January 2012 high end smartphone buyers guide

Where do we start? Lets start at the most expensive.

Apple iPhone 4S. The Apple iPhone 4S is the most expensive smartphone in the country, but good postpaid options make acquisition relatively painless. Given its high price, it specifications are fairly modest with a 3.5-inch (640 x 960 resolution), 512 MB of RAM, a 800 MHz dual core A5 processor, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity, an excellent 8 MP camera and a VGA secondary camera. The camera can take pictures with almost zero shutter lag. Just 0.5 seconds between shots. Internal storage starts at 16 GB with 32 GB and 64 GB models available.  These modest specifications are enough to run iOS 5 fast. 

iOS 5 is also a much improve operating system, integrating cloud services, Android like notifications and widgets (only two at present) and the SIRI virtual assistant.

Ultimately, whether you like this phone or not depends on how you feel about the 3.5-inch screen. If you prefer this size of phone, it really has no direct competition, Android phone with more or less this screen size being mid-level offerings. The Apple iPhone 4S is the best mid sized smartphone.

Cash price: Php33,200 (Smart)/Php37,690 (Globe) for the 16GB model

Free: At Plan 2499

Recommended plan: 

- Smart at Data Plan 2000 with Php2,500 cash out (this plan comes with unlimited data. Smart Plan 2499 is capped at 1 GB).

- Globe Data Plan 1799 with Php4,800 cash out. If you can spend more, it make more sense to add on services like unlimited calls and SMS within the Globe Network rather than avail of Plan 2,499.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus.  The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is Google current generation reference phone. This phone features two new things, the new Android 4.0 operating system and a large 4.65 inch Super AMOLED HD (720 x 1280) screen. The phone has a button less interface.

The specifications seem impressive enough with 1 GB of RAM, a dual core 1.2 GHz A9 processor on a TI OMAP 4460 chipset, HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps connectivity, an excellent 5 MP camera and a 1.3 MP secondary camera (which can do 720 p video recording). The 5 MP camera feautres zero shutter lag and single motion panorama shots. Internal storage starts at 16 GB with a 32 GB model available (but not in the Philippines).

As impressive as this may sound, dual core 1.2 GHz A9 processor on a TI OMAP 4460 chipset is not a fast as the Exynos based system on the seven month old Samsung Galaxy S II.The Galaxy S II has a better 8 MP primary camera and a also comes with a 2 MP secondary camera. For storage, the Galaxy S II has 16 GB of internal storage expandable via MicroSD card. 

In other words, it is not a Galaxy S II killer. The main reason to get this phone is the 4.65-inch screen. In a way also, this is a limiting factor. While the phone is only 8.9 mm thick, it is still 67.9 mm wide so it may not be ideal for persons with smaller hands.

Cash price: NA

Free: At Smart Data 2000 (starting January 21, 2012)

Samsung Galaxy Note. If you are looking for the phone with killer specifications, it is the Samsung Galaxy Note. This phone has a large 5.3-inch Super AMOLED HD (800 x 1280) screen.

This Android phone runs on 1 GB of RAM, a dual core 1.4 GHz A9 processor on a Exynos chipset, HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps connectivity, an excellent 8 MP camera and a 2 MP secondary camera Internal storage starts at 16 GB with a 32 GB model available (but not in the Philippines), which is expandable via a MicroSD card. It also comes with a stylus which brings added functionality. Right now it runs on Android 2.3.5, but an Android 4.0 update is guaranteed.

It is a monster phone with monster specifications. It really depends on you want a large almost tablet like device. If you do, this one is probably the best choice.

Cash price: As low as Php31,500 open line with a 1 year official warranty

Free: Free at Smart Data Plan 2000

Samsung Galaxy S II. This seven month old phone is still a great choice. It has a large 4.3-inch Super AMOLED HD (480 x 800) display.

This Android phone runs on 1 GB of RAM, a dual core 1.2 GHz A9 processor on a Exynos chipset, HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps connectivity, an excellent 8 MP camera and a 2 MP secondary camera Internal storage starts at 16 GB with a 32 GB model available (but not in the Philippines), which is expandable via a MicroSD card. Right now it runs on Android 2.3.5, but an Android 4.0 update is guaranteed. Except for the screen size and resolution, and the operating system, this phone has better specifications than the Galaxy Nexus.

This is also a large phone, but it is a bit slimmer (8.5 mm) and bit narrower (66.1 mm) than the Galaxy Nexus.

Cash price: As low as Php25,950 open line with a 1 year official warranty

Free: Free at Smart Data Plan 2000

BlackBerry Torch 9860. We only recommend this phone if you are a using BlackBerry services and are looking for something to tide you over until the next generation of BlackBerry phones. 

Like the other new BlackBerry phones it comes with O.S. version 7.0, a 1.2GHz processor and 5MP camara. The Torch 9860 actually comes with less internal memory at 4GB compared to the new 9810 Torch and 9790 Bold which had 8GB. It is not that big a deal since storage is expandable via MicroSD card.

We selected this among the new BlackBerry's because it has the largest screen with the highest resolution among the new BlackBerry's at 3.7-inches with a 480 x 800 resolution. This makes is the best choice for a variety of uses like web browsing, document viewing, navigation and the like. You do loose the QWERTY keyboard. 

If you want a BlackBerry with a QWERTY keyboard, you might as well hold on to what you have and wait a few month for the BB 10 phones. If you are not a BlackBerry user, now does not seem to be the time to make a switch to this platform.

Cash price: As low as Php24,900 open line with a 1 year official warranty

Other phones. There are a bunch of other high end phones in the market, like HTC Sensation series (basic, XE and XL), the LG Optimus 2X, 3D smartphones like HTC EVO 3D and LG 3D P920, BlackBerry's new Model 9810 Torch and 9790 Bold and Nokia's MeeGo powered N9. We did not forget this phones. The five above are the best choices in the market today. 

