# Android in Canada: full text of the main guides > Independent information site about Android phones, updates and Canadian carriers. Older material is archived and reflects the Android scene of the 2010s. ## Best Phone Plans in Canada URL: https://androidincanada.ca/best-cellphone-plans Did you know that more than 90% of Canadians have a smartphone? That's right, we take our phones for granted now. We can't imagine life without them, just like we can't imagine life without coffee in the morning or a reliable pair of winter boots. We all need to stay connected to work emails, social media and the latest Netflix series. Mobile connectivity is a non-negotiable part of our lives. But here's the thing: choosing the right phone plan in Canada can be as overwhelming as deciding on a perfect vacation destination. Do you go for the tropical beaches or the historical landmarks? To access data services, you need to know how to get in. Also, would you rather have unlimited data or cheaper prices? This article will explain everything you need to know. The goal is simple: to help you find the best phone plan for you. If you're a student with a limited budget, a family wanting to combine several lines, or a digital nomad with a high data need, you can find the right plan for you. I promise there are options with unlimited talk and text as well. We'll cover everything from understanding the Canadian mobile market to in-depth reviews of major carriers, followed by tips on saving money, switching carriers and future trends to keep an eye on. So get a coffee (or a cup of tea) and let's find the best phone plan for you! ## Understanding the Canadian Mobile Market To choose the right phone plan, you need to understand the Canadian mobile market. Canada's mobile market is different from other countries. In Canada, there are three big companies that most people use: Rogers, Bell and Telus. These three giants, also known as "The Big Three," control most of the market. They provide coverage across the country, have large networks and offer the latest technologies like 5G. But the picture isn't as monopolistic as it may seem. Each of these big companies has smaller, more affordable companies that compete with each other. For example, Rogers owns Fido and Chatr, while Bell controls Virgin Plus. Bell offers just two plans for customers to choose from and provides phone deals that include unlimited welcome plans for new customers. Telus runs Koodo and Public Mobile. These companies often offer cheaper mobile phone plans, which are better for different types of customers, like students or people who prefer to pay in advance. ### Market Structure: The Big Three and Beyond Rogers, Bell and Telus are more like the popular kids in high school who set the trends. They control more than 90% of the market, so it's very important to compare plans from the same company. Here is what it means: - **Rogers Communications is known for its ability to use your phone seamlessly across Canada and Mexico.** : Known for excellent urban coverage, Rogers is a major player with comprehensive offerings for individuals, families and businesses alike. - **Bell Mobility** : Bell is renowned for its strong network performance, particularly in rural areas and remote regions. - **Telus Mobility is a strong contender in the market, especially for those needing a new phone with a compatible plan. provides options for family cell phone plans that cater to various needs. offers a variety of rate plans that fit different budgets and needs.** : Telus has made its name with stellar customer service and innovative mobile services, not to mention extensive 5G coverage. But if the Big Three sound too difficult or expensive, don't worry. You can look at everything that is included in each plan. They have created smaller, cheaper brands that use the same powerful networks, but offer plans that are cheaper. For example, Fido (owned by Rogers) and Virgin Plus (owned by Bell) offer good value for money, while Koodo Mobile has a range of cell phone plans to suit different needs, including unlimited options. (owned by Telus) offers great value for money and a network you can rely on. #### List of Canadian mobile operators by number of subscribers 2025 ### Regulatory Environment: How the CRTC Impacts Your Phone Bill The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has a big part to play in shaping the mobile landscape in Canada. They make sure that Canadians have access to affordable, competitive and high-quality telecommunications services. One big win for consumers was when the CRTC said that all mobile carriers must unlock phones for free. This makes it easier for you to switch between providers. The CRTC has also introduced rules about data usage notifications and overage charges, which prevent you from getting a shock when you use more data than you paid for. ### Technology Overview: This guide will help you understand the selection of cell phone plans available, including those with unlimited data. From LTE to 5G Most Canadians know about 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) technology, which provides fast data speeds and reliable connectivity. But the next big thing, 5G, is spreading quickly across the country and all the big phone companies have started to set up 5G networks. 5G technology promises very fast speeds and less delay, which makes gaming and video streaming much better. But it is not yet available everywhere. If you live in the countryside or away from big cities, it's probably best to stick with network providers that offer good LTE coverage until 5G is more common. ## Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Phone Plan Choosing a phone plan is not as simple as choosing a sandwich, but I wish it were. There are several important things to think about before choosing a company. Let's go through the most important things to think about: ### Coverage Area: Urban vs. Rural When shopping for a phone plan, it's important to think about coverage. Where you live can make a big difference. If you're in the centre of Toronto or Vancouver, you'll be fine no matter which carrier you choose. But if you are in northern Ontario or staying in a cabin in British Columbia, things get more difficult. Before choosing a plan, check the carrier's coverage map (usually available on their websites). These maps show you where their LTE and 5G networks are strongest. In rural areas, Bell and Telus tend to have the best coverage, while Rogers is better in cities. ### Data Needs: How Much Is Too Much? Data is very important when choosing a phone plan, and the data included in your plan can make a big difference. If you're always on your phone, whether you're on TikTok, Spotify or working remotely, you'll use a lot of data, so it's important to pick the right plan. But how do you know how much data you need? It's really easy. You can get as many texts and calls as you want with our new plans. - **Light Users** (1-3GB/month): Perfect for people who browse the web, check emails and maybe stream a little music. - **Moderate Users** (4-10GB/month): If you watch videos, stream music and browse social media, this is a safe bet. - **Heavy Users will find that data plans include options specifically designed to meet their needs.** (10GB+): Ideal for anyone who streams videos in HD, works remotely, or plays online games. Some plans offer “unlimited data” (with a speed cap after hitting a certain limit), while others come with higher data caps but might charge hefty overage fees. ### Pricing and Contracts: Prepaid vs. Contract When it comes to pricing, you’ve got two primary options: prepaid or contract plans. - Prepaid plans often come with unlimited plans, which are flexible without the commitment of a contract. These are great if you want to be able to spend money however you like. You pay for your service in advance, and if you run out of data or minutes, you can add more whenever you need to. This is especially useful if you have a plan that includes hotspot data. Also, you don't need a credit check for plans that you can't get. - Carrier: Find the best unlimited data plans from various providers. There are many options in Canada, so you can choose the right mobile phone for you. The options vary, but many providers offer plans that include unlimited calls and texts. Companies like Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile and Chatr specialise in prepaid plans. - Contract Plans: These contracts often come with extras like phone subsidies or unlimited data, but they lock you in for 24 months. Some contracts include the cost of a new phone, while others require you to bring your own device (BYOD). ### Additional Features: Roaming, Hotspots and More In today's busy market, companies often add extra benefits to their deals to compete with each other. This means it's important to check the details of each plan offered by a company. Some plans let you use your phone abroad for free (Rogers Roam Like Home) or let you use your phone as a mobile hotspot without extra charges. Others bundle in subscriptions to popular streaming services or offer discounts on new smartphones like the iPhone 16 Pro. When you compare plans, always ask yourself what extra features matter to you. Do you travel a lot and need to use your phone in other countries? Do you need unlimited calls and texts, or do you mostly use Wi-Fi and data? These extras, like hotspot data, can make a big difference. ### Customer Service and Support: When Things Go Wrong We've all been there, staring at a broken phone screen or a bill that seems way too high. In these situations, it's really important to have good customer service. Telus is a company that has consistently been rated highly by its customers. This is thanks to its friendly and knowledgeable support team. Meanwhile, Rogers and Bell have mixed reviews when it comes to service. Some customers praise them for their fast response times, while others complain about long wait times. Before choosing a carrier, check online reviews or ask around to see which company offers the best support in your area. ### Flexibility and Customization: Make It Work for You Finally, it's important to be flexible when thinking about all the parts of a plan. Some phone plans lock you in for a long time and don't let you change your data or calling limits each month without extra charges. Others let you change your data or calling limits each month without extra charges. Fido, Koodo and Virgin Plus let you change your phone plan when your needs change. Also, if you put your family members on the same plan, you could save a lot of money, especially if you put all your family's lines on one monthly plan. Many internet providers let you share your data with your family. This means that everyone can get the data they need without using too much. ## In-Depth Reviews of Major Canadian Carriers Canada’s mobile landscape offers a variety of carriers, each with unique benefits. While the “Big Three” (Rogers, Bell and Telus) dominate the market, several smaller carriers offer competitive plans that can be more budget-friendly, particularly if you’re willing to bring your own device (BYOD). Let’s take a closer look at the major players, reviewing their strengths, weaknesses, pricing structures and what types of users they’re best suited for. ### Rogers Communications - **Overview:** Rogers is one of Canada’s largest telecom providers and part of the Big Three. They are known for their robust 4G LTE network and extensive 5G coverage in urban areas. Rogers offers a range of phone plans, including individual, family, and data-heavy plans, making them a strong choice for users looking for a plan with ample data or those who travel frequently. - **Plan Offerings: Compare various plans to find the right plan for your needs.** Rogers provides a mix of postpaid, prepaid and contract plans. For example, their Infinite plans offer unlimited data, with speed throttling after hitting your monthly data limit. These plans are ideal for heavy data users, with options ranging from 20GB data to your plan can be a game changer for heavy users. to 50GB before throttling kicks in. They also offer BYOD discounts, family plans and international roaming options like Roam Like Home, where you can use your plan in over 185 destinations for a daily fee. - **Coverage and Network Performance: Rogers Communications offers among the best service in the country.** Rogers’ coverage is excellent in urban areas, particularly in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. However, in some rural and remote areas, coverage can be spotty compared to Bell or Telus. Rogers’ 5G network is rapidly expanding, offering faster speeds and lower latency in many urban centers. - **Pricing Structure: Compare how much data you get with our unlimited plans.** Rogers tends to be on the higher end in terms of pricing, especially when compared to some of its budget competitors. However, their family plans and data-sharing options can help reduce costs for multi-line households. With the BYOD option, you can save a few bucks on your monthly bill if you’re bringing your own device. - **Pros: Many plans include the ability to roll over unused data, enhancing their value.** - Strong 5G network in urban areas. - Roam Like Home allows you the ability to use your phone internationally at affordable rates. - Flexible family plans and data-sharing options are available with many phone plans from Rogers. - **Cons: Limited options for hotspot data with some providers.** - Higher price point compared to competitors. - Coverage can be limited in rural areas. ### Bell Mobility - **Overview:** Bell Mobility is another heavyweight in Canada’s telecom market. Known for having the most extensive network coverage, especially in rural and remote areas, Bell is an excellent option if you live outside of a major city. Their plans are similar to Rogers in terms of data offerings, but they also bundle services with Bell Fibe internet and TV for extra savings. - **Plan Offerings:** Bell offers a variety of plans, including unlimited data, BYOD, prepaid and postpaid options. Like Rogers, Bell’s Unlimited Data Plans throttle your speeds after a certain data threshold (such as 20GB or 50GB, depending on the plan change). They also offer Bell Travel Pass, which allows you to use your phone abroad without incurring massive roaming charges. Bell is known for offering perks like access to their exclusive TV content through their Crave TV bundle, a unique feature if you’re also a Bell TV customer. - **Coverage and Network Performance:** Bell boasts the most extensive and reliable coverage in Canada, especially in rural and remote areas. Their 4G LTE and 5G networks offer robust coverage across the country, making them a go-to option for people who live outside major urban centers and need reliable text and data services. Their 5G network is quickly expanding, offering faster speeds and better coverage in places like Ottawa, Calgary and Halifax. - **Pricing Structure:** Bell’s pricing is comparable to Rogers, with similar options for BYOD discounts and family plans. Their biggest strength lies in the bundle discounts, which are perfect if you’re also looking to combine internet or TV services with your mobile plan. - **Pros:** - Excellent rural and remote coverage. - Exclusive content bundles with Bell services. - Comprehensive 5G rollout. - **Cons:** - High pricing for standalone plans can be mitigated by opting for family cell phone plans that save money on your cell phone. - Throttled speeds after hitting data caps. ### Telus Mobility - **Overview:** Telus is renowned for its excellent customer service and network reliability, particularly in western Canada. Telus offers a range of phone plans, including both postpaid and prepaid options, as well as device financing. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability has also made them a popular choice among environmentally conscious consumers seeking the best unlimited options. - **Plan Offerings:** Telus’ plan offerings are similar to Rogers and Bell, with Unlimited Data Plans that throttle speeds after a certain data limit is reached. They also offer a Peace of Mind plan, which includes unlimited calling, texting, and data usage with varying speed caps depending on the plan tier and premium data allowances. Telus also provides Easy Payment, which allows you to spread out the cost of a new phone over 24 months without interest. If you’re a BYOD customer, you can save on your monthly bill, making it a flexible option for those who want to avoid contracts. - **Coverage and Network Performance:** Telus has a strong presence across Canada, with excellent coverage in urban and rural areas alike. Their 5G network is growing quickly, offering excellent speeds in major cities and expanding coverage in more remote regions, making it a great option for those looking to get a plan. Telus consistently ranks highly in customer satisfaction surveys, thanks to its reliable service and top-tier network. - **Pricing Structure:** Telus’ pricing is comparable to both Bell and Rogers, but they offer flexible BYOD plans and a variety of financing options for devices. Telus also offers Smartphones for Good options for those who need a new phone often include plans with unlimited data., a program that provides refurbished phones to those in need, furthering their reputation as a socially responsible carrier. - **Pros:** - High customer satisfaction and strong network reliability. - Flexible financing options for devices. - Sustainable practices and social responsibility. - **Cons:** - Pricing can be steep for individual plans. - Speed throttling after data limits on unlimited plans. Freedom Mobile is known for its affordable rates and flexible plans, making it a popular choice among those looking for the best cell phone carrier. provides competitive plans that include data you get for a reasonable price. is known for its competitive pricing in the cell phone carrier market. offers a great way to get a plan that includes affordable options for those who already have a phone. has various eligible plans that cater to different needs. - **Overview:** If you’re looking for more affordable options, Freedom Mobile is worth considering for their premium data allowances. Freedom focuses on budget-friendly plans and is particularly popular in urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver. While they don’t have the same extensive network as the Big Three, their prices are often more competitive, making them a great option for students, young professionals, or anyone looking to save a few bucks. - **Plan Offerings:** Freedom Mobile offers Prepaid Plans, Unlimited Data Plans and BYOD options. Their unlimited plans are some of the most affordable in the market, but speeds are throttled after a certain data threshold, usually around 20GB. If you’re bringing your own device, you can benefit from further savings. Additionally, Freedom Mobile often runs promotions offering discounted devices or bonus data for new customers. - **Coverage and Network Performance:** Freedom’s biggest downside is its limited network coverage, particularly in rural areas, which affects the effectiveness of their unlimited plus plan. They have solid coverage in major cities, but once you leave urban areas, you might find your phone struggling to stay connected. Freedom uses LTE and has recently started rolling out 5G in select areas, but their 5G network is still in its infancy compared to Rogers, Bell and Telus. - **Pricing Structure:** Freedom’s pricing is what sets it apart. Their unlimited plans start at much lower price points than the Big Three, making them one of the most affordable options on the market. If you live in an area with strong Freedom coverage, this is a great way to save on your monthly bill. - **Pros:** - Extremely competitive pricing for plans that include access to data services. - Affordable unlimited data plans. - Frequent promotions and bonuses. - **Cons:** - Limited network coverage outside urban centers. - Throttled speeds after 20GB on unlimited plans. ### Videotron - **Overview:** Based in Quebec, Videotron is a regional carrier that offers competitive pricing and strong customer service for Quebec residents. They also offer services in other parts of Canada, but they are most popular in their home province. - **Plan Offerings:** Videotron offers a range of plans, including BYOD options, family plans and unlimited data plans. Their plans often include discounts for bundling services like TV or internet, making them a great option if you already use Videotron for other services. They also offer a variety of prepaid plans for those who prefer more flexibility. - **Coverage and Network Performance:** Videotron’s network is robust in Quebec but can be less reliable in other parts of the country. They offer LTE coverage and are expanding their 5G services, but if you’re planning to travel outside Quebec frequently, this might not be the best option for you. - **Pricing Structure:** Videotron’s prices are competitive, particularly for residents of Quebec. Their plans are similar in cost to Freedom Mobile and they offer substantial savings if you bundle your mobile plan with other Videotron services, making it an attractive option for anyone looking for a plan. - **Pros:** - Great pricing, especially in Quebec. - Discounts on cell phone plans of 2025 can help you save money on your cell phone when bundling text and data services. - Strong network coverage in its home region. - **Cons:** - Limited coverage outside of Quebec. - 5G network is still in the early stages of rollout. ### Fido (Rogers’ Subsidiary) - **Overview:** Fido is one of the more popular budget-friendly options in Canada, offering a variety of prepaid, postpaid and BYOD plans. As a subsidiary of Rogers, Fido benefits from Rogers’ extensive network coverage, making it an excellent option for those who want reliable service without the high price tag. - **Plan Offerings:** Fido offers flexible plans, including prepaid, postpaid and BYOD options. One of their key features is Data Bytes, which allows you to use up to five hours of free data per month, a perk for users who might occasionally need extra data without upgrading their entire plan. They also offer discounted rates for students and frequent promotions for new customers, making their new plan attractive. - **Coverage and Network Performance:** Since Fido operates on the Rogers network, you can expect reliable coverage in both urban and rural areas. Their LTE network is strong and they are expanding 5G services as part of the Rogers family. However, Fido doesn’t have the same premium services as Rogers itself, which might matter to power users. - **Pricing Structure:** Fido’s pricing is competitive, particularly for their BYOD plans. If you’re bringing your own device, you can expect to pay significantly less than you would with Rogers, Bell, or Telus, while still benefiting from strong network performance. - **Pros:** - Access to the Rogers network at a lower cost. - Innovative features like Data Bytes. - Great prepaid and BYOD options. - **Cons:** - Limited premium features compared to its parent company. - Throttled speeds on lower-tier unlimited plans. ### Virgin Plus (Bell’s Subsidiary) - **Overview:** Virgin Plus, previously known as Virgin Mobile, is a budget-friendly carrier owned by Bell. Virgin Plus offers competitive pricing and great perks aimed at younger customers, particularly students and young professionals. One of the unique selling points is their inclusion of member benefits, such as discounts on entertainment, shopping, and more, which are included in your plan. - **Plan Offerings:** Virgin Plus offers a variety of plans, including prepaid, postpaid and BYOD options. Like many other budget carriers, they provide unlimited talk and text on most plans and generous data offerings. Their prepaid cell phone plans are flexible, allowing you to prepay for service without being locked into a long-term commitment. For customers looking for family plans, Virgin Plus offers multi-line discounts, making it more affordable for several family members to be on the same plan. - **Coverage and Network Performance:** Virgin Plus benefits from Bell’s extensive network coverage, which means you’ll get reliable service across most of Canada, including rural areas. Their LTE and 4G services are widely available and Virgin Plus customers can access Bell’s growing 5G network in select areas. - **Pricing Structure:** Virgin Plus is competitively priced, especially for its BYOD and prepaid plans, which include attractive mobile device options. If you’re a student or a younger customer, you might find their exclusive discounts appealing. They frequently offer promotions, such as free extra data for a few months or discounts on new devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, especially if you're looking for the best cell phone carrier or plan. - **Pros:** - Access to Bell’s extensive network at a lower price. - Exclusive discounts and member benefits. - Great prepaid and BYOD options. - **Cons:** - Limited premium features compared to Bell. - Throttled speeds on unlimited data plans. ### Koodo Mobile (Telus’ Subsidiary) - **Overview:** Koodo Mobile is Telus’ budget-friendly alternative, known for offering flexible plans with no long-term contracts. Koodo is especially popular among young professionals and students due to its competitive pricing, easy-to-understand plans and solid customer service. - **Plan Offerings:** Koodo Mobile has both postpaid and prepaid plans, including a BYOD option for those who want to bring their own phone to make calls. Their Shock-Free Data feature is a standout; it ensures you won’t accidentally rack up extra data charges, once you hit your data cap, your data is paused and you can choose to top-up if needed. They also offer Tab plans, which allow you to finance a new phone over 24 months. Family plans are also available, with discounts on multi-line bundles. - **Coverage and Network Performance:** As a Telus subsidiary, Koodo users benefit from Telus’ robust network coverage, including both 4G LTE and 5G in select urban areas. Telus consistently ranks highly for both coverage and customer service, so Koodo customers can expect reliable service across Canada, even in many rural areas. - **Pricing Structure:** Koodo’s pricing is competitive, especially for customers bringing their own device. Their Shock-Free Data plans allow for better control over your monthly bill, avoiding any surprise charges for data overage. Koodo also frequently offers deals on new smartphones, making it a budget-friendly option if you want to finance a device. - **Pros:** - Flexible plans with no long-term contracts. - Access to Telus’ network at a lower cost. - Innovative features like Shock-Free Data. - **Cons:** - Limited premium features compared to Telus. - Lower-tier plans may have throttled data speeds. ### Public Mobile (Telus’ Subsidiary) - **Overview:** Public Mobile is a no-frills, prepaid-only carrier that focuses on simplicity and affordability. Owned by Telus, Public Mobile is ideal for users who want a barebones, budget-friendly option with no contract or credit check. - **Plan Offerings:** Public Mobile offers a variety of prepaid plans with no overage fees, no credit checks and no contracts. Their plans are customizable, allowing you to choose how much data, talk and text you need. Public Mobile operates on a prepay model, where you pay for service upfront. This makes it a great choice for customers looking for flexibility without being locked into a commitment. They also offer family plans, though the discounts aren’t as extensive as those offered by Koodo or Virgin Plus. - **Coverage and Network Performance:** Like Koodo, Public Mobile operates on the Telus network, so customers can expect reliable coverage throughout Canada. However, Public Mobile doesn’t currently offer access to Telus’ 5G network, only LTE and 4G LTE services are available. - **Pricing Structure:** Public Mobile’s pricing is extremely competitive, particularly for prepaid plans. Their BYOD discounts allow customers to bring their own device and save on monthly costs. Public Mobile also offers rewards programs for loyalty and referrals, which can further reduce your monthly bill. - **Pros:** - We offer extremely affordable prepaid plans that include unlimited calls and texts. - Access to Telus’ reliable LTE network. - No, this plan does not include proprietary data. contract or credit check required. - **Cons:** - Limited to LTE and 4G services (no 5G). - Minimal customer service options (online support only). ### Lucky Mobile (Bell’s Subsidiary) - **Overview:** Lucky Mobile is Bell’s low-cost, prepaid-only carrier designed to compete with Public Mobile and Chatr. It’s aimed at customers looking for a simple, affordable, no-contract plan with basic services. Like Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile doesn’t require a credit check and offers a pay-as-you-go structure. - **Plan Offerings:** Lucky Mobile offers prepaid plans with no overage fees and no contracts. Their plans include unlimited talk and text options, with data add-ons available. One unique feature is their Zone Plans, which offer cheaper rates if you use your phone within designated zones (typically major urban areas). For customers who don’t need a lot of mobile data or who mostly use their phone for calls and texts, these plans can offer great savings. - **Coverage and Network Performance:** Lucky Mobile operates on Bell’s LTE and 4G networks, meaning coverage is reliable in most areas, particularly urban centers. However, Lucky Mobile doesn’t offer access to Bell’s 5G network, so if you’re looking for cutting-edge technology, this might not be the best fit. - **Pricing Structure:** Lucky Mobile’s pricing is very competitive, particularly for users who don’t need a lot of data. Their Zone Plans are especially appealing if you live and work within the designated areas, offering substantial savings compared to national plans. Lucky Mobile also offers promotions and discounts for new customers, including an unlimited welcome plan. - **Pros:** - Extremely affordable, no-contract plans. - Zone Plans offer significant savings for urban users and their families, especially for a family of four looking for much data you use. - No credit check or long-term commitment required. - **Cons:** - Limited to LTE and 4G networks. - Zone Plans can be restrictive for those who travel frequently. ## Comparison of Phone Plans When it comes to selecting the best phone plan, it’s important to compare the key features that matter most: data limits, pricing, network coverage and any additional perks or features. Below are some comparison tables that highlight the offerings of the major Canadian carriers. Сompare cell phone plans:
Carrier Plan Type Data Monthly Price Additional Features
Rogers Unlimited Data Plan 20GB, throttled $80/month Roam Like Home, 5G access
Bell Mobility Unlimited Data Plan 20GB, throttled $85/month Crave TV bundle, 5G access
Telus Mobility Peace of Mind Plan 20GB, throttled $80/month Easy Payment, 5G access
Freedom Mobile Unlimited Data Plan 20GB, throttled $50/month Frequent promotions
Fido (Rogers) offers a no-contract cell phone option for customers looking for flexibility. BYOD Plan 10GB $50/month Data Bytes, 5G access
Virgin Plus (Bell) Unlimited Data Plan 20GB, throttled $80/month Member benefits, 5G access
Koodo Mobile (Telus) Shock-Free Data Plan 10GB $55/month Shock-Free Data, 5G access
Public Mobile Prepaid Plan 5GB $40 for a phone plan from Rogers./month No overage fees, LTE
Lucky Mobile Zone Plan 1GB $25/month Unlimited talk and text are essential features to look for in a plan that best meets your specific needs.
