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Are there any phones with a cover on the front lens?
- Thread starter Arbu
- Start date
There are a huge number that satisfy the first 2 requirements. I've never heard of any that satisfy the third. You might be able to find a case with such a thing, but obviously that would be for a specific model of phone.
A flip case would cover the camera when closed, though not when you were using it. Or, if you rarely use it at all, a little piece of post-it note or insulating tape stuck over the camera. But the best thing for privacy is to be sensible about what you install and where from, and not allow other people unsupervised access to your phone, so that you are unlikely to get spyware on your phone in the first place (most people have no reason to worry about the sort of advanced spyware that security agencies can access, and if that was your concern I'd be more worried about the mic than the selfie camera).
A flip case would cover the camera when closed, though not when you were using it. Or, if you rarely use it at all, a little piece of post-it note or insulating tape stuck over the camera. But the best thing for privacy is to be sensible about what you install and where from, and not allow other people unsupervised access to your phone, so that you are unlikely to get spyware on your phone in the first place (most people have no reason to worry about the sort of advanced spyware that security agencies can access, and if that was your concern I'd be more worried about the mic than the selfie camera).
The funny thing is that my quick web search turned up a number of cases or add-ons to cover the front camera on an iPhone, not much else in the first page of hits. I didn't search very deeply though, just looked to check whether such things existed.
(That's probably because there aren't many models of iPhone, and they are all very similar in design, so the number of phones it would fit is larger than targetting any individual android model. )
(That's probably because there aren't many models of iPhone, and they are all very similar in design, so the number of phones it would fit is larger than targetting any individual android model. )
I guess this phone would meet my needs https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nokia-Smar...RQY7M1Q/ref=psdc_356496011_t4_B095X925P6?th=1. I could spend more, but I don't want to do so for technology for which I don't understand the purpose or won't use. Being able to take photos with my phone is just incidental - I prefer to take them with my DSLR.
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https://www.androidauthority.com/pop-up-camera-phones-slider-phones-1009732/
I feel compelled to include the phone I use daily, the Poco F2 Pro direct from Mi. com in the UK in 2020 (I was SO clever! ), and there are a few on/at CEX stores / WeBuy.
A shortlist of other phones was done by the above site.
I don't know why you are thinking of the base Nokia, but you can get better for your money in the UK. (Yes I would point you to Xiaomi / Mi. com /Poco and their daily discounts, sales, vouchers, points and coupons easily accumulated on site.
Also if you have a device with Android 12 you get a green Camera on the screen when any app tries to use any camera.
I feel compelled to include the phone I use daily, the Poco F2 Pro direct from Mi. com in the UK in 2020 (I was SO clever! ), and there are a few on/at CEX stores / WeBuy.
A shortlist of other phones was done by the above site.
I don't know why you are thinking of the base Nokia, but you can get better for your money in the UK. (Yes I would point you to Xiaomi / Mi. com /Poco and their daily discounts, sales, vouchers, points and coupons easily accumulated on site.
Also if you have a device with Android 12 you get a green Camera on the screen when any app tries to use any camera.
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Thanks Madd63. I hadn't realised that there were phones with popup cameras. A lot of the phones in the article you reference only seem to be available refurbished, so I guess they must be old models already. But I can't see what would be wrong with this https://www.amazon.co.uk/HUAWEI-Sma...605&sprefix=phone+with+pop,aps,71&sr=8-3&th=1
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Hi. Unless a pop up camera is the Be all and End All I wouldn't be bothered with that Huawei Smart Pro.
It does look a very similar mechanism to mine, and apparently there is another brand that did similar - but mine makes customised noises and has coloured lights as it rises.... na na na Na na.
Seriously, that is a Dec 2019 model, Huawei cannot use Google services officially, though I don't know when that came in to effect, it won't get security and OS updates for long or at all, and it's a little underpowered.
and you can buy a Grade A POCO F2 PRO from CEX though I think only Grade B currently, and it has flagship performance and is up to date with Android 12.
I think if you can get around the Privacy concerns and know Android 12 devices will theoretically warn you of a camera opening - There's a myriad great devices around the 200 mark.
https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p_smart_pro_2019-9799.php
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Huawe...-unnecessary-smartphone-in-2020.469601.0.html
It does look a very similar mechanism to mine, and apparently there is another brand that did similar - but mine makes customised noises and has coloured lights as it rises.... na na na Na na.
