Your pleasant voice and the way you explain everything so well give me the satisfaction of knowing that I'm going to buy something good and well-recommended. I was looking for information about this phone because I also checked out the Light Phone, but I needed something with at least WhatsApp and Spotify, and I think this is the best option, even though this model is a few years old. It seems to have everything I was looking for, and my eyes can rest a little from so many screens with exaggerated lights.
I have a question about WhatsApp. You mentioned that even when you set the option not to kill the application in the background to save battery, sometimes it still does it and you lose notifications. Have you been able to fix this in any way to not miss them?
I hope you make more videos about this model or any newer ones if you have changed phones. They are a delight to watch. Thank you very much, and I hope you have a good day :)
If you disable all background restrictions, apps should work fine! Thanks for the kind words. I still have the phone! It’s my secondary device and I mostly use it in summer months when I spend a lot of time outside in bright sunlight.
@@annafilou very thanks,have a nice day ☺
Thanks for the wonderful and honest review of this phone.
Would like to confirm that this phone doesnt support Google Play Services natively right?
It is because I bought Hisense a5 Pro CC few days back from AliExpress and after several days of trying to sideload the apk apps I normally use, mostly google apps (keep notes, gmail, maps, gboard, calendar, calculator) most of them doesnt work well. Im well informed by the seller that the A5 Pro CC doenst have Google Play Services natively instead offer A5 if I wanted Google Play as advised. Sorry, quite long intro/story.
Then saw this video saying NO Google Play Services. I'm now confused.
The Hisense A5 does NOT natively support Google Play services.
It's possible to flash a custom ROM (firmware) that includes Play Services though (I haven't done that).
I've come across stores that sell this modded version of the A5, so that's probably what the seller meant. Still, keep in mind that that's not supported or endorsed by the manufacturer and it's not official firmware.
This was a great and incredibly informative review of a phone I am considering picking up soon.
My current phone, a Moto G5 I picked up new old stock a few years ago is starting to struggle more with my day-to-day use and I think I would be okay with an e-Ink display.
Neat how you have a similar selection of sideloaded apps, I use F-Droid, Aurora, KISS Launcher and OsmAnd~ and a half functional call recorder on my current phone.
The Tencent location services are worrying though, as Tencent is a rather infamous large and evil Chinese company.
The aggressive killing of background apps even with this disabled seems concerning, but it shouldn't be as broken as the Hammer Iron 4 phone I've considered switching to before.
Otherwise the firewall feature seems great, my previous Huawei phone had this too, great for blocking adverts and increasing security.
With the gestures navigation, is it possible to open the recent apps screen? This is the square button in the navigation bar and usually activated by swiping further and maybe shortly holding.
Isn‘t Google just as evil as Tencent though? Either way, some large corporation gets my data-either Google or Tencent. Feels the same from my personal POV… I so wish for a smartphone that *works* without *any* reliance on big tech. Would be awesome if you can point me to any relevant projects if you know of any.
Heads up, the Hisense A5 is pretty outdated by today’s standards. Hisense has newer models with fingerprint sensors and some even with color E-Ink displays. The A5 still works fine though.
And yes, you can open the recents view via the gesture navigation as in other phones.
@@annafilou thanks for taking the time to reply in such detail.
While I dislike either and avoid them where this does not cause major inconvenience, I do consider Tencent as slightly worse than Google.
There is the PinePhone for running a mobile Linux distro, but I personally don't feel confident switching to that nor want to deal with the limited software selection.
Otherwise I've heard of the Volla phone having a fully de-googled Android fork, along with their hardware also working with mobile Linux.
It's also possible to root an existing phone and install a different OS like LineageOS on it, but I have not explored this as I rather have my phone just work.
Since I've more thoroughly examined Hisense's range of e-ink phones, of which the newer A5 Pro CC Colour seems like the one that'd work for me.
It has Android 10, USB-C, a fingerprint reader and a colour e-ink display that still refreshes quickly (the non-pro version is sluggish by comparison).
The problem with the newer models is that they are also too large for my taste and get significantly more expensive.
I'm not afraid to buy an older phone as my current phone is from 2017, still runs Android 7, yet works reliably after side-loading alternatives to most included G-apps.
Good to know, I asked as I saw another review mention that you can't go to the recent apps, this is evidently false unless changed in a newer release.
And I will probably be able to change some of the gesture behaviour with SystemUI tuner, which can let you change some hidden settings.
