Thursday, February 27, 2014

Spotted: 8 inch Myphone Tierra Pad 4

While online shopping... I stumbled on an unannounced MyPhone 8 incher tablet offering - the Tierra Pad 4.


The device packs a 7.85 inch IPS LCD Display powered by 1.2GHz Quad Core Mediatek MT8389M Processor (PowerVR SGX544 GPU) coupled with 1GB of RAM and 8GB Internal Storage.

Camera wise it has a 8MP primary camera with Flash and a 5MP front-facing. Guess you wont be disappointed with your selfies now haha.

On the side of connectivity, it packs the basic WiFi and Bluetooth tandem with OTG support. There's a single micro sim slot so therefore it has phone functionality (yes, it can do sms too).

Battery is at 4500mAh. Sold for ₱ 9,988.00

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Unpacked: Samsung Galaxy S5 goes official

Samsung unpacks its newest flagship - the Galaxy S5. Finally the most anticipated handset from the top dog in the industry with so much expectation, will it deliver? Lets find out...

Samsung has taken another route from smooth glossy plastic to a dotted pattern leather-like soft touch back that comes in shades of Charcoal Black, Shimmery White, Electric Blue and Copper Gold. It kinda industrialized the look of the GS5 with great mix of chrome polycarbonate and glass fiber material. With comparison to the GS4, its a tad taller, wider and thicker and goes the same with the bezel. The design and construction is to facilitate the water and dust resistance IP67-certification of the GS5 that took a toll on the overall look and feel of the device.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Nokia Goes Android with Nokia X, Nokia X+ and Nokia XL

Finally, Nokia has join the Android Bandwagon using forked out version of Android Open Source system but with array of exclusive Microsoft and Nokia Services. This is quite a surprise considering it seeks to develop on a competitor platform. Anyways, it brings a mix of features from the Asha and Lumia line. Title UI has been implemented plus Skype, Outlook.com App, and many more.Nokia has also pitched in with Glance Screen, HERE Maps, Mix radio and dedicated Nokia Store. If you say application will be limited you can always sideload. Another thing is the "Fast Lane" that tracks everything you do on your phone from all recent history apps, messages and services. Universal Search





The Nokia X and Nokia X+ sports a 4 inch WVGA IPS LCD Display powered by 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor. Just the basic connectivity with WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G. If you're wondering yes it also supports WiFi-Hotspot. In terms of camera, you will be greeted with just 3MP Fixed Focus camera so don't much. The difference between the X will only have 512MB RAM while the X+ has 768MB. Battery is at 1500mAh. Kinda looks like an Asha. Seems decent to me to cater to your basic Android needs.

If you want something more then you could try the Nokia XL as the name suggest it bigger version with 5 inch IPS LCD Display but it also has the WVGA resolution (the Horror!!!). Under the hood, it is just like the Nokia X+ 1GHz Dual Core Snapdragon S4, 768MB RAM, 4GB Internal Storage and expandable storage. You do get an upgrade in terms of camera with 5MP Auto Focus Primary camera with LED Flash and 2MP front. Battery is at 2000mAh. This one takes inspiration from the Lumia line.

Alcatel POP S Series LTE Budget Phones - POP S3, POP S7, and POP S9

Alcatel outs its new wave of POP with S for speed - or to say with LTE.

Lets start out small, thats the POP S3 which sports the most modest features. Its display is a 4 inch with WVGA Resolution powered by 1.2GHz Quad-Core Processor (cough, Mediatek) together with 1GB RAM and 4GB of Internal Storage. Camera combo of 5MP with Flash on the rear and VGA on the front. Connectivity to say is a win-win for it has WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC and last and foremost LTE. Powering the POP S3 is a 2000mAh battery. (no pricing detail)


Moving on the medium sized offering- the POP S7, with its 5 inch qHD Display which is at its heart is the new Mediatek chipset clocked at 1.3GHz that supports LTE. With regards to the other internals, camera, and connectivity features is just the same with the POP S3. The Battery is just a tad higher at 3000mAh. ($260 More or Less will be sold at 11K)

