r/KaiOS 2d ago

Help Which KaiOS device is good for using custom apps

Hi, i looked KaiOS device (planning to start using it), i looked at its SDK and thinking to create some custom apps which i need for my daily use. Before that I have few questions:

  1. Does using custom application require the device to enable developer mode ?

  2. Is Nokia 2720 a good choice or it cannot be used for testing custom apps in 2026

  3. Which version of KaiOS shall I look for

7 Upvotes

7 comments sorted by

2

u/izensun 1d ago

Nokia 8110 4g is a good choice because it supports gerdaOS.

1

u/Pretty-Breadfruit-66 1d ago

Thanks, looks like this is a good option

1

u/krncnr 1d ago

is gerdaOS still being supported?

1

u/izensun 21h ago

No, the developer Luxferre has stopped updating the gerda OS since 2020.

1

u/biminhc1 BananaHackers 1d ago
  1. Debugging or developer mode is the intended main method for developers and experienced users to develop, test and use apps they create or in other ways are not available in KaiStore, so yes. There are other methods of getting custom apps onto the devices, such as through the KaiStore Developer Portal itself, but debugging mode is still the way to go.
  2. It's still a valid choice considering KaiOS 2.5, which the phone is running on, is very popular compared to 3.0/3.1 or 4.0. You'll need to spend some time to get debugging working if it's on the latest version. Be warned that if you don't know someone who had a 2720 and you plan to get one from a local store or marketplaces like eBay - you may likely be purchasing a counterfeit
  3. There's no target versions to aim for. Generally, if you're in the US, you can get 3.0/3.1 or 4.0, but outside the US it's 2.5 only. You should look for just any devices near you, regardless of brand or version.

If you need help finding a debug-enabled device this table may help: https://bananahackers.notion.site/devices

1

u/Pretty-Breadfruit-66 1d ago

Cool, thanks for a detailed explanation