Get a Samsung ATIV Book 2 or Acer Aspire V5 with a Smart Gadget Plus Plan

We already wrote about Smart's Gadget Plus plans last month. These plans would allow you to get an Alcatel Tab 7 HD tablet or Samsung Galaxy Note 8, bundled with a Smart WiFi router and 50 hours of internet. Smart has now expanded the plan to include laptops.

You have the choice of a 14-inch Samsung ATIV Book 2 or 11.6-inch Acer Aspire V5 122P touchscreen laptop. The tablet plan for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8  has also been revised with a cash out of Php2,000 being added.

Gadget Plan 999

- Php999 a month for 50 hours of internet plus your selected device.

- Hours used in excess of 50 will be charged at Php5 per 15 minutes (Php20/hour).

- Should you go past 80 hours you will be charged a total fee of Php1,599 for the month and you will be moved to an unlimited data connection for that month.

Cash out:

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 with a Pocket WiFi router - Php2,000

Samsung ATIV Book 2 with a USB dongle - Php1,500

Acer Aspire V5 122P with a USB dongle - Php2,500

Click on the image for a large size

Gadget Plan 699

- Php699 a month for 50 hours of internet plus an Alcatel T7 HD and a Pocket WiFi router

- Hours used in excess of 50 will be charged at Php5 per 15 minutes (Php20/hour).

- Should you go past 80 hours you will be charged a total fee of Php1,299 for the month and you will be moved to an unlimited data connection for that month.

Cash out: 

None. Tablet and router are free.

Click on the image for a large size

LG G2 now at Globe Telecom free at Plan 1799 - Turning up the heat on the Samsung Galaxy S4

When the Android powered 5.2-inch LG G2 came out last month, it changed our perception of what an Android flagship phone should be. The LG G2 up'ed the ante in terms specifications and lowered the barrier in terms of price. Selling for just Php27,490 and available at zero interested deferred payment plans, the LG G2 undercut the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One in terms of price, by a good 10%.

At the same time, the LG G2 comes with the new Qualcomm S800 which is faster than the Qualcomm S600 on its Samsung and HTC contenders. The Qualcomm S800 also supports always-on voice monitoring, so it is not only faster but more forward looking. The 13 MP shooter on the LG G2 also has optical image stabilization. With this LG joins HTC and Nokia in this elite club.

Now LG has another coup. It is available on contract with Globe, free at Plan 1799 with a 24 month lock-in, again undercutting cost of ownership as against its rivals.

With the enough hardware to pound the Samsung Galaxy S4 in the ground, and unbeatable price and postpaid options, it looks like Samsung is facing the greatest threat to its Android domination.

High End Smartphone Buyer's Guide for October 2013

For those with deep pockets, these are five offerings I think are worth having a look at. All these phones are fast and have LTE, like many others in the market. As increases in smartphone speed become less relevant to the users, I think focus should be more on features which specific users might find valuable. Better to spend a large wad of cash on something you find useful, rather than just being able to upload screenshots of higher benchmarks. Each of these phones offer something special. 

All prices posted are for units covered by a manufacturer's warranty.

1. Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 (Php20,990) - Productivity

No matter what anyone says about some Androids getting too big, the reality is that many smartphone users find their smartphones too small for extended and productive use. That is why we have tablets. While a 6.3-inch phone may be a bit bulky to carry around, it is a lot more portable than carrying a small phone and a tablet.

The large screen also has other benefits. Miss your old physical QWERTY keyboard? For many users, a touch keyboard still results in slower typing. Thumb typing on a 6.3-inch is an entirely different experience. Give it a look. 

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 6.3-inch HD (720 x 1280) display
• 16 GB internal storage, expandable via a Micro SD card
• 1.5 GB RAM
• 1.7 GHz dual core Qualcomm Krait processor
• Adreno 305 graphics
• 8 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
• 1.9 MP front camera
• LTE/HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 3200 mAh battery (user replaceable)

2.  Nokia Lumia 925 (Php21,500) - Video capture 

Nokia has long been known to make good camera phones, and the Nokia Lumia 925 is a continuation of this legacy. The 8 MP primary camera has Carl Zeiss Optics and takes good stills. Taking good pictures is no big deal with a high end smartphone these days. The problem is video.

Those 1080p videos we shoot on our phones look great on a small 5-inch screen. Play them on a LCD TV, and you notice just how much your hands were shaking. The previous video is shaking all over the place. The Nokia Lumia 925 corrects this problem by providing optical image stabilization (OIS). The Nokia Lumia 920 is the cheapest phone on the market equipped with optical image stabilization.