Smart launching the Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Janaury 28, 2012, free at Data Plan 2000

Smart Communications will be offering the Samsung Galaxy Nexus free, on a two year contract, a Data Plan 2000. You can also get it, on lower plans:

• Data Plan 1500 - Php12,000 cash out
• Data Plan 1000 - Php16,000 cash out
• Data Plan 800 - Php21,000 cash out
• Data Plan 500 - Php27,000 cash out

Pre-order starts on January 21, 2012.

January 2012 mid-level smartphone buyers guide

We define mid-level smartphones to the price range of Php12,000 to Php20,000, and these days, that amount of money can get you a very decent smartphone. For that amount, you should expect a high resolution screen, a decent auto focus camera with a flash, the ability to capture 720p video and a fast processor.

@Php12900 - Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo V - A mid level smartphone that you can easily buy without worrying about not having spent more. The Sony Xperia Neo V is an Android smartphone (currently version 2.3.4) with a 3.7-inch high resolution 480 x 854 screen,  a 1GHz processor,512MB of RAM, a decent 5MP camera with Panorama mode, a secondarycamera, HDMI out and pretty much everything you expect from amodern smartphone these days. It has enough power to do the smartphone heavylifting work as well as play all but a few dozen of the latest games. The weakest point of this handset is the 320MB on internal storage. Though this is expandable to up to 32GB via a MicroSD card, not all apps can be moved to the MicroSD card.

The lowest price we have found on this phone with an official warranty is Php12,900.
If I were to spend more, I would like a larger screen, more internal storage or better camera.

@Php14,800 - LG Optimus Black P970 - Brighter than the sun. If you add another 1.9K to your budget, you can get the bigger screen and more internal storage. The LG Optimus Black is another Android smartphone with a 4-inch high resolution (480 x 800) super bright (700-nit) display and 2GB of internal storage. It also comes with a slim 9.2 mm case giving it a premium high end look.

Out of the box, is runs Android 2.2, but is now upgreadable to Android 2.3.4. LG has also promised to upgrade this phone to ICS. If I was in the market for a phone right now at any price range, I would give this one a very long look.



@Php16,500 - Samsung Galaxy W. If you add another 1.7Kto your budget the budget, at Php16,500 you have the Samsung Galaxy W i8150, another Android powered smartphone. It has a decent 3.7-inch high resolution screen (480 x 800).

What the Samsung Galaxy W i8510 offers is afaster 1.4 GHz processor and faster 14.4 Mbps HSDPA connectivity as compared to 1 GHz and  7.2 Mbps connectivity of  Sony Ericsson Neo V and the LG Optimus Black. The weakest part of Samsung Galaxy W i8510 is internal storage, having only 512 MB, expandable up to 32 GB.

Between this and the LG Optimus Black and Sony Ericsson Neo V, the black and Neo look like better deals. 


@Php18,800 - HTC Desire S - You have to love HTC Sense. I am a big fan of the HTC Sense user interface. If you are considering this phone, well it better be because of the Sense UI.

The HTC Desire S is another Android smartphone with a 3.7-inch high resolution screen (480 x 800). This phone does have a decent amount of internal storage a 1 GB, and does have the most RAM of the bunch at 768 MB. Combine with a 1GHz processor and HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity it is fast enough. It also does offerHTC Sense 3.0 with it proprietary widgets and apps and premium build quality with its aluminum unibody case. It does come bundled with a 8GB MicroSD card.

The lowest price we have found for this phone with an official warranty is  Php18,800, placing it on the expensive side. It is no doubt a good phone, the only question is, is it worth 4K more than an LG Optimus Black.


@Php20,000 - Sony Xperia Arc S - Great Camera Phone. At the top end of our budget for mid-level phones you can find the Sony Xperia Arc S. The lowest price we have found for this with an official Sony warranty is Php20,000. This cost all of Php7K more than the Sony Ericsson Nee V, and 5K more than the LG Optimus Black.

It does offer a more for the money. It comes with the largest screen in this category at 4.2-inches. It comes with 1GB of internal memory with a bundled 16 GB MicroSD card. It matches the Samsung Galaxy W with a 1.4GHz processor.  It has an a pretty good 8 MP camera (with Panoramo mode), as against the 5 MP units of the other phones in this comparison. The 8 MP camera on the Arc S (in our opinion) is not as good as the camera on the Nokia N8, Apple iPhone 4S or Galaxy S II, but it is a very decent camera.

Another plus, is this phone is pretty much guaranteed an Android Ice Cream Sandwich update.

@Windows Phone - HTC Radar - Php18,200.

If you are tired ofAndroids, you can get the HTC Radar atPhp18,200. And it is a very good choice for the price. The HTC Radarcomes with the latest Windows Phone 7.5 out of the box which is deeply integrated to Windows Skydrive and its 25GB of online storage.

Its specifications are similar to its Android competitors with a 3.8-inch (480 x 800) screen, a 1GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM and HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity.

It comes with 8 GB of internal storage, 6.5 GB of which is user available. It is not expandable, making it a plus and a minus. The 5 MP camera on this phone is the best in this bunch having a F2.2 aperture and a back-lit sensor giving it better low light performance. It is not an excellent camera, but it is as good as you get in this price range unless you are willing to pick-up a Nokia N8.

If you are heavy into Facebook, Windows Phone 7.5 has the best Facebook integration of any smartphone operating system, with Facebook being integrated into the contacts and SMS application.

That being said, the Windows Phone ecosystem with 50,000+ apps is much smaller than the 400,000+ app Android or the 500,000+ app iOS  ecosystems. I have about 54 apps installed on my phone... so how many apps do you really need?

If I was buying a smartphone today, at any budget, I would be tempted to get this one. I love the Windows Phone interface. You can do things faster. The phone is also priced low enough for me not to worry about joining a still maturing ecosystem.

