Samsung Philippines Unpacked 2016 Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge

Following the announcement of Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge at MWC 2016 in Barcelona, Samsung Philippines follow through with its own Local Unpacking at BGC.

Samsung Mobile Philippines Executives and Samsung Brand Ambassadors 

Alongside the local debut of Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, Samsung Mobile Philippines also unveiled Samsung virtual reality headset - Gear VR as well as new sneak peek of the premium Gear S2 Classic in platinum and rose gold finish.

Smartphone Category Head for IT & Mobile Business, Ivan Pua presents the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge and highlights their new design, IP68 certification, DSLR Like Dual Pixel Camera and Ultimate Performance of both phones. Finally, he asked the audience to get set as he opens the preview area for Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Gear VR and Gear S2.

We are welcomed by Samsung Mobile Philippines brand ambasssadors Solenn Heussaff for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, Gino Quillomar for Gear VR and Erwan Heussaff for Gear S2.

Moving on to our Quick Preview of Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge.

The New Samsung  Galaxy S7 design wise takes cues from that of Galaxy Note5 as it is nearly a Mini of it with just few difference with curvature of display and mic locations. We like that Samsung listened to consumers with regards to protruding camera on the Galaxy S6 and now has been lessen. The dual curved back gives great grip while its size with only 5.1 inch screen makes it more manageable and pocketable.

With the Galaxy S7 Edge, it feels like i am wielding a double edge sword which is awesomeness. Curved on the front curved at the back, Samsung really did take it a step further and now edge is more slick and captivating. For 5.5 inch, it is slim and lightweight, if you are into entertainment then the S7 Edge is for you.

With both phones on metal design, I am amazed that Samsung was able to get IP68 certification for water and dust resistance without sacrificing aesthetics and materials. sAMOLED Displays still are great display with great color reproduction and contrast.

We also got a chance to play with the camera, main camera is only 12MP has a widder aperture at f/1.7 and bigger sensor as well as implement "Dual Pixel" World’s 1st dual photodiode sensor (2PD). Tinkering around the camera interface, I notice that it supports Multi-AF with multiple first. This is the first time, I encountered this on a smartphone as this feature can only be seen with DSLR cameras. Truthfully enough it does better in low light as well as focus fast. Here are samples, oh guess Solenn is the best model to test out the selfie camera ;-)

There was no mention of what chipset set to be release but we were able to get glimpse via benchmark and with the review units available, they are configured to have Mali-T880 GPU therefore it packs Samsung's New Exynos 8890. Look here:

As For Battery, both get a boost with S7 at 3000mAh while S7 Edge gets a whopping 3700mAh. Both supports fast charging and wireless charging.

Other than Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, Gear VR will be available starting Feb 26, 2016 for 4,990 Pesos. Rose Gold and Platinum Gear S2 will also be available next March.

 “We are proud to reinforce our status as the leader and driver of mobile innovation by bringing Samsung’s flagship offering to the Philippine market. With the Galaxy S7 edge and S7, we enjoin more Filipinos to go beyond their limits and see their Samsung Galaxy smartphones as a hub to new and exciting experiences through our wearable devices, the Gear VR and the Gear S2,” said Digs Dimagiba, Business Unit Head of IT and Mobile Division of Samsung Electronics Philippines.

For Philippine Market, the New Galaxy S7 is priced for 34,990 while Galaxy S7 Edge at 39,990 Pesos! You can test and preview these new phones starting on March 4-16.

Update! Selected Samsung Users are invited to Blue Carpet Event. During the event, Customer gets the following as part of the Blue Carpet offer:

• No downpayment 

• FREE Galaxy Gear VR worth P4,990

• FREE 1-year Accidental Damage, Water and Theft Insurance with Malayan – Terms and Conditions of Malayan apply worth P3,450

• FREE Micro USB Connector 

• For Credit Card payment: 

i. 0 up to 24mos installment  

ii. 0 up to 12mos installment 

• 20 discount on selected accessories and wearables. 

