Current best value Android Huawei Ascend G300

BostonB · 12-11-2012 11:22am

The Lumia 800 has been 200 on O2 for a good while now. Its and end of life phone so they are a clearing stocks for the 820.

The G300 is a good cheap phone. Screen response and camera quality is the main thing that you notice. Its not going to compare to a phone thats twice the price on these two things IMO.

The Lumia 800 is Windows 7.5, it will get 7.8 but not 8. But the Windows Phone OS UI is blistering fast compared to a low/mid end android. The downside is the range of apps is less, and its a lot more locked down than Android.

I have a G300 but I'm thinking of switching to a 800. But I paid 119 for my G300 the 800 is a good bit more. Also the G300 is easily unlocked for other sims. The 800 isn't. I don't know anywhere that can unlock a 800 now.

TM · 12-11-2012 11:30am

Buck Fizz wrote: »

the buttons don't respond quick enough

I seem to recall that being an issue with one or other of the stock ROMs?

BostonB · 12-11-2012 11:58am

The issue with the buttons was fixed. But in general I think to get the best out of the G300 you need to move to a non Vodafone ROM. I'm still on the official ICS one and its a bit slow.

fallaci · 13-11-2012 9:55pm

My g300 is really sluggish when it comes to typing, especially after Ivan update. Sometimes I'm few words ahead before they appear (that'a why ics became Ivan) Doesn't matter if I use android keyboard or Huaweis TouchPal. Would custom rom fix that?

TM · 15-11-2012 1:05pm

Maybe just try it?

Once you root and install ClockworkMod you can do a full backup of your existing (stock?) ROM so that you can always revert to it. My understanding is that this is a Nandroid backup of your complete system so you can revert to your current setup (including ROM/system, apps, user data etc.) at any time (http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/04/16/complete-guide-how-to-fully-back-up-and-restore-your-android-phone-using-nandroid-backup-and-clockworkmod-rom-manager/).

Once you have done that you can try a custom ROM such as Infusion to see if that works better for you. If you want to migrate apps/user data from your current setup to a new custom ROM installation then you may need to back them up and restore on the new setup.

Be aware that there may also be some other issues to consider - e.g. baseband versions etc.

But if trying a custom ROM might be something that you are interested in definitely read the guide(s) here:

http://www.modaco.com/topic/357243-explained-like-youre-5-install-custom-roms-from-scratch-install-the-official-ics-update-root-more/

Hope this helps.

fionn_mac · 15-11-2012 1:42pm

anyone got any issues with the micro SD card? It used to work on mine but has stopped reading in the last while. Maybe I dropped it or something and damaged the connections inside somehow (the SD card works fine on another phone).

I presume rooting it won't help if its a hardware issue? Although I see you need an SD card to root on one of those links posted.

TM · 15-11-2012 2:12pm

How exactly does it fail - e.g. an example of what goes wrong when you try to read it?
I suppose it's possible to physically damage the SDcard slot connectors by dropping the phone but I'd imagine it's unlikely.
Is the SD card being mounted at all? You should be able to check in File Manager.
Rooting is not, of itself, going to help if it's a hardware issue.
Although you could root, install ClockworkMod, do a full backup, then install the stock (?) ROM afresh and see if it works just to rule out a hardware issue? Then you can always revert to your original setup via a restore.
Or you could root, install a terminal emulator app and then open a console to manually browse the filesystem on the command line and issue commands such as mount to see what devices/filesystems are mounted.

Hope this helps a bit...

fionn_mac · 15-11-2012 3:26pm

TM wrote: »

How exactly does it fail - e.g. an example of what goes wrong when you try to read it?
I suppose it's possible to physically damage the SDcard slot connectors by dropping the phone but I'd imagine it's unlikely.
Is the SD card being mounted at all? You should be able to check in File Manager.
Rooting is not, of itself, going to help if it's a hardware issue.
Although you could root, install ClockworkMod, do a full backup, then install the stock (?) ROM afresh and see if it works just to rule out a hardware issue? Then you can always revert to your original setup via a restore.
Or you could root, install a terminal emulator app and then open a console to manually browse the filesystem on the command line and issue commands such as mount to see what devices/filesystems are mounted.

Hope this helps a bit...

Thanks for your reply TM. It just doesnt recognise the card at all - file manager under SD card says no memory card, Settings>>Storage says un-available (the 2gig internal SD card is still showing). When I take it out and put it back in it doesn't get the 'reading/mounting SD card' across the top which used to happen and still happens on someone elses android phone I've tried it on. Tried a different SD card to no avail either.

