May 2013 Entry Level Smartphone Buyers Guide

Updated May 6, 2012 to include the MyPhone A919i

I classify entry level smartphones, as those priced at below Php10,000. Entry level phones are worth a long look. For many consumers, a more expensive phone may not add all that much functionality. 

This month a I will setting a new minimum standards for Android offerings. They have to run Jelly Bean, Android 4.1 or 4.2, to make it on this list. Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), is still a viable operating system and still has good app compatibility, but with manufacturers rolling up Jelly Bean updates for 2012 offerings and a good number of 2013 phones with Jelly Bean on board, it is time to bid farewell to ICS on this list.

This month is rather interesting, with Windows Phone 8 devices making a strong play for the entry level. 

The prices posted are those covered by an official manufacturers warranty.

1. Huawei Ascend Y300 (Php5,490) - Low cost does not have to mean cheap

The Huawei Ascend Y300 specifications are nothing spectacular. You will find many Android phones with identical specifications, even at lower price points. But I recommend that you make this your starting point. You will find cheaper Android's, but this one justifies its Php5,490 price nicely. The Huawei Ascend Y300 offers three good reasons to look past similarly spec'ed lower cost handsets.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
• 4-inch WVGA (480 x 800) display
• 4 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 512 MB RAM
• 1 GHz dual core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
• Adreno 203 graphics
• 5 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
• VGA front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1730 mAh battery

In a sea of 4-inch Android 4.0.4 smartphones, the Huawei Ascend Y300 stand out by coming with Android 4.1 out of the box. At this price point, I would not expect an operating system update so running a newer version of Android out of the box is well worth a premium of a few hundred pesos in my opinion.

The Huawei Ascend Y300 also comes equipped with Gorilla Glass. This, though scratch and shatter resistance glass, is what you find protecting higher end and mid-level handsets. A screen protector is optional. 

The Huawei Ascend Y300 also comes with a 1730 mAh battery. This is larger than the 1500 mAh or smaller batteries you find mated to phones with a 4-inch diaplay, this will give you 15-20% longer battery life than similarly price phones.

Basically, while many of the local smartphone brands offer nice low cost phones, the Huawei Ascend Y300 sends the message: It is time to level up.

You can read more about the Huawei Ascend Y300 at this link.

2. Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0 (Php6,999) - Power at a compromise

The Android powered Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0. Its main selling point over the the Huawei Ascend Y300 is power and screen size.  For Php1.5K more, you get roughly double the power and a larger 4.5-inch display.

It does takes a few steps back. No Gorilla or Dragontrail Glass to protect the display and a 1600 mAh battery which promises marginal battery life.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.1
• 4.5-inch qHD (540 x 960) display
• Dual sim support
• 4 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor
• Adreno 203 graphics
• 5 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
• 0.3 MP front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1600 mAh battery

Overall, the Huawei Ascend Y300 provides a more balanced device for those whose primary need is a device that can do typical smartphone chores. It is a polished version of last years low cost smartphone. The Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0, on the other hand, would appeal to those who want a more capable gaming device or the comfort of a larger screen. At this price, some compromises do have to be made. A smaller than ideal battery is something you can work around.

You can read more about the Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0 at this link.

3. Nokia Lumia 520 (Php7,450)- Nokia and Microsoft have a real winner in the Lumia 520

The Nokia Lumia 520 is a Windows Phone 8 device with a 4-inch display. If you are a gamer, the Cherry Mobile Flame 2.0 will make you happier. If you are buying a smartphone, mainly for smartphone use, the Windows Marketplace does have 130,000 apps, a sufficient amount to pretty much allow you to do anything you want. 

Quick specifications:

• Windows Phone 8
• 4-inch WVGA (480 x 800) display
• 8 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 512 MB RAM
• 1 GHz dual core Qualcomm Krait processor
• Adreno 305 graphics
• 5 MP autofocus primary camera
• No front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1430 mAh battery

Is this phone worth paying Php2K more than the Android powered Huawei Ascend Y300? The main considerations other than the higher price is you, lose the LED flash and the front camera. The smaller battery is not a big issue since you do get a more power efficient Krait processor. Other than the cameras, the phones are functionally equivalent. 

