Showing posts with label Android Gadget Overview. Show all posts

Guess What Samsung Galaxy Beam Could Do?


Who needs a projector on the fly? I know students do. People who need to present to über-busy clients, in a 5 to 20-minute sliver of time that may be given to them, do so also. Seminars held in a paradise nestled deep into the mountainous boondocks where lugging a 3-lb laptop isn't exactly a happy thought, employees needing to commute from one branch to the other who need to travel light, these are the potential consumers of a portable projector.

With technology moving to pack greater functionality in smaller packages, handy projectors are now available for anyone wanting to snap them up. In fact, one may be able to buy one off of CDR-King. But who'd want one of those things, still clunky by all means, when one can have a projector right on their phones?

Yup. Someone thought about sticking a projector into a Samsung Galaxy. Enter the Samsung Galaxy Beam. One of PC Mag's picks for MWC 2012's 5 Best Phones.

Aside from the projector, here are the specs at a glance:
  • 8GB Internal Storage
  • 768MB RAM
  • 1 GHz CPU Speed, Dual-Core Cortex-A9
  • 5MP Cam, autofocus, LED Flash
Not super-stellar, given that the trend now leans towards Quad-Core, but not shoddy by any means, either. These could possibly qualify as mid-range specs, now that everything is bigger and faster in Android gadget hardware.

But when you think about the fact that you have a projector ready in your pockets, the relatively lower specs may be a good enough concession.

What do you think? Would you snap up one of these babies?

And by the way, this isn't the first time that Samsung gave a shot at creating a projector phone.

In-Depth Reviews Here:

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Photo Credits: GSM Arena
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Android Gadget Crush: Samsung Galaxy Fit


Even though Samsung became a market leader in mobile telephony thanks to the Android, I'm still not a big fan.

Save for four models:

I first saw the Samsung Galaxy Fit in Robinson's Pioneer in Metro Manila, and I'd have to say that the moment I laid eyes on it, I fell in-crush.

I found its "pregnant" profile very cute, and I felt like its hefty, fat looks suited me well.

I'm a fat person. And I'm proud of it.

This article is sounding so crazy-girly. But I digress.

However, what made me cross it off my wishlist are the specs:
  • 160 MB user-available Internal Storage
  • 280 MB RAM
  • 600MHz CPU speed

The Samsung Galaxy Y actually has better computing power at:
  • 180 MB user-available Internal Storage
  • 290 MB RAM
  • 830 MHz

However, the Galaxy Fit has these aces over the Samsung Galaxy Y:
  • 5MP Camera
  • DNSe sound enhancement
[Click HERE for the Comparison Table c/o GSM Arena]

Though all in all, the Samsung Galaxy Y is the better buy, if they'd slash the Php 9000 price tag to Php 5000, it'd become a more sensible buy.

Have a great Wednesday afternoon, Android Alliance Ph friends!

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Photo Credits: BroadbandGenie
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Touch-And-Type HTC Chacha: A Good Idea?

Before the Blackberry, the "CandyBar" phone had dominated the market, thanks to Nokia's 3210, 3310 to 8210/8250 innovations. Prior to the 3210, the 3310 and their ilk, mobile phones had an antenna as part of its standard design. Eventually, CandyBar phones became the norm.

Enter the Blackberry. With its QWERTY keyboard eliciting nothing but hours of pure addiction to typing out SMS', emails and anything text-related on its yummy keyboard, it was no surprise that it was termed the "Crackberry." Like crack, addiction to emails, WORK emails included, happened like wildfire across Blackberry users in the US. Eventually, the rest of the world caught on.

That's why I personally am hesitant to use a touch screen device. In fact, getting the Cherry Mobile Nova was an urgent necessity for me. Managing this Web Magazine without an Android of my own was a bit senseless. BUT that doesn't mean that I authored that idea and wanted a touch screen device in the first place.

And while I am happy-happy-happy with my Cherry Mobile Nova now, and I am loving the fact that it's a touch screen device, it has never replaced my Blackberry. And the rest of my QWERTY phones (which I use as phones) for that matter.

Gee, I have an addiction to phones, especially QWERTY's. I didn't notice. :p

That is why the HTC Chacha is a definite must-have in my Android wishlist. It has the beauty of the Android OS, with the relief of the physical keyboard.

Check out this comparison chart from GSM Arena:

CLICK HERE for full size

This is a "shootout" between the HTC Chacha and the Samsung Galaxy Y Pro Duos.

While technically, it's the Samsung Galaxy Y Pro which should be compared with it, the Galaxy Y Pro Duos puts up a better fight.

I first got to take a look and play with the HTC Chacha in PLDT Jump Experience Center. My first impressions were that I hated the drab dashboard background. But then later, I realized that a user may be able to change that, using the customizations that every Android has.

Other than the drab background, the HTC Chacha has these pros:

  • Awesome Gorilla Glass touch screen. Very sturdy and firm to the touch.
  • Comfortable keypad.
  • The fact that it's touch-and-type.

One major plus for touch-and-type devices is that users won't need to change their mobile device habits between devices. For me, one major adjustment in my early days with the Cherry Mobile Nova was that when I would go back to my non-touch-screen Blackberry Sprint World Edition 8830, I'd find myself absentmindedly touching the screen, in an attempt to use the phone's controls. A split-second later, I realize that I'm no longer on my Cherry Mobile Nova. Thus, it was then that I figured that a touch-and-type device may be an awesome idea.

For a great, thorough review of the HTC Chacha, here is Pocket-Lint.

