The fact videos run at like 15fps is already amazing

Watching the “Take on me” music video would be such a good experience on this phone lol

@jonerickcoronel742

Ай бұрын

Or Drive by Incubus

@leemoika7376

28 күн бұрын

Aha...nice thought.

finally a GOOD review of this phone, been very curious about it for awhile

Love this 🔥Have had the A5 in my time, but always wanted to see the A9 getting reviewed by you, thanks for the video, it's very much appreciated!

The moment I saw you looking for Jose Briones on KZread I liked and subscribed! Then knew this phone is for me. I've been trying to find the perfect phone for me, trying different Nokias, rooting android and even developing custom roms for my Android using lineage os and such... and always always I found myself getting back to the good old super addictive smartphone... I'm going to try this one for sure!

Thanks for the review. This is exactly what I'm looking for. It's a shame the price gets inflated so much in Australia but that's just how things go here unfortunately.

Thank you for reviewing this phone. I have been aware of the Hisense phones for quite some time and it is good to know that it can work in the United States. This may become my new phone though I hope you can get a Punkt MC02 when they come out as I am very curious about that phone as well.

This is super cool! I struggle a lot with the e-ink "flash", and I think I can personally get behind it for a minimal device such as the Light Phone 2, but not for a full smartphone. Great review as always!

man im in love with this, i like the idea of light phone 2, but to have whatsapp in your e-ink and reading files is such a gamechanger, i know hisense been making a lot of these, but i am loving this design and to have up to 4 days without charging? hell yeah

@thelojay

2 ай бұрын

It defeats all the purpose of a light phone, though. You can go on social media and be on this phone all day.

@herald1953

2 ай бұрын

@@thelojay i know, but if only everyone just agrees on using just rcs, for ppl that live outside the US, having whatsapp is a must, but then i understand light phone is only sold on the US

@czkmeister

Ай бұрын

@@thelojay But it doesn't defeat the purpose for people who want a simple phone and who suffer from PWM migraines. It's sad nobody has done this sooner. And it lasts fro 4 days on a single charge, it's a winner!

I love eInk phones a lot! Their battery last longer and I can properly set my workflow in tune with my needs.

Excellent device. It could be smaller. Great video José.

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

I agree. If this phone was a bit smaller, it would be even better!

@RichardLeslieWhereat

5 ай бұрын

Nah, bigger, and far thicker with a 20mAh battery.

@SK-uc4si

Ай бұрын

@@RichardLeslieWhereat Smaller and thicker would be my choice for better battery life

@trickywily2823

Ай бұрын

Yes don't need videos I'm just trading Crypto

Awesome video, man! I love that there an option for essentially a “Kindle phone”. I am curious, would this work on Verizon in the Midwest, USA?

@ahenson4297

5 ай бұрын

Just got to the part that said T mobile only. Dang!

está bien lindo el telefono. Se parece al motorola g20. Su panel de e-ink se ve bastante superior a la mayoría, bien rápido y claro

Love this idea of a phone. We had black and white tv for years and was no problem. Minimalistic phone for basic daily tasks love it

Thanks for the video. Did you have to install google play, or did it come installed? Also are you getting lte on t-mobile?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

LTE on T-mobile. It came installed on the link in the description and also it comes preinstalled on The Good E-reader Store seller from Aliexpress.

Wasn't aware such thing existed, pretty nice.

Been using this for about a year and I feel this is the best phone in between a smartphone and dumbphone but wish it was as small as my iPhone 8. The battery life is the best (able to last for 3 days on light usage) and removes any battery anxiety even when it goes below 10%. However, I'm kinda afraid that the eink screen wouldn't last long as I feel there has been more ghosting recently but that might just be me. Recently picked up a CAT S22 Flip and find it really hard to adapt to the T9 typing. Switching to the on-screen keyboard is faster but still difficult due to the small screen.

@marbrocu

4 ай бұрын

Wow I am on the same situation but backwards, waiting for mi a9 to arrive. Been using the s22 as my main but it is too complicated

@SuperABC123

4 ай бұрын

What network you have it on?

