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OldGeek

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#240169 24-Aug-2018 08:14
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I have always been a fan of never spending too much on technology.  I am not a scrooge as such - simply that I start at the cheap end then go up the price scale to find the features I really want, need or see value in.  I resisted upgrading to a smartphone until my circumstances dictated a need for a portable internet-connected device integrated into a talk-and-text phone.

 

I currently have a Samsung J1, running Android 5.1.1 on an Orcon plan (Spark network?).  The handset was originally bought from 2D.

 

The problems with it are technical, not functional.  When it works it is all I need.  The GMAIL app frequently (but not always) gets sync errors when I am on 4G.  Those sync errors never occur on WiFi.  However at times like this I can get access to GMAIL via Chrome.  I am not able to isolate what might trigger these errors - it appears that this happens randomly from time to time.  I also have problems with a specific app not being able to determine my location from time to time (location services is always on, set to 'GPS, WiFi and mobile networks') while in 4g mode.

 

I am resigned to the fact that diagnosis and fix of these problems will not be easy, so I am canvassing Geekzoners on whether a handset upgrade might be appropriate, as an alternative.

 

I am aware that 5.1.1 is a relatively old version of Android.  Upgrading the handset will deliver better hardware specs with a later Android release.  Those better hardware specs (ie faster processor, more RAM and more storage) are not wanted or needed by me in their own right.

 

So the question is - would a handset upgrade deliver more benefits that might eliminate these problems?


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clicknz
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  #2078360 24-Aug-2018 10:58
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Hmmm... I'd be careful or your Geekzone membership may be axed.... by nature we should all be buying tech we don't need with money we don't have, to impress people we can't see.

 

I'd be surprised if anyone could give you a definitive answer to your query, but I'd be pretty sure that a newer device will surprise you with how efficiently it'll run everything you need. Perhaps look at a higher-end second hand device, or if you have the time and can find a retailer with the patience sit down with them and set up the phone in the store to ensure it does everything you want before leaving the premises...?





Cheers,
Mike

Photographer/Videographer clickmedia.nz




timmmay
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  #2078362 24-Aug-2018 11:00
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Have you tried a hard reset? My Android tablet is on Android 4.x and works fine, but I don't use the gmail app, I use K9 Mail, an RSS reader, and Chrome - not much else.

 

It might be time for a new handset though. There are some decent value ones around these days.


outdoorsnz
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  #2078377 24-Aug-2018 11:09
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Have you checked that you haven't disabled data sync when using mobile data? The fact that you are able to use chrome while on mobile data rules a band issue.

 

Regards

 

Scott

 

 




outdoorsnz
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  #2078387 24-Aug-2018 11:19
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Also if you go into Settings - General - Acccounts, click on Google, and then click on the email account in question, it will give you detailed sync results. For me it was showing a sync error on Sync my tracks - which is now no longer as rolled for another product. So might be some clues there.


OldGeek

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  #2078466 24-Aug-2018 12:42
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outdoorsnz:

 

Have you checked that you haven't disabled data sync when using mobile data? The fact that you are able to use chrome while on mobile data rules a band issue.

 

Regards

 

Scott

 

 

Mobile Data is either on or off and for my Google account the various sync settings are either on or off - so no option to disable sync on mobile data that I can find.  Mobile data is always on, and for my Google account the only ones that are off are Google Fit data (I dont have one) and Sync Play Games (I dont play games).  I have the problem at present and sync errors are reported for Gmail and Calendar.  I have just turned on wifi and Gmail and Calendar have synced without error.


outdoorsnz
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  #2078470 24-Aug-2018 12:56
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OldGeek:

 

Mobile Data is either on or off and for my Google account the various sync settings are either on or off - so no option to disable sync on mobile data that I can find.  Mobile data is always on, and for my Google account the only ones that are off are Google Fit data (I dont have one) and Sync Play Games (I dont play games).  I have the problem at present and sync errors are reported for Gmail and Calendar.  I have just turned on wifi and Gmail and Calendar have synced without error.

 

 

 

 

While in gmail app, press menu next to primary at top (tripple lines), scroll to bottom, choose settings, then click on email account under general settings (I have multiple).

 

Scroll to bottom. Make sure under Data usage, sync gmail is not un-ticked. 

 

Otherwise sounds like a setting related to on mobile and something is disabled. A pain, but resetting might be the only option. Backup all photos etc.


OldGeek

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  #2079416 26-Aug-2018 16:56
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outdoorsnz:

 

While in gmail app, press menu next to primary at top (tripple lines), scroll to bottom, choose settings, then click on email account under general settings (I have multiple).

 

Scroll to bottom. Make sure under Data usage, sync gmail is not un-ticked. 

 

Otherwise sounds like a setting related to on mobile and something is disabled. A pain, but resetting might be the only option. Backup all photos etc.

 

 

Sync Gmail was ticked.


 
 
 

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OldGeek

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  #2079418 26-Aug-2018 17:09
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Thanks for all the responses.

 

I am ready to consider upgrading my handset - but there is a bewildering array of hardware to choose from.  Given that I am looking for an entry-level handset running Android 7 or later - any suggestions?


kyhwana2
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  #2079420 26-Aug-2018 17:10
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OldGeek:

Thanks for all the responses.

 

I am ready to consider upgrading my handset - but there is a bewildering array of hardware to choose from.  Given that I am looking for an entry-level handset running Android 7 or later - any suggestions?

 

 

Have a look at the Nokia android range, they're pretty good.

jeffnz
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  #2079429 26-Aug-2018 17:54
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If you are used to Samsung stick to it, plenty of cheap options around. Check out Geekzone price comparisons, if you want suggestions everyone has thier own likes and dislikes so hard to pick one that will suit you.





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