Only one  discounted accessory is allowed per unit purchased.

If you are not unable to attend or was not chosen you can pre-order via Lazada Philippines! 

Item shipping starts March 12, 2016. Regular shipping lead time applies. See here:

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (39,990 Pesos)

Samsung Galaxy S7 (34,990 Pesos)

Smart Communications opens its Pre-Order Page. See Here >>> Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

Samsung Galaxy S7 Specs

Android Marshmallow 6.0

5.1 inch QHD sAMOLED Display

Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa-Core CPU

4GB LPDDR4 RAM

32GB Internal Storage

Expandable Via Micro SD up to 200GB via Hyrbid Sim Slot

12MP "Dual Pixels" Rear Camera

f/1.7 aperture size

5MP Front Camera

f/1.7 aperture size

LTE/ HSPA+ / 3G

Dual Sim via Hyrbid Sim Slot

WiFi 2.4/5GHz a/b/g/n/ac, MU-MIMO

Bluetooth 4.2 LE, ANT+

NFC

USB 2.0

Fingerprint Sensor

Heart Rate Monitor

3000mAh Battery

Fast Charging, Wireless Charging

IP68 Water and Dust Resistance

Black Onyx, Gold Platinum

142.4 x 69.6 x 7.9mm, 152g

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

5.5 inch Dual Edge QHD sAMOLED Display

Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa-Core CPU

4GB LPDDR4 RAM

32GB Internal Storage

Expandable Via Micro SD up to 200GB via Hyrbid Sim Slot

12MP "Dual Pixels" Rear Camera

f/1.7 aperture size

5MP Front Camera

f/1.7 aperture size

LTE/ HSPA+ / 3G

Dual Sim via Hyrbid Sim Slot

WiFi 2.4/5GHz a/b/g/n/ac, MU-MIMO

Bluetooth 4.2 LE, ANT+

NFC

USB 2.0

Fingerprint Sensor

Heart Rate Monitor

3600mAh Battery

Fast Charging, Wireless Charging

IP68 Water and Dust Resistance

Black Onyx, Gold Platinum

150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7mm, 157g

MWC 2016 Samsung Unpacks Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge Specs Price Philippines

Samsung unpacks their new Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge!

Samsung Galaxy S7

The New Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge now comes with curved back and slim ergonomic design as  we come to love on th Galaxy Note5, it should provide better grip great handling for the two. The Galaxy S7 edge is curved glass on all sides of the device, giving users a unique dual-edge display and is bigger at 5.5 inch while S7 comes in manageable 5.1 inches. Both at Quad HD Super AMOLED which should offer the best viewing experience with rich color and contrast. For durability, it is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 4. Other design change, the bulge of the cameera has been lessen.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Inside, Samsung own Exynos 8890 Octa-Core CPU supplimented with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 32GB Internal Storage and finally can now be expanded via MicroSD for up to 200GB.

On the camera side, it is down to 12MP but Samsung did manage to put a bigger aperture at f/1.7 and bigger sensor as well as implement "Dual Pixel" World’s 1st dual photodiode sensor (2PD) in mobile provides superfast autofocus and better low light outputs. Dual Tone Dual LED flash is still present for more light support. For its front, 5MP but at the same aperture size which is good for taking selfies in low light conditions.

As For Battery, both get a boost with S7 at 3000mAh while S7 Edge gets a whopping 3700mAh.

Runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow and packs Microsoft Office Apps. With Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge there is more use of People Edge and App Edge.

Oh the new Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge has IP68 - water resistant in up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes and protection against dust ingress.

Reliable source tells me that Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge Pricing is Php 34990 and Php 39990 respectively for 32GB models in gold and black and said to come in March 19, 2016.