@Postpaid - BlackBerry Curve 9300 - Php999 a month BB Max plan. None of out favourite mid-level phones are avialalble on postpiad plans except for the HTC Desire S at Smart Data Plan 2000. If we were availing of Smart Data Plan 2000 we would pick a better phone like the Samsung Galaxy Note or HTC Sensation XE.

While we think BlackBerry's are really too outdated to consider at the price points, and you will see an all new BlackBerry OS in 2012, Globe Telecom has an interesting ulimited data deal on the BlackBerry Curve 9300.

While the BlackBerry Curve 9300 will still cost you over Php16,000 in the market,  the phone is being offered free for Php999 a month on a two year contract by Globe Telecom. For Php999, you get a BB Max Plan on a two year contract plus Php400 consumable. This plan gives you unlimited access to BlackBerry Messenger, BlackBerry email, Facebook, Twitter and unlimited surfing through the BlackBerry APN.

This old QWERTY phone is not too interesting hardware wise, but the if you ar on a budget, it might be better to select on of these and be connected 24/7 rather than pick a high end phone relying on WiFi hotspots for connectivity. Without a internet connection, smartphones are not very smart after all.

January 2012 entry level Smartphone buyers guide

Where do we start. We our maintaining our previous definition of entry level smartphones as those priced below 12K. In the past two months, we have not seen a drop in the price range of entry level smartphones, and maybe the market has found it bottom.

A few months ago, Globe Telecom offered the Globe Cloudfone Ice at Php4,990 on a pre-paid kit. While that unit is not available now, you can still a decent Smartphone for under 6K.

@Php5,990 - Samsung Galaxy Y - Nothing interesting, but it works. The Samsung Galaxy Y is an Android smartphone with a 3-inch capacitative touchscreen. We look at it as more of a starting point, rather than a recommendation.  

Basically, it will do the job. It has WiFi and HSDPA connectivity. Pair it with a fixed volume or unlimited data plan and it will get you your email, keep you up to date with the news and weather, keep you connected to your social networks and allow you to use you instant messengers, give you access to Google Maps, Navigation and Places. Basically, it will do all the serious smartphone stuff well enough.

The downside is the screen resolution. Its 3-inch screen is small and has a low 240 x 320 resolution. This will result in some compatibility issues with some Android Market apps (mainly games) and overall does not make web browsing on the phone all that much fun. The 2 MP fixed focus main camera really is of little use. 

Still, at Php5,990 it works, and you can get if from the carriers free on a two year Php350 (or less) per month contract. At that price it is hard to complain.

@Php7,490 - Smart Netphone 701 - This is where you should start. The main issue about the Smart Netphone is that it is locked to Smart. If you do not like the Smart network, than this phone is not for you. If you are on a budget, this is the best way to go.

The Smart Netphone 701 is a ZTE Blade. With a 600MHz processor, 512MB or RAM and running Android 2.1 (upgradable to Android 2.2), it is based on circa 2010 technology. The 3.15MP camera is autofocus, but nothing great.

It has one thing going for it, and it is a big one thing. The Smart Netphone 701 has a large iPhone size 3.5-inch screen with a high-end phone like 480 x 800 resolution. 

If your main purpose for a phone is calls, text, email, social networking, instants messaging and web browsing this phone will do all those things fine. 

At Php7,490 this ageing phone is still worth the money, mainly because of the screen. Having dropped Php2,500 in price helps keep it a great choice at this price point and pretty much knocks our a lot of the competition.

You also get one, on a Php500 a month plan on a two year contract from Smart Communications.

@Php10,550 - Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman - 1GHz Snapdragon inside. Late last year, Sony Ericsson (now just Sony) released three low priced Android smartphones. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Mini, the Mini Pro with a slide out QWERTY keyboard and the Live with Walkman. These three phone have similar specifications, which is much better than you would expect for around 10K. You get a decent 320 x 480 resolution screen, 1 GHz processors, 512 MB of RAM, 320 MB or more of internal storage (expandable via MicroSD card), a 5MP autofocus camera with a flash and the other usual HDSPA, WiFI and Bluetooth connectivity.

Except for the size of the screen, screen resolutions and internal storage these phones have specifications more like mid-level Androids.

Our favorite is the Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman since it has the largest screen of the three at 3.2-inches can be found for as low as Php10,550 with a official warranty from Sony.

@BlackBerry - Globe BlackBerry Max 599 with a free BlackBerry 8520 - Dated but if you need to avail of BlackBerry Services. BlackBerry's have always been expensive, and that seems even more true today. At less than Php12,000 the only unit we found that fits is the circa 2009 BlackBerry Curve 8520.

With a 2.5-inch screen, a 2MP camera, and still using GPRS and Edge instead of HSDPA for connectivity, a BlackBerry 8520 will still cost you at least Php9,100.

On the other hand Globe Telecom will give you one free for Php599 a month on a BB Max Plan on a two year contract. This plan gives you unlimited access to BlackBerry Messenger, BlackBerry email, Facebook, Twitter and unlimited surfing through the BlackBerry APN.

LG Optimus Net Dual P698

@Dual sim - Lenovo A60 or LG Optimus Net Dual. If you are looking for a dual sim phone, Lenovo has it Android powered A60 for Php7,900 and the LG Optimus Net Dual P698. The LG Optimus Net Dual is easy to recommend based mainly on our experiance with the Optimus One, which proved to be a well built and durable phone. The LG Optimus Net Dual  which has a 3.2-inch (320 x 480 pixel resolution) screen, a 800MHz processor and a 3.2 megapixel camera running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), can be had for as low as Php8,750 with an official warranty.

Not having even seen a Lenovo A60, which has a larger 3.5-inch screen and lower Php7,900 price we are not sure which of these two dual sims phones is better.

Intel is now mobile

Intel is finally in the mobile game. After years of trying to get into the ARM dominated field, Intel is officially in with the Lenovo K800 smartphone. The Lenovo K800 is a Android device with a high resolution 4.5-inch 720p display. Powering the phone is a  1.6GHz Atom processor on a Medfiled chip. This phone is only coming in China so it is of little relevance to the rest of the world. Motorola has signed a multi-year deal with Intel to develop Intel powered smartphones and tablets.