So I guess I'm stuck with it, it was either as a result of a fall or hardware failure of some sort or one of the stock updates I downloaded as it became available, though then others would probably have had the same issue. Not the end of the world but bothersome all the same.

griffdaddy · 15-11-2012 4:29pm

fionn_mac wrote: »

Thanks for your reply TM. It just doesnt recognise the card at all - file manager under SD card says no memory card, Settings>>Storage says un-available (the 2gig internal SD card is still showing). When I take it out and put it back in it doesn't get the 'reading/mounting SD card' across the top which used to happen and still happens on someone elses android phone I've tried it on. Tried a different SD card to no avail either.

So I guess I'm stuck with it, it was either as a result of a fall or hardware failure of some sort or one of the stock updates I downloaded as it became available, though then others would probably have had the same issue. Not the end of the world but bothersome all the same.

Is it by any chance a Sandisk 32gb?

TM · 15-11-2012 6:00pm

Just curious - why would that (make/capacity) matter if it was working before but just stopped?

I have a class 10 32GB SanDisk and my G300 (running Infusion) can see it OK. But I haven't used it much yet...

TM · 16-11-2012 3:38pm

Two questions...

(1) can anybody tell me what the Bxxx number is of the most recent stock Vodafone Ireland ICS update available OTA?

(2) anybody know where the stock Vodafone ICS images are available for download and installation (e.g. by CWM)? I did a CWM Nandroid backup of my Vodafone ICS setup before installing Infusion but I tried restoring it and it gave an "error while restoring /system" for some reason (and for a moment I thought that I had bricked it before reinstalling Infusion!

). I just want the backup in case I ever have hardware problems and have to return the phone to Vodafone. I've seen Vodafone UK ROMs on the web - would these do?

Thanks a lot.

BostonB · 16-11-2012 3:53pm

VF Android 4.0.3 B936

TM · 16-11-2012 4:06pm

Thanks a lot BostonB. Any idea if/where that image can be downloaded since my backup doesn't seem to restore?!

Update: oh - maybe this is it or will do?

http://www.modaco.com/topic/357228-ics-repack-403-b936-u8815-vodafone-ota-release-rom/

BostonB · 16-11-2012 4:38pm

I dunno if thats a UK rom that was was pulled originally as being buggy. Could I make a backup of mine? I've not bothered rooting or with roms, as I wasn't sure I'd hang on to the phone.

TM · 16-11-2012 4:52pm

A few more questions because after some tinkering I am finally installing my G300 for general use... I have tried to read many of the various forums but sometimes it's difficult to get authoritative and non conflicting info!

(1) Does it matter which CWM I use - currently on 6.0.1.2 which I got via the "explained like you're 5" tutorial. Seems to be the latest: http://www.modaco.com/topic/353528-clockworkmod-recovery-for-huawei-u8815ascend-g-300/page__st__180#entry2021300.

(2) Anybody use link2sd and does it work OK for you? I have used it on my Huawei U8160/Vodafone Smart 858 and have had some issues with it e.g. sd-ext failing to mount or becoming readonly and apps force closing etc. - usually a few reboots and recreation of the link2sd script fixes things but it's all a bit messy. I'm hoping that it works better on the G300... Or should I just stick with native Android apps2sd even if it moves less than link2sd and apps will not work when using USB file sharing...?

(3) The CWM on my Huawei U8160 supports creation/formatting of sd-ext but the G300 CWM does not so I guess I have to do this manually using a Windows partition tool as per the link2sd FAQ?

(4) Anybody using a custom kernel (e.g. Geno Kolar or OmegaMoon) - presumably mainly for overclocking? I believe that the kernel can be flashed independently so that you can switch between kernels "beneath" the existing Infusion ROM installed?

(5) Any other general tips (broad question I know!

)?

Thanks a lot.

TM · 16-11-2012 4:56pm

BostonB wrote: »

I dunno if thats a UK rom that was was pulled originally as being buggy. Could I make a backup of mine? I've not bothered rooting or with roms, as I wasn't sure I'd hang on to the phone.

Thanks. Not sure either. I guess I had B936 installed when I did a CWM backup but for some reason it won't restore. Not sure if it's some clash with what was installed subsequently with Infusion B05!?! I'm still reading up on things but some of the stuff about CWM, boot loaders, RILs, kernels, ROMs, mismatches between some or all of these etc. can be a bit confusing...

