Cherry Mobile Omega HD 2.0 versus Comos X: Tough Choice

If you are looking for a full-sized Android smartphone priced at about 10K, Cherry Mobile is making life difficult for you with two offerings to chose from: the Omega HD 2.0 and the Cosmos X. Both phones are top in class in terms of processing power, RAM and storage. 

Cherry Mobile new Cosmos X

Display. The Omega HD 2.0 has a 5-inch IPS 720 (720 x 1280 pixel resolution) display, while the Cosmos X has a smaller 4.7-inch Super AMOLED 720p display. The size difference is actually bigger than it sounds. The Omega HD 2.0 has dedicated home, back and task selection buttons. The Cosmos X has on-screen keys, which means that the remaining screen size when the hardware buttons are displayed is about 4.4-inches. The soft keys do minimize for some tasks like video playback and gaming.

Cherry Mobile Omega HD 2.0

Physical size. The on screen soft keys of the Cosmos X results in a smaller, handier device, but not as small as one might expect.

• Omega HD 2.0 (5-inches) - 143.5 x 70.8 x 8.8 mm
• Cosmos X (4.7-inches) - 135 x 69.7 x 7.5 mm (not including the camera bulge)
• Cherry Mobile Knight (4.7-inches) - 138 x 66.7 x 7.5 mm

Battery size and expected battery life. The Omega HD 2.0 comes with a 2100 mAh battery, while the Cosmos X comes with a smaller 1800 mAh battery. Given the display of the Cosmos X is smaller, it will consume less battery life while the screen is on. However, the difference between IPS and Super AMOLED technology comes into play.

Super AMOLED displays are more battery-efficient when displaying black and dark colors, making them much more power-efficient in tasks like video playback. Super AMOLED displays consume more power when they display white or bright backgrounds like websites, making them less power efficient for tasks like web browsing. Overall, I would expect the Omega HD 2.0 to have marginally better battery life.

Price. The Omega HD 2.0 is the cheaper of the two devices at Php8,999 versus the PhpPhp9,990 of the Cosmos X. 

In the end, I would think the choice depends on how much the buyer wants a Super AMOLED display. Overall, I prefer the Omega HD 2.0.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active - Only if you wear gloves

Samsung has released the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active in the Philippines. The Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is a ruggedized version of the Galaxy S4. It also has a few hardware downgrades.

The most apparent change brought by the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active is a new housing, which is 2.9 mm taller, 1.5 mm thicker and 1.2 mm wider than the regular Galaxy S4. This case is IP67 certified as water and dust resistant, so it is as water resistant as the Sony Xperia Z and a bit more dust resistant. Unfortunately, the new housing does not offer additional protection for the display or the camera, so you still probably would want to put a protective case on this phone. That would make the entire package rather ungainly.

To assist with operating with gloves, the screen sensitivity has been increased, and the two capacitative buttons (menu and back) were replaced by physical buttons. One thing you should note is that the increased screen sensitivity does result in higher power consumption. Overall, you should expect 10-20% shorter battery life.

Another change also has an affect on battery life. Instead of a Super AMOLED display, a regular TFT display is used in the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active. If you play a lot of video, the combination of the more sensitive display and the TFT display means the loss of about 30-40% in terms of battery endurance. 

The camera has also been downgraded from a 13 MP camera to an 8 MP camera. This appears to be the same unit used in the Samsung Galaxy S III. The downgraded camera also comes with a downgraded camera app, which actually lacks some of the features found on the Galaxy S III. In terms of sensors, the thermometer or hygroscope have also been removed.

One thing missing from this phone is a dedicated camera button. Touchscreens can become unresponsive when wet, the LCD on the Galaxy S4 Active is no different. For a camera that works in the wet, the Sony Xperia ZR is a better choice.

If I wanted a ruggedized Galaxy S 4, I would probably just put an Otterbox Defender or Commuter case on it. Either option would also offer more protection for the screen. There are really only two reasons to buy the Galaxy S4 Active over the regular version. It is a better choice if you wear gloves. It is also a bit cheaper than the Galaxy S 4 at just Php27,990.