## Analysis Based on the information above, if you want to save money and get good network coverage, Freedom Mobile and Koodo Mobile are two of the best options. They offer great value for money and provide a good amount of data without being too slow. If you're looking for a cheap deal with lots of data, Freedom Mobile is worth a look. Their $50/month plan is great, but be aware that they slow down your internet speed once you use more than 20GB of data. Rogers, Bell and Telus offer similar prices for their unlimited plans. However, their higher prices come with extras like access to 5G networks and better coverage in rural areas. If you don't use much data or prefer to pay in advance, companies like Public Mobile and Lucky Mobile offer some of the cheapest options, especially if you don't mind using data speeds that are slower and having less access to special network features. ## Best Phone Plans Categorized by User Needs Now that we’ve reviewed the major carriers and their offerings, let’s break down the best phone plans in Canada based on different types of users. Whether you’re a heavy data user, on a tight budget, or part of a large family, there’s a plan that will fit your needs. ### Best for Heavy Data Users If you stream a lot of video, work remotely, or rely on your phone for heavy data usage, you’ll want to go with a plan that offers a high data limit or true unlimited data. - **Top Pick: This guide to choosing a phone will help you make an informed decision.** Rogers Infinite Plan with 50GB of high-speed data for $100 for a plan with data that can be used for streaming./month. After 50GB, your speeds are reduced but data usage is unlimited. - **Alternative** : Telus Peace of Mind Plan with 50GB for $100/month. Similar offering to Rogers but with Telus’ stellar customer service and 5G access, making it a great choice for those looking for a plan with data. ### Best Budget-Friendly Plans For users who need to keep their monthly phone bill as low as possible, there are several plans under $50/month that still offer decent amounts of data and unlimited calling. - **Top Pick** : Freedom Mobile Unlimited Data Plan, offering 20GB of data for $50/month. This is by far one of the cheapest plans available for heavy data users, though you should check if Freedom’s coverage meets your needs. - **Alternative** : Public Mobile offers a 5GB data plan for $40/month. If you prefer a prepaid option, this is a great deal on a reliable network. ### Best Family Plans Family plans offer great savings if you need multiple lines on the same account, especially when comparing iPhone plans. Many carriers allow you to share a pool of data or provide multi-line discounts. - **Top Pick** : Rogers Family Plan, Add lines to the Infinite Plan starting at $65/line, with data sharing across all family members. - **Alternative** : Virgin Plus Family Plan, A more budget-friendly option with multi-line discounts starting at $60/line is a competitive rate for a month plan that includes substantial data. for unlimited talk and text and shared data. ### Best Prepaid Plans Prepaid plans are ideal for users who want flexibility and control over their spending without the commitment of a contract. They’re also great for people who want to avoid credit checks or prefer to pay upfront for their mobile services. - **Top Pick:** Public Mobile 5GB plan for $40/month. Public Mobile is known for its affordable, no-contract prepaid plans with no overage fees. Plus, as it runs on the Telus network, you’ll have access to a reliable and wide-reaching network. - **Alternative:** Lucky Mobile offers a 1GB Zone Plan for $25/month, with unlimited talk and text. This is a great option for light users in urban areas, especially for those who spend most of their time in designated zones. ### Best for International Travel and Calling If you frequently travel outside Canada or have friends and family abroad, a plan that offers affordable international roaming and calling is crucial. While most carriers charge for roaming, some offer packages that can help you avoid exorbitant fees. - **Top Pick:** Rogers Roam Like Home. For $15/day mobile hotspot allocations can be a cost-effective way to stay connected., you can use your plan in over 185 destinations. This is ideal for frequent travelers who don’t want to switch SIM cards every time they visit another country. - **Alternative:** Telus Easy Roam offers a similar service for $15/day. It’s available in over 200 destinations and you can use your domestic plan features abroad without worrying about international roaming fees. ### Best for Students and Seniors Certain carriers offer discounted rates or specialized plans for students and seniors, making it easier to get the right phone plan without overpaying. - **Top Pick for Students:** Virgin Plus is known for its student-friendly discounts. With a 10GB BYOD plan starting at $50/month, it’s perfect for students who need plenty of data but are working with a tight budget. Plus, Virgin offers exclusive perks like discounts on entertainment, making it a popular choice among young users. - **Top Pick for Seniors:** Koodo Mobile offers affordable and simple plans, which are ideal for seniors who may not need a ton of data but want a reliable service. Their Shock-Free Data plans allow seniors to avoid unexpected overages, with a $30 plan offering unlimited talk and text included in your plan. ## Latest Promotions and How to Maximize Savings Mobile carriers frequently run promotions, especially around key shopping periods like back-to-school, Black Friday, or the holidays. Knowing when to switch or upgrade can save you a significant amount of money on both phone plans and new devices. ### Current Promotions As of 2025, several Canadian carriers are offering limited-time promotions. Here are a few standout deals: - **Freedom Mobile:** Currently offering $10 off their Unlimited Data plans for the first 12 months. This brings their 20GB plan down to $40/month, making it one of the most affordable unlimited data plans available. - **Rogers:** Running a deal on new devices like the iPhone 16 Pro, offering $0 down and $15 off your monthly plan if you trade in an old device. If you’re looking to upgrade to the latest iPhone, now might be the best time. - **Telus is a leading cell phone carrier in Canada.** Telus is offering a bonus 5GB of data for the first 12 months on select Peace of Mind plans. This bonus is a great option if you need extra data but don’t want to commit to a more expensive plan. ### Timing Your Purchase Timing is key when it comes to getting the best deal on a new phone or plan. Carriers tend to offer their most aggressive discounts during major shopping seasons. Here are the best times of year to switch or upgrade: - **Back-to-School:** Many carriers offer discounts targeted at students, such as cheaper data plans or free devices with multi-line family plans. - **Black Friday and Cyber Monday:** These are the biggest shopping events of the year and carriers often run significant promotions. You can expect deals on both phone plans and devices, with trade-in offers and extra data bonuses. - **Boxing Day:** Like Black Friday, Boxing Day is a prime time for carrier promotions, where you can find the one that best meets your specific needs. It’s a great time to grab deals on phones, especially if you missed the November sales. ### Trade-In Deals Most carriers in Canada offer trade-in programs that allow you to trade in your old device for credit toward a new phone or a discount on your monthly plan. For example, consider the best unlimited plans available this year. - Rogers offers trade-in deals that can knock up to $500 off the cost of a new phone, depending on the device you’re trading in. If you’re upgrading to the iPhone 16 Pro, this could make a huge difference in your overall plan price. - Bell also has a similar program where trading in your old phone can significantly reduce the monthly cost of your plan. Be sure to check with your carrier to see what your old phone is worth, this is a great way to maximize savings when purchasing a new phone. ### Bundling Services Bundling your mobile plan with other services like home internet or TV can help you save even more. Many Canadian carriers, including **Rogers **,** Bell **and** Videotron** , offer significant discounts when you bundle services. For example: - **Bell** Virgin Plus offers discounts on mobile plans if you’re also subscribing to their Fibe internet or TV services, and their unlimited plan includes options for unlimited talk and text. - **Rogers** provides savings when you bundle your cell phone plan with their Ignite TV or home internet packages. If you already use one of these carriers for internet or TV, bundling could be a great way to save on your overall monthly bill. ## Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Carriers Switching carriers may seem like a hassle, but it can be surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps to make the transition as smooth as possible: ### Check Your Current Contract Before switching, review your current contract to see if you’re under any obligations. If you’re on a contract, you might face early termination fees (ETFs). Most major carriers now allow for contract buyouts after 24 months, but always check for any hidden fees or penalties related to data allotment included in your plan. ### Unlock Your Phone If you’re using a phone from your current carrier, it may need to be unlocked before you can switch. Thankfully, Canadian law now requires that all phones sold after 2017 be unlocked for free. Contact your carrier and they will provide instructions to unlock your phone. ### Porting Your Number One of the benefits of switching carriers in Canada is the ability to port your number, meaning you can keep your existing phone number. Here’s how it works: - Contact your new carrier and provide them with your existing number. - Your new carrier will handle the process of transferring your number, which typically takes a few hours but can take up to 24 hours. - Make sure not to cancel your current service before the porting process is complete, or you could lose your number. ### Activation Process Once your number has been ported, you’ll need to activate your new SIM card. Most carriers provide easy online activation tools, or you can visit a store to get help from a representative. Insert the new SIM into your phone and you should be good to go! ## Tips and Tricks to Save Money on Your Phone Bill Saving money on your phone bill doesn’t always require switching carriers; sometimes, adjusting your plan includes finding the right plan with better data allotment included. Here are some tips to help you reduce your monthly cost: ### Monitor Your Usage Keeping track of how much data, talk and text you’re using each month can help you avoid overpaying for a plan that gives you more than you need. Most carriers offer apps or online portals that show your usage in real time. If you consistently use less than your plan allows, consider switching to a cheaper plan with less data. ### Negotiate with Your Provider It may surprise you, but many Canadian carriers are willing to negotiate, especially if you’ve been a loyal customer, similar to how T-Mobile has the best customer retention strategies. Call your provider and ask if there are any current promotions or discounts available for long-term customers. You can also use competitor pricing as leverage to get a better deal. ### Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible One of the easiest ways to cut down on data usage is to connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible. Whether you’re at home, work, or a coffee shop, connecting to Wi-Fi helps reduce the amount of mobile data you use, meaning you can opt for a lower data plan and save money. ### Family and Group Plans If you have multiple people in your household, switching to a family plan that includes a tablet plan can save you hundreds of dollars per year. **Rogers **,** Bell **and** Telus** all offer family plans that let you share data across multiple lines, often with multi-line discounts. You could end up paying less per line than if everyone had their own individual plan, especially if you opt for one plan from another. ## Future Trends in Canadian Mobile Plans The world of mobile plans is constantly evolving. Here are some future trends to keep an eye on: ### Expansion of 5G Networks As carriers continue to roll out 5G technology, expect to see more plans offering faster data speeds and lower latency. While 5G is already available in most major cities, coverage will continue to expand into rural areas in 2025 and beyond. ### Evolving Data Consumption As more people work remotely, stream video in 4K and use their phones for data-heavy activities, carriers are beginning to offer larger data caps and **unlimited data plans** . In the future, expect to see more plans with 50GB or even 100GB of high-speed data as standard offerings. ### Regulatory Changes The CRTC is constantly reviewing the competitive landscape in Canada. There are discussions about potential regulatory changes that could lower prices or increase competition among carriers, making it easier for consumers to switch providers without penalties. ### Technological Innovations eSIM technology is becoming more common, allowing you to switch carriers without the need for a physical SIM card. This can make it easier to change plans or take advantage of deals without waiting for a SIM card to arrive in the mail. ## Conclusion Choosing the best phone plan in Canada can feel like navigating a maze, especially with the variety of options, plans and pricing models offered by different carriers. But here’s the truth: there is no “one-size-fits-all” phone plan. What works best for you depends on your unique needs, from data usage to coverage area, from budget constraints to travel habits. To recap: the selected plan can provide excellent benefits for users. - **Big Data Users:** If you’re a heavy data user, plans from Rogers, Bell and Telus offer high data caps or unlimited data, albeit at a premium price. These plans ensure you can stream, game and work on the go without worrying about running out of data. - **Budget Seekers:** For those looking to keep their phone bills as low as possible, consider budget carriers like Freedom Mobile, Public Mobile, or Lucky Mobile. These carriers offer affordable options without locking you into long-term contracts and they are ideal for those with light-to-moderate data usage. - **Best for Families:** If you’re managing several family members on one account, Rogers, Telus and Bell offer family plans that provide shared data pools and multi-line discounts, making it easier to manage everyone’s phone bill under one plan. - **Frequent Travelers:** If you find yourself traveling internationally often, Rogers Roam Like Home and Telus Easy Roam are great features that can help you avoid the nightmare of international roaming fees. - **Prepaid Flexibility:** For ultimate flexibility without long-term commitment, Public Mobile and Virgin Plus offer some of the best prepaid plans. You can avoid hidden fees, overages and contracts while only paying for what you need each month. The Canadian mobile market is continuously evolving and there are always new promotions and plans being introduced. Whether you are looking to save on your monthly bill, upgrade to the latest smartphone, or improve your coverage in rural areas, the key is to regularly reassess your needs and compare plans to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. So, whether you’re just starting your search or ready to switch carriers, now is the perfect time to explore your options, make the call and get the best phone plan that fits your lifestyle. After all, your phone is one of the most important tools you own, so make sure it works for you, not against you, by selecting a wireless plan that best meets your specific needs! ## Additional Resources When comparing and selecting phone plans in Canada, it’s helpful to have the right resources at your disposal. Below are some tools and links to help you in your search for similar plans that include unlimited text and calls: ### Comparison Tools - **WhistleOut:** This website allows you to easily compare cell phone plans in Canada across multiple carriers. You can filter by data, price and other features to find the best cell phone plan for your needs. - **PlanHub:** PlanHub provides detailed comparisons of mobile plans in Canada, showing price trends, coverage maps and current promotions. - **Carrier Websites:** Always check the official carrier websites for the latest offers and promotions, as some deals may not be listed on third-party comparison tools. - Rogers - Bell - Telus - Freedom Mobile - Fido - Koodo - Virgin Plus ### Carrier Contact Information If you need to get in touch with customer service or learn more about specific plan offerings, here are the customer service numbers and websites for the major carriers: - **Rogers Communications** : 1-888-764-3771 | Rogers Website - **Bell Mobility** : 1-800-667-0123 | Bell Website - **Telus Mobility** : 1-866-558-2273 | Telus Website - **Freedom Mobile** : 1-877-946-3184 | Freedom Mobile Website - **Fido Mobile** : 1-888-481-3436 | Fido Website - **Koodo Mobile** : 1-866-995-6636 | Koodo Website - **Virgin Plus** : 1-888-999-2321 | Virgin Plus Website ### Consumer Rights As a mobile customer in Canada, it’s important to know your rights. The **CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission)** has created several resources to help consumers understand their rights when it comes to mobile phone plans, contracts and fees. - **CRTC Wireless Code** The CRTC Wireless Code ensures that consumers are treated fairly and can make informed decisions about the best unlimited data plans available. It covers areas such as contract clarity, unlocking phones for free, and how to handle billing disputes for your selected plan. You can learn more by visiting the CRTC Wireless Code. ## References In writing this comprehensive guide to finding the best phone plans in Canada, I referenced a range of sources to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date. Below are the main sources used: - CRTC Wireless Code: - Rogers Communications: - Bell Mobility: - Telus Mobility: - Freedom Mobile: - PlanHub: - WhistleOut Canada: - Koodo Mobile: - Virgin Plus: offers competitive rates for families in Canada and Mexico. These resources provided the most recent insights into plan pricing, coverage and customer service rankings, helping ensure that you have the most accurate and useful information to make an informed decision. ## Final Thoughts As technology evolves and mobile networks improve, the options for phone plans in Canada will only get better. Whether you’re looking for a family plan, the cheapest cell phone plan, or unlimited data for your new phone, there’s a solution out there. Keep an eye on promotions, compare cell phone plans frequently and don’t hesitate to switch carriers if a better deal comes along. Now, with the tools and information in hand, you can confidently find the best plan for you! ***This completes the comprehensive guide on Best Phone Plans in Canada for 2025. Hopefully, this helps make your search easier and you’re now better prepared to navigate the options. Let me know if you need any more insights or details!** * ## Tables Next 15 tables compare data, prepaid, family, roaming and carrier-specific plans. They are in different parts of the article so readers can easily compare plans. Let me know if you need more changes or info! ### Overview of Major Canadian Carriers
Carrier Network Coverage Area Primary Focus Parent Company
Rogers LTE, 5G In both urban and rural areas, customers can choose plans that include essential features. Unlimited plans, Family Rogers Communications
Bell Mobility LTE, 5G Extensive rural, urban Premium plans, Family BCE Inc. has a variety of mobile device options that cater to different user needs.
Telus Mobility LTE, 5G Extensive rural, urban Customer service, BYOD Telus Corporation
Freedom Mobile LTE, 5G Urban centers Budget plans, Unlimited Shaw Communications
Fido LTE, 5G Urban, rural BYOD, Promotions Rogers Communications
Virgin Plus LTE, 5G Urban, rural Student discounts, Prepaid BCE Inc.
Koodo Mobile LTE, 5G Urban, rural Flexibility and family plans are essential features in today’s mobile market, especially with unlimited plans offering great value. Telus Corporation
Public Mobile LTE, 4G Urban, rural Prepaid, Low cost Telus Corporation
Lucky Mobile LTE, 4G Urban, rural Budget, Prepaid BCE Inc.
--- ### Key Features of Major Carriers
Carrier Roaming Options Unlimited Data Available? Many carriers now provide simply unlimited plans that cater to various user needs. BYOD Discounts? Family Plan Options?
Rogers Roam Like Home Yes, throttled after 50GB Yes Yes
Bell Mobility Bell Travel Pass Yes, throttled after 50GB Yes Yes
Telus Mobility Easy Roam Yes, throttled after 50GB Yes Yes
Freedom Mobile No Yes, throttled after 20GB Yes Yes
Fido Roam Like Home Yes, throttled after 10GB Yes Yes
Virgin Plus Bell Travel Pass Yes, throttled after 20GB Yes Yes
Koodo Mobile Easy Roam Yes, throttled after 10GB Yes Yes
Public Mobile No roaming No Yes Yes
Lucky Mobile No roaming No Yes Yes
### Best Phone Plans for Heavy Data Users
Carrier Plan Name: This plan includes a watch plan option for added convenience. Data Cap Throttling After The Price/Month for various plans can vary significantly based on features included in your plan.