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Photo Credits: GSM Arena
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Random Android News: Alcatel Bargain, Odd Phenomenally Batt-Saving Phone, More Huawei Goodness


Three random things again for this morning:

Awesome News! The Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory is now permanently priced at Php 5,990. So this proves all the tech pundits who predicted that Alcatel would keep that price, absolutely right!

Weird News: Before I go on, I'd like to say that I am deliriously happy that I live in Kalibo, where the electricity failures aren't as dismal as in Iloilo. (Take that, PECO!)

Now, jab at PECO aside, for those who live in Iloilo and other places where blackouts make you want to go and hack a power plant to death, how about keeping an AA Battery-powered phone that will stay charged for 15 YEARS on a single AA Battery?


That's right, the SpareOne Phone will be the answer to your prayers (in between curses for your local electricity company, that is) when you're stuck in blackout and bored, or worse, stranded in a flood with no power and you need to call for help.

Talk time, once you use the AA Battery-powered phone, is at 10 hours. The 15 Years charge lasts only if you leave the phone unused.

Well, you can always charge the battery that comes with it once you use it up, or just get another, disposable AA battery.

Innovative, especially in this natural calamity-prone country.

China Android Brands Fighting For A Place In The Android Sun: Huawei ups its ante once more with the Huawei Honor, a high-powered Android slated to be priced at $50 less than the Sony Experia Arc, and $100 less than the Sony Experia Arc S. With specs like these:

  • 1.4GHz Snapdragon CPU/Adreno 205 GPU/Qualcomm MSM 8255T chipset
  • 512MB RAM
  • 4GB ROM

We doubt you'd be able to keep yourself from drooling over this. GSM Arena talks more about this unit.

That's it for another random moment here at Android Alliance Philippines!

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Photo Credits: 

Idea Credits: 
Alcatel OneTouch Blaze 918N
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Dual-SIM Android Shootout: Cherry Mobile Stellar vs. Lenovo A60 vs. Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory


I promised to give you an impressions shootout of the Lenovo A60, the Alcatel OneTouch Glory (918N), and the Cherry Mobile Stellar, and finally, here it is. I didn't have the luxury of getting to play with all three phones for a week, but I will do my best to find these phones' users and interview them for you, soon.

But for those who are in a hurry to buy any of these three models now, here are my impressions of these three:

Cherry Mobile Stellar -- Php 7,899

The Cherry Mobile Stellar is probably the stateliest-looking of these three phones. Just one look at this beauty was enough to get me to believe that this may be my next Android. Its pictures online just don't give it justice. It has a gorgeous metallic finish and a beautiful bottom ridge that ensures a good grip. The screen is also beautiful and wide enough for games.

At 512MB ROM/512MB RAM, and powered by a Qualcomm 7227T Processor, clocking at a paper speed of 800 MHz, my instant love for this Android is justified.

The downside, however, is that the Cherry Mobile Stellar feels very light to the touch, a testament of its plastic build.

On the other hand, the lightness may be a boon for users who usually carry their Androids in their jeans pockets. If you've ever gone beltless, or you just don't believe in wearing one, you'll understand what heavy gadgets will do to your jeans. Just make sure that you keep your Android in a good, sturdy protective case, as pocket pressure tends to be the demise of many a touch screen phone.

Lenovo A60 -- Php 7,990

When I first saw the Lenovo A60 in the wild, used by a high school classmate and dear friend at that, I let out a shriek. It meant one thing: I would be able to play with the Lenovo A60 and tinker with it up close!

And I did. I immediately went to the Settings area and bugged my classmate about it. Indeed, like we heard, the Lenovo A60 only has 3G in one of its SIM Card slots. SIM #2 only hosts a 2G network, though SIM #1 can connect to 3G.

In terms of its build and profile, the Lenovo A60 is sleek and slender, perfect for both ladies and men who don't like bulky phones.

Its camera, even at a "mere" 3.2 MP, takes really clear, good-enough pictures. If you've been on a Chinaphone or a Cherry Mobile for so long, you'll appreciate the camera on this one.

All in all, I believe that the Lenovo A60 is good for a consumer who will use his Android as a phone.

Last, but not the least, the much-talked-about Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory.

Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory -- Php 5,999 (Promo Price)/Php 7,999 (Regular Price)

My first impression about this phone is this was meant to be a guy's phone: with a rubberized coating and a bit of a heft in its profile, this isn't for those who are looking for the sleek phone types. Rather, when seen wielding a OneTouch Blaze Glory, you will be labeled a "Barako," and they will be justified in saying so.

The phone looks like it can withstand a number of falls and even tosses across the room. However, we weren't at a liberty to test that theory.

The screen is clear and much better than a Samsung Galaxy Y. Its implementation of the Android is standard, and, aside from some Dual SIM Management features and APN menu differences, if you've used an Android, you'll find your way fine with the Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory.

There's a bit of a speed bump, however, as the SIM card placement isn't the usual one SIM card stacked upon the other, with gold contact points all facing down to touch the terminals. Rather, with the Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory, you have to position your SIM Cards to face each other, with their gold terminals touching each other. Odd, but that's how it goes with this unit.

Dual SIM and 3G

Indeed these three Androids are 3G-Capable, however, these are the differences with their network implementations:

Lenovo A60:

The Lenovo A60 is 3G-Capable on SIM 1 only. And, you will not be able to swap your 3G connection to be hosted from SIM 2. As this implies, SIM 2 is 2G-only.

