Hisense A9 Review // The Best E-ink Phone!
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- čas přidán 10. 06. 2024
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Dive into the world of the Hisense A9, a unique e-ink smartphone designed for exceptional reading comfort and eye safety. In this video, we explore the innovative features of the Hisense A9, from its glare-free e-ink display perfect for sunlight readability to its extended battery life. Ideal for avid readers and those seeking a digital detox, the Hisense A9 merges the convenience of a smartphone with the comfort of an e-reader. Join us as we uncover the specs, benefits, and user experience of this groundbreaking device.
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Chapters⏲⏲:
[00:00:00] - Introduction and Hisense A9 unboxing.
[00:00:36] - Hisense A9's physical features and unboxing contents.
[00:00:53] - Initial boot-up and impressions of the Hisense A9.
[00:01:54] - Two weeks later: Review and hardware tour of Hisense A9.
[00:02:28] - Price, value, and key features of Hisense A9.
[00:02:51] - App capabilities and CZcams playback on the E Ink screen.
[00:03:31] - Limitations for video viewing on the E Ink display.
[00:04:09] - Smart apps and the messaging interface on Hisense A9.
[00:04:58] - Flexibility in installing apps and customization of the E Ink display.
[00:05:44] - Comparison with Light Phone 2 and discussion about E Ink display quality.
[00:06:31] - Recommendation for using Hisense A9 based on work and productivity needs.
[00:07:22] - Hisense A9 for digital minimalism and lack of distractions.
[00:08:04] - Device compatibility and performance with different carriers.
[00:08:50] - Closing thoughts on the Hisense A9
[00:09:40] - Conclusion and sign-off
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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
Or Drive by Incubus
Aha...nice thought.
finally a GOOD review of this phone, been very curious about it for awhile
The moment I saw you looking for Jose Briones on CZcams 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!
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
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!
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
It defeats all the purpose of a light phone, though. You can go on social media and be on this phone all day.
@@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
@@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!
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.
I love eInk phones a lot! Their battery last longer and I can properly set my workflow in tune with my needs.
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!
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?
Just got to the part that said T mobile only. Dang!
Excellent device. It could be smaller. Great video José.
I agree. If this phone was a bit smaller, it would be even better!
Nah, bigger, and far thicker with a 20mAh battery.
@@RichardLeslieWhereat Smaller and thicker would be my choice for better battery life
Yes don't need videos I'm just trading Crypto
Thanks for the video. Did you have to install google play, or did it come installed? Also are you getting lte on t-mobile?
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.
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.
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 😎
Why is it worse apart from price?
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
@@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 :)
Thanks. Would be nice to hear the real specs. Good luck @@yorgohoebeke
@@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 🤩
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.
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
What network you have it on?
Have a degoogled LG Velvet. Battery lasts two to three days because of the missing surveillence 😊
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?
Wasn't aware such thing existed, pretty nice.
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?)
Yes. It works as with any other smartphone. It’s actually very good!
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:)
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
Perfect for digital and social detoxing. I need one
i always wondered on these devices if the response is laggy/delayed or only the visual side? like if i do some fast precise tapping will it register fine and only display it delayed or is the usage also delayed laggy?
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?
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
I love the UI. It's different and minimalistic. I hope the lag gets fixed.
Thank you for the quick review, would you recommended it over Palama boox combination with a dumb phone "for ex: lightphone II"
If you have good coverage, yes. Otherwise, not really. The palma + LP2 is a good combo for sure!
@@JoseBriones Awesome, thank you 🙏
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.
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.
@@JoseBriones Thank you! :D
@@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 !
@@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. :)
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.
I want, but need to see in person, what I've been looking for.
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.
Nice video, just want to correct you when you take out the cable type C that's not a charger
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?
Thanks for the great review. Does the A9 can do tethering and wifi hotspot?
Yes. It can do both!
I'm sold then... Just waiting for the price to cool down, your links shows 1000+€ now... @@JoseBriones
Oh wow. That's crazy. It's supposed to be $300 to $350. So, yeah wait it out.
Damn, only a 128gb microsd card holder. That kills it for me with my 1tb microsd's. I really wanted this too.
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.
No updates for this device sadly.
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
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!
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.
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.
Can you showcase the camera and how that works. Also can you test speaker and Bluetooth headphone connectivity etc.
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.
This looks awesome I want one
Thank you for the review! Are there Chinese apps and characters that can not be removed as in previous models?
You can remove them with ADB
My favorite phone on the market at the moment. Just wish it was available on Verizon.
Jose does this work on verizon?
I’m 99.9% positive it doesn’t. I’m told Verizon networks don’t support Hisense.
Does the phone have screen adjustment like fast/balanced/hd mode? Using Boox tablets as a reference.
It doesn’t.
I tried with t mobile but it didn't work! Help please in epileptic I need this phone!
how does it perform in the dark/night? are you able to see the screen?
Yes. It does have a backlight that helps in the evening
Great review. Do you know if Discord can be installed ?
Yea. It can be installed.
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!
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.
@@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.
What is the battery life experience?
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 🙏
No android pay. Yes, pictures are in color.
Shouldn't it work with mint mobile since the t-mobile acquisition of mint?
Yes. It should
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?