Cherry Mobile Cosmos X - Out early

Based on Cherry Mobile's own announcement, I was not expecting the new Cosmos X to be available until August. But the Cherry Mobile Cosmos X started to show up in Cherry Mobile stores last weekend. Announced at Php9,999 the Cosmos X is actually a better value for money proposition than expected. The Php9,999 price comes with a flip cover, back shell and screen protector.

Technology wise, the Cosmos X is the first locally branded phone with a Super AMOLED display. It also offers a treat for those looking for a Nexus like device. The Cosmos X has no physical buttons, but the same soft keys you find on the last two Nexus phones and the latest Sony Xperia handsets.

The phone is impressively thin, at 7.9 mm. Well that is if you do not count the rather large camera bulge at the back. Still, the supplier case solves that issue in my opinion.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean)
• 4.7-inch HD (720 x 1280) Super AMOLED display
• Dual sim support
• 4 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• PowerVR SGX544 graphics processor
• 18 MP autofocus primary camera with LED flash
• 8 MP front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1800 mAh battery

LG Optimus G Pro - Handiest phablet ever

LG quietly launched its 5.5-inch phablet, the LG Optimus G Pro last week. It is priced at Php27,990.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 5.5-inch IPS 1080p (1080 x 1920) display  
• 16 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot
• 2 GB RAM
• 1.7 GHz quad core Qualcomm S600 processor
• Adreno 320 graphics processor
• 13 MP autofocus primary camera with LED flash
• 2.1 MP front camera
• LTE
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 3150 mAh battery

The LG Optimus hardware is about on par with the Samsung Galaxy S4. The LG Optimus G Pro has no real competition in the local market being the only current generation LTE power phablet in the market in its size range. The Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 is a much larger phablet at 6.3-inches. 

The LG Optims G Pro is the handiest phablet ever built, at "just" 76.1 mm wide. This makes it almost 5 mm narrower than the Samsung Galaxy Note II. The Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 is a much bigger device, and is all of 88 mm wide.

Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A1000 and A3000

Lenovo has released two new tablets in the Philippines, the IdeaPad A1000 and A3000. Both tablets are Android tablets, with 7-inch displays. What makes both tablets interesting is that both support USB-on-the-go, which is a very useful feature, especially if you plan to make your tablet your primary computing device.

The IdeaPad A1000 is the cheaper of the two, which can be found for sale at just Php6,350 with an official warranty.

A1000 quick specifications:

• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 7-inch (1024 x 600) display  
• 4 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz dual core ARM Cortex-A9 processor
•  MediaTek MT8317 chipset
• VGA  front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• GPS
• USB-on-the-go
• 3500 mAh battery

The IdeaPad A3000 is the more powerful of the two, and can be found for sale at Php9,600.

A3000 quick specifications:

• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 7-inch (1024 x 600) display  
• 16 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core ARM Cortex-A7 processor
•  MediaTek MT8389 chipset
• 5 MP primary autofocus camera 
• VGA  front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• USB-on-the-go
• 3500 mAh battery

10K off the BlackBerry Z10 at MemoXpress' Anniversary Sale

MemoXpress is offering the BlackBerry Z10 at a discounted price of Php23,990 until August 4, 2013, in celebration of its 15th anniversary.

The version being sold is the STL 100-1 which has a 3G/HSPA+ radio.

Huawei Ascend Mate and Ascend P6 now available on Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom is offering two of Huawei's premium devices on postpaid plans, as well as via prepaid kits. The Huawei Ascend Mate is a massive 6.1-inch tablet with a large 4050 mAh battery. On a post paid plan you can get the Ascend Mate free for as low as Plan 999 on a 24 month contract. Here is a matrix of all available options:

I have an article comparing the Huawei Ascend Mate and the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 at this link.


The Huawei Ascend P6 is the company's super slim 6.18 mm thick phone. This one starts free at Plan 1799 on a 24 month contract. Here is a matrix of all available options for the Ascend P6:

You can find out more about the Huawei Ascend P6 at this link.

If you get one now on a postpaid plan, you can also get two free tickets (including VIP tickets) to the Carly Rae Jepsen concert.

Details on how to avail of the promo is found on Globe Telecoms site at this link.