Cherry Mobile Stellar:

Cherry Mobile Stellar appears to allow 3G for BOTH its SIM Card slots. There was an option to assign SIM 2 to be "2G Network Only," in order to save battery, with this battery-saving note also indicated in the menu. I believe that implies that unless you choose to assign 2G-only for SIM 2, it is connected to 3G on a regular basis.

Data management is accessed via the Wireless and Networks/Data Management menu.

Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory:

Just like the Cherry Mobile Stellar, both its SIM Cards are 3G-Capable, with just some Data Management swapping involved. Its 3G toggle options are accessed via the "SIM Card Management" menu, however, which, conveniently is also on the Wireless and Networks menu. You can choose to turn either SIM card off.


Collective and Comparative Impressions

I believe that the best buy for a regular phone user would be the Lenovo A60. It has all that you need and more: a great cam, the ability to host a 3G Connection on your phone, as well as a great screen. All that, packaged in a sleek profile, sans the "signature Android lag."

On the other hand, if you're a non-phone Android user like me, meaning your Android is really used as a MiFi/Mobile Internet device, then it would make better sense to get the Cherry Mobile Stellar instead. It seems to be able to host 3G simultaneously, and is the fastest Android of the three.

On the other hand, for those who are looking to buy an Android at the most affordable rates, then there's no stopping you from catching Alcatel Mobile Philippines' promo of the Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory. At the promo price of Php 5,999, this is the best buy of the three, price-wise.

In terms of the "signature Android lag," however, I would have to say that I experienced it just starting up and tinkering with the fresh Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory. For a machine running Android 2.3 Gingerbread on 256MB RAM and a 650MHz processor, at Php 5,999, I don't think you can expect much.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for power, go for the Cherry Mobile Stellar. If you're looking for an awesome phone with awesome standard phone features running an Android, go for the Lenovo A60. If you're looking for a rugged, sturdy form factor, at a price you won't be able to resist despite a lag that you shouldn't mind, then the Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory is for you. Just remember to buy it soon, as it may revert to pre-promo price.

Edit, 1/11/2011: 

In my research for this article, I discovered that the Cherry Mobile Stellar may just be similar to the Lenovo A60 in its 3G/HSDPA functions. Check out the Manual and the Product Page on the links.

 

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Photo Credits: 
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The Android Searcher: LG P500 Optimus One



 
I'm back! This Android Searcher went on a two week vacation in my hometown, Bacólod City, to clear my thoughts and write better articles for Android and your convenience. Just as when I thought I would not be seeing Androids for a couple of weeks, I was wrong. I went to Comer.cio Food Market to check out the food, when I was introduced by some friends to their relatives who also went to the event. When I mentioned I was on the lookout for anything Android-related as The Android Searcher for AndroidAlliance.ph, a friend's relative immediately quipped that he has an Android phone. In a city where iPhones and Blackberries dominate, there are actually some people who took up the Android challenge and, soon enough, turned into a Android-loyalist.

His phone? An LG P500 Optimus One. Bought just months ago, he has been a contented Android user since. Asked with what he liked with Android, he immediately mentioned the free apps. In his work as a telemarketer, he was able to download apps for his day to day chores. Apps like online organizers for jotting down little notes, mention it and there is an app out there for it. The greatest advantage of Androids for him is its affordability and the system is pretty much upgradeable to the latest version of Android. His contentment with Android encouraged his cousin to also buy the same phone. Pressed for comments regarding my usual observation of Android phones having the signature lag, he said that, on his end, he did not experience any annoying lags in his Android for months of use.

In the course of our conversation, I mentioned to him my recent discovery of the Sky Vega Racer with the inbuilt Skype function. He told me that that was the kind of phone he was looking for;  I immediately told him, however, that it is not yet available in the Philippines. His apparent enthusiasm gave him the idea of actually buying one in a planned trip to South Korea in the middle of this year. I guess we might be seeing a first Filipino user of the Vega Racer here. After a few pleasantries and some cold drinks, he thanked me for my valuable input about Android phones. Bacólod City may not have the epiphany of how awesome Androids are, just yet, but with people like him, we just might get there soon enough.
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Android Gadget Overview: Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory


Remember those phones we still call the "Safeguard" phones? Back when GSM was still an innovative tech breakthrough and when top-of-the-line cellphones were still Nokia and Siemens, and when Bosch still had a phone lineup, there was that phone with the "Safeguard," the soap, form factor.

That was the Alcatel. And even then, they still prefixed their lineup with the "OneTouch" brand.

Who could forget the "Safeguard" phone, eh?

But most of us probably did. Especially when Nokia became THE brand to beat.

Just like Motorola, they experienced a certain degree of being pushed into obscurity for a while. Then in recent years, Alcatel started regaining lost ground with a line of good Dual-SIM and WiFi-capable phones. They also joined the QWERTY phone craze, and their lineup now consists of a strong product line of QWERTY and Dual-SIM offerings.

Today, just like the Motorola, they also moved to up their ante in relevance with the Android. Alcatel Mobile Philippines now has five Android phone models to its name.

The most recent model they've released is the Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Duo 918N, also known as the OneTouch Blaze Glory.

This phone is powered by Gingerbread, 3G, and 650MHz of MediaTek CPU processing speed, 150MB Internal Storage.

Ho-humm. So what else is new?

How about:

  • Dual-SIM Standby
  • WiFi Hotspot
  • HSDPA/HSUPA at 7.2MBPS max download/5.76MBPS max upload

All at Php 5,999?