Rogers Infinite 50GB 50GB 512 kbps is sufficient for basic browsing, but consider our unlimited welcome plan for better speeds. $100
Bell Mobility Unlimited 50GB plans are becoming increasingly popular among users who want to add more high-speed data without worrying about overages. 50GB 512 kbps $100
Telus Mobility Peace of Mind 50GB 50GB 512 kbps $100
Freedom Mobile Unlimited 20GB 20GB 512 kbps $50
Fido 10GB Plan 10GB 512 kbps $50
Virgin Plus 20GB Unlimited Plan 20GB 512 kbps $80
Koodo Mobile Shock-Free Data Plan 10GB 512 kbps $55
### Best Prepaid Plans
Carrier Plan Name Data Talk/Text options are essential in today’s wireless plan landscape. Price/Month
Public Mobile 5GB Prepaid Plan 5GB Unlimited talk/text $40
Lucky Mobile Zone Plan 1GB 1GB Unlimited talk/text $25
Virgin Plus Prepaid 3GB 3GB Unlimited talk/text $40
Koodo Mobile Prepaid 4GB may not be sufficient for those who rely heavily on their phone service. Plan 4GB Unlimited talk/text $40
### Best Plans for International Travel
Carrier Plan Name Roaming Add-On Roaming Cost/Day can significantly impact your overall expenses when using a plan with data. Available Countries
Rogers Infinite Plan Roam Like Home $15/day 185+
Telus Mobility Peace of Mind Plan Easy Roam $15/day 200+
Bell Mobility Unlimited Data Plan Bell Travel Pass $15/day 200+
Freedom Mobile Unlimited 20GB Plan No roaming available N/A N/A
### Best Family Plans
Carrier Plan Name Data Additional Line Cost Shared Data Pool?
Rogers Infinite Family Plan 20GB per line $65/line Yes
Bell Mobility Unlimited Family Plan 20GB per line $60/line Yes
Telus Mobility Peace of Mind Family 20GB per line $60/line Yes
Fido Family BYOD Plan 10GB per line is a great option if you want to find the one that best meets your specific needs. $50/line is a competitive rate compared to other cell phone plans available. Yes
### Comparison of BYOD Discounts
Carrier Plan Name Discount for BYOD Data Price/Month
Rogers Infinite BYOD Plan $10/month off 20GB $80
Bell Mobility Unlimited BYOD Plan $10/month off 20GB $80
Telus Mobility BYOD Peace of Mind $10/month off 20GB $80
Koodo Mobile Shock-Free BYOD Plan $5/month off 10GB $50
Fido BYOD 10GB Plan $5/month off 10GB $50
### Trade-In Deals for New Devices
Carrier Trade-In Value Device Eligible Discount on iPhone 16 Pro Plan Required?
Rogers Up to $500 iPhone 11 and up $500 discount Yes, 24-month contract
Bell Mobility Up to $400 iPhone 10 and up $400 discount Yes, 24-month contract
Telus Mobility Up to $450 iPhone 11 and up $450 discount Yes, 24-month contract
Freedom Mobile Up to $300 iPhone 8 and up $300 discount Yes, 24-month contract
### Best Data Plans for Students
Carrier Plan Name Data Student Discount programs can help lower your cell phone bill, especially for those in Canada and Mexico. Price/Month
Virgin Plus 10GB BYOD Plan 10GB 10% discount $50
Koodo Mobile Shock-Free 10GB 10GB You can receive a 5% discount on plans that include multiple lines. $50
Fido 10GB Student Plan 10GB Free data bytes $50
### Comparison of 5G Plans
Carrier Plan Name Data 5G Availability is a significant factor for users looking for a plan with data. Price/Month
Rogers Infinite 50GB 50GB Yes, available options include plans that allow you to get a plan tailored to your needs. $100
Bell Mobility Unlimited 50GB 50GB Yes, available $100
Telus Mobility Peace of Mind 50GB 50GB Yes, available $100
Freedom Mobile 20GB Unlimited Plan 20GB Limited availability of plans with data that can be used for international roaming. $50
### Prepaid Plan Pricing Breakdown
Carrier Plan Name Data Talk/Text Price/Month
Public Mobile 5GB Prepaid Plan 5GB Unlimited talk/text $40
Lucky Mobile Zone Plan 1GB 1GB Unlimited talk/text $25
Koodo Mobile 4GB Prepaid Plan 4GB Unlimited talk/text $40
Virgin Plus 3GB Prepaid Plan 3GB Unlimited talk/text $40
### Best Plans for Seniors
Carrier Plan Name Data Talk/Text Price/Month
Koodo Mobile Prepaid Senior Plan 2GB Unlimited talk/text $30
Virgin Plus Prepaid Senior Plan 1GB Unlimited talk/text $25
Public Mobile Prepaid Senior Plan 3GB Unlimited talk/text $35 plan includes a basic data allotment included for casual users.
### Promotional Offers for 2025
Carrier Current Promotion Plan Name Discount End Date
Freedom Mobile $10 off for 12 months 20GB Unlimited Plan $10/month off January 31, 2025, is the deadline for many new plan offers.
Rogers Trade-in $500 credit Infinite 50GB Plan You can receive a $500 credit on trade when switching to an eligible plan. March 1, 2025
Telus Mobility 5GB bonus for 12 months Peace of Mind 50GB 5GB bonus data February 15, 2025
### Coverage Area Comparison
Carrier Network Coverage (Urban) Network Coverage (Rural) 5G Availability
Rogers Excellent Moderate Yes, urban centers have a wide variety of cell phone plans available to choose from.
Bell Mobility Excellent Excellent Yes, extensive rollout of their mobile experts ensures great support for new customers.
Telus Mobility Excellent Excellent Yes, extensive rollout
Freedom Mobile Good Poor These offers are limited to major cities where you can enjoy unlimited calls and texts.
### Best Plans for Families by Carrier
Carrier Family Plan Name Data per Line Shared Data Pool? Price per Line
Rogers Infinite Family Plan 20GB Yes $65/line
Bell Mobility Unlimited Family Plan 20GB Yes $60/line
Telus Mobility Peace of Mind Family 20GB Yes $60/line
Fido BYOD Family Plan 10GB Yes $50/line
## FAQ ## Android Marshmallow, Nougat and Oreo: Previews and Releases URL: https://androidincanada.ca/android-marshmallow-nougat-oreo-releases-and-previews ## Android 6.0 Marshmallow: keynote, factory images and OTAs Android M was unveiled at the Google keynote, which ran long: little of note happened until around the 45 minute mark. When Marshmallow went public, Google published factory images for the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013 model), Nexus 9 and Nexus Player. Flashing those images wipes the device, so most owners waited for the OTA notification instead. Community sites soon captured OTA files that could be sideloaded. At first they covered the Nexus 7 LTE, Nexus 5, Nexus 9 (WiFi) and Nexus 9 (LTE). Owners were told to install all security patches before sideloading, and to expect up to two weeks for the regular rollout because it depended on region. ### Android 6.0.1 The first update to Marshmallow added a new set of emoji, the December security patch and the return of the Do Not Disturb mode familiar from Lollipop. Factory images arrived for the Nexus Player, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013 model), Nexus 9, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, with the OTA close behind. ## Android N: the early preview, leaks and developer previews Two months before Google I/O, Android Police received screenshots of what looked like an internal Android N build. It could not publish them, so it made mockups instead. They showed a more streamlined notification bar stretching across the screen with smaller app icons, plus a row of the most common quick toggles, while the full quick settings menu stayed available. The report warned that the design could change before the developer preview in May. The preview then arrived unexpectedly early, well before the usual I/O timing. Google wanted early feedback to shape the final release. The headline additions were: - Split-screen multitasking, a feature Samsung had offered for some time. - Picture in picture, which lets a video play while another app is open. - Reworked notifications, with more ways to interact and different grouping. The preview was open to anyone with a supported device through the Android beta programme, delivered over the air. Google also asked readers what the N release should be called, and hinted at nuts. Internally N was known as New York Cheesecake, in line with earlier internal names: KitKat was Key Lime Pie, Lollipop was Lemon Meringue Pie and Marshmallow was Macadamia Nut Cookie. Internal names have never matched the final name, so Cheesecake was ruled out. ### Preview updates - The first OTA for the preview was about 30MB and went to the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Pixel C. It targeted the performance problems people reported after flashing the first preview, and new factory images were published as well. It required enrolment in the beta programme. - Developer Preview 2 arrived on an "update Wednesday" with build number NPC91K. It brought the Vulkan 3D rendering API, launcher shortcuts, quick settings shortcuts and a redesigned emoji set. Supported devices were the Nexus 5X, 6, 6P, 9 and the Pixel C. ## Android 7.0 Nougat: date, support and features TELUS listed an update date of the following Monday, August 22, for the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P on its software update schedule page. The page had been right about Marshmallow the year before, although the date could still change. It did not say whether the Nexus 6 would get the update the same day, or whether the Nexus 5 would be updated at all. Google then released Nougat to AOSP and began seeding it to Nexus phones worldwide. The Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013 model) stopped receiving non-security updates. The supported list became the Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Pixel C. The LG V20 was confirmed as the first phone to ship with Nougat.
AreaWhat Nougat added
MultitaskingMulti-window support and quick switch between recent apps
Graphics and VRVulkan API and built-in VR support
EmojiUnicode 9.0 set
Battery and dataImproved Doze and a Data saver toggle that stops background apps using cellular data
NotificationsNew shade with customizable quick settings, direct reply, automatic bundling and long-press controls
DisplayAdjustable display density and font size
SecurityUnified security updates on select new devices, file-based encryption and Direct Boot
## Android 7.1 and 7.1.2 A leak ahead of the release said the next three quarterly maintenance releases would be 7.1, 7.1.1 and 7.1.2, mirroring Lollipop's 5.0, 5.1 and 5.1.1. It also said Allo and the new assistant would appear in 7.1 on the upcoming Nexus phones. Android 7.1 was then revealed alongside the Pixel and Pixel XL and is the API level 25 release. ### Pixel exclusive features - Pixel Launcher with swipe up for all apps, a new search box and a date and weather header - Google Assistant - Unlimited original quality photo and video backup to Google Photos, with Smart Storage clearing old backed up items when space runs out - Phone and chat support in settings, with screen sharing - Quick switch adapter for wired setup from Android or iPhone - Camera: video stabilization 2.0, pro features such as white balance presets, exposure compensation, AE/AF lock and grid modes, HDR+ processing accelerated on the Qualcomm Hexagon coprocessor, and Smartburst - A sensor hub processor, solid navigation bar icons, accent colour theming, a new wallpaper picker, a new setup look and a dynamic calendar icon ### Features for other devices Night Light, touch and display performance improvements, an opt-in fingerprint swipe gesture for the notification shade, seamless A/B system updates and Daydream VR mode were not limited to Pixel. Developers got the app shortcuts API (up to 5 shortcuts, static or dynamic), circular app icon support, richer live wallpaper metadata, image keyboard support, a storage manager intent, multi-endpoint calling and new carrier configuration options. The developer preview was due near the end of the month it was announced. ### Android 7.1.2 Factory images and downloadable OTAs came first, with automatic OTAs following. The Pixel and Pixel XL rollout was to take a few weeks and the changelog covered: - Improved fingerprint swipe performance - Bluetooth connectivity improvements - Battery usage alerts - Fixes for early shutdown, pink banding in the camera and audio popping at high volume The Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and Nexus Player received enhanced notification stability, fingerprint swipe on the 5X and 6P, general connectivity improvements and battery usage alerts. The Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 had reached end of life and stayed on Android 7.1.1. The April security patch also reached Pixel owners on Rogers and brought VoLTE. ## Android O and Oreo Before the name was known, the Google SVP of Android teased "Oreo" with a social media post, though earlier teasers had misled people before and internal names rarely match final ones. Alternatives floated included Oliebol and Oatmeal cookie. A report claimed Android O might bring a Copy Less feature that suggests content between apps, smart links that detect addresses and offer a map app, and a Huawei-style gesture such as drawing a C to open Calendar. These were rumours only. The Android O Developer Preview was released for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Nexus Player. A timeline said four previews would come, in May, June with final APIs and July with a near-final build, and a final release in the third quarter, possibly alongside the next Pixel. Another find was the ability to pause a system update download and resume it later, a feature tied to Play Services. At I/O Google introduced Android Go for devices with 1GB of RAM or less. It combines an optimized Android O with lighter Google apps and a Play Store tailored to affordable phones. Chrome Data Saver is on by default, and YouTube Go lets users preview videos through screenshots, see data usage per format and download for offline viewing. Go devices were due the following year. Android 8.0 launched as Oreo, not Orellete or Orangina. It added picture in picture, autofill, improved notifications, Google Play Protect and battery gains from limiting background app activity. The OTA was available at once to beta programme devices: Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and Nexus Player. ## Ubuntu for Phones At the time of the Nexus era, Ubuntu announced a mobile OS called Ubuntu for Phones instead of the expected Ubuntu for Android desktop mode. It was open source and used the same drivers as Android, so developers might port it, with the Galaxy Nexus the likely first phone. It was not guaranteed to be easy to port. ## What has changed since *Checked October 2026.* This guide covers Android 6.0 to 8.0. Google has released a new major version every year since. | Version | Release year | |---------|--------------| | Android 9 Pie | 2018 | | Android 10 | 2019 | | Android 11 | 2020 | | Android 12 | 2021 | | Android 13 | 2022 | | Android 14 | 2023 | | Android 15 | 2024 | | Android 16 | 2025 | | Android 17 | 2026 (stable on June 16, 2026) | Google now ships its major version in the middle of the year instead of the autumn, and Pixel phones receive it first. Phones from the Marshmallow, Nougat and Oreo era no longer get security updates, so they should not be used for banking or other sensitive tasks. Check the support period before buying a phone, because current models are supported for several years. ## LG, Samsung, Sony and Nexus Phone Leaks and Launches URL: https://androidincanada.ca/lg-samsung-sony-and-nexus-phone-leaks-and-launches ## LG G2, G3, G4 and G5 leaks LG was the most frequent subject, with a steady drip of leaks before each flagship. ### LG G2 Before launch, a report repeated earlier rumours and added one new detail. The expected specs were a 5.2 inch 1080p IPS display, a Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM and a 13MP camera with optical image stabilization. Nokia on the Lumia 920 and HTC on the One had already added the technology. The report also said the volume and power buttons would move to the back of the phone, with the power button between the plus and minus keys. In camera mode the volume keys were supposed to double as zoom. The author thought the unusual layout might be a tough sell but noted it left the sides of the phone unbroken. ### LG G3 Months ahead of its debut, alleged cases for the G3 were already on sale in China. Their shape matched earlier leaks, but the cut out for the rear button looked larger than expected, which raised the question of another rear sensor. A separate leaked screenshot showed a flatter icon style close to LG's existing pack. Rumours at that stage pointed to a 5.5 inch QHD display, a 13MP camera and some water and dust protection. The processor was unknown, with the Snapdragon 805, an octo-core chip from MediaTek and LG's own Odin chip all mentioned as candidates. ### LG G4 Days after the first renders, a seller on a Chinese online retailer listed a case with several photos. It matched the renders, including a slightly protruding rear camera and more pronounced, less rounded corners. A well-known leaker confirmed a slightly curved display like the Galaxy Nexus and G Flex. Early specs were a QHD display, a Snapdragon 810, 3GB of RAM and a rear fingerprint reader, with unconfirmed dimensions of 148.9 x 76.5 x 9.9mm. ### LG G5 LG had not yet announced the G5 when it showed a new Quick Cover. The case blends Samsung's S View idea with HTC's Dot View: a cut out shows notifications from the Always-on Display, and a semitransparent mesh lets you interact with the phone. The cover and phone were expected at the Mobile World Congress event later that month. Two days before the event, a press render showed the front and back, a new lockscreen wallpaper, the camera and LED flash module, and the rumoured fingerprint sensor. The body looked like metal. The leaked specs were a Snapdragon 820, 4GB of RAM and a swappable 2800 mAh battery. ### LG Vu 3 and Lollipop LG listed the Vu 3 phablet on its website. It kept the odd 4:3 aspect ratio, now on a 5.2 inch screen, and was expected to share the G2's Snapdragon 800 and 13MP camera. A semitransparent cover in black and silver let icons and animations show through. Separately, the first LG Lollipop screenshots looked close to the current Optimus UI but showed Lollipop's card style notifications and the circle icon at the top right.
PhoneRumoured displayChipRAMOther
LG G25.2 in 1080pSnapdragon 8002GB13MP with OIS, rear buttons
LG G35.5 in QHDNot settledNot stated13MP, water and dust treatment
LG G4QHD, slightly curvedSnapdragon 8103GBRear fingerprint reader
LG G5Not statedSnapdragon 8204GB2800 mAh swappable battery
LG Vu 35.2 in, 4:3Snapdragon 800Not stated13MP
## Samsung Galaxy Note and S4 variants Before the Galaxy Note III, the specs kept changing. One leak listed a 5.7 inch 1080p display, a Snapdragon 800, 3GB of RAM and a 13MP camera. The processor and camera looked settled, while screen size and RAM kept shifting. The photographed device had rounder corners than earlier prototype pictures, closer to the Galaxy S4, though there were still rumours of multiple versions with different materials. An announcement was expected in September. A Wall Street Journal report pointed to several unannounced Samsung devices: the Galaxy S4 Active, an S4 Mini and an 8 inch tablet. The Active matched the rugged S4 mentioned by a Samsung executive, would keep the look of the S4 with waterproofing and dust proofing, and could debut as early as July. The compact S4 was said to have a 4.3 inch display, also for July. The 8 inch tablet, possibly a Galaxy Tab 3, was slated for June. All of this was rumour, and the posts do not say what happened. For the Note 5, a CAD video from a leaker with a good record showed a design merging the Note 4 and the Galaxy S6, with dual curved edges on the back. It showed only one tray, which could mean no expandable memory unless the tray held both SIM and microSD cards. There was no USB Type-C port, which the author hoped would change. ## Sony Xperia X line Sony unveiled three phones in its new X line, hoping to recover in mobile. Pricing was not given at the time. All three shared a curved front glass design and four colours: white, graphite black, lime gold and rose gold. Sony promised two day battery life, and the Xperia X and X Performance used the same sensor as the Z5 line with Predictive Hybrid Autofocus.
SpecXperia XAXperia XXperia X Performance
Display5 in 720p5 in 1080p5 in 1080p
ProcessorMediaTek octo-coreSnapdragon 650Snapdragon 820
RAM and storage2GB, 16GB3GB, 32GB3GB, 32GB
Rear and front camera13MP, 8MP23MP, 13MP23MP, 13MP
Battery2300 mAh2620 mAh2700 mAh
All three had a microSD slot. Sony sent invitations through Canadian agencies, so the author expected at least one to reach Canada. ## Nexus 5X and Andy Rubin A day after the Huawei-made Nexus 6P render appeared, press renders of LG's Nexus 5X leaked. They showed dual stereo speakers, a fingerprint sensor on the back and three colours: black, white and a mint shade labelled Ice Blue. The leaked specs were a 5.2 inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 808, 2 or 3GB of RAM, 16 or 32GB of storage, a 12.3MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, dual LED flash and laser autofocus. The expected announcement date was September 28. On the Android side of the company, Andy Rubin stepped away from the Android team to start a new chapter within Google, and Sundar Pichai took over Android alongside Chrome and Apps. The goodbye email to partners said the Open Handset Alliance began with 34 founding members and had grown past 85, with more than 750 million compatible devices. Separately, Rubin's new Essential phone showed a bezel-less teaser, with a Snapdragon 835, 4GB of RAM and Android 7.0 seen in a benchmark listing. It was rumoured to support Moto Mod style accessories. A report that SoftBank had withdrawn investment was followed by a tweet that the project was alive. ## Alcatel, Oppo Finder and Amazon Ice - **Alcatel OneTouch Scribe Pro:** a leaked official slide showed a 6.0 inch phablet with an unspecified quad-core 1.5GHz chip, a 13MP camera, a 3,400 mAh battery, dual SIM and a stylus. The bundled flip cover seemed to hide an LED notification screen. It was reported for Hong Kong at $300. The slide also showed the OneTouch Idol mini, with a dual-core 1.2GHz chip and a 4.3 inch IPS display. - **OPPO Finder:** at launch it was billed as the world's thinnest phone at 6.65mm, with a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Plus display, a dual-core A15 processor, 1GB of RAM, Android 4.0 and a price of $393. It was not expected in Canada. - **Amazon Ice:** after the failed Fire Phone, a report said Amazon was working on phones codenamed Ice, with a 5.2 to 5.5 inch display, Snapdragon 435, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and a rear fingerprint reader. The target was emerging markets such as India at about $125 CAD, with Google services included but reportedly no Alexa. ## Mobile World Congress extras Android developers posted day one and day two recap videos from the Android booth. Day one covered a robot that made bedazzled Galaxy Nexus battery doors, a conveyor belt of Android devices and developer interviews. Day two covered digital media: music, books and video. A separate roundup of phones shown there noted that Canadian carriers had said they would carry some, and the author was keen to see Panasonic return. ## What has changed since *Checked October 2026.* Several makers in this guide have changed course since. Google ended the Nexus line in 2016 and replaced it with Pixel phones. LG announced in April 2021 that it was leaving the smartphone business and wound it down by the end of July 2021. Samsung continues to release a new Galaxy S line every year, and the Galaxy S26 went on sale in Canada on March 11, 2026. Sony still makes Xperia phones, but its recent flagships have mostly been sold outside North America. The leaks and launch details in this guide are historical. ## Sony Xperia Z4, Z5, X and XZ series launches and Canadian availability URL: https://androidincanada.ca/sony-xperia-z4-z5-and-x-series-launches ## The Xperia Z4 and Z3+ ### Leaks before launch Early rumours promised a strong spec sheet: a 5.5 inch QHD (2560x1440) screen, a 2.8GHz octa-core Snapdragon 810, Adreno 430, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a curved Exmor RS sensor of roughly 21 MP, Bluetooth 4.1, LTE Cat 6 and a dedicated amplifier. The tipster also said Sony would end its six-month refresh cycle and return to a yearly one. That source was said to have been right about the Z3 Compact, but the screen size and RAM did not match the later phone. A leaker called OnLeaks shared an alleged press image showing a design close to earlier Z phones. Qualcomm then confirmed that Xperia products later in the year would use the Snapdragon 810. A leaked front housing, from the supplier that had shown the Z4 LCD assembly, suggested no microSD slot, no magnetic charging port, a micro USB port at the bottom without a flap and therefore no IP68 rating. The announced phone did keep a microSD slot, so treat those claims as unreliable. ### Announcement Sony announced the Xperia Z4 in Japan only. It was 6.9mm thick (0.4mm thinner than the Z3) and weighed 144 g (8 g less), with a stronger metal frame, and came in White, Black, Copper and Aqua. Later Sony announced the Xperia Z3+, essentially the same phone under a different name for the rest of the world, launching globally in June in single and dual SIM versions. The author guessed a price near the Z3 at around $600 to $700, which was an estimate, not an official figure.
