Zest T1

[MoHaG]

Seems like I eventually figured out how to get play store back permanently on the 20140903 firmware...

Best method: Root and delete Zest free apps app (it is a system app and has a service running constantly, whihc I don't trust...).

Other way: Go into Zest free apps and choose the play store...

Now: to figure out if I can root the phone that I actually use without wiping it...

 

[SykomantiS]

You know what, and this is just personal opinion, I would've just used the older firmware in the link I posted earlier

 

[MoHaG]

You know what, and this is just personal opinion, I would've just used the older firmware in the link I posted earlier

Mainly a case of not wanting to wipe the phone again... Recently got everything restored form the other one (I took over an unwanted T1 that didn't have a dodgy USB connector (I fixed the other one today) and cracked screen... )

If I wipe it, I lose progress is some apps and need to go to the bank to get my internet banking working again... (Capitec...) (Root would help here, since I can then just backup its settings, irrespective of whether the APK disables backups...)

(I initially started trying to directly modify the img files by unpacking, mounting, adding SuperUser, packing and trying to flash, whihc didn't work... Since I was rebooted into Windows anyway by then and decided to open up the old Zest to try and fix the USB connector (adding a bit of solder with a tiny tip works) I played a bit with the files I had laying around...)

 

[SykomantiS]

I'm not sure as I haven't tried rooting without wiping, but I had to wipe my phone when I rooted. Would be interesting to see if you can manage that. Good luck.

 

[sonxEr77]

Does anyone know if this phone roams well overseas on MTN?

 

[SykomantiS]

Can't see why it wouldn't, but to be honest I've never tried- I guess it would depend on MTN, no?.
I have used it in Moz, but also, I had a VC sim card there.

 

[sonxEr77]

Can't see why it wouldn't, but to be honest I've never tried- I guess it would depend on MTN, no?.
I have used it in Moz, but also, I had a VC sim card there.

Am thinking roaming in france will probably cost me an arm and a leg, better of whatsapping and skyping on their free WiFi

 

[SykomantiS]

Why not just buy a pre-paid sim there?

 

[sonxEr77]

Why not just buy a pre-paid sim there?

Well, that too, thanks

 

[Barge]

Why not just buy a pre-paid sim there?

It is after all a dual sim phone...

 

[ISP cash cow]

Does anyone know if this phone roams well overseas on MTN?

Just buy a prepaid sim wherever you going. Whenever I go over to the UK I just pop my prepaid EE sim in and it works fine. My MTN sim also does work over there but I just use my EE sim works out much cheaper.

 

[Marcan]

On which frequencies does the Zest's 3G/ HSDPA connection work ?
I had 3G with my Afrihost MTN SIM which works on 2100 Mhz in this area, but switched today to Cell C data connection, which in this area works on 900 Mhz, and I only get Edge.
Edit:
Oh jeah, I checked under Settings> Wireless& Networks>Mobile Networks>Network settings> 3G Service, and made sure Enable 3G is on , and Network mode is on 2g/3G (auto).
When I change to 3 G only, it gives me 3 G roaming on Vodacom. So most likely the Zest has only 3 G on the 2100 Mhz frequency, more suitable for dense urban cells of the networks.

 

[DarthMol]

Sigh... stupid phone's display has stopped functioning. Of course it has to happen now that the original warranty is up. And I had even sent in the phone just before its warranty ended as I had issues with the battery not lasting. They did the checks and said it was just the battery so I replaced it and it was working fine. Now today just randomly the display is blank, the phone is still functioning but nothing is displayed.
Not sure if it's worth sending the phone in for repairs or if I should just cut my losses and get a decent known-brand phone rather.

 

[B@rrels]

On which frequencies does the Zest's 3G/ HSDPA connection work ?
I had 3G with my Afrihost MTN SIM which works on 2100 Mhz in this area, but switched today to Cell C data connection, which in this area works on 900 Mhz, and I only get Edge.
Edit:
Oh jeah, I checked under Settings> Wireless& Networks>Mobile Networks>Network settings> 3G Service, and made sure Enable 3G is on , and Network mode is on 2g/3G (auto).
When I change to 3 G only, it gives me 3 G roaming on Vodacom. So most likely the Zest has only 3 G on the 2100 Mhz frequency, more suitable for dense urban cells of the networks.

yes,only works on 850/2100Mhz...been my problem ever since I got the phone,no 3G!!

 

[Ianf1]

Sigh... stupid phone's display has stopped functioning. Of course it has to happen now that the original warranty is up. And I had even sent in the phone just before its warranty ended as I had issues with the battery not lasting. They did the checks and said it was just the battery so I replaced it and it was working fine. Now today just randomly the display is blank, the phone is still functioning but nothing is displayed.
Not sure if it's worth sending the phone in for repairs or if I should just cut my losses and get a decent known-brand phone rather.

I bought a moto g from Orange, I see they are releasing a Gen 3 shortly. I am very happy with that plus changed the data package to 500mb per month at R29

 

[DarthMol]

I bought a moto g from Orange, I see they are releasing a Gen 3 shortly. I am very happy with that plus changed the data package to 500mb per month at R29

Ya, the Moto G looks pretty good, definitely will keep it in mind.

 

[AR_GTR]

I bought a moto g from Orange, I see they are releasing a Gen 3 shortly. I am very happy with that plus changed the data package to 500mb per month at R29

500megs for R29? What network?

 

[Ianf1]

500megs for R29? What network?

Afrihost

 

[AR_GTR]

Afrihost

Oh yes, that reminds me I was supposed to cancel the one gig that came with the phone

 

[rkcj]

Oh yes, that reminds me I was supposed to cancel the one gig that came with the phone