Starmobile Flirt: Best Budget Camera Smartphone Powerhouse

Starmobile has unveiled another Android smartphone up only for a limited time, the Starmobile Flirt. It's a 4.5" qHD smartphone running on Jellybean and has an awesome 12MP rear camera with BSI (backside illumination sensor/ back-illuminated sensor).

What I feel is amazing about this budget phone is that it uses BSI sensors that really help with illuminating the photos even under low light conditions. With Android's Jelly Bean OS and its dual cpu core processor, the unit is sure to run smoothly at least more or less with basic functionalities. RAM size could cause a bit of a glitch from time to time especially with heavy graphics and gaming, but it shouldn't be an issue for games like Angry Birds and Temple Run. 

With it's price point starting at around Php 9,290 and in hues of Ultra Blue and Ultra Red this unit is by far quite an eye candy. Starmobile is even throwing in a free screen protector and and a memory card. 

Here's the full specs:

• 4.5-inch qHD display (540 x 960) @ 245 ppi
• 1GHz dual-core MTK6577 CPU
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB internal memory
• micro SD card up to 32GB
• 12 megapixel rear BSI camera
• 3 megapixel front-facing BSI camera
• 3G
• WiFi
• GPS
• Bluetooth A2DP
• 1,700mAh battery
• Android 4.1 Jellybean132 x 66.6 x 9.5 mm
• Dual-SIM

Overall, I feel that this is a pretty solid device with a lot to offer those that are on a budget but wants a phone that doesn't sacrifice on picture quality. So all you cam-whores who wants the benefits of a good point and shoot device at a price point that'll leave you more room for spending on your looks than on the phone itself, this is a pretty tempting device to check out. Plus it pretty much uses Jelly Bean's basic skin so you won't have the hassles of over bloated software while enjoying the full benefits of Google's latest project butter feel and Google Now functionalities. 

Nokia Lumia 620 - Best Budget Smartphone

The Nokia Lumia 620 is Nokia's latest entry to the budget phone series but they made sure that everything about this phone doesn't feel low end at all.

Since the Nokia Lumia 620 is under the Lumia line, Nokia has ensured that it be as striking and vibrant in terms of design yet have that sense of end user friendliness that Nokia has been renowned for. Nokia Lumia 620 has been given a dual colored shell (Changeable Dual Colored Shells that is built to last as the color goes all the way through so that even if there are scratches it wont show) that houses a smartphone which delivers everything you'd expect from the Windows Phone 8. Live Tiles means the ability to personalize your "Start Screen" with people and apps that truly matter to you and on the plus side, you get to watch them update in real time. All this is shown on a ClearBlack Display that brings every detail to life even if you are under direct sunlight.

Nokia's unique camera features and exclusive applications also gives users a whole new way of seeing the world and of course how you share it with people that matter. The Nokia Lumia 620 is also equipped with a High Performance Speaker, inbuilt Dolby Headphone Technology with an enhanced noise-cancellation system, it guarantees that the Nokia Lumia 620 not only looks good but sounds just as great too.

Special Features:

Windows Phone 8 with SkyDrive - Windows phone 8 is unlike any other operating system. It is elegant, intuitive and it allows you to personalize your smartphone like never before. With the SkyDrive, all your windows files are truly mobile. Sync your stuff across your Windows devices and access your media files and documents from practically anywhere you are in the globe.

Smart Shoot - Nokia Smart Shoot automatically takes multiple shots with a single click so you can get to choose what you want to keep, like the best smiles, to create the perfect image.

Cinemagraph - is a magical blend of photo and movie-like animation, creating pictures that seem almost alive. Helpful on-screen assistance lets you select the animated area of your picture and easily create a Cinemagraph. The end result is quite enchanting.

Nokia Drive - Free turn by turn voice guided navigation. Simply select your destination, get the speed limit warnings, and find your way faster. You can even access to offline global maps (including a number of other countries) at no additional cost on Nokia Drive.

Stream Unlimited Free Music - If you are a music lover, you can simply stream it for free and unlimited with Nokia Music. Nokia Music allows you to tap into the latest tracks or create your own channels based on the artists you love. It has never been easier to access great music for free anywhere and everywhere you go.