So why recommend the Nokia Lumia 520? Well it is a Nokia. The Nokia badging name still does give it a more premium look. Smartphones are status symbols, and this one brings the most amount of status at the lowest price. Internally, the dual Qualcomm Kraits are much more powerful than the ones found in the Huawei Ascend Y300, so you do get your moneys worth too. As a bonus, the modern chipset also gives you a HSPA+ 3G radio. Having Microsoft Office for mobile free and Nokia HERE voice guided turn-by-turn navigation justifies also the additional cost over the Huawei Ascend Y300.

4. Huawei Ascend W1 (Php8,500) - The best entry level phone in the market

If I was in the market for a low cost phone today, this is what I would pick-up. The Huawei Ascend W1, is Huawei's first Windows Phone 8 device, and it is a good one. A excellent balance of performance and battery life.

Quick specifications:

• Windows Phone 8
• 4-inch WVGA (480 x 800) display
• 4 GB internal storage expandable via a MicroSD card slot
• 512 MB RAM
• 1.2 GHz dual core Qualcomm Krait processor
• Adreno 305 graphics
• 5 MP autofocus primary camera with a LED flash
• VGA front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1950 mAh battery

Basically, it is a Nokia 520 with a front camera, LED flash and a large battery. Storage can be an issue. It has 4 GB of internal storage with 1.7 GB left for apps. While you can expand storage via a MicroSD card you cannot install apps on the SDCard. Other than that, it is a faster, more complete Nokia Lumia 520.

I have a comparison of the Nokia Lumia 520 and the Huawei Ascend W1 at this link.

5. MyPhone A919i (Php9,590) - The most powerful entry level phone in the market

MyPhone's new 5-inch monster is impressive. If you want a Samsung Galaxy S 4 or a Sony Xperia Z or ZL, but are short on the budget, this phone does the best job of mimicking a top end Android at a third of the price.

Quick specs:

• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 5-inch IPS HD display (720 x 1280)
• 4 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz quad core Mediatek processor
• PowerVR SGX544 graphics 
• 8 MP primary camera, autofocus with flash
• 2 MP front camera
• HSPA+
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2100 mAh battery

While MyPhone's new 5-inch offering will probably lose out on the photo quality comparisons to the Cherry Mobile HD and Starmobile Diamond, but overall this is the budget 5-incher to buy. It is no so much the quad core processor which interests me but the newer more power PowerVR SGX544 graphics chip used in the MyPhone A919i Duo. The Cherry Mobile Omega HD and the Starmobile Diamond have the older PowerVR SGX 531 graphics chip which is really pushed to its limits when playing 720p video or 3D graphics on the HD display. The PowerVR 544 graphics chip on the MyPhone Duo 919i does this with ease, MyPhone has posted benchmarks of this phone at a impressive 12430 Antutu Benchmark points. 

MyPhone A919i Duo Antutu Benchmarks: 12430

CherryMobile Omega HD Antutu Benchmarks by TechLocal: 5999

Starmobile Diamond Antutu Benchmarks by Yugatech: 5577

I think the numbers speak for themselves. While the Cherry Mobile Omega HD and Starmobile Diamond have their own merits, when buying lower costs phone, compromises have to be made. MyPhone made the right one by prioritizing power and performance.

Five choices. The mainstream buyers should select among the Huawei Ascend Y300, Nokia Lumia 520 and Huawei Ascend W1. They offer nicely balanced packages. Gamers and those wanting larger displays, well the MyPhone A919i or Cherry Mobile Flame 2,0 are your best bets. 

A good choice to protective iPad Mini for home and outdoor

A good case can prevent iPad Mini from damage, drop, shock or wet. But what is a good case to protective iPad mini while ideal for both home and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

The answer is : iPad Mini Survivor Case with Belt Clip.