If you still looking for a bigger screen that will suit your big fingers like me haha well the POP S9 might be for you cause it houses a 6 (5.9?) inch HD Display with Oleophobic coating and is powered by Qualcomm 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 Quad-Core Processor. It does have the 1GB RAM but with a bigger internal storage at 8GB. Its optics is slight upgrade at 8MP rear with flash and 2.2MP front. Battery is at 3400mAh. ($300 more or less will be sold for 14K)

Offering LTE is to say the main selling point of the new Alcatel Pop S series. It also covers user preference in screen sizes as well as packs decent internals and complete set of connectivity. But with regards to availability it depends cause like in the POP C series which was presented but not all have been release in the Philippine Market. Just hope your desired unit get release or Alcatel may be good this year. :)

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Sunday, February 23, 2014

LG G PRO 2: Guns Blazingly Great

LG updates its phablet offering LG G PRO 2. Being a flagship it brings the latest to counter off what other competitors has to offer.

To start of, it houses a 5.9 inch IPS Display just the right size and no bigger than a tablet screen with great viewing angles and a Full HD 1080p resolution. Being manufacturer of the best display, you will not be disappointed. On the other hand, your thinking it might be too big and so comes in touch features like the Mini View that triggers a small working window of your homescreen from swipping left or right that can be adjusted as desired. Multitasking is also covered with Dual Browser by long pressing the back-button will let you choose apps to put to either upper or lower portion of your screen to use.

With the internals with FHD on board definitely a powerful Snapdragon 800 SOC should do a better job for that fluid and lag-less Android experience. Complimented with 3GB of RAM to run most apps in the background and support multitasking and 16GB/32GB Internal storage for well storage for your apps and files.

Camera wise it packs a 13MP primary snapper and 2.1MP front and also comes with added ammo. It is supported with as LG puts it "Natural Flash" to say gives a natural lighting to your pictures. For videos its capable of up to 4K resolution of recording and has slowmo features at 120fps. With OIS+ surely makes a difference in your outputs.

The LG Pro 2 also has complete package with regards to connectivity WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, Infrared and also LTE.

You also get Android 4.4 KitKat with LG Emotional UX as well as new feature called the Knock Code an enhance of knock on unlock feature with just sequential combinations. This feature though is not exclusive that it will soon roll out to other models.

The G PRO 2 is with an entire plastic construction with texturized back that holds the uniquely LG controls for Power/Lock and Volume Rocker. Had an LG then, so far I can say they produce quality and durable materials.

Overall the LG G PRO 2 is gearing up for a fight bringing in the guns and heavy artillery with added features and uniquely LG that's seeks to standout. Said to be release by end of March in Asian Markets so if you want one start saving now...

Update: It's Now Available for only 32,990.
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Alcatel Updates its One Touch Idol line with One Touch Idol 2, Idol 2 Mini (S) and Idol 2S

Alcatel has introduced the successors to their Idol One Touch line with Idol 2, Idol 2 Mini and Idol 2 S.

The Idol 2 will sport a 5 inch qHD Display powered by 1.2GHz Quad-Core Processor that is supported by 1GB RAM and 8GB Internal Storage. Its optics is at 8MP primary camera with Flash and a 2MP front. It does have the basic connectivity as WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and NFC but only has HSPA+.

The Idol 2 Mini share almost all of the Idol 2 specs the difference of course is the screen size at only 4.5 inch but also with qHD resolution.

If your disappointed with the two siblings above then you may take a look at their S variants. The Idol 2S sports the same 5 inch but has HD remsolution. It is also powered by 1.3GHz Quad-Core SOC more or less a much more newer SOC. The Idol 2 Mini S however is just the LTE variant which goes the same for the Idol 2 S.

With regards to Battery repsectively 2150mAh for Idol 2S, 2000mAh for Idol 2, and 1700mAh for Idol 2 Mini.

It is said to shipped with Android 4.3 and is promised to be upgradeable to KitKat 4.4. The New line of Idol will also arrive with Dual Sim variant that has double internal storage except for the S variants.