SpecZ4 / Z3+ at announcement
Display5.2 inch 1080p
ProcessorSnapdragon 810
RAM and storage3GB, up to 32GB, microSD slot
Cameras20.7MP rear, 5.1MP front
Battery2930 mAh
ProtectionIP5X and IP8X
SoftwareAndroid 5.0
### Overheating and Canada The Z3+ (the Z4 in Japan) showed heat problems tied to the Snapdragon 810. Sony acknowledged "some" heat issues and promised a software fix in the summer. HTC had earlier throttled the One M9 processor in a similar way. Sony Mobile Canada later said on Facebook that it had no plans to bring the Z3+ or the Z4 Tablet to Canada. ## The Xperia Z5 family ### Rumours and leaks - A leaked photo from ViziLeaks showed a Z5 and Z5 Compact with a fingerprint reader built into a longer side power button, which would shift the volume rocker down. The glass back was said to be less slippery, the port a standard micro USB without a flap, and only the microSD and SIM slots covered. - UAProf entries showed both phones with the Snapdragon 810, a 1080p display on the Z5 and 720p on the Z5 Compact, with an expected fall launch tied to a James Bond film. - A Z5+ rumour described a nearly bezel-less phone with a 5.7 inch 2K display, Snapdragon 820, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a 20.7MP camera, an 8MP front camera and a fingerprint reader, arriving in March. The source was a rumour site and no outcome is confirmed here. - Press photos appeared less than a week before Sony's September 2 event. One showed the phone in water, and another a new camera module that took 23MP photos, up from 20.7MP on the Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z3+. ### Canadian launch Sony Xperia Canada said on Twitter on September 2 that the Z5 and Z5 Premium would arrive later in the fall. The Z5 Compact was not part of the plan at the time. The Z5 later landed at Bell in black and white for $199.95 on a two-year term or $649.95 outright. Its specs were a 5.2 inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 810, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, microSD, a 23MP camera, a 5MP front camera, a 2900 mAh battery, IP68 protection and a fingerprint reader. ### Z6 rumour A post on Weibo claimed the Z6 family would have five sizes: Z6 Mini (4 inch, Snapdragon 620), Z6 Compact (4.6 inch), Z6 (5.2 inch), Z6 Plus (5.8 inch) and Z6 Ultra (6.4 inch), with the others using a Snapdragon 820. It was an unverified rumour. ## Xperia X, XA and XA Ultra At Mobile World Congress Sony launched the X series: the entry-level XA, the mid-range X and the high-end X Performance. Sony's Canadian contact said the phones would arrive in the summer. Sony was also testing a concept that moved Android closer to stock. The XA Ultra followed as the spiritual successor to the Z Ultra, a midrange phone with a 6 inch 1080p display, Mediatek Helio P10, 3GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, a 21.5MP rear sensor with hybrid autofocus, a 16MP front camera with OIS and a 2700 mAh battery that Sony said would last two days.
CarrierModelsDate
BellX Performance and XA (black, white)June 23
RogersX Performance (black)Reservations June 23, release July 14
VideotronX (black)June 29
Virgin MobileXA (black, white)June 23
WIND MobileX, XA and XA Ultra (exclusive), blackJuly 14
All of these were carrier locked, and no unlocked sales date was given. ### Later X-series leaks A prototype with model number F8331 appeared in leaked photos with curved side edges, a flat top and bottom, a 1080p screen, stereo speakers with big bezels and cameras capable of 4K. It was expected around IFA in September and was later called the Xperia XR. Renders showed a side fingerprint power button, dual cameras on the back and USB Type-C. Size was 146.4 x 71.9 x 8.1mm, which is 2.7mm taller, 1.5mm wider and 0.5mm thinner than the Xperia X. Another leak described the Xperia X Ultra with a 21:9 screen, a 6.45 inch display, Snapdragon 660, 4GB of RAM, up to 64GB of storage, 19MP and 13MP cameras, Android 7.0, a 3,050 mAh battery and a possible IP68 rating. It was meant to be taller than the Galaxy S8 and LG G6. ### An earlier mid-range leak The C530X, later called the Xperia SP, was described with a 4.6 inch screen, aluminium walls, a plastic back, an 8MP Exmor RS camera, 8GB of storage with microSD and a dual-core S4 processor on a 720p display. It was expected at Mobile World Congress. ## Xperia XA1 and XZ Premium in Canada The Xperia XA1 reached Videotron on May 5 and Freedom Mobile on May 12, with the XA1 Ultra arriving on both carriers on June 22. Videotron priced the XA1 at $319.95 in white or black, or $0 down with $49.95 a month for two years. Neither phone is water or dust resistant.
SpecXA1XA1 Ultra
Display5 inch, 1280x720, 294 ppi6 inch, 1920x1080, 367 ppi
ProcessorMediaTek Helio P20MediaTek Helio P20 (octa-core, 2.3GHz)
RAM and storage3GB, 32GB4GB, 32GB or 64GB
Rear camera23MP Exmor RS, f/2.0, SteadyShot23MP Exmor RS
Front camera8MP, 23mm wide angle16MP with OIS
Both support microSD up to 256GB and ship with Android 7.0. The Xperia XZ Premium was first announced with a 5.46 inch 4K display, Snapdragon 835, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a 19MP camera with predictive phase detection and laser autofocus that records 960fps slow motion, a 13MP front camera, a non-removable 3,230 mAh battery and Android 7.1.1. Sony initially said distribution arrangements in Canada were not finalized. The unlocked phone later arrived in early autumn through Amazon Canada without a working fingerprint sensor, with storage expandable to 256GB and a US price of about $890 CAD. ## What has changed since *Checked October 2026.* Sony still makes Xperia phones, but recent flagships such as the Xperia 1 VII were reported not to be sold in Canada, with orders opened mainly in Europe and the UK. Canadians who want a current Xperia usually have to import one, which can mean missing LTE or 5G bands and no local warranty. The Xperia Z4, Z5 and X-series details in this guide are historical. ## HTC Hero, Dream, Magic, EVO and Early Phones in Canada URL: https://androidincanada.ca/htc-hero-dream-magic-evo-and-early-phones ## Dream and Magic launch on Rogers Rogers was the exclusive carrier for the first Android phones in Canada, and they were also sold at Best Buy, Future Shop and other Rogers dealers. The launch was set for June 2. A report had first put the HTC Dream at $199, but an insider tip later said the real price was $149.99 on a 3-year contract. Stores were said to hold only four or five Android units each, so a shortfall was expected. The day before, Rogers ran a Rogers Revolution countdown in Toronto. A well-known Canadian TV actor visited secret locations all day and posted clues online. Fans who found the actor could win prizes, and everyone who joined the hunt was entered into a draw for a $4,000 Caribbean trip. Photos of the Rogers-branded Dream box and phone leaked from a tipster the day before launch. A few days before launch, Google gave every attendee at its I/O developer event, about 5,000 people, a free HTC Magic. The phone was described as worth around $400 and not yet in stores, and it came with 30 days of unlimited voice and data. Registration for academics had cost $50. ## Updates and the Dream to Magic upgrade Support for the Dream and Magic turned into a small saga. HTC and Rogers first said neither phone would get an update beyond Android 1.5. They then reversed course: - Both phones would get an Android 1.5 update within weeks, bringing HTC Sense to the Magic while the version number stayed at 1.5. - By mid-year the Magic would get Android 2.1 with Sense. - The Dream would not be developed beyond that next 1.5 update because of hardware limits. Rooting remained an option for people who wanted 1.6. Rogers also let Dream owners move to the Magic for free during a limited window, from January 12 to January 26. The terms were: - Open to customers who activated or upgraded to a Dream through December 31. - Normally a Dream owner had to wait 24 months for another smartphone upgrade, and that rule was relaxed for the offer. - A new 3-year contract with a voice and data plan was required. - The upgrade had to be done through Customer Care, by phone at 1-888-Rogers1 or by dialing *611 on a Rogers phone, or online. Phone was faster, and retail stores would not honour it. - The usual $79 Magic upgrade price and the $35 administration fee were both waived. Later, Rogers said on social media that it had received a draft of Android 2.1 for the Magic from HTC and was testing it. There was no firm date because Google approval was also needed, and the expected timing was the end of August. The Magic had earlier seen an urgent 911 fix and a rebranding as Magic+. ## HTC Hero on Telus Canadians first heard that the Hero and the Motorola CLIQ were reviewed abroad, with the Hero on Sprint and the CLIQ on T-Mobile in the United States. A report said Telus would launch the Hero when its HSPA network went live, and the expectation was that Rogers and Bell would also try to carry it. The Rogers lock on new GSM handsets was expected to end once Telus and Bell had HSPA networks. No Canadian date for the CLIQ was known. The Hero reached Telus on the new HSPA+ network on November 5 at $99.99 on a 3-year voice and data plan. It ran Android 1.5 Cupcake with the Sense interface and had seven customizable home screens. Conversation history grouped calls, messages and social updates (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, IM and email) by contact. It had also won a Phone of the Year award from T3.
Telus Hero eventDetail
Launch price at the time$99.99 on a 3-year plan
Holiday price cut$49.99 on a 3-year plan, plus 6 PM evenings free and no activation fee
Android 2.1 rumoursUpdate expected in April, then reportedly pushed to the first week of May
Update noticeA notice appeared on the Telus site dated September 16, then vanished with no download behind it
Android 2.1 EclairLater released through the HTC site and installed with HTC Sync 2.0.25 over USB
End of salesTelus dropped the Hero less than a year after launch
The Eclair install needed a Windows PC with USB 2.0, about 50 MB of free disk space and Windows XP SP2, Vista or Windows 7. After installing HTC Sync, the phone was connected by USB and the sync wizard ran. Once Telus dropped the phone, owners were told 2.1 was probably the last official update. ## HTC EVO 3D and LG Optimus 3D The EVO 3D came to Rogers alongside the LG Optimus 3D as Canada's first 3D phones. Existing customers could reserve through the Rogers Reservation System until July 23, and anyone pre-ordering the EVO 3D was entered to win a $2,500 MasterCard gift card, with the contest closing August 15.
Model3-year priceNo-contract price
HTC EVO 3D$149.99$549.99 (the first listing of $599.99 was a mistake)
LG Optimus 3D$99.99$474.99
### EVO 3D specs at launch - 4.3-inch capacitive LCD, 16M colours - Dual-core 1.2 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM - 1 GB internal storage, microSD up to 32 GB, 8 GB card included - Wi-Fi b/g/n and Bluetooth 3.0 - Dual 5 MP rear cameras and a 1.3 MP front camera - Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 1730 mAh battery, up to 420 hours standby Some users reported a black-screen problem where the screen went dark and ignored battery pulls, on fully stock phones. HTC said a software update would address it. HTC also released kernel source for the EVO 3D, EVO 4G, Salsa, ChaCha, Droid Incredible 2 and Sensation 4G, which helps custom ROM developers. For accessories, the official dock sold for about $39.99 and had a power and video button for a micro HDMI to HDMI cable. A case-friendly HDMI dock came in two versions: $29.99 with a spare battery slot, or $39.99 with HDMI out. ## Raider, Ruby, Incredible S and One Mini The HTC Raider was one of the first LTE phones on Rogers, at $149.99 on select 3-year plans. It ran Android 2.3 with a 4.5-inch qHD display. At the time, a new family plan with two or more voice and data lines earned a free Galaxy Tab 10.1. The HTC Ruby was reported as a Telus exclusive and the carrier's first dual-core phone, with a mid-October rumoured release. - 4.3-inch qHD screen (960 x 540) - 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon, 1 GB RAM - HSPA+ up to 42 Mbps and NFC - 16 GB memory, 8 MP camera and 2 MP front camera - Android 2.3.4 with Sense 3.5 HTC also toured Toronto with a Treat Truck handing out free frozen treats to the first 1,500 people, with prizes including HTC Incredible S phones. Stops ran from June 24 at Dundas Square to July 3 at the Pride Festival, with other days at the Jazz Festival, the Beaches, Lastman Square and Queen Street. Later, the HTC One Mini was confirmed as a Rogers exclusive launching November 4, though HTC had said it would skip Canada. It had a 4.3-inch 720p display, a 1.4 GHz dual-core Snapdragon 400, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB non-expandable storage, a 4 MP UltraPixel camera, a 1.6 MP front camera, an 1800 mAh sealed battery, LTE and Android 4.2.2 with Sense 5. Its main rival was the Galaxy S4 Mini. ## Nexus 5 Rumours, Leaks and Specs Before Launch URL: https://androidincanada.ca/nexus-5-rumours-leaks-and-specs ## Early rumours about who would build it Through the middle of the year there was no solid word on the next Nexus phone. Many people had hoped the Moto X would be it, and it was not. One report said LG would build the next Nexus based on the LG G2, with the G2 launching in Korea on August 20 after an announcement in New York on August 7. That report also claimed an October release with Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. It conflicted with an earlier statement from an LG executive denying any Nexus work, so the writer treated it with scepticism. That first report matched the early codename, Megalodon: a 5.2 inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 800 and 3GB of RAM. Another rumour came from a Vietnamese site: the same 5.2 inch size and Snapdragon 800 as the G2, a thin bezel, no rear buttons and a design close to the Nexus 4, possibly with glass on the front and back. The fact that LG was not making a Google Play Edition of the G2 was read as a sign it was saving the effort for a Nexus. ### An early spec rumour that missed One Korean forum rumour listed an LG-made Nexus 5 with a 5 inch 1080p screen, NVIDIA Tegra 4, 2GB of RAM, a 13MP rear camera, a 3MP front camera and 8GB or 16GB of storage, priced like the Nexus 4. It also described a 7.7 inch Nexus tablet with a 1920x1200 screen, Tegra 4 and 8GB of storage. The writer doubted both, partly because the Nexus 4 was still in short supply. The final phone used a Qualcomm chip instead. ## FCC filing, pictures and the first look Google unveiled Android 4.4 KitKat first, with a video of a KitKat statue. A man in that video held an unannounced device, which many took to be the Nexus 5. A mystery LG device then appeared at the FCC. It was the LG D820, listed with NFC, Qi wireless charging and pentaband support that included LTE. Its camera hole looked very similar to the one in the video. A second FCC filing included a picture, and more photos followed that showed the battery as 2300 mAh. From the front, the phone resembled the Nexus 4. The writer thought 2300 mAh looked small for a 5 inch phone but hoped it would hold up well, as Nexus phones had a reputation for efficiency. Other leaks in the same weeks: - A close, crystal clear shot of half the phone, first posted on an Apple forum and then pulled. It showed the finish and the Nexus logo etched into the back, though the camera looked a little odd. - A photo of the LCD panel, which a known leaker said matched earlier leaks. - Photos of the internals, followed later by a teardown set of high definition shots that showed nothing surprising. - Photos of the battery, once more reading 2300 mAh. ## Software screens and the user manual An Italian site published settings screenshots from a device running build KRS92B on kernel 3.4.0. The build would probably differ on the public phone, though the kernel likely would not. The status bar icons had changed from blue to white, and the settings included a new "Tap and pay" section. That pointed to Google pushing mobile payments, though not necessarily worldwide or at launch. The source also said the phone felt very light, slightly taller than the Nexus 4, with a rubber type rear. The user manual then leaked and carried a full spec list:
ItemLeaked spec
Display4.95 inch 1080p IPS
Processor2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800
Memory2GB RAM
Storage32GB listed (16GB and 32GB later reported)
Cameras8MP with OIS, 1.3MP front
ConnectivityNFC and LTE
Battery2300 mAh
A related report said the camera would have optical image stabilization like the LG G2, along with USB OTG support and updated stock apps. The version bumps listed included Email from 4.1 to 6.0, Clock from 2.0.3 to 3.0, Google Authenticator from 2.49 to 3.55, Hangouts from 1.2.018 to 1.3.012, Play Store from 4.3.11 to 4.4.2 and Gmail from 4.6 to 4.6.1. ## Canadian leaks: WIND, the warehouse and the nano SIM WIND Mobile posted a pre-registration form on its Facebook page by mistake, and it carried a full spec sheet: - 4.95 inch 1080p display with Gorilla Glass 3 - 2.3 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 and 2GB of RAM - 16GB or 32GB of storage - 8MP camera with OIS and 1.3MP front camera - 130 grams and 69.17 x 137.84 x 8.59 mm - Android 4.4 KitKat Photos also claimed to show LG's Canadian warehouse stocked with the phone, with 26,000 units in the east and 4,000 in the west, due to ship to carriers on October 30. A Ukrainian carrier mentioned nano SIM cards for the Nexus 5, though its wording about any Android 4.4 phone made it a weak source. ## Retail box, colours, pricing and date rumours Pictures of the retail packaging matched the Nexus 7 box and showed a white phone on the front, hinting at two colours. A 64GB version alongside a newer Motorola Nexus was also rumoured at one point, as a budget alternative. Price rumours first said $299 for a 16GB model with a 2300 mAh battery and $399 for a 32GB model with a 3000 mAh battery. Another source then said both models would use the 2300 mAh battery, and the writer found the split battery idea odd for a phone with a sealed back. A separate leak put the price under 300 Euros. Date rumours moved around: - October 14 was suggested first, then October 15, which passed with no announcement. - Cryptic tweets from the KitKat account led some people to guess October 28, though that was only an interpretation. - Reports pointed to an end of month release. ## After launch and the later Nexus 5 follow-up Within a couple of months, a forum user showed small design changes on newer units: larger speaker holes for better volume and quality, and thicker ceramic buttons to reduce rattling. Early buyers reported no luck exchanging for a new unit. The OnePlus One was announced at 350 Euros, which converts to over $520 CAD, though a one for one Euro to dollar approach might bring it under $400 outright. It was seen as a competitor to the Nexus 5. Years later a Nexus 5 follow-up rumour appeared: an LG phone codenamed Bullhead, with a 5.2 inch 1080p display and Android M, plus talk of USB Type C. Another report suggested the successor might arrive on September 29 with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and a Snapdragon 808, 3GB of RAM, a 13MP camera with dual LED flash and laser autofocus, and a fingerprint sensor. ## What has changed since *Checked October 2026.* The Nexus 5 was one of the last Nexus phones. Google ended the Nexus line in 2016 and replaced it with its own Pixel phones, which now receive Android updates first. The Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 were built by LG, and LG left the smartphone business in 2021. The Nexus 5 no longer receives updates and runs a very old version of Android. The prices and rumours in this guide are historical. For current Google phones, see the [Pixel guide](/pixel-pixel-xl-and-pixel-2-launch-leaks-and-canada). ## Oppo, Xiaomi, Meizu and Padfone Phones URL: https://androidincanada.ca/oppo-xiaomi-meizu-and-padfone-asian-phones ## Oppo N1 The Oppo N1 was one of the more unusual phones of its time. The key specs were a 5.9 inch 1080p IPS display at 377ppi, a 1.7 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600, 2GB of RAM, a 3610 mAh battery and Android 4.2 with Oppo's Color UI. The camera was a 13MP unit with f/2.0 aperture and six lenses, with a dedicated Fujitsu imaging chip and two LED flashes. The module rotates about 206 degrees, so one camera handles both rear shots and selfies. A touch panel on the back allows gestures without reaching across the screen. One early post quoted 260 degrees for the rotation, while the launch coverage used 206. ### Availability and price - It was unveiled at an event in Beijing, launched in China first, and a wider release was expected at the end of November according to a CyanogenMod slide. - Rumours said Canada could get it unlocked through Oppo's own website. - Once on sale, the 16GB model cost $599 USD and the 32GB model $649, in white, with a free Easy Cover and the O Click remote. - Later, a limited time sale took $100 off in the lead up to Easter, bringing the price to $499 for 16GB and $549 for 32GB, until the 25th. Both the original and CyanogenMod versions were included. ### CyanogenMod edition Oppo partnered with CyanogenMod after that project became a company, making the N1 the first phone sold with CyanogenMod preinstalled. Buyers could choose Oppo's Color UI or the CyanogenMod edition, which was a limited edition. Owners of the normal version could flash CyanogenMod officially. The CyanogenMod edition was announced for December 24. The O Click remote and other special features kept working on it. ### N-Lens N1 and N3 An earlier prototype render of the N-Lens N1 showed a rear lens and a xenon flash. It was said to carry a dedicated image chip called Owl for low-light shots, with a price of about $480 off contract. Later, the N3 was teased with an aerospace grade metal body for balancing weight and durability, with the metal type not named. It was set to debut on October 29 and was expected to continue the swivel camera idea. ## Oppo Find 7 and Find 7a Before launch, the Find 7 was rumoured to have a 2K display, a Snapdragon 801, 3GB of RAM, a 4000 mAh battery and a 50MP camera, based on a leaked photo with a resolution of 8160 x 6120. At launch there were two versions, and the 4000 mAh battery rumour did not hold: the official battery sizes were smaller.