Pre-Order with Smart... Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge Smart

Guess thats seems to cover it... but will follow up as we will graced Samsung Local Unpacked Event Later.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Specs
Android Marshmallow 6.0
5.1 inch QHD sAMOLED Display
Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa-Core CPU
4GB LPDDR4 RAM
32GB Internal Storage
Expandable Via Micro SD up to 200GB via Hyrbid Sim Slot
12MP "Dual Pixels" Rear Camera
f/1.7 aperture size
5MP Front Camera
f/1.7 aperture size
LTE/ HSPA+ / 3G
Dual Sim via Hyrbid Sim Slot
WiFi 2.4/5GHz a/b/g/n/ac, MU-MIMO
Bluetooth 4.2 LE, ANT+
NFC
USB 2.0
Fingerprint Sensor
Heart Rate Monitor
3000mAh Battery
Fast Charging, Wireless Charging
IP68 Water and Dust Resistance
Black Onyx, Gold Platinum
142.4 x 69.6 x 7.9mm, 152g

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
5.5 inch Dual Edge QHD sAMOLED Display
Samsung Exynos 8890 Octa-Core CPU
4GB LPDDR4 RAM
32GB Internal Storage
Expandable Via Micro SD up to 200GB via Hyrbid Sim Slot
12MP "Dual Pixels" Rear Camera
f/1.7 aperture size
5MP Front Camera
f/1.7 aperture size
LTE/ HSPA+ / 3G
Dual Sim via Hyrbid Sim Slot

WiFi 2.4/5GHz a/b/g/n/ac, MU-MIMO

Bluetooth 4.2 LE, ANT+
NFC
USB 2.0
Fingerprint Sensor
Heart Rate Monitor
3600mAh Battery
Fast Charging, Wireless Charging
IP68 Water and Dust Resistance
Black Onyx, Gold Platinum
150.9 x 72.6 x 7.7mm, 157g

MWC 2016 HP Elite X3 Windows Smartphone Turned Desktop and Laptop.

MWC 2016 - HP surprises us with its new Elite X3 Windows Smartphone! That really takes Windows Continuum to new heights.

The HP Elite X3 comes in simplistic no frills design that carries a 5.96" QHD AMOLED Display protected by Gorilla Glass 4. It has up-to-dates internal hardware with Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 coupled by 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 64GB Internal Storage! Talk about huge storage space if thats not enough it also supports MicroSD card slot. Talk about power house innards in ther realm of Windows Mobile that is.

HP did really focus on Continuum that enables the Elite X3 to be turned into desktop via HP Desk Dock so you could plug it into external display as well as has an Ethernet port, two USB A sockets and one USB Type-C connector as well as lets you to charge the device. There is also HP Mobile Extender turning your Elite X3 into a 12.5-inch HD Laptop that weighs under 2.2lbs (1kg).

Optical features include 16MP Rear Camera with LED Flash and 8MP Front Camera. It has an Iris scanner so I believe it will support Windows Hello.

It uses USB Type-C which is the hardware requirement for Windows Continuum. No mention of other but I am pretty sure it has the regular set as WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS. Since its Snapdragon 820 I assume it supports LTE connectivity as well as Quick Charge 3.0.

It is said that it has IP67 rating for dust and water resistance and Military Standard 810 rating, assuring device protection for drops from up to 1 meter.

HP Elite X3 Specs
Windows 10 Mobile
5.96" QHD AMOLED
Snapdragon 820
4GB LPDDR4
64GB Internal Storage
Expandable via MicroSD Slot
16MP Rear Camera
LED FLash
8MP Front Camera
2 Stereo Speakers
Iris Scanner
Fingerprint Scanner
USB Type-C
Wireless Charging
4150 mAh non-removable battery
161.8 x 83.5 x 7.8mm
195g weight

Sources:
Phonearena
Engadget

MWC 2016 LG debuts G5, its First Modular Phone

MWC 2016, LG launches G5, its first ever modular phone comes with Two Module Attachments.