This most protective iPad Mini Survivor case is designed from the inside out to protect ipad mini from extreme conditions and a host of other environmental factors.

 

I don't know how many people like sporty case, but I know everybody want to keep their tablet safe for work or game. So, this is the good choice, you'll know why with these test info:

- Integral Display shield deflects wind and rain (Test: up to 200 mm/hr for 1 hour)
- Rigid internal frame protects against shocks and drops (Test: drop on flat concrete surface from 6'/1.8 m)
- Sealed ports block blown sand and dust (Test: up to 18 m/sec for 1 hour)
- Silicone cladding blocks vibration (Test: 18 hrs at 20 to 2000 Hz)
- Multi-position clip attaches securely to pack strap or belt

 

The included stand clips on, then folds open for landscape viewing and typing. You can using this most protective ipad mini survivor Case as convenient bracket when reading, watching video and typing.

Imagine when you cooking on kitchen, what about using the ipad mini while cooking?
You can directly follow the video to make a delicious dinner. And do not need to worry the juice splash screen of iPad Mini.

And what about when climbing?
It's good mate iPad mini if you damage or drop it. Because a built-in screen protector seals Multi-Touch display from the outside environment, and built on a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame clad in rugged, shock absorbing silicone.

What about play iPad Mini at home?
While hinged plugs seal the dock connector, camera lens, headphone port, hold switch and volume controls.

 

 

What about using iPad Mini working?
The included stand clips on, then folds open for landscape viewing and typing.
You can using this most protective ipad mini survivor Case as convenient bracket when reading, watching video and typing.

 

So, it is the most protective case for iPad Mini and you can find it hot sale on www.ipadmates.com

Samsung Series 5 ULTRA NP530U4E-S01PH (Intel Core i5-3337UM)

Samsung has an attractive new Ultrabook like offering. I say Ultrabook like since it comes with an SSD cache drive and is just 0.77 inches thin. On the other hand, weighing in a a hair over four pounds, it is a bit heavier than a true Ultrabook. Still, all-in-all the Samsung Series 5 ULTRA NP530U4E provides a portable package which packs a punch.

This 14-inch laptops has a Intel Core i5-3337UM processor mated to a AMD Radeon HD8750M graphics card. As expected this laptop runs on Windows 8. The 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display, is not touch capable though. The rest of the specifications are what you would expect at this price range, with 4 GB of RAM, a 500 GB hard drive and a 24 GB SSD cache drive.

Priced at Php41,990, this laptop is reasonably priced for what it offers. The SSD cache drive is what pushes the price up. If you are not to keen on instant wake from sleep (which is what the SSD cache drive is for), there are a couple of Intel Core i7's with discrete graphics, available at this price range. 

Alcatel One Touch Scribe Easy

I am not sure whether Alcatel new Sribe offering should be compared with phone tablets or smartphones. The Alcatel One Touch Scribe Easy comes with a stylus, something more associated with Samsung's Note series which have created the Phablet category. One the other hand, the display is "just" 5-inches in size, which puts it more in the category of a smartphone. Given its wide 78.4 mm girth, which is all of 10% or so more than 5-inch smartphones, I think this will appeal to those looking more for a phablet. 

Priced at Php8,990, the Alcatel One Touch Scribe Easy looks like it will be facing rough waters. Cherry Mobile Titan and Omega HD are priced lower at, Php6,499 and Php7,990. The Omega HD is also more powerful and has a sharper display than the Alcatel One Touch Scribe Easy.

Quick specs:

• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 5-inch WVGA display (480 x 800) 
• 4 GB internal storage, expandable via MicroSD card
• 512 MB RAM
• 1.2 GHz dual core Qualcomm S4 Play processor 
• Adreno GPU
• 5 MP primary camera, autofocus with LED flash
• VGA front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2500 mAh battery

All-in-all, this device would have made a decent proposition in late 2012, but is looking a bit dated relatively expensive for a Quarter 2 2013 release.

