Pinoy Techno Guide

Cherry Mobile’s latest sturdy phone called the U5 isn't just dust proof and waterproof, it can also control your smartphone via a Bluetooth connection.

The Cherry Mobile U5 can view text messages on your smartphone, make and receive calls and even function as a separate phone with a single SIM slot of its own.

Here’s a photo of the Cherry Mobile U5:

Cherry Mobile U5 Waterproof Phone and Remote Dialer for ₱2,199

Do you like how the Cherry Mobile U5 looks like?

It might not look very good and some people might say its ugly but the Cherry Mobile U5 is helpful for those who constantly find themselves in difficult situations.

Asked by Adrian Dabu Estanislao on Facebook if the Cherry Mobile U5 has anti-theft feature, a Cherry Mobile representative replied, “No, but you can throw it at their face.”

Some of the specs are not yet reveled like the battery capacity. We’ll update this once we know more about the Cherry Mobile U5.

Cherry Mobile U5 Partial Specs and Features

Colored LCD Display
Physical Keypad
32GB MicroSD Card Slot
Single SIM
FM Radio
Bluetooth 3.0
Remote SMS Viewer
Remote Dialer
Waterproof (1m for 30 mins)
Dustproof

SKK is at it again – releasing very affordable smartphones with good specs. After the octa core Phoenix X1, here’s the quad core Phoenix G1 for ₱3,799 only!

Aside from the quad core processor, SKK Phoenix G1 boasts a 5-inch IPS display, 8MP camera with a 5MP counterpart on the front, 1GB of RAM and up to 64GB of microSD storage.

Meet the SKK Phoenix G1:

SKK Phoenix G1 - notice the subtle patterns on its back cover.

SKK Phoenix G1 runs on a 1.3GHz quad core processor from MediaTek - the MT6582. That also means it has a dual core Mali-400 MP2 graphics processor for smooth games at this price level!

The 1GB RAM of the SKK Phoenix G1 will take care of multitasking or apps that run in the background. A smooth user interface is also guaranteed by the Android 4.4 Kitkat OS out of the box.

Its screen is a 5-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels or 220 pixels per inch. The main camera is rated as 8MP while the front camera is 5MP. Take note that these might be interpolated and the sensors have lesser pixel counts.

Dimensions of the SKK Phoenix G1 and a closer look at its textured back.

Surprisingly, SKK Phoenix G1 has 8GB of onboard storage instead of just the usual 4GB. It can also be expanded up to 64GB using a microSD card.

3G access, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and FM Radio are all present as well as USB OTG support. It even has an E-compass in addition to the usual sensors.

Its battery is a 2,000mAh Li-ion cell which should be enough to power the SKK Phoenix G1 throughout your day.

Overall, the SKK Phoenix G1 is a very promising quad core smartphone at a very affordable price. This just leaves two concerns: quality of SKK products and after sales service.

SKK Phoenix G1 Specs

1.3GHz Quad Core MediaTek MT6582 Processor
Android 4.4.2 Kitkat OS
5.0-Inch qHD IPS Display (540 x 960 Pixels, 220 PPI)
ARM Mali-400 MP2 GPU
8.0 Megapixel Autofocus Main Camera with Dual LED Flash
5.0 Megapixel Front Camera
1GB of RAM
8GB Internal Storage
Expandable up to 64GB via MicroSD
Dual SIM/Dual Standby
3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks
Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS with A-GPS
FM Radio
USB OTG Support
3.5mm Audio Jack
Accelerometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light Sensor
145.8 x 73.1 x 8.73 mm
2,000mAh Li-ion Battery
₱3,799.00 Official Suggested Retail Price

Instead of the usual smartphones, Cherry Mobile surprised tech bloggers during a gathering with the announcement of the Cherry Mobile TV Box.

For the price of only ₱3,999, the Cherry Mobile TV Box can turn your ordinary TV with HDMI into a smart TV where you can browse the internet, play movies from a USB flash drive and mirror your iPhone or Android phone’s screen via Air Play or Miracast.

Here’s the Cherry Mobile TV Box:

Meet the Cherry Mobile TV Box!

The Cherry Mobile TV Box runs on Android 4.4.2 Jelly Bean using a 1.0Ghz quad core processor. You have to connect it to your TV using a free HDMI cord. It will then display the familiar Android home screen that you see on a tablet.

You can connect a USB flash drive loaded with movies and enjoy watching up to a full HD 1080p resolution.

However, the real magic happens when you connect the Cherry Mobile TV Box to the internet via Wi-Fi or LAN connection. You can then browse the internet and check your Facebook account or watch YouTube videos.

Cherry Mobile TV Box and Remote

If you have an iPhone or a Mac, you can mirror its display on your TV using the Cherry Mobile TV Box because it is compatible with Air Play! There’s also wireless display via Miracast for Android devices and Windows laptops.

Since it runs on Android, you can install apps on the Cherry Mobile TV Box. Just don’t expect too much when it comes to games because it already has to work hard in processing graphics for the large display.

The only issue with this device is its remote control which is somewhat limited to what it can let you do. You may use a USB keyboard and mouse for a better control over your smart TV setup with the Cherry Mobile TV Box.

Cherry Mobile TV Box Specs

1.0GHz Quad Core Processor
Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS
MicroSD Card Slot up to 32GB
Dual Band Wi-Fi
LAN Port
Miracast
Air Play
HDMI
USB (2 Ports)
₱3,999.00 Official Retail Price

Do you want to own a 4G LTE pocket Wi-Fi but short on budget? Cherry Mobile has something for you – the Cherry Mobile Ultra On the Go!

It’s a 4G LTE pocket Wi-Fi or router for only ₱3,999. That’s cheaper than SmartBro and Globe Tatoo’s devices with the same function. However, you need to check the quality of 4G LTE signal in your area before getting this one.

