Phablet and Tablet Goes Pop by Alcatel

The POP line of Alcatel just got bigger... with POP 7, POP 8, and POP C9... POP POP

The POP Tablet line are entry level devices with POP 7 and POP 8 incher. Obviously as their name suggest they will have 7 inch TFT (1024x600) and 8 inch IPS LCD (1280x800) display. They also differ with the Mediatek Processor used as MT8312 (Dual-Core) for POP7 and MT8382 (Quad-Core) for the POP 8. However they do share some qualities... let me discuss further.


Both POP siblings share connectivity and imaging features. WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and optional 3G and IR Blaster (Uhh TV!!!) is a great way to go for an all-in and stay connected device. On the optical side, they do have 2MP primary rear camera and a VGA front for regular photos for social media.

The POP 7 does has a 3240 mAh and POP 8 has a 4100 mAh battery pack.

We have notable entry level tablets here focusing well on innards as well as connectivity with 3G and IR Blaster. Alcatel is showing what it can offer.

Another thing to POP about is the POP C9 Phablet. Last Year, Alcatel outs the POP C5 in the Philippines offering bigger screen at low price (hot item)  and now it crossed over to the Phablet arena (hopefully they price it competitively).

The POP C9 offers 5.5 inch qHD (540 x 960 pixels) IPS LCD Display powered by 1.3GHz Quad-Core Mediatek Processor coupled with 1GB RAM and 4GB Internal Storage.

For its optics, it does have an 8MP rear with Flash and 2MP front shooter. Battery pack is at 2500 mAh. It is also safe to say it will have the regular WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and 3G/HSPA+. By the way, it Dual-Sim

One thing to note is that a local phone company (see here) offers similar specs at very competitive pricing and may have already captured the target market of the POP C9. Alcatel should release it sooner than later to play catch up.

On the flip side, Alcatel is really good pairing their devices with flip covers and accessories upon purchase a big bonus for consumers.

Source:
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Alcatel-OneTouch-POP7-and-POP8-entry-level-tablets-are-announced_id50914#3-Alcatel-OneTouch-POP7
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Alcatel-POP-C9-unveiled-brings-color-in-a-phablet-sized-Android-smartphone_id50915#2-

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Huawei Unveils Ascend Mate 2: Still Massive

Huawei Ascend Mate 2 goes official. Following the success of the first Mate with heavy duty battery life and great voice quality, the New Mate 2 comes with slur of upgrades.

The Ascend Mate 2 retains its 6.1 inch "eHD" display but it will be powered with Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (LTE models) or improved Huawei's own Hi-Silicon (HSPA+ models) Quad-Core Processor. A great improvement would be the GPU which was to say the Achilles heel of the first Mate, with Adreno 306 (Snapdragon) or Mali (Hi-Silicon) GPUs it will pretty much handle your gaming needs. Memory will post no a problem at 2GB RAM (hopefully for Philippines market) and 16GB internal storage with microSD expansion slot. Changes in the innards especially with the processor and GPU is welcome upgrade for Ascend Mate to succeed.

In the imaging side, the cameras on front and back has been improved. The primary rear camera is now a 13MP snapper at f/2.0, 28mm lens and a Sony sensor a that. The front is also a surprise with a 5MP, f/2.4 with 1.4µm pixels - UltraPixel (HTC?). Seems Huawei is experimenting on sensors, interesting.

LTE is finally here, this was to say another thing people clamor for. The massive 4050 mAh battery is to say the Ascend Mate's shinning moment even normal or heavy use, the device stands day or two without charging.

In conclusion, for a Mate user like me I would definitely go for the Mate 2 upgrade. "eHD" resolution is to say decent but a pumped up processor, gpu, optics and added LTE is a great improvement of an already great device. Hope it arrives sooner than later.


Oh another thing to get excited about is Multi-Screen and Windows 8 Tile-like "Simple UI" by Huawei.

Sources:

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Huawei-unveils-Ascend-Mate-2-with-4050-mAh-battery-that-can-charge-other-phones-on-tap-for-AT-T_id51025

http://www.gsmarena.com/huawei_ascend_mate2_4g_goes_official-news-7499.php
http://huaweinews.com/2014/01/ascend-mate-2-4g-promo/

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Samsung Galaxy Note PRO and Galaxy TAB PRO

Samsung Goes PRO with its Note and Tab line...

Samsung Galaxy Note PRO and Galaxy Tab 12.2 share the same specs from the 12.2 inch with 2560 x 1600 resolution even to the innards as powered by 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Processor (LTE Models) or Octa-Core Samsung Exynos 5 (3G/Wifi-Only Models) coupled with 3GB RAM. Both devices would also pack 9500mAh Battery. The difference? stylus and S-Pen Apps and Functionality on the Note.

The Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1 and 8.4 wont be left behind as it is they also share the same resolution and chipsets with a slightly reduced RAM to 2GB. The 10.1 will have 8220 mAh and the 8.4 will have 4800mAh energy pack.

All will have 16GB/32GB internal storage.