There has been a clamor for Dual-SIM Androids of late, and the closest competitors to this, as Dual-SIM Androids, are only the Cherry Mobile Stellar and the Lenovo A60.

The closest competitors to this model, in terms of price, would be the single-SIM Samsung Galaxy Y and the Cherry Mobile Cosmo, but both are single-SIM Androids.

Should you want to get a more affordable Dual-SIM Android, there is the Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Duo 890D, at Php 4,399. The only drawback is a smaller, resistive screen. The Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory has a Capacitative touchscreen, so there would be a better touch screen experience with this one.

For its price and its specs, the Alcatel OneTouch Blaze Glory is the phone to have. In terms of durability, Alcatel phones do have their record of surviving quite a bit of user misuse. However, you'd have to see tomorrow's Dual-SIM Android specs shootout for a more informed comparison. Also, take note that Alcatel has indicated that this is a PROMO price. Though, Alcatel has been known to keep their phones at "Promo" prices for months.

Things sure are looking awesome on the Android front! Later today, my review of the custom ROM I installed on my Cherry Mobile Nova, the Firetrap Lollipop.

Enjoy this chilly Tuesday!

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Alcatel
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The 12 Days Of Christmas Android Alliance Ph Special: Five Tablets To Buy, Ogle, Think About, Charge, Add To Wishlist Or Pray For


We have a lot to catch up on for the 12 Days of Christmas, so we thought it'd be great to start -- right about now.

We have 5 days to make up for, so we brought 5 gadgets to the table for you to think about and consider today:
  • The MSI WindPad Enjoy
  • The Lenovo Ideapad K1 Tablet
  • The Toshiba Thrive
  • The HTC Flyer
  • The Motorola Xoom
If you notice, all of these are tablets. What sets our list apart today is that we're giving you the lowest prices we've seen so far, from online dealers.

As we give you the best prices for these and where to buy them at those rates, we'll also give you the specs per machine.

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MSI WindPad Enjoy 7"


ROM: 4GB
RAM: 512MB
CPU: ARM Cortex A8, 1.0GHz
OS: Android 2.3, Gingerbread
WiFi Only
Display: 7-inch multi touchscreen display, 800 x 400 (16:9), Capacitive
Dual Camera

Php 11,995 at Villman Computers
Also Php 11,999 at Villman Computers' Multiply Store

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MSI WindPad Enjoy 10"


ROM: 4GB 
RAM: 512MB
CPU: ARM Cortex A8, 1.0GHz
OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
WiFi Only
Display: 10" 1024 x 768(4:3), MultiTouchScreen Display
Dual Camera: Front 2MP / Rear 2MP

Php 14,995 at Villman Computers

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Lenovo Ideapad K1 Tablet


 


ROM: 32GB SSD
RAM: 1 GB Onboard LPDDR2 600MHz
CPU: NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 T20 Dual Core Processor, 1.0GHz
OS: Android 3.1, Honeycomb
WiFi Only
Dual Camera: Front 2MP / Rear 5MP Camera

Php 24,984 at Villman Computers

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Toshiba Thrive


ROM: 8GB Internal Storage
RAM: 1GB RAM
CPU: Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 Dual-Core A9 Cortex, 1GHz
GPU: ULP GeForce
OS: Android 3.1, Honeycomb
Dual Camera: Primary 5 MP, 2592x1944 pixels, autofocus / Secondary 2 MP

Php 17,000 at Gadgets and Things Multiply Store

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HTC Flyer




ROM: 16GB
RAM: 1GB
CPU: 1.5GHz Qualcomm processor, TI OMAP 3610 chipset
OS: Android 2.3.3, Gingerbread
3G HSDPA 14.4 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps
Dual Camera: Primary 5 MP, 2592x1944 pixels, autofocus / Secondary 1.3 MP

Php 24,500 at Gadgets and Things Multiply Store

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Motorola Xoom




ROM: 32GB
RAM: 1GB
CPU: Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 Dual-Core Processor, 1GHz
GPU: ULP GeForce 333 MHz
OS: Android 3.2, Honeycomb
WiFi Only
Dual Camera: Back: 5MP with 8× digital zoom, autofocus, dual LED flash / Front: 2MP camera

Php 19,000 at Gadgets and Things Multiply Store
Php 25,700 at Kimstore Multiply Store
Wi-Fi + 3G Version - Php 32,200 at Kimstore Multiply Store

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This long list of tablets to feast on thinking about and considering should sate you for a few hours more. Later, a closer look at the Motorola Xoom, and more Android gadget goodies to wish, think about, and possibly even pray for!

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Photo Credits: 
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Bargain China Android Tablets


As we mentioned, we're giving you 12 unadulterated days of Android gadget goodies, as ideas for the 12 days ramping up for Christmas. Today, as promised, we're giving you the 12 Days of Christmas Android Specials, Installment #2: Bargain China Android Tablets.