@KLiNoTweet

4 ай бұрын

Have a degoogled LG Velvet. Battery lasts two to three days because of the missing surveillence 😊

Thank you for the review! If the LightPhone3 had a screen more like this in a smaller package that would be amazing right? I used the A5 Pro and loved it but the lack of Google Services was painful.

HI @JoseBriones: THX for the review! Could you showcase or state if/how Google Maps Navigation works for you (e.g. while driving in a car, does it work and keep up okay, does it show the direction you drive in?)

@JoseBriones

4 ай бұрын

Yes. It works as with any other smartphone. It’s actually very good!

FYI. Hisense is the only one who produced E-ink smartphones. It is a bit of a mess as the phones are good but none have global version. A5 pro is clearly the best version as it is smallest, lightest, has fingerprint, face security, highest amount of RAM/ROM (6GB/128GB) and NFC. If you order with Google play rom (it's side loaded so you can't go back to factory setting without loosing Google Play) it is about 300 bucks. The A9 has slightly higher dpi (287 vs 300dpi) and higher android version (10 vs 11) but is overall clearly worse and more expensive. Success 😎

@yorgohoebeke

4 ай бұрын

Why is it worse apart from price?

@tip0019

4 ай бұрын

Hi, good question. It is not all black and white per see. I did some further investigation and found that there is another A9 version I didn't know of and changes the situation a bit. It is called A9 pro (for sale at Hisenseeink). The A9 pro has now android 12, has 8GB/256GB memory, has a more official 1200 carta display with warm and cold light (better e-reader) and is the international version with official GooglePlay. However, it is still bigger and heavier than the A5 pro, has no NFC and somehow scores 50% less in Antutu. So unless the price (about 180 difference), NFC or the format is crucial for you the A9 pro seems a better long term option. Hope this helps 🙂 Edit: well, I saw some conflicting info on the A9 pro, it seems not really truthfull info regarding Google (still side-loaded), android 12 seems just 11? So be aware of Hisenseeink and Good e-Reader sites as it is not looking trustworthy. I leave it here, tiresome ;-) @@yorgohoebeke

@yorgohoebeke

4 ай бұрын

@@tip0019 thanks for answering and this info ! I actually ordered a hisense A9 6gb/128gb and thought it had a Carta 1200 screen. It's a shame it hasn't nfc though . I'll be able to share my experience in a few days :)

@tip0019

4 ай бұрын

Thanks. Would be nice to hear the real specs. Good luck @@yorgohoebeke

@yorgohoebeke

4 ай бұрын

@@tip0019 looking online I stumbled an article from good e reader saying that the only difference between pro and non pro hisense is the ram and gb, not the screen ! So I will enjoy 300 ppi 🤩

I love e-ink so much. When I'm in the market for a new phone I'm definitely going for something like this. I no longer use my phone for media except for social media and messaging so I think switching to e-ink is worth the trade, especially since my Kindle broke.

Can you switch to a dark mode in this phone (invert display)?

So how long does the battery last? (Oh, you mention it at the very end). If I switch off the under screen light, will it switch on automatically during complete darkness?

Hi Jose, thank you so much for the video, very informative. Just a question: is it possible to change the refresh rate to something really slow, similar to a kindle or so? Also, does that reliably increase battery life? Thank you:)

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

There are 4 modes that you can switch for all the apps. Technically, you can use the reading mode and it will reduce the refresh rate to its lowest setting

Thanks for the great review. Does the A9 can do tethering and wifi hotspot?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Yes. It can do both!

@vincentdesmazieres7054

5 ай бұрын

I'm sold then... Just waiting for the price to cool down, your links shows 1000+€ now... @@JoseBriones

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Oh wow. That's crazy. It's supposed to be $300 to $350. So, yeah wait it out.

This looks awesome I want one

Hi Jose! Does the AliExpress listing you linked include Google Play services? Is that what the "Extra service" option is referring to? It's a little confusing because Google Play is in the tab title but not in the listing title itself.