Update: Pre-Order Now to get ahead... Available at Kimstore (WiFi-Only)
Note PRO is Available at Villman too!!!
NotePRO (LTE) is Available here:
Samsung Galaxy Note PRO 12.2" (Black)

Samsung Galaxy Note PRO
Android 4.4 Kitkat
12.2 inch Super LCD WQXGA (2560×1600 pixels) Display
2.3GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 800 (LTE)
Octa-Core Samsung Exynos 5 (3G/ WiFi-only)
Adreno 330 Graphics (LTE)
Mali-T628 MP6 (3G/ WiFi-only)
3GB RAM
32GB/64GB internal storage
up to 64GB via microSD card
LTE
WiFi 802.11ac MIMO
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC
IR blaster
GPS with aGPS support and GLONASS
8MP rear camera, BSI sensor
2MP front-facing camera
Full HD 1080p video recording at 30fps
9500mAh battery
S-Pen
750 grams weight


Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 12.2
Android 4.4 Kitkat
12.2 inch Super LCD WQXGA (2560×1600 pixels) Display
2.3GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 800 (LTE)
Octa-Core Samsung Exynos 5 (3G/ WiFi-only)
Adreno 330 Graphics (LTE)
Mali-T628 MP6 (3G/ WiFi-only)
3GB RAM
32GB/64GB Internal Storage
up to 64GB via microSD card
LTE
WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC
IR blaster
GPS with aGPS support and GLONASS
8MP rear camera, BSI sensor
2MP front-facing camera
Full HD 1080p video recording at 30fps
732 grams / 740g for LTE
9500mAh battery

Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 10.1
Android 4.4 Kitkat
10.1 inch Super LCD WQXGA (2560×1600 pixels) Display
2.3GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 800 (LTE)
Octa-Core Samsung Exynos 5 (3G/ WiFi-only)
Adreno 330 Graphics (LTE)
Mali-T628 MP6 (3G/ WiFi-only)
2GB RAM
16GB/32GB Internal Storage
Expandable via microSD card up to 64GB
LTE
WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC
IR blaster
GPS with aGPS support and GLONASS
8MP rear camera, BSI sensor
2MP front camera
Full HD 1080p video recording at 30fps
8220mAh battery
469 grams / 477g for LTE


Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 8.4
Android 4.4 Kitkat
8.4 inch Super LCD WQXGA (2560×1600 pixels) Display
2.3GHz Quad-Core Snapdragon 800
Adreno 330 Graphics
2GB RAM
16GB/32GB Internal Storage
Expandable via microSD card up to 64GB
LTE
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC
IR blaster
GPS with aGPS support and GLONASS
8MP rear camera, BSI sensor
2MP front camera
Full HD 1080p video recording at 30fps
331 grams / 336g for LTE
4800mAh battery


Sources:
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Specs-belonging-to-Samsungs-new-PRO-tablets-are-leaked_id50968
http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/05/samsung-galaxy-note-pro-tab-pro-leak/
https://twitter.com/evleaks/status/420101318095564800/photo/1

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Lenovo Debuts Windows 8.1 Thinkpad 8 and Miix 2 10 & 11 Convertibles

Lenovo debuts Windows 8.1 running Thinkpad 8 Tablet and Miix 10 & 11 Convertibles powered by Intel during CES2014.

The new ThinkPad 8 sports an 8.3 inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) pixel resolution powered by 2.4GHz Intel Z3770 Quad-Core Bay-Trail chip with Intel HD Graphics coupled with 2GB LPDDR3 RAM and 128GB of internal Storage.

There will be two models, the Wifi-only and 3G/4G to be sold. The device comes with Dual Microphone and Speakers enhanced by Dolby. Micro-HDMI port is also available.

On the imaging side, it packs a 8MP rear supported by LED Flash and 2MP Snapper up front. Both cameras records full HD.

The ThinkPad 8 is surely built to take on its Android and iOS competitors. Price starts at $399 (Wifi-only) and up to $429 (3G/4G).

Another pulled up from Lenovo sleeve is the Miix 2 convertibles. The Mixx 2 10 and 11 which obviously points out the 10.1 and 11.1 inch display. Convertibles as it is a tablet and with keyboard attachment it springs forth as a laptop.

Both share Full HD IPS display 5MP rear and 2MP  front cameras, a microSD slot, micro-HDMI, JBL speakers and a USB port (dock). Oh by the way, both are promise upto 8 hrs battery life.

Major difference is with processor and storage, as the Miix 2 10 is powered by Intel Bay-Trail Quad-Core Processor, 2GB LPDDR3 RAM, and with 128GB internal storage while the Miix 2 11 is powered by Intel Core i5, upto 8GB RAM and goes up to 256GB internal storage.

Price for Miix 2 10 at $499 and respectively Miix 11 at $699.

Source:
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Lenovo-ThinkPad-8-now-official-brings-Intel-Bay-Trail-powered-full-on-Windows-8.1-with-8-hour-battery-life_id50809
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Lenovo-details-new-10.1-and-11.6-Win-8.1-convertibles-with-an-Intel-heart_id50805#3-Lenovo-Miix-2-10
http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/05/lenovo-thinkpad-8/
http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/05/lenovo-miix-2-10-11-flex-14d-15d-ideapad-y40-y50-z40-z50/

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