I don't really know how they do it, but some do run newer Android versions like Android 14 (Meebook M8, Bigme B7). Anyway, the lack of Play store isn't really a consideration in China, it's only for foreign markets they have to include the Play store. This also means that China has many more Android e-ink brands than are available to us (which mostly are Boox, Meebook, Bigme or Hisense).
Yingwu
Still, e-ink is so much better than a regular screen. If one is really strapped for cash sure, but for one's eyes sake I'd say e-ink is a worthwhile investment if one likes to read. A phone can't compare.
To be honest I don't really find them prohibitively expensive if you count the value you'll get from them over the years. I have both a Kobo Libra 2 and an Android Boox Page, which I bought for different use cases. I see them both lasting me many years. My previous Kobo Aura One lasted me 7 years in itself before I sold it 2nd hand. My reading skyrocketed once I bought an e-reader.
They had DMCA requests for 800+ titles so it's functionally crippled at the moment and it seems like they're pivoting to becoming a self-published webtoon platform instead. Check here: https://mangadex.org/compliance/copyright-faq
Great site! Thanks
Check out Comick or Weeb Central!
At least there's Nyaa, and alternative sites to Mangadex for ongoing releases.
Unfortunately it's still trial and error. Check out e.g Ovpn, Astrill, Mullvad though. You can always email and ask different providers as well. Though it's best it you set it up before visiting China. A HK sim through Airalo or similar also works.
Yeah, I've heard Shanghai for example has zones where the GFW is much more lax?
It's better to pay for a VPN provider that is verified to work in China. And no, they won't kidnap you for using a VPN as some people write here. It's a non-issue just to bypass the GFW. The issue is when you write to a Chinese audience things that the CCP do not like.
You don't have to set up your own VPN. Many public providers work.
Very nice. I played it for a bit recently but I quit at the water temple, didn't intend to but it kinda made me. To no ones surprise I guess?