Seriously, that is a Dec 2019 model, Huawei cannot use Google services officially, though I don't know when that came in to effect, it won't get security and OS updates for long or at all, and it's a little underpowered.
and you can buy a Grade A POCO F2 PRO from CEX though I think only Grade B currently, and it has flagship performance and is up to date with Android 12.
I think if you can get around the Privacy concerns and know Android 12 devices will theoretically warn you of a camera opening - There's a myriad great devices around the 200 mark.
https://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_p_smart_pro_2019-9799.php
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Huawe...-unnecessary-smartphone-in-2020.469601.0.html
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Thanks. The problem is so many of the phones that come up when I search are second hand. Which means a shorter guarantee and they are more likely to become redundant quickly. I want to put off going through this exercise again for as long as I can! I suspect that an A Grade Poco won't be available from CEX for some time. Edit: One on ebay for £210 seller says it's unused.
There's a Galaxy A80 Spanish version for £380 on Amazon, might do.
Alternatively, I don't know if you have a suggestion for an Android 12 device, if I forget about the popup camera?
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Deleted member 2157292
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Loads. Let me spend time on it tomorrow.
I won't only include Xiaomi devices (Mi, Redmi, Poco and the new Xiaomi branded devices) but it will be handy for you to download the Mi. com app (there's also a Poco app when they said it would be a separate brand last year, but prices for Poco are better on the Mi app even before extra vouchers and points. The app can show two different device prices so takes getting used to).
My choice picks from Xiaomi atm: Xiaomi 11 lite 5g NE (220 - 249), Poco X4 Pro 5g (under 200), Poco M4 Pro (under 150).
I currently have a Poco F2 and a Mi 10 Lite, a Nokia 7 Plus and a Moto E6 Plus.
Owned 2 Samsungs, 4 Motorolas, and a Nokia.
Better reply tomorrow.
ADDED : I forgot to mention the best by far, the Poco F3 (originally £379 - 450+ iirc, which is a flagship level phone but with only an OK main camera.
It's back reduced for a final time this week. I would forego the £199 6/128 version today and Friday? and get the 8/256 early on Sunday.
I won't only include Xiaomi devices (Mi, Redmi, Poco and the new Xiaomi branded devices) but it will be handy for you to download the Mi. com app (there's also a Poco app when they said it would be a separate brand last year, but prices for Poco are better on the Mi app even before extra vouchers and points. The app can show two different device prices so takes getting used to).
My choice picks from Xiaomi atm: Xiaomi 11 lite 5g NE (220 - 249), Poco X4 Pro 5g (under 200), Poco M4 Pro (under 150).
I currently have a Poco F2 and a Mi 10 Lite, a Nokia 7 Plus and a Moto E6 Plus.
Owned 2 Samsungs, 4 Motorolas, and a Nokia.
Better reply tomorrow.
ADDED : I forgot to mention the best by far, the Poco F3 (originally £379 - 450+ iirc, which is a flagship level phone but with only an OK main camera.
It's back reduced for a final time this week. I would forego the £199 6/128 version today and Friday? and get the 8/256 early on Sunday.
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Cut and fold a yellow sticky just below the adhesive. Attach adhesive part to the top of the phone, with the paper folded over the camera. Works for most any phone you get, it's cheap and effective
The 8/256 is only £205 on eBay.
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A short interim post:
(I personally wouldn't buy from an F3 eBay when you can get one direct from the manufacturer. You can never be sure of the never used / never opened promise and other reasons, although I bought my second android through there and it was in fact UK spec factory sealed from a private seller)
You get at least £5 discount against the £219 Sunday price by downloading the Mi / Xiaomi app plus free delivery usually.
Opening it out : Everyone has features they can or cannot do without, so I recommend looking on the GSMArena site or the manufacturer for the specifications page.
The F3 does not have a headphone jack, but handily they add an adapter in the box for that model.
I think your expectations / needs are low, but it may help that my general criteria are : 1080p Full HD screen, ideally an Amoled rather than LCD.