Alcatel One Touch Idol Ultra - Vibrant and razor thin

Alcatel is using the movie Iron Man 3 to promote its new One Touch Idol Ultra, and Alcatel has reason to put some serious marketing muscle behind this phone. Alcatel has a winner with the One Touch Idol  Ultra. This phone is not about outclassing the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One or Sony Xperia Z. It is about combining a sufficient amount of power, with tons of class at an affordable price. 

How much is this affordable price? The Alcatel One Touch Idol Ultra has a suggested retail price of Php14,990, which puts it squarely at the mid-level price range. For this price, it offers a vibrant 4.65-inch HD (720 x 1280) AMOLED display, protected by Dragon Trail Glass. Angle the phone to its side, and you will note the fairly impressive display is housed in a case less than 6.5 mm thick. That is 1.1 mm thinner than a Apple iPhone 5 and 1.4 mm thinner than a Samsung Galaxy S4. Style is what the  Alcatel One Touch Idol Ultra is all about.

Quick specs:

• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 4.65-inch HD display (720 x 1280) 
• 16 GB internal storage, not expandable
• 1 GB RAM
• 1.2 GHz dual core Mediatek processor 
• PowerVR SGX531 GPU
• 8 MP primary camera, autofocus with LED flash
• 1.3 MP front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1800 mAh battery

Inside, you have a 1 GB of RAM and a 1.2 GHz dual core Mediatek processor, which will provide sufficient power to run Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and apps, for the typical user. However, the aging PowerVR SGX531 graphics combines with the 720p display limit its 3D performance somewhat. You can play a who bunch of games with this device, it is just not the best choice for the hardcore gamer.

This is the best device I have seen from Alcatel. It razor thin profile and vibrant display should be enough to sell this phone. 

iPhone5 Taktik Extreme Metal Shock Drop Resistance Case Review

The most creative gadget here for iPhone5 – iPhone5 Taktik Extreme Metal Shock Drop Resistance Case. Below is the review and some features of Taktik iPhone5 Extreme case.

TAKTIK Case has premium protection system for iPhone5.
This iPhone5 Taktik case is ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

iPhone5 Taktik Extreme Metal Shock Drop Resistance Case

 

It is created by practical and durable polymer and high-quality materials, increased shock suspension system for iPhone5, it is upgraded the anti-glare and anti-fouling Gorilla Glass to protective screen.

With tempered Gorilla glass to protective the screen perfectly, and provides comprehensive protection for mobile phones, anti-glare and anti-fouling, does not affect the smooth touch experience of the phone.

Anywhere anytime, it is excellent waterproof with seal silicone gaskets and washers.

The sound port Gore and mute switch upgraded with VIBE function is a cool desigh which has one key switch function which is easy to gain control over the mute world or colorful ringtone.

Regardless of anywhere and anytime to go out, the wild, sea, rainny day, outdoor …… your Phone will not be any damage or any shock.

The metal heavily armored high-end Taktik Metal Shock Drop Resistance Case for iPhone5, has your phone ready?

You can easily find it is available hot sale on www.theideasforgift.com with great discount.

Windows gets 7% of the tablet market for Q1 of 2013

While Windows RT have not been a smashing success, in part because the full PC version of Windows 8 runs well on tablets. Windows 8 itself has been labeled a failure by many sectors, with a 14% drop in PC sales year-on-year. However, the two criticized operating systems have been a success for Microsoft in a very important arena. Windows 8 and Windows RT have captured 7% of the tablet market in Q1 2013. While, this might not be a roaring success, it is a firm foothold in the largest growing category of consumer electronic devices.

Samsung Galaxy S4 free @ LTE Plan 2000 from Smart, and LTE Plan 1500 for early birds

Smart Communications has revealed that the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be available for free, bundled with the Smart Unli Data Plan 2000 with a 30-month contract. This plan comes with unlimited LTE connectivity and 200 SMS and 150 minutes of calls to all networks.

As a special treat for early adopters, those who submit their application for a postpaid plan and get approved from April 27 to May 2 at participating Smart Stores, can get the Samsung Galaxy S4 for free at Unli Data Plan 1500, and receive their unit on May 2, 2013. 