Nokia City Lens - Hold up your Lumia and City Lens shall instantly reveal what is around you. This exclusive augmented reality application is a more intuitive way to navigate the real world. From restaurant reviews to places of interest, you'll get the real picture in real time.

Nokia Lumia Full Specifications:

DESIGN

• Device type:
  • Smart phone
• OS:
  • Windows Phone 8
• Dimensions:
  • 4.54 x 2.41 x 0.43 inches (115.4 x 61.1 x 11 mm)
• Weight:
  • 4.48 oz (127 g)
    the average is 4.3 oz (124 g)

DISPLAY

• Physical size:
  • 3.8 inches
• Resolution:
  • 480 x 800 pixels
• Pixel density:
  • 246 ppi
• Technology:
  • TFT
• Colors:
  • 16 777 216
• Touchscreen:
  • • Capacitive, Multi-touch
• Features:
  • Light sensor, Proximity sensor

BATTERY

• Talk time:
  • 14.60 hours
    the average is 9 h (563 min)
• Talk time (3G):
  • 9.90 hours
    the average is 8 h (497 min)
• Stand-by time (3G):
  • 13.8 days (330 hours)
    the average is 19 days (466 h)
• Capacity:
  • 1300 mAh

HARDWARE

• System chip:
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Plus MSM8227
• Processor:
  • Dual core, 1000 MHz, Krait
• Graphics processor:
  • • Adreno 305
• System memory:
  • 512 MB RAM
• Built-in storage:
  • 8 GB
• Storage expansion:
  • microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC up to 64 GB

CAMERA

• Camera:
  • • 5 megapixels
  • Flash:
    • LED
  • Aperture size:
    • F2.4
  • Features:
    • Auto focus, Touch to focus, White balance presets, Geo tagging, Scenes
• Camcorder:
  • • 1280x720 (720p HD) (30 fps)
  • Features:
    • Video light, Video calling
• Front-facing camera:
  • • 0.3 megapixels VGA

MULTIMEDIA

• Music player:
  • Filter by:
    • Album, Artist, Genre, Playlists
  • Features:
    • Album art cover, Background playback
• Speakers:
  • Earpiece, Loudspeaker

INTERNET BROWSING

• Browser:
  • • Internet Explorer 10
• Built-in online services support:
  • Facebook, YouTube (upload), Twitter

TECHNOLOGY

• GSM:
  • 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
• UMTS:
  • 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz
• Data:
  • HSDPA+ (4G) 21.1 Mbit/s, HSUPA 5.76 Mbit/s, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS
• Positioning:
  • A-GPS, S-GPS, Glonass, Cell ID, Wi-Fi positioning
• Navigation:
  • Turn-by-turn navigation, Voice navigation

Overall the Nokia Lumia is a pretty powerful device, despite it's current position as an entry level introduction to the new Nokia Lumia line. It runs smooth without any lag issues and camera pictures turn out to be great considering that it only uses a 5MP camera. It is true to its campaign of easy to use especially with the Windows 8 platform. It packs just the right amount of features and so much more that it truly brings a lot to the table considering that is priced to compete with others in the budget range.

How it shall perform on a a day to day basis, that is something that I would like to get to hear about from Nokia Lumia 620 users. If you happen to have this unit, I would appreciate the feedback and your thoughts on the device. Simply leave a comment below.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

The Best Place to Unwind - Boracay, Philippines

Boracay has long been known to be the top beach destination in Asia. Boracay as a tourist destination has been winning so many awards both from local and international committees and just recently it has garnered top recognition from Agoda.com as one of the favorite places to go for a vacation.

When you are at an award winning destination, what better place to stay in than an award winning resort? Discovery Shores Boracay was voted as the world's 5th best hotel by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. Check out Discovery Shores Boracay at Agoda.com or call them at +63 2 719 6692 to 93 or check out their website at www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com

Boracay has just recently emerged as the number one favorite destination for relaxation in a customer survey that was conducted by Agoda.com, the leading hotel booking website in Asia. I personally love Agoda.com which I strongly recommend for those that haven't tried booking their hotels yet through them to please go check them out as their rates are truly tempting and even quite competitive to other websites like Expedia.com and Bookings.com

Boracay had bested the perennial favorite Bali, Indonesia which had come in a close second. Koh Samul of Thailand came in at third. Boracay also got third place in terms of night life destination. Bangkok, Thailand came in at first and Dubai, UAE was second in this particular category.