We've already given you a primer on How To Take Care Of A China-Made WhiteBox Android Device (Or Any Other Mobile Device), so you should be all set on the proper care of a China Android. But before we give you an unbiased review and leads to the Internet's best suppliers of China gadgets, we have to issue this three-point warning:
  • You get what you pay for. A 4,000-peso Android Tablet is no Samsung Galaxy Tab.
  • Remember that IF you take the plunge, ANY China machine will always have defects. So set your expectations accordingly.
  • This is both for learning and entertainment purposes, so if you visited this post, you must have gotten curious about these China Android Tablets in the first place. Feel free to leave this post without feeling pressured to buy a China Android Tablet.
Now that we've laid that down, presenting, these five China Android Tablets that are popular buys on Sulit.com (two featured here, three in links only):

Ken Kho's MID/APad with FM and TV


ROM: 884MB Internal Storage
RAM: 256MB
CPU: WM8650, High-performance CPU, 800MHZ
Android 2.3.1 Gingerbread
WiFi
Expandable Memory via MicroSD, up to 32GB
TV
Radio
1.3MP Front Camera
Microsoft Office
Facebook

Three other models from Ken Kho:

Android APad/MID Device from Sulit Seller jo669063:




RAM: 512MB DDR2
CPU: VIA WM8650 processor, 800Mhz
Android 2.2 Froyo
802.11b/g/n WI-FI CERTIFIED network connection
Battery Life: approx. 1-2.5 hours (depending on usage)
Display: 7 inches 16:9 Widescreen 800x480 TFT LCD
Touch control: Full-size RESISTIVE (pressure sensitive) touchscreen operation
Expandable Memory via MicroSD, up to 32GB
Orientation Sensor: Landscape, Portrait
Built-in speakers, digital camera and microphone.
Standard earphone jack.

We chose these particular models because of the seller's reliability, based on user feedback, as well as the product's price point and value for money (Price vs Specs). Also, the APad with TV and Radio from Ken Kho's product lineup is an item that only few China gadget sellers carry. So far, we've spotted only Ken Kho and Kyndapresenta sell this item. We recommend Ken Kho for one particular reason: feedback and longevity as an online seller.

On the other hand, Sulit Seller jo669063 also has a long line of POSITIVE feedback, and his APad model is the lowest-priced in the lot: the most affordable, and yet reliable. Other low-priced listings in Sulit.com.ph have negative feedback on their sellers' profiles, so we'd rather steer you clear of those.


As we mentioned in the three-point list of expectations that we set earlier, a China gadget is NOT a perfect Apple, Blackberry, or even HTC or Samsung machine. Rather, it is expected to be flawed and expected to have glitches. Should you want to persevere in purchasing a China unit for yourself, remember to research, to check for feedback, and ask for other users' experience with the machines.

The bottom line is that this is a risk you're taking. Make sure that you go into the risk considering all the possibilities and being prepared for the worst-case scenario, and make sure you won't blame the seller for the product's defects. Negotiate, ask for the best service and make use of your warranty. But never, never expect perfection.


For more details and user feedback, here are more resources we've prepared for you:






We hope you enjoyed this post! Tune in for more of the 12 Days of Christmas series here on Android Alliance Ph!

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12 Days of Christmas
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The Complete Cherry Mobile Android Lineup: Your Holiday Gift-Giving Selections From Cherry Mobile



Last week, we promised to give you hot Droid deals and sales for Christmas. As we mentioned, among the top bargain Droids on our Christmas list are Cherry Mobile Androids. Cherry Mobile Androids have always been priced lower than the market's lowest-priced Droids, and usually with specs that give you better value for money.

Today, we bring you the Complete List of Cherry Mobile Androids, compared side by side in a table we made just for you:





From left to right, we've listed down the Cherry Mobile Droids, from tablets to entry-level offerings. We've also charted their specs side by side so that you can compare their products.

If you want to view this chart in a tab on its own, [CLICK HERE].

Our editor is still partial to her Cherry Mobile Nova, and it does seem interesting that Cherry Mobile maintained its price at Php 400 higher than the Cherry Mobile Orbit, despite the Orbit being a newer release (the Cherry Mobile Orbit seems to be a precursor to the Cherry Mobile Stellar) and a Dual-SIM model at that. Could it be that the Nova is of a higher-quality make than the newer models? These are just our speculations. Our publisher has also mentioned the Cherry Mobile Nova's durability, given that he had already dropped his own Cherry Mobile Nova to the point of actually unhinging the back cover. Still alive and kicking, up to today.

Take note, too, that the models Eclipse 2.2, Candy and Candy Chat are rudimentary WiFi phones. The big advantage to these models over the run-of-the-mill WiFi phone, is, of course, the Android OS inside. Not even the older generations of WiFi and 3G- capable Symbian OS phones can compare to the sleek interface of the Android.

These are the selections of Cherry Mobile Android gadgets that you can give (or give yourself) this Christmas. We'll be giving you more bargains and more Android selections this holiday season!

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Photo Credits: ISP101.net
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The Android Searcher: Cherry Mobile Candy


My phone has been with me for almost two years now. As technology advances, it seems that my current phone is getting outmoded as smartphones are invading the local market. I decided, that's it! I need to replace my phone, and soon. While people are mostly attracted to smartphone platforms like the iPhone and Blackberry, a freeware innovation attracted my attention: the Android. Just to backtrack a little, the Android was released in 2005, derived from the Linux kernel. For those who are most familiar with Linux, it is a free operating system. Even though Google bought the development rights and absorbed the Android Dev team as a sub-unit of Google, the Android continues to be a free operating system for mobile smartphones and tablets. Since the Android is a free operating system, a number of companies, most notably Motorola, Samsung, HTC and LG to name a few, adopted the mobile OS. 

In the Philippines, a mobile phone company called Cherry Mobile took the chains in providing cheap but quality mobile phones. And in its moves to expand and grow its market, it also released a good selection of Android phones. The mobile phone brand has been popularized by variety show host Willie Revillame in his show at the local television network, TV5.

On my way to church, I passed by a Cherry Mobile booth in the lower ground floor of Robinson's Galleria. Having Android in mind, I decided to check it out. What caught my attention is the Cherry Mobile Candy and its QWERTY version, Candy Chat. At less than PhP4,000, Cherry Mobile Candy is the cheapest in the market and comes in different colors: even purple, my favorite. 