Honestly with the new Idol 2 line is to say sub-par especially with qHD resolution. However a lower resolution will have a more liquid performance and with an IPS LCD Screen for better viewing angles plus a scratch-resistant glass and Oleophobic coating it does improved the the outlook for the devices.

If you want more then maybe the Idol S variants are for you coughing up a few bucks for HD resolution, better SOC and LTE.

Alcatel also provides set of accessories from smart covers and whats looks like a wearable device. This sets it apart from other where you simply have problem finding accessories.

It is said that the Mini will arrive in March with 3G model ($232) and LTE (2 Mini S $287) while on Idol 2 is said to be on April or May 3G model ($274) and LTE (Idol 2 S $342). Might between 11K to 17K in Philippines Peso me thinks.

You just weigh your needs to decide which ever to get, it really depends on your consumer preference anyways.

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Samsung Gear 2: Galaxy out Tizen In with Neo

Samsung Gear 2 has just been announced kicking out the Galaxy - Android and comes with Samsung's very own Tizen. Samsung does promise that it will be compatible with their "more than dozen" Galaxy smartphones.


The New Gear 2 is said to be thinner and lighter (68g) sporting the same 1.63 inch AMOLED Display powered by 1GHz (from 800Mhz) Dual-Core Processor complimented with 512MB RAM and 4GB Internal Storage. Packs that 2MP HD Camera and brings in improved health sensors and infrared blaster.

The device also comes in a Neo Variant to say a tad cheaper model with lesser chrome and no camera but much lighter at 55g.

Oh on the battery side it packs a 300mAh (smaller than the original) which promises to be more energy efficient and Samsung claims to run about 2-3 days.

On the flip side, the wearable is now IP67 certification for resistance to water and dust great for those adventure junkies...

The New Samsung Gear 2 comes in Charcoal Black, Gold Brown and Wild Orange while the NEO variant has Mocha Grey. Global release date is said to be in April but no pricing as of now.

Sources:
engadget
gsmarena

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

LG G2 Mini Me: Bite-Size KitKat

Yep the LG G2 flagship gets a Mini Me... Adopting the uniquely backside keys and array of color choices.

The G2 Mini will have a 4.7" qHD Display powered by either Quad-Core Snapdragon 400 or Nvidia Tegra 4i chipset depending on 3G or LTE or Dual-Sim variant. On board as well is 1GB RAM and 8GB of internal storage (yes, it should have a microSD slot).  It also packs the 8MP primary camera (and for sure a front duh) and comes with a modest of 2450mAh battery pack. It said to run the latest Android 4.4 KitKat with LG Optimus UI and other enhancements.

Looking at the specs seems the competition is intense even in mid-range division. With the same processor as the MotoG and countless others it would really a tough call. Though Pricing is key as well as Timing but overall performace and consumer gossip prevails.

Excited to see what others will be offering and MWC is just around the bend...

Update: Now Available at 13,990.00

Sources:
engadget.com
gsmarena

Gionee Elife S5.5: gets World thinnest title... for now

Haven't heard of Gionee? then you might get to know it for it now holds the world title for thinnest smartphone with its Elife S5.5. As its name suggest its only 5.5mm thin!!!

This anorexic monstrosity sports a 5 inch Display powered by 1.7GHz Octa-Core Processor (ehem Mediatek 6592 for 3G or 6595 for LTE variant me thinks) complimented with 2GB RAM. On the imaging side, it packs a 13MP rear camera with Flash and 5MP front. Skinny as it can be it is still powered with 2300mAh energy pack.

Oh by the way, it runs Gionee's own Amigo Android-based OS.

With the presence of the company here in the Philippines, it has a bigger possibility to arrive. Pre-Order in China has started for 3G version at $370 (17K-20K PHP?) and for lte is supposedly schedule on June!