Simple comparison between a O+ 8.15, Cherry Mobile X2, MyPhone Iceberg and Starmobile Knight

One of our readers made a simple, but I think very helpful comparison between the O+ 8.15, Cherry Mobile X2, MyPhone Iceberg and Starmobile Knight. 

The reader wrote:

"Expandable memory, removable battery... these are probably two of the most common points of comparison between the local brands. 

Just for kicks I made a chart about it using my leet MS Paint skillz:"

I think the reader may be right. Expandable memory and a user replaceable battery are important to many buyers. So far, every phone I have owned has a user replaceable battery. For me, the absence of this feature is a deal breaker. I might have to change my mind in the future, as this is becoming less common.

Thanks, Anonymous.

Torque DROIDZ Quad - Quad core Jelly Bean Android, at less than 6K

The local mobile wars are really heating up these days, with the low cost quad core smartphone becoming mainstream.  Torque Mobile is throwing in its own offering into the fray with the DROIDZ Quad. The DROIDZ Quad is powered by what is the cutting edge in low cost smartphone technology. The powerful MediaTek MT6589 chipset features a quad core processor, a PowerVR SGX544 graphics chip, and is built on energy-saving 28 nanometer technology (yup, just like a Qualcomm Krait).

The suggested retail price of the DROIDZ Quad is Php5,999. Given that, the rest of the specifications understandably are more moderate.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
• 4.5-inch FWVGA (480 x 854) display  
• Dual SIM/Dual Standby 
• 4 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot
• 512 MB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• PowerVR SGX544MP graphics
• 8 MP primary camera, autofocus with flash
• VGA  front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS

The biggest question mark in most buyers' minds, is the display. There are plenty of higher resolution qHD and HD phones in the market. There is an advantage to opting for the more conservative FWVGA display. It yields a reasonable sharp 218 pixels per inch. The lower resolution also leaves the PowerVR SGX544MP more overhead for running demanding 3D games.

All-in-all, not a bad package for the asking price.

Starmobile Knight versus the Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2

Buying one of the locally branded phones is difficult. Competition is intense. If you are one of those who placed a reservation for a Starmobile Knight, a product which is pretty hard to find on the store shelves, the question now is, do you cancel your reservation and just wait for the Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2 coming out in a few weeks?

Both phones have similar specifications: 

Starmobile Knight quick specs:

• Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
• 4.7-inch IPS HD display (720 x 1280) protected by Gorilla Glass
• Dual SIM 
• 4 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• PowerVR SGX544MP graphics
• 18 MP BSI primary camera, autofocus with flash
• 8 MP BSI  front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2000 mAh battery (not user replaceable)
• SRP: Php11,290

Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2 Quick specifications:

• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 4.8-inch HD (720 x 1280) Super AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glasss
• Dual sim support
• 16 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• PowerVR SGX544 graphics processor
• 18 MP autofocus primary camera with LED flash
• 5 MP front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2200 mAh battery (user replaceable)
• SRP: Php11,699

The Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2 has the advantage in storage and battery. When comparing the two, ultimately, the Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2 has the advantage in storage. It has 16 GB built in, and a MicroSD card slot, so you can increase this to about 48 GB. The Starmobile Knight has 4GB built in, plus a bundled 8 GB MicroSD card. Still, with a 32 GB Micro SD card, all you get is 36 GB.

The Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2 has the advantage in a slightly larger battery with the added benefit of it being user replaceable.

The Starmobile Knight, wins in the handiness factor. The Knight is a much smaller phone than the Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2.

• Starmobile Knight - 138 x 66.7 x 7.5 mm
• Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2 - 137.9 x 70 x 9.85 mm

I will leave you to pick your own poison.

The Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2 is a looker

Of all the new Cherry Mobile Cosmos offerings, the Cosmos X2 really appeals to me the most. I like Super AMOLED displays, and this overall package looks good. But all I have seen of it so far are a couple of blurry night shots. But the guys at TipidCP are very enterprising, and icedtea seems to have correctly identified that the Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2 is based on the Konka V981. 

A quick Google image search yielded a few pictures and some more details.

