Samsung Galaxy 5 vs. Cherry Mobile Nova vs. Sony Ericsson Xperia X8

We now have a clearer picture of entry-level Android phones out in the local market. These smartphones hover around the Php11k mark which I think is a nice price point targeting consumers who wants to switch to Android.

I would like to include the LG Optimus but that’s almost Php13k which is on par with the Samsung Galaxy Spica.

Here is a specs comparison table of the Php11k smartphones: Samsung Galaxy 5, Cherry Mobile Nova and the newly launched Sony Ericsson Xperia X8.

Samsung Galaxy 5	Cherry Mobile Nova	Sony Ericsson Xperia X8
Android 2.1 (Eclair)	Android 2.1 (Eclair)	Android 1.6 (Donut)*
ARM 600MHz	Qualcomm MSM7227 600MHz processor	Qualcomm MSM7227 600MHz processor
2.8” QVGA TFT capacitive LCD (240 x 320)	3.2” capacitive LCD (320×480)	3″ TFT capacitive touchscreen (320 x 480)
170MB internal memory, expandable up to 16GB	512MB internal memory, expandable up to 32GB	128MB internal memory, expandable up to 16GB
2mp fixed focus camera w/o flash	5mp autofocus camera with LED flash	3.2mp camera fixed focus camera w/o flash
WiFi 802.11 b/g, DLNA	WiFi 802.11 b/g	WiFi 802.11 b/g
HSDPA 7.2 Mbps	HSDPA 7.2 Mbps	HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
Bluetooth 2.1	Bluetooth 2.1	Bluetooth 2.1
A-GPS	A-GPS	A-GPS
Li – Ion, 1200 mAh	Li – Polymer, 1270 mAh	Li – Polymer, 1200 mAh
SRP: Php10,980	SRP: Php11,490	SRP: Php11,600

*Sony Ericsson announced that Android 2.1 update on their Xperia X8 will arrive this November.

Based on these specs, Cherry Mobile has the edge in terms of hardware with its 32GB microSD support and 5mp autofocus camera. However, we shouldn’t discount value-added features from Samsung like their Social Hub, Swype texting and TouchWiz UI. Same with the Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 and its emphasis on security via WaveSecure.

 

*via: PinoyTechBlog

Cherry Mobile Magnum HD is an Android!

The high-end smartphones are gonna get some serious competition with the Cherry Mobile Magnum HD. This HTC HD2 look-alike could spoil the entry of the HTC Desire HD later this year with an unbelievable price of Php18,990.

Cherry Mobile Magnum HD
Android OS 2.2 (Froyo)
Qualcomm 1GHz processor
4.1” WVGA capacitive touchscreen (480 x 800 pixels)
512MB RAM expandable up to 32GB via microSD
3G, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps
WiFi 802.11 b/g
5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash
720p video recording
HDMI-D Type
Front facing VGA camera
GPS/AGPS
Bluetooth 2.0
SRP: Php18,990

 

*via: PinoyTechBlog

P19,990 Cherry Mobile Superion is the first ‘tablet phone’ in the Philippines

Cherry Mobile is big, and we mean BIG! The homegrown brand officially outed the Philippines’ first tablet phone, the Cherry Mobile Superion, not one hour ago and it looks like as though it’s undercutting all of its competitors in more ways than one.

For starters, this Froyo-lovin’, multitouchin’, multitaskin’ tablet sells for a mere P19,990. That makes it P15,000 cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Tab (if the rumored SRP holds true) and at least P2,010 cheaper than the Apple iPad (if the US SRP is to be followed). And unlike the Redfox Wizpad and the ASUS Eee Pad, this thing actually exists!

For the price, you get a 7-inch WVGA (480 x 800-pixel) capacitive touch screen, 3G/HSDPA connectivity, a 600MHz Qualcomm proc, and GPS capabilities, all running on the zippy Android 2.2. Our initial impression is quite good, with the unit operating smoothly and with build quality that does not resemble the horrific iPed in any way.

