Mobilicity selling used Panache phones for $159.99, March 23-24

**computergeek541** · 03-23-2012, 10:47 PM

I'm surprised that I didn't see a thread about this yet. Mobilicity corporate stores and exclusive dealers (if they have stock) are selling the HTC Panache (used/returns/refurbs) for $159.99 on March 23rd and 24th. There was an ad in Toronto newspapers on Thursday.

Honestly, I can't recommend this phone to anyone who does not know how to root and flash radio files because of severe signal problems/software issues/htc design faults with this model. But for those who do know how to do this, they might consider this to be an okay deal.

For those who do not know, the Panache is a phone that has a problem that causes the signal to disappear for 1 or 2 minutes multiple times a day, for absolutely no reason, and even in full signal areas. I believe this is a model wide design/software problem.

The reason for me saying that this phone is okay for those who know how to flash radio files is as follows:
Through pure unscientific experiementation, I found that the oldest froyo radio file at http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1059347 (12.28.60.140e_26.03.00.04) is much more stable on the Mobilicity Panache than the stock radio files (on both Mobilicity and Wind networks). I tried all of the available radio files on the Panache and while 26.0300.04 may have slightly weaker pure signal strength, I found it to be much more stable. The disappeaing signal happened much less often. And here's the most important part of my findings for that radio file... With the stock Panache radio file, the disappearing signal causes the signal to vanish for exactly the same 45/50 seconds before the signal would come back each time (talking about in areas where there is known good signal) . With the oldest froyo radio, the signal comes back instantaneiously to the point that even while staring at the phone screen, you probably wouldn't even notice. And because it's such a short momentary blip with that oldest radio file, you're not going to miss any calls and you'll still be able to place calls (although it may take about 5 seconds longer).

**reveries3** · 03-23-2012, 11:15 PM

I can definitely say that I appear to be getting less random drops these days. I'm on a fully unaltered Panache. Could just be me not noticing, could be random happenstance.

I think, if you're looking to give a teen a smartphone, this is a worthwhile phone at a rather good price.

Sent from my HTC Panache using HowardForums

**computergeek541** · 03-23-2012, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by reveries3

I can definitely say that I appear to be getting less random drops these days. I'm on a fully unaltered Panache. Could just be me not noticing, could be random happenstance.

The most annoying thing about the Panache random signal drop isn't the signal drop itself, but rather how it happens when having otherwise perfect signal and the amount of time it takes for the phone to reconnect. At least from my observations, the reconnect time is 10-fold faster with the older radio file.

This sale is probably one last push by Mobilicity to clear out any remaining Panache inventory.

**reveries3** · 03-23-2012, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by computergeek541

This sale is probably one last push by Mobilicity to clear out any remaining Panache inventory.

Definitely. I noticed they stopped selling them a while back, probably thanks to the signal issue. They needed to sell them somehow! I'm sure some people will buy.

Sent from my HTC Panache using HowardForums

**Tower Li** · 03-24-2012, 02:01 AM

My Panache has terrible reception, and as you mentioned the signal randomly drops and goes to Canadian Roaming all the time. Is there a way to fix this?

**Dave114** · 03-24-2012, 02:05 AM

Running stock firmware on my Panache - the dropouts are annoying.

Anyone tried Ice Cream Sandwich on it? I'm not expecting an official release of ICS for the phone, but a 3rd-party release can be had. Curious as to whether or not this will affect the signal dropouts.

**endlessdayz** · 03-24-2012, 05:11 PM

I have had the Panache for 2 months now and I'm running stock unrooted android just cause it seems like a lot of work to root the device and don't have the time or the experience to do it and know I'm doing it right.

I have never had any problems with Singapore drops, only happened maybe once or twice or when I have zero or 1 bar which is normal. Maybe I'm just one of the lucky ones

Sent from my HTC Panache using HowardForums

**will888** · 03-24-2012, 06:50 PM

I have a stock panache over here, no real problems until recently with play store. The market app is bundled with the custom rom and so it never updates. Now I have to be careful to update one app at a time otherwise it crashes. It used to be able to download half dozen apps at the same time and no problems. Other than that, it has been good.

**hashim71** · 03-24-2012, 08:53 PM

I love my panache. But I must say it does have the reception issue. But that's about it. Love this phone very much

Sent from my HTC Panache using HowardForums

**endlessdayz** · 03-24-2012, 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by hashim71

I love my panache. But I must say it does have the reception issue. But that's about it. Love this phone very much

Sent from my HTC Panache using HowardForums

The battery life is a bit of an issue though. Mind you it is for all smartphones.

**hashim71** · 03-25-2012, 12:11 AM

Originally Posted by endlessdayz

The battery life is a bit of an issue though. Mind you it is for all smartphones.

Yeup!!! Huge issue, forgot about that lol. I have a 3500 mah battery for mine. That's the only way I can make it last... But I though all androids are battery hogs like that

Sent from my HTC Panache using HowardForums

**endlessdayz** · 03-25-2012, 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by hashim71

Yeup!!! Huge issue, forgot about that lol. I have a 3500 mah battery for mine. That's the only way I can make it last... But I though all androids are battery hogs like that

Sent from my HTC Panache using HowardForums

I have a case for my phone so I can't get a 3500 mah battery which is a drag. Going to have to live with 8-10 hours max.

**hashim71** · 03-25-2012, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by endlessdayz

I have a case for my phone so I can't get a 3500 mah battery which is a drag. Going to have to live with 8-10 hours max.

Take the case off... And I get about 7-8 hours of usage. With screen brightness at 50, an hour of gaming. Couple hundred text. A few hours of browsing. some music... And Netflix. This battery Is amazing. I highly recomend it.

Sent from my HTC Panache using HowardForums

**onewhofightsfoo** · 03-25-2012, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by hashim71

Yeup!!! Huge issue, forgot about that lol. I have a 3500 mah battery for mine. That's the only way I can make it last... But I though all androids are battery hogs like that

Sent from my HTC Panache using HowardForums

And besides....who needs a case if you don't drop your phone...I have a 3500ma battery too...no reception issues here...I only see limited reception issues when I turn my phone on or off for a few seconds...
But, buyer beware....chances are if your buying a refurbished Panache...chances are you got one that was returned for a reception issue.
The best thing about the Panache is that its one of the only Mobilicity smartphones where you can buy the kicka** battery to utilize the unlimited data plan you are on without being corded to a wall outlet....LOL

Mobilicity frees Canadian cellular smartphone users - or at least - till one of the big 3 gobbles them up!

**ECBomb** · 03-25-2012, 12:36 PM

Love my Panache and the reception issue isn't as evident lately. Battery life on mine is good as well, but mind you, I am running a custom ROM. Still love the form factor of this phone so as long as someone is still making ROMs for this phone and I can still the latest apps on this thing, I'll stay put unless something earth shattering comes along. Really can't stand the new Androids coming out all with no microSD card slots.

Sent from my HTC Glacier using HowardForums