I compare Chipset / SoC performance scores on Geekbench, which is not real world but gives an idea. My Poco scores 900 with the top Qualcomm chipset of 2020 (SD865) but my Moto scores 130 and it runs fine. The Poco F3 has the souped up! variant SD870. Anything from an SD680-695, 778 or similar will be very good, and Mediatek now supply more devices with equally good performance by the pound. I don't do gaming, but the 2 more recent top Qalcomm chips tend to overheat and so slow themselves down /throttle much more in their graphics performance
I can do without and SD Card slot if it has at least 128Gb on board. A headphone jack is nice, combined with Hi Res Audio or Dolby certification.
I'm not too fussed on cameras either, but OIS sounds nice to have: and a decent Macro camera - eg 5mp rather than 2mp.
UFS 3.2 / 3.1 or 2.2 storage rather than the basic eMmc spec of old.
Full IP68 or close ingress protection is nice but mine is good enough.
Anyway: My overall current recommendation along with the 2021 Poco F3 (which may not get a full two years support from now, I can check) is the Samsung A52s 5G (emphasis on S not the A52) which has been superceded recently by the imv inferior A53, plus Samsung give you 3 years Android Updates and 4 years security from first release (Sep 21).
There were sales at various sites but 259 - 299 now on Amazon is a good reduction from 400.
The new A33 is good enough for me if it was available lower than that.
I'll stop here for now. They may cost more than you need to spend.
Look at Realme models, Oppo, Oneplus Nord models as well as Motorola, Nokia (not sure about their range atm) Samsung, a used Google Pixel 4a and others. .
(I personally wouldn't buy from an F3 eBay when you can get one direct from the manufacturer. You can never be sure of the never used / never opened promise and other reasons, although I bought my second android through there and it was in fact UK spec factory sealed from a private seller)
You get at least £5 discount against the £219 Sunday price by downloading the Mi / Xiaomi app plus free delivery usually.
Opening it out : Everyone has features they can or cannot do without, so I recommend looking on the GSMArena site or the manufacturer for the specifications page.
The F3 does not have a headphone jack, but handily they add an adapter in the box for that model.
I think your expectations / needs are low, but it may help that my general criteria are : 1080p Full HD screen, ideally an Amoled rather than LCD.
I compare Chipset / SoC performance scores on Geekbench, which is not real world but gives an idea. My Poco scores 900 with the top Qualcomm chipset of 2020 (SD865) but my Moto scores 130 and it runs fine. The Poco F3 has the souped up! variant SD870. Anything from an SD680-695, 778 or similar will be very good, and Mediatek now supply more devices with equally good performance by the pound. I don't do gaming, but the 2 more recent top Qalcomm chips tend to overheat and so slow themselves down /throttle much more in their graphics performance
I can do without and SD Card slot if it has at least 128Gb on board. A headphone jack is nice, combined with Hi Res Audio or Dolby certification.
I'm not too fussed on cameras either, but OIS sounds nice to have: and a decent Macro camera - eg 5mp rather than 2mp.
UFS 3.2 / 3.1 or 2.2 storage rather than the basic eMmc spec of old.
Full IP68 or close ingress protection is nice but mine is good enough.
Anyway: My overall current recommendation along with the 2021 Poco F3 (which may not get a full two years support from now, I can check) is the Samsung A52s 5G (emphasis on S not the A52) which has been superceded recently by the imv inferior A53, plus Samsung give you 3 years Android Updates and 4 years security from first release (Sep 21).
There were sales at various sites but 259 - 299 now on Amazon is a good reduction from 400.
The new A33 is good enough for me if it was available lower than that.
I'll stop here for now. They may cost more than you need to spend.
Look at Realme models, Oppo, Oneplus Nord models as well as Motorola, Nokia (not sure about their range atm) Samsung, a used Google Pixel 4a and others. .
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Sorry. It's called the Mi Store app.
I didn't use it until my first purchase so I had an account number, but it's generally available.
I can't seem to find how to put a link
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Surely it's not available if you don't have a functioning smart phone?
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Deleted member 2157292
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Ah. Your first post said that you were looking for a new Android phone, and wondered about one with hideable camera. I think everyone assumed you were trading up from an older device.
My bad, and no worries ... the Mi. com full website is better to view. You should find the week's list of daily deals, their current sale period deals, reduced best selling devices etc.