OIS uses a gyroscope to detect the motion of the phone and the whole optical assembly moves in the opposite direction to cancel out the movement. That happens 500 times a second. This really does wonders for HD video capture and helps in low light photography.

Quick specifications:

• Windows Phone 8
• 4.5-inch HD (768 x 1280) AMOLED display
• 16 GB internal storage, not expandable
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.5 GHz dual core Qualcomm Krait processor
• Adreno 225 graphics
• 8 MP autofocus primary camera with OIS and a dual-LED Flash
• 1.3 MP front camera
• LTE/HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2000 mAh battery (not user replaceable)

3. Sony Xperia ZR C5503 LTE (Php22,990) - Adventure

The Sony Xperia ZR is a scaled down version of the top of the line Sony Z seriesL products. Instead of a 5-inch Full HD display, you have a 4.55-inch HD display. Internal storage has also been reduced and the front camera is only a VGA unit. Other than that, the other specifications are unchanged. Most important of this is the IP58 certification for water and dust resistance. This makes an excellent choice for the active user.

You will still want to put your Xperia ZR in a tough case, before your next white water rafting or mountain climbing adventure. This will enhance its water resistance and protect it from physical damage. This is where is smaller size provides another advantage. An Xperia ZR in a touch case is still handy enough.

Adding to the all weather credentials is a dedicated camera button which will also allow you to snap pics in wet conditions. Touchscreens do no work in the wet.

If I was in the market right now, this is the one I would buy.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 4.55-inch HD (720 x 1280) display
• 8 GB internal storage, expandable via a MicroSD card
• 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 (user replaceable)

4. LG G2 (Php26,650) - Redefining the flagship Android

The first three phones on our list are at the relatively lower price points for higher end devices with older HD/720p displays and older processors. Where is the super phone?  Replacing the Samsung Galaxy S4 on the list is LG G2. The LG G2 comes with Qualcomm's latest S800 chipset with its screaming 2.3 GHz Krait processor. The graphics chip has been improved too, with the newer Adreno 330. The combination gives you the fastest mobile processor and second fastest mobile graphics processor in the world.

But I am not replacing the Samsung Galaxy S4 just because the LG G2 is a bit faster. Really, we are talking milliseconds at this point. The LG G2 takes the crown because it incorporates more next generation technology. The LG G2's 13 MP camera is a fine shooter which integrates OIS for steady video capture and improved low light capability. The Qualcomm S800 chipset supports touchless control. While there are few, if any apps which take advantage of this today, it is nice to future proof. The LG G2 also comes with a 5.2-inch display, putting it into what used to be phablet territory but in a case which is smartphone sized. This was done by making the bezel on this phone really thin.

The Android 4.2.2 operating install is modified by LG. But it is nice and light, and not like Samsung TouchWiz which is really starting to feel like a collection of every single gimmicky feature someone can dream up.

It is not the prettiest looking phone I have seen, and the back buttons will take some getting use to, but the LG G2 is without a doubt the best smartphone in the market and it is surprisingly very reasonably priced.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 5.2-inch Full HD (1080 x 1920) IPS display
• 32 GB internal storage, not expandable
• 2 GB RAM
• 2.3 GHz quad core Qualcomm S800 processor
• Adreno 330 graphics
• 13 MP autofocus primary camera with OIS and a LED Flash
• 1.3 MP front camera
• LTE/HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 3000 mAh battery (not user replaceable)

5. Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (Php34,990 but just Php1,999 a month x 24 months from Smart) - Productivity redefined

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 has pretty much the same specifications as LG G2. It does come with more RAM, but the main attraction will really be the larger 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display and the pressure sensitive stylus. You also get an expandable memory and a user replaceable battery. You do lose optical image stabilization as compared to the LG G2.

I am not sure it is worth 8K more than the LG G2. But being offered by local carriers on postpaid plans, it makes it an easy enough choice. On a postpaid plan, like that being offered by Smart Communications, a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 won't cost you more than a Galaxy S4, Lumia 925 or BlackBerry Z10.  

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)
• 5.7-inch Full HD (1080 x 1920) Super AMOLED display
• 32 GB internal storage, expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 3 GB RAM
• 2.3 GHz quad core Qualcomm S800 processor
• Adreno 320 graphics
• 13 MP autofocus primary camera with OIS and a LED Flash
• 2 MP front camera
• LTE/HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 3200 mAh battery (user replaceable)

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is available from Smart Communications for just Php1,999 a month

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is available from Smart Communications for just Php1,999 a month. This is with All-In Plan 1800 plus a monthly installment of Php199 a month. The lock-in period with this plan is 24 months. 