Meet the Cherry Mobile Ultra On the Go:

Cherry Mobile Ultra On the Go 4G LTE Pocket Wi-Fi

It seems that Cherry Mobile is labeling its LTE devices with Ultra. You might remember the Cherry Mobile Ultra which is their second LTE smartphone.

The Cherry Mobile Ultra On the Go has a single SIM slot with the regular size (mini SIM). It also has a microSD slot for up to a 32GB card.

It has a 2,000mAh Li-ion battery which is replaceable should you wish so.

Cherry Mobile Ultra On the Go SIM and Battery

Cherry Mobile Ultra On the Go SIM and microSD slots and Battery

Cherry Mobile Ultra On the Go is compatible with the 4G LTE networks of Smart and Globe. 5G? Nah...

If the LTE signal in your area fails, the device can still connect to the internet via 3G HSPA+ or 2G networks.

The Cherry Mobile Ultra On the Go and Cherry Mobile TV Box will be available nationwide by the end of September.

Asus finally launched the much awaited ZenWatch during the IFA 2014 in Berlin, Germany. It is the company’s first wearable device and uses Google’s Android Wear platform.

The IP55 rated water and dust resistant Asus ZenWatch boasts a 'genuine stitched-leather watchband and quick-release clasp design', curved 1.63-inch AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass 3 and Snapdragon 400 chip.

Meet the Asus ZenWatch:

Asus ZenWatch features a genuine brown leather strap.

The Asus ZenWatch pairs with any Android device running on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean or higher but it works best with the Asus ZenFone and other Asus products. It can be used to:

automatically unlock your smartphone when the two devices are within range
locate your misplaced phone
mute an incoming call by placing your hand over the ZenWatch
take photos remotely, and
serve as a presentation remote

It also uses a 9-axis Sensor and a Bio Sensor for its Wellness Manager which monitors and tracks health related statistics such as steps taken, calories burned, activity duration, heart rate, exercise intensity and relaxation level.

Based on these data, you can then view an easy-to-understand relaxation score based on relaxation-level measurements.

The curved display of the Asus ZenWatch.

Aside from these health-related features, the Asus ZenWatch also features over a hundred different designs for the watch face. You can go from a classic analog watch design to a retro LCD display type or a modern watch face.

Asus boasts the premium materials used in the ZenWatch although others prefer a black leather strap. Its internals are also stand-out with the 1.2Ghz quad core processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of storage space, 320 x 320 pixel or 278 pixels per inch display and Bluetooth 4.0.

The bad news is it’s not very affordable with a price tag of €199 in Europe or around ₱11,500 when converted.

Asus ZenWatch Specs

1.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Processor
Android Wear Operating System
1.63-Inch AMOLED 2.5D Curved Display (320 x 320 Pixels, 278 PPI)
Scratch Resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3
512MB of RAM
4GB Internal Storage
Bluetooth 4.0
MicroUSB
9-Axis Sensor
Bio Sensor
1.4Wh Li-Po Battery
Water and Dust Resistant (IP55)
50.6 x 39.8 x 7.9-9.4mm @ 75 grams
₱11,500.00 Estimated Price (€199)

Samsung officially took the wraps off the Galaxy Note 4 at the Unpacked Episode 2 event during the IFA 2014 in Berlin, Germany.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 features the same 5.7-inch display as the Note 3 but with a Quad HD display, powered by a Snapdragon 805 or Exynos 5433 with 3GB of RAM, better cameras, new S-Pen features and improved battery life!

Meet the Samsung Galaxy Note 4:

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be available in Charcoal black, Frosted white, Bronze Gold and Blossom Pink.

Although other flagship smartphones like the LG G3 already flaunt QHD displays, the Galaxy Note 4’s Super AMOLED screen differs by having a 2.5D Gorilla Glass 3 on top. This means its edges are slightly curved to provide seamless swiping experience from its four sides.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 - the newest iteration of the device that started the ‘phablet’ category has brought mobile productivity to new heights. According to Samsung, “the S-Pen now functions like a PC mouse!”

A variety of accessories covers are also available including S-View and LED flip covers and a back cover with ‘sparkly’Swarovski crystals! The Note 4 also has an aluminum frame for those who hate too much plastic.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 back cover with Swarovski crystals!

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 will be powered by either an octa core Exynos 5433 chipset made up of four 1.7GHz Cortex-A57 and four 1.3GHz Cortex-A53 CPUs for South Korea or a 2.7GHz quad core Snapdragon 805 for the rest of the world including the Philippines.

Its graphics processor will also differ - Adreno 420 for the quad core version and Mali-T760 for the octa core Note 4. Both will run on 3GB of RAM and 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage space.

Another 64GB of storage can be added using a microSD card while USB OTG is supported. Galaxy Note 4 owners will also enjoy 50GB of free Dropbox cloud storage for 2 years.

Using the twice more sensitive S-Pen on the Galaxy Note 4.

The Galaxy Note 4’s main camera has been upgraded to 16MP from the 13MP of the previous Note. It comes with Smart Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and produces brighter photos and videos.

Its front camera also enjoys a lot of improvements. The 3.7MP snapper has a 90-degree wide angle field of view for groupies without a monopod and a panorama mode that can take Wefies(selfie with everyone!).

A new app called Snap Note lets you take a photo of writings on a blackboard, paper or sign post and the Note 4 will automatically convert it to editable format!

In terms of wireless connectivity, the Note 4 comes with 4G LTE access, dual band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, Infrared and GPS with GLONASS.

Again, USB OTG is supported by the Note 4 as well as MHL for mirroring its display on a TV using an MHL cable plugged on its USB 2.0 port.