Acer Liquid Z2 Z120

Acer has released another Android phone, the third for the year, in the Philppines. The new offering is the Acer Liquid Z2 Z120. The phone is priced at Php4,990 and as can expected at that price, the phone comes with modest specifications:

Quick specs:

• Dual SIM
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 3.5-inch HVGA display (320 x 480) 
• 4 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot
• 512 MB RAM
• 1 GHz single core Mediatek processor 
• PowerVR SGX531 GPU
• 5 MP primary camera
• No front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 1300 mAh battery

Is this phone worth looking at? If you don't need the dual SIM capability, spending Php500 more can get you the Huawei Ascend Y300D. The Ascend Y300D has a larger and sharper display and dual core power. I would recommend that instead.

However, if you do want a dual SIM phone at this price, it is a more difficult choice. There are better phones available like the Cherry Mobile Flare, Thunder or Burst.  However, all the dual-SIM Android's at this price phone still run on Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich. The Acr Liquid Z2 Z120 runs on Android 4.1, Jelly Bean. For me it would be easier to live with Ice Cream Sandwich with a 4-inch or large WVGA (480 x 800) display, the having Jelly Bean on a HVGA display. Basically, I am not recommending the Acer Liquid Z2 Z120.

Monster Twins: The Starmobile Diamond and the Cherry Mobile Omega HD

Starmobile Diamond

The Manila Bulletin calls Starmobile's new Diamond a gem of a phone. Yugatech has a review of the Starmobile Diamond, a 5-inch Jelly Bean Android phone with a HD (720 x 1280) display. The review reveals that the phone has an excellent display, a very decent camera but with less than stellar benchmarks. Overall, it is an excellent choice.

Starmobile's problem is that the same can be said about Cherry Mobile's lower priced Omega HD. Techlolokal's review of the Cherry Mobile Omega HD, shows that it has the same strengths, but suffers the same weakness as the Starmobile Diamond. The reason for this, is that two phones are pretty much identical.

Starmobile Diamond Quick specs:

• Dual SIM
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 5-inch IPS HD display (720 x 1280) protected by Dragontail Glass
• 4 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot
• 1 GB RAM
• 1 GHz dual core Mediatek processor 
• PowerVR SGX531 GPU
• 12 MP primary camera (BSI sensor), autofocus with flash
• 3 MP (BSI) front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2000 mAh battery

Cherry Mobile HD Quick specs:

• Dual SIM
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 5-inch IPS HD display (720 x 1280) protected by Dragontail Glass
• 4 GB internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot
• PowerVR SGX531 GPU
• 1 GB RAM
• 1 GHz dual core Mediatek processor 
• 12 MP primary camera (BSI sensor), autofocus with flash
• 2 MP (BSI) front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 2100 mAh battery

If you compare the basic specifications of the two, the only difference you will notice is the MP rating of the front camera and the size of the battery.  A difference of 1 MP on the front camera and 100 mAh is not all that significant. Design wise, the two are also very similar, with the main difference being a slightly slimmer bezel surrounding the Cherry Mobile Omega HD's 5-inch display.

It is the price where these two entry level Titan's differ the most. The Php7,999 suggested retail price of the Cherry Mobile Omega HD is substantially lower than the Php9,990 price tag of the Starmobile Diamond. The Starmobile Diamond does come with a 8 GB MicroSD card which effectively lowers the price gap. but it still ends up being the more expensive device.

I will give this round of the local smartphone wars to Cherry Mobile. But that is not surprising. For the past sic months they have been able to undercut the prices of all their competitors substantially. 

The Nexus One end its life as an Astronaut

Remember the first Google Nexus phone, the HTC built Nexus One? It looks like the phone is ending its life as an Astronaut.

As part of a new project to lower the cost of satellites, NASA successfully launched NASA's 10cm-cubed CubeSat Satellites. The CubeSat's are constructed from commercial off-the-shelf components, which each satellite costing between US$3500 and US$7000 to build. To keep the costs down, unmodified smartphones are used as the computer for the satellite. Three Android powered HTC Nexus One phones get the honor of powering the first CubeSat's.

