Android Help

February 17, 2025 6:40 AM

I've always had iPhones - but now am looking at Android for a specific purpose & could use some help.

I use the qdomyos-zwift app as a bridge between my treadmill and Zwift on a computer. Currently, I run the app on my iPhone.

However, based on this article, I see that if I use the Android app, I can get some additional functionality that I'm interested in.

So - I'm thinking about getting an Android phone that I can leave in the workout room that will only be used to run qdomyos-zwift. That means I'd like the least expensive option, and I will only be connected to wifi - I'm not going to need to use it for calls, photos, or anything else.

Given that criteria, I think I could either buy a used device or a new device that is very inexpensive because of being locked to a network - like this one from Walmart.

We've had good luck with used iPhones / iPads from Swapa, but I just don't feel like I know what to look for with Android. However, I'm also concerned about a new device like the above requiring that I activate the phone plan in order to use it at all.

It could also be that there is some other option I don't know about. My end goal is to run the qdomyos-zwift app on an Android device so that I can use the auto-speed / auto-inclination feature. The device will be left in one room in the house, only need to connect to wifi, and preferably will be reliable for this single purpose use. Because I am using it for just such a limited purpose, it would also be lovely for it to be inexpensive (i.e. < $50 or so).

posted by hilaryjade to Computers & Internet (6 answers total)

Best answer: Honestly, I'd ask around before buying. Lots of folks have an older android lying around doing nothing they'd happily give you so it can be useful.
posted by pyro979 at 7:06 AM on February 17 [4 favorites]

Best answer: I would definitely follow pyro979's suggestion to ask a friend. We've got several older androids laying around that I'd be happy to wipe and give a friend. Otherwise, try a Samsung Galaxy A series phone. My spouse has had an A42 for a few years that works great. You can get a lower level A series for around $60. If you're in the states, you may also have luck going to Costco and trying to buy the cheapest Android their vendor has.
posted by notjustthefish at 7:15 AM on February 17

Best answer: At my local recycling center, there are always stacks of Android (and Apple) phones that I am sure that some work.

Having said that, I am 3rd-ing the ask a friend suggestion by pyro979.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 7:23 AM on February 17

Best answer: If you're stymied who to ask, see you have a local buy nothing group (usually Facebook) and ask there.
posted by fiercekitten at 7:52 AM on February 17

Best answer: I've bought a couple cheap android phones for this kind of thing - typically less than $30 but that was a few years back. I never had to activate one and I could use wifi, gps, headphones and camera without any trouble.

Walmart shows a couple phones for about $30 . Ask first but if it doesn't do what you want you probably could take it back.
posted by metadave at 4:31 PM on February 17

Response by poster: Thanks all. I reached out to the developer and it turns out I was not understanding the instructions clearly - they told me that Zwift workouts get loaded the same in Android or iOs.

Best answers for all! And marking as resolved because it turns out I don’t actually need an Android!
posted by hilaryjade at 6:26 PM on February 17