The phone apparently has a removable battery and is 9.85 mm thick. The design seems to be inspired by Nexus. I can't wait to see one in the flesh.

Cherry Mobile Cosmos X, X2, S and Z in a snap

Cherry Mobile announced last night in an event held at Esplanade, its new Cosmos series of smartphones. The Cosmos series is Cherry Mobile's new series of higher end handsets and brings in new technology to the locally branded phone line-up, including two 720p devices with Super AMOLED displays and one with a Full HD IPS display. The phones will be priced from Php9,999 to Php11,999 and will hit the market between August and September this year.

All four phones have similar screen sizes, between 4.7 to 5-inches, and offer similar technology all being powered by MediaTek 6589 chipsets, boasting of 1 GB of RAM and having displays protected by either Dragontrail or Gorilla Glass. It may be a bit confusing deciding which of these for phones you should wait for. 

Cherry Mobile Cosmos X - Coming in below the 10k barrier 

If Cherry Mobile has only announced the Cosmos X, it would have been a very impressive handset. Now it simply looks like the cheapest of the four.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 4.7-inch HD (720 x 1280) Super AMOLED display
• Dual sim support
• 4 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• PowerVR SGX544 graphics processor
• 18 MP autofocus primary camera with LED flash
• 8 MP front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1800 mAh battery
• SRP: 9,999
• Expected release date: Late August 2013

Design wise, this phone has a rather ungainly off-center camera dimple at the back. Now the specifications do not look bad, it is just not as good as the others, and with four phones being released, we can nitpick.

Cherry Mobile Cosmos X2 - My own personal favorite

The Cherry Mobile X2 will cost Php1.6K more than the Cosmos X, but it offers a lot for the price. Internal storage is bumped up from 4 GB to 16 GB. The battery goes from a run of the mill 1800 mAh unit, to a much better 2200 mAh rating. Style wise, this is also one good looking phone.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 4.8-inch HD (720 x 1280) Super AMOLED display
• Dual sim support
• 16 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• PowerVR SGX544 graphics processor
• 18 MP autofocus primary camera with LED flash
• 5 MP front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2200 mAh battery
• SRP: Php11,699
• Expected release date: August 2013

My only personal gripe is that it uses a Samsung like home button. I prefer capacitative buttons or soft keys. Still, this is the one I want.

Update: The Cosmos X2 appears to be based on the Konka V981. Pictures at this link.

Cherry Mobile Cosmos S - I suspect this will be the favorite

The Cherry Mobile Cosmos S might become the favorite among the four, being the most well rounded package. It is not a dual SIM phone though. 

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 5-inch HD (720 x 1280) IPS display
• Dual SIM support
• 16 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.5 GHz quad core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• PowerVR SGX544 graphics processor
• 18 MP autofocus primary camera with LED flash
• 8 MP front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2500 mAh battery
• Estimated SRP: Php10,999
• Expected release date: September 2013

Cherry Mobile Cosmos Z - Full HD

The Cherry Mobile Cosmos Z brings 1080p displays into the arena. 'Nuff said.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 5-inch Full HD (1080 x 1920) IPS display
• 16 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.5 GHz quad core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• PowerVR SGX544 graphics processor
• 18 MP autofocus primary camera with LED flash
• 8 MP front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2000 mAh battery
• Estimated SRP: Php11,999
• Expected release date: September 2013

I have my own reservations with how useful a 1080p display is on a 5-inch phone. I have a comparison between a Samsung Galaxy S III and Galaxy S 4 posted here. But really, each person has his or her own opinion. And, in a way, that looks like why Cherry Mobile is launching four new phones. It is covering all the bases.

HP Slate 7 - Another low cost tablet rolls into town

The HP Slate 7 is now available in the Philippines. The Slate 7 is a low cost Android tablet running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. It has a 1024 x 600 pixel resolution display, a dual core ARM Cortex A9 processor and 1 GB of RAM. This is a bit below par for its price of Php7,690, with lower cost tablets coming with HD displays and quad core processors.

Still, if you are looking for something low cost, but "branded", to take with you to corporate meetings this one just might fit the bill. The Beats branding on the bottom of the tablet does not hurt.