If you were able to do a backup and post it somewhere that I could try I'd appreciate it. But if it's hassle don't bother. Thanks again.

pickarooney · 16-11-2012 11:13pm

griffdaddy wrote: »

Is it by any chance a Sandisk 32gb?

TM wrote: »

Just curious - why would that (make/capacity) matter if it was working before but just stopped?

I have a class 10 32GB SanDisk and my G300 (running Infusion) can see it OK. But I haven't used it much yet...

FWIW I've had a 32GB Sandisk just stop working like that recently, albeit in a different phone. It would first fail to load on booting, only being recognised after about three reboots then eventually stopped working altogether.

I have also experienced a 32GB from another brand working fine with one ROM and going into a permanent disk check on another ROM each time it was booted, so it might be worth a shot with another ROM.

fionn_mac · 19-11-2012 11:41am

pickarooney wrote: »

FWIW I've had a 32GB Sandisk just stop working like that recently, albeit in a different phone. It would first fail to load on booting, only being recognised after about three reboots then eventually stopped working altogether.

I have also experienced a 32GB from another brand working fine with one ROM and going into a permanent disk check on another ROM each time it was booted, so it might be worth a shot with another ROM.

griffdaddy wrote: »

Is it by any chance a Sandisk 32gb?

Hi sorry for slow reply. It card in question is 32GB sandisk but I've since tried a 128mb card and still not mounting it so guess its hardware related.

mp3ireland2 · 20-11-2012 6:07pm

Is this phone going cheap in the uk anywhere at the minute? or is it best to buy on vodafone ireland and get €20 off for porting a number and €20 via fatcheese (after 6 months or whatever!) moving to uk in january so figure this will be my uk phone....

TM · 20-11-2012 6:32pm

mp3ireland2 wrote: »

Is this phone going cheap in the uk anywhere at the minute?

Not sure - you probably know that it was going cheap (£65?) in Tesco UK (including NI) for a while there. Probably best to check with the usual UK bargain alerts boards (e.g. MoneySavingExpert etc.) in case there are any offers. Seems to be £100 online from Vodafone UK.

http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/mobile-phone/huawei-ascend-g300-payg?icmp=int-vod-huawei-csl-bt1

or is it best to buy on vodafone ireland and get €20 off for porting a number and €20 via fatcheese (after 6 months or whatever!) moving to uk in january so figure this will be my uk phone....

If you're buying it here then I believe that's the cheapest way to go. Pity Vodafone haven't offered it for €129.99 again as they did before.

It is just me or are BeThrifty and FatCheese a bit hit and miss when it comes to tracking purchases made through through their sites forwarding/redirecting to the ultimate vendors' sites!??

antomorro-sei · 20-11-2012 9:03pm

Will there be a Jelly Bean update for this phone in the future, d'yiz reckon?

loyatemu · 21-11-2012 12:08am

TM wrote: »

It is just me or are BeThrifty and FatCheese a bit hit and miss when it comes to tracking purchases made through through their sites forwarding/redirecting to the ultimate vendors' sites!??

I bought via BeThrifty - didn't get any cashback. Only time I've ever used it so dunno if this is usual.

Adyx · 21-11-2012 1:17am

antomorro-sei wrote: »

Will there be a Jelly Bean update for this phone in the future, d'yiz reckon?

Given the debacle that was Huawei and Vodafone's attempt to update to ICS, I'd doubt we'll ever see JB. Huawei have already moved on. The only hope is if CM10 gets released on it and since the current release of CM9 still has plenty of issues, I wouldn't be counting on that either.

TM · 21-11-2012 3:23pm

loyatemu wrote: »

I bought via BeThrifty - didn't get any cashback. Only time I've ever used it so dunno if this is usual.

OK - so not just me I guess? I've had about 50%+ success rate with BeThrifty and FatCheese to date and I'm pretty sure that I'm doing it right! Ah well - better than nothing I suppose...

TM · 21-11-2012 3:25pm

Adyx wrote: »

Given the debacle that was Huawei and Vodafone's attempt to update to ICS, I'd doubt we'll ever see JB. Huawei have already moved on. The only hope is if CM10 gets released on it and since the current release of CM9 still has plenty of issues, I wouldn't be counting on that either.

Was just checking out CM9 today and I see that various features don't work so I guess that Infusion is probably still the custom ROM of choice.