Keep in mind the price you see for a particular model in one section may be better in an upcoming sale day, or elsewhere on the site.
There is also a Poco (brand) app, so I think there will be a Poco website, but the prices are generally cheaper on the parent company site Mi or Xiaomi. (I think they have decided not to split Poco completely from Xiaomi's other models)
I hope you have access to the web somewhere.
I'm 63 and I'm with you about using a separate camera, though I don't have one.
I feel silly taking phone photos and always nervous of dropping it; though the results are generally good.
(don't talk to me about walking around people taking selfie photos)
Ordered it, thanks for your help. It wasn't easy because the first two cards I tried sent a verification code to my phone which of course I couldn't see. But the third card was OK. You need your phone for so much these days (including buying a new one) so I'm pleased to see that when your phone dies, you don't die along with it. It almost feels as if you might. It was a good thing that I have lots of payment cards.
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@Arbu
So you ordered a Poco F3?
Thats great. It should be fantastic. It's a step up from my F2 in a few areas.
you ll have some questions...
I'll have some recommendations for finding things and navigating the ui,
plus initially how to disable Adverts in two or 3 different settings. I have no ads and there are short you tube videos or articles) so don't worry. It's a common thing now out of the box.
How at the start to easily Uninstall unneeded apps like Facebook, LinkedIn, Tiktok and others I can't remember (there's even more on Samsung"s now afaik that you can't remove)
I don't use the Mi own versions of apps like Mi Browser (Internet pages - you'll know! )
I use Chrome and 2 other so I never signed in as requested when opened. I started to use Mi Cloud (storage) a little recently, so I think I signrd in for that.
I also use the (Mi) default photo "Gallery" app they have, and like it, but everything gets copied to the Google Photos app as well.
If you're inclined, Id also recommend initially ordering the Spigen case I have, plus I bought a set of 2 Ibywind tempered glass screen protectors (I have the spare in the box) with an easy fit plastic guide holder clamp thing. (do it in a steamed room, pots and a kettle!)
Case and screen protectors both about £8 - 12 each.
Sorry for going on, and the hasty composition.
I'm really impressed with their software (MIUI) and hopefully you will have the latest MIUI 13, Android 12, and very recent monthly Security patch and Google Play Services update; or they will ask to download in a short while. It's really easy when you know which Settings area contains what.
ADDED:
I'm sure you will get used to it, but if I'm around ask me anything.
So you ordered a Poco F3?
Thats great. It should be fantastic. It's a step up from my F2 in a few areas.
you ll have some questions...
I'll have some recommendations for finding things and navigating the ui,
plus initially how to disable Adverts in two or 3 different settings. I have no ads and there are short you tube videos or articles) so don't worry. It's a common thing now out of the box.
How at the start to easily Uninstall unneeded apps like Facebook, LinkedIn, Tiktok and others I can't remember (there's even more on Samsung"s now afaik that you can't remove)
I don't use the Mi own versions of apps like Mi Browser (Internet pages - you'll know! )
I use Chrome and 2 other so I never signed in as requested when opened. I started to use Mi Cloud (storage) a little recently, so I think I signrd in for that.
I also use the (Mi) default photo "Gallery" app they have, and like it, but everything gets copied to the Google Photos app as well.
If you're inclined, Id also recommend initially ordering the Spigen case I have, plus I bought a set of 2 Ibywind tempered glass screen protectors (I have the spare in the box) with an easy fit plastic guide holder clamp thing. (do it in a steamed room, pots and a kettle!)
Case and screen protectors both about £8 - 12 each.
Sorry for going on, and the hasty composition.
I'm really impressed with their software (MIUI) and hopefully you will have the latest MIUI 13, Android 12, and very recent monthly Security patch and Google Play Services update; or they will ask to download in a short while. It's really easy when you know which Settings area contains what.
ADDED:
I'm sure you will get used to it, but if I'm around ask me anything.