O+, Starmobile and MyPhone go up-market. Is there a market for them in higher air?

The MyPhone Iceberg loses the Philippine maps
on the back, and replaces it with an aluminum case back.

Locally branded phones have been making brisk sales by offering very good specifications at low prices. They cost between half to a third of what you get from established international brands like Samsung, Apple, HTC, Sony and LG.

Several local brands have gone up-market. First, we saw the O+ 8.15. This 5-inch HD quad core smartphone hit the market at Php12,990 with an 8 GB MicroSD card as part of the bundle. While some may argue that O+ is a US brand, it really only sells phones in the Philippines.

Then we saw the Starmobile Knight. This super slim 7.5 mm thin, 4.7-inch HD quad core smartphone hit the shelves at Php11,290. It comes with a screen protector, jelly case and 8 GB MicroSD card, which add up to about 1K in value. In a few days, MyPhone is bringing us the 5.7-inch quad core Iceberg, which sports an aluminum case and 16 GB of internal storage, for Php11,976. MyPhone seems a bit wary about the high price point and is releasing the Iceberg on launch day being offered at 12-months zero interest.

At the same time, established Chinese brands like Huawei and ZTE are offering up stiff competition with the 4.5-inch quad core Huawei Ascend G525, at Php6,990, and the 5-inch quad core ZTE V987 Grand X Quad at Php11,500.

Is there a market for these locally branded phones testing the water above 10K? 

Cherry Mobile Razor AnTuTu Benchmark

Thanks to jcarlos of TipidCP, we have user benchmarks for the newly released Cherry Mobile Razor... and this smartphone is fast.

The 13103 points is fast as several 2012 Android flagship phones. This makes it faster than the HTC One X, and puts it in spitting distance of the HTC One X+.

I just wanted to thank jcarlos again for letting me use his images.

The Sony Xperia ZR is here!

The Sony Xperia ZR should be hitting Philippine retailers shelves this weekend. The new Sony offering is an Android phone with a 4.55-inch HD display and a quad core processor. The Xperia ZR is essentially a smaller version of the popular Sony Xperia Z. Both phones have the same processor, amount of RAM (2GB), the same camera and share the same dust and water resistant properties.

The Xperia ZR has a smaller 4.55-inch HD (720 x 1280) display as compared to the 5-inch Full HD (1080 x 1920) display on the Xperia Z. Internal storage has been cut to just 8 GB, but it is expandable via a MicroSD card. The front camera has also been downgraded to a VGA unit. Also changed is the phone's case back. Instead of the glass plate at the back you find on the Xperia Z, the Xperia ZR has a removable plastic cover.

The Sony Xperia ZR, with the smaller phone should be the handier of the two phones. It is 67.3 mm wide, substantially narrower than the 71 mm of the Xperia Z. However, the ZR is much thicker at 10.5 mm as against the slim 7.9 mm profile of the bigger Sony Xperia Z. The back is curved, so it feels a bit handier than the Xperia ZR. Now, 10.5 mm is not all that thick, but seeing the Sony Xperia ZR, it is starting to look chunky by today's standards.

The one thing which is really nice about the Sony Xperia ZR is the fact that the battery is user replaceable. Something you see less and less these days.

So, there is nothing more to discuss, except the price. It is a bit more expensive than I expected. Sony's suggest retail price is Php25,990. Street prices for cash sales should be at about Php23,000. 

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
• 4.55-inch HD (720 x 1280) display
• 8 GB internal storage, expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 2 GB RAM
• 1.5 GHz quad core Qualcomm Krait processor
• Adreno 320 graphics
• 13 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
• VGA front camera
• LTE/HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2300 mAh battery

Prognosis? Me, I like it. I am not all that sold on the need for a Full HD display. The 4.55-inch display is big enough, and the 332 per inch pixel density is sharp enough, for me. With a 2300 mAh battery, this phone should have excellent battery life. Also, I really like phones with a user replaceable battery.  

I am not sure how you feel about the Sony Xperia ZR, but it is replacing the Sony Xperia ZL in next month's top five smartphone list... unless something better arrives in the next twelve days.