Intel's last attempt at entering the mobile arena was with Nokia, which was supposed to take the form of the Nokia N9 running on MeeGo. The N9 went the Arm route and Nokia went to Windows Phone.  MeeGo which was being developed jointly by Intel and  Nokia partnership basically became an orphan.

With MeeGo going nowhere Intel went the Android route. It will be some time before we see Intel mobile devices on the shelves, but the significant thing is that Intel has a new software partner, and Android has a new hardware manufacturer supporting it.

Smart Communications Netphone 701 now @ Php7,490

The Smart Communications had reduced the price of tis Netphone 701 to Php7,490 from its original price of Php9,900. This phone is getting a bit long in the tooth, being a late 2010 design with a 600 MHz processor and running Android 2.2 (Froyo).

Still, with its iPhone sized, high resolution, 3.5-inch (480 x 800) display makes it an excellent choice for a entry level Android. You will have to spend twice as much to get a similar display on another phone.

The more interesting thing about the SMART Netphone on prepid are plans being offered with this phone. For Php999 you get unlimited access to your social networks via Social Stream and unlimited chat through Netphone Messenger and a chat service of your choosing (YM, FB Chat), 1GB of Data for surfing, and 200 minutes of calls and 3500 texts to SMART subscribers. Smart also offers these services in smaller bite sized packages.

LG Optimus Net Dual P698

More and more Android phone manufacturers are starting to build dual SIM phones. While dual SIM phones were traditionally cheap "China" brand phones, major manufacturers started making lower end dual sim phones. Last month Samsung released a dual SIM Galaxy S II in China, so it looks like dual SIM phoes are no longer relegated to entry level phones these days. 

 

While we do not have a dual SIM Samsung Galaxy S II in the Philippine market, LG has released a dual SIM Android phone, the LG Optimus Net Dual P698. While we have had low cost dual SIM Android from Alcatel, Torque and Lenovo, the LG offering will probably be more appealing to those looking for a phone from a more established smartphone manufacturer. 

LG Optimus Net Dual P698 is based on the LG Optimus Net P690 with a 3.2-inch 320 x 480 pixel resolution screen, a 800MHz processor and a 3.2 megapixel camera running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). The LG Optimus Net Dual P698 can be had Php8,750 with a one year official warranty. 

Stock Android user interface mandatory on all ICS devices

Google has announced that all devices with Android Market installed must have the stock Android 4.0 “Holo” theme and user interface installed.

By requiring the Holo theme and user interface on “All devices with Android Market” basically covers most Android devices except for Amazon tablets, Nook tablets and a several devices from smaller manufacturers who never sought Google certification. But pretty much every major manufacturer has the Android Market installed.

Is this the end on HTC's Sense, Samsung Touchwiz, Motorola's Blur and so on? Interestingly, Google says “We have no desire to restrict manufacturers from building their own themed experience across their devices.” So basically, this means that if an OEM want to include it own interface it must also have an option to use the default Android theme. 

We have to wait and see what OEM's do, but maybe it is time OEM's limit themselves to providing proprietary widgets and skins, and not modify Android too much. Should make it easier to roll out updates. It may be the right time too. Pretty much everything you get out of HTC's excellent Sense interface is pretty much available now in vanilla Android 4.0.

That being said, I am not too fond of the new high-tech Tron like theme. But it looks pretty good once you get under the skin.

What to expect in CES 2012 - Quadcore and LTE smartphones

While we have mini-notebooks, ultrabooks and tablets at CES 2012, the most popular consumer computer is still the smartphone, and we do expect to see plenty of this at the CES. 

Will the Samsung Galaxy S III look like this? Looks more like something HTC might build. Image credit to Concept Phone.

Android 4.0 phones.  Expect to see all the major Android manufactures to show off a Android 4.0 phone, with a interface free from hardware buttons and a large 4.5-inch to 4.7-inch 720p HD display. The real question is whether we see quad-core Android smartphones at CES 2012 or dual core phones going at 2 GHz or higher? Tegra 3 is already out for tablets, but we are not sure if the mobile phone variant is ready. Qualcomm's quadcore and 2GHz dual Krait's are probably not ready yet. We are not expecting TI 2GHz OMAP's till later this year.

We do expect to see a whole bunch of mid-level dual core Android 4.0 phones with qHD displays too.

In the end all eyes will be around the announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S III. Samsung is now clearly the leader in Android manufacture technology. For HTC and Sony, this are rebuilding years. With the Galaxy S II and Galaxy Nexus in its belt, people are expecting a killer phone with the S III designed to the match whatever Apple may release later this year.

Nokia and LTE. Nokia is likely to be the biggest story in the show. We expect to see the Lumia 900 with a large 4.3-inch screen, front-facing camera and 4G LTE chips. It will be really disappointing if we don't. We also expect to see previous of lower end Nokia Windows Phone devices. 

Expect to see HTC and Samsung Windows phones with 4G LTE chips.
 

LG and Intel. Not sure where this will go, but do expect to see an Intel Atom powered smartphone by LG.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus coming to Smart Communications

Smart Communications has announced that it is adding the Samsung Galaxy Nexus to its list of smartphones this January. Smart already has one on display at their Jump Center at Megamall.

The Galaxy Nexus was launched by Google and Samsung as the first Android 4.0 device. It features a curved 4.65-inch HD (720 x 1280) display, a button less interface, dual core processor and 16GB of internal storage. The Galaxy Nexus is the reference design for future Android smartphones.

Still no word on pricing and plan availability.