A particularly interesting feature of the Note 4 is its triad of microphones that can be utilized for selective recording and noise cancellation based on direction. You can, for example, play just the voice of an interviewer.

Samsung Executive Vice President DJ Lee presents the Galaxy Note 4.

Curiously, Samsung didn’t mention a finger print scanner but it is present. The Galaxy Note 4 also has a heart rate monitor, UV sensor, SpO2 sensor (blood oxygen saturation), barometer, gyroscope and the usual accelerometer and proximity sensor.

A 3,220mAh battery powers the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. It might not be that much considering the Quad HD display and powerful processors but Samsung says the Note 4 is 7.5% more power efficient than the Note 3.

The Note 4 also has fast charging time that can make its battery level go up to 50% from being totally drained in about 30 minutes only!

Flip covers for the Note 4 and an alternative stylus from Mont Blanc.

Samsung hasn’t revealed the pricing of the Galaxy Note 4 yet but it surely won’t be cheap. It will be available in October so expect it to reach the Philippines the month after that.

Smart and Globe will surely have the Note 4 on postpaid plans before Christmas.

Are the above features enough for you to upgrade to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Complete Specs (Philippine Version)

2.7 GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Processor
Android 4.4.4 Kitkat OS with TouchWiz UI
5.7-Inch Quad HD Super AMOLED Display (1440 x 2560 Pixels, 515 PPI)
2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Adreno 420 or Mali-T760 GPU
16.0 Megapixels Autofocus Main Camera with Smart OIS and LED Flash
3.7 Megapixel Wide-Angle (90°) Front Camera
3GB of RAM
32GB or 64GB Internal Storage
Expandable up to 64GB via MicroSD
Single SIM (Micro)
4G LTE – 800, 850, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz
3G HSPA+ – 850, 900, 1900 and 2100 MHz
2G GSM – 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz
Dual Band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
NFC Support
Bluetooth v4.1
Infrared
GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS
FM Radio
MHL Support
USB OTG Support
3.5mm Audio Jack
S-Pen Stylus Support
Finger Print Scanner
SpO2 Sensor
UV Sensor
Heart Rate Monitor
Barometer
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light Sensor
153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm @ 176 grams
3,220mAh Battery

In addition to the Galaxy Note 4, Samsung also unveiled a special edition of the phablet with a unique feature called ‘Edge Screen’.

It’s close to the concept of corner displays and Samsung has made the Edge Screen very functional. It can be used to display apps, tools, notifications, controls and saves battery by displaying the clock and other information rather than the main screen while the phone is locked.

Here’s the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge:

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge flaunting its innovative 'Edge Screen'.

Aside from its Edge Screen, the Galaxy Note Edge has basically the same features as the Note 4. It will also run on Snapdragon 805 or Exynos 5433 with a QHD Super AMOLED display, 3GB of RAM, 16MP camera and LTE connectivity.

The Note Edge will be available towards the end of 2014 in select markets only and it’s not clear if the Philippines is included.

Developers are encouraged to take advantage of the Edge Screen while other OEM’s are surely planning a copy of this feature.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge Specs

2.7 GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 Processor or
1.9GHz + 1.3GHz Octa Core Samsung Exynos 5433 Processor
Android 4.4.4 Kitkat OS with TouchWiz UI
5.6-Inch Quad HD Super AMOLED Display (1,600 x 2,560 Pixels, 524 PPI)
Edge Screen with Revolving UX
2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Adreno 420 or Mali-T760 GPU
16.0 Megapixels Autofocus Main Camera with Smart OIS and LED Flash
3.7 Megapixel Wide-Angle (90°) Front Camera
3GB of RAM
32GB or 64GB Internal Storage
Expandable up to 64GB via MicroSD
Single SIM (Micro)
4G LTE – 800, 850, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz
3G HSPA+ – 850, 900, 1900 and 2100 MHz
2G GSM – 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz
Dual Band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
NFC Support
Bluetooth v4.1
Infrared
GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS
FM Radio
MHL Support
USB OTG Support
3.5mm Audio Jack
S-Pen Stylus Support
Finger Print Scanner
SpO2 Sensor
UV Sensor
Heart Rate Monitor
Barometer
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light Sensor
3,000mAh Li-ion Battery

Sony updated its flagship smartphone line during the IFA 2014 with the Xperia Z3. However, there's not much difference between this and the Z2.

It still has the same display albeit smaller and lighter body, slightly faster 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 variant with 3GB of RAM, 20.7MP camera and IP58 rated water and dust resistance.

Take a look at the Sony Xperia Z3:

Sony Xperia Z3

The Sony Xperia Z3 has been fitted with a more rounded metal frame that should further improve the look and feel of Sony's flagship. A copper colored and silver-green version are also available.

Even without a 2k display like the Galaxy Note 4, the 5.2-inch 1080p Triluminos display of the Z3 still rocks an impressive 424 pixels per inch with the X-Reality engine for graphics and a shatter proof glass.

The device comes with Android 4.4.4 Kitkat out of the box with Sony's customization.

Under the hood, a 2.5GHz quad core MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 runs the show with an Adreno 330 GPU and 3GB of RAM.

There's 16 or 32GB of onboard storage that can be expanded up to 128GB using a microSD card.

Sony Xperia Z3 also supports USB OTG for additional external storage and connecting other USB devices.

Sony Xperia Z3 is available in these four elegant colors.

Still, the best feature of the Z3 is its 20.7MP main camera with an f/2.3 aperture and OIS for very high quality pictures and videos.

4G LTE is supported by the Z3 as well as dual band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and MHL and an RDS FM Radio.

A non-removable 3,100mAh Li-ion battery powers the Xperia Z3 and a barometer, compass and gyroscope are all present.

