There has been no significant change in the high end phones since we wrote out last guide.
The
specifications seem impressive enough with 1 GB of RAM, a dual core 1.2
GHz A9 processor on a TI OMAP 4460 chipset, HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps
connectivity, an excellent 5 MP camera and a 1.3 MP
secondary camera (which can do 720 p video recording). The 5 MP camera
feautres zero shutter lag and single motion panorama shots. Internal
storage starts at 16 GB with a 32 GB model available (but not in the
Philippines).
Free: At Smart Data Plan 2000
Samsung Galaxy Nexus. Last time we wrote the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Google's current generation reference phone, was being offered on pre-order. The phone is now part of the regular Smart offerings, but is being offered to postpaid subscribers only. There is no pre-paid kit. If you want on outside a postpaid plan, your only option for now is the grey market.
This phone features two new things, the new Android 4.0 operating system and a large 4.65 inch Super AMOLED HD (720 x 1280) screen. The phone has a button less interface.
This phone features two new things, the new Android 4.0 operating system and a large 4.65 inch Super AMOLED HD (720 x 1280) screen. The phone has a button less interface.
The
specifications seem impressive enough with 1 GB of RAM, a dual core 1.2
GHz A9 processor on a TI OMAP 4460 chipset, HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps
connectivity, an excellent 5 MP camera and a 1.3 MP
secondary camera (which can do 720 p video recording). The 5 MP camera
feautres zero shutter lag and single motion panorama shots. Internal
storage starts at 16 GB with a 32 GB model available (but not in the
Philippines).
As
impressive as this may sound, dual core 1.2 GHz A9 processor on a TI
OMAP 4460 chipset is not a fast as the Exynos based system on the seven
month old Samsung Galaxy S II.The Galaxy S II has a better 8 MP primary
camera and a also comes with a 2 MP secondary camera. For storage, the
Galaxy S II has 16 GB of internal storage expandable via MicroSD card.
In
other words, it is not a Galaxy S II killer. The main reason to get
this phone is the 4.65-inch screen. In a way also, this is a limiting
factor. While the phone is only 8.9 mm thick, it is still 67.9 mm wide
so it may not be ideal for persons with smaller hands.
Apple iPhone 4S.
The Apple iPhone 4S is the most expensive smartphone in the country,
but good postpaid options make acquisition relatively painless. Given
its high price, it specifications are fairly modest with a 3.5-inch (640
x 960 resolution), 512 MB of RAM, a 800 MHz dual core A5 processor,
HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity, an excellent 8 MP camera and a VGA
secondary camera. The camera can take pictures with almost zero shutter
lag. Just 0.5 seconds between shots. Internal storage starts at 16 GB
with 32 GB and 64 GB models available. These modest specifications are
enough to run iOS 5 fast.
iOS
5 is also a much improve operating system, integrating cloud services,
Android like notifications and widgets (only two at present) and the
SIRI virtual assistant.
Ultimately, whether you like this phone or not depends on how you feel about the 3.5-inch screen. If you prefer this size of phone, it really has no direct competition, Android phone with more or less this screen size being mid-level offerings. The Apple iPhone 4S is the best mid sized smartphone.
Cash price: Php33,200 (Smart)/Php37,690 (Globe) for the 16GB model
Free: At Plan 2499
Recommended plan:
- Smart at Data Plan 2000 with Php2,500 cash out (this plan comes with unlimited data. Smart Plan 2499 is capped at 1 GB).
- Globe Data Plan 1799
with Php4,800 cash out. If you can spend more, it make more sense to
add on services like unlimited calls and SMS within the Globe Network
rather than avail of Plan 2,499.
Samsung Galaxy Note. The price of this of the
Samsung Galaxy Note has actually gone up to about Php33,000 since our last writing. This phone has a large 5.3-inch Super AMOLED HD
(800 x 1280) screen.
This
Android phone runs on 1 GB of RAM, a dual core 1.4 GHz A9 processor on a
Exynos chipset, HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps connectivity, an excellent 8 MP camera
and a 2 MP
secondary camera Internal storage
starts at 16 GB with a 32 GB model available (but not in the
Philippines), which is expandable via a MicroSD card. It also comes with
a stylus which brings added functionality. Right now it runs on Android
2.3.5, but an Android 4.0 update is guaranteed.
It
is a monster phone with monster specifications. It really depends on
you want a large almost tablet like device. If you do, this one is
probably the best choice.
Cash price: As low as Php33,000 open line with a 1 year official warranty
Free: Free at Smart Data Plan 2000 (when I checked a few days ago it was out of stock).
Samsung Galaxy S II. This seven month old phone is still a great choice. It has a large 4.3-inch Super AMOLED HD (480 x 800) display.
This
Android phone runs on 1 GB of RAM, a
dual core 1.2 GHz A9 processor on a Exynos chipset, HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps
connectivity, an excellent 8 MP camera
and a 2 MP
secondary camera Internal storage
starts at 16 GB with a 32 GB model available (but not in the
Philippines), which is expandable via a MicroSD card. Right now it runs
on Android
2.3.5, but an Android 4.0 update is guaranteed. Except for the screen
size and resolution, and the operating system, this phone has better
specifications than the Galaxy Nexus.
Cash price: As low as Php25,950 open line with a 1 year official warranty
Free: At Globe's Plan 2499
BlackBerry Torch 9860. We
only recommend this phone if you are a using BlackBerry services and
are looking for something to tide you over until the next generation of
BlackBerry phones.
Like
the other new BlackBerry phones it comes with O.S. version 7.0, a
1.2GHz processor and 5MP camara. The Torch 9860 actually comes with less
internal memory at 4GB compared to the new 9810 Torch and 9790 Bold
which had 8GB. It is not that big a deal since storage is expandable via
MicroSD card.
We
selected this among the new BlackBerry's because it has the largest
screen with the highest resolution among the new BlackBerry's at
3.7-inches with a 480 x 800 resolution. This makes is the best choice
for a variety of uses like web browsing, document viewing, navigation
and the like. You do loose the QWERTY keyboard.
If
you want a BlackBerry with a QWERTY keyboard, you might as well hold on
to what you have and wait a few month for the BB 10 phones. If you are
not a BlackBerry user, now does not seem to be the time to make a switch
to this platform.
Cash price: As low as Php24,900 open line with a 1 year official warranty
Other phones. There
are a bunch of other high end phones in the market, like HTC Sensation
series (basic, XE and XL), the LG Optimus 2X, 3D smartphones like HTC
EVO 3D and LG 3D P920, BlackBerry's new Model 9810 Torch and 9790 Bold
and Nokia's MeeGo powered N9. We did not forget this phones. The five
above are the best choices in the market today.
Smartphones are not so easy to utilize. Some of smartphone features are very hard to understand and access. That kind of user-guide could help to use these smartphones effectively. To know about 'Operating System' is also essential for access smartphone.
ReplyDeleteThe samsung galaxy nexus amazing phone with the featured high class quality service and can take the affect, attention at anywhere also impact it's personality in someone mind. This is better one who have to introduce their self with the smart phone service.
ReplyDeleteThe other main reason for the Galaxy Nexus: OS updates from Google. No need to wait around and hope for the phone manufacturer to roll out OS updates for your phone.
ReplyDeleteGranted, that only applies to hardcore Android fanboys, but still...