So far the device is at par with its local competition bringing the Octa-Core processors, 2GB RAM and bigger MP in camera as well as decent battery life but my concern is pricing if this baby will be competitively priced for the Philippine Market. One more thing, hopefully it does well in managing heat that was a major complain in the Huawei Ascend P6. Then again with the Thinnest Smartphone in the World in your hands you do have bragging rights for owning one. haha

Lets see when it arrives... maybe...

Source
engadget.com

Monday, February 17, 2014

Spotted: Nokia Lumia 525

Nokia Lumia 525 appears! The successor to the best selling Windows Phone - Lumia 520. The device does not shy away from the essence of its predecessor maintaining the same design and hardware. Sporting 4 inch WVGA IPS LCD Display powered by 1GHz Dual-Core Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S4; 8GB of Internal Storage W/ MicroSD cardslot; 5MP Rear and VGA Front Camera (No Flash Here);HSPA+, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS and the 1430mAh Battery.

Nokia has simply address the RAM issue of the 520 that has limited its apps choices. With the Lumia 525 gets a 1GB RAM upgrade and opens up the whole catalog of applications in the Windows Phone Store. Other than this, it runs the latest Nokia Black and GDR3 Windows update and soon Windows 8.1 Blue Update with assortments of added features.

With tons of Android around, surely the Lumia 525 stands out bringing the Nokia name and Microsoft Windows Phone experience.

So wanna switch?
Get it from Kimstore and DBGadgets (7K)

Update:
Available Here also at 7,532.00 Pesos. Nationwide Delivery...
Nokia Lumia 525 (Yellow)
Nokia Lumia 525 (Orange)
Nokia Lumia 525 (White)
Nokia Lumia 525 (Black)

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Cherry Mobile Fuze : Energizer SmartPhone

Cherry Mobile Fuze... Smartphone with a Motolite Battery... pun intended haha

So according to my ever reliable source (secret), Cherry Mobile latest smartphone that has been teased a few days ago is the FUZE. As the name suggest it packs a humongous battery at 4000 mAh that can also charge your other cellphones or devices thru USB-OTG.

Here are the Specs:
Android 4.2 Jellybean
5" FWVGA Display
Dragontrail Protection
1.3GHz Quad-core MTK6582  processor
1GB RAM
4GB Internal Storage
Expandable via MicroSD up to 32GB
8MP FF Rear Camera W/ Flash
1.3MP Front Camera
HSPA+/3G
Wifi
GPS
Bluetooth
Dual Sim/Dual Standby
4000 mAh battery
USB OTG
Price: 5499


Available at Kimstore and Cherry Angel!!! Oh Better Check with Nearest Dealers Near You!!!

So I guess you will never be angry about running out of power ever again... hahaha!!!

Spotted: Android Nokia X A110

Yeah that's right the Nokia X A110 powered by Android has been spotted website of a online retailer in Vietnam. Accordingly it is priced at between 2.2-2.5 million VND ($160 USD) .

Alleged Specs are as follows:
OS: Android OS, v4.4.2 (KitKat)
Processor: Dual-core Snapdragon 1 GHz MSM8225Q (Snapdragon 200)
Display: TFT technology, size 4 "- 480x854 ~ 285ppi
GPS: Yes, A-GPS support
Memory: 4 GB, 512 MB RAM
Card slot: microSD (TransFlash) up to 32GB support
WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth: Yes, v4.0 with A2DP
Main Camera: 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 pixels

More or less fitting for an entry level unit. But if it were to be true that Nokia will be selling an Android Phone that will for sure kill the sales of their Asha line as well as other players with Nokia fans around the world. Hope this materialize, for at last Nokia + Android = dream come true...

Hmm... Upon examination of the pictures posted which mostly came from @evleaks we must take this with a grain of salt...

If you want to see the site: here is the link
http://www.mainguyen.vn/nokia-x-a110.html
Source: Phonearena

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Leak Alert!!! Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Series Specs unvieled!!!

The next version of Samsung Tab Series 4 specs has been leaked upgrading its processors to Quad-Core.

Not much has change for the 7 inch Tablet. Other than the upgrade in processor, the battery has been pumped up a little additional 450mAh.