I am still somewhat worried of things they might have changed, but overall it seems to resemble my previous Huawei phone so it probably works fine.
Since I have had my Hisense A5 CC Pro Color for a bit over a week.
This phone does have USB-C and a very responsive fingerprint reader on the back.
I can confirm that the Hi-Fi functionality of the jack works well, it gives the internal amp some significant power making it drive my DT770 headphones beautifully.
The screen also displays colours with 25% saturation, at the cost of lowering total brightness to 75% of what it would have been on a black and white model.
In practice it straight up looks like a paper print, about the quality of a newspaper or better when using the clear mode.
The faster modes can even handle a bit of video playback better than this one, but the colour screen has significant ghosting even in the clear mode, unless manually clearing the screen.
It's resolution feels both significantly higher and lower than the rated 720x1440 simultaneously.
Getting notifications to work properly was a challenge, but I succeeded with MicroG and changing relevant app settings in 5 different places.
The software is pretty neat actually, though the media player notification displays black text on a black background, leaving the title unreadable.
Neither the lock screen nor statusbar display notification icons, for those I have to open the notification drawer, which I can do with the fingerprint sensor too.
Luckily I was able to disable the Tencent location services in the settings, the included store stays active but doesn't get in the way.
All Chinese (untranslated) apps but the store and iFly could be disabled or removed, though occasionally a Mandarin folder name or interface text shows up.
It's a great phone for me which works well after taking the time to set it up in a way I like, with 3rd party apps for most tasks.
I do keep the factory phone, SMS and calculator apps in use, those are pretty good and I especially appreciate the phone-call recording.
Notifications are now reliable, but it was very finicky to set up in a way that actually works, with MicroG as the more well-documented old Huawei GMS apps don't fully work.
The occasional Chinglish is cute, the daily saying on the lock screen is fun, occasionally it annoyingly picks up US formats while I used a 3rd party app to switch it to British.
Even my banking application works on it, though I don't think I can pay with it (but I have not tried this yet).
@@WyvernDotRed That's all very interesting, thanks for sharing! For some reason, I didn't get a notification about your previous message.
I suppose your banking applications might work because of MicroG? Or they just don't have the restrictions that the banks I use have. 🤔
Hello! Nice review, does it have Bluetooth? Did you test some scrolling pages (pdf files) remote controller? Did you use it with Osmand or anyother live gpx navigation app?
Thanks! Yes, of course it has Bluetooth. 😛
It doesn't have IR so you can't use it as a TV remote, if that's what you mean.
I've used it with pretty much every major free GPS Navigation app, including OSMand, HERE and Google Maps, and it works perfectly. 👌
Thank you so much for this review! Do you know if any of the physical buttons can be mapped to turn the page in reading apps? I use the kindle app currently. I’ve been trying to figure that out before purchase the phone. I saw an option in settings for the e-ink button to “reverse the next page” - is that a translation error for turning the page maybe?
I think the setting applies to the built-in reading applications, which are in Chinese so they're not usable for me…
As far as I know, whether you'll be able to map the device buttons to turn the page depends on the specific application you're using. For example Instapaper (the read-it-later service) let's you do that, but the Kindle app doesn't (I think?).
Follow up - I bought one: you can set the volume buttons to do page turns in the kindle. The eink button doesn’t work. You can also use the faster rendering modes and use infinite scroll, or pair a controller (like xbox or switch) and use those buttons to turn pages. My fave is the controller method.
This might be my solution for mitigating night-time phone browsing. I always listen to RUclips videos when I sleep, and I’m thinking the Vanced client would work on this, since it uses a third-party replacement/client for Google Play Services anyway.
Possibly! I use Newpipe which doesn't require Play Services.
Note that you can still use this phone at night, since it has a backlight (or front light? Since it's E-Ink). The monochrome display kinda naturally discourages excessive use though.
Hi! Does this have a notes application? To write notes?
I’ve been an iPhone user for years because I love the notes app on them but it makes my eyes tired, I’m looking something small like this for notes 🤩
Great video thank you!
Yes, it does! But you can download any notes app you want. You don't have to depend on the built-in one.
Really helpful. Thanks
Hi ! thanks for the review, is really helpfull, at one moment you talked about whats'app, is it possible to have it on the hisense a5?thanks!