Boracay is by far the only Philippine destination that has made it to the top 10 for both relaxation and nightlife categories. Manila surprisingly only came in at 22 in the nightlife category and Cebu landed 19th for the category of relaxation locations.

Agoda.com asked customers to rate destinations in two specific categories - Nightlife and Relaxation - ratings are from 1 - 5 with 1 being poor to 5 being excellent. The poll had over 113,000 respondents me included :)

Going to Boracay used to be considered expensive by locals but with Local Carriers such as Cebu Pacific Air and Air Philippines leading the way and revolutionizing budget flights, it has become easy to go to the island Paradise. Between the two airline carriers, I would go with Cebu Pacific Air if you can catch an early promo but if not like the upcoming holidays, I would go with Air Philippines as they offer rates that fly straight to Caticlan, Boracay for a fee of roughly Php 2,108 to Php 4,000 one way inclusive of surcharges.

There is no doubt that if you ever get the chance to be in the Philippines, Boracay should definitely be part of your agenda. Boracay is definitely a place to relax and to party out, missing out on this opportunity would be like missing out on a chance to experience paradise at its finest.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Review of Kingcom PadPhone 61

It was quite interesting to get introduced to the KingCom PadPhone 61! The Kingcom PadPhone 61 is selling for only Php 11,990 (SRP), it has quite notable features such as its massive 6-inch Screen and boasts a 1GHz dual-core MediaTek processor, a dual-SIM, dual-standby capability, a 5MP autofocus camera with LED flash, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, 2,800mAh battery and runs Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean OS. 

It is quite a bold attempt for Kingcom to release a model that would rival those of the Samsung Galaxy Note and Note 2 at least in terms of size, but with the budget spenders in mind. I personally found it quite smooth to use though you'll find some occasional lags from time to time when you are jumping from one application to another as it only carries 512MB of RAM. 

The internal storage is also something of dismal size as it can only carry basic applications that if you needed to download more, would have to depend on the external memory card of which the KingCom PadPhone 61 supports upto 32GB. You would also end up using the external storage mostly for photos, videos and mp3 music as there are many applications that you'll find that you wont be able to transfer over to the microSD card. 

Gaming functionality is also quite basic, as it is only again running on 512MB of RAM and a dual core processor with a 1GHz clock speed. You could at least play Temple Run and Temple Run 2. The most graphic intensive game that would be playable with the KingCom PadPhone 61 is Zombie Killer, and anything more graphic intensive than that you'd be left to scratching your head. 

Camera isn't the best either even compared among the other 5MP shooters out there. It performs quite poorly in low light and even with ample lighting, one would still notice a bit of grain if not over to under exposed shots from time to time. 

The thing I personally liked about the KingCom PadPhone 61 though is its dual sim and dual standby capabilities which allows users easy management of two sim-cards at any given point in time. Battery is also another strong point as it sports a 2800mAh battery and since it is running on a dual core 1Ghz processor, you can expect the phone to last way past your bed time. 

KingCom PadPhone 61 Specifications
Dual SIM / Dual Standby
6.0" FWVGA (854x480) capacitive display
163ppi with multi-touch feature
1GHz dual-core MT6577 processor
Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean OS
PowerVR SGX531 GPU
512MB of RAM
4GB of internal storage
microSD card slot up to 32GB
5MP autofocus camera with LED flash
720p HD video recording
VGA (0.3MP) front camera
Stereo FM radio with RDS
GPS with A-GPS support
microUSB v2.0 / 3.5mm audio jack
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct
GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quad-band)
3G Capable (UMTS 850/900/1900/2100)
G-Sensor, Proximity Sensor, Light Sensor
Li-Ion 2,800mAh battery
Stand-by time up to 120 hours
Talk time up to 5 hours
165 x 88.5 x 10.5 mm (dimensions)
Price: Php 11,990 (Official SRP)

Overall, the KingCom PadPhone 61 is a decent device given its specs but not something I would recommend considering its current price point as there are many other budget phones such as those released by Cherry Mobile that can hold its own against other mid-level ranged devices at a much lower cost. 