The new G5 comes in 5.3 inch Quad HD IPS Quantum Display featuring a 3D Arc Glass that curves down to its metal aluminum body. Brandishing shinny edge and all metal body LG has finally embraced the demands for better construction with this is a concern for signal but they manage to invisibly integrate the antenna onto the metallic body to prevent any disturbance. Still Home Button is at the back while volume rocker is now back at the side.

LG also brings the Always ON Display from V10 second display, now with G5 it is now on the Main Screen that lets you glance view the time date and notifications. Daylight Mode is present, detects surrounding light conditions and instantaneously increases or decreases the brightness of the G5 display.

Under the hood, it runs the newest Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 820 Processor offering 64-bit performance, Adreno 530 graphics and lower-power Qualcomm® HexagonTM DSP as well as Qualcomm Spectra™ 14-bit dual image signal processors (ISPs) designed to deliver DSLR-quality images and additional power savings. he Snapdragon 820 processor also supports 4K capture and playback and processor is also optimized for VR, generating quality pixels and life-like colors to deliver the ultimate VR experience. LPDDR4 RAM is supported as well as an integrated X12 LTE modem that supports Category 12 download speeds of up to 600 Mbps and LTE Category 13 uplink speeds of up to 150 Mbps.

LG did pretty well in terms of optics when they launched G4 and now with G5, they are still continuing to innovate. The G5 features two camera at the rear. First is the 8MP 135-degree lens offers a viewing angle that is approx. 1.7x wider than those of existing smartphone cameras and 15 degrees wider than the human eye’s field of view which let you capture more landscape, taller buildings or larger groups. The other is the 16MP with standard 78-degree lens. LG Still stands by with Laser focus and color spectrum sensor. For its selfie camera, it is at 8MP for high resolutions captures and video chats.

The LG G5 is equipped with aptX HD, an enhanced codec that supports 24-bit sound over Bluetooth, delivering rich and clear sound over wireless connections without any loss. When paired with the LG TONE Platinum, users can experience superb quality Hi-Fi audio that sounds amazingly close to the original source.

Carries a 2800mAh Removable Battery and supports Quick Charge 3.0 that is 27 percent faster and 45 percent more efficient than the previous generation. The LG G5 has excellent battery life, thanks to the Low Power Location Estimation technology. This solution enhances the battery efficiency by as much as 41.9 percent by improving the power consumption related to location-based apps.

LG G5 main selling point is its modular setup as it comes with modules that adds battery and features.

LG CAM Plus is unique set of module that turns the G5 to workable camera with physical keys for power, shutter, video and rotating dial for zoom. It also serves as a camera grip and adds up an additional battery capacity of 1,200mAh for longer shooting time.

LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY turns your G5 into innovative portable Hi-Fi DAC audio player giving you topnotch sound quality. In addition to the 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC upsampling technology first introduced on V10, also supports 32-bit 384KHz high-definition audio playback. Can be used either as a module with the LG G5 or as a separate Hi-Fi DAC by connecting to any smartphone or PC.

Other than that LG G5 has "Friends" accessories:

LG 360 VR
The LG 360 VR is a VR goggle that can be connected with the G5 via a dedicated cable and works exclusively with the G5 to simulate a 130-inch TV viewed from two meters away. Weighs only 118g (4.16 ounces) and is one-third as heavy as competing VR goggles while delivering a resolution of 639 ppi. The device is compatible with 360-degree images and videos captured with LG 360 CAM as well as all Google Cardboard content.

LG 360 CAM
The LG 360 CAM is a compact 360-degree angle camera equipped with two 13MP 200-degree wide angle cameras, 1,200mAh battery and 4GB internal memory, which can be supplemented by a microSD card. Can be easily connected to the LG G5 allowing users to create 360-degree content. Provides 2K video and 5.1 surround channel recording on three microphones to help users effortlessly create high-quality 360-degree contents. Images taken with the 360 CAM can be uploaded to Google Street View and YouTube360. The images will also be available to view on the LG 360 VR or other smartphones or devices that are capable of 360-degree content.