The phone boasts of being powered by Android Froyo 2.2 Froyo, the Android Kernel version before Android Gingerbread 2.3. Froyo is also the second most utilized Android platform in the market, second only to Gingerbread.

I got to hold an actual phone which is actually lightweight and easy to carry around. The saleslady mentioned that the Cherry Mobile Candy and Candy Chat boasts of a wide variety of apps which one can get for free! Yes, for free, the advantage of Android phones. 

I got to check how the touch screen works but the resistive screen does not go well with my touch; which falls short for me, as I'm pretty fond of mobile games. The resistive touchscreen creates a gaming handicap, as mobile games require a lot of pressing. If you are not a game freak though, the touch resistance may be just fine. For a phone that costs less than PhP4,000, its a good deal with wi-fi capabilities and a 16gB capable SD Card memory slot. Stylish and reliable at a cheap price: not bad at all. 

Will this finally be my new Android phone? Maybe or maybe not. I need to soul-search more for Android phones in the market to find "the one" for me. Follow me as I search for more of Android, its market perks and features that would be worth my pocket's spend.

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-The Android Searcher
Advantages of the Android
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A Cherry Android for Christmas?


I saw a question on the Facebook Page of the Philippine Android Community revolving around the Cherry Mobile brand. Well, here's some candid talk on Cherry Mobile phones. I got a Cherry Nova early this year. The main reason why I got it was because I knew that the chip inside was a Qualcomm chip. This phone did not disappoint at all. It has been dropped a few times and is still in perfect working order.

Furthermore, last summer, I brought this to the US and inserted a T-mobile SIM with 4G service. I must say that the performance was impressive! Wow if only we had that kind of service, we can really maximize our Android phones to the level they were designed to operate.

Net, I can really say that if you are looking for an entry level Android, the Cherry Nova is a good unit to start with.

-Pub
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Bargain Hunter: Samsung Galaxy Y


Two things about the Samsung Galaxy Y for you Android Fanatics today: A bargain and the Samsung Galaxy Y Netphone Edition.

The Samsung Galaxy Y, or Samsung Galaxy Young, is an entry-level Samsung phone designed to serve the basic needs of Android users, with a price that’s also at the baseline. These are the specs of the Samsung Galaxy Y: 

  • Android OS v.2.3.5 (Gingerbread)
  • 256MB RAM
  • 832MHz CPU
  • 160MB Internal Memory

If you’re about to turn your nose up at these specs, wait till you read the price of the Samsung Galaxy Y that we saw in Robinsons Pioneer.

Five-thousand, eight-hundred eighty pesos. That’s right, the openline Samsung Galaxy Y we saw at MultiCom is less than Php 6,000. 

However, for nothing  more than Php 110 extra, you get to tether your Samsung Galaxy Y to the SmartNet system. 

Yup, you read right. Smart Communications is selling the Samsung Galaxy Y at only Php 5,990 on Prepaid, and you get to use the SmartNet network for free until December 31, 2011. Remember that though SmartNet may be made available for other users to use on non-Netphone Androids, so far, only Smart Communications Consultant Jayvee Fernandez has been able to get his hands on the SmartNet app. Not only that, there are rumors that Smart will only give access to SmartNet for free on its Netphone models, and may charge non-Netphone users certain fees for the use of the system. Thus, if you want to get the most out of a Samsung Galaxy Y as a Netphone, it’s no biggie to spring an extra Php 110 for SmartNet access, right?

But if you prefer to save the Php 110, and Robinsons Pioneer is accessible to you, head on over to MultiCom for the cheapest Samsung Galaxy Y we’ve seen so far. If you find something cheaper, do let us know!

Subscribe to our feed for more Android Bargains on our Bargain Hunter deal specials!
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Smart Communications' Netphone: Brilliant Concept, Brilliant PR



Smart Communications seems to have its PR machine run tight. In just around 15 days after the Netphone was launched, we have seen not only the high profile bloggers tote their new Netphones, we've also seen friends colleagues wield brand spanking new ZTE Blades powered by SmartNet, or, as it is known by the brand, the Netphone 701.

Since the different high-profile bloggers have already said their piece about the phone, here is a collection of their opinions about it:


If there's anything we can just say about the whole Netphone 701 campaign, it's that Smart was very brilliant to lock its SmartNet service to the Netphone. While you can sign up for an account and even update your Facebook and Twitter via a SmartNet account on its website, you will not be able to enjoy the full benefits of SmartNet if you were on another Android. We tried using the service via a Cherry Mobile Nova, and, the website does not convert to a mobile site on the Opera Mini. It has the same proportions as the PC-based version. On the Dolphin HD Browser, the proportions are still the same, though it looks a tad bit more bearable. You may probably learn to like posting from SmartNet in landscape mode, but with Facebook for Android or even the mobile browser-based Mobile Facebook, we doubt you'd switch to SmartNet if you were on another Android.

What is more advantageous in having a Netphone is not just the dedicated app for SmartNet; it's really the free use of SmartNet. You can have only Php 1 in your Smart prepaid account, and as long as you keep the settings on "SmartNet" and not "Internet," you'll be fine. You can toggle these settings on the second panel of your Smart Netphone, as Karen Ang mentions in her post. 