On the side of the 8 inch version, its clearly disappointing such that 5MP rear camera has been downgraded to only 3MP. Memory has also been tinkered 1GB RAM for non-lte variant and 1.5GB RAM for the LTE Variant. Again battery has increased to 6800 mAh. 

Lastly, the 10 incher Tablet showed a more updated features with the boost in processor complimented with the increase in RAM to 1.5GB. Camera is improved with 8MP on board coming from 3MP. The rest? well it is to say easy as cut and paste.

It's quite a surprise of what Samsung is doing I don't know if they are cutting cost or might be losing their touch. On bright side Quad-Core will really boost performance wise and bringing a bigger energy pack is definitely a plus. However, downgrading other specs really takes away geeky points. Is Samsung losing its charm?

Source
gsmarena

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Starmobile Play: Hard Player

Looking for a smartphone at at only 2,999? With at least Dual-Core, HSPA+, and a bigger battery? Then your in luck because Starmobile brings you Play.


The Starmobile Play comes with the most decent specs sporting a 4 inch WVGA Display powered by Dual-Core Mediatek MT6572 Processor with Mali-400MP GPU. Its memory comes only 512MB and 4GB Internal Storage. Basically it should run you all-time favorites apps and a few hd games with a slight hiccup.

Moving on to the camera, it does pack a 5MP/VGA combo with LED support on the back. Its fixed focus but it will do for those regular picture-taking and video chats. It goes with same with regards to connectivity offering the basics WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. It does have HSPA+ which is a slight upgrade to 3G. Hey not all places have LTE so it will do.

You also get "Yamaha Speakers."
Finally, what Starmobile is bringing to the table that lacks from its competitors is a bigger battery at 2000mAh. With the decent specs and regular usage it will last you 2 to 3 days max. Even with heavy usage (Data on and Games) it will get you thru the day.With low end popping just around every corner, the Starmobile distinguishes itself to be a hard player that will not go down on your needs.

Looking for Play?
Get it here:
Starmobile Play (Blue)

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Lenovo Vibe Z K910 LTE: Zuperdupper

Lenovo Vibe Z K910 LTE has arrived!!! The Lenovo flagship phone has shown itself and is bringing in the heavy arms.

To start of, the device houses a 5.5 inch Full HD IPS Display with 401ppi pixel density with built to last Gorilla Glass 3. It is to say display to impress and just stays impressively solid. If that got you excited lets move on to its innards.

Powering the Vibe Z is Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Quad-Core Processor with Adreno 330 Graphics which serves as the heart of other flagship phones. It's memory is at 2GB RAM and with ample of storage space at 16GB. No there is none, if you're asking about a microSD expansion slot. The hardware is of the latest trend so it's just a level playing field between competing flagships. Same goes with regards to connectivity - WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual band; Bluetooth 4; GPS with aGPS support, GLONASS; and sweet LTE. Just a slight drop in points for the lack of NFC.

In terms of imaging it also holds promise with 13MP Sony IMX135 (f/1.8) rear camera with dual LED flash and 5MP front camera. The device is also assured of long battery life with 3000 mAh energy pack.

By the executive look and feel, to the pumped up innards, the Lenovo Vibe Z is surely a ZuperDupper smartphone. The Lenovo brand gets competitive and competitors should shiver and brace for one hell of a fight to the top.

Priced at 23,750.00 and is spotted at cmkcellphones.com. Retail Price is 24,999.00.
If the information is right then try looking at your nearest Lenovo Dealers Near you.

Lenovo Vibe Z K910L Android 4.3 16GB (Silver)

Look here Price Cut >>>>> http://goo.gl/TtuULD (14,393.00)

Starmobile Engage 9i vs Cloudfone Cloudpad 800w Intel Tablets

Two local brands goes head to head with their latest tablet offering powered by 2.0 GHz Dual Core Z2580 Clovertrail+ processor by Intel.