Go to settings and make sure Group texts are enabled. Messaging>Settings>Group Texts>Enable
@@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?
Can you switch to a dark mode in this phone (invert display)?
i don't know about your exact question, but a dark mode is useless on an e-ink screen, as it emits no light (when set to do so)
@@DuskyLark not necessarily true. These devices may have a backlit. If not, then yeah I agree it will be pretty much useless.
Nice video Jose. How was your Thanksgiving?
It was great! Good food and family time :). Hope yours was great too!
If Teams and Outlook work on this then this can be a good work phone. The battery life and minimalist UI would be great for such a use case.
Both those apps work
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!!!
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
@@JoseBriones Thank you for answering my questions (and so quickly)! Appreciated!
Honestly LOVE this idea. But I would probably wait for the next generation.
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…
It's the same model. The only difference is storage and RAM
Thanks for this great review. Have you tried looking at or using Uber app with this one? Did it look/seem a ok?
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.
@@JoseBrionesDo you know why it doesnt work?
The big point you're missing or not saying: this should be excellent for an outside work phone
Android is missing black-white mode...
Color eInk would be a nicer option for readability/compatability.
I create a routine in Samsung which turn on/off gray mode. It is an amoled but can do grey tones (black and white)
Does monochrome not count?
@@laz3664 which Phone/OS/UI?!? Did you try to use it for some Time?!?
you can enable monochromancy in simulate color space under developer options.
@@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
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.
Around 6-8 hours. It's quite energy efficient
How does the camara work? If I send the pictures to another device, are they regular color?
Yes. I included a sample in this video. It shows in full color
Awesome!! It looks pretty good!! Does apple music works?
Yeah.
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!
Anything available in other Android should work! Screen reader and other accessibility options are available.
@@JoseBriones Thank you!
I love my a9, but i still miss the golden era t9... How did dumbphones fall so far
a screen recording from inside the phone would be interesting to see it in full resolution and frames compared to e-ink
Perfect device for reading & doing other staff like calling & messaging.
Imagine watching arsenic and Old lace on here
Thats a massive device !
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)
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.
in color like the Pebble Watch would be the best 👍🏼
sorry if this was already asked... which version did u test (4gb/6gb/8gb)? and where did you buy it? thanks and congratulations for the nice review!
6GB. Bought it on Aliexpress
@@JoseBriones thanks!! do you now feel the need to have 8gb? it seems they 8gb version can be found nowhere
from your video, i sensed that the screen is not very responsive, which could be due to the touchscreen or slow processor?
It's just the e-ink and how it works.
My A9 randomly stopped receiving cell reception in orlando on Tmobile. Has anyone else lost service?
Maybe T-Mobile has changed the towers in your area?
Can it use Google Earth? I got the CAT S22 flip phone and it runs Android Go, so it can't use every app in the appstore and I need google earth for work. Does this device run the full Android app store?
Yes. It runs the full android store.
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.
I did an update (video released a few days ago) where I mentioned that RCS is available :)
Do you know if the phone auto upgrades from android 11? Or is it fixed to this version?
Fixed to that version. No updates sadly.
will they ever be able to make an eink phone with less lag time or is it intrinsic to the whole eink thing?
It's intrinsic to e-ink
I live in Omaha how do I find what bands for T-Mobile are in use here. The Carrier websites are NOT accurate.
Cellmapper.net is the best way.
Awesome & Thanks :)
Actually solid for kids. Keeps control over the plague that is social media, while still being functional for what really matters, their safety.
Does it have fully working play store and google services? For example calandre works completely and With google sync?
Calendar works for me. Syncs with my accounts with no issue.
@@JoseBriones ok thank you jose
this is a great idea in theory. However, it would be better to have a regular display that can switch into such a "mode" to save battery while idle etc.
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.
It should. It has better coverage internationally than in the USA
Is really tempting, but no nfc and therefore no payment by phone is a no go from me sadly. Will watch this space though.
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)...
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?
Security is worse if you don't do anything. I highly recommend installing NextDNS and blocking all traffic
What about the GPS ?
Battery drain / precision ? Usability ?
It works. Drains like any smartphone. It's very usable.
How's the Google Maps experience? Is it good enough to use it reliably?
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
Please make a long term review in a year or 2 to see how its holding up
Will do. Already posted my 1 month review. I’ll follow up after 6 months.
Does it play audio like normal? Say, I play a CZcams video just to hear the audio?
Yes
Does this emit any blue light? And, how is the mobile hotspot? Thanks again!
No blue light at all. Hotspot is good!
@@JoseBrionesMany thanks again! Keep up the great + helpful content.
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
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.
Yeah. I wish there were more options as far as networks!
Is there anyway to tell (without testing) if this phone will work with my carrier/ in my area?
Not really if you are in the US. Internationally, it should work without issues.
Oh US carriers are different @@JoseBriones ?
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.
Yotaphone did that
Nice vidéo, is there any NFC ?
No NFC
hi, do you know if it supports esims and contactless payment?
No eSIM. NFC does not work well either.
@@JoseBriones Thank you very much, and thank you for all your reviews!
Is there a version with no google services?
Yes. There is a version that doesn't have any Google Services.
can you Insall an ebook app like moon reader on it , lets see how it looks
It works perfect.