About Dumbdroid\uf0c1

Dumbdroid is an unofficial operating system for Chinese keypad smartphones. Based on Android 14 and LineageOS, it brings security updates and is less bloated than the original firmware. The goal of this project is to help people who are looking to replace their smartphone with a more minimalist device, but want or need access to important apps, such as WhatsApp, two-factor authentication, banking, or mass transit.

The currently supported devices are the Qin F21 Pro and the Doov R77 Pro.

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Features\uf0c1

Dumbdroid is available in two variants: one with the Google Play Store and apps, and one without. Both support all standard functionality of the device, such as calls, texting, Bluetooth, and cameras. The Google version works well with all Google apps, including Play Store, Maps, and Messages with RCS support. Some third-party apps may not work due to unlocked bootloader and lack of Google certification. This includes some, though not all, banking apps. Occasionally, WhatsApp may refuse to log in, but only for some accounts.

Work is underway to support VoLTE, OTA updates, and customized UI features, such as using the keypad backlight as a notification LED.

The popular TT9 keyboard is preinstalled, enabling fast text entry on the keypad with optional dictionary support for multiple languages.

Goals\uf0c1

The decision to free yourself from your smartphone can come with a cost. Difficulty in communicating with friends and family or the lack of access to banking or mass-transit apps can negatively impact your well-being or make you use a smartphone again. The Dumbdroid project wants to fix this by promoting devices that are less addictive thanks to their small screen, but are still fully equipped for use in everyday life.

Our goals are more ambitious. With sufficient interest, we plan to import keypad smartphones into Europe and resell them with our custom software preinstalled. In the future, we hope to manufacture our own phone featuring a higher-quality camera, NFC, and other capabilities that the F21 Pro and similar models usually lack.