While you can also get the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 free at Data Plan 2000, you will get much more for your money with the All-In package. The Data Plan also comes with a longer 30 month lock-in.

With All-In Plan 1800, you can configure your Note 3 to have 

• Unlimited LTE 
• 500 minutes of calls to Smart, Sun and PLDT
• 80 minutes of calls to Globe
• 2000 SMS to all networks

You can get this by simply subscribing to:

LTE Bundle 995 + Tri Net Plus 400 + Talk All

This will still leave you a balance of Php155 on your plan for other things. Compare the plan I recommend with other offerings at Php2,000 a month and you will find that it is by far the most flexible use plan option available. 

Nokia Lumia 625

Nokia has released its new Windows 8 powered Lumia 625. The phone comes with a 4.7-inch WVGA display. Yup, that is 480 x 800 for a pixel per inch density of 199. Now 199 ppi will be too pixelated for some. It really does not detract from productivity. If you cannot live with 199 ppi you can stop reading right here. If you can, the Nokia Lumia 625 has a lot to offer. 

The Nokia Lumia 625 is retailing for as low as Php12,500 with an official warranty. This makes it one of the cheapest LTE handsets in the market. But there is a catch, it appears to only be compatible with Globe Telecom's network. The Nokia Lumia 625 supports the 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz frequencies. Globe runs on 1800 MHz and Smart on 2100 MHz. 

The other specifications are as expected for a Windows Phone at this price range with a dual core Krait processor, 8 GB of internal storage, a MicroSD card slot, and front and back cameras.   

Aside from limited LTE compatibility, my other complaint is this is one wide handset for a 4.7-inch phone. 

Quick specifications:

• Windows Phone 8
• 4-inch WVGA (480 x 800) display
• 8 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 512 MB RAM
• 1 GHz dual core Qualcomm Krait processor
• Adreno 305 graphics
• 5 MP autofocus primary camera with LED flash
• VGA front camera
• LTE (Globe)/HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1430 mAh battery

Apple iPhone 5S and 5C now available at Villman

Villman Computers must have sent some of its employees abroad to join the long Apple lines, as it is now offering the Apple iPhone 5S and 5C for sale.

• Apple iPhone 5S 16 GB, space grey - Php44,999
• Apple iPhone 5S 32 GB, space grey - Php49,499
• Apple iPhone 5S 64 GB, space grey - Php53,999
• Apple iPhone 5C 16 GB - Php29,999

As per my last information Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are the only official sources of Apple iPhone's in the Philippines, so if you are interested in one of these, check the terms and conditions of the warranty being offered by Villman.

Apple iPhone 4 @Smart All-In Plan 800

The Apple iPhone 4 is three years old now. It 3.5-inch display is really small, and its 1 GHz single core processor is rather slow, by today's stands. But the Apple iPhone 4 display is still sharp. Apple launched its "retina" display on the iPhone 4. For typical smartphone use (communications and social networking), the 1 GHz processor will do just fine.  The glass back case with the aluminum edges still feels as premium as ever. Basically, the hardware is a case of a glass half full or half empty depending how you look at it. 

At Smart Communications All-In Plan 800, well the glass looks more like three quarters full. First, you don't usually expect to get a phone this nice at Php800 a month plan. Second, it is amazing what you can do with a Php800 a month plan from Smart.

For Php800 a month you can come up with a pretty amazing call an text package:

TRINET 400 + TALK ALL

- 500 minutes a month to Smart, Sun and PLDT

- 80 minutes a month to Globe, Smart and Sun

- 2000 SMS to Globe, Smart and Sun

- 150 MB of data for 30 days

- Php150 Consumable balance for MMS or additional data

 For those who a more SMS and data centric, which is the current trend:

TRINET 400 + ALWAYS ON 500

- 500 minutes a month to Smart, Sun and PLDT

- 2000 SMS to Globe, Smart and Sun

- 1.15 GB of data for 30 days

- Total monthly bill is Php900 a month


This offer is available till September 16, 2013.