They Nexus One's are equipped with a larger lithium-ion battery pack and a more powerful radio for transmitting data. Other than that, it really is just an off-the shelf Android phones. The phone camera is even used to capture and transmit images.

I was pretty sure I would be picking up a Samsung Galaxy S4 to replace my HTC Desire HD. Now, I really feel like maybe taking ONE more spin with HTC.

Source: CNET Australia

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 N5100 - Wrong model launched?

Samsung latest Note, the Galaxy Note 8.0 is now available in the Philippines. Checking the prices from a local retailer, the Galaxy Note 8.0 can be had for Php22,850 with an official Samsung Warranty.

Quick specifications:

• Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
• 8-inch HD (800 x 1280) display
• 16 GB internal storage, expandable via a MicroSD card
• 2 GB RAM
• 1.6 GHz quad core ARM Cortex A9 processor
• 5 MP autofocus primary camera with LED Flash
• 1.3 MP front camera
• HSPA
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• 4600 mAh battery

The specifications strike me as being transitional. Better than the Google Nexus 7 or the iPad mini, but  both of those models are likely to be updated in the next three to six months. An updated Nexus 7 tablet or iPad mini should exceed the specifications of the Galaxy Note 8.0, especially in terms of display resolution. A 1080p display, a quad core ARM Cortex A15 and LTE would what have made the Galaxy Note 8 a bleeding edge device.

The feature that will draw buyers toward the Galaxy Note 8.0 is the S-Pen or the fact that it really is an 8-inch GSM phone with voice and SMS functionality. But if the S-Pen is not a must have or you are buying it to use as a tablet and not as a all-in-one device, the Galaxy Note 8.0 becomes a less attractive proposition.

The Galaxy Note 8.0 looks expensive by comparison. It only costa about 6K more than a Nexus 7 3G and a few hundred more than the iPad mini, but that has LTE. 

What makes a expensive proposition for most buyers is that the WiFi only version of the Galaxy Note 8.0 has not yet been released in the Philippines. If 3G is not something you want in a tablet, than the Nexus 7, iPad mini or one of the growing number of tablets pried at less than 10K would probably be more compelling options.

All-in-all, a Galaxy Note 8.0 costs what it costs. I has features which are not found in its competitors, so a direct price comparison is not possible. But I think Samsung launched the wrong model in the Philippines and the WiFi only N5110 is what would have been a better fit for the local market. If the N5110 takes a long time getting here, it may find itself competing against a Full HD Nexus tablet and a retina iPad mini.

Samsung Galaxy S4 i9505 Review @Yugatech

Yugatech has published the long anticipated review of the Samsung Galaxy S4 i9505. You will recall that Abe Olandres was invited to the Galaxy S4 launch in New York. To get the scoop on the Galaxy S4 follow this link.

Image is from Yugatech's review and used with the site owners permission.
No republication of this image should be made without the permission of Yugatech.

The real story is not the new smartphone. In truth, there are plenty of Galaxy S4 reviews. More important is what the review represents. A local blog, was invited to, and was given pre-release units for review. The significance of the worlds largest smartphone manufacturer taking notice of a Philippine based publication is not lost on me. Philippine blogging just moved up a notch, a big one at that.

Well done Samsung. Well done Mr. Olandres.

Globe Samsung Galaxy S4, free starting at Plan 1799

Globe Telecom has announced its post paid plans for the Samsung Galaxy S4. Samsung new flagship smartphone can be for free at Plan 1799 on a 30-month contract, or Plan 2499 on a 24 month contract. Globe Telecom will also allow you to shorten contract periods by signing up for a higher plan or adding cash. Here is the complete matrix of Globe Samsung Galaxy S4 plans:

You can sign up for a Samsung Galaxy S4 from Globe Telecom at this link. Globe Telecom is also offering the Samsung Galaxy S4 as part of a prepaid kit.