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Interesting. Try this one then: www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804085075310.html That one is another good link that I know someone else got with Google Play.

@simplymisc

5 ай бұрын

@@JoseBriones Thank you! :D

@Epioszeo

5 ай бұрын

@@JoseBriones Hi Jose, I would like to know if with the link that you shared right here in the comments This Hisense A9, is it compatible in France with 4g? Thank you so much !

@simplymisc

5 ай бұрын

@@JoseBriones Hey Jose! After some consideration, I've decided to take the plunge and see if this device will work for me in my area (according to cellmapper's band 41 coverage in my area, I should be good - fingers crossed!). I'm tentatively excited. I've seen conversation about security concerns with Hisense but it's hard for me, as someone not tuned into these conversations regularly, to assess the risk. I can't tell, for example, if there is much difference between the data Hisense would collect about me, versus data that Apple, Google, and Amazon also collect about me - or what they would do with that data. You seem like someone who takes your privacy and security pretty seriously, and so I'd love to hear your thoughts: Do you feel the security concerns regarding Hisense devices are valid? And if so, are there 1) threads/forums where I can get a "just the facts" take on this and 2) some not-too-techy steps a newbie like me could take to protect myself when using this device? Sorry for the long comment, but just wanted to make sure I got my POV across clearly. :)

I love the UI. It's different and minimalistic. I hope the lag gets fixed.

I want, but need to see in person, what I've been looking for.

I think that somehow the e-inks should be the future, because not all screens need to cast a light from behind the screen for its use! Someone that might only need to call, read a few things and chat might be very happy with such a phone :D In fact, I myself want one, I'm so glad that such technology exists

Just as a note because I don't want this to be taken as an insult. Your English is absolutely phenomenal. Definitely better than my Spanish even though I'm quite proud of my fluency. But I wanted to point out that you kept saying "it brings" like "viene con esto y aquello" but in English that sounds odd. It's clear what you mean but what we would say "it comes with" or "it includes." Thanks for the awesome review! I hope you don't mind the feedback.

@JoseBriones

Ай бұрын

I have been catching myself doing this quite often and I am trying to correct it haha. I appreciate the feedback. I hope it sticks to my brain soon :)

@AndrewStottisTheIndiWerWlf

Ай бұрын

@@JoseBriones if thats your biggest problem then you've definitely achieved an impressive level of fluency and I think that's true.

Thank you for the quick review, would you recommended it over Palama boox combination with a dumb phone "for ex: lightphone II"

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

If you have good coverage, yes. Otherwise, not really. The palma + LP2 is a good combo for sure!

@esamhassan5415

5 ай бұрын

@@JoseBriones Awesome, thank you 🙏

Nice video, just want to correct you when you take out the cable type C that's not a charger

Thats a massive device !

Thanks for this great review. Have you tried looking at or using Uber app with this one? Did it look/seem a ok?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Uber app does not work. However, you can use it through a web browser like Firefox or Brave. I was able to log in and request an Uber this way. Also, you can use their new phone number to call an Uber.

@porvoonosho

4 ай бұрын

​@@JoseBrionesDo you know why it doesnt work?

Nice video Jose. How was your Thanksgiving?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

It was great! Good food and family time :). Hope yours was great too!

in color like the Pebble Watch would be the best 👍🏼

Thanks for the video. Didn't even know something like this existed. Running signal messenger should be no problem right? And what makes me even more curious: Is the os a data octopus and grabs whatever info it can get about you (like normal smart phones) or is it as safe as a Punkt phone? Thank you!

@JoseBriones

4 ай бұрын

Signal runs without issues. As far as data collection, it will be like your average smartphone. installing safenet or something along those lines probably would help for sure.

@lordemperorwu1

4 ай бұрын

Aha! Safenet, didn't know that existed as well. Living in the Europe bubble isn't fun. Searching doesn't yield any results if not specific. Thanks so much.