MyPhone Iceberg - Stealing the thunder

MyPhone is the Philippines' oldest local smartphone brand, but lately you feel like it is being overshadowed by Cherry Mobile and Starmobile. MyPhone wants to take the thunder back, and is looking to do that with its latest offering, the MyPhone Iceberg. The Iceberg will be launched on July 26, 2013, at Eastwood City.

The specifications of the MyPhone IceBerg will not be earth shattering. You have seem the before. It has a 5.7-inch HD displays and the same processor you have on the Starmobile Knight and Cherry Mobile Razor, Omega HD 2.0 and Blaze 2.0. 

The MyPhone Iceberg is also relatively expensive priced at almost Php12,000, but MyPhone is offering it as 24-months "Zero" interest.

Rumor is MyPhone is focusing on a premium feel with its Iceberg. The Iceberg is supposed to come with an aluminum case and with a Gorilla Glass 2 protected display. This comes from the speculation that the MyPhone Iceberg is a locally branded version of the Blu Life View phablet. 

We will find out in a week.

Cherry Mobile Razor versus Huawei Ascend G525

If you are buying a phone today and looking for a mid-sized Android priced at around 6 to 7K, you have two nice choices. On the one hand you have the Cherry Mobile Razor which sells for Php6,490. On the other, the Huawei Ascend G525 priced at Php6,990.

Both phones are similar being Android Jelly Bean phones with a 4.5-inch qHD (540 x 960) display with quad core processors.  I am not going to do a one on one specification comparison. If I did, the Razor would win. It has slightly better specifications overall, and is a bit cheaper. Ultimately the MediaTek MT6589 chipset with the HSPA+ radio is just faster in both processing speed and data transmission than the Qualcomm S200 with an HSPA radio found in the Ascend G525.

So if you are looking for the bang for the buck option, the Cherry Mobile Razor is for you. On the other hand, if you are a bit leery about ODM phones being rebranded by other companies, then the Huawei is the better option. The Alctatel and Lenovo may be more familiar names in the Philippine market, but make no mistake, Huawei is the big dog. Huawei is the world's largest supplier of telecom equipment and third largest smartphone manufacturer. Huawei designs its own technology in house, like Apple and Samsung. If there is a company which will be able to dethrone Samsung, it is Huawei.

So there you have it. Both the Huawei Ascend G525 and Cherry Mobile Razor are excellent choices depending on the buyer's priorities.   

Philippine online mobile operating system usage for June 2013

Megabolt requested I update an article posted two years ago, so here goes.

Tracking online use of mobile operating systems using StatCounter's services gives as an idea of market penetration. The figures do not represent the number of phones sold, but the number of web pages accessed by the different mobile operating systems.

Android is now the top mobile operating system in the Philippines:

• June 2011 - 9.61%
• June 2013 - 47.15%

Nokia's Symbian reporting has been split into two (S40 and S60) but I will combine them for this comparison. It has fallen a lot in the past two years, and with Nokia now pushing Windows Phone, this figure will continue to fall:

• June 2011 - 55.33%
• June 2013 - 20.30%

Combined, it still holds second place.

iPhone/iPad/iPod has grown moderately in the past two years, but I expect it to stay at this level:

• June 2011 - 16.02%
• June 2011 - 20.29%

After these three, the rest hold small shares.

BlackBerry is on the decline in the Philippines:

• June 2010 - 2.02%
• June 2011 - 1.28%

Windows Phone is on the map (but it is a small dot):

• June 2011 - No data
• June 2011 - 0.85%

Apple iPhone Rumors: The iPhone 5S to have a 4.3-inch display

Rumors from the Apple supply chain indicate that the Apple iPhone 5S will have a larger 4.3-inch display. Even if Apple maintains its current 640 x 1132 pixel resolution, the display would still have 302 pixels per inch, and hence qualify as a retina display. The change in the screen size is also supposed to delay the release of the iPhone 5S until the end of the year.

I do not know if the rumors are true, but a 4.3-inch iPhone would really be nice. I always felt the 3.5-inch display was too small. The 4-inch display was much better. A 4.3-inch display will improve the typing experience for those of us who like typing in portrait mode. Personally around 4.2 to 4.3 inches is my favorite screen size, or 4.5-inches if part of the screen is occupied by Android Nexus type soft buttons. 

