Seems to be a pretty good deal for an android phone with:
EDIT: It's locked to telstra. Should have put that info in before!
2.2 is old of course, but I'm guessing if this gets out enough there'll be some developers porting over CM7? :)
Mod: Unexpired deal until Oct 19
Acer Liquid Metal - CPU/GPU is in the same class as Desire Z, Huawei X5. Andreno 205 is pretty good (Andreno 205 is iPhone 4 like 3D/gaming performance). Screen is rather average but should hopefully be on par with X5.
The main stuff up is Acer only put 512MB ROM on the device (according to GSMArena). Really wished it had more ROM.
In terms of Apple's world… this device is like iPod Touch 4G (with less ROM) but has 3G+GPS. Price is definetely better than iPod Touch 4G/8GB.
At this price, there is nothing that comes close in terms of performance. By the way, Adobe Flash is enabled on this one.
How exactly does the amount of ROM make a noticeable difference to performance?
I'm only asking because I don't want to ignorantly say that you mean RAM…
ROM usually holds the BIOS or hardware diagnostics equivalent on a mobile device.
Anyway if it is RAM, 512MB is plenty for a 800MHz processor running a mobile OS
It matters to the total number of apps. you can install. While it is true that you can install apps. to SD, some parts of the apps. must stay in the ROM. Also, most Google made apps. reside in ROM only. Some games (pretty good ones) still take a fair bit of ROM/phone memory even if you picked move to SD memory.
512MB ROM is not completely available to you for app. installation, part of it goes to the actual phone ROM, Telstra will add their usual bloatware apps…
There is a reason why true current gen. Android phone has 2GB ROM or more. 512MB ROM is not enough. Why do you think Samsung put 16GB in their ROM if Android can just install everything onto SD? There are some Android devices which can just boot from a SD card… but I don't think this is one of them.
Based on a quick check, the amount of internal phone memory available is 127MB. This is roughly on par with Android phones with 512MB ROM.
So 512MB ROM is not enough (or to be more precise - 127MB available phone memory out of the box is not enough).
Having used an HTC Desire that had little phone memory, I can vouch that it is really annoying as you would have to end up deleting applications or messages.
is it locked to any network?
Prepaid so must be locked.
PrePaids aren't always locked, my Huawei Sonic was PrePaid and was unlocked.
Sonic is not prepaid, on BIGW, DSE site is under unlocked phone.
If you point your mouse over "view conditions before you buy" you will see it is locked.
Oh okay, my bad.
What carrier is this phone locked to?
Telstra, mods should probably edit title.
Didn't say in the link but I think is Telstra (read from Whirlpool)
Personally I will only buy phone from phone manufacturers. Like HTC, LG, Samsung, etc.
acer is not a phone manufacturer?
Computer manufacturer, they just cross the line to make phone.
The problem of that is the support will be very bad if they are not making $$$ out of it.
(except Apple very success in making phone :p)
But good price unless it is unlocked.
Uh… Samsung is a TV and container ship and car and computer manufacturer that "cross the line" to make phones.
LG is similar. Apple is a computer maker that makes phones.
If you want a pure phone maker's phone, you'd better restrict yourself to Nokia and HTC.
since when did apple make phones?
@altomic
uhh, where have you been the past few years…?
Apple makes iPhone
Nokia is a large Finnish conglomerate who used to make tires and shoes
The amount of phone they produced I would not call them a phone manufacturer yet. Unlike LG, Samsung.
If you're not going to count acer as a phone manufacturer, then you can't count LG . They started with TVs and fridges. Same with Samsung.
Can we just bloody conclude what he means is that Samsung and LG have more experience in the mobile phone market in comparison to Acer? Sheesh…
Nokia phones are certainly not rubbish. Sure they might suck compared to an Android phone or iPhone, but their hardware trumps many of the phones made by Samsung, Sony, Huawei etc. E.g Nokia E71 / E72 these phones were built solidly and received top ratings by reviewers.
It's just that their lack of software upgrades and choice of operating system eventually made them fail. But now that they work with Microsoft we'll start seeing some good phones from them again.
Plus Nokia have made other things as well.
I believe the N8 still has the best camera since late 2010. Been almost a year and no one has brought up a phone that takes better pictures.
the OS for those gumboots sucks.
Not the greatest phone but a good price for it.
Yeah unless $50.
If anyones interested here's a review - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqK0vLIsHuM
Also it appears to be locked to Telstra.
can we just flash these ROMs from xda-developers to overwrite the phone firmware (hence unlocked?)
flashing ROMs does not change whether the phone is unlock or locked. Just mainly acts like administrator mode on windows…but you are still running windows if that makes sense.
Great review, thanks. Those LED lights look cool.
Wow, looks nice. You can get 2.3 on it too, there was a leaked build.
Awesome!
went to that link, upgraded to t&l Metal_2.3.4_final
put my vodafail sim in
and it works!