Damn, only a 128gb microsd card holder. That kills it for me with my 1tb microsd's. I really wanted this too.

My favorite phone on the market at the moment. Just wish it was available on Verizon.

@marcozuniga8008

3 ай бұрын

Jose does this work on verizon?

@richardlee196

3 ай бұрын

I’m 99.9% positive it doesn’t. I’m told Verizon networks don’t support Hisense.

Awesome!! It looks pretty good!! Does apple music works?

@JoseBriones

2 ай бұрын

Yeah.

Can you showcase the camera and how that works. Also can you test speaker and Bluetooth headphone connectivity etc.

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Speaker and bluetooth work great. Camera sample is in this video. The camera just looks black and white when you use it, but the photos come in full color.

I wonder if this could be used as a wifi phone without it constantly annoying you with notifications that a SIM card is missing? Or if the OS can be changed to something like CalyxOS?

Honestly LOVE this idea. But I would probably wait for the next generation.

Hi Jose, thank you for the review! You say go for the version with the Google Play Store (of course), but is this officially available? I once saw an "international" version on a bigger Chinese website (it might have been even JD), but I can't find it anymore. I am currently in China and wonder if I could order the phone. I also remember that someone wrote, the green version is the international one, but somehow I doubt it. And where I am at commenting: what about the audio quality if you listen via cable and a better Headphone as i.e. the Amiron Copper? Is it as good as the audio-only device from Hisense, you know? THX!!!

@JoseBriones

Ай бұрын

It should be officially available. I believe Aliexpress should have it in China for you. The DAC is adequate so you shouldn’t have issues with Hi-Fi headphones

@David-by8ev

Ай бұрын

@@JoseBriones Thank you for answering my questions (and so quickly)! Appreciated!

Thanks for the video! What ive noticed these devices comes with old android version. Do you might have information will these manufacturers upgrade android version to newest, or do they keep it as what it is when released? I would like to have an android phone, which has long support time with many secure updates.

@JoseBriones

Ай бұрын

No updates for this device sadly.

Perfect device for reading & doing other staff like calling & messaging.

Can some one do a comparison between an SEiphone and this. With full camera review so we can see the lack clear and if it can be actually useable or an alternative. I really lave the idea and looks like a solution for battery saver. Wish it was built as a battery saver on the back of my iphone.

a screen recording from inside the phone would be interesting to see it in full resolution and frames compared to e-ink

Actually solid for kids. Keeps control over the plague that is social media, while still being functional for what really matters, their safety.

not interested in buying, but cool video showing off the unique e-ink interaction. If I wanted/had a use for a 2nd/work phone, this would be it. Love my Kindle Paperwhite.

Hey Jose! I ended up buying the A9 and like you have been using it alongside the LPII for a few weeks when particular use-cases that the LPII cannot meet arise. However, I'm having an issue where all of my group text messages are being sent and received in individual threads. Do you have this issue and if not, do you have an idea of what could be causing it?

@JoseBriones

3 ай бұрын

Go to settings and make sure Group texts are enabled. Messaging>Settings>Group Texts>Enable

@simplymisc

3 ай бұрын

@@JoseBriones hmm, I'm not seeing that option. Within the messaging app settings, I see smart SMS, preview message, fold service provider message, recent contact, time intelligent subsection, SMS recall, time stamp, verification code, phrase, and signature. Should I be looking somewhere else?

i heard that Hisense is stopping their e-ink line of products.. does that mean limited support and updates for the device moving forward? if so, would you still recommend the A9? thanks!

@JoseBriones

4 ай бұрын

I'd still recommend it for now. They have been saying that for a while, but still put out a newer version of the A9 last year. We'll see what happens.

@jiffonbuffo

4 ай бұрын

​@@JoseBrionesThere's a Chinese comment on another channel that said (the translation) Hisense stopped eink phone devt due to small market. Which is kinda sad but I have no way to verify since modern Google Search sucks.