Some are disappointed that the Z3 only has a few new features but remember that it is only 6 months since the Z2 came out.

Sony Xperia Z3 Complete Specs

2.5GHz Quad Core Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801 Processor
Android 4.4.4 Kitkat OS
5.2-Inch Full HD IPS Triluminos Display (1080 x 1920 Pixels, 424 PPI)
Scratch Proof Glass
Adreno 330 GPU
20.7 Megapixel Autofocus Main Camera with OIS and LED Flash
2.2 Megapixel Front Camera
3GB of RAM
16GB or 32GB Internal Storage
Expandable up to 128GB via MicroSD
Single SIM (Nano)
4G LTE - 1700, 1900 and 2100 MHz
3G HSPA+ - 850, 900, 1700, 1900 and 2100 MHz
2G GSM - 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz
Dual Band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
NFC
Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP
GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS
RDS FM Radio
MHL Support
USB OTG Support
3.5mm Audio Jack
IP58 Certified - Dust Proof, Water Resistant
Barometer
Compass
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light Sensor
146 x 72 x 7.3 mm @ 163 grams
3,100mAh Li-ion Battery (Non-removable)

Asus surprised everyone at IFA 2014 in Berlin by launching a new notebook with an 11.6-inch display and runs on Windows 8.1 for only $199 or around ₱8,800 only when converted!

The new Asus EeeBook X205 promises the portability by weighing less than 1kg and productivity with a quad core Intel Atom Bay Trail-T processor. It is getting negative comments abroad but Filipinos will love this just like the neetbooks of 2007.

Here’s the Asus EeeBook X205:

Asus EeeBook X205 Windows 8.1 Notebook for $199

Are you thinking of getting an Asus EeeBook X205?

Of course, there are compromises in order for the Asus EeeBook X205 to reach this extremely low price. For one, it doesn’t come with a touch screen even though Windows 8.1 is optimized for that and it somehow competes with tablets.

Nevertheless, Asus has made the EeeBook both stylish and functional. It is available in white, black, gold and red while having a full keyboard and large touch pad.

Its 1.83GHz (turbo mode) quad core Intel Atom Z3735 Bay Trail-T processor is aided by 2GB of RAM. There should be no problem with running Windows 8.1 and common softwares although gaming and editing hi-res images might be problematic.

The Asus EeeBook X205 in black.

Another disadvantage with the Asus EeeBook X205 is that it only comes with 32GB of onboard flash storage. This further improves the speed of the notebook but will severely limit the space for applications and files.

You can use a microSD card on its microSDXC slot to add more storage space or connect an external hard drive or USB flash drive for your movies and other large files.

The Asus EeeBook X205 also comes with a lot of free cloud storage– 15GB from Microsoft OneDrive for life and another 100GB with 500GB from Asus for two years.

A white version of the Asus EeeBook X205 - which is better?

Asus also boasts the battery life of the Asus EeeBook X205 that can go on up to 12 hours on a single charge and up to 14 days on standby mode.

There’s no definite date on when it will be available but it will surely makes its way to the Philippines before the holiday season. Its price might also be a little higher here but it’s unlikely going to be more than 10k from official Asus outlets.

We’ll continue to feature low priced Windows 8.1 laptops and notebooks here on Pinoy Techno Guide like the Asus EeeBook X205 and the previously featured HP Stream 14.

Asus EeeBook X205 Notebook Specs

1.33 - 1.83GHz Quad Core Intel Atom Z3735 Bay Trail-T Processor
Windows 8.1 Operating System
11.6-Inch Non-touch LCD Display @ 1,366 x 768 Pixels
Integrated Graphics (Ivy Bridge)
VGA Webcam
2GB of DDR3 RAM
32GB SSD
Expandable via microSDXC
615GB Free Cloud Storage
Wi-Fi
MicroHDMI Port
2 x USB 2.0 Ports
3.5mm Audio Jack
38Wh Battery
$199 or ~₱8,800.00 Official Price

In addition to the two new Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge, Samsung also announced the Gear S and Gear VR during its Unpacked 2014 Episode 2 event.

Samsung Gear S is the Korean company's 3G smartwatch with a curved display and powered by Tizen. The Samsung Gear VR on the other hand is a portable virtual reality headset produced through a partnership with Oculus.

Here’s the Galaxy Gear VR:

The Samsung Galaxy Gear VRneeds the Galaxy Note 4 in order to function. The phablet is fitted inside the Gear VR and provides the virtual reality content while the headset aids in processing the graphics and providing controls.

Virtual Reality devices like the Gear VR and the Oculus Rift provides its user with a fully immersive experience by showing a virtual 360° 3D images of a game or video that can be controlled by movements of the head.

Oculus CTO John Carmack explained that only the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is compatible with the Gear VR due to its sheer processing power, Quad HD Super AMOLED screen which reduces blurring when your turn your head and a deep level access to its hardware provided by Samsung bypassing the limitations of Android.

The Gear VR will find a lot of uses for gamers, aircraft trainings and other educational and medical applications.

Let’s now take a look at the Samsung Galaxy Gear S– another take at making the perfect smartwatch. It has a curved OLED display making it look great and fit with your arm unlike its flat faced counterparts.

The Gear S also features a 1GHz processor and Samsung’s home breed Tizen OS giving it a snappy user interface with several new watch face designs. It also has several sensors aimed at the health monitoring department like a heart rate monitor and pedometer.

Samsung has also fitted the Gear S with its own SIM slot so that it can connect to the internet via 3G and sync notifications with your Galaxy Note or other Samsung smartphone. It can also connect via Wi-Fi and the usual Bluetooth method.