Thus, the brilliance of the Netphone is really locked into the SmartNet system. However, the service will only be free until December 31, 2011. After that, expect to pay Php 999 per 1GB of data monthly. Smart also has other denominations in its Always On plan suite, so you may be able to take advantage of SmartNet at lower rates.

Did Smart Communications hit the jackpot by copying the big companies and their whole software/hardware ecosystem (think Apple's iTunes, the Android Marketplace and the Blackberry Internet Service)? Did they also hit a PR jackpot by creating an effective viral campaign with the help of local and influential bloggers? Will Smart Netphone users stay on the system after December 31, 2011? Only time will tell.


***
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Why You Should Get An Android Tablet




Much has been said about the iPad, and because of it, we now have a new wave of technology and innovation revolving around tablet computers. If there's anything the iPad ushered in, it's a renaissance in touch-screen and tablet computing.

Prior to the iPad, tablet, touch screen and convertible computers have existed, but they never got into the mainstream market because of the prohibitive price. And according to this Forbes article by Mark Tobias, one other reason that the Tablet never really caught onto the market was that the hardware/software implementation wasn't smooth enough.

There are three touch-screen tablet players in the market today: The Apple iPad (currently on iPad 2), the Android tablet (which will differ in awesomeness, depending which brand and model you choose), and the Blackberry Playbook.


Here are the reasons why we recommend an Android tablet:

1. Integration with Google. We can't say it more often enough. The integration with Google services is what makes an Android extra-awesome.

2. The Android Tablet is consumer/casual-user-friendly. If you're buying a tablet as a consumer, a lot of Tech pundits do not agree with choosing a Blackberry Playbook if you're buying it as an end-user or regular consumer. While the experts believe that it's a great business device still, an end-user who may want to use a tablet as both a plaything and a workhorse, may not be happy with the dearth of applications, especially games, on the Blackberry ecosystem.

3. It is more economical to own an Android Tablet in the long run. While the iPad is definitely the king of tablet computing at the moment, a budget-conscious user may not like the fact that he would need to purchase nearly all the apps he may want to have from the Apple Store. Yes, there are free apps, but these are trial versions. Full versions will cost $0.99 and up. This may be affordable for some, but for a good majority of the Filipino users, paying for software isn't something most of us would like to do. If you can get something else for free, why would you have to pay for it.

On this note, needing to use a credit card to pay for your app purchases is also an inconvenience that a Filipino consumer may not be willing to contend with. Most Filipinos don't own a credit card, and those who have never owned one may not be willing to apply for a credit card just to be able to buy software. Also, with the incidences of credit card fraud in recent times, even credit card holders may not be willing to use their credit cards for online purchases.

Thus, if you can relate to these characteristics, then you may benefit more from an Android Tablet than an iPad. Yes, there are credit card alternatives like Unionbank EON or Smart Money, but nothing beats free, really.

If you've decided on getting an Android device in the near future but are torn between an Android tablet and an Android phone, well, keep watching this space in the coming days, as we'll be helping you decide which to get. You may also subscribe to the Android Alliance RSS Feed to follow our updates.

Indeed, the Android is going neck and neck with Apple's offerings. In the end, the final shootout may well be between these two Tech industry players. In the meantime, these are lists of the best Android tablets in the market, as of June, July and September 2011:

September 2011: Top 10 Best Android Tablets In The World by ZoomZum
July 2011: The Best Android Tablets by PC Mag
June 2011: 12 Best Android Tablets In The World by TechRadar


Have a great weekend, everyone!
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Android Newbie's Guide To Buying An Android


Are you a n00b?

...An Android n00b, a.k.a Newbie, that is. If this is your first time to buy an Android, fear not. The decision-making process is pretty straightforward.

The dozens of Android models on the market may be intimidating for those who hate needing to compare and canvass for the best model to buy. That's why the iPhone is such a hit -- just one item on the list. The only decisions you need to worry about are whether you're getting the White iPhone or the Black iPhone, or if you're getting it in 16GB or 32GB.

With the Android, you'd have to decide which brand to refer to, which model to choose, what "flavor" Android you should get, among other crazy mind-bending questions to answer.

That being said, we created a simple process for you to filter out your Android choices:

1. Look at the tech specs before anything.

While 256MB RAM/512MB ROM/600MHz Qualcomm CPU is pretty decent and standard for an Android, higher specs will always be better, when it comes to gadgets. You'll come face to face with this truth when you're a rabid gamer and you acutely feel the micro lags during a furious session of Angry Birds or Pumpkins vs. Monsters.

Thus, first determine the tech specs that would make you happy, then start looking at the models that have this benchmark. We believe that around 768MB RAM/1GB ROM/1GHz CPU would be a decent starting point. If price is no problem, you can start looking at the Super Droids that are coming our way.

As for Android "flavor," never choose anything released earlier than Froyo (Android 2.2). That way, you will be able to move your apps to your SD Card.

Here's a quick guide to the Android Flavors in the order by which they were released:

  1. Cupcake -- v.1.5
  2. Donut -- v.1.6    
  3. Eclair -- v.2.1
  4. Froyo -- v.2.2
  5. Gingerbread -- v.2.3.x
  6. Honeycomb -- 3.x.x 

2. Form factor counts.

If you have big, chunky fingers (sorry), forget about the thinner and sleeker models. They'll only make you want to hurl your unit across the room. When you're checking and testing units in cellphone kiosks, try the soft keypad in portrait form. If you can type a whole 160-character message without mistyping, then you're in soft keypad heaven.

If you've reconciled with the fact that you absolutely hate touchscreen phones, forget about the models that are fully touchscreen. Think about the sliders or the Blackberry-type QWERTY models instead.