Was it easy to upgrade the firmware? Is it stable? So the new firmware (EMEA - Europe/2.3.4) unlocks the phone?
Pretty easy do do. What I did was just follow this guide that i found on the android forum: http://android.modaco.com/topic/346043-how-to-install-a-cust…
Seems pretty stable for me so far.. (ive only been using it 12hrs or so though..)
Did the same, on vodafail for another 4 month on this beauty. Very good android phone for this money
Is there anyway to unlock these?? I would get one if able to use on Optus network. specs seem good for the price, esp the resolution.
Unlock For Free??? - Based on information from xDEFiNE and Toritsudai + a eBay seller below trying to sell the service.
It was strange that the unlock service came with firmware upgrade… and based on what Toritsudai indicated, it looks like the firmware upgrade to gingerbread happens to also unlock the phone. Could we have more people to try and report their results? Please read the posts above for the link. May not be easy to upgrade the firmware.
I also bought one yesterday. Love the phone, the screen is clear and very responsive, it also comes with $10 prepaid credit. I tried Lyca sim but it didnt work, so I think only Telstra sim is working on this phone unless you unlock it.
Very tempted … so how much would Telstra charge to unlock these ?
Ranging from $28 to $150… It is based on Telstra IMEI record.. so they decide the price…
Cant see how much it cost to unlock… might have to check telstra website.
edit: looks like the unlock fee ranges from $50-$150
https://help.telstra.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17263/c/198…
Hmmm. You might be able to get a cheaper unlock code online.
Just picked one up. Kinda plasticy feel to it, but damn this is good value.
ironic considering its the "liquid metal"
interesting that this is a nextG phone - i didn't know acer bothered making an 850mhz 3G version of any of their android models.
shame its locked as i'd jump on one to play with otherwise.
Yeah. There is like, the tiniest bit of metal backing and the rest is completely plastic.
The Acer UI is pretty terrible too, but that's what you get I guess - I'm running the stock android UI now.
not bad, not bad at all!
Is there a trusted site where you can get phone unlockers?
If anyone has tried unlocking this phone can you post the fee telstra asks for. If its $50 making an overall cost of $178 this phone is still looking pretty good in the sub-$200 range.
Also does anyone know what 3G bands this supports?
JB HiFi sales guy said it is locked to Tel$tra. Nicer phone than the INQ Cloud Touch that I nearly purchased last week. Shame it is locked, decision time……
If this can be unlocked and works on 900/2100 I'm going to buy one just to try it. Cheaper phones tend not to have the grunt to do flash, unless someone knows of another.
To BartholemewH… this one works in a 850/2100. I don't see 900 being a big deal - honestly, if you are in an area that needs Optus 900Mhz, you are better off using Telstra NextG.
Cheaper phones tend not to be able to do Flash - agree. However, this phone uses the same CPU as HTC Desire Z / Huawei X5 - and it DOES support Flash out of the box (no custom modding/hacking needed).
Good phone if it was easily unlocked. Interesting how it has a Led notification panel on the top rather than on the face of the phone.
I think you are thinking about Liquid E… yes, for Liquid E, it is a cool figure… but not for Liquid Metal - this is basically a newer revision of Liquid E - Acer changed the CPU (to a better one)… but removed the LED panel/indicators at the top.
Sorry… you are right.. it has LED notification panel on the top.
Not that great of a phone imo.
At this price, the phone is very good. 480x800 resolution, Adreno 205 (Gameloft HD games should run fine on it), Plants vs Zombies should run fine also. The Camera has a LED flash.
Voice dial is supported/included - if you use bluetooth carkit that supports voice dial - this would come in handy. This is the first Android phone in this price range (< $200) that supports this feature. Note that this is different to pressing the voice button on Google search bar and speak a command - that method does not work on Bluetooth handsfree.
Two issues - 1. Limited ROM space (127MB internal phone memory storage) and 2. Locked to Telstra.
I am suprised JB is selling it at this price. Telstra and other retailers are yet to sell this prepaid phone - wondering how much the RRP will be. This is suppose to be one of latest Telstra prepaid phones.
To unlock from Telstra (officially) - $100. The code is available so no need to wait the 3-5 business days.
Better try to find an cheaper, more cost effectively way to unlock this.
Not sure if this is the right thing but might be worth asking them , look up 220785183950 on ebay. (wasn't sure if I was allowed to directly link) Also thats not my ebay listing nor do I know who they are, but I'm thinking of buying the phone if this can be unlocked CHEAPLY.
I think it might be limited phones locked to those 3 networks specified.
ahhh, probably. guess I'm more tired than I thought. lol.
Keenly awaiting a way to unlock and port to Optus.
Just bought it. Great phone, the only problem with it is the Camera and the amount of ROM.
Great work Acer ;) Just get a better camera and more ROM and RAM and I would use this as my main phone!