Yes, WhatsApp can run without Google Play Services. I tried it and it works! (Sorry for taking a while to reply. I wasn’t using WhatsApp before.)
I inherited the identical coffee cup from my grandmother who must have had it for decades! Where'd you get it?!
I don’t know! I got it from my parents who must have gotten it before I was born! It’s my favorite cup! I got excited to hear there are more! I’ve seen another one in the wild in Greece (where I’m from too). Thanks to Google Lens, I just now identified it as a “Churchill Staffordshire Earthenware Mug”. Somebody sells it on Etsy and notes: “Vintage from before 2000”.
@Anna Ha! Well I'm in Sydney, Australia, but my grandparents were from Ireland and may have picked it up in the UK before they came here 🤔 funny that pre-2000 is basically vintage now, which makes me feel old 😄 Great review by the way. Love the coffee and chat vibe.
Hi Anna! Does this model allow you to download apps like spotify, amazon, whatsapp, gmail and signal?
I don't have WhatsApp (but it should work) and I guess that the Gmail app *might* require Google Play Services to run (which the A5 doesn't have) because it's made by Google.
The other apps should work. You can still use another email client (I use FairEmail) and add your Gmail account though, so no worries.
you from which country will it work in India? And thanks for the review :)
It works in Europe. I *suppose* it would work in India too. It's an international, unlocked version.
@@annafilou Oks thanks for the response..
Hello, I want to get my hands on a device like this, or any other versions of it, but i cant buy any. Do you have any tipps where to buy any of them, or how to get a used one or something ?
The cert shop does not work for me, i cant go to checkout
Yeah, sadly they stopped selling in retail a couple of months ago. Now they only do wholesale. I don't know where else you can buy it. ☹️ Your best shot is probably to Google it.
After the first two words I was expecting a daily dose of Internet :)
Also that was a very thorough review! Thanks!
Since this device probably won't work in the US networks, as a wifi capable device how would this work to be used as a media device? Downloading movies, music, books, podcasts to be used daily and have all phone calls directed to an esim smartwatch?
So it will be a handheld device specifically not as a phone
I assume (but I can't know for sure) that it would work on US networks. After all, when Europeans travel to the US, their phones still work, right? The Hisense A5 works fine in the EU. And you can always compare the bands the phone supports with those your network does (look up the info online).
If you use it without a SIM, it will still work fine, like any phone. And the battery will last a lot longer. IMO it's a bit small to be used as a media device, but it's up to you.
@@annafilou You replied! haha i have my youtube notifications off so i just happened to revisit your review
I was thinking of getting this A5 or the A9 but the problem with the a9 is that they stopped supporting microSD expansions
I was actually hoping to put 500 or more GB of microSD onto the phone so it can be a media server (casting films/tv) to my television
But also the A5 is it capable of using apps like Uber or Lyft? its actually important that i can use things like that with a camera i can use it to scan QR codes and ride scooters
Would you say the A5 pro is worth getting over the A5? Assuming I would use it as just an ereader.
Depends on what you value. The A5 Pro isn't much more expensive than the A5 so it might be worth it for you.
Considering you will just use it as an e-reader, then the only differences would be the fingerprint scanner and USB-C type port that the A5 Pro has.
For example, if you no longer keep around micro USB cables, or if you find the thought of unlocking it with a PIN instead of your fingerprint, then it's worth it.
Can u also use whats app on the E ink phone
Yes, WhatsApp can run without Google Play Services. I tried it and it works!
Great. Any idea if this phone supports Indian band..
No idea, but I assumed India uses the same bands we do in Europe. You can find network comparability information on any website that sells the phone; then you can check which bands you use in India and see if they're supported. It'd bet money that they are, for what it's worth.
I hope you're still there! Is it available in Germany?
I don't know! 😅 I don't sell it, just a regular buyer. The shop I got it from has closed since.
@@annafilou ok thanks for the reply!
All the A5s sold in eBay are said to include Google Play.
That’s great!
Is it possible to install Uber and Google Maps in this paper phone? I'm inclined to buy it, but I need Uber and Google Maps. I live in São Paulo. We really need this apps here.
Google Maps yes, I use it all the time. I don't have Uber here so I don't know about that… various apps that need to use your location rely on Google location services which are not available on phones without Google play services, like this one. I'm honestly surprised that Google Maps works.
Looking at this phone but I'm in the US and was warned we might have limited to no networks that are compatible with this. Are you in the US? Large city? Any network issues?