Samsung Galaxy S4 @Php30,990 from Globe Prepaid

Globe Telecom has priced the Samsung Galaxy S4 at Php30,990 as part of a pre-paid kit. The model being carried. d is the Qualcomm quad core version.

The official launch date of the Galaxy S4 is on April 26, so I suspect you can get one from Globe by then

Two more HP Touchscreen Laptops: HP Pavillion Sleekbook Touchsmart 14-B132TX and 14-B133TX

HP has released two more Windows 8 touchscreen laptops in the Philippines, the HP Pavillion Sleekbook Touchsmart 14-B132TX and 14-B133TX. The two new offerings are more powerful higher end models of the HP Pavillion Sleekbook Touchsmart 14-B164TU we took a look at earlier.

The HP Pavillion Sleekbook Touchsmart 14-B132TX is priced at Php29,990, which is 4K more than the lower end HP Pavillion Sleekbook Touchsmart 14-B164TU. The additional 4K is well worth the money.

Comparing the two, the Sandy Bridge i3 on the lower end model, was upgraded to an Ivy Bridge Intel Core i3-3227U. This means you also get an upgrade from Intel HD 3000 graphics to Intel HD 4000 graphics. In addition the 14-B132TX also gets a discrete graphics card, a Nvidia GT 630M with a 1GB of dedicated RAM. You also get double the RAM at 4 GB, and 50% more storage at 750 GB.

If you can spare the additional 4K, I would recommend the 14-B132TX over the 14-B164TU. 

The third model is the HP Pavillion Sleekbook Touchsmart 14-B132TX which is priced at Php33,990. The only upgrade the 14-B133TX has over the 14-B133TX is the processor, which is a Intel Core i5-3337U. Best advice I can give you on whether it is work the additional 4K is to check the PassMark benchmarks.

• Intel Core i3-2375M - 1943 PassMark points
• Intel Core i3-3227U - 2690 PassMark points
• Intel Core i5-3337U - 3213 PassMark points

At Php29,990, the HP Pavillion Sleekbook Touchsmart 14-B132TX looks like the best bang for the buck model. The substantial hardware upgrades are worth the 4K price premium over the 14-B164TU.  The 14-B133TX with its Core i5 processor would also be worth the additional money for those needing more power.

Smart ‘Shock Proofs’ all postpaid plans

Smart Communications Press Release.

[18 April 2013] Say goodbye to unexpected data charges as wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) introduces its Anti-Bill Shock (ABS) feature across all of mobile and broadband postpaid plans.

“‘Bill shock’ is now a thing of the past,” said Smart Postpaid Business Head Kathy Carag. “From today, all data charges from our postpaid offerings will be capped to certain amount so that our subscribers could enjoy worry-free surfing 24/7,” she said.

Data charging has been identified to be one of the leading causes of ‘unexpected charges  particularly for subscribers using Internet-enabled smartphones.

Based on internal data, a number of mobile users are not aware that their new phones automatically connect to data services. This ‘background connection’ incurs charges which may result to excessive monthly bills.

With ABS in place, Smart Postpaid users who are not enrolled to either an Unlisurf or Always On package will be charged the default rate of P10 per 30 minutes until his or her data charges reach a total of Php1,200.

To illustrate, a Smart All-In Plan 500 subscriber who has consumed P300 worth of voice and SMS services and unknowingly keeps his or her data connection on will only be charged a maximum of Php1,500 until the end of the billing cycle.

Similarly, Smart Bro Postpaid users who exceed their monthly allocation will also be charged the default rate of P10 per 30 minutes until his or her data charges reach P999.

If a Smart Bro Flexisurf Pocket WiFi Plan 599 subscriber for example exceeds the 50 hour monthly allocation, he or she will only be charged an additional Php400 for the excess data charges. The plan then essentially turns into an unlimited surfing plan until the next billing cycle.

“It’s worry-free mobile surfing at its best,” said Smart Broadband Internet and Data Services Head Lloyd Manaloto. “Come try out the best data connection only from the network with four times more fiber power,” he said.