LG Rolling Bot
The LG Rolling Bot is a companion device that rolls like a ball while capturing images and videos with its embedded 8MP camera. Can be used as a monitoring system for the home, pet care companion as well as a remote controller for compatible home appliances. With an IP camera connectable via Wi-Fi, users can remotely monitor the interior of their homes with the LG G5 via live streaming.

LG Tone PlatinumTM
The LG TONE PlatinumTM (model HBS-1100), the latest in the LG TONE Series, is a Bluetooth headset that has earned the Harman Kardon® Platinum grade for its superior sound quality. With a Balanced Armature design for minimum distortion delivering exceptionally sharp and clean sound. It is the world’s first Bluetooth headset equipped with aptX™ HDcodec, delivering lossless 24-bit audio for sound that is unrivaled in a wireless device.

H3 by B&O PLAY
H3 by B&O PLAY is a set of high-end earphones that is compatible with the high-quality sound of the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY. Can work with all Android smartphones.

LG Smart Controller
The LG Smart Controller allows users to easily control certain drones and can check the video stream from the drone through the LG G5 in real time and control the unmanned aircraft with the LG Smart Controller joystick.

LG Friends Manager
Only available in the LG G5, Friends Manager is the hub application that allows the G5 to connect with LG Friends with minimal fuss and effort. LG Friends Manager automatically detects nearby LG Friends and connects quickly and easily in three simple steps, eliminating much of the hassle of pairing devices.

LG G5 Specs
Android 6.0 Marshmallow

5.3" inch Quad HD IPS Quantum Display, 554ppi

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Processor
Adreno 530 GPU
4GB LPDDR4 RAM
32GB UFS ROM
Expandable via MicroSD up to 2TB
16MP Rear Camera
8MP 135-degree Wide Angle Rear Camera
8MP Front Camera

LTE / HSPA+ / 3G / 2G

WiFi 802.11b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 4.2
NFC
USB Type-C
2,800mAh Removable battery
Dimensions 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7mm
Weighs 159g
Silver, Titan, Gold, Pink

Source
LG

Cherry Mobile Cubix Cube 3 Spotted Specs Price Philippines

Cherry Mobile updates its Cubix line With Cubix Cube 3.

Got a chance to get a hold of retail Cubix Cube 3 Rose Gold.  It’s quite a beauty even accented with chrome sidings on the side although it reminds me of Huawei Mate 8 up front. Don’t be fooled by the black of the screen, it still has bezels on the side of the display. The 5.5 inch HD IPS is large enough to enjoy movies and playing games but navigation keys takes up few inches of usable screen. I quite like the textured back of this Cubix as it provides great grip without getting fingerprints on it. Even with plastic construction, it is solid and handy. Rose Gold color is more on the pinkish side rather than goldish but more colors are on their way.

Navigating through the phone that is on Android Lollipop, I found it to have quick response and easy to launch apps. Antutu Score reach 37K-38K levels so it should be able to handle your social media needs as well as Games even in HD. There are few bloatwares common to all cherry mobile phones but they can be manageable. Guess 2GB RAM and 16GB Internal storage is sufficient resource complimenting the 64bit architecture of the OS and processor ensuing harmonious relationship of hardware and software. A MicroSD Slot is available for more storage option which was absent on Cubix Cube 2.

Moving to connectivity, the regulars like WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS is available. This is a Dual Sim handset which makes use of micro sim cards. 4G/LTE is supported for both sim slots however you need only choose which one for your data connection. The phone is fast to capture 4G connection as seen on screenshot upon first boot. Major downside, USB OTG is NOT supported! Hopefully Cherry Mobile can provide a firmware update on this.