Smart Communications Gadget Plus Plans

Smart Communications is offering a new service and device bundle it calls gadget plus. Basically, Gadget Plus bundles the 50 hour a month Data Plan 399 with a WiFi router and a tablet. The monthly fee depends on the device chosen:

• Php699 per month - Alcatel Tab 7 HD 
• Php799 per month - Acer Iconia W3-810
• Php999 per month - Samsung Galaxy Note 8

The lock in period for all the offerings is 24 months.

The Alcatel Tab 7 HD is a 7-inch dual core Android Jelly Bean Tablet. Like its name indicates, it has a HD (800 x 1280) display. I have a separate article on the Alcatel tablet at this link.

The Acer Iconia W3-810 is a 8-inch Windows 8 tablet.

The third Gadget Plus offering is the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. The model smart is offering is apparently the WiFi only version and not the GSM/3G model you see on the store shelves. The Galaxy Note 8 is a 8-inch Android Jelly Bean tablet which has been specifically designed to work with a stylus.

O+ 8.15 is free at Smart All-In Plan 1200

O+ 8.15, a 5-inch quad core Android phone is free at Smart Communications All-In Plan 1200. The O+ 8.15 has a 5-inch HD (720 x 1280) display and a quad core processor, making it an interesting choice at Plan 1200. You can read more about the O+ 8.15 at this link.

Smart Communications testing LTE-Advanced technology

Smart Communications tested the next generation of LTE technology, LTE-Advanced, at the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City last week. Smart engineers were able to hit download speeds of over  200 Mbps using equipment acquired Huawei. Aside from Davao, the Smart Communications has already tested speeds of the new network in Metro Manila.

Smart Communications has not revealed it the company plans to deploy LTE-Advanced commercially.

Smart Communications brings Prepaid LTE services to smartphones

Smart has made available its LTE services to pre-paid smartphone owners, available in ether Micro or Nano SIM. A Micro SIM will cost you Php40, while a Nano SIM will set you back Php100.

LTE brings data transmissions speeds of up to 42 Mbps. This is theoretical, and in real world use you should expect to achieve less than maximum due to factors like distance from the LTE tower, obstructions and weather.

Smart has listed of compatible phones on its website:

• Apple iPhone 5
• Huawei Ascend D1 LTE
• Samsung Galaxy S4
• Sony Xperia V
• Sony Xperia Z
• ZTE T82

Other phones like the Sony Xperia SP, ZL and ZR should work. Similarly, the new Nokia Lumia 925 is probably also compatible. But as they are not on Smart's list, it would be advisable to test these devices first. Some phones come in different variants which support different LTE bands.  In order for a phone to work on Smart's LTE plans, it must be compatible with the 2100 MHz Band 1 frequency.

Smart's LTE service for smartphones is being offered on a time limited basis:

• LTE 50 (1 day) - Php50
• LTE 299 (7 days) - Php299
• LTE 995 (30 days) - Php995

For more details, visit Smart Prepaid LTE SIMS page at this link.

The Huawei Ascend Mate on Globe Plan 999 is a great deal

A 6.1-inch HD display, and quad core processor make it a nice choice 

Globe Telecom's offer on the Huawei Ascend Mate is a pretty good deal. The 6.1-inch Android phablet is free at Plan 999. The Huawei Ascend Mate is given a PV (Pero Value) of 600 points so you can get it with unlimited data and a Php101 balance for calls and SMS.

Plan 999 = 1,700 PV
LESS:

• Huawei Ascend Mate = 600 PV 

• Unlimited Data Plan = 999 PV

Balance = 101 PV

Given the Huawei Ascend Mate will cost you Php16,000 to Php18,000 at retail, paying Globe Php23,976 over two years seems like a better deal.  You will just be paying Php6,000 to Php8,000 more but you get a data plan and Php2,424 consumable over the next 24 months.

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.

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.

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 

Google's Voice Guided Turn-by-Turn Navigation is now available in the Philippines

It has been a long time coming, but better late than never. Googles voice guided turn-by-turn navigation is now available for Android phones and the iPhone via Google Maps. The service is in beta, but Google keeps a lot of services in beta for a long time. This really is a momentous occasion, but there really seems nothing more to write. Well there is one more thing.

Thank you Google!

BlackBerry Q10 from Sun Cellular @ Plan 1499

Sun Cellular is offering the BlackBerry Q10 at Plan 1499. The Plan comes with Unlimited Data, 500 SMS to all networks and 5 minutes of calls within the Sun Network. With Unlimited Data and 500 SMS, this would be one pretty awesome messaging device.