Manaloto refers to Smart and parent firm PLDT’s modernized mobile network which has been super-charged with 54,000kms of fiber optic cables (FOCs).

FOCs, unlike legacy copper wiring, uses beams of light to deliver and receive data from the core network to the base station and vice versa.

“Our fiber-powered network can handle millions of calls, billions of texts, and trillions of bytes of data, said Manaloto. “We have the only truly future-proof network in the Philippines.

To know more about Smart’s data plans, visit www.smart.com.ph or go to a Smart Store nearest you. [END]

New iPad 2/3/4 Protective Leather Rotary Case With Belt Buckle

ipadmates.com new release New iPad 2/3/4 Protective Leather Rotary Case With Belt Buckle.
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Google Glass - Future of Android?

Android Inside. Engadget has confirmed, what most people have suspected for a long time. Google Glass runs on Android. 

The Next Step? Does Google Glass herald the coming of the next wave consumer mobile devices? In the previous decade the laptop and the smartphone move from exclusive devices for highly paid executives devices that were affordable to average consumer. In this decade, the tablet has evolved evolved from a being a laptop with a touchscreen, to being a completely new class of computing device. Is wearable computing, with smart glasses and smart watches, the next step in mobile tech evolution?

Nokia Lumia 520, 620, 720. 820 and 920 Battery Life

Nokia has five Windows Phone 8 devices. The first wave was the release of the Lumia 620, 820 and 920. Nokia followed this up with the Nokia 520 and 720. Notably, one change Nokia made to its design was giving the new phones larger batteries relative to display size.

Using GSM Arenas's the battery life test we can compare how the new Lumia's fare. For comparison with other models, I will include the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Apple iPhone 5S on the list.

Talk Time

Nokia Lumia 720 - 15 hours and 17 minutes

Samsung Galaxy S 4 - 13 hours and 53 minutes

Nokia Lumia 620 - 14 hours and 17 minutes

Nokia Lumia 520 - 13 hours and 33 minutes

Nokia Lumia 920 - 8 hours and 56 minutes

Apple iPhone 5 - 8 hours and 42 minutes

Nokia Lumia 820 - 7 hours and 9 minutes

The Lumia 920 and 820 both use the Qualcomm MSM8960 which does not seem to be as efficient in talk time as the Qualcomm MSM8227 found on the Lumia 520, 620 and 720.

Web Browsing

Apple iPhone 5 - 9 hours and 56 minutes

Samsung Galaxy S4 - 8 hours and 42 minutes

Nokia Lumia 720 - 7 hours and 37 minutes

Nokia Lumia 520 - 7 hours and 15 minutes

Nokia Lumia 920 - 5 hours and 40 minutes

Nokia Lumia 820 - 4 hours and 24 minutes

Nokia Lumia 620 - 3 hours and 50 minutes

Video Playback

Samsung Galaxy S 4 - 10 hours and 16 minutes

Apple iPhone 5 - 10 hours and 12 minutes

Nokia Lumia 720 - 6 hours and 43 minutes

Nokia Lumia 620 - 6 hours and 32 minutes

Nokia Lumia 820 - 6 hours and 25 minutes

Nokia Lumia 920 - 6 hours and 19 minutes
Nokia Lumia 520 - 5 hours and 50 minutes

Video playback seems to be more taxing on Windows Phone than Android and iOS.

Standby (with 1 hour of calls, video playback and web browsing per day)

Samsung Galaxy S 4 - 63 hours

Nokia Lumia 720 - 60 hours

Apple iPhone 5 - 51 hours

Nokia Lumia 520 - 49 hours

Nokia Lumia 920 - 44 hours

Nokia Lumia 820 - 40 hours

Nokia Lumia 620 - 36 hours

As you can see, by putting a larger battery, relative to screen size in the newer Nokia Lumia 520 and 720, the two newest offerings are very competitive with the best phones in the class. Overall, the Lumia 520 and 720 fare much better than the Lumia 620, 820 and 920.