The Good Guys selling Acer Liquid smartphone Unlocked for $199
The one good guys is selling is Acer Liquid Mini, which is shrinked version of Liquid Metal, got only HVGA.
Liquid Mini: http://www.gsmarena.com/acer_liquid_mini_e310-3711.php
480x320, 3.2inch capacitive TFT, 108g
Liquid Metal: http://www.gsmarena.com/acer_liquid_mt-3519.php
800x480, 3.6inch capacitive TFT, 135g
it is good value (consider its 800x480 capacitive) though it is locked.
There is a guy who unlocks phones for much less than the greedy telcos. His email: [email protected]. And no, I am not that guy. Not sure what he charges tho, but worth finding out.
You' re that guy!
Anyone Tried the leaked Gingerbread release? Also does anyone recommend a good screen protector for this unit? Loving this phone so far, my third OzBargain phone in a year!
Yeah, I've got 2.3.5 on it and it is niiiiice. if you have any doubts, let me know
I just did the update then, my godness this phone is quick! This has to be the best bang for buck phone ever to hit Australian Shores!
did that unlock the phone?
Do u have a thread that shows you how to update android on it? If so please link.
See Toritsudai's comment at the top.
I got 2 yesterday (me and the wife) need to replace the iphone 3g with something while I wait for the next offering from Apple. I looked at the HTC Wildfire S but this took the deal.
Not that cheap after postage, better to get one from JB HiFi and unlock it using cheaper methods online.
You have 2 comments, I suspect you're advertising your own company?
Not my ebay listing.
I am guessing webserp bought 5 from JBHIFI, unlocked them and selling them on ebay for 199.90 + 12.50 dollars.
Where can you get Acer unlock codes?
I know for the Optus Mytab you can do it yourself at no charge using this but it seems that for every brand they have their own unique passcode format.
Coincidentally some other random user with 2 posts links to your eBay listing.
I am thinking… is it possible the leaked firmware actually unlocks the phone?
I have just bought the phone and ordered an unlock code from http://www.mobiunlockers.com/ for $6.99 I'll post back when I get the code and say if it works or not, so wait until I reply unless you just want to risk not getting a code for $7.
How is the screen outdoors? I had a Huawei 8150 and its screen was very hard to read outdoors.
Not really sure, I haven't had much of a chance to play with it yet, I've been busy all day. Also not sure what I'd compare it to, but I will say that the screen seems fairly reflective so my hopes for outside use aren't very big, especially as a gps. Though I can't say for sure as I haven't tested it out in sunlight. I'll let you know tomorrow.
Also still waiting for my unlock code…
Can you tell us how much data is available for Application storage?
On my Huawei Sonic, 160mb is available but someone mentioned earlier that this phone has even less, with 127mb.
From looking under the setting it shows 124MB Available, and I haven't stored anything on there yet that I can remember.
Just got an email from the unlock guys saying it will take ~24 hours again as they have to calculate the code manually as their system was unable to do it.
Well not looking good, lol.
They cant unlock the phone so don't bother with them.
Read the comments above. It seems like you might be able unlock the phone for free by upgrading to the leaked firmware (but some people on the forum report issue and they had to downgrade than upgrade) - to be confirmed.
That's probably what websterp did - their ebay listing shows Android 2.3, not stock ROM 2.2.
Unlock for FREE - Confirmed
Toritsudai is the one who did it first and he was kind enough to share the information.
Basic background: The leaked gingerbread firmware is unlocked. By upgrading to the firmware, you also unlock your phone. However, as usual, the warnings first:
- Do it at your own risk!!
- This probably will void your warranty.
- I was too eager to try and I DID NOT backup my original ROM.
- All the Telstra warez will be gone.
- You can the Acer customisation by default (if you don't like it, get a different launcher).
- You get more keyboard input methods (mainly the Europe ones - quite a lot of them).
- You seem to get even less internal phone memory available.
- You may need to adjust the APN to ensure the 3G connection is setup properly.
NOTE: to go to the apps AFTER you flash the ROM, you need to swipe up the bottom panel (the panel with phone, contact, message and browser icon).
How To: As pointed out by Toritsudai, go to - http://android.modaco.com/topic/346043-how-to-install-a-cust…
WARNING - do it at your own risk… I am not responsible for your actions. I only did step 1 - 5 coz. my phone is quite new and I did not install any app or setup any contact yet. I tried a CrazyJohns SIM and it works fine after the ROM flash.
If you are not familiar with Android… it is best to ask your mate who knows about it a bit… The Acer launcher is a bit different (has some good features.. but also has some weird limitations).
Yep confirmed. This worked for me too. Using Optus sim just to test unlock. Not that is matters as I will end up using Telstra sim in it anyway
how stable is the leaked gingerbread? i think i will go tomorrow and buy the liquid tomorrow and try my tpg sim
Seems alright for $128, saw this the other day at JB HiFi, I still prefer my Sonic :)