SpecFind 7Find 7a
Display5.5 in QHD (1440 x 2560)5.5 in 1080p
Processor2.5 GHz Snapdragon 8012.3 GHz Snapdragon 800
RAM3GB2GB
Storage32GB16GB
Battery3000 mAh, removable2700 mAh, removable
Approx. price$599$499
Both used Gorilla Glass 3, a microSD slot supporting up to 128GB, a 13MP Sony Exmor RS camera and a 5MP front camera. The 50MP mode takes 10 shots in a row and combines the best 4. Rapid Charge was said to take the battery from 0% to 75% in 30 minutes. The Skyline Notification light drew a comparison to older Xperia phones. Pre-orders for the Find 7a opened on April 7 with a free Easy Cover and an extra battery, with another freebie still to come. ### Find 5 The OPPO Find 5 was a follow-up to the Finder. It had a 5 inch 1080p screen at 441ppi and a quad-core S4 processor, and was not expected in Canada. ## Xiaomi: Mi5 frame, Mi MIX and Mi MIX 2 Ahead of a Xiaomi announcement on the 15th, a leaked frame was said to be 5.1mm thin. Many thought it was for the Mi5, though some called the phone the Mi4S, and it might have been a mid or low end device. ### Mi MIX The Mi MIX was shown as a concept, but it was made available in China in November. It has a 6.4 inch bezel-less display with a 91.3% screen-to-body ratio, a Snapdragon 821, a ceramic body and buttons, and either 4GB of RAM with 64GB of storage or 6GB with 256GB. Reports gave 1080 x 1920 resolution, a 16MP main camera, a 5MP selfie camera and a 4,400 mAh battery. An MIUI India product manager said launching it in other markets made little sense because it was a concept and the local team was small, with marketing, sales and certification also cited. Third-party importers were the likely route to Canada. Owners who received it found Microsoft Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Cortana preinstalled, started with the phrase "Hey, Cortana". Microsoft and Xiaomi had signed an agreement in June, and the OnePlus One and OnePlus 2 also added Cortana later. ### Mi MIX 2 in Canada Xiaomi did not sell phones officially in Canada, but the Mi MIX 2 appeared on a Xiaomi in Canada site in 6GB configurations with 64GB, 128GB or 256GB. A ceramic version came in white or black with 8GB and 128GB. Prices started at $924, discounted from $986, rising to $1,233 CAD for the ceramic version. - 5.99 inch 18:9 display at 1080 x 2160, 80.8% screen-to-body ratio - Snapdragon 835 and a 3,400 mAh battery, smaller than the original's - 12MP camera with phase detection, OIS and dual LED flash, plus a 5MP selfie camera - Android 7.1.1 Nougat with MIUI 9, with Oreo promised later ## Meizu MX4 Pro After many leaks, Meizu announced the MX4 Pro: a 5.5 inch 2560 x 1536 display, an Exynos 5430 octo-core processor (2GHz x 4 and 1.5GHz x 4) with a Mali T628 GPU, 3GB of RAM, a 20.7MP Sony IMX220 camera, a 5MP front camera and a 3350 mAh battery. Storage options were 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. It has a fingerprint reader, Hi-Fi sound and Android 4.4.4 with Flyme 4.0, in grey, gold and silver. The author wished it had launched with Android 5.0. Pricing started at 2499 Yuan, about $460 CAD, in Asia first, with an international launch possible. ## Asus Padfone 2 The Padfone 2 is a phone that docks into a tablet. A pre-launch video showed the phone with a 4.7 inch screen and 13MP camera. The tablet dock lost its cover, with the phone sliding into the tablet. The phone later received the Global Certification Forum approval and was LTE ready. An event in Milan and Taipei was set for October 16. The official specs: - Phone: 4.7 inch 720p IPS LCD (550 nits), quad-core Qualcomm S4, 2GB of RAM, 13MP camera with a Sony f/2.4 BSI sensor, 1.2MP front camera, 2140 mAh battery, Android 4.0 with 4.1 promised. Earlier leaks said 700 nits, 9mm thickness and 135g. - Tablet dock: 10.1 inch 1280 x 800 display and a 5000 mAh battery. It was set for Europe and Asia by the end of the year, and the early model lacked the usual North American frequencies. ## Newkia A group of former Nokia employees formed Newkia to build Android devices. The founder said future phones would not use the Newkia name, the CEO would be a well-known name, and Android was the only OS planned, ahead of options like Jolla's Sailfish. ## Pixel and Pixel XL: Launch, Canada Pricing and Pixel 2 Leaks URL: https://androidincanada.ca/pixel-pixel-xl-and-pixel-2-launch-leaks-and-canada ## Nexus Sailfish and Marlin leaks Before the Pixel name was known, reports said Google would release two HTC-made Nexus phones with the codenames Sailfish and Marlin. The smaller Sailfish was the midrange model: a 5 inch 1080p display, a Qualcomm chip at about 2.0 GHz, 4GB of RAM, a 2770 mAh battery, 32GB of storage, 12MP rear and 8MP front cameras, USB-C, Bluetooth 4.2, a bottom speaker and a top headphone jack. The larger Marlin had a 5.5 inch QHD (2560x1440) AMOLED display, a 3450 mAh battery, 4GB of RAM, a rear fingerprint scanner, 32GB or 128GB of storage and bottom speakers. The writer was disappointed that front-firing stereo speakers were missing, and the chip was unclear since the Snapdragon 821 and 823 were still rumoured. ## Final leaks before the event A leaker published a render of the Pixel XL with these dimensions: 154.72 mm tall, 75.74 mm wide and 7.3 mm thick at the bottom and 8.5 mm at the top. Press renders showed the Android 7.1 Nougat launcher and navigation buttons, and real photos showed the glass camera strip, the fingerprint sensor on the back, the lock screen and a new boot animation. Bell and TELUS accidentally published order pages, and a UK retailer posted a full product page.
SpecPixelPixel XL
Display5 inch 1080p5.5 inch AMOLED QHD
ChipSnapdragon 821 at 2.15GHzSame
RAM and storage4GB, 32GB or 128GBSame
Battery2770 mAh, non removable3450 mAh
Cameras12MP rear with OIS, 8MP frontSame
The Pixel XL later listed a 5.5 inch display at 534 ppi, a 12.3MP main camera at f/2.0 with EIS, phase detection and laser autofocus, and dual LED flash. ## Canadian prices and carrier deals Google announced the Pixel and Pixel XL for preorder in Canada, with Bell, TELUS and Rogers expected to carry them. The Rogers release date was October 20, and online orders were expected to arrive in two to three weeks. The writer said this ended Nexus pricing and set the phones against the iPhone and the Galaxy S and Note lines.
ModelGoogle Store price at the time
Pixel 32GB$899
Pixel 128GB$1,029
Pixel XL 32GB$1,049
Pixel XL 128GB$1,179
Telus later sold the Pixel in silver or black and the XL in black, with no 128GB option. Bell and Rogers lacked it too, though Fido offered the larger storage.
CarrierPixel 32GBPixel XL 32GB
Telus$200 on a Premium Plus plan, $400 on a Premium plan$350 on Premium Plus, $550 on Premium
Rogers$199.99 on Premium+ Tab, $399.99 on Premium Tab$349.99 on Premium+ Tab, $549.99 on Premium Tab
Bell$399.99 on a two-year plan with $80 minimum spend, $899.99 no term$549.99 on a two-year plan with $80 minimum spend, $1049.99 no term
Telus was a co-title sponsor of WE Day, and donated $25 for each Pixel sold. ### Later discounts The Pixel XL was discounted in the Google Store from $1,049 to $949 and up, with the offer expiring on June 18 at 11:59 pm PT. Days before the Pixel 2 event Bell offered the Pixel XL with $0 down on a two-year plan, if the plan was at least $70 with 2GB of data. Before, it had required $149.99 up front. The phone had also received the Android 8.0 Oreo update. Rogers added VoLTE for the Pixel and Pixel XL on April 3, joining the Galaxy S6, S6 edge+, Note5, LG G4 and G4 Vigour, and set Android 7.0 Nougat for the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge on March 20. ## Bug fixes - **Bluetooth disconnects.** Owners complained of random Bluetooth drops after the February security patch, and the March patch did not help. Google said it would push a Google Play Services update automatically over several days, with no manual download. - **Random freezing.** Reported since the first months, it received a fix in the June security update as an OTA. Google cautioned that freezing has many causes and asked owners to share their results on the forum. ## Pixel 2 codenames and models Android Police reported that the next Pixels would be codenamed Muskie and Walleye, fish names like Angler and Bullhead before them. The Walleye name was also seen in an Android bug entry. Later, Walleye (5 inch) and Taimen (6 inch) were mentioned, and a report said Muskie, the successor to the Pixel XL, was dropped in favour of the larger Taimen. A Google issue tracker entry suggested LG would build Taimen, which fits with LG building the Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X, while Huawei built the Nexus 6P. Google's senior vice president confirmed one Pixel 2 would arrive that year, premium only. A separate tipster said a budget device would come but would not carry the Pixel name, possibly under Android One, which was then in markets like India, the Philippines and Nepal. ## Pixel 2 chip, display and design rumours - **Snapdragon 836.** Some reports said the Pixel 2 would debut an improved chip, 10% faster, smaller and more efficient, while a source said Qualcomm had no such chip. An FCC listing and a GFXBench entry pointed to the Snapdragon 835. A well-known leaker stood by the earlier claim. The Note8 and LG V30 were not expected to use a revised chip. - **Display.** A GFXBench entry for the Pixel 2 XL showed 5.6 inches at 2560x1312 (18:9), 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a single 12MP camera and 8MP selfie camera with 4K video, and Android 7.1.1 as the default system though Android O was expected. A report said Google had offered about $1.174 million CAD to LG Display for curved OLED panels, though Apple had also ordered 160 million curved panels. Without LG, the Pixel 2 might use a flat display. - **Design.** A Sina photo showed an edge-to-edge screen like the Galaxy S8 and LG G6, a dual camera and a waterproof body. Clear case leaks hinted at an oddly shaped camera cutout and a headphone jack cutout. A later set of Olixar case renders on a UK retailer's site showed a Pixel 2 that looked like the XL, no 3.5mm headphone jack, and a pressure-sensitive frame like the HTC U11 was also rumoured. A designer concept showed thin side bezels, an Android O phone with a Snapdragon 835 and possibly 6GB of RAM. ## Google's own chips A Variety report said Google hired a former Apple chip architect and posted jobs for mobile SoC architects, signalling interest in in-house chips. The writer noted a report that only about 1 million Pixels had sold since launch, and did not expect Google chips soon. ## What has changed since *Checked October 2026.* This guide follows the first Pixel and the Pixel 2 rumours. Google has released a new Pixel line every year since. The Pixel 11 series went on sale in Canada in August 2026, with the base Pixel 11 at $1,249 for 256 GB and the Pixel 11 Pro at $1,499 for 256 GB. The 128 GB option was dropped, which raised the entry price compared with the Pixel 10 at $1,099. The 2016 prices in this guide are historical. Pixel phones still receive Android updates first. The Pixel 11 series launched with Android 17, which reached stable on June 16, 2026. ## Bell, Virgin, Koodo, WIND and Mobilicity Plans and Launches URL: https://androidincanada.ca/canadian-carriers-bell-virgin-koodo-wind ## WIND Mobile and Freedom Mobile ### Arrival and early plans Globalive and its WIND brand were denied a launch by the CRTC, then the federal government overruled that decision. Leaked early plans were:
PlanPriceHighlights
Chat$15Unlimited WIND-to-WIND calling, 100 province-wide minutes, 50 sent texts
Always Talk$35Unlimited province-wide calling, 50 sent texts
Always Shout$45Unlimited Canada-wide calling and texting, voicemail
Infinite Mobile$35Unlimited data with tethering, on any voice plan
Infinite Laptop$45Unlimited data for USB sticks
BlackBerry plans were Social BlackBerry at $10 (unlimited instant messaging, Facebook and MySpace) and Infinite BlackBerry at $35. Add-ons were $0.10 per minute on the $15 plan, $0.10 per text, $0.20 per picture or video message and voicemail at $5, with a $20 option for unlimited North American long distance. Whether these were accurate was unknown at the time. Globalive said it would focus on high-end smartphones. WIND told a Twitter question session that it was testing an Android device, and rumours pointed to Motorola, HTC or a Nexus One. The one thing the carrier lacked at the time was a standout device. ### Later plan changes - **March 1 plans:** WIND25 (unlimited local and WIND-to-WIND calling, unlimited text and picture messages, Call Control, 100MB data, $200 WINDtab limit, no voicemail) and WIND40 (unlimited data, Canada-wide calling, $500 WINDtab limit, no voicemail). Add-ons: Voicemail plus $8 for 50 messages, unlimited US calling and texting $10, World Saver talk and text $8, Preferred US Roaming $5 and Premium Data (10GB full speed instead of 5GB). Current customers were unaffected until they changed plans. - **Three leaked plans:** $20 (local calling, data at $5 per 100MB up to $25), $30 (province-wide calling, unlimited data) and $40 (Canada-wide calling, international texting, unlimited data, World Saver). None charged system access, 911 or activation fees, and the writer judged that none of the Big 3 could match them, though WIND coverage was still spotty. ### Rebrand to Freedom Mobile WIND became Freedom Mobile, described as Canada's fourth major carrier, after its acquisition by Shaw for $1.6 billion. Its LTE network in Toronto and Vancouver was due to go live on November 27, using AWS-3 spectrum that few phones supported, so most users could not use it at first. LTE plans started at $45 with unlimited Canada and US calling, unlimited global messaging within 3G and LTE coverage, 3GB of data and a bonus 3GB for a limited time. Existing accounts and plans moved over automatically, including pre-authorized payments. Earlier, WIND confirmed the LG G4 for June 19 with no pre-orders, in metallic grey and black leather in Canada, with a price guess of $600 to $700. The Galaxy S4 launch at WIND and Mobilicity was delayed because of limited supply. ## Mobilicity Originally called DAVE Wireless, it was Canada's seventh carrier, launching on AWS 3G in the spring, first in Toronto, then Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa. Plans were contract-free and unlimited, with devices from Nokia, BlackBerry and Sony Ericsson near $100, and no Android phone was confirmed. It later announced an upgrade from 3.5G to a 4G network with peak speeds up to 21Mbps, due later that year with no firm date. The writer noted that real speeds were closer to 4Mbps at best, and that this 4G was not LTE. ## Bell ### Plans, messaging and charity - Bell brought back a $30 6GB data plan, probably on a three-year contract, with no end date given. Details were available at a Bell store or by dialling *611. - Bell launched Advanced Messaging, its RCS service, first for Galaxy S8, S8+ and the upcoming Note 8. It offered delivery, read and typing notifications, messages up to 8,000 characters, group chats up to 100 people, larger files (PDF, XLS, ZIP) and one combined conversation history for SMS, MMS and Advanced Messaging. - Bell Let's Talk donated 5 cents per tweet with the hashtag, Facebook share, call or text by Bell customers on the campaign day. The previous year raised $6.1 million for mental health. ### ICS schedule and Black Friday
DeviceICS month
Galaxy S II, Galaxy NoteApril
Galaxy Tab 10.1May
Galaxy Tab 8.9 LTE, HTC Sensation, HTC RaiderJune
LG Optimus LTEJuly
Bell's Black Friday prices kept outright costs unchanged and cut contract prices: HTC One and Nexus 5 $0 on Voice/Data Plus, Xperia SP and Galaxy Ace II X $0, LG G2 and Xperia Z $49.95, HTC Desire $49.95, Xperia Z Ultra and Z1 $99.95. Bell's website advertised a different four-day sale around the Note 3, S4, S4 Mini and Ace II X. ### Bell devices - **Alcatel Idol X:** 5 inch 1080p display, 1.5GHz MediaTek quad-core, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 13MP camera and Android 4.2, with Bell and Virgin as exclusive partners. - **Alcatel Idol Mini:** 4.3 inch 480x854 display, 1.3GHz dual-core, 512MB RAM, 8GB storage, 5MP camera, 1700mAh, Android 4.2. $99.95 no term, from January 28, competing with the Huawei Ascend Y300 and Moto G. - **Alcatel OneTouch Pop 7:** 7 inch 1024x1600 tablet, 1.3GHz dual-core, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage, 3240mAh, HSPA+, $180 outright from April 15. - **Sony Xperia Z5 Premium:** coming within weeks, with a 5.5 inch 4K display, Snapdragon 810, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, 23MP camera, 3430mAh, IP68 and a fingerprint reader. No price given. - **ZTE Grand X View:** Bell and Virgin, $240 outright or $10 per month over 24 months, with an 8 inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 615, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, 5MP cameras, 4620mAh and Lollipop. It was likely locked to Bell. - **ZTE Grand X View 2:** $179.99, 8 inch 1280x800, Snapdragon 210, 1GB RAM, 8GB storage with microSD up to 128GB, 5MP and 2MP cameras, 4,620mAh, LTE and Android 7.1.1. ## Virgin, Koodo and Videotron - **Virgin Mobile** gave new subscribers unlimited 5pm evenings from July 26 to August 7 on myPlan ($25, $35, $50, $70), Nationwide Calling ($55, $70), Super Social ($40), Smartphone Social ($40) and Unlimited BBM ($30) plans. - **Koodo** offered Saskatchewan and Manitoba unlimited nationwide minutes, unlimited messaging, Caller ID, voicemail and 5GB for $55, though phones cost near full price unless you added a Tab that raised the bill by $5 to $10. - **Koodo Nexus S:** A customer saw it vanish from Koodo's site, then Koodo confirmed it was on sale only on a Koodo Tab or as an upgrade, not outright. The customer's plan was $275 up front, the rest over 12 months, with City Koodo Unlimited $35 and 1GB data $30, about $80 a month in total. - **Videotron** offered the Nexus One, Motorola XT720, Motorola Spice or Garmin A50 for $0 on a three-year contract, in Quebec only. One unrelated post covered Snake Rewind, a modern take on Snake made with the Nokia engineer behind the original, with new special fruit and a freemium model. ## What has changed since *Checked October 2026.* The Canadian market changed a lot after the period covered here. - WIND Mobile was rebranded as Freedom Mobile in 2016. Quebecor, the owner of Videotron, bought Freedom Mobile in 2023 (the sale closed on April 3, 2023), so Freedom now sits alongside Videotron. - Rogers bought Mobilicity in 2016, and its customers were moved to the Chatr brand. - Public Mobile belongs to Telus. - The three national networks are Rogers, Bell and Telus. Their second brands include Fido (Rogers), Virgin Plus (Bell) and Koodo (Telus). Plans, prices and coverage change often. Use this guide for history, and the [phone plans guide](/best-cellphone-plans) for how to compare current offers. ## Motorola X Phone Rumours and Moto X Leaks Before Launch URL: https://androidincanada.ca/motorola-x-phone-rumours-and-moto-x-leaks ## Where the X Phone idea came from After Google acquired Motorola, many fans hoped for a Motorola Nexus. A report attributed to the Wall Street Journal said the two companies were planning a Nexus-type device with the code name X Phone, possibly with an X Tablet as well. The idea was a family brand, similar to the Galaxy or Optimus series, with Google calling the shots on software and a much more vanilla Android than Motorola's earlier skins. The original name in leaks was Motorola X, and the code name seen on a prototype was Ghost. Motorola's first public step was a sign-up page and a short ad campaign. Both stressed that buyers would have a role in designing the phone and that it would be assembled in the USA. ## Early rumours about timing and software The earliest rumours were all over the place, so treat each one as a rumour only. - **Google I/O in May.** One rumour said the phone would debut at Google I/O with a 5 inch edge to edge display, Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, stock software and availability on several carriers instead of one exclusive. - **Key Lime Pie benchmark.** An AnTuTu screenshot showed a device called "Google X" running Android 5.0.1. The score was unremarkable, the screenshot was easy to fake, and it was read as very early software if real. - **Delay.** A source said the June or July release would slip to August or later. No reason was given. - **Durable flagship.** A tip described a Snapdragon 800, a 4,000 mAh battery, sapphire glass, rubber corners, a carbon fibre back, water resistance and a launch around November. The final phone did not match that tip. A later cost analysis showed a 720p display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro with two extra chips from Texas Instruments. ## Leaked specs, step by step As the launch got closer, a well-known leaker posted what became the most accurate spec list. It was seen as a big downgrade from earlier rumours of a 1080p screen, a quad-core chip (Tegra 4i or Snapdragon 800) and a 16MP camera. A separate report even claimed Google had lost interest in the project. A later prototype leak, with the code name Ghost, repeated a 4.7 inch 1080p display, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It said the back was polycarbonate rather than metal or Kevlar. The label "XFON ATT" suggested an AT&T version, which would still work in Canada on most networks, though not on WIND or Mobilicity. The Motorola logo on top was said to be a developer prototype marking. The same source said the phone was on schedule for July and would have at least 20 colours, with Motorola's additions coming as widgets and apps rather than a skin.