Does the phone have screen adjustment like fast/balanced/hd mode? Using Boox tablets as a reference.

@JoseBriones

Ай бұрын

It doesn’t.

Awesome & Thanks :)

Android is missing black-white mode... Color eInk would be a nicer option for readability/compatability.

@mapsandnavigation433

5 ай бұрын

I create a routine in Samsung which turn on/off gray mode. It is an amoled but can do grey tones (black and white)

@jiffonbuffo

5 ай бұрын

Does monochrome not count?

@U_H89

5 ай бұрын

@@laz3664 which Phone/OS/UI?!? Did you try to use it for some Time?!?

@HeDoesNotRow

5 ай бұрын

you can enable monochromancy in simulate color space under developer options.

@laz3664

5 ай бұрын

@@U_H89 I'm using a huawei p40 lite and I've been using monochrome mode for almost half a year now It works great

Thank you for your review. I’m interested in the Hisense A9 Pro, but I don’t know what the battery life of this model is…

@JoseBriones

4 ай бұрын

It's the same model. The only difference is storage and RAM

Could you please answer my two questions, I am looking to switch to Eink display smartphone. With this one do you think it has android pay and the photos we take can we see it in color on our computer. Thank you 🙏

@JoseBriones

4 ай бұрын

No android pay. Yes, pictures are in color.

Please make a long term review in a year or 2 to see how its holding up

@JoseBriones

3 ай бұрын

Will do. Already posted my 1 month review. I’ll follow up after 6 months.

The big point you're missing or not saying: this should be excellent for an outside work phone

I use the screen reader function under accessibility to read books and articles. Could you show that function possibly or comment on the options available on this device? Thank you!

@JoseBriones

3 ай бұрын

Anything available in other Android should work! Screen reader and other accessibility options are available.

@allisonconrady1338

2 ай бұрын

@@JoseBriones Thank you!

Is this a 4 or 6 GB version? Great video!

@JoseBriones

4 ай бұрын

6GB

Good intro.. Why aren't you showing some real-life applications we all use on our smartphones like Google browser, Google Maps, Google mail and calendar, Instagram / Facebook? This would give us a much better impression on how usable the smartphone would be (or not be)...

@JoseBriones

Ай бұрын

I did showcase that onb the update video and on the Livestream of January :)

As a solely Light Phone user of 4 years this device will hopefully give them some great ideas! How is the security generally on this phone compared to the Light Phone?

@JoseBriones

2 ай бұрын

Security is worse if you don't do anything. I highly recommend installing NextDNS and blocking all traffic

For me the lack of nfc is a deal breaker. I hope for the release of a no compromise black and white eink smartphone

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

You can carry a card :). I get the frustration, but it's not that big of a deal to carry a card haha

@Luca-xr7bs

5 ай бұрын

@@JoseBriones you can add more than one card to Google wallet. What upsets me is when producers make unreasonable choices

Shouldn't it work with mint mobile since the t-mobile acquisition of mint?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Yes. It should

Watching KZread in black and white is like this phone existed in the past. 😅

how does it perform in the dark/night? are you able to see the screen?

@JoseBriones

11 күн бұрын

Yes. It does have a backlight that helps in the evening

will they ever be able to make an eink phone with less lag time or is it intrinsic to the whole eink thing?

@JoseBriones

Күн бұрын

It's intrinsic to e-ink

You could use video googles to compliment it on long drives or flights or so…

@SuperABC123

4 ай бұрын

Would it be in color?

@erebostd

4 ай бұрын

@@SuperABC123 since the output is in color the glasses would obviously show colors 😉👍

@SuperABC123

4 ай бұрын

@erebostd that's cool. I might have to look into that. What googles you recommend?

I would love this on back of iphone or smthng like that

coz its e ink expected the charge to hold for a week. Some giant battery phone go beyond 2 days. E ink doing 3-4 is not that temopting. but a week then it can be a backup device too

I am so interested in this project. I am currently studying Computer Science and have eye strain from looking at the computer and my phone screeen during the day. Question: does this phone have google messages RCS? Thanks I am genuinely interested in anyones experience who has switched over.