Like its smartphone counterparts, the Cherry Mobile Nova and the Cherry Mobile Magnum HD, the Superion will feature Cherry Mobile’s proprietary Cherry Zone App (on top of Android Market, of course).

Cherry Zone gives CM users access to exclusive customization options such as wallpapers and programs such as Cherry Shop, an app store, and Cherry Messenger, a chat service. More on these features as we await our demo units.

Cherry Mobile Superion specs

• Network
  • GSM: 850/900/1900/2100
  • 3G: HSDPA
• Screen
  • Type: TFT capacitive touchscreen
  • Size: 7 inches
  • Resolution: 480 x 800 pixels
• Memory
  • RAM: 512MB
  • Expansion: microSD up to 32GB
• Connectivity
  • Bluetooth: yes
  • Cable: USB
  • GPRS: yes
  • WLAN: yes
• Camera
  • Resolution: 3 megapixels
  • Autofocus: yes
• Operating System: Android 2.2 Froyo
• Size: 179 x 110 x 11.5mm
• Weight: 410g with battery

Cherry Mobile Superion 01

*via: Techie.com.ph

 

The Cherry Mobile Nova is not the cheapest Android phone in RP

And so Cherry Mobile did release its first set of Android devices, and the Cherry Mobile Nova was part of it. Contrary to what everyone expected, however, the budget smartphone did not dethrone the Samsung Galaxy 5 as the cheapest Android phone in the Philippines. The price difference? A mere P20.

CM’s phone sells for P11,000 – P20 more expensive than the Galaxy 5, but  for the extra Manuel Quezon, you get a lot more features. Just check out the specs.

• Network
  • 2G: Quadband GSM
  • 3G: 3.5G HSDPA 7.2mbps
• Processor: Qualcomm MSM 7227 600 MHz
• Screen
  • Type: TFT capacitive touchscreen
  • Size: 3.2 inches
  • Resolution: 640 x 240 pixels HVGA
• Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi: yes
  • Bluetooth: yes
  • Cable: miniUSB 2.0
  • GPS: yes, with A-GPS
• Input: resistive touchscreen
• Camera
  • Stills Resolution: 5 megapixels
  • Flash: yes
• Operating System: Android OS 2.1 Eclair

The Nova has a larger 3.2-inch screen (versus the Galaxy 5’s 2.8 inches), a better HVGA screen resolution (versus QVGA), and a 5-megapixel camera (versus 2 megapixels) just to put the cherry on top. So technically, it isn’t the cheapest, but it offers the best value bar none.

And what about the apps? Yes, Android Market is included, so the phone has access to more than 100,000 apps. That, plus the others that will be included in Cherry Zone, CM’s one-stop shop for customization options.

 

The Cherry Mobile Nova as seen in several angles

Back view

 

And last but not least, the front

*via: Techie.com.ph

Cherry Mobile set to reveal its Android phone next weekW

Early last month, Cherry Mobile teased us with the arrival of the Eclipse 2. We thought it’s going to be the Android version of Eclipse but it turned out to be another Windows Mobile 6.5 smartphone.

Next week, Cherry Mobile is set to reveal another smartphone. This time it’s going to be an Android. Can’t get any more info other than this:

Breaking new frontiers to empower the average Filipino consumer, Cherry Mobile goes beyond the usual with the launch of its newest line of smartphones.  Out of an innovative partnership with US communications leader Qualcomm, Cherry mobile is set to further revolutionize the local telecommunications scene through top-of-the-line, ground-breaking, and affordable mobile handsets that can compete head on with the latest innovations by world industry leaders.

Here are a couple of things that would make it a smartphone to consider:

• Faster than a 600MHz processor
• At least Android 2.1 (would be cool if it’s 2.2)
• A decent camera with flash

So are we looking at a very affordable Android smartphone? Sub-10k? Very likely. We’re going to be bringing you more updates on this next week.

 

*via: PinoyTechBlog