The Gear S can also receive and send text messages or emails and make and answer calls. It actually doesn’t need a paired smartphone to be useful! Its Tizen OS also makes operating the Gear S intuitive by using swipes as the major way of getting around and a single physical home button below the screen.

There are still areas that can be improved with the Gear S. First, it is too bulky with its 2-inch screen and wide straps. Second, composing emails or text messages will result in a lot of typos due to its relatively small screen especially if it’s not in English. Lastly, talking to your watch in public for a call might be too awkward.

Microsoft Devices announced the Lumia 830 at the IFA 2014 in Berlin, Germany and dubbed it the ‘Affordable Flagship’ with a 10MP PureView Camera!

The Lumia 830 costs €330 before taxes or around ₱19,000 so it’s not really that affordable. However, it offers ZEISS Optics, optical image stabilization and several camera improvements including Dynamic Flash brought by Windows Phone 8.1.1 ‘Denim’ update.

Here’s the Nokia Lumia 830:

The Lumia 830 features aluminum sides on the usual brightly colored polycarbonate body. It will come in green, orange, dark gray and white.

Under the hood is a 1.2GHz quad core Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of onboard storage and up to 128GB via microSD.

Its 5-inch HD display is covered by a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for scratch protection and slight curves on the sides or 2.25D.

Its main camera can shoot 1080p videos and Nokia Camera, Nokia Storyteller and Nokia Creative Studio extends your creative ability with the PureView camera.

4G LTE access is present as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS and FM Radio.

There’s a 2200mAh user-replaceable battery that can power the Lumia 830 up to 14.8 hours on a continuous 3G call.

Nokia Lumia 830 Specs

1.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor
Windows Phone 8.1.1 with Lumia Denim OS
5.0-Inch HD 2.25D Display (1280 x 720 Pixels, 294 PPI)
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
10.0 Megapixel Autofocus PureView Main Camera with ZEISS Optics, OIS and LED Flash
Front Camera
1GB of RAM
16GB Internal Storage
Expandable up to 128GB via microSD
4G LTE, 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks
Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS with GLONASS
FM Radio
MicroUSB
3.5mm Audio Jack
Qi Wireless Charging Support
2,200mAh Battery

This is more like it! Microsoft announced two new Lumias aimed at the selfie addicts and skype users for a very reasonable price – the Lumia 730 and 735.

Both Lumias feature a 5MP wide-angle front camera with a dedicated app for taking optimized selfies. The Lumia 730 caters for those who need dual SIM function while the Lumia 735 has a single SIM with 4G LTE access.

Meet the Lumia 730 & 735:

Nokia Lumia 730 and 735 Selfie Windows Phones

Both the Lumia 730 and 735 are available in orange, green, black and white.

Take note that Microsoft refers to the two smartphones as ‘Lumia’ without using ‘Nokia’ even if its logo is on the phones. Microsoft has acquired Nokia’s Devices division a while back.

The Lumia 735 with its LTE feature might be more desirable but 4G LTE is still isn't widely available in the Philippines. You are better off with the Lumia 730 with its dual SIM feature and slightly lower price – around ₱1,500 cheaper!

Don’t worry because the 5MP front camera is essentially identical on both Lumias. Windows Phone 8.1.1 Denim update will also be preloaded with the two bringing improvements to the Nokia Camera app.

Lumia Selfie App

A 1.2GHz Quad Core Snapdragon processor runs the Lumia 730 and 735 with 1GB of RAM. There’s 8GB of onboard storage space with a microSD card slot that can accommodate up to 128GB memory cards.

The two also share an identical 4.7-inch HD display with ClearBlack and OLED technology. A layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protects the screen from scratches.

Sunlight readability, viewing angles and sensitivity of the display are also ramped up. Double tap to wake is supported and Microsoft says the screens are easy to clean.

Taking a selfie with the Lumia 730

While the front camera has been the focus of the Lumia 730 and 735, its 6.7MP rear camera with a Backside Illuminated (BSI) sensor also takes good quality pictures and videos.

This is largely due to the ZEISS optics while the a new feature of the Nokia Camera app captures a photo with and without flash simultaneously and let you control the amount of flash in the final image.

The 5MP front camera has an f/2.4 aperture allowing it to take bright photos even in low light.

Lumia 735 Wireless Charging

Of course, both Lumias come with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, FM Radio and GPS with GLONASS support. HERE Maps and HERE Drive+ are also preloaded for offline navigation while HERE Transit is available for free to download.

A removable 2,220mAh Li-ion battery powers the Lumia 730 and 735 for up to 17 hours on a continuous 3G call. The Lumia 735 is also compatible with Qi wireless charging while the 730 isn’t.

The dual SIM Lumia 730 costs €199 or ₱11,300 while the LTE capable Lumia 735 is slightly more expensive at ₱12,500. Expect these prices to go up by more or less 1k here in the Philippines due to taxes.

Lumia 730 and 735 Complete Specs

1.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 Processor
Windows Phone 8.1 OS with Denim Update
4.7-Inch HD ClearBlack OLED Display (720 x 1280 Pixels, 316 PPI)
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
6.7 Megapixel Autofocus Main Camera with ZEISS optics, BSI Sensor and LED Flash
5.0 Megapixel Front Camera with f/2.4 Aperture
1GB of RAM
8GB Internal Storage
Expandable up to 128GB via microSD
Dual SIM (Lumia 730)
Single Nano SIM (Lumia 735)
3G HSDPA, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks (Lumia 730)
4G LTE, 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks (Lumia 735)
Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
NFC
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS
FM Radio and Mix Radio
MicroUSB
3.5mm Audio Jack
Magnetic Sensor
Accelerometer
Proximity Sensor
Light Sensor
134.7 x 68.5 x 8.8 mm @ 132 grams
2,200mAh Removable Li-ion Battery
₱11,300 Initial Price for Lumia 730
₱12,500 Initial Price for Lumia 735

We’ve been featuring water resistant smartphones here but the CAT S50 might just be the best rugged smartphone in the world with military grade protection against the elements.