4G, Dual 4G on both sim

The Cubix Cube 3 surprised us with its camera features as it did well with quality outputs with its 16MP Rear Camera and 8MP Front camera. Both of which carries a aperture size of f/2.2 and me thinks a better sensor than that of the previous Cubix Cube 2.

Battery is non-removable! but I guess its ok as it packs bigger battery at 2700mAh compared to other smartphones by Cherry Mobile in the same price range.

Cherry Mobile really gone the distance in development of Cubix Cube 3. Coming up with a solid built smartphone with up-to-date hardware and software including better camera, Dual LTE and bigger battery for just 4,999 Pesos! Cubix Cube 3 a better smartphone, a smart buy for consumers.

Comes in Black, White, Gold and Rose Gold.

Package include Unit (with Screen Guard), Charger, Data Cable, Headset and Manuals.

Exclusively release with Lazada Philippines for their 4th Birthday on March 15, 2016.
Get a Free 500MB Internet per month for P100 accumulated load/month for 1 year with Globe and a a chance to win a Trip for 2 to Dubai! Rose Gold Model will be sold and other colors later.

Rose Gold March 15 2016

Cherry Mobile Cubix Cube 3 Specs
Android 5.1 Lollipop
5.5 inch HD IPS On-Cell Display
1.3GHz Octa-Core Processor
Mediatek MT6753
2GB RAM
16GB Internal Storage
Expandable via MicroSD
16MP Rear Camera
f/2.2 Aperture
with LED Flash
8MP Front Camera
f/2.2 Aperture
Dual SIM (Micro SIM) Dual LTE
LTE/HSPA+/3G
WiFi b/g/n
Bluetooth
GPS
2700mAh Non-Removable Battery

Samsung Galaxy J1 2016 and Galaxy J1 Mini Now Available Specs Price Philippines

Samsung releases two new budget phones, Galaxy J1 2016 and Galaxy J1 Mini.

The new Galaxy J1 2016 gets a 4.5 inch Super AMOLED Display powered by now 1.2GHz Quad-Core Processor and accompanied 1GB RAM. As for the Galaxy J1 Mini, it sports modest specs at 4 inch WVGA TFT Display and is powered also by the same chipset but has only 768MB RAM. Both Smartphones has 8GB Internal Storage and expandable via MicroSD.

Has similar sets of connectivity such as WiFi, Blutooth, GPS as well as HSPA+ for cellular data for on the go internet connection. These are Dual-Sim 3G handsets.

On the optical side, primary camera is at 5MP. They differ in Front Camera with J1 2016 has a higher pixel count at 2MP while J1 Mini at .03 or to say VGA resolution. Samsung did put a f2.2 aperture on both to make sure you get better exposure on both ends.

They run on Android 5.1 Lollipop with Samsung Touchwiz on top. Quick Launch Camera as well as Samsung’s unique Ultra Saving Mode are present.

Samsung Galaxy J1 2016 has a bigger battery at 2050mAh and as for Galaxy J1 Mini at 1500mAh.

Both are now available. J1 is carried by Samsung Concept Stores for  5,490 Pesos while the Galaxy J1 Mini is spotted via Abensons priced for 3,990 Pesos.

Oh Look Samsung Galaxy J1 2016 is also available with Lazada Philippines

Samsung Galaxy J1 2016
Android 5.1 Lollipop
4.5 inch WVGA Super AMOLED Display
1.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
1GB RAM
8GB Internal Storage
5MP Rear Camera
with LED Flash
2MP Front Camera
HSPA+ / 3G
Dual Sim Dual Standby
WiFi
Bluetooth
GPS
2050mAh Battery

Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini
Android 5.1 Lollipop
4 inch WVGA TFT Display
1.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
769MB RAM
8GB Internal Storage
5MP Rear Camera
with LED Flash
VGA Front Camera
HSPA+ / 3G
Dual Sim Dual Standby
WiFi
Bluetooth
GPS
1500mAh Battery