best way to get most current SailfishOS and best performing handset for it in Canada

asked 2018-11-16 22:57:21 +0200

technerd
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Hi, First time posting, been following Sailfish on and off since the unfortunate demise of MeeGo Harmattan, still IMHO the best mobile OS and UI/UX I've ever used.

I had always been a Nokia user, still have had more Nokia's than any other brand or OS, the only thing that came close was my BlackBerry Z10 and Passport. But alas, as you know the majority of apps are only available on Android and iOS, or something like Sailfish that can run some/most Android apps.

I ran mostly Android apps on my BB Passport and loved the 3 row keyboard and 1:1 1440x1440 screen. I used it more than my ThinkPad. Now I'm stuck on a Moto G4 Plus Android (although I had a G5 Plus and a BB PRIV). I miss notifications all the time, the experience is disjointed, the BB Hub on Android is terrible compared to the Hub on BB10, my productivity is significantly reduced on Android. The only benefit is being able to run all Android apps with halfway decent performance.

I am in need of a new phone, and while the BB Key2 LE (better keyboard than the Key2, save for a lack of capacitive functionality) is my ideal option hardware-wise based on what's currently available, I'm not happy with the UX on stock Android, which is what the Moto I have and the BB Key2 LE basically run in terms of UI/UX. I'm not sure why stock Android is considered the ideal UI/UX in the Android world. The UI/UX I like the most on Android is Samsung's, at least based on what's generally available). So I'm leaning to a Note 8 or Note 9, but the trend in the Android world is to go tall and narrow, not wide like BB (a Passport with a modern updated MeeGo Harmattan and LTE-A that runs all Android apps would be an awesome device). An iPhone is not even a consideration, and I wish Nokia/HMD would put a Nokia spin on the UI/UX of their Android devices instead of stock Android.

So, consequently, that brings me back to my smartphone OS roots, so to speak, meaning Sailfish OS.

Sailfish X is not available in Canada at the moment officially, so that's out. What would be the best performing, modern device I can get that will properly run Sailfish (even if I have to load it myself) and Android apps via Dalvik? I assume this would be a Sony device.

I may choose to install Nemo/Glacier to get the most Harmattan like UI/UX possible, but that would be a bonus.

Thanks in advance for help and suggestions.

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1

it sounds a little like, you maybe could like to get a Gemini PDA?

MadMe86 ( 2018-11-17 02:24:53 +0200 )edit

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answered 2018-11-17 00:10:32 +0200

otta56
71 ●1 ●4 ●5

Sony Xperia XA2 series (XA2, XA2 Plus, XA2 Ultra) can be acquired unlocked with North American LTE channels and a valid one year North American warranty from B&H Photo in New York. They will ship to Canada. Their website is available at www.bhphotovideo.com. Search for the Xperia XA2 you are interested in.

Jolla Sailfish 3 is coming to the Xperia XA2 line with official support by December of 2018. A test version is available from the Jolla website provided you are in the EU or Switzerland. A Google search or this forum will assist in identifying ways of acquiring Sailfish for countries not yet officially supported.

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answered 2018-11-17 01:49:47 +0200

cpb

291 ●20 ●32 ●37

if you love the Passport & BB10 UX you will probably be frustrated with Sailfish on a candybar. I still use the Passport or Classic for work, including writing/testing tools in python with Helium, could do this on Sailfish but on a candybar but its pure frustration.

The decision to not make a device to exploit the one thing Sailfish has going for it says a lot about Jolla, but hopefully it survives long enough for a 3rd party to step-up in future.

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As already mentioned in the comments, check out Gemini PDA - I've seen it live a while ago and it is a really nice (and much more compact that I have expected!) piece of hardware. :)

MartinK ( 2018-11-17 22:53:28 +0200 )edit

already have one :) havent flashed it yet. can't use it as a phone tho: no external buttons or screen... would need to carry two device, one for sitting, one for standing.

best design would be a slide-out keyboard like the unreleased nokia lauta.

cpb ( 2018-11-17 23:38:51 +0200 )edit

best way to get most current SailfishOS and best performing handset for it in Canada

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best way to get most current SailfishOS and best performing handset for it in Canada

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