The biggest reason Android users want the newest hardware is that it’s usually coupled with the latest software. For example, how many new devices have Android 2.3? The Nexus phones and anyone running AOSP mods like CyanogenMod. I want a phone that I know will get the latest Android software, but also offers a hardware platform that delivers good performance and battery life. It seems like I want a GeeksPhone Zero.
Like many of Geek.com’s readers, I am a big fan of specs. I can rattle off dozens of really awesome things about the computers I get to play with on a regular basis. As a hardware reviewer, I am given the unique opportunity to sample all of the latest and greatest on a regular basis. In the mobile space it’s no different. I have been able to play with the fastest processors, the best screens, and every shape and size and type. During this experience I realized that in the past two years every hardware manufacturer has made tremendous strides in offering consumers faster processors, more memory, better cameras, all in thinner and thinner packages.
There seems to be one aspect of the mobile space that hasn’t seen the same level of explosive growth, and that’s battery life. We cram 4G radios and insane processors into 4.3-inch boxes, but give them the same batteries the original G1 had? It forced me to stop and ask myself if I would rather have a phone that had the latest and greatest, or one with excellent battery life.
The GeeksPhone Zero runs a 600MHz processor that would cause the average gearhead to immediately turn up their nose. However, the Zero is also packing a dedicated GPU with 256MB of ram and has an additional 512MB of ram to pull from, giving it more than enough power to play with the big kids. The 3.2-inch screen, HSPA capable radio, and underpowered processor tell me one thing very clearly. They tell me this will have an amazing battery life.
The GeeksPhone has been touted as the “modder friendly” Android phone. The first device, the One, seemed pretty underpowered for the price and didn’t really offer much to grab my attention. It, like many devices that lack “The Specs” got ignored. Now, however, GeeksPhone got my attention with something way more important than specs, and that’s software.
The Zero will come pre-installed with the Android app Rom Manager. Rom Manager is an app that makes is very easy and extremely user friendly to flash roms to your device. Rom Manager will only show you rom’s for your device, and make it very easy to update your software with a push of a button. While Rom Manager is considered an advanced tool by many users, it’s base functions will make it extremely easy to deliver updates to the phone. Additionally, Rom Manager always has the latest version of CyanogenMod and many other modded Roms, giving users the ability to safely explore the possibilities of their device.
It’s not the bleeding edge. It’s not the fastest, it’s not the biggest, and it’s not the best by most standards. It it, however, capable of delivering a consistent experience at a reasonable performance level for much longer than any other phone on the market, and that is why the GeeksPhone Zero will be my next smartphone.
The Zero is expected to go on sale for 189 euros with pre-orders starting some time in the next few week
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