I'm in Europe and it works fine here. I've never been to the US so can't tell. :( No connectivity issues in the EU though. Works great.
Videos/Video Podcasts: Since I listen to a lot of podcast style youtube videos or videos where I just glance at the screen occasionally for visual reference of what they are talking about while doing something else I’m found having the ability to ‘play’ videos on my Boox Nova Air C surprisingly convenient, for all that said device isn’t exactly pocketable so not very portable for listening on the move and when carrying other things, so I’ll be looking for something smaller like the Hisense in future.
Although that being said I do not recommend watching said videos on eink, or at least the Nova, aside from the occasional reference glance at the screen for context, because that seems to be a one way ticket to a headache as your eyes and brain strain themselves trying to make sense of things. Also Boox eink colour and fast settings plus ghosting during videos as things are stretched to the max doesn’t make for a good colour experience with videos, the colours are better for stationary and plainer things in my experience so looking to try grey scale instead next time plus unlike the Nova the next device wouldn’t need to be able to fit pdf or show potentially important colour coding in study materials, so don’t really need colour this time.
-
Thanks for the long term review! Keep coming back to your video both intentionally and unintentionally when searching for various things. XD So thanks again for sharing this amazing long term review!
Haha thanks, that's nice to hear! Maybe you can try a RUclips client like NewPipe that allows you to play the audio in the background, if you mostly want to listen to the videos.
@@annafilou oh? I hadn’t heard of them before so thanks!
Hi Anna, I'm wondering if you use your phone less than you would with a standard phone? Would it help one to be less distracted one's phone, especially in social situations, since the display is simpler?
Yes and no. I used it less for things I typically do with my regular smartphone (mindless Instagram scrolling LOL) but more for reading ebooks and articles ;)
my eyes hurt when i use normal phone
so does this phone will help my eyes or not
The screen of this phone is identical to a piece of paper. If you can read books without hurting your eyes, then you can use this too. 😊
I guess what hurts your eyes is the light emitted by regular screens. In this phone you can optionally turn on a front light but you can use it without having the screen emit any light at all. Of course then you'll have to depend on sunlight or a lamp at night.
thanks for this information
but how can i purchase this phone in india
I bought it from Cect-shop, I think they ship to India too! www.cect-shop.com/en/ (I'm not affiliated with them)
How does it compare to the newer Hisense E-ink phones?
I don't know because I don't have a newer one. But I'd assume the new ones are better? I kinda want a color one but don't know which shop to trust. The one I got mine from has closed.
Gracias por la información. Muy detallada.
Hey. Would this phone work with "active" QR codes? For example on my bus and train system we use these kind of moving "active" QR codes rather than static.
I'm not sure what you mean by active QR nor by whether the phone "works" with them. (How can a phone work or not work with QR codes?)
If you're talking about the ability to use an image on your lock screen, you need to change that image, it cannot change by itself.
@@annafilou most QR codes are passive images. There are many QR codes today in transportation services for example which use QR codes that are in motion to avoid people screenshotting and sharing tickets.
@@northernswedenstories1028 if it's a QR code that refreshes every few seconds, no reason it wouldn't work.
You would have to keep the related app open of course, but the e-ink display can show it normally, with some flashing on refreshes.
How did you get the google version of this phone?
I didn't. In the past I saw a shop that sells it with Google Play Services but know it's not official. They've installed a custom ROM. Personally I'd be afraid it might malfunction.
Hi, Can you tell me where to buy a Hisense A5 or A5 pro CC - Best Regards, François
Sorry, I don't know. I bought it many years ago from cect-shop.com BUT they no longer sell retail. :(
how;s the experience like to text on this? seeing that most of the time e-ink screens would need time to respond to your input and update the message accordingly - is it tolerable or it is just downright unworkable?
It's totally fine. Obviously a bit slower than on an LCD and I wouldn't really try the swiping method to type. I use a keyboard called Fleksy (it's free) which was originally made for blind people so it's very forgiving. In short, you can text on it just fine, no complaints and I've done it a lot.
Thanks for this video. I want to know if slack, microsoft outlook, wattpad works on this phone
Anything that doesn't rely on Google Services (e.g. apps that use Google location services like Life360) should work without an issue!
I wish Wal Mart would sell the HiSense A5 during Black Friday Sales this November. And the Color Version A5 Pro CC. They would all be sold out really fast.