Aside from being waterproof, impact resistant, dust proof and withstanding extreme temperatures, the CAT S50 also flaunts a 4.7-inch HD display and runs on a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 chip with 2GB RAM, 4G LTE access and pure Android 4.4 Kitkat OS!

Here’s the CAT S50:

Caterpillar CAT S50 Military Grade Rugged Smartphone

This smartphone can survive extreme situations!

By the way, we’re talking about Caterpillar – the company that makes tractors, loaders and other heavy machines as well as boots, helmets and other protective gears.

The CAT S50 is certified with the usual IP67 for resistance against water and dust. It is also a certified MIL-810G device which means it can withstand almost anything that you throw at it.

As CAT Phones puts it, the CAT S50 is a “flagship handset designed for outdoor sports enthusiasts and workers who demand both high-end performance and protection from the elements.”

A shock absorbent rubber encases each CAT S50 and a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 makes its screen shatterproof! The touch screen also works even with a wet finger.

The CAT S50 also has an 8MP autofocus rear camera for snapping photos, good outdoor sound quality, 8GB onboard storage with a slot for a 64GB microSD card and up to 16 hours of up time.

There’s also a pre-installed CAT App Store which features hand-picked apps relevant to someone who’ll likely buy the CAT S50.

It is available in forest and slate colors for $499 or around ₱22,000 – not bad if you need a high end smartphone in a harsh environment.

Caterpillar CAT S50 Specs

1.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm MSM8926 Snapdragon 400 Processor
Android 4.4 Kitkat OS
4.7-Inch IPS HD Display (1280 x 720 Pixels, 312 PPI)
Shatter Resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Wet-Finger Tracking
8.0 Megapixel Autofocus Rear Camera with LED Flash
VGA Front Camera
2GB of RAM
8GB Internal Storage
Expandable up to 64GB via MicroSD
Single SIM
4G LTE, 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks
Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS with A-GPS
FM Radio
MicroUSB
3.5mm Audio Jack
E-Compass
Accelerometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light Sensor
IP67 Water and Dust Resistance
Mil-STD 810G
Impact Resistant
Salt Mist Resistant
Operational Between -25°C to 55°C
2,630mAh Li-ion Battery
$499 or ~₱22,000 Price

Good news for students!

You will be able to view Wikipedia for free on your phone from Sept. 5, 2014 to February 3, 2015 - hurray!

This is a collaboration between Smart Communications, Inc. and the Wikimedia Foundation which operates the largest online encyclopedia. This will be available to the 68.9 million subscribers of Smart, TNT and Sun Cellular.

Free Wikipedia access has been implemented by many other telcos around the world.

Wikipedia contains more than 30 million articles about a myriad of topics plus images that are optimized for mobile devices. You can view it on m.wikipedia.org and zero.wikipedia.org using your phone's browser.

Smartphone users can also install the Wikipedia app and browse articles free of charge.

A banner on top of Wikipedia will say that your are using Free Data in accessing it and a warning will also pop up when you try to visit other sites in order to prevent unnecessary charges.

Aside from providing free Wikipedia access, the partnership between Smart and Wikimedia will also result in training programs for teachers in using Wikipedia.

No, you won't be taught how to copy and paste Wikipedia articles for your assignments! Instead, these teachers will encourage students to use proper citation and critical thinking when reading anything on the internet.

You are also encouraged to contribute to Wikipedia. The online encyclopedia is written by volunteers all over the world.

CloudFone introduced a new quad core Android smartphone labeled as Excite 451q with slightly unique design.

It is powered by a 1.3GHz chip from MediaTek with 1GB of RAM and a dual core Mali-400 GPU from ARM. The 4.5-inch IPS OGS display will also appeal to those who prefer a smaller screen than all the 5-inch handsets around.

Here’s the CloudFone Excite 451q:

Do you like the design of the CloudFone Excite 451q?

Yup, there’s a huge extra space below the capacitive buttons of the CoudFone Excite 451q. A representative of the company says this is where your fingers can rest on while playing a game and not accidentally touch the buttons.

The black section of the front panel where the screen is found extends smoothly towards the sides of the CloudFone Excite 451q which removes any sharp corners for a more comfortable grip.

On the back of the CloudFone Excite 451q is it’s a matte back cover with a single hole for the speakers. The 8MP camera module on top is housed in a black accent that a unique look. I’m not sure if you like how it looks like though.

The back of a red CloudFone Excite 451q... a black version is also available.

CloudFone Excite 451q has 4GB of onboard storage with a microSD slot for up to a 32GB memory card. It can connect to a 3G HSPA+ network but only at the 2100MHz band.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, FM Radio and GPS are all present for wireless connectivity. However, USB OTG isn’t supported by the unit.

Sadly, it only has a 1,700mAh battery which is a bit low. It also faces a fierce competition against other local brands.

CloudFone 451q Complete Specifications

4.5-Inch IPS OGS FWVGA Display (854 x 480 Pixels, 218 PPI)
1.2GHz Quad Core MediaTek MT6582 Processor
ARM Mali-400 MP2 GPU
8.0 Megapixel Autofocus Main Camera with LED Flash
1.3 Megapixel Front Camera
1GB of RAM
4GB Internal Storage
Expandable up to 32GB via microSD
Dual SIM/Dual Standby
3G HSPA+ – 1200MHz
2G GSM – 900 and 1800MHz
Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS with A-GPS
FM Radio
MicroUSB
3.5mm Audio Jack
Accelerometer
Proximity Sensor
Ambient Light Sensor
1,700mAh Li-ion Battery
₱4,499.00 Official Price

Motorola updated the best-selling Moto G with a larger screen, stereo loudspeakers and a promise of an Android L update.