ItemBenchmark and FCC leak (shortly before launch)
ProcessorDual-core Qualcomm S4 Pro MSM8960DT, 1.7GHz, Adreno 320 GPU
RAM2GB
Display4.7 inch, 720x1184 (about 4.5 inch without on-screen buttons)
Cameras10.5MP rear with flash, 2.1MP front
Storage16GB, with 12GB user accessible on the test unit
Wireless802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, NFC
Battery2,200 mAh, non-removable
SoftwareAndroid 4.2.2
ModelXT1058 "ghost", the AT&T variant
Size128.5mm x 65mm
ScoresAbout 18.7K AnTuTu and about 7.1K 3DMark Ice Storm Extreme
## Design and build leaks Photo leaks arrived almost daily. A leaked front plate showed rounded corners that are more Nexus than Motorola, a thin bezel, a screen filling most of the front and only on-screen buttons. A fully assembled phone with a matte black back appeared next, then a photo that made it look like a Galaxy S4 without physical or capacitive buttons, but running stock Android. A press shot in white followed, then another standard press shot. Four days before the announcement, build details were leaked: - **Moto Magic Glass.** One sheet of Gorilla Glass moulded to a polymer to make a continuous surface across the front and edges, with no gap to the back. - **Laminated aluminum structure** for light weight and strength. - **Dual LTE MIMO antennas.** Five antennas in total: 4G main, 4G diversity, 2G/3G main, GPS, and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi. Two of them were dedicated to 4G LTE for better speeds and reception. ## Customization and material rumours Rumours of customization kept growing. Earlier talk of choosing processor, memory and screen size faded. The next version suggested many backplate colours and laser engraving, then wooden backplates at launch and later metal, ceramic and even fabric ones, plus an AT&T exclusive offer of unknown content. The source of that rumour was treated with caution, since silk or fabric backs sounded unlikely. ## Teasers and companion apps - **Announcement date.** The phone was expected on August 1, with a chance of a preview at a breakfast event on July 24. Earlier leaks had pointed to July 11. - **Always-on voice command.** The headline software feature, with more tricks reportedly still hidden. - **Clear Pixel camera.** A rumoured camera feature. Motorola tweeted blurry photos of a running child with the line "Either this kid is really fast, or today's phones are really slow", hinting at sharp action shots. At the time Nokia had a 41MP Lumia, Samsung the S4 Zoom, HTC UltraPixel and Sony a rumoured 20MP Honami. - **Motorola Migrate.** Appeared in the Play Store before the launch. It moves photos, videos, SIM contacts and call and text history wirelessly from an old Android phone. Media transfer needs Android 2.2 or later on the old phone. - **Motorola Connect.** A Chrome app that shows incoming texts and calls on your computer. You can answer texts from the browser keyboard, but calls still need the phone. ## Price: hopes versus the announced price Before the announcement, many expected Nexus-like pricing of $300 to $350. One report said $299 for 16GB and $349 for 32GB. The announced price was $500 to $600 off contract and $200 to $300 on contract, a flagship-level price that disappointed fans. - **Cost to carriers.** A well-known tech broadcaster said US carriers paid only about $350 per phone. That raised hopes for a cheaper direct sale later, but this stayed a rumour. - **Play Store.** The same source said it would be sold there as is, not as a stripped Google Play Edition, because Touchless Controls and Active Display are what make it a Moto X. - **Teardown.** Research firms and a teardown put the cost at $221 per Moto X versus $244 for the Galaxy S4, a gap of $23. US assembly cost about $12, only $4 or $5 more than in Asia. The Moto X's 720p display cost $62.50 against $75 for the S4's 1080p panel. The processor package cost $28 against $30 for the S4's octa-core. At $550 off contract and $199 on contract, the price looked fairer once these numbers were known. ## What has changed since *Checked October 2026.* Motorola has been owned by Lenovo since 2014. It still sells phones in Canada, mostly in the mid-range and budget segments. The Motorola Edge (2026) went on sale in Canada in June 2026 at about $850, and the Moto G line continues as the budget option. The Moto X rumours and prices in this guide are historical. ## Google Home, Chromecast, Android TV and Cardboard in Canada URL: https://androidincanada.ca/google-home-chromecast-android-tv-and-cardboard ## Chromecast in Canada Chromecast is a small HDMI dongle that lets a phone, tablet or laptop send video to a TV. Early on it was not sold in Canada, so buyers imported it. ### Buying options over time - **Import through Amazon in the US.** The device cost $35, but shipping and import fees brought the total to $51.57. That was still cheaper than private sales or eBay listings. - **Best Buy and Future Shop websites.** Both started listing it online only, not in stores, at roughly the same price as Amazon and the Play Store. - **Official Canadian launch.** The Google Play Store sold it for $39 plus shipping, and Amazon's Canadian site for $39 with free shipping. The HP Chromebook 11 appeared on the Play Store at the same time for $299 plus shipping, or the same price with free shipping on Amazon. ### Promotions One holiday promotion gave a $20 Play Store credit with each new Chromecast, from the Google Store and from retailers such as Best Buy. Chromecast and Chromecast Audio were also sold at a Black Friday price of 2 for $75, so two devices and $40 of credit cost $75. The fine print: the offer ended in early January, credits had to be redeemed by the end of that month, and each Google Payments account could redeem it once. ### The second generation The new Chromecast came after the original sold 20 million units. It came in black, lemonade (yellow) and coral (bright red), kept the HDMI CEC connection and added a redesigned Wi-Fi antenna system with dual band 2.4 and 5GHz support and 802.11ac. Chromecast Audio had a similar shape but plugged into a speaker through a 3.5mm audio jack. Both sold for $45 each on the Canadian Google Store. ### Related news - Amazon announced it would stop selling Chromecast and Apple TV. Existing listings were to disappear on October 29 and no new ones were allowed. Amazon said streaming players needed to work well with Prime Video to avoid customer confusion. Google still sold the device directly, with Best Buy stores to follow. - VLC for Android was expected to add casting. At the time Chromecast was a $39 dongle supported by apps such as YouTube, Plex and Netflix, and VLC developers said the Android version would follow the iOS one soon after. Desktop versions were also planned but harder, as those platforms had no native support. ## Google Home in Canada Google Home is the smart speaker powered by the Google Assistant. At its developer conference Google said it would reach Canada that summer, and pre-orders then opened at Best Buy Canada and the Google Store for $179 CAD, with shipping from June 26. Other retailers named for launch were Bell, Rogers, Staples, Telus and Walmart. Google also said the Assistant would speak English and French, and Android Pay launched in Canada on the same occasion. For comparison, the US price in a later leak was $129. ### Features announced for Home - Hands-free calling, US only at launch. - Proactive notifications, starting with travel, such as traffic alerts for a flight you need to catch. - Support for Spotify, Deezer, Pandora and Soundcloud, plus Bluetooth playback from a nearby Android or iOS phone. - Visual responses sent to a TV through Chromecast. - Later in the same update cycle: Google Lens style recognition, typed requests and payment by voice. ### Multi-user support and Bluetooth Multi-user support, which lets the speaker tell up to 6 people apart by voice and give each a tailored experience, was not available at the Canadian launch. It was promised through a later update without a date. Bluetooth streaming followed in firmware version 90387. Once installed, the Google Home app showed a Paired Bluetooth devices option under Device settings, and the Enable Pairing Mode button at the bottom of the page made the speaker act as a Bluetooth speaker for a phone. ### Rumours about Mini and Max Before an October 4 event, a leak described the Google Home Mini as an Echo Dot alternative at $49 in charcoal, chalk and coral, with four LED lights on top and mains power. Separate sources described a premium Home Max with stereo speakers, aimed at audiophile products such as the Sonos Play:3, though it was unclear whether it would appear at the event. The same event was expected to bring Pixel 2 phones, a new Daydream View headset and a Pixelbook rumoured at $1,119 USD ($1,371 CAD). Competing speakers mentioned at the time were the Amazon Echo with a display, Microsoft's Invoke with Cortana and Apple's HomePod. ## Android TV and the Nexus Player Before the launch, a Korean report claimed the next Android version would focus on TVs and that Google TV would be renamed Android TV. LG had reportedly been contacted, while Samsung was taking a wait-and-see approach with its own Tizen system. This was a rumour. Google then announced Android TV as a Smart TV platform built on Android, with voice search, the Material Design look, movie and TV purchases and rentals, apps and multiplayer games. Google hoped it would avoid the app shortage of Google TV. The first TVs were expected from Sony, Sharp and TPVision, along with set-top boxes.
Nexus PlayerDetail
Processor1.8GHz quad core Intel Atom
GraphicsPowerVR Series 6
Memory and storage1GB RAM, 8GB internal
Size and weight120mm x 120mm x 20mm, 235g
ExtrasOptional gamepad, works as a Chromecast
No price was given at the announcement and pre-orders started on the 17th. Staples later added it in Canada at $110, the same as the Play Store, with free shipping. ## Google TV, the earlier attempt Logitech's Revue was the first Google TV set-top box. It came with a keyboard that had a touch surface and directional pad. A smaller QWERTY controller cost $129.99 extra, and a free phone app also worked as a remote. An HD camera for video calls cost $149.99 and needed no monthly fee. The box shipped with Netflix and a Logitech media app, supported DLNA and played formats such as AAC and MKV. The Marketplace was not active at launch. The box, keyboard and IR blaster sold for $299 in the US, while Canada was told to expect it the following year. Later, a Google TV deal of about $90 on eBay tempted a Canadian author, who noted the device was not officially supported in Canada and the only HDMI input at home was on a monitor. ## Google Cardboard Cardboard is a low cost cardboard viewer that turns a phone into a basic VR headset. It was first handed to attendees of Google I/O. DodoCase sold a version for $25, and an unassembled kit appeared on a discount site for $3.66 with free shipping. The Street View app later gained a Cardboard mode, switched on with an icon at the top right. Google's own store finally sold it in Canada, Germany, France and the UK, nearly two years after the first launch, at $20 for one or $35 for two. ## Nexus S, Nexus 10 and Galaxy Nexus Accessories, Apps and ROMs URL: https://androidincanada.ca/nexus-s-nexus-10-accessories-apps-and-roms ## Android updates mentioned for Nexus devices Two updates are covered here. Android 4.1.2 rolled out to both the Nexus 7 and the Galaxy Nexus with the usual bug fixes, performance work and stability improvements. The one visible change was that the Nexus 7 launcher gained landscape mode, so owners who held the tablet sideways no longer needed a custom launcher to get rotation. Android 4.2 then started reaching some Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7 units over the air, and Canadians were reported to be receiving it as well. The headline additions were new Google Now cards, Photo Sphere and gesture typing in the keyboard, which works in a Swype style. Impatient owners could flash the update manually by following developer-forum instructions, with the usual warning that flashing new firmware always carries some risk. ## Launchers for the Galaxy Nexus Both launchers below installed next to the stock launcher, so owners could switch back and forth. Both needed Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or newer, and both were still in beta at the time.
FeatureApex LauncherNova Launcher
Root requiredNo (system-app install optional)No (system-app install optional)
Grid and home screensCustom number of home screens and grid sizeCustom grid, 5x4 by default on the Galaxy Nexus
ScrollingInfinite and elastic scrolling, transition effects, scroll indicatorInfinite scroll of desktop and dock, scrollable dock, cube desktop effect
App drawerAll, Downloaded and Widgets tabs, sorting by title, install date or most usedAll, New and Downloaded categories
WidgetsResize any widget, add from drawer or system pickerResize any widget, widgets in drawer or system picker
OtherGestures (pinch, swipe up or down), hide search bar, notification bar or labels, lock desktop, backup and restoreEditable shortcut and folder icons and labels, ADW icon pack support, wallpaper scrolling options
Widgets in the drawer only worked if the launcher was installed as a system app, which needed root. Nova noted that turning off wallpaper scrolling helps live wallpapers perform better. Nova would not run on Gingerbread devices, and occasional force closes were expected during the beta. ## Rooting the Galaxy Nexus One guide used Superboot r3 on a GSM Galaxy Nexus running Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.1 and 4.0.2. It was a non-permanent root: the image was booted with fastboot rather than flashed, so root access through adb lasted only until the next reboot. It was done entirely at the owner's own risk. 1. Extract the Superboot download to a folder. 2. Switch the phone off, then hold volume up and volume down while powering on to enter the bootloader. 3. If the bootloader is locked, unlock it first with the fastboot oem unlock command. This wipes the device. 4. On Windows run the included install-superboot batch file. On Mac or Linux make the matching shell script executable with chmod, then run it from a terminal in that folder. The author used the Mac method on an unlocked UK import and had to run it twice, because the first pass installed the superuser app without granting permissions. ## Accessories and battery ### Official accessories delayed After the Galaxy Nexus was shown at the Google event, the Galaxy Nexus dock was the accessory that got the attention. It used the pogo pins on the right side of the phone. Retailers listed it as coming soon or back ordered. Bell's price was $89.99 plus tax and delivery, and an order there was cancelled for lack of stock. A UK retailer said official Samsung accessories would arrive about a month later, on February 13, which left third-party makers with the early sales. ### Cheap extended battery A reviewer bought an Xpower extended battery online for $9.99 plus $1.99 shipping, and it took about three weeks to arrive. On workdays with six to eight hours of Bluetooth music streaming, the phone previously came home with 50 to 60 percent charge left. With the extended battery it came home with 80 to 85 percent. It added little bulk, and its shape lifted the speaker off flat surfaces, so sound was no longer muffled on a couch. ## Custom ROMs and software An XDA developer ported the Xperia Arc S software to the Galaxy Nexus as a ROM called GnexusTimeScape. It was an early build. Working: sound, calls, SMS and data, hardware acceleration, storage, USB storage, sensors, LED notification, vibration, Bluetooth, navigation bar, gallery, camera and WiFi. Not working: NFC, video recording and video playback. It was usable as a daily driver for people who did not need those three, with flashing at the owner's own risk. Samsung's own Internet browser also reached the Play Store as a beta for Nexus phones on Android 5.0 Lollipop or newer, though not in every country. It offered 360 degree video without a headset, picture-in-picture, DuckDuckGo search support, the Amazon Shopping Assistant and ad blocking. A Nexus Experience version of the Galaxy S4 was reported to be launching only in the United States at first, with a wider release expected later. Owners of a regular S4 were thought likely to be able to convert the phone with some tinkering. ## Rumours and the Galaxy Nexus launch event The Ice Cream Sandwich event was moved from October 11 to October 19 out of respect after the passing of Steve Jobs. It started at 10:00 AM in Hong Kong, which was 10 PM Eastern on October 18, with a live YouTube broadcast. Google introduced the new Android version and the next Nexus. Google later ran a commercial showing the Galaxy Nexus and Google+ Hangouts. ### The GT-I9260 leak A leaked document listed a Samsung device, GT-I9260, codenamed Superior: 4.65 inch HD Super AMOLED, 8MP camera, 1.9MP front camera, 16GB storage with a microSD slot, and a 1.5GHz dual-core A9 processor, with a possible November 12 launch. It sat between the Galaxy Nexus and the Galaxy S III in the document, and many assumed it was the next Nexus. A leaked photo then showed it was the Galaxy Premier, a mid-sized sibling of the Galaxy S III. Rumoured specs were a 4.65 inch 720p display, 1.5GHz dual-core, 1GB RAM, 16GB, microSD, an 8MP rear and 2MP front camera, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 and dual-band WiFi. It was not a Nexus. The LG Nexus was confirmed as real, while an HTC 5 inch Nexus stayed doubtful and Sony showed little sign of a Nexus. ### Samsung Nexus 10 rebrand rumour A Samsung-branded Nexus 10 codenamed Roma also surfaced, with TouchWiz added. Rumoured specs matched the Nexus 10 closely: 10.1 inch 2560x1600 display, 1.7GHz dual-core Exynos 5, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, a microSD slot, 5MP and 1.9MP cameras, a 9000 mAh battery, a 4G LTE option and Android 4.2. The microSD slot and LTE were the differences, and it might have launched under the Galaxy Tab name. It was a rumour only. Earlier, after Samsung passed Nokia as the top phone maker at 44.5 million units, speculation held that the Jelly Bean Nexus would be Samsung-made. Canadians had missed out on a proper Google-direct build on the last two Samsung Nexus phones, unlike the HTC Nexus One. HTC, LG, Acer and Motorola were the other names suggested. ## HTC One M9, A9, X9, Butterfly, U Ultra, U11 and Later Phones URL: https://androidincanada.ca/htc-one-m9-a9-u-series-and-later-phones ## HTC One M9 and M9+ Before the M9 was official, a case maker published colourful case images that matched an earlier prototype leak. They showed a rounded square camera module with a dual LED flash and a power button moved from the top to the right side, leaving only the IR port on top. A set of promo videos leaked about a week before Mobile World Congress and confirmed a 20MP rear camera, an UltraPixel front camera and a built-in theme engine, plus reworked camera and photo apps. HTC then unveiled the One M9 at its event. It looked a lot like the One M8, with the power button on the side and a squarer camera module.
ItemOne M9One M9+
ProcessorSnapdragon 810, 64-bit2.2GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio X10
RAM3GB LPDDR43GB
Storage32GB (about 21GB free), microSD32GB, microSD
Display1080p, still with the black bar5.2-inch QHD Super LCD3, a first for HTC
Rear camera20MP with sapphire lens, no OIS20.7MP plus 2.1MP Duo camera
Front camera4 UltraPixel4MP UltraPixel
Battery2880 mAh2840 mAh
SoftwareAndroid 5.0 with Sense 7Android 5.0 with Sense 7.0
ExtrasBoomSound with Dolby AudioFingerprint reader
In Canada, the M9 was expected in early spring on Rogers, Bell, TELUS, Koodo, Videotron and SaskTel, with a price expected above $649. The M9+ was not expected in Canada because of its MediaTek chip, although a Snapdragon version for North America was rumoured. Sense 7 screenshots also leaked showing the influence of Material Design. A later rumour from a Chinese site said the next flagship might be called the HTC O2 instead of the M10, built on a Snapdragon 820 made on the 14nm process, with possible waterproofing. The report pointed to the heat problems of the Snapdragon 810 in the M9 and many fans' disappointment at its M8-like design. The phone was in the end announced as the HTC 10, so the O2 name was only a rumour. ## HTC One A9 in Canada The unlocked One A9 was open for pre-order at a promotional $549 and was set to rise to $649 on November 7. The writer found it a tough sell, since many solid mid-range phones cost less. Its selling point was HTC's promise to deliver software updates within 15 days of Nexus releases. HTC had earlier struggled to keep a 90-day update promise on the M series, so some scepticism was warranted. ## One X9 and One X10 The One X9 leaked as a high mid-ranger positioned between the M9 and the A9. Leaked details were: - Aluminum unibody with two front-facing speakers, similar to the Nexus 9. - 5.5-inch 1080p display and a MediaTek chip (Helio X10). - 2GB or 3GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. - 13MP rear camera, 4 UltraPixel front camera, dual LED flash and a 3000 mAh battery. - Capacitive buttons instead of the black bar and on-screen buttons, to reduce size. North American availability was unknown. The successor, the One X10, went official with a 5.5-inch 1080p display, MediaTek Helio P10, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage with no microSD slot, a 16MP rear camera, an 8MP selfie camera and a 4,000 mAh battery, up from 3,000 mAh on the X9. The X9 had a 13MP main and 5MP selfie camera. HTC did not state the Android version, though Marshmallow was assumed. At that time it was sold only in Russia. ## Butterfly line The Butterfly phones were sold only in select markets. The posts cover three of them: - **HTC J Butterfly:** a promo video showed an LTE symbol at the end, pointing to LTE support. - **Butterfly S:** a 5-inch LCD3 1080p screen (440ppi), 2GB of RAM, a 1.9GHz Snapdragon 600, 16GB of storage with microSD up to 64GB, the UltraPixel camera, a 2.1MP wide-angle front camera, BoomSound, Sense 5 with Zoe, BlinkFeed and Video Highlights, Miracast, an infrared remote and a 3,200 mAh battery. It came in red, white and grey plastic backs. It was expected in Taiwan in July for NT$22,900, about $790 CAD, with no word on Canada. - **Butterfly 2 (rumoured):** a leaked front panel suggested a Snapdragon 800, a 5.2-inch Full HD display, colourful shells and, if believed, full waterproofing, a first for an HTC phone. ## HTC U Ultra The U Ultra arrived in Canada through HTC's online store in black, white and blue at $999 CAD unlocked. Buyers could add JBL Reflect Aware C headphones for $134.99 instead of $269. Specs were a 5.7-inch 1440 x 2560 display plus a 2-inch secondary screen (160 x 1040) for notifications, a Snapdragon 821, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a microSD slot reaching 2TB, a 12MP camera with OIS plus laser and phase detection autofocus, and a 16MP selfie camera. It was the first HTC phone with the Sense Companion assistant. ## HTC U11 and later The U11 launched with Android 7.1 Nougat, a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 display, a Snapdragon 835, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage and a 12MP camera (f/1.7, phase detection autofocus, OIS, dual LED). Its Edge Sense frame launches actions such as the camera when squeezed. It supports Google Assistant, Sense Companion and Alexa, which was coming by update. - **Price:** $899 CAD in Brilliant Black, Sapphire Blue or Amazing Silver. A Solar Red version opened for Canadian pre-order on June 20 at the same price and later sold out on the Canadian site. It works on carriers including Freedom Mobile. - **Android 8.0 Oreo:** HTC confirmed the U11, U Ultra and HTC 10 would be updated, starting with the U11 in Q4, meaning October to December. Delivery to Canada could take a few extra months. - **Bluetooth 5.0:** an FCC filing said HTC planned to enable it by software update without hardware changes. The U11 used Bluetooth 4.2. Benefits are longer range, higher bandwidth and lower power use. ## Ocean phones: U11 Plus, Ocean Life and others HTC's phones in this period used Ocean codenames: the U Ultra was Ocean Note, the U Play was Ocean Smart and the U11 was simply Ocean. A leak listed three more in November, with the Ocean Master expected to debut as the U11 Plus on November 11 in China.