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Getting Personal with Nokia Lumia 820

The new Nokia Lumia 820 is quite a stylish and standout smartphone that shows a lot of individuality. The Windows 8 Software that it runs on allows users to personalize the start screen to match your personality the way you want it and allowing everything you need to be instantly accessible at any time.  It allows users the ability to customize the tiles sizes, color and layout. You can even pin your fave people and applications to the screen as a "LIVE" tile and watch them update in real time with the latest news feeds and posts.

You can even change your phone's look to match your mood or even your outfit, thanks for the rather colorful and interchangeable shells* which reminds me of the reason why the Nokia 5110, 3210, 3310 series became so popular to several individuals years ago.

SMART SHOOTING - Nokia Smart Shoot shall automatically take multiple photos with a single click so that you effortlessly choose which ones you'd like to keep, like the best smiles to create that perfect shot.

With Nokia you have access to Free Unlimited Music Streaming. WIth Nokia Music you have access to the latest tracks or have the ability to create your own channels based on the artists you love. It has never been easier to access great music for free, anywhere and everywhere you go.

Windows Phone 8 with SKYDRIVE - Life is sweet when everything is in sync with each other. With the Nokia Lumia 820, all your Windows Files are now truly mobile. Here you can sync your media, files and documents from almost literally anywhere.

Live Tiles - This is what makes Nokia Lumia 820 stand out. Live Tiles allows users to see at a glance what is new and is currently happening in real time right there at your start screen.

Nokia 820's colors are definitely striking as they have come up with a wide range of colorful interchangeable shells including one that is built extra tough just in case you need to hit the rough roads and one that is fast becoming popular, wireless charging - all with just a switch of the shell casing.

• Software : Windows Phone 8
• Processor : Dual-core 1.5 GHz Snapdragon S4
• Memory slot : Yes
• Display : 4.3in AMOLED 800x480 pixels
• Connectivity : Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0
• Ports : microUSB, 3.5mm headphone jack
• Camera : 8 megapixel with Carl Zeiss lens, dual LED flash and autofocus, VGA front-facing camera
• Video playback : MP4, H.264, H.263, WMV
• Audio playback : MP3, eAAC+, WMA, AMR
• Radio : No
• Battery : 1650mAh
• Size : 124x69x10mm
• Weight : 160g

The Nokia Lumia 820 is definitely helping Nokia make a comeback. It isn't something one can ignore either as the Windows 8 OS does provide a fresh change in technology from the Android and IOS application style browsing. With innovative technologies such as wireless charging being incorporated into the package it is hard to deny that this shall definitely be something to watch out for as the general market wants something more out of every penny they spend. I personally like the design factor and its adaptability to suit what I am wearing anytime I want. How this will fair in the market is anyone's guess but it shall inadvertently shake things quite a bit.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Unveil Your Style: SHARP SH530U

Sharp has become quite aggressive as of late in terms of marketing their latest smartphone entry. They however have focused on products that are of the mid-level markets with their latest addition the SHARP SH530U Dual Sim Phone. The SHARP SH530U isn't something that one can easily pass up though as it does carry some pretty amazing features that is sure to tempt even those that consider themselves as tech savvy.

Refined Design Meets Progressive Technology - Sharp has Meticulously crafted and engineered the SHARP SH530U. It was designed to meet the needs of those that want the latest in Android Technology with their beautiful hybrid 5" display which is simply stunning to look at creating a highly entertaining interactive experience.

Stunning Interactive Experience - With the SHARP SH530U, you'll do what you want, however you want to do it. With their FEEL UX on the SHARP SH530U, you'll be able to personalize the phone and organize the applications any way you "feel" like arranging them and even get notifications by just a simple swipe of your finger.

Sleekness in your Hands - The SHARP SH530U is so thin that it measures roughly about 9.9mm think and is made to fit perfectly in every hand, pocket or purse.

Standby for Dual Flexibility - it is quite easy to enjoy the convenience of having two sim cards in a single smartphone. Sharp's Dual Sim Technology provides the flexibility to manage both your personal and business life with ease.