It looks like we will be waiting a long time to find out if this rumor is true. 

Source: Commercial Times through Bloomberg

Smart Communications is now offering the Samsung Galaxy Mega @1,700 a month

Smart Communications is now offering the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3, at Php1,700 a month. For Php1,700 you get an All-Plan 1200 subscription (two year lock-in) and pay Php500 a month for 24 months for the handset.

The Samsung Galaxy Mega is a 6.3-inch Android Jelly Bean phablet, with a HD display, dual core processor and a fast LTE radio. This is a good deal since by getting the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 you will only be paying half the retail price, and you get to pay that over 24 months.

To maximize your plan, I would advise that you get a Smart LTE Bundle.

Smart Communications brings LTE to its All-In Plans

Smart is now offering LTE services to its all-in subscribers.

• LTE Bundle 50 - 1 day of unlimited mobile surfing using its LTE network 
• LTE Bundle 299 - 7 days of unlimited mobile surfing using its LTE network 
• LTE Bundle 995 - 30 daya of unlimited mobile surfing using its LTE network 

The LTE bundles will work in LTE covered areas, and will use Smart's HSPA/HSPA+ network non LTE areas.

@SMARTCares was kind enough to confirm this for me:

@Roberto_Lim LTE packages provide unlimited access 2 d internet whether u are on d 3G or LTE network. To get d optimal LTE experience, pls make sure u are in an LTE covered area and registered 2 LTE data packages with ur LTE capable device. Visit http://is.gd/eEFy6e 4 more info about LTE plans and packages. Thanks.

Notably, Smart's LTE Bundles cost just as much as HSPA+ Always On plans.

The Cherry Mobile Razor lands on July 19!

After a rather long wait, the Cherry Mobile Razor will go on sale starting July 19, 2013 at the Cherry Mobile Concept Store in SM North EDSA. Starting July 22, 2013 the Razor will start rolling out to other Cherry Mobile outlets.

The Razor looks to be the bang for the buck king when it comes to power. The Razor, priced at just Php6,499 pack the MediaTek MT6589 chipset with a quad core 1.2 GHz processor paired with a PowerVR SGX544 graphics processor. The MediaTek MT6589 is the most powerful chipset found on entry level phones. It is the same package used in the Cherry Mobile Omega HD 2.0, Starmobile Knight, and the MyPhone A919i Duo among others. The phone also has a bit of flair to it with a slim 7.7 mm case. 

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.x (Jelly Bean)
• 4.5-inch qHD (540 x 960) display
• 4 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core MediaTek MT6589 processor
• PowerVR SGX544 graphics
• 8 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
• VGA front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1750 mAh battery (not user replaceable)

Starmobile Icon - Another 4.5-inch quad core Android joins the fray.

We are seeing a lot of new 4.5-inch Androids with quad core processors these days. You have the Huawei Ascend G525, Lenovo A706 and the still to be released Cherry Mobile Razor. Starmobile's own entry into this category is the Icon. Priced at Php7,990, its price is on the higher echelon for this type of phone. But it is packed with a lot of goodies like Dragon Trial protection for the display, front and back cameras with low light friendly back lit sensor technology, dual SIM capability and a bundled MicroSD card and Jelly case.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
• Dual SIM
• 4.5-inch qHD (540 x 960) display
• Dual sim support
• 4 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon S200 Processor
• Adreno 203 graphics
• 8 MP BSI autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
• 5 MP BSI front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1800 mAh battery

Huawei Ascend G525 - 4.5-inch quad core

The Huawei Ascend G525 is an upgraded version of the Ascend G510. Huawei gave its new Android smartphone a sharper qHD display, a quad core processor, and most importantly 1 GB of RAM.  Android really runs much better with at least 1 GB of RAM.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
• 4.5-inch qHD (540 x 960) display
• Dual sim support
• 4 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon S200 Processor
• Adreno 203 graphics
• 5 MP autofocus primary camera (no LED Flash)
• 0.3 MP front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1700 mAh battery

The new Ascend G525 is priced at Php6,990. That is a full 1K over the price over its dual core sibling, the G510. But the G525 is definitely the better choice among the two.