PhoneRumoured details
Ocean Master (U11 Plus)5.99-inch JDI display, 2880 x 1440, 18:9, Snapdragon 835, 4GB or 6GB RAM, 64GB or 128GB UFS 2.1, 12MP and 8MP cameras, Edge Sense, Quick Charge 3.0
Ocean Lite5.2-inch display, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage
Ocean Harmony6-inch display, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage
Ocean LifeMid-ranger with Edge Sense, 5.2-inch 1080p, Snapdragon 660, two 16MP cameras, 2,600 mAh, Android 7.1.1 with Sense 9, USonic earphones
The U11 Plus was described as HTC's first bezel-less phone. The Ocean Life timing was unknown, with the writer guessing late in the year. ## What has changed since *Checked October 2026.* HTC's role in the Android world changed after the phones in this guide. In 2017 Google agreed to take on part of HTC's smartphone engineering team, which helped shape its own Pixel phones. HTC phones are now rare in Canada, so check carrier and retailer listings before assuming one is on sale. The M9, A9 and U-series details in this guide are historical. ## Galaxy S3 Launch and Canadian Carriers URL: https://androidincanada.ca/galaxy-s3-launch-and-canadian-carriers ## Rumours before the launch Months of speculation came first, and much of it was wrong. One report said a quad-core Galaxy S III would appear in early May. It was rumoured to be around 7 mm thin (the Galaxy S II measured 8.49 mm), with a quad-core Exynos chip somewhere between 1.8 and 2 GHz, an 8 MP camera, a 2 MP front camera and Ice Cream Sandwich. A later rumour, traced to a Korean report that cited Samsung's marketing partner, pointed to an April announcement with a big marketing push around the London Olympics. The rumoured specs at that point were: - 1.5 GHz quad-core Exynos processor - 4.8 inch display - 16 GB and 32 GB models with a microSD slot - 2 GB of RAM - 8 MP rear and 2 MP front cameras - NFC and Android 4.0 Writers also questioned how LTE could be combined with an Exynos chip, since LTE phones at the time used Qualcomm processors. That question turned out to be well founded, as the next section shows. ## Official specs After the Unpacked event, the real specification sheet appeared and replaced the rumours. The North American phone differed from the international one.
ItemDetails at launch
SoftwareAndroid 4.0.4 with a new version of TouchWiz
Display4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED, 1280 x 720
Processor1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 (North America) or 1.4 GHz Exynos 4 Quad (international)
Memory1 GB of RAM in the published list (some carrier reports said 2 GB)
Storage16 GB or 32 GB, a 64 GB version promised later, optional microSD
Cameras8 MP rear with no shutter lag and 3.3 fps burst, 1.9 MP front with face tracking
Battery2100 mAh, removable
ConnectivityNFC with S Beam, LTE (North America) or HSPA+ (international)
Size and weight136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm, 133 g
Telus material also mentioned Gorilla Glass 2. Some observers felt the North American model was a modest step over the Galaxy S II HD LTE that Bell had just released, since it was dual-core rather than quad-core. The international version looked more appealing on paper. ## Canadian launch day and carrier offers The Canadian date was confirmed as June 20 for Rogers, Telus and Videotron, with Bell, Virgin and Wind also on the list of six carriers, so buyers could choose from the whole market. Telus listed the phone at $160 for the 16 GB model and $210 for the 32 GB model, at that time. Videotron started a presale about a week ahead, on June 13. The phone normally cost $149.95 on a 36-month plan, but the presale price was $99.95 for a limited time, which was almost half the price of competing offers. Bell and Rogers both released promotional videos on launch day. Rogers was filling pre-orders and selling store stock while the phone shared the news cycle with Google I/O. On launch day the phone was available across most major networks and some smaller ones. Regional carrier Tbaytel did not list it at first, but it soon added the phone with pricing in line with Rogers, because it works in partnership with Rogers. A reader-facing phone database on the site tracked prices for every carrier. In the United States the launch slipped to mid July, with an additional seven-day delay announced on Twitter, so Canadians received the phone roughly a week or more ahead of their neighbours. ### Buying unlocked An online retailer opened pre-orders for the unlocked phone before the carriers did. That route cost about $100 more than the later carrier price. The retailer usually stocked international models, which meant an Exynos processor and probably no LTE, but also the widest ROM developer support. The unlocked phone ran on any GSM carrier in Canada, including Bell, Rogers, Telus, Fido and Virgin, without carrier software. ## Later carrier additions - **Fido:** a leaked sales aid suggested the phone was heading there, still showing Ice Cream Sandwich even though other carriers had moved to Jelly Bean. No price or date was given at that point, and that would have put the phone on every Canadian carrier. - **Koodo:** launched in Pebble Blue only, at $550 outright, or on a Koodo Tab with a $100 bonus gift on activation. - **Tbaytel:** added in line with Rogers pricing. ## Colours and storage changes The phone started in blue and white. A European retailer photo of a black model was treated as a rumour, since Samsung had said nothing and it was not certain that Canada would receive it. A red version existed in the United States and a tip said Bell would launch red on October 9. Black arrived at the time the Galaxy S IV was approaching. Telus and Bell both launched it, Bell on March 26 at the same price as other colours and with only the 16 GB size, like the red version. SaskTel often follows Bell's lineup. Rogers added black at $0 on a three-year contract and $649.99 without one. Rogers also became the first carrier to drop the 32 GB blue model, and the 16 GB phone was expected to stay on sale as a cheaper option once the successor appeared. ## Software and sales news - A rumour said the international phone was already in Jelly Bean testing, with a guess of late summer. A video showed CyanogenMod 10 running on the international model. - A leaked screenshot suggested a scrolling feature that follows head movement rather than eye movement, usable in the browser and email, and building on Smart Stay. - Samsung passed 10 million sales within a couple of months. - For the period from June to September, 18 million Galaxy S III units shipped, against 16.2 million iPhone 4S units. Nearly 6 million iPhone 5 units sold too, so combined Apple sales were higher, though the S III was still the top single model. ## Sony's response A Sony sales executive said the company would build a flagship able to compete with the iPhone and the Galaxy S III. The leaked Sony Yuga was rumoured to have a 5 inch 1080p screen, a quad-core S4, 2 GB of RAM, a 12 MP camera and Android 4.1, perhaps with water resistance. Timing, not hardware, was the concern, since a launch after the next wave of phones would leave it behind. ## What has changed since *Checked October 2026.* The Galaxy S3 launched in Canada in 2012, and Samsung has released a new Galaxy S line almost every year since. The Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra went on sale in Canada on March 11, 2026, with pre-orders from February 25. At launch the 256 GB models started at $1,249.99, $1,529.99 and $1,899.99. Samsung raised its Canadian prices on October 1, 2026, so check Samsung Canada or your carrier for the current price. The Galaxy S3 itself no longer receives updates and runs a very old version of Android. ## Google Now, Assistant and Search Updates for Android URL: https://androidincanada.ca/google-now-assistant-and-search-updates ## Google Now cards and features Google Now learns from your behaviour and shows cards with information before you ask. It is a different idea from Siri, which is built around conversation. Basic cards cover weather, stocks, sports scores, flight details from Gmail and travel time to meetings or restaurants. It needed Android 4.1 or higher. ### Updates over time - Voice commands: saying take a picture or record a video opens your default camera app. It does not take the shot or start recording by itself. - Travel: rental car details from Gmail, joining the existing hotel and flight cards. A concert card shows your ticket and event details, and another warns you about the last train or bus home. - Commute sharing: an alert when someone close to you leaves work for home or the reverse. - TV: say listen to TV and the phone identifies what is playing on the same wireless network and shows information. This was US only. You can set reminders for artists, actors or directors to learn about new releases. - Google Offers: a reminder when you are near a retailer where an offer can be used. - Recipes: a card based on food searches you make in Chrome. It was not clear which of these features were limited to certain regions, so Canadian users had to try them. ### A rumoured update A report said new features would arrive on November 13: Google Now asking clarifying questions (text Jennifer, which Jennifer?), better location cards such as geyser times at Yellowstone, and app search that completes tasks, like a restaurant search offering OpenTable. Google had not confirmed this, though a later Search update did add in-app results. ## Google Now widgets At first you had to open the search app to see your cards. A Google support page briefly mentioned a widget and was removed, which suggested it was close. Soon after, a search app update delivered it. The widget is 4x4 by default, resizable depending on your launcher, and can sit on the home screen or lock screen, the latter available since Android 4.2.
Change in that update (Android 4.1+)
Google Now widget for home screen or lock screen
Movie passes from Fandango
Rotten Tomatoes ratings in movie cards
Zillow real estate listings when you are house hunting
Music button while a song plays in voice mode (US only)
Support for US college sports
## The Okay Google hotword Motorola's Touchless Controls made hands-free use popular. Google's launcher had a similar Okay Google hotword, but only on the home pages. A later update to the Google Search app and Google Play Services extended it across the phone, including the lock screen, as long as the screen is on. It might also work when the screen is off while charging, though that was unconfirmed. 1. Use a device with Android 4.3 or newer. 2. Update Google Search and Google Play Services. 3. Enable the feature in Google Now settings and turn on Audio History. The rollout was gradual and account by account, and in Canada it appeared a while after the US. Older devices might miss out or suffer more battery drain. Phones with a Snapdragon 800 or newer are best suited because their chip has a low-power companion core that listens all the time. ## Searching inside apps and Now on Tap A Search update let results open directly inside installed apps, for example a restaurant search offering OpenTable. The supported list at the time was short: AllTrails, Allthecooks, Beautylish, Etsy, Expedia, Flixster, Healthtap, IMDb, Moviefone, Newegg, OpenTable, Trulia and Wikipedia. Now on Tap arrived with Android Marshmallow. Holding the home button pulls information from whatever is on screen and offers related details and links, and it works in any app. Google published a promo video to show how useful it can be. ## Google Assistant The Assistant started as a Pixel feature, offering more conversational help than Okay Google, and was also reachable in the Allo messaging app. Google announced it would reach all phones on Android 6.0 Marshmallow or 7.0 Nougat with Google Play Services, and confirmed that this included Canada starting the week of March 6. A Rogers Galaxy S6 showed it first. It was already out for non-Pixel phones in the US, with the UK, Australia and Germany to follow. OnePlus 3 and 3T owners got it on March 23. The Assistant also ran on the LG Watch Sport and Watch Style, and on budget phones such as the Moto G5 and Nokia's new models. Samsung's Bixby was due on the Galaxy S8. - **IFTTT.** The Assistant can run IFTTT recipes, at first simple ones such as posting to Facebook or Twitter by voice or changing the colour of a LIFX bulb. Native support also existed for services such as Spotify and Philips Hue. - **Screen search tests.** Some users saw a What's on my screen option and Share screenshot, while the swipe up for screen search and the Send feedback button disappeared. Google was testing this with a limited group. ## Other search updates - **Handwriting.** Enable it in the settings at the bottom of the Canadian Google search page, then write the word on screen. It worked on messy writing but with some lag. - **Near Me Now.** From Google's mobile page, once location is on, it finds restaurants, coffee shops and more. At launch it was US only and needed an iPhone on OS 3.x or Android 2.0.1 or later. Explore Right Here needed accuracy within about a city block. - **Instant on mobile.** Search results as you type became an opt-in beta, first tried on Android 2.2 Froyo. Small screens made it less useful and it was not smooth. - **Movie listings.** Search for movies, tap Use Location and then more movies to see nearby theatres, showtimes, ratings, posters and trailers. A data plan or Wi-Fi was needed. - **Fact Check.** A tag in Search and Google News flags claims checked by partners such as PolitiFact or Snopes. Google worked with 115 organizations, does not check every result, and sometimes shows several differing conclusions. ### Future ideas A paper by two Google security people said passwords are no longer enough and described logging in with a physical key such as a YubiKey, with a PIN, possibly built into a ring or phone chip. Google expected to test with other sites. Google also filed a patent about advertising based on environmental conditions, such as sensing rain on a call, which was only an idea. Another report described a conversational search engine that asks follow-up questions, as in the example of booking a flight to DC, likely years away. ## HTC 10 (One M10): Leaks, Launch and Canadian Availability URL: https://androidincanada.ca/htc-10-and-one-m10-leaks-launch-and-availability ## From One M10 to HTC 10: the name and the leaks The phone was first discussed under the codename Perfume and the working name One M10. Over a few weeks leakers shared a prototype front photo, a rear photo from a Chinese forum, a press render and even a white unit shown on camera. A later report from two well-known leakers agreed that HTC would drop the One moniker and call the phone the HTC 10. One writer admitted not loving the name, but noted the phone was clearly a descendant of the One line. The leaks pointed to a design that looked like the One A9 mid-ranger from the year before. The recurring details were: - A full metal unibody with chamfered edges all around. - The circular camera ring returning on the back. - No HTC logo bar below the screen, replaced by a home button that doubled as a fingerprint reader. - One BoomSound speaker moved to the bottom edge, next to a USB Type-C port. One early photo even suggested a single main speaker beside a large front camera, which the final phone did not follow exactly. - Android 6.0 Marshmallow with a refreshed Sense interface. A Chinese online retailer also listed the aluminum shell in gray and black for roughly $30, and the listing photos showed the unibody chassis in detail. Another anonymous leak showed AnTuTu benchmark results that beat the Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy Note 5 and iPhone 6S. Benchmarks are only one tool, but HTC's Sense skin had a reputation for being light on resources. ## Rumoured specs versus the final phone The specs shifted slightly as leaks arrived. Early reports said 5.1-inch Super AMOLED, then 5.1-inch Super LCD, then 5.15 and 5.2 inches. A leaker later confirmed Super LCD 5 rather than AMOLED and a 3000 mAh battery. Camera rumours mentioned a 12MP UltraPixel rear camera, a 4MP UltraPixel front camera and laser autofocus. The final numbers were a little different, as the table shows.
ItemRumouredAnnounced
Display5.1 to 5.2-inch QHD, AMOLED or SLCD5.2-inch QHD Super LCD 5
Processor and RAMSnapdragon 820, 4GBSnapdragon 820, 4GB
Storage32GB with microSD32GB with microSD (a 64GB option was announced globally)
Rear camera12MP UltraPixel, laser autofocus12MP UltraPixel, laser autofocus, OIS
Front camera4MP UltraPixel5MP with OIS
Battery3000 mAh3000 mAh
PortUSB Type-CUSB Type-C
Colours also leaked before launch. A press image showed four options: Carbon Gray, Glacier Silver with a white face, Glacier Silver with a black face and Topaz Gold. ## The teaser campaign HTC started with a silhouette teaser of the phone that matched the metal unibody leak. HTC's chief financial officer then said at Mobile World Congress that HTC would have a very compelling camera experience, based on what it had seen in the market. After that came a steady run of short teasers under the tag #powerof10: - **Cameras.** A line promising a world first and world class camera, front and back. The "world first" claim was a puzzle at the time; the announcement later showed optical stabilization on the front camera, a first in the industry. - **Speed.** A claim that the phone would be the fastest and smoothest Android, a bold promise against the Nexus 6P and Galaxy S7. - **Sound.** A teaser about hi-res audio and a "new boom", hinting at a next generation BoomSound. BoomSound had debuted on the One M7. HTC confirmed the launch event for April 12 at 8AM ET on its website. Commentary around the date noted that HTC badly needed this phone to help the company recover, with a VR headset and a rumoured Google partnership on Nexus phones also in the background. ## What HTC announced The official spec sheet matched most rumours: a 5.2-inch QHD Super LCD 5 display, Snapdragon 820, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a microSD slot, a 12MP UltraPixel camera with laser autofocus and OIS, a 5MP front camera with OIS, a 3000 mAh battery, a fingerprint reader and USB Type-C. Several details went beyond the leaks. ### Camera The UltraPixel was back with 1.55 micron pixels, but HTC also kept a high pixel count, a lesson from the M7 and M8. A Pro mode added manual controls. OIS on the front camera was a first for the industry. ### Audio The phone shipped as BoomSound Hi-Fi Edition and was High-Res Audio certified. High-res headphones were included in the box. The phone could also record high-res audio, which captures 256 times more detail than a standard recording. One front speaker moved to the bottom of the device, and the speakers now used a separate tweeter and woofer. ### Software Boost+ watches usage and adjusts the phone to improve performance and battery life. A new App Lock feature protects individual apps behind a fingerprint or passcode. ## Canadian availability and pricing HTC said Bell would be the exclusive carrier in Canada, and the phone was also sold unlocked through HTC's Canadian online store, where pre-orders opened the same day. The price was steep for the time. - **Unlocked from HTC:** $1000 at launch. A limited-time promotion took $100 off, and both Carbon Gray and Glacier Silver were offered. Shipping was expected in early May. - **Bell:** $350 on contract at release, with an outright price $100 lower than HTC's. Bell units were carrier locked, so an unlock code had to be bought to use another network. - **Storage:** HTC confirmed to a Canadian outlet that Canada would not receive the 64GB model. Reports said the US would not get it either. Only the 32GB version was sold, with microSD to expand it. Early reviews were mostly positive, and commentators felt HTC had come back strongly after two lacklustre flagships, although the single-carrier launch and high price were seen as risks. ## Rumours that did not stay in the picture A few other rumours appeared during the leak period. A Taiwanese site claimed the phone would go on sale on April 15, three days after the announcement; HTC never gave a firm date during the teaser stage, so this was only a rumour. A leaked document also described an HTC 10 Mini with a 4.7-inch display, Snapdragon 823 and 4GB of RAM, expected in September. Whether that phone appeared is not covered by the posts, so treat it as unconfirmed. ## Samsung Displays, Patents and Future Device Concepts URL: https://androidincanada.ca/samsung-displays-patents-and-future-device-concepts ## Youm flexible displays Samsung gave its bendable OLED screens the brand name Youm. A trademark was filed along with a family of names such as WAMOLED, FAMOLED, PAMOLED and TAMOLED, and a video of the technology impressed readers who saw it. At CES Samsung reintroduced Youm to the public, after first showing it much earlier. It demonstrated two prototypes: - A small box-like device with the display sticking out of the top and wrapping around the back like a scroll. - A phone-like unit with the display built into the sides, showing text messages, missed calls and other notifications. The idea was to turn unused areas of a device into screens. Samsung said Youm was close to the end of the prototype stage and nearing production readiness. Commentators also noted that a thinner flexible panel might free up room for a bigger battery, which fit Samsung's earlier promise of all-day batteries. The same panels were pitched as a way to end cracked LCD screens. ## Patents and concepts for new shapes ### Wraparound touch screen A patent filing showed a phone whose touch screen wraps around the edge. The pictures suggested practical uses: an edge strip for navigating an e-book, or a battery charging icon along the side. The design resembled a concept device Samsung showed at CES. A later report from Bloomberg, citing two people familiar with the plans, said a wraparound phone could arrive the following year using an upgraded Youm. It might join the S series or Note series, or become a new line. Each side of the display was said to work independently, which matches the patent images where the main screen and the edge showed different content for one app. ### Tri-fold device Another patent covered a tri-fold display. Folded, it would behave like an ordinary phone with the top screen. Opened, it would switch to a tablet mode, similar to the Padfone idea. Android already adapts its layout to screen size and resolution, which makes the software side plausible even if complex. ### Transparent display with rear touch A further filing showed a smartphone with a transparent display and a touch panel on the back. One possible use is a phone with no real front or back, since the screen would face the user whichever way it is held. Several concept videos of transparent devices were also circulating at the time. ### Sensor pads on the edges A patent described transparent sensor pads along the edges of a phone. They would not replace the main buttons but act as extra, application-specific controls. One diagram used corner pads as steering controls in a racing game, another used them as quick settings for the camera app. The buttons might be user configurable, which helps because everyone holds a phone differently. As with any patent, there was no guarantee Samsung would build it. ### A display-centric future A concept video imagined a world with displays on everything from car windows to coffee cups. The coffee cup looked silly, but a foldable tablet seemed practical. Samsung already had flexible and transparent displays in development. ## Edge screens in the lineup Samsung introduced its first mass market curved-edge phone with the Galaxy Note Edge. It sold modestly, but the company followed with the Galaxy S6 Edge, S6 Edge Plus and Galaxy S7 Edge. When the Note 7 launched in an edge-only model, the question arose whether non-edge phones would disappear. Samsung's head of mobile technology said making the edge display the identity of the Galaxy S line was under consideration, provided software and convenience features gave users a distinct experience. Because many buyers wanted flat screens, how that would play out with the S7 successor was unclear. ## Storage, 3D and cameras - **3D V-NAND.** Samsung announced mass production of the first three-dimensional vertical NAND flash memory. It took 10 years of research and is protected by more than 300 patents. A correction clarified that the chips range from 128Gb to 1Tb, which means 16GB to 128GB per chip. Phones and tablets were expected to use them the following year, with solid state drives possibly sooner. At the time the HTC One, Nexus 4, Optimus G and G2 had no expandable storage, and the Ubuntu Edge promised at least 128GB. - **No 3D screens.** During Galaxy S III rumours Samsung stated it had no immediate plan to put 3D displays in upcoming smartphones, ending that speculation. - **Dual camera rumour.** A Korean report claimed traditional sensor quality had plateaued, so Samsung was testing a dual camera for backlight correction, zoom shooting, highlights and high-speed shooting. The details came from a machine translation. - **Fingerprint reader.** SamMobile reported that the Galaxy S6 would drop the swipe-style reader for a touch-based sensor. Fingerprint Unlock, Web Sign-In and Pay with PayPal were expected to carry over, with no new features being tested. ## Metal phones The Galaxy Alpha was Samsung's first premium-material phone, with an aluminum frame but a plastic back cover and bezels. Earlier, the Galaxy J was announced as Samsung's first high-end device built mainly from metal. It mixed the S4 and Note 3: Snapdragon 800, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, a 13MP camera and a 5 inch display. It was headed to Taiwan and Japan, so Canadians were unlikely to see it. A later rumour described the SM-A500, a mid-range phone with a non-removable full metal casing. Tipped specs were a 5 inch 720p AMOLED display, Snapdragon 400, 8MP rear and 2MP front cameras, 16GB storage with microSD expansion and a 2330 mAh battery. It is unclear whether it was a unibody design. ## Rugged Galaxy Xcover 4 at Bell The Galaxy Xcover 4 was set to go on sale at Bell on June 23, with no price announced in the post. It succeeds the Xcover 3.