Samsung Galaxy Note offered at Smart Data Plan 2000

Smart Communications is offering the Samsung Galaxy Note free at Data Plan 2000. The Galaxy Note is a Android powered mobile phone (or a tablet with phone functionality) with a giant 5.3-inch 800 x 1280, a dual-core 1.4GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor with Mali-400MP graphics, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage and a 2500 mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy Note also comes with a sytlus,  Apparently this promo has been quietly running since December 19, 2011 and runs until December 31, 2011. I say quietly, since I only found out about this promo from a thread in TipidCP, a local mobile phone forum and online marketplace.

I confirmed the promo with @SMARTCares on Twitter, and they did confirm the Samsung Galaxy Note is being offered at Data Plan 2000, but did not confirm whether or not the promo is ending on December 31, 2011. 

If you have been wanting once of these devices, Data Plan 2000 is a very good option for getting one given that it retails for at least Php31,000 in the market. It would be best to apply for one before the end of the year. 

Flagship smartphones on Smart Communications

Postpaid. Smart Communications offers the lowest prices on Apple's iPhone 4S for prepaid subscribers starting at Php33,200 for the 16GB iPhone 4S. As compared to Globe Telecom Smart prices are 4-7K cheaper for a prepaid kit.

If you are looking for a top end Android you are better off buying once unlocked rather than getting one from Smart. Samsung Galaxy S II, HTC Sensation XE,  HTC EVO 3D and HTC Sensation. All these phones are 4.3-inch Android phones running on dual core processors will cost you at least Php6,000 less than a iPhone 4S. 

So despite Smart lowering the bar on iPhone pricing, it is still not a great bang for the buck proposition prepaid.

@Data Plan 3000. Smart has very interesting offering at Data Plan 3000. Data Plan 3000 gives you the following:

• 300 minutes calls to all networks
• 240 SMS to all networks
• Unlimited data

While Smart All-In Plan 2500 is actually a better plan, getting a Data Plan 3000 is tempting because of the devices Smart bundles in with this plan. You can get a Samsung Galaxy Note or Apple iPhone 4S 32GB free at this plan.

The Samsung Galaxy note is a massive Android phone or small tablet with phone function depending on how you look at it. It has a 5.3-inch Super AMOLED HD 800 x 1280 display. Inside it has 1GHz of RAM, a dual core 1.4GHz A9 processor and Mali 400MP graphics which makes it the biggest and baddest Smartphone in the Philippines. It has an 8MP camera, for storage it comes with 16GB of internal storage  expandable to 48GB via a MicroSD card and even comes with a stylus

If you are okay with the size it is one amazing device, and is more powerful than even the much publicized Google/Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

But the Galaxy Note is a love it or hate it device. 5.3-inches is just to big for me as phone (I use a 4.3-inch HTC Desire HD). On the other hand, if you like making calls with a Bluetooth headset, this could be best device on the market.

The other option, the iPhone 4S needs no introduction. It is a fast dual core phone with an excellent camera and excellent high resolution display. The only spoiler in our opinion is the small 3.5-inch screen. Still, if is a very handy sized phone, and if you like this size, it is the best smartphone at 3.5-inch more or less.

@Plan 2500/2499. Smart Communications best plans are it new All-In Plans. At All in Plan 2500 you can bundle unlimited calls other Smart mobiles, 2000 SMS to all networks unlimited data. The best Android powered device offered free (with a two year lock-in) at All-In Plan 2500 is the  HTC Sensation. Smart also offers the Windows powered HTC Mozart at All-In Plan 2500. This is the way we recommend you configure your All-In Plan 2500:

• Unlimited calls within the Smart network
• 2,500 SMS to all networks
• Unlimited data
• Php650 consumable for calls to other networks, NDD and IDD calls and SMS over 2,000 a month.

Smart offers the iPhone 4S 16GB at a similarly priced plan, Smart iPhone Plan 2499 which gives you the following:

• 300 minutes calls to all networks
• 300 SMS to all networks
• 1 GB of Data

The biggest downer in this plan is the cap on data at 1 GB. For the iPhone 4S to take full advantage of iCloud and Siri, unlimited data is a must.

At around Php2,500 for a monthly plan we would recommend getting the HTC Sensation instead with unlimited data and the ability to fire away 2,500 SMS a month. It is a good phone with a large 540 x 960 display and a dual core processor. It is not the best Android available, but it is good enough.

@Data Plan 2000. At Data Plan 2000 Smart offers the HTC Sensation XE, an upgraded version of the HTC Sensation with faster a faster 1.5GHz dual core processor, a larger battery and Beats earphones. Another option at this price point is the Nokia N9.

This 3.9-inch touchscreen phones runs on the MeeGo operating system and its novelty is that it has no hardware buttons, which is now also the course taken by the latest version of Android. With a 1GHz processor a single core core processor this phone is really more of a mid-level offering, but it is Nokia's flagship phone in the Philippines until the Windows Phone powered Nokia 800 hits local shores

You can also get a iPhone 4S 16 GB at Data Plan 2000 for just Php2,500 cash out.


@Lower plans. Smart also offers the iPhone 4S 16GB at lower plans but these plans do not make much sense. If you get the iPhone 4S at Data Plan 1500 you cash out Php12,500 for the phone. At Plan 999 you cash out Php999 a month for 24 months for the iPhone 4S 16GB.

• iPhone 4S 16GB @Data Plan 2000 - (Php2,000 x 24 months) + Php2,500 cash out = Php50,500
• iPhone 4S 16GB @Data Plan 1500 - (Php1,500 x 24 months) + Php12,500 cash out = Php48,500
• iPhone 4S 16GB @ Plan 999 - (Php999 x 24 months) + (Php999 x 24 months) = Php47,952

Might as well pay more for the plan (and get to use the Phone more) than pay more for the phone.

Flagship smartphones on Globe Telecom

Globe Telecom offers the two best smartphones in the Philippine market. Globe has Apples iPhone 4S and Samsung i9100 Galaxy S II. While the Galaxy S II is no longer Samsung top phone, that spot being taken over by the Galaxy Nexus, it is still a formidable smartphone.

