Can an Android application ruin phone?

[mrvash]

Hi guys,

I'm using the LG Motion 4G from MetroPCS on their 4G lte network, the one I'm using now is a replacement, the original one I've ordered from their website and had it shipped to my door. As soon as it arrived I've transfered all of my apps from when I had a Droid to the LG, I've app was an SNES emulator. When i opened the emulator it ran flawlessly, but my phone kept losing service, then finally disconnect service all together. the corporate MetroPCS office replaced my phone with a brand new andruns fine so far, but I'm afraid to run the emulator again in fear that i may ruin the replacement. My question is: is it possible for an app to burn out/ruin a phone?

[NSR500]

Yes, an App can ruin a phone. The Android phones have the highest virus rate of all smart phones.

[sfwdiy]

A virus is not going to physically damage a phone. A NES emulator won't cause the radio to stop working.

Install Lookout Mobile Security, it's a decent anti-virus app. Lets you find and remotely lock the phone as well.

--B

[the86d]

Do you have root access, and did the app ask for root access on 1st run, if you are rooted?

If not, then you have the option to truly factory the device...

If so, then you may have an option to restore, if you ever did a backup, or many phones can have the factory software laid back down, if it will turn on, and go to "Download mode", but you have to research that for your particular phone.

Be weary of installing non-market apk's, especially if they ask for root access (IF you've got root).

[NSR500]

A virus is not going to physically damage a phone. A NES emulator won't cause the radio to stop working.

Install Lookout Mobile Security, it's a decent anti-virus app. Lets you find and remotely lock the phone as well.

--B

Did you verify that the phone was physically damaged? The OP never stated that.
As for an app killing the phone signal... Yes, it can be done.

[sfwdiy]

Did you verify that the phone was physically damaged? The OP never stated that.

That was the implication, based on the need for warranty replacement.

As for an app killing the phone signal... Yes, it can be done.

Of course it can. If you have root you can mess with how many signal bars the phone displays, make it randomly drop packets, fail to initiate or receive calls, etc.

Like I said though, unless you purposely reflash the baseband with bad firmware I don't see an app actually damaging the phone to the point of requiring warranty replacement.

If there actually was something wrong with the radio my guess would be that this is an example of correlation, not causation.

I just don't want people running around thinking they can download a fake game that's gonna brick their phone or make it explode in their pocket or something.

--B