Display- 5″ WXVGA 480×800 TFT Touch Screen, Multi-touch input	Network- SIM 1(Quad GSM, 3G 900Mhz & 2100Mhz), SIM 2(Quad GSM)	Dimensions- 146.5 x 81 x 9.9 mm/ 168.8g
Camera- 5 megapixel, 3264×2448 pixels, autofocus, Secondary front VGA camera	User Memory 16gb, 512 MB RAM DDR 2 card slot up to 32gb	Connectivity- HSPA(Download- 7.2Mbps, Upload-5.76Mbps), GPS, WiFi(b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0
Operating System- Android 4.0 with Feel UX user interface	Processor- Cortex Dual Core A9- 1Ghz (MediaTek MT6577, PowerVR SXG531T)	Battery- Standard battery, Li-Ion 1950 mAh (Talk time up to 9 hours, standby time up to 560 hours)

Overall, the SHARP SH530U is a pretty good phone for those looking for an alternative brand that carries dual sim capabilities without sacrificing on performance and style.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Temple Run 2: Imangi's Next Big Mobile Gaming Hit

It is undeniable that Imangi has really made an impact on mobile gaming with their initial game launch called Temple Run. It revolutionized the runner class for mobile gaming and thus spark a new era in that particular niche. Many developers have worked on cashing in on the craze and have since then seen countless number of games that are themed in a similar way. Disney and Imangi have even teamed up and launched a special edition to the game called Temple Run Brave for the Animation Movie Brave, where the idea was pretty much similar to the Original Temple Run but with added tasks such as shooting targets with your arrows as you try to outrun the demon bear known as Mordu through the forest. 

Temple Run 2 is a fresh new out look on the game and Imangi has successfully made the Sequel just as entertaining if not more. Here's what one can expect from Temple Run 2.

Obstacles look similar but with a few new twists

While sticking to the basic principles of the original game, Temple Run 2 is yet again put in a scene where a daring explorer would be scurrying from cave while being chased by a mad demonic ape like creature that is out to gobble him up. The game starts off at an easy pace and eventually picks up speed the further you get into the game. You'll be tasked with collecting coins and power ups as you run, slide, jump, and ride miner carts down a tunnel to avoid various obstacles that are out to hamper your escape. 

 Using the device's Gyro and accelerometer, you can dodge obstacles by tilting your device to the left or right. Swipe gestures are still one of the key factors, and so is collecting gold coins. 

It is the new environment, that makes this game so much more entertaining, even if the gameplay is still essentially the same with the first Temple Run. The once dark and murky swamp has now given way to a picturesque mountain path that is reminiscent of The Great Wall of China. Here you'll find yourself sliding down ropes, swinging left to right collecting coins, jumping across fast moving rivers and waterfalls, skipping past broken bridges and sliding under temple ruins and over spiked booby traps and fire jets along the way. In the mines you'll be forced to ride the mining cart and tilt your way across perilous crossings and broken rails while ducking under broken mine shafts. 

Watch out for those power-ups and tricky miner levels

In the mines, you'll be riding a cart along a beaten track. You'll have to be quick on your wrist and reflexes as you need to lean and duck to collect coins and avoid obstacles or broken tracks. The wrong turn could leave you face first on a dead end or crashing to the unknown depths of the cave below. 

What has been quite a welcome feature in the game is the easy resurrection option which is available immediately after a mishap and costs a gem (collectible within the game) for the first save and two for the second and so forth. You also dont need to buy the head start upgrades as once you have enough coins, the option is readily available on screen as you start the game, without the need to buy in the store to get the upgrade like in the first Temple Run. Upgrades are available nonetheless from boosting the time limit on various options like the magnetic capture of coins or gaining protective shields, speed boosts etc. With 10,000 coins, you can even choose a new character to run. 

Upgrade your existing character or simply choose a new one

The further you get into the game the faster the pace gets and this is where things tend to become rather tricky. There can be some instances where you might think that the road continues up ahead but end up flying off the screen as that signals a dead end cliff hanger situation that you should swipe left or right to avoid.  

Overall, Temple Run 2 is definitely a well designed game, with the new elements making it quite fresh and appealing is proving to be a worthy successor to the original Temple Run Game. It has no issues in terms of gaming in both IOS and Google Android Devices and even plays more smoothly than the first. Best part about it is that it is free to download for both as well. 

Till Next Time...

-Metz- 

PS. I am curious as to how everyone is scoring on their Temple Run 2 Games :) Do post them here in the comment field, or if you have any tips on how to better play that game please do share them as well :)