3. Now you can think about the price.

If money is not a problem, then, as we mentioned, a Super Droid would be a better buy than one of the regular droids. But if price is a major factor, then filter our your picks with this point.

Here are the low-end to mid-range Droids available on the market:



Here is the spreadsheet version of the list:



With this list, we've gotten you started on the low to mid-end Android phones with the best value for money. As you can see, Samsung has opted to keep its phone models with lower internal memory, possibly to keep price points lower. Since all of their models are on Froyo anyway, users can keep their apps in their SD Cards.

Judging from the specs, we believe that the HTC Wildfire S, Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini, Sony Xperia Mini Pro, and the Cherry Mobile Magnum offer the most bang for the buck. Also, we recommend the Cherry Mobile Magnum because of its screen size: texting in portrait orientation will be a lot easier because of its screen real estate. And if you're all for dual SIM phones, the Cherry Mobile Orbit is not a bad choice, either. But if the phone's camera quality is also a consideration, Sony Ericsson is known for having the best cameras on cellphones. The Smart Netphone could also be a great buy, if you consider the SmartNet perks. SmartNet services are free until December 31, 2011. So remember, specs first, form factor second, then let the axe fall with the price. And if you care about the brand, factor that in, as well. But the bottom line really is, after you try everything that catches your fancy, it's all about the total package.


***

***We didn't include Android players like LG and Acer because of the dismal specs for their products. Neither did we include the Motorola line because they're not readily available in Philippine malls, but are available via online sellers.


Photos, specs and prices are available on the links provided. Go ahead, click on!



Photo Credits: Quantrimang
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Exciting Super-Droids Coming Our Way


Yesterday, we talked about the things you need to look out for when on the market for a new Droid. We established that the ROM, the CPU and the RAM are the most important aspects of your purchase. These determine the speed of your Android and how many apps you will be able to install and enjoy on your Android machine.

Today, we're letting you in on an industry open secret: Android device makers are working overtime to give you faster, more juiced-up Droids over 2011.

These Droids have CPU Speeds of 1GHz to 1.2GHz, RAM from 512MB, 768MB up to 1GB. ROM Storage has also been jacked up to 1GB, 4GB, 8GB, and even up to 16GB of flash memory. This means you can download and run as many apps as you can fill, up to 16GB. Awesome, right?

The Android as a platform and as a class of devices created around the platform has been criticized to be "not as good as the iPhone." Let's face the fact that this is relatively new technology, and it's still in its growing stage. Growth comes with growth pains, and one of those growth pains includes creating a tighter, better standard for the Android devices.

One thing that Android device manufacturers should work on would be how to create an Android that's as fast, as responsive, and has as hefty a storage capacity as the iPhone.

For now, with the Android platform maturing, the devices found on this sheet are the best the market has to offer.

If you're complaining about how the devices have prices too steep, making these even pricier than the iPhone, how about going for a Cherry Mobile Magnum? At Php 13,999 or roughly $329 (at Php 42.50 to $1.00), it's powered by a 1.0GHz Qualcomm Scorpion processor, 512MB of RAM and 2GB of ROM. It's half the price of the most juiced-up Androids, doesn't come with a lock-in contract to a mobile service provider, and it's among the best the market has to offer. Plus, it's a proudly Filipino brand.

Exciting things are coming for the Android aficionado. Watch as the market matures this 2011 and beyond.
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Why Moto Phones Rock



Motorola was, and always will be, a mobile industry icon. A company that started in 1928, since then, they have been synonymous to sturdy, groundbreaking mobile device designs.

At the time when Nokias and other phone models were bulky handsets worthy of being called paperweights, Motorola pioneered the "small is powerful" design in its now-iconic "StarTAC." Since then, they've produced sleek, slick, and beautiful handsets.

For one, the RAZR, SLVR and KRZR models were the slimmest, sleekest phones available in their time. Not only were the sleek and slick profiles highly marketable, but Moto packed a punch in their phones' software, as well.

With these mid-range models capable of installing Java applications, midrange users were already given almost what a SmartPhone could do. With Bluetooth, amazing sound, and a sturdy construction, if, at that time, you weren't enamored with Palm devices or Blackberries yet, a Moto phone would suffice.

Despite a lull in Motorola's marketability, it has finally resurrected thanks to the Android. How it lagged behind in the past, it is now at the forefront of SmartPhone innovation.

What makes a Motorola a cut above other Androids? Try Battery Life. With Android users complaining mostly about their devices' battery life, or its lack of longevity, the Motorola Droids boast of standby times up in at least 200 hours of standby, and at least 8 to 10 hours of talk time. Exactly what an Android user needs. And while HTC probably rules the Android roost, some Motorola units' designs are still exciting, or even more exciting than the HTC portfolio:


These three are worth checking out in the Motorola portfolio.

Also, the Motorola Droids (like the Droid Bionic) are powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 2 Processor, making it a faster machine compared to a Snapdragon-powered HTC Thunderbolt. This means that if you buy a Moto Droid Bionic, you'll have a phone that's as powerful as an Android tablet. Things like these are worth considering when you're in the market for a new Android device.

On the whole, the Google purchase of Motorola Mobility was great news. With machines designed to be as powerful as these, expect the market to have top-notch Android offerings from Motorola -- Top-notch, inside and out, software and hardware.

***


Image Credits: 

Motorola Backflip by Product Reviews
Motorola Charm by Pure Mobile
Motorola Flipout by Gadgets DNA
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