Xiaomi to release a sub-Php3k smartphone?

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi is known for affordable, bang-for-the-buck devices, and it seems that they want to up the ante by offering another device that is set to be cheaper than their current entry-level offering.

affordable-xiaomi

If the Redmi smartphones are not yet that affordable for your liking, then we might wait for more of Xiaomi’s new smartphones. The new budget device offers specs identical to that of the Redmi line, with a 4.3-inch 720p display, 1GB of RAM, 8GB internal storage, 8MP/2MP front and back cameras, and Android 4.4.4 KitKat running the show.

The only difference, perhaps, from the Redmi line is the use of a different processor. The new device is reportedly set to use a 1.5 GHz quad-core Leadcore LC1860C chipset instead of the Snapdragon 410 chip found on Redmi 2.

The price for the handset is rumored to be set at CNY399, or roughly Php2,900 when converted. If these reports are true, would you be interested to buy a more affordable Mi smartphone?

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Zenfone 2 on Lazada sold direct from Hong Kong retailer

When we first broke the news that the Zenfone 2 is being listed in Lazada, we investigated further to know why the prices listed were a bit off from the expected price. So we tried to place an order.

As it turns out, the Zenfone 2 listed in Lazada (see listings here) is being fulfilled by a Hong Kong retailer named Kile Trading (listed address at Shop 6 1a-1b Poplar Street, HK).

This is perhaps the reason why the units are more expensive than expected. They’re incorporating the cost of shipping (UPS/FedEx) as well as customs and taxes. This is basically the same as ordering from Amazon (only that the listed price does not include taxes and shipping).

As for warranty, Kile Trading will honor the international warranty but we’ve confirmed Asus PH will not.

If you can wait until May 10 for the official release, you will be able to save a few thousand bucks. Otherwise, you can go ahead and place the international order here.

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Asus Transformer Book Chi T300 lands for Php47,000

While we’re still waiting for the formal launch of the Transformer Chi T300 on April 7, local stores has already some stocks being sold in their stores.

The retail price is pegged at just under Php47,000.

ASUS Transformer Book T300 Chi specs:
12.5-inch fHD IPS LCD @ 1920×1080 pixels
Intel Core M 5Y71 processor, up to 2.90 GHz
Intel HD Graphics 5300
8GB LPDDR3 RAM
128GB SSD
WiFi 802.11ac
Bluetooth 4.0
HD Web Camera
1 x COMBO audio jack
2 x Micro USB
1 x micro HDMI
1 x Bluetooth On/Off Switch
1 x SD card reader
1X AC adapter plug
Built-in Speakers And Array Microphone
SonicMaster Audio
32 Whrs battery
Windows 8.1
317.8 x 191.6 x 7.6 ~ 16.5 mm
720g (tablet)
1.43 kg

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AWEI ES-Q5 Noise Isolation Earphones Review

We recently gave you the AWEI TS-150vi review that offered pretty good sound performance despite its sub-Php500 price tag. Now we have the AWEI ES-Q5 that is less than half the price of the TS-150vi. Is it a good buy? Read on and find out.

Design and Construction

Awei-ES-Q5-review-3

Unlike the metal build of the TS-150vi, the ES-Q5 sports a wooden housing for its 10mm neodymium drivers. I personally like things that are made of natural materials (like the Loudbasstard sound amplifier) more so in gadgets so having this shell is a plus for me. Then again, it’s up to the preference of the user.

The golden cover on both sides accentuates and complements the color of the wood, sealing the sound drivers inside. A rubber arm then dangles down and supports the cloth-wrapped and tangle-free cable.

Awei-ES-Q5-review-2

If there’s one thing lacking in the ES-Q5 that’s seen on the TS-150vi is an in-line microphone for calls as well as navigation buttons for choosing your songs. The ES-Q5 is a very basic pair of in-ear headphones so don’t expect extra bells and whistles in its form factor except from the usual interchangeable and differently-sized ear tips.

Sound Quality

The company claims that it has Extendedbass Response which should give off improved bass. As someone who always comes across promises from the company we paid little attention to it. Although trying on these in-ears showed that AWEI really made its drivers capable of producing clean lows, and by clean we meant there was very little to no distortion on its bass levels.

Mids are also enjoyable and follows suit on reproducing decent sound. They worked well on tracks with vocal-dominant elements which was enjoyable to listen to.

The highs, although sometimes tolerable, were too bright for our liking. It’s not that bad, but when a song comes up that plays on the higher-end of the frequency it just gets distracting. Keep in mind though, that this is us nitpicking on the device and if you’re just a casual listener you might not notice what we’re talking about.

Conclusion

Priced at a little over Php200, the AWEI ES-Q5 delivered above-average sound quality for the value it’s asking for. There’s no in-line microphone or navigation buttons but you get a nice in-ear that you can easily bring around with, and has a nice touch of nature too. Is it a good buy? Yes. We’re just not sure about the durability of these in the long run, but for 200 pesos it doesn’t hurt the pocket that much.

Awei-ES-Q5-review-1

Awei ES-Q5 specs:
Design: In-ear
Speaker size: 10mm neodymium drivers
Frequency response: 12Hz-22KHz
Impedance: 106dB
Maximum output power: 50mW
Price: Php219

What we liked about it:

  • Decent sound with good bass
  • Nice wooden touch
  • Affordable price tag

What we didn’t like:

  • Highs are too bright

The Awei ES-Q5 along with other Awei products are available thru Droidhero.ph and their Facebook page. They can also be acquired at participating Novo7Tech branches in Lucky China Town Mall Binondo, SM Southmall Las Pinas, SM BF Paranaque, and Gateway Cubao.

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Globe opens pre-orders for Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge

Getting the newest Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge on a postpaid plan? Globe Telecom opened its website for pre-orders of the newest Samsung Galaxy flagship devices, and it’s not going to be as affordable as the previous models.

S6-Globe

According to Globe’s Website, you can get the 32GB variant of the Samsung Galaxy S6 for free on myLifestyle Plan 2499. The S6 Edge, however, still needs a cash-out for the same plan. Here are the myLifeStyle plans and cash-out schemes as stated on Globe’s website: (click to enlarge)

globepostpaid-S6

You can get the 32GB model of the Samsung Galaxy S6 on Plan 999 (with 19,800 cash out, P825 per month for 24 months) with Unlimited calls and texts to Globe/TM, GoSURF 299 (1.5GB mobile internet) and Facebook surfing.

The 32GB S6 Edge, on the other hand, is primarily offered on Plan 1499 (with 20,400 cash out, P850 per month for 24 months) with Unlimited calls and texts to Globe/TM,  GoSURF 499 (3GB mobile internet), Chat Bundle, and access to Facebook. Both of these plans are on a 24-month lock-in period.

READ ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge prices in the Philippines

Also bundled within the two mentioned plans are free Gadget Care and Navigation bundle for 1 month, and 1GB of Globe Cloud. Additional perks such as complimentary 3 month subscriptions to HOOQ and Spotify Premium, the inclusion of a free wireless charger, and up to 15% discount on Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge accessories can also be yours if you pre-order starting today until April 5.

The postpaid plans are pretty pricey when compared to their unlocked counterparts: the most affordable 32 Samsung Galaxy S6 postpaid plan, at Plan 999, will cost you Php43,776. The S6 Edge, on the other hand, costs Php56,376 on Plan 1499 after completing the 24-month lock in. That’s Php7,700 and Php14,400 higher than their unlocked versions, but a postpaid plan still has its own perks too.

Getting the S6 from Globe? Head over to their website to learn more.

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