My First China Phone - JiaYu S3

A year has gone by since my last post.  It's unbelievable fast!

This post is about the new phablet  I bought to replace the Nexus 4 which I have used for 2 years.  Although it has served me well over the years, I try to replace my cellphone every 2 years just to keep up with newer hardware and software.  LG Optimus One was the first smartphone I bought in April of 2011 (see my older post) followed by LG Nexus 4 in 2013.

For details of this phone, follow the link below to manufacturer website:
JiaYu S3

First, here are some screen shots of my 5.5" phablet (volume down+power - an Android 4.4 feature):

 

I bought this phone pre-ordered for $177.93 USD from Aliexpress on January 10, 2015 and received it six weeks later in February 2015.  I chose free shipping by Singapore Post and it did not cost me any duties or taxes.  Together with the phone, I also bought a glass screen protector for $7.59 and a clear silicon soft back case for $4.99.  So far, I am very satisfied!

From what I know, all Android phones purchased from China do not have any Goggle apps installed!  Fortunately, the reseller I bought the phone from had pre-installed Google Play Store which made my subsequent works on the phone so much easier.

There are a few things I want to put on this phone, namely:

1. Gmail (the installed Gmail could not be started becasue of Google Services problems);

2. Custom recovery either TWRP or CWM (stock Android Recovery System is not good);

3. New Google Calendar (I do not like the installed older version Google calendar).

I will talk about these changes in my next post.