For what it's worth there is some CM10/JB stuff here but again it probably has issues:

http://www.modaco.com/topic/356747-dev-jb-cm10-411-cyanogenmod-10-for-the-huawei-ascend-g300-rom-last-updated-2608/

Anybody have any recommendations on kernels to use with Infusion or are most people here just using the (non overclocking?) default one?

http://www.modaco.com/topic/359033-compilationlist-%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85-romskernelsrecoverysmodstutorialsoriginal-firmware-updated-1811%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85/

Adyx · 21-11-2012 3:38pm

TM wrote: »

Was just checking out CM9 today and I see that various features don't work so I guess that Infusion is probably still the custom ROM of choice.

For what it's worth there is some CM10/JB stuff here but again it probably has issues:

http://www.modaco.com/topic/356747-dev-jb-cm10-411-cyanogenmod-10-for-the-huawei-ascend-g300-rom-last-updated-2608/

Anybody have any recommendations on kernels to use with Infusion or are most people here just using the (non overclocking?) default one?

http://www.modaco.com/topic/359033-compilationlist-%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85-romskernelsrecoverysmodstutorialsoriginal-firmware-updated-1811%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85/

I've tried out the two latest releases of CM9 and I really want it to work but the freezing when switching WiFi on or off makes it a no-go for me. Plus the Netflix app doesn't work on it (not that it works great on anything else either). So for now a stock based rom like Infusion is the way to go.

I haven't tried any other kernels but a lot of people seem to be using the Omegamoon kernel.

M cebee · 21-11-2012 3:56pm

there seems to be a problem with the power button on mine
i have to press it repeatedly to get the display back on
have there been issues with this?

TM · 21-11-2012 4:44pm

Adyx wrote: »

I've tried out the two latest releases of CM9 and I really want it to work but the freezing when switching WiFi on or off makes it a no-go for me. Plus the Netflix app doesn't work on it (not that it works great on anything else either). So for now a stock based rom like Infusion is the way to go.

I haven't tried any other kernels but a lot of people seem to be using the Omegamoon kernel.

Thanks Adyx.

TM · 21-11-2012 4:47pm

M cebee wrote: »

there seems to be a problem with the power button on mine
i have to press it repeatedly to get the display back on
have there been issues with this?

Haven't heard of this as a hardware or a ROM related issue. For what it's worth you can probably use the volume buttons to enable the display on some or all ROMs (by default or through configuration) in case that helps? If it's a hardware fault with your specific handset then you could consider returning it for refund/replacement/repair?

M cebee · 21-11-2012 4:58pm

TM wrote: »

Haven't heard of this as a hardware or a ROM related issue. For what it's worth you can probably use the volume buttons to enable the display on some or all ROMs (by default or through configuration) in case that helps? If it's a hardware fault with your specific handset then you could consider returning it for refund/replacement/repair?

the display goes off with 1 click
but i might have to press 4 times to get it back

i was hoping to unlock the phone but this may affect a warranty repair if needed?

Kristopherus · 22-11-2012 2:35am

M cebee wrote: »

the display goes off with 1 click
but i might have to press 4 times to get it back

i was hoping to unlock the phone but this may affect a warranty repair if needed?

Unlocking a phone does NOT void the warranty.

shovel · 22-11-2012 4:04pm

Just wondering,

Has anyone found a fix for the low ringer volume

I have it turned up to the last and i can hardly hear it when in my pocket

The message alert volume is a lot higher

BostonB · 22-11-2012 4:16pm

What version firmware are you on?

shovel · 22-11-2012 4:58pm

BostonB wrote: »

What version firmware are you on?

is that the kernel version?

if so its 2.6.38.6-perf

android version 2.3.6

base band version 109809

Ste- · 22-11-2012 5:06pm

shovel wrote: »

is that the kernel version?

if so its 2.6.38.6-perf

android version 2.3.6

base band version 109809

Reading online the ics update fixes the ringer issue.

BostonB · 22-11-2012 5:11pm

I don't have the problem. But I'm on ICS 4 the latest download from Vodafone.

ArtVandelay76 · 23-11-2012 1:01pm

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Capacitive-Screen-Cortex-Android-SmartPhone/dp/B008C0PAFU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1353671548&sr=1-1

Does anyone have any opinion on this chinese android phone, you can get one for around €100 directly from chinese websites.

darkestlord · 23-11-2012 1:49pm

Sorry to hijack thread. Was thinking about getting this but now leaning towards Sony experia j. Any thoughts. What you guys think.

flugel · 24-11-2012 5:21pm

3rd release of CM9 out, if the WiFi freeze problem has gone gotta try it out. Anybody here on it yet?