It’s still powered by a quad core Snapdragon 400 chipset and retains its $179 price tag – that’s ₱7,900 only! It also has better cameras at 8MP for the rear and 2MP for the front.

Meet the Second Generation Moto G:

Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen.)

Motorola decided to keep the Moto G name instead of Moto G2. That’s why it is referred to as Moto G (2nd Gen.) or 2014 Edition to set it apart from the first Moto G released in 2013.

The update to a larger display while retaining the 720 x 1280 pixel resolution has made the pixel density a bit lower than the first Moto G. It does have a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass for scratch protection.

Under the hood, the 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor is aided by an Adreno 305 GPU and 1GB of RAM. The Moto G (2nd Gen.) will give you the smoothest Android experience in this price level because it is free from any customization. An Android L update is also guaranteed by the company.

Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen.) with colorful back covers and flip cases.

The customizable flip cases and back covers are of course, still available for the second generation Moto G.

Its stereo loudspeakers are surely going to be a big factor why people will choose the new Moto G over other competing handsets. It makes watching videos and playing games are lot better.

The Moto G (2nd Gen) will be available in 8 and 16GB variants. The latter will also have digital mobile TV function!

Sadly, there’s no news for an official released of the new Moto G here in the Philippines. You can only buy it from some online shops.

Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) Complete Specifications

5.0-Inch HD IPS Display (1280 x 720 Pixels, 294 ppi)
Android 4.4.4 Kitkat OS with Android L Update
1.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 Processor
Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Adreno 350 GPU
8.0 Megapixel Autofocus Main Camera with LED Flash
2.0 Megapixel Front Camera
1GB of RAM
8GB or 16GB Internal Storage
Dual SIM (Micro)
3G HSDPA – 850, 900, 1900 and 2100MHz
2G GSM – 850, 900, 1800 and 1900MHz
Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS
FM Radio
Digital Mobile TV (16GB version only)
Stereo Speakers
USB OTG Support
3.5mm Audio Jack
Compass
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Proximity Sensor
Light Sensor
2,070mAh Li-ion Battery (Non-removable)
$179 or ~₱7,900 Price

Lenovo unveiled its latest flagship smartphone – the Vibe X2 during the IFA 2014 in Berlin. At the price of $399 or around ₱17,500, this is very promising for Filipinos!

The Lenovo Vibe X2 boasts being the first major smartphone that runs on MediaTek’s 2GHz MT6595m True8Core™ processor, use a layered design and even feature click on accessories that makes it function like a modular phone from Motorola’s project Ara.

Here’s the Lenovo Vibe X2:

Lenovo Vibe X2 with layered design.

Just like the previous Lenovo flagships such as the K900 and Vibe X, the Vibe X2 has a very sleek design. Its sides are made up of layers with complimentary colors making it stand out from the crowd of similar looking smartphones.

While those layers serve more as an eye candy, an additional layer of click-on accessories called Xtensions offer very useful functions. A click-on Hi-fi Xtension speaker turns the Lenovo Vibe X2 into the perfect portable multimedia player with high quality audio and a stand.

There’s also a Battery Xtension that adds about 75% more battery life to the Vibe X2 and provide additional protection to the smartphone.

Lenovo Vibe X2 Battery Xtension

The Lenovo Vibe X2 flaunts a Full HD (1080 x 1920 pixels) 5-inch IPS display adding up to 441 pixels per inch. There’s no mention of OGS technology of even scratch protection but Lenovo promises a wide viewing angle without distortion in the quality of the display.

It runs on Android 4.4 Kitkat with Lenovo’s VIBE UI 2.0 skin on top. The custom user interface offers personalization options like app shortcuts in the lockscreen, transparent icons and instant on camera.

Speaking of camera, there’s a 13MP autofocus one on the back with an LED flash and a wide angle 5MP selfie camera on the front. There are several shooting modes to choose from including beautification and wave to capture.

A closer look at the Lenovo Vibe X2's layered design.

Inside the Lenovo Vibe X2, its octa core processor is aided by a PowerVR G600 GPU in processing graphics for hard core games, high def videos and power hungry apps. There’s also 2GB of RAM for multitasking and preventing hiccups when a lot of apps are opened.

Sadly, the Vibe X2 lacks a microSD slot. It has 32GB of onboard storage though which should be enough for most people’s needs – really, even for game files!

Lenovo Vibe X2 Hi-Fi Speaker Xtension

In terms of connectivity, the Vibe X2 can connect to 4G LTE networks as well as 3G at HSPA+ speeds. Dual band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS with GLONASS are also present.

Asia Pacific territories like the Philippines will get the dual SIM version of the Vibe X2 while other countries will get the single SIM variety.

It has a 2,300mAh non-removable battery that can make it last up to 19 hours on a 3G voice call. It will also come in four different colors – white, gold, red and dark gray.

Color options for the Lenovo Vibe X2

Hopefully, the Lenovo Vibe X2 won’t sell for not too much over ₱17,500 when it gets here. Shout out in the comments if you agree.