FeatureGalaxy Xcover 4 at launch
Display5 inch, 720 x 1280, 294 ppi
ProcessorQuad-core Exynos 7570
Memory2GB RAM, 16GB storage, microSD up to 256GB
DurabilityIP68 (1.5 metres for 30 minutes), MIL-STD-810G
Cameras13MP f/1.9 with autofocus and LED flash, 5MP f/2.2 front
Battery and software2,800 mAh removable, Android 7.0 Nougat
## The Galaxy X foldable Rumours about a foldable Galaxy X had circulated for years, including a claim that it would appear before the Galaxy Note 8, which did not happen. South Korea's radio agency then approved a device with model number SM-G888N0, the same number that appeared at the Wi-Fi Alliance as a smartphone. The N0 suffix marks the Korean market. This pointed to a launch being close, though the certification revealed nothing else. ## Android Pay, Carrier Plans and Promotions in Canada URL: https://androidincanada.ca/android-pay-carrier-plans-and-promotions-in-canada ## Mobile payments before Android Pay Before Google's wallet arrived, Canadians could use Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay was limited to CIBC credit cards. Three of the five big banks (TD Canada Trust, Scotiabank and RBC) also offered mobile payments through their own apps. The drawback was that each bank's app only covered its own customers, so people relied on separate apps from separate providers. ### RBC Wallet RBC was the first Canadian financial institution to let clients choose between debit and credit for mobile payments. RBC Wallet for Android let RBC Mobile clients pay with an RBC Interac Debit card or an RBC Visa credit card. It ran on RBC Secure Cloud, described as the first cloud-based payments solution in Canada. - At launch it worked only on the Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy S4, both NFC phones. - The phone had to be on the Bell network and have an upgraded NFC-enabled SIM card. - It was a Google Play download, and MasterCard support and more devices were promised for the following spring. - RBC said its vision was a wallet that works on all phones with all carriers. Bell described the partnership as the country's biggest bank working with its biggest communications company. ## Android Pay arrives in Canada Android Pay was confirmed for Canada at Google I/O, with a later report pointing to a launch on May 31. It was expected to work with most credit and debit cards from VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Interac, and it would remove the need for third-party apps. ### The unofficial appearance Before the launch, a Reddit user noticed that an Android Pay update (version 1.12) marked every card as not accepted except one Scotiabank SCENE Visa. Another person confirmed that a Scotiabank Visa could be added too. The app was not in the Canadian Play Store, so it had to be installed from an APK file. Google's official reply at the time was that Android Pay was not yet available in Canada. ### The official launch
ItemDetail at launch
Card networksMastercard and Visa on day one, Interac the following Monday, American Express soon
Banks and issuersATB Financial, BMO, Canadian Tire, CIBC, Desjardins, Banque Nationale, PC Financial, Scotiabank; Tangerine coming soon
Phone requirementAndroid 4.4 KitKat or newer
Where it worksAny terminal that accepts tap payments
Setup was simple: install Android Pay, then add a card from a participating bank. ## The 6GB plan wave For a short stretch, 6GB plans were the main talking point among the national carriers. Rogers, Bell and Virgin had each released a version, and two more followed.
CarrierPlan details at the time
TelusAbout 5 dollars more than competitors. 200 anytime minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends from 6pm, unlimited nationwide family calling, unlimited text, picture and video messaging, unlimited talk and text to 10 nationwide numbers, 6GB data, voicemail and caller ID. Expired on August 9.
KoodoCalled the Canada-Wide Super 6GB, around 60 dollars. 250 Canada-wide minutes, evenings and weekends from 5pm, unlimited incoming calls, unlimited text and picture messaging, caller ID and voicemail, 6GB data. Offered until August 6 and possibly only to existing customers.
## Regional carriers ### SaskTel Ultimate 65 SaskTel, Saskatchewan's regional carrier, introduced the Ultimate 65 plan, one of the few offering unlimited data across Canada. Wind and Mobilicity had unlimited plans too, but only inside their own coverage zones. It was available only to people living in Saskatchewan. - Unlimited local talk and unlimited SaskTel-to-SaskTel calling - Unlimited text - Unlimited data, slowed after 10GB - 150 long distance minutes - Call display, call waiting, call transfer and three-way calling included ### Tbaytel Tbaytel wanted customers on its new 4G HSPA+ network after its network expansion and the Rogers arrangement. The promotion ran until April 30 and applied to people with old phones moving to a smartphone, and to former Rogers customers still on a transition plan. Former Rogers customers also received an extra 150 dollar account credit for switching fully, and accounts held by a Chamber organization saved another 15 percent. The author calculated about 720 dollars of savings over the three-year term plus a subsidized phone. Separately, Tbaytel announced planned tower upgrades in Thunder Bay and the surrounding region, with some service disruptions expected and a reception feedback form on its website. ## Roaming, rules and events ### Roam Mobility A sponsored Spring Break promotion from Vancouver-based Roam Mobility offered 25 percent off a first U.S. roaming plan of up to 7 days until April 10. Plans can be scheduled up to a year ahead and start when the Roam SIM is inserted at the destination. The company had also added Mexico plans priced up to 95 percent below Rogers, Telus and Bell, band 12 (700MHz LTE) support for better indoor and rural coverage, and an Enhanced Coverage add-on for areas such as Alaska, Iowa, Maine and Wyoming. ### Nova Scotia contract rules Nova Scotia moved ahead of the CRTC's national wireless code. From May 1, carriers had to summarize contracts on one page covering monthly costs, and could not change services, costs, fees or usage locations in a signed contract without consent. A 50 dollar cap on cancellation fees was also possible, though customers would still owe the remaining device balance. The rules applied to anyone starting or renewing a contract after May 1. ### Canadian Wireless Trade Show The Canadian Wireless Trade Show took place on September 25 and 26 at the Toronto Congress Centre. It was a free B2B event with a large exhibitor floor and seminars with speakers from Google, Microsoft and Samsung. Registration closed September 7 and parking was free. ## Carrier satisfaction survey and Verizon The site ran a poll on how satisfied Canadians were with their carriers, prompted by friends in the U.S. paying much less. It aimed for 500 respondents before releasing results. On the U.S. side, Verizon launched a Droid campaign aimed at the iPhone. The ad listed a physical keyboard, third-party multitasking, a 5MP camera with flash, more customization, widgets, open development, a removable battery, 10,000 or more apps, Android 2.0 and speech recognition. The author doubted a Canadian carrier would brand a phone this way since all the big three carried the iPhone. A related story noted that Siri was nearly a Verizon Droid exclusive: the original developers had an agreement and were preparing commercials, but Apple bought the company and cancelled the deals to keep exclusive rights. ## Samsung Galaxy Carrier Pricing, Promotions and Contests in Canada URL: https://androidincanada.ca/samsung-carrier-pricing-promotions-and-contests-canada ## Launch pricing for new Galaxy devices Most launch prices reached Canadians first as leaks or tips, so they were often described as "about" or "expected". The table lists what was reported at the time.
DeviceCarrierOutrightTerm price
Galaxy Note 8.0 (Wi-Fi only)Best Buy and Future Shop pre-order$430Not applicable
Galaxy S4 MiniBell$499.95Not confirmed
Galaxy MegaRogers$500$100 on 2-year
Galaxy Note IIIBellAbout $800Not official, about $300 expected
Galaxy S5TelusNot given, about $700 expected$249 on 2-year
Galaxy Xcover 4Rogers$350$0 down on Smart Tab or $180 on Talk and Text
### Galaxy Note 8.0 The tablet was unveiled at MWC in February and reached Canadian pre-order with an April 19 launch date. It has an 8-inch 1280x800 display, a 1.6 GHz quad-core Exynos processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage with a microSD slot, a 5MP rear camera, a 1.3MP front camera, a 4600 mAh battery and Android 4.1. It includes the S Pen. The $430 price was higher than most 7-inch tablets, and only the Wi-Fi model was confirmed. A 3G model had not been announced for Canada. ### Galaxy S4 Mini and Galaxy Mega A tip said Bell would sell the black Galaxy S4 Mini for $499.95. Specs were a 4.3-inch 960x540 Super AMOLED display, 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, an 8MP camera, a 1.9MP front camera and Android 4.2.2. Other carriers were expected to follow, and a $0 price on a 2-year term was a guess, not a confirmation. An internal Rogers document priced the Galaxy Mega at $500 outright and $100 on a 2-year contract. The Mega has a 6.3-inch 720p display, a 1.7GHz dual-core Snapdragon 400, 1.5GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, an 8MP camera, a 1.9MP front camera, a 3200 mAh battery and Android 4.2.2. ### Galaxy Note III, Note II and Galaxy S5 The Note III leaked at about $800 outright on Bell, $100 above the Note II, with a launch set for October 4 on several carriers. The contract price was unofficial, though about $300 matched the AT&T price. Koodo later listed the Note II at $500 outright, $0 on a Large Tab, $200 on a Medium Tab and $350 on a Small Tab. It was positioned against the S4 Mini, HTC One Mini and iPhone 5C. Telus told a news site that the suggested 2-year price for the Galaxy S5, due in April, was $249, noting that prices might change. Earlier rumours that Samsung might price the S5 below the usual flagship level did not fit that number. ### Galaxy Xcover 4 The rugged Xcover 4 reached Bell and Rogers on June 23, with Freedom Mobile a day earlier on June 22. It is MIL-STD 810G certified and has a 5-inch 720x1280 display at 294ppi, an Exynos 7570 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage expandable to 256GB, 13MP and 5MP cameras and Android 7.0 Nougat. ## Galaxy S II price drops and refurbished deals The Bell and Virgin Galaxy S II became a case study in falling retail prices at Best Buy and Future Shop on 3-year terms. Its original price was $169, and the sale price went from $69.99 to $44.99, then $24.99 and finally $0.01. A reader complaint was that buyers on the early sales could not recover the difference. The final sale was said to end the day it was reported. Refurbished phones were another route. Telus sold "refreshed" Galaxy S III phones at $349 outright or $49 on a 3-year contract, against a regular $650 to $700. Refurbished units are often open-box or returned phones that must still meet company standards. Telus also had refurbished first-generation Galaxy Note phones at $400, with a Jelly Bean update planned for the Note and Galaxy S II X the following month. ## Galaxy S III launch offers - **Bell and NCIX.** A white Galaxy S III for $0, but only with a new account. - **Virgin Mobile.** A Mobile Tester programme asked current Virgin customers to promote the phone through social media, with a free phone possible. - **SaskTel.** A draw for three Galaxy S III phones, open only to Saskatchewan residents. - **Samsung Canada.** A draw for three more, held on the June 20 availability date. Entrants needed to like the Samsung page and enter once. ## Contests and launch events Samsung Canada gave away five Galaxy Note phones on February 14. Entries closed February 13 and one entry per day per email address was allowed. Around the Note II launch, Samsung offered a chance to win two tickets to the Toronto launch party headlined by PSY. The first 25 people in line showing a Galaxy device got VIP access for themselves and a friend, and five people in costume were chosen for a signed photo. For the Galaxy S5, Telus and Samsung filmed a promotion in which a stranded comedian's car needed a boost. It showed battery sharing, which lets one phone charge another. ## The Android in Canada giveaway The site ran a 10-day gift giveaway, Monday to Friday, with prizes worth $15 to $100 and winners chosen at random or by their reason. Entry was open to Canadian residents, one request per person, and winners had 48 hours to reply with a mailing address. Phone cases were among the prizes. - **Day 1.** A new, boxed Case-Mate Barely There for the Galaxy Nexus, then the slimmest case for that phone. - **Day 3.** A Case-Mate Barely There in brushed aluminum for the Galaxy S II LTE (Skyrocket, I727), with raised screen edges. - **Day 4.** A CopyCat Case-Mate POP style case with a kickstand for the Galaxy S II. It was a demo unit without a box. - **Day 7.** A soft rubber Galaxy Nexus case with side grips. A related tip covered a 2300 mAh extended battery for the GSM Galaxy Nexus (I9250) at $5.99 with free shipping. After one charge it matched the stock battery, and new lithium-ion batteries need three to five cycles to reach full capacity. ## Samsung's Ultra Power Saving Mode Samsung advertised the Galaxy S5's Ultra Power Saving Mode, which turns the screen to greyscale and disables non-essential functions. The ad claimed at least 24 extra hours of standby from 10 percent charge. ## ASUS ZenFone phones in Canada: ZenFone 2, 3, 4 Max, Zoom and AR URL: https://androidincanada.ca/asus-zenfone-phones ## ASUS before the ZenFone For years ASUS was known as a tablet maker. It helped push Android through the early Honeycomb days with the Transformer series and the Slider, and it built the Nexus 7. Its phone-like devices were the PadFone, a phone that docks into a tablet, and the FonePad, and neither was officially sold in North America. Several reports described a change of direction. One said ASUS would develop both Android and Windows Phone devices, with a PadFone sequel planned for a fourth quarter. The company chairman said ASUS was working on smartphones for the US market but did not expect anything for a while, and called ASUS a latecomer in phones. A teaser video titled "What's Your Number?" showed balls marked 4, 5 and 6 and hinted at devices of those screen sizes for a coming CES. ## ZenFone 2: announcement and Canadian launch ASUS unveiled the ZenFone 2 at CES as a flagship that started at $199 USD, with Android 5.0 Lollipop and ZenUI. The expected release was March, with no word on whether it would cross the border. The higher model was billed as the first smartphone with 4GB of dual-channel RAM. After a North American event in New York, the phone arrived in Canada and the US. It was sold factory unlocked through NCIX, Memory Express and Newegg, and it worked on all Canadian carriers, including Wind Mobile. Prices at launch:
ModelChipRAMStoragePrice at launch
ZenFone 2 (entry)1.8 GHz Intel Atom Z35602GB16GB$249 CAD
ZenFone 2 (high end)2.3 GHz Intel Atom Z35804GB64GB$379 CAD
Both had a 5.5-inch 1080p display, a 13MP rear and 5MP front camera with dual LED flash, microSD expansion and a 3000 mAh battery that charged to 60% in 39 minutes. A later third model kept the 1.8 GHz chip and 16GB of storage but added 4GB of RAM for people who wanted multitasking without paying for the 64GB model. At first it was sold only in the US. ### ZenFone 2 Laser The ZenFone 2 Laser added laser autofocus for fast focusing. Inside, the Intel chip gave way to a 1.7 GHz Snapdragon 615 with 3GB of RAM, and the 64GB option disappeared, leaving 16GB and 32GB with microSD and a 3000 mAh non-removable battery. In Canada it was priced from $269 at Staples, Canada Computers, NCIX and Memory Express. ## ZenFone Max and ZenFone 3 The original ZenFone Max was announced as a mid-range phablet with a 5000 mAh battery, a 5.5-inch 720p display with Gorilla Glass 4, a Snapdragon 410, 2GB of RAM and a 13MP camera in a 5.2mm body. ASUS said it would sell first in India in October and gave no wider pricing. The ZenFone 3 was the successor to the ZenFone 2. Before launch, benchmarks listed two models, Z010DD with a 5.9-inch 720p screen, Snapdragon 615, 3GB of RAM and 32GB, and Z012D with a 5.5-inch 1080p screen and Snapdragon 650. Leaks then claimed three sizes (4.5, 5 and 5.5 inches), up to five colours, a 2.5D Gorilla Glass 4 panel, dual SIM, up to 4GB of RAM and a rumoured 23MP camera, shortly before Computex. Press renders of the ZenFone 3 and a metal Deluxe model, resembling the Galaxy S7, showed a USB Type-C port and a front LED flash. The ZenFone 3 reached Canada at $429 at Amazon, Best Buy, Canada Computers, DirectCanada, London Drugs, Memory Express, NCIX, Newegg and Staples, in four colours, with availability varying by store. ## ZenFone 3 Zoom and ZenFone 3 Max The ZenFone 3 Zoom launched at CES as the successor to the ZenFone Zoom. Optical zoom dropped from 3X to 2.3X, but it gained 4K video. It has two lenses, one 12MP at f/1.7, and ASUS called it the thinnest 5.5-inch phone with a metal body at 7.9mm. The display is 5.5-inch 1080p, the chip a Snapdragon 625 and the battery 5,000 mAh. The Canadian version has 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage and ran Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box. At Best Buy stores, on a month-to-month plan with any carrier, the Zoom cost $299.99 (down from $479.99) and the ZenFone 3 Max cost $149.99 (down from $199.99). The Max has a 5.2-inch 720p display, a quad-core MediaTek chip, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, a 4,100 mAh battery and 13MP and 5MP cameras. ## ZenFone 4 era: Max, AR and rumours An ASUS invite for a "Zennovation" event carried Qualcomm branding, which suggested a phone with the Snapdragon 835. Because the ZenFone 3 already offered 6GB of RAM, the next flagship was guessed to have 8GB. A separate leak mentioned a ZenFone AR using Google Tango, with the ZenFone 4 series due in spring. - **Zenfone 4 Max:** $299 CAD in Canada, with retailers not yet named. It has a 5.5-inch 720p screen, Snapdragon 430, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a 13MP wide-angle camera (120 degrees, f/2.0) with a 5MP second camera, a 5,000 mAh battery and Android 7.0 Nougat. ASUS said ZenFone 3 and 4 phones would receive Android 8.0 Oreo. - **ZenFone AR:** launched at CES but not yet on sale; a report said it would reach Canada in July, about when it came to the US. A three-camera Tango system maps surroundings and tracks motion. It has a 5.7-inch 2560 x 1440 display, a Snapdragon 821, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. In the US it was expected to be a Verizon exclusive; the Canadian carrier and price were unknown, though ASUS's CEO said it would not cost more than the Galaxy S8+. ## Software updates ASUS posted a Marshmallow timeline on its ZenTalk forum: ZenFone 2 variants were expected to get Android 6.0 in the second quarter. The list covered the PadFone S, ZenFone 2 (ZE550ML, ZE551ML), Deluxe and Deluxe Special Edition, ZenFone 2 Laser models, ZenFone Selfie, ZenFone Max and ZenFone Zoom. Google Messenger, Calendar and Gmail replaced the ASUS Messenger, Mail and Calendar apps. The ZenFone 2 Laser (ZE500KL) was the first to receive it over the air, build 13.10.6.16_M3.6.44, with several preloaded apps removed. It could take a week to reach a given phone. The ZenFone 3 Zoom later received Android 7.1.1 Nougat, adding portrait mode and RAW support, multi-window, double-tap app switching, direct reply, 72 new emojis, Data Saver, notification controls and display size.