We have Cloudfone with their Cloudpad 800w which was first to be release in the market. The device offers a sort of iPad-mini looks as well as 7.85 inch Display with only XGA (1024 x 768) pixel resolution. Memory is at 1GB and Internal Storage is with ample supply at 32GB (expandable via microSD Slot). In terms of imaging, it possess 5MP rear and 2MP front cameras. You will also have the regular connectivity features with WiFi and Bluetooth. Battery is at 4,600 mAh. Sells at only 8,999.00



Now lets move on to Starmobile Engage 9i. as the name suggest it has a 8.9 inch (9 rounded off) Display at WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution which pretty much brings a more pleasurable and detailed viewing. Innards are also bumped up with 2GB RAM that definitely helps with Multitasking and running more apps in the background but only has 16GB of internal memory (also has expandable slot). Camera is same with the Cloudpad 800w at 5MP/2MP. Connectivity is nearly the same but the Engage 9i has a more to date Bluetooth 3.0. Battery is at 6500 mAh so it will have more juice. Price tag is at 9,990.00

Clearly we could see a more differences. In terms of Display where Cloudpad has a smaller screen size and resolution compared to Engage 9i, this however for me is pretty much depends on user preference because a with Cloudpad Display it should performs faster cause it uses less power but on the side of the Engage 9i it offers you a more clear and vivid viewing.

 On the side of innards, they are both power by Intel Clovertrail+ processor at 2.0GHz coupled with PowerVR SGX544MP2 GPU which will definitely bring a smooth and fluid Android and Gaming Experience. If you like running more apps in the background then it is clear that the Engage 9i is for you with its 2GB RAM vs 1GB RAM on the Cloudpad 800w. However it is important to note that you will have more storage space with the 800w 32GB versus than 16GB on the 9i.

Connectivity is to say a tie, for they have similar capabilities WiFi and Bluetooth.

Battery life for sure the Engage 9i trumps the Cloudpad 800w for having a bigger battery.

Price: Cheaper price wins thats for sure but with additional 1k you do get a bigger battery and ram as well as Starmobile name and service.

In conclusion, both has their successes and shortcomings but they will deliver in terms of power with Intel on board. You just have choose that depends on your budget and needs. Cloudpad 800w is cheaper that's is for sure and offers a similar experience as with the Engage 9i. With additional bucks though you do get the Starmobile brand and service that comes with a bigger battery and RAM. The power is also in your hands and decision-making, sometimes you need to hold it in your hands and see where you are comfortable with.

Wanna get it? Get it delivered!
CloudFone Pad 800w
Starmobile Engage 9i

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Cherry Mobile Cosmo Z2: Double Fire Power

Cherry Mobile doubles up the power on its Cosmo series with the Cosmo Z2, its Octa-Core smartphone. Powered by Mediatek MT6592 (similar to Starmobile X1) clock at 1.7GHz with Mali 450MP4 GPU coupled with 2GB RAM and a whopping 16GB Internal storage with microSD expansion slot. One thing is for sure, you get double power you need as well as double the apps used in the background and double the storage space... Double Kill...


Surprisingly the 5 inch Full HD display is not Gorilla Glass not like the first Z but OGS IPS and Dragontrail Glass is a great substitute to deliver us tough and vibrant screen. It does retain the imaging of the original at 18MP primary snapper with Flash and 8MP front hopefully an improved sensor not so much interpolated.

Basic connectivity is housed featuring WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and 3G/HSPA+. USB-OTG is also present so that might help with more interaction with USB devices. Seems everything is all set and ready to blaze through the competition.

However... Battery is at only 2000mAh. I don't know if battery optimization has been done to the device but its energy pack is to say the bitter pill difficult to swallow. Another thought would be there might be another Ace hiding... There was an X2... now Z2... S2??? lets wait and see.

Priced at only 12,999.00 just a tad higher from the other Cosmo line and its competitors. Octa-Core is the latest trend this days and with Cherry Mobile Z2 you wont be left out with the Double Fire Power on your fingertips.

Oh by the way... Cherry Mobile North Edsa has the device up for sale... Grab one now!