BannSealz · 24-11-2012 6:07pm

Hi
So is the official update to ICS worth getting?
and does anyone know where i can get a screen for cheap? i shattered mine, it still works tho, just looks bad.
thanks

mcpaddington · 25-11-2012 11:57pm

ArtVandelay76 wrote: »

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Capacitive-Screen-Cortex-Android-SmartPhone/dp/B008C0PAFU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1353671548&sr=1-1

Does anyone have any opinion on this chinese android phone, you can get one for around €100 directly from chinese websites.

It's pretty bad, it only has 2GB of storage with no sd card slot.

twirlagig · 26-11-2012 1:19am

I am getting one of these, I hope

, in a couple of weeks. Had a look at my friends one and really liked the look of it. Getting it from my local vodafone store. I want to unlock it and keep using the o2 network. Talking of unlocking, a local place near me has told me they can unlock it for €30, but it takes approx 24 hours to come through - After reading here, I am presuming they are using one of these ebay cheap unlocking services, but charging me a whopping fee for passing the info on!? :rolleyes:
Anyway, is unlocking it enough to do? I see lots here about ROM and rooting etc and tbh, I'm lost... I had a prehistoric iPhone that finally gave up a few weeks ago after a LONG period of freezing/crashing. Really miss having the phone for boards, thejournal, rte, facebook and a few photo apps.. Do I really need to do all the other bits that I'm reading about here? I don't mind vodafone bits being still on it, wouldn't bother me that much. I'd be afraid I'd fcuk it up if I go tampering with it. I think I'd manage the ebay unlock thing alright though

ArtVandelay76 · 26-11-2012 10:57am

mcpaddington wrote: »

It's pretty bad, it only has 2GB of storage with no sd card slot.

Thanks, but it takes an micro SD card up to 16gb.

eamonnq · 26-11-2012 11:00am

twirlagig wrote: »

Talking of unlocking, a local place near me has told me they can unlock it for €30, but it takes approx 24 hours to come through - After reading here, I am presuming they are using one of these ebay cheap unlocking services, but charging me a whopping fee for passing the info on!? :rolleyes:

Jaysus, I would unlock it and upgrade it for €30 !!

M cebee · 26-11-2012 1:19pm

i'm going to buy an unlock code

do i also have to root the phone and will the warranty be affected
thanks

Adyx · 26-11-2012 3:04pm

twirlagig wrote: »

I am getting one of these, I hope , in a couple of weeks. Had a look at my friends one and really liked the look of it. Getting it from my local vodafone store. I want to unlock it and keep using the o2 network. Talking of unlocking, a local place near me has told me they can unlock it for €30, but it takes approx 24 hours to come through - After reading here, I am presuming they are using one of these ebay cheap unlocking services, but charging me a whopping fee for passing the info on!? :rolleyes:
Anyway, is unlocking it enough to do? I see lots here about ROM and rooting etc and tbh, I'm lost... I had a prehistoric iPhone that finally gave up a few weeks ago after a LONG period of freezing/crashing. Really miss having the phone for boards, thejournal, rte, facebook and a few photo apps.. Do I really need to do all the other bits that I'm reading about here? I don't mind vodafone bits being still on it, wouldn't bother me that much. I'd be afraid I'd fcuk it up if I go tampering with it. I think I'd manage the ebay unlock thing alright though

If you're happy enough using the stock rom, there's no need to change it. Do upgrade officially to ICS though. If you do decide to get rid of the Vodafone crap, you only need to root which takes 2 seconds and is fool-proof.

M cebee wrote: »

i'm going to buy an unlock code

do i also have to root the phone and will the warranty be affected
thanks

You don't need root to unlock and as far as I know it won't affect your warranty - Vodafone themselves will even unlock it so I don't see how it could.

polder · 26-11-2012 5:39pm

could you give me the unlock code for this phone?

Kristopherus · 26-11-2012 5:55pm

polder wrote: »

could you give me the unlock code for this phone?

Welcome to Boards. You will have to buy an unlock code. They cannot be given out here. Google is your friend if you want to do it online. If not, then your local friendly unlocker who operates down some lane will do it for anything from €10 to €30.

pbarr · 26-11-2012 6:29pm

I got mine unlocked here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251050783250&clk_rvr_id=347361189525#ht_2431wt_1185

Bought it Saturday got unlock code back today.

Thanks to Jarren who posted this at the beginning of this thread.

mcpaddington · 27-11-2012 5:20pm

You can unlock it for free

Current best value Android Huawei Ascend G300

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