Prepaid. If you are opting for the prepaid route, Globe offers the iPhone 4S at the following prices:

• 16GB: Php 37,690
• 32GB: Php 43,490
• 64GB: Php 49,290

Globe does not offer the Galaxy S II on a prepaid kit, so if you want one for use on the Globe network, your best bet is to get one from an authorized dealer. The Galaxy S II can be had for Php26,500 with an official one year warranty. This puts the Galaxy S II all of 11K cheaper than the iPhone 4S. You can get unlocked iPhone 4S units from the grey market for about Php34,000, but this means foregoing the manufacturer warranty.

I wont waste your time if you are looking to go the prepaid route. The Galaxy S II is a much better choice.

Postpaid @Plan 2499. Postpaid is where is gets interesting. Both the iPhone 4S 16GB and the Galaxy S II can be had free at Plan 2499. 

Which one is best for you. Comparing the iPhone 4S with the Galaxy S II is like comparing apple with oranges, or in this case iOS with Android. The two phones have different operating systems and different app stores. Suffice it to say that in their ecosystems both the iPhone 4S and Galaxy S II are fast enough to run any app made for their operating system and both app stores have more apps than you need.

Display size and physical size. The Galaxy S II has a larger 4.3-inch Super AMOLED screen. The iPhone 4S has a relatively small by present standard 3.5-inch display, but it does have 640 x 960 screen. But phones have excellent displays and in that will probably be a buyers primary consideration in deciding between these two options.

With the increasing functionality of smartphones today, a larger screen is better. It allows for better surfing, gaming and eBook reading experiance. Less squinting basically. For some the the 66.1 mm wide Galaxy S II may be a bit too wide for their hands to comfortable manipulate the entire screen with one hand.

Basically, with the phone in hand, you should be able to sweep your thumb across the entire display and reach the corners of the screen. If you cannot, it is probably a bit too big for one handed operation and that may make the iPhone 4S with its narrower 58.6 mm case for some, more comfortable to use.

The Galaxy S II is actually the thinner and lighter of the two phones at 8.5 mm think and 116 grams in weight. The iPhone 4S is ticker at 9.3 mm and weighs more at 140 grams. Best bet is to try each out in your hand.

HSDPA connectivity. When it comes to data connection speeds, the Galaxy S II is the clear winner, supporting HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps connectivity, which is what Globe is rolling out these days. The iPhone 4S uses last years technology and only supports HSPDA 14.4 Mbps speeds.

Storage. The iPhone 4S comes in three models with 16, 32 and 64 GB options. The locally available Galaxy S II comes with 16GB of internal storage expandable to 48 GB via a MicroSD card. Upgrading to a 32 GB iPhone 4S will only cost another Php4,800 cash on Plan 2499 which is not all that much more than the cost of a good 32GB SD card. Upgrading to a 64 GB model will set you back Php10,080 at Plan 2499.

If you need more storage, up to 48GB, the Galaxy S II can provide your more storage for a lower price. 

Higher plans. At higher plans like Plan 3799 you get the the iPhone 4S 32 GB free. There is no upgraded Galaxy S II for higher plans. But higher plans are not all that good these days. A iPhone 4S or Galaxy  S II at plan Plan 2499 plus adds ons like unlimited Globe-to-Globe calls and text will cost less and offer more utility at a much lower price than getting a phone at Plan 3799. If you want more storage on the iPhone 4S, pay more cash out and forget get it on a lower plan.

Lower plans. At plans below Plan 2499 you will get better deals on the iPhone 4S. Unless Globe has revised its Galaxy S II plans, the iPhone 4S 16 GB is can be had for Php4,800 at Plan 1799. The Galaxy S II is an almost 16K cash out proposition at Plan 1799.

Best choice? Pricing plays a big part. Prepiad, the Galaxy S II is a much better choice. Postpaid on lower plans, the iPhone 4S looks more tempting.

At Plan 2499, well it is a hardware decision. It depends on the whether you want the bigger phone or the smaller one. If you are used to 4 to 5 inch large phones you really wont be happy with a 3.5 inch screen. One the other hand, if you want a handier package, you may find that the 4.3-inch Galaxy S II is a bit bigger than is comfortable.

Oh, I forgot about Globe BlackBerrys... I suggest you do too until BlackBerry 10 comes out later in 2012 :)

Samsung i9250 Galaxy Nexus

WidgetCity has listed the Samsung i9250 Galaxy Nexus in their mobile phone offerings. 

Multitasking on Android 4.0

The Galaxy Nexus is the template for next generation Android phones. It introduces a new operating system, which fully takes advantage of multi-core processor technology and merges the Android phone operating system with the tablet operating system. It does this mainly by providing for a scalable interface that can be configured to work on smaller phone screen, mid-sized tablets and the larger 10.1-inch tablets.

Hardware wise, it also officially introduce a new format for Android phone displays moving from the 16:10 to 16:9 aspect ratio used for most Android tablets. Several previous Android phones have already moved to the 16:9 aspect ratio like the Motorola Atrix and HTC Sensation. In addition to the new ratio, it the Nexus line moves from the 480 x 800 screens they have been using for the past two years to a higher resolution 720 x 1280 screen.

Another change is the absence of physical buttons. Instead of having physical buttons, the controls are now all on the screen. A larger 4.65-inch display is used to accommodate the buttons. 

Other than those changes it is not really all that different from the Samsung Galaxy S II released six months ago. Like the Galaxy S II is has 1GB or RAM and 16GB of internal storage. The Galaxy Nexus is powered by dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 with PowerVR SGX540 graphics on a TI OMAP 4460 chipset which is not really more powerful than the dual-core 1.2GHz ARM Cortex-A9  and Mali-400MP combo on the Orion chipset found in the Galaxy S II.

Like the Galaxy S II, the Galaxy Nexus is supports the HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps standard. This still is notable since its primary competitors, the Apple iPhone 4S and HTC Sensation XE still use the older HSDPA 14.4 Mbps standard. Since both Globe Telecom and Smart Communications are rolling out HSDPA+ 21.1 Mbps networks, this is something to consider.

