Alacatel Blaze OT 985N

Alcatel has launched a new dual sim Android smartphone in the Philippines, the Alacatel Blaze OT 985N.

Quick specifications:

• Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
• Dual Sim/Dual Standby 
• 3.5-inch HVGA (320 x 480) display
• 150 MB internal storage user expandable via MicroSD card to up to 32GB
• 256 MB of RAM
• 650 MHz ARM 11 single core processor
• 3D graphics accelerator
• Media Tek chipset 
• 5 MP primary camera with a LED flash
• VGA secondary camera
• HVGA video capture
• HSDPA 7.2 Mbps connectivity
• 1300 mAh battery
• Php7,999

The phones specifications are nearly identical similar to Alcatel's Blaze OT 918N. The Blaze 918N is available at 2K less, at Php5,999. So what do you get for additional 2K?

The Blaze 985N has a larger 3.5 inch display, a higher mega pixel primary camera and a front facing camera. A 3.5 inch display is a much more functional size than the 3.2 inch display on the Blaze 918N. The larger display makes the virtual keyboard easier to use and will make using apps and web browsing a better experience. If spending another 2K is okay with you, the Blaze 985N will give you a more rewarding user experience as against its 3.2 inch sibling.

Smart now offering 8 GB models of Apple's iPhone 4 and 3GS on postpaid plans

Smart Communications is offering an 8 GB model of the Apple iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS, both of which are free at Data Plan 2000. The offer is not too tempting since at Data Plan 2000 you can get the a iPhone 4S with 16 GB of internal storage, a much better camera and a faster dual core processor.

The iPhone 4 (8 GB) and iPhone 3GS (8 GB) would be more interesting to those looking for a lower monthly plan.

Data Plan 2000 (150 minutes of calls and 200 SMS to all networks, per month, and unlimited data access)

• iPhone 4S (16 GB) - Php2,500 cash out
• iPhone 4 (8 GB) - Free
• iPhone 3GS (8 GB) - Free

Data Plan 1500 (60 minutes of calls and 120 SMS to all networks, per month, and unlimited data access)

• iPhone 4S (16 GB) - Php12,500 cash out
• iPhone 4 (8 GB) - Php8,000 cash out
• iPhone 3GS (8 GB) - Php2,000 cash out

Data Plan 999

• iPhone 4S (16 GB) - Not available. Available instead at iPhone Plan 999, for Php23,976 payable over 24 months.
• iPhone 4 (8 GB) - Php20,000 cash out
  
• iPhone 3GS (8 GB) - Php5,000 cash out

Okay, here is the confusing part. This is the first time we hear about a Unlimited Data Plan 999 so we do not know what that plan includes.

iPhone Plan 999 includes 100 minutes of calls and 40 SMS to all networks, and also comes with 250 MB of data, per month.

We will try to clarify this matter.