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Deleted member 2157292
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Some info on Xiaomi's updates policy (or lack thereof officially) , but you should be good for at least two years, as it was first released last year. Mine came out a year earlier and its up to date.
https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/policy/xiaomi
https://www.nextpit.com/how-many-android-updates-manufactures-offer
https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/policy/xiaomi
https://www.nextpit.com/how-many-android-updates-manufactures-offer
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It's a frame thats hinged** and lowers the sticky screen for easy alignment. Comes with plenty of wipes and cloths, but recommend lots of steam so no dust particles create bubbles underneath:
** not hinged! I'm unhinged!
Ibywind Screen Protector for POCO F3 5G/Xiaomi Mi 11i 5G,[Pack of 2] with Camera Lens Protector (Graphite),Back Carbon Fiber Skin Protector,Including Easy Install Kit
https://amzn.eu/d/41K7bd7
=====
I ordered this looking one for the F2 and it came without the white trim or white lettering so looked better, but can't guarantee. Plenty of cases. This Spigen is good, quite slim.
Spigen Rugged Armor Case Compatible with Xiaomi Poco F3 - Matte Black
https://amzn.eu/d/2BNScjC
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Deleted member 2157292
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Great deal. You've got a top spec phone for low budget money. You won't notice the speed initially but everything reacts instantly.
It has the top UFS (Ultra Fast Storage) 3.1 storage which retrieves apps and files quickly.
Nearly all top end and mid range phones no longer support SD Cards, which are slow, have a limited read and write lifespan and generally fail eventually. They are meant, and are useful for storing media and files only, not apps which only could store part of that app until the app is updated when it tends to return to main storage, in my experience.
I have a SanDisk 128gb flash drive with a sliding USB C connector at one end for the phone and a USB A plug at the other for my new pc, but I never use it.
My secondary Mi 10 Lite 5G has 64gb of internal storage and no sd card slot and it's enough for my needs, apps music and photos if I used it daily.
128gb is the new norm for most all budget to high end devices, and you have 256 including the OS.
Tap on Storage in About Phone.
Best way I found to check for updates if you don't get notifications on some:
1} Settings - About Phone - tap on MIUI 12 or 13 (what'ya have. I'm curious. Did it have Android 12 out of the box?)
2) Settings : System Apps Updater - tap. *This will be updating a lot until its up to date.
(*genius level sentence writing)
3) Settings - Passwords and Security - Privacy as both Google Play System Update and
4) Security Update are both there with the dates
===
Ads wise, I've only had to switch off some of these as I don't use many Mi Apps:
https://www.androidauthority.com/remove-ads-xiaomi-miui-1019139/
==
The green Security app is fun to play with and supposedly tidies things up.
===
There is another UK member here who is more knowledable and takes part in the Mi/Xiaomi community forums (there's an app) which apparently is easier to use since I tried it.
Once all your apps are installed its like any other phone, just a better screen, performance etc
It has the top UFS (Ultra Fast Storage) 3.1 storage which retrieves apps and files quickly.
Nearly all top end and mid range phones no longer support SD Cards, which are slow, have a limited read and write lifespan and generally fail eventually. They are meant, and are useful for storing media and files only, not apps which only could store part of that app until the app is updated when it tends to return to main storage, in my experience.
I have a SanDisk 128gb flash drive with a sliding USB C connector at one end for the phone and a USB A plug at the other for my new pc, but I never use it.
My secondary Mi 10 Lite 5G has 64gb of internal storage and no sd card slot and it's enough for my needs, apps music and photos if I used it daily.
128gb is the new norm for most all budget to high end devices, and you have 256 including the OS.
Tap on Storage in About Phone.
Best way I found to check for updates if you don't get notifications on some:
1} Settings - About Phone - tap on MIUI 12 or 13 (what'ya have. I'm curious. Did it have Android 12 out of the box?)
2) Settings : System Apps Updater - tap. *This will be updating a lot until its up to date.
(*genius level sentence writing)
3) Settings - Passwords and Security - Privacy as both Google Play System Update and
4) Security Update are both there with the dates
===
Ads wise, I've only had to switch off some of these as I don't use many Mi Apps:
https://www.androidauthority.com/remove-ads-xiaomi-miui-1019139/
==
The green Security app is fun to play with and supposedly tidies things up.
===
There is another UK member here who is more knowledable and takes part in the Mi/Xiaomi community forums (there's an app) which apparently is easier to use since I tried it.
Once all your apps are installed its like any other phone, just a better screen, performance etc
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