With the release of the Ascend G525, I think it is clear that Huawei is not ready to concede the entry level market to ODM manufacturers and their distribution partners. Still, the low cost mid-sized quad core market is a starting to get crowded one, and the Huawei Ascend G525 will have to compete with the Cherry Mobile Razor and Lenovo A706. There is only room for one of these three phones in our Entry Level Smartphone Buyers Guide.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 P5210

One area where Android is having a hard time penetrating the market is in the area of larger 10-inch or so tablets. Samsung's newly released Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 P5210 seems to be a recognition of this. It really offers nothing compelling, but it looks like it was released just so Samsung could maintain a presence in this market.

It comes with a 10.1-inch HD (1280 x 800) display, 1 GB of RAM, a dual core Intel Atom Z2560 processor, PowerVR SGX544MP2 graphics and 16 GB of expandable storage. All in all, it is not a bad package for the asking price. I have found it for sale, with a Samsung Warranty at just Php16,490. It is not an Apple iPad 4 competitor and is not priced like one. It offers better hardware than the iPad 2, but the iPad has a better app ecosystem.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 P5210 is not something I would recommend to friends, but if you want a 10-inch or so tablet, and don't want an iPad, it is not a bad choice.

Easy Guide to Identifying Globe, Smart and Sun numbers

Image Source: The Most Important Question. A link you should take a look at.

With so many prefixes these days, it is getting pretty hard to remember what prefixes belong to  what network. Given unlimited in-network packages calls and bulk minute bundles for a low cost (like Smart TRINET bundles), you should know what network you are calling to keep your bills down. Here are three simple memory aids that will make is easier.

1. All prefixes ending in 5, 6 or 7 are Globe EXCEPT 0907 and 0947 (Smart).

Globe: 0905, 0906, 0915, 0916, 0917, 0925, 0926, 0927, 0935, 0936, 0937, 0996 and 0997 

2. All prefixes ending in 2 or 3 are Sun, EXCEPT 0912 and 0813 (Smart).

Sun: 0922, 0923, 0932, 0933, 0942 and 0943

3. Everything else is Smart.

Smart: 0813, 0907, 0908, 0909, 0910, 0912, 0918, 0919, 0920, 0921, 0928, 0929, 0930, 0938, 0939, 0946, 0947, 0948, 0949, 0989 and 0999 

Huawei Ascend W1 now just Php7,990

Huawei's first Windows Phone device is now just Php7,990 that is down from its original price of Php8,990. This phone has a 4-inch WVGA (480 x 800) display, a dual core Qualcomm Krait processor and a large battery.

You can read more about the Huawei Ascend W1 at this link.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 tops speed and battery life tests

Which?, a British publication recently conducted speed and battery life tests on several of the top smartphones on the market.

Which? used the Geekbench 2 tests where the Samsung Galaxy S4 crushed most of the competition, with only the HTC One coming close.

1. Samsung Galaxy S4 – 3188
2. HTC One – 2798
3. Sony Xperia Z – 2173
4. Google Nexus 4 – 2134
5. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 – 1950
6. BlackBerry Z10 – 1698
7. Apple iPhone 5 16GB – 1664

The online publication also tested talk and web browsing time.

Samsung again was the one that topped the talk time test, with the Sony Xperia Z coming close. In web browsing, the Samsung Galaxy S4 was the runaway winner, with the HTC One, BlackBerry Z10 (STL 100-2) and the Sony Xperia Z all bunched up from second to fourth place.

Apple's iPhone 5, came in last in the speed test and second to last in the battery life tests. It did win the fastest to recharge test. Still, even in this test, it was closely hounded by the Samsung Galaxy S4, which too is just 23 minutes longer to recharge.

Still, if you are an Apple fan, the iPhone 5 was really designed to slug it out with the Samsung Galaxy S III and HTC One X. Taking out the Samsung Galaxy S4  and HTC One, that is the job of the iPhone 5S.

To get more details on the test, visit Which?, at the links below.

Source and Image Source: Which? UK's Fastest Phone and Longest Battery Life