Lenovo Vibe X2 Specifications (Philippine Version)

5.0-Inch FHD IPS Display (1080 x 1920 Pixels, 441 ppi)
Android 4.4 Kitkat OS with VIBE UI 2.0
2.0GHz Octa Core MediaTek MT6595m True8Core™ Processor
PowerVR G600 GPU
13.0 Megapixel Autofocus Main Camera with LED Flash
5.0 Megapixel Wide Angle Front Camera
2GB of RAM
32GB Internal Storage
No MicroSD Slot
Dual SIM (Micro)
4G LTE, 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks
Dual Band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS
FM Radio
MicroUSB
3.5mm Audio Jack
Magnetometer
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Proximity Sensor
Light Sensor
Compatible with Xtensions™
Gesture Control
Noise Cancellation
140.2 x 68.6 x 7.3 mm @ 120 grams
2,300mAh Li-Po Battery (Non-removable)
$399 or ~₱17,500 Initial Price

Affordable Windows Phone

Microsoft Mobile Devices has released one of the most affordable Windows phones in the Philippines – the Nokia Lumia 530 Dual SIM for ₱4,990 only.

Nokia Lumia 530 runs on Windows Phone 8.1 using a quad core Snapdragon 200 processor with a 4.0-inch display. However, it also suffers from having 512MB of RAM only, a fixed focus main camera and no front camera at all.

Nokia Lumia 530 Dual SIM and extra shells.

If the cameras are not a big issue for you, the Nokia Lumia 530 still offers a lot of good stuff. Windows Phone 8.1 with Cyan update has made the mobile OS accomplish almost everything that the iOS and Android can in a snappier manner.

It’s 512MB of RAM might not even be a big issue at all since Windows Phone consume lesser RAM than Android. The Nokia Lumia 530 can still run games and apps smoothly thanks to the 1.2GHz quad core processor.

There’s also 4GB of onboard storage and a microSD that can accommodate up to 128GB memory cards!

Playing a game with the Nokia Lumia 530.

The Nokia Lumia 530 is a bit thick though at 11.7mm. It does have a removable battery and the back cover can be replaced with a choice of green, orange, white or black.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and 3G access are all present as well as FM Radio. Its battery is rated at 1,430mAh only but can last up to 10 hours of 3G calls.

It natively supports Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint files and HERE Maps for offline and online navigation.

The Nokia Lumia 530 Dual SIM is now available in Nokia outlets in the country for only ₱4,990. Are you interested?

Nokia Lumia 530 Dual SIM Specifications

4.0-Inch Capacitive Display (854 x 480 Pixels, 246 ppi)
Windows Phone 8.1 OS with Lumia Cyan Update
1.2GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 Processor
5.0 Megapixel Fixed Focus Rear Camera (No Flash)
512MB of RAM
4GB Internal Storage
Expandable up to 128GB via MicroSD
Dual SIM (Micro)
3G HSDPA (21.1 Mbps), 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks
Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS
FM Radio
MicroUSB
3.5mm Audio Jack
Noise Cancellation
Accelerometer
Proximity Sensor
119.7 × 62.3 × 11.7 mm @ 129 grams
1,430mAh Li-ion Battery
₱4,990.00 Official Suggested Retail Price

Torque recently announced what might be the cheapest smartphone with a decent front facing camera for selfies – the Torque Droidz Zap!

At an SRP of only ₱1,499, it has a 2.0 Megapixel front camera which should take good quality photos for sharing on Facebook or Instagram. Sadly, the Droidz Zap only runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread although it is enhanced by the Torque Zone app.

Here’s the Torque Droidz Zap:

Like the Torque Droidz Zap?

The Torque Droidz Zap also has another 2MP camera on the back with an LED flash. It’s one of the most affordable smartphones with dual cameras.

It runs on a 1GHz single core processor with 128MB of RAM and 256MB of onboard storage. It supports up to 8GB microSD cards for additional storage space for your photos and music files.

Its screen measures at 3.5 inches diagonally with a resolution of 480 × 320 pixels or 165 ppi. That’s already a good deal for this price range!

Color choices for the Torque Droidz Zap.

Torque Droidz Zap has GPRS and EDGE data connectivity. You can also enjoy browsing the internet or use social media apps while connected to a Wi-Fi network.

It has a 1,400mAh Li-ion battery which should be enough for a whole day of use given the small screen.

Torque Droidz Zap is now available in different Torque outlets with a suggested retail price of ₱1,499 only! It is available in Fun Blue, Spice Pink, Choco Brown, Classy Black, and Neat White.

Torque Droidz Zap Complete Specifications

3.5-Inch Capacitive Display (480 × 320 Pixels, 165 ppi)
Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS
1.0GHz Single Core Processor
2.0 Megapixel Rear Camera with LED Flash
2.0 Megapixel Front Camera
128MB of RAM
256MB Internal Storage
Expandable up to 8GB via MicroSD
Dual SIM/Dual Standby
2G EDGE and GPRS Networks
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
FM Radio
MicroUSB
3.5mm Audio Jack
Accelerometer
1,400mAh Li-ion Battery
₱1,499.00 Official Suggested Retail Price

Step by Step Guide

If you missed the first flash sale of the Xiaomi Redmi 1S last Thursday, you have another chance this Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 at exactly 12 noon.

However, this different compared to previous flash sales. You are required to register for the sale first to be able to buy a Redmi 1S. I believe this is to prevent those hoarders and ensure that everyone who wants to buy will get a unit.

How to Register and Purchase a Xiaomi Redmi 1S

Here are the steps for those who already have a Lazada account:

1. Login to your Lazada Account

2. Go to the Mi Store page on Lazada

3. Click the Register button just under the countdown timer

That’s it! You are now eligible to buy a Redmi 1S on Friday.

Steps for those without a Lazada Account

1. Sign up for a Lazada Account here

2. Follow the steps above :)

Take note of the following:

You can only register until September 11, 11:59 PM
Only users who register before September 12, will get the chance to buy a Redmi 1S!
Pre-registration does not guarantee the purchase of a Redmi 1S. Fastest fingers still prevail on September 12, 12PM.
There will be no commitment to buy a Redmi 1S once registered. If you changed your mind and wait for the Redmi Note instead, that’s okay.