Unlike the Galaxy S II, the Galaxy Nexus does not come with an SD Card slot, so storage is limited to 16GB while the Galaxy S II can be expanded to up to 48GB. The camera on the Galaxy Nexus is a 5MP unit rather than the 8MP unit found in the Galaxy S II.

Why all the comparisons with the Galaxy S II. Well it is because you can get a Galaxy S II for Php26,500 with an official Samsung Warranty, while the Galaxy Nexus is being sold at Php34,500 with a service warranty. If you want to be an early adopter it is going to cost you a bit. There really is no reason for this phone to cost more than the Php31,000 Samsung Galaxy Note with its 5.3-inch 800 x 1280 screen.

It is an amazing phone, but I do expect to see it sought of Php30,000 with an official warranty in a months or  two.

The Globe iPhone 64GB 4S versus the Smart iPhone 64GB 4S - Postpaid options

We already compared Apple iPhone 4S postpaid plans for the 16GB model and the 32GB model. For the 64GB model, only Smart Communications offers it free on postpaid plans.

@Smart Data Plan 4000. Smart offers the iPhone 4S 64GB at its Data Plan 4000, which includes the following in the plan:

• 400 minutes calls to all networks
• 300 SMS to all networks
• Unlimited data

Basically, this is a Php96,000 commitment over a period of two years.

If you wont fully utilize you may consider a lower Data Plan, like Smart Data Plan 1500, Data Plan 2000, Data Plan 3000, iPhone Plan 2499 or Plan 999 which will require you to pay some cash to get the iPhone 4S 64GB.

Data Plan 4000 

Cash out: Php0

Two year commitment: Php72,000

Data Plan 3000 

Cash out: Php5,000

Two year commitment: Php77,000

iPhone Plan 2499

Cash out: Php400 mo. over two years (Php9,600)

Two year commitment: Php69,576

Data Plan 2000

Cash out: Php12,000

Two year commitment: Php60,000

Data Plan 1500

Cash out: Php22,500

Two year commitment: Php58,500

Plan 999

Cash out: Php1,200 mo. over two years (Php28,800)

Two year commitment: Php57,576

If you are getting an iPhone 4S, the 64GB model looks like a better choice than the 32GB model.

@Globe Plan 3799. Globe does not offer the 64GB iPhone free at Plan 3799,  but only requires a reasonable Php4,800 cash out. Plan 3799 includes the following:

• Php2800 consumable
• Unlimited data
• 7 freebies 

A: 10 mins of calls & 200 SMS to Globe/TM
B: 5 mins of call & 25 SMS to other networks
C: 10 mins IDD & 10SMS to 10 international destination
E: Unlimited Call & Text to 1 Globe/TM number

This is a higher commitment of Php96,776 over two years.

You can also add cash to a lower plan.

Plan 3799

Cash out: Php4,800

Two year commitment: Php96,776

Plan 2499

Cash out: Php10,080

Two year commitment: Php70,056

Plan 1799

Cash out: 15,096

Two year commitment: Php58,272

Like the Smart offerings, the additional cash out for a 64GB iPhone seems to be worth it. Especially given that the phones internal storage is not expandable.

The Globe iPhone 32GB 4S versus the Smart iPhone 32GB 4S - Postpaid options

We already compared Apple iPhone 4S postpaid plans for the 16GB model at this link. Both Globe Telecom and Smart Communications offer the 32GB model free on postpaid plans.

@Smart Data Plan 3000. Smart offers the iPhone 4S 32GB at its Data Plan 3000, which includes the following in the plan:

• 300 minutes calls to all networks
• 240 SMS to all networks
• Unlimited data

Basically, this is a Php72,000 commitment over a period of two years.

If you wont fully utilize you may consider a lower Data Plan, like Smart Data Plan 1500, Data Plan 2000, iPhone Plan 2499 or Plan 999 which will require you to pay some cash to get the iPhone 4S 32GB.

Data Plan 3000 

Cash out: Php0

Two year commitment: Php72,000

iPhone Plan 2499

Cash out: Php200 mo. over two years (Php4,800)

Two year commitment: Php64,776

Data Plan 2000

Cash out: Php8,000

Two year commitment: Php56,000

Data Plan 1500

Cash out: Php17,500

Two year commitment: Php53,500

Plan 999

Cash out: Php1,200 mo. over two years (Php28,800)

Two year commitment: Php52,776

If you look at this comparison getting a 32GB iPhone 4S at Data Plan 1500 or Plan 999 are not good deals. If you want an iPhone 4S 32GB, start at Data Plan 2000.

@Globe Plan 3799. Globe does not have a plan to match Smart's Data Plan 3000 but offers at a higher plan, Plan 3799 includes the following:

• Php2800 consumable
• Unlimited data
• 7 freebies 

A: 10 mins of calls & 200 SMS to Globe/TM
B: 5 mins of call & 25 SMS to other networks
C: 10 mins IDD & 10SMS to 10 international destination
E: Unlimited Call & Text to 1 Globe/TM number

This is a higher commitment of Php91,976 over two years. If you are considering this plan you might want to take a look at Smart Data Plan 4000 which comes bundled with a iPhone 4S 64GB phone instead.

You can also add cash to a lower plan.

Plan 3799

Cash out: Php0

Two year commitment: Php91,976

Plan 2499

Cash out: Php4800

Two year commitment: Php64,776

Plan 1799

Cash out: 10,080

Two year commitment: Php53,256

 

The Globe iPhone 16GB 4S versus the Smart iPhone 16GB 4S - Postpaid options

Both Globe Telecom and Smart Communications have conjured up numerous plan options to get you a Apple iPhone 4S on a postpaid plan. Both companies offerings are more extensive than they have done on any previous phone. In comparing the two, it is best to take it slow. This articles compares Globe and Smarts plans for the iPhone 4S 16GB variant.

