Android Mobile Device Recommendation

Can anyone recommend a good Android based device to use with Solo? I want to use the capabilities of Tower, in addition to the iOS based 3DR Solo App. As far as device is concerned, the operation of the Solo  is the only thing I would do with it, so looking for a low cost option, but with enough storage/memory etc to handle the apps used to control the copter.

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  • I have my sites set on the Samsung Galaxy Pro 8. But no matter what you get, you will need a sunshade. Also plan on using a clean device with no more than I need to operate the Solo.

    I have been watching the forums regarding the Solo and it seems most are using Android devices. Also looks like most of the disconnect and app lockups problems are with IOS devices.

    It is a little disheartening for us folks that preordered see people that walked into Best Buy and walked out with the Solo, get home and fly it a few times and have disconnect problems, then take it back to get an exchange or a refund.....without troubleshooting or contacting support. One plus to Best Buy stocking them is lots of those folks had preorders as well and hopefully canceled them bumping us up in the queue.

    My thinking tells me it is not a problem with the Solo but more likely a problem with the mobile device. After spending a lot of time on the DJI forum and seeing these disconnect problems with the Phantom 2 Vision+, for most the cure was to turn off the setting in the device that asks to join other networks.  

  • I've used both a Nexus 5 and a 2012 Nexus 7. The 2012 N7 isn't officially supported (won't install from Google Play as of 6/14), but I'm a developer... I have ways... The Solo app didn't actually look very good on Android 5.1, but I upgraded to 5.1.1 and it works perfectly and looks fine. The downside is that the tablet is so sluggish already with Android 5+ on it, the frame rate wasn't very good. The N5 was much better, but the smaller screen was less pleasant. The low frame rate and "ancient tablet" status is probably the reason the 2012 isn't supported.

  • I would go with the Nexus 7 2013 aka 2nd generation. Because it has 1920 x 1080 screen resolution so the video will be really sharp. The tablet does not actually control the solo. It sends information to the controller so it can control the solo. Just small bits of data. For the money the Nexus 7 2nd generation (2013) model is what I would choose. The first generation Nexus 7 only has 720 x 1080. So make sure it is the later model.
    • Steve,
      Looking around at the different Andriod tablets and wanting to go less expensive, I see the 2nd gen Nexus 7 has KitKat 4.3. I am wondering about app compatibility in future Solo app releases. Also, I like the higher res of the 7, what about screen brightness? Is it as good as some of the Samsung tablets?
    • Hi - I started with the Nexus 7 but switched to the Samsung Tab Pro 8.4 because I wanted a brighter screen. It is a little brighter, screen is bigger but the real plus is I can pull the card out of the GoPro between flights and stick it in the tab -- sharing and reviewing is so much nicer on the bigger screen. Still though it is just not bright enough in the bright sunshine. Plan to try a Tab S - AMOLED is supposedly a bit brighter. Thinking some sort of screen shade is probably the best idea.

      3702703502?profile=original

      Cheers, Ken

    • Thanks Ken,
      I agree with the sunshade. I use one on my Black Pearl monitor with my Phantom. I've got the Samsung Tab Pro on my list as well. Still deciding. I have a question, off-thread. Do the maps in the Solo app display the Solo's orientation with an arrow. I am wondering because if I lose sight I would like to have another option besides return to home.
      Thanks,
      Ray
    • Yeah.... Without this

      http://www.amazon.com/Smallrig-Sunhood-sunshade-Monitor-667gl/dp/B0...

      Totally worthless in the sun.....

      Steve
    • Hi Steve - That one looks nice - I found I needed a little bit bigger and found this - posted mod here - http://diydrones.com/group/solo/forum/topics/3dr-solo-controller-su... 

    • I am running 5.1 Lollipop on mine and it works perfectly... Screen brightness is spectacular and in my opinion is far superior to the iPad mini. I have not used a Samsung....

      Hope this helps...

      Steve
    • Thanks Steve,
      It's in my wish list. Don't know when my Solo will show up. Keep flying my Phantom 2 and hope it holds up. Don't want to trash my GoPro.
      Ray
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