@JoseBriones

3 ай бұрын

I did an update (video released a few days ago) where I mentioned that RCS is available :)

I wish some phones had an e ink screen on the back.

@saladyn1984

15 күн бұрын

There used to be yotaphone. Not sure if its made anymore.

How does the camara work? If I send the pictures to another device, are they regular color?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Yes. I included a sample in this video. It shows in full color

Nice vidéo, is there any NFC ?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

No NFC

I dont get it. My 20 years old gameboy advance has colorful screen without backlight so what about e-ink display makes it so difficult to include colors? Also refresh rate was better to. Like... wth?

I love my a9, but i still miss the golden era t9... How did dumbphones fall so far

Is there a unlocked feature phone that's under $30 that you would recommend? I just need it to be used as a house phone, so I don't care for apps, and all that. Wifi calling maybe to improve calls since signal with everyone is weak were I live lol (U.S. viewer)

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

The TCL Flip 2 is the only one that comes to mind. WiFi calling is not guaranteed, but everything else is top notch for the $20 you pay.

Do you know if the phone auto upgrades from android 11? Or is it fixed to this version?

@JoseBriones

22 күн бұрын

Fixed to that version. No updates sadly.

What's the SOT with the 3 to 4 days battery life mentioned? My Redmi Note 8 does 3 to 4 days with 3 - 4 h SOT.

@JoseBriones

3 ай бұрын

Around 6-8 hours. It's quite energy efficient

I live in Omaha how do I find what bands for T-Mobile are in use here. The Carrier websites are NOT accurate.

@JoseBriones

3 ай бұрын

Cellmapper.net is the best way.

Is there anyway to tell (without testing) if this phone will work with my carrier/ in my area?

@JoseBriones

4 ай бұрын

Not really if you are in the US. Internationally, it should work without issues.

@yraeon9521

4 ай бұрын

Oh US carriers are different @@JoseBriones ?

Amazing phone that I would buy for $100

Does it have fully working play store and google services? For example calandre works completely and With google sync?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Calendar works for me. Syncs with my accounts with no issue.

@MrRajSood01

5 ай бұрын

@@JoseBriones ok thank you jose

can you Insall an ebook app like moon reader on it , lets see how it looks

@JoseBriones

Ай бұрын

It works perfect.

Hey does wifi calling work and can it take esims?

@JoseBriones

3 күн бұрын

WiFi calling yes. eSIM no.

would defo watch classic movies on this lol

Imagine watching arsenic and Old lace on here

i wish they removed the phone part of it and made it a larger tablet tbh, idk why the pro version is smaller.....

I want a phone with both screens. One side LED and the other e-ink. Can have the time. Calendar and weather on the e-ink screen. Watch videos on the other side.

@notsure6958

2 күн бұрын

Yotaphone did that

What US carriers does it work with for data??

@JoseBriones

Ай бұрын

T-mobile is the only one

I have a feeling a new eink smartphone will be coming out very soon

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Cool!

May be it's a dumb question, but does it support Indian sim cards? I have a messed up eye and wanna switch completely to e-ink.

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

It should. It has better coverage internationally than in the USA

I'd want a video wallpaper to make it look like a newspaper from Harry Potter

You have it set up basically the same way i have my Palma, with communication and musoc apps. It's unfortunate that this is barely compatible with any network.

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Yeah. I wish there were more options as far as networks!

How's the Google Maps experience? Is it good enough to use it reliably?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Yes. It's very similar to any other android. The only thing to get used to is the screen not being as readable because everything is moving. But totally doable and easy to use. It will speak to you as well

So it can do google maps and podcasts etc like a "normal" phone?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Yes. It just has a "boring" screen that doesn't attract you to use it as much

3:50 you should play "bad apple" on this phone

Is there a version with no google services?

@JoseBriones

5 ай бұрын

Yes. There is a version that doesn't have any Google Services.