@Plan 2499. Both Globe and Smart offer the iPhone 4S 16GB free at Plan 2499. Globe Telecom offers it under its regular Plan 2499 Data Plan.

Globe Plan 2499

• Php1500 consumable
• Unlimited data
• 5 freebies 

A: 10 mins of calls & 200 SMS to Globe/TM
B: 5 mins of call & 25 SMS to other networks
C: 10 mins IDD & 10SMS to 10 international destination
E: Unlimited Call & Text to 1 Globe/TM number

Smart created a specific plan for the iPhone, a Plan 2499 data

Smart iPhone Plan 2499

• 300 minutes calls to all networks
• 300 SMS to all networks
• 1GB of Data

Comparing the two it is Smart offers a better deal for those heavy on voice calls, you have 300 minute a month. If you did this with Globe's Plan 2499 and made 300 minutes of calls within the network and calls outside the network and sent 300 SMS, you bill would be near or over 3K, even counting the freebies. But if there is one Globe number you call a lot or the IDD freebies appeal to you, this could negate Smarts call advantage.

Globe offers a better deal on the data and SMS. If you are not heavy on voice calls Globe Offers unlimited data and you can consume the entire Php1,500 on SMS.

Both are great plans, but choosing between the two I like the Globe offering better. iPhones have iCloud, Siri (which uses data) and 425,000 apps (many of which use data). 

At Plan 2499 Globe looks like the better offering. It is a smartphone, and smarthpones work best with unlimited data. But depending on your use, the Smart plan may be better.

Smart Data Plan 2000. But actually Smart has another option to get a iPhone 4S 16GB. Smart Data Plan 2000.

Smart Data Plan 2000

• Cash out Php2,500
• 150 minutes calls to all networks
• 200 SMS to all networks
• Unlimited data

This is the plan I use right now and my bill has been Php2,200 or less for the past eleven months, so this is the Plan which fits me best. If I got an iPhone, I would choose this plan. 

Globe Data Plan 1799. Globe has a plan that can match Smarts Data Plan 2000.

Globe Plan1799

• Cash out Php4,800
• Php800 consumable
• Unlimited data
• 3 freebies 

A: 10 mins of calls & 200 SMS to Globe/TM
B: 5 mins of call & 25 SMS to other networks
C: 10 mins IDD & 10SMS to 10 international destination
E: Unlimited Call & Text to 1 Globe/TM number

Smart Plan 999. Smart has a Plan 999, but we don't like this one.

Smart Plan 999

• Cash out - Php999 a month for 24 months
• 100 minutes calls to all networks
• 40 SMS to all networks
• 250MB of data

If you are paying Php1,998 a month you might as well cash out a bit a get one on Smart Data Plan 2000 or Globe Data Plan 1799.

For prepaid options follow this link.

The Globe iPhone 4S versus the Smart iPhone 4S - Prepaid options

With Globe Telecom no longer being the exclusive distributor of the Apple iPhone in the Philippines, we were hoping for lower prices, and we did get it. Still the prices on prepaid are not as low as hoped for. On postpaid plans, the Apple iPhone 4S comes is some very sweet deals.

Today, we will focus on the prepaid offerings only.

Price is still disappointing. The Apple iPhone 4S sells at US$649, US$749 and US$849 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models unlock and contract free.

If you compare it with the Apple iPad 2 which starts at US$499 and sells from the local Apple store at Php23,990 that means that it is being sold an exchange rate of approximately Php43 to US$1, and 12% VAT is added to the price.

Using this same rates, the iPhone 4S, unlocked and contract free, should be priced as follows:

• 16GB: Php31,200
• 32GB: Php36,100
• 64GB: Php40,900

But prices are still better. From the local carriers this is the pricing you get:

SMART

• 16GB: Php 33,200
• 32GB: Php 38,200
• 64GB: Php 43,200

GLOBE

• 16GB: Php 37,690
• 32GB: Php 43,490
• 64GB: Php 49,290

Smart is selling at roughly Php2,000 higher than US prices, while Globe is selling roughly Php6,000 to Php9,000 higher than US prices. And yes, that already accounts for VAT. Globe is maintaining the same rates they had, more or less for previous iPhones.

Globe will be offering a trade-in promo for older Globe locked phones, which will make it cheaper to buy a iPhone 4S from Globe for existing subscribers, but the details of that are not out yet.

In sum, you do not get a carrier subsidy for buying a locked phone. But let us not look at a gift horse in the mouth. With Smart now in the iPhone game, the iPhone has gotten much cheaper, especially on postpaid plans.

While Smart wins the pre-paid iPhone wars, Globe has very competitive, and I think better postpaid options. We will write about that tomorrow.

Postpaid options for the 16GB model at this link.

Smart iPhone 4S plans

Free a Plan 2499!

As for prepaid units, they are available at P33,200 for the 16GB model, and P38,200 and P43,200 for the 32Gb and 64GB models respectively.

Apple iPhone 4S launch parties

Globe Telecom and Smart Communication will be holding launch parties for the Apple iPhone 4s tonight, Thursday, December 15, 2011. Globe's event will start  at the Ayala Museum at 8:00PM on December 15th and will be officially launching the iPhone 4s at 12am on December 16. Smart is having their event at the same time at the Rockwell Powerplant Mall on the 15th from 8:00PM to 4:00AM the next day.

Though unverified, rumour is the Globe iPhone 4S will cost just Php4,000 cash out on Plan 1799 with a two year lock-in. Prepaid units will start at Php30,000 for the 16GB units. This seems about correct given the starting price of US$649 retail price for unlocked iPhone's. If this is true than competition has brought down the price by about 20%.

Smart is going to raffle Gift Certificates from Zara, Massimo Dutti, Kenneth Cole, Mango, Lacoste and other vendors, raffle away 94 gadgets and keep you entertained with a whole line-up of events. I am not sure if this is limited to those who have registered.