The BlackBerry Q10 is the second handset to run the new BlackBerry 10 operating system. The other one, is the BlackBerry Z10, which is also available from Sun Cellular at Plan 1599.

Update: The BlackBerry Z10 is now also available from Sun Cellular at Plan 1499.

Smart Music launched with five free song titles until August 8, 2013

Smart Communications has entered into an agreement with MCA Records. Under the agreement, Smart has become a distributor of MCA's extensive library of songs.

Most of the song titles are priced at just Php15 to Php20 pesos, which makes it less than half the price of other competing services. New titles are sold for Php20, while older ones for Php15.

The service is available through the new service called Smart Music. To use the service, you must register and open up an account. If you register, a password will be sent to your Smart Mobile number. Those who register before August 8, 2013 are entitled to five free song titles.

Songs purchased are charged against your prepaid or postpaid account. You may download the song within 24 hours from purchase.

• For older devices, you can access it through your mobile phone at this link: Smart Music Lite.

• For smartphones, there is a more feature-filled mobile website at this link: Smart Music Mobile

• The full desktop site is found at this link: Smart Music

• Smart also has a touch optimized version of the site at this link: Smart Music Touch

BlackBerry Plans: Smart All-In Plan 1800 compared to Globe Best Ever My Super Plan 1799

A month ago I had decided that I would be selecting a BlackBerry Z10 as my next phone. There are two versions of the BlackBerry Z10 in the Philippine marker. The one offered by Smart Communications is a Ti OMAP version which has a HSPA+ radio. The one offered by Globe Telecom comes with a Qualcomm chipset and an LTE radio. Hardware wise, in terms of processor speed and data connectivity, the Qualcomm version is the more desirable among the two. I was considering switching carriers, from Globe to Smart and avail of the LTE version of the BlackBerry Z10.

But comparing Smart’s All-In Plans and Flexibundles to Globe's offering, I found Smart's offer better suited for me.

Here are how the two plans stack up.

A) DEVICE

Smart Communications All-in Plan 1800: Php1,800 Peso Value

- Php0 for BlackBerry Z10

= Php1,800 balance.

Globe Telecom Plan 1799: Php3,200 Peso Value

- Php1,100 for the BlackBerry Z10

= Php2,100 balance

B) DATA

Data. I have been on Smart’s Data Plan 2000 for the past two years and the data monitor on my previous phone has reported that I have been consistently using between 600 MB to 800 MB of data a month. Now I do not try to conserve data usage and ever use my phone on WiFi. The reason for the low usage is I don’t view streaming video. That is the one application which can really lead to very high data usage. A few minutes watching video consumes as much data as an hour of web browsing. So I decided, while I would like LTE, I could live without it.

Smart Communications All-in Plan 1800: Php1,800 Peso Value

- Php599 for BlackBerry Unli

= Php1,201 balance.

Globe Telecom Plan 1799: Php2,100 Peso Value

- Php999 Unli Surf (LTE)

= Php1,101 balance

After applying the cost of the handset and data plans, both plans have almost the same balance left for calls and text.

C) CALL AND TEXT

Calls and SMS. Smart has two really good Flexibundle offerings:

Tri Net 400 @ Php400

500 minutes of calls to Smart, Sun and PLDT

2,000 SMS to all Networks

150 MB Data

All Net Talk @ Php250

80 minutes of calls to Globe, Smart and Sun

The best option for me is to avail of one Tri Net 400 bundle and three (3) All Net Talk bundles, which would leave me with just Php51 balance:

Smart Communications All-in Plan 1800: Php1,201 Peso Value
- Php400 for TRINET400.
- Php759 for 3 x TALKALL
= Php51 balance

Given the amount of calls I make a month (200-300 minutes) and SMS I send (500), this is virtually an unlimited plan to all networks for my use.

With a Globe Plan, I would configure it this way:

Globe Telecom Plan 1799: Php1,101 Peso Value
- Php600 for 6 x ALL NET COMBO
- Php500 for 5 GLOBE/TM CALLS
= Php1 balance

D) TOTAL PACKAGE

Here is how the two stack up:

Total Package on Smart:

• Unli BlackBerry Data
• 500 minutes of calls to  Smart, Sun and PLDT
• 240 minutes of calls to Globe, Smart and Sun
• 2,000 SMS to all Networks
• Php51

Total Package on Globe:

• Unli LTE Data
• 100 minutes of calls to  Globe and Touch Mobile
• 30 minutes of calls to all Networks
• 600 SMS to all Networks
• Php1