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BenQ rejoins the smartphone market with two tepid Android models
Contrary to what the execs told us back in September last year, BenQ has now decided that it should re-enter the smartphone business, and it's done so in Taiwan with two affordable quad-core models: the recently-launched, MediaTek MT6589-powered F3 (pictured left), and the Snapdragon MSM8225Q-powered A3 from early November. Both 1.2GHz devices feature a 4.5-inch 960 x 540 IPS display, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, microSD expansion, a 2-megapixel front camera and a similar battery (2,100mAh for the F3 and 2,000mAh for the A3). Apart from the appearance, the main difference between the two is the camera: the higher-end and better-looking F3 has a 13-megapixel f/2.2 main imager with HDR and zero shutter delay, whereas the A3 only has an 8-megapixel counterpart. The F3 is already available in Taiwan for NT$7,990 (about US$270) off-contract, and the A3 goes for NT$5,990 (about US$200). There's no word on global expansion just yet, but hey, BenQ, how about bringing your expertise in luxury lamps to your next smartphone?
Oppo R819 review: a slim, long-lasting smartphone that faces tough odds
It's easy to think that Chinese smartphone makers are thriving solely on sales of ultra-cheap devices, but that's only partly true. In many cases, they're striking careful balances between features and pricing -- handsets like the Vivo X3 tout sleek designs and big screens, but their modest processing power keeps costs in check. Oppo wants to bring that high-value philosophy to the rest of the world through the international version of the R819. For $349, it's an exceptionally thin phone with perks you don't always get at this price, including dual SIM slots and better support for custom firmware. However, it faces stiff competition from new rivals like the Moto G and Nexus 5. Is the R819 still worth buying when it's not the fastest or cheapest in the pack? That's what we're here to find out.
BLU Studio 5.5 smartphone carries big screen, $179 off-contract price
Is that big-name giant smartphone way beyond your price range? No problem: BLU Products has just shipped the Studio 5.5, one of the more affordable large phones that we've seen in a while. The Android 4.2 device won't impress with its 854 x 480 resolution, quad-core MediaTek chip or 4GB of expandable storage, but it also costs just $179 contract-free -- much less than many rivals. The bright colors and dual unlocked SIM slots don't hurt, either. If you're interested in BLU's big budget handset, you'll find it at Amazon and Best Buy in the near future.
Lenovo Vibe X stuffs 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core chip into slim and light body (update: video)
While Lenovo's Snapdragon 800-powered phone has yet to make an official appearance, the Chinese company's gone ahead and unveiled its other quad-core flagship device: the Vibe X aka IdeaPhone S960. Much like most of its recent siblings, this Android 4.2 slate is powered by a MediaTek SoC -- the quad-core 1.5GHz MT6589T, specifically, with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage. There's also a 5-inch 1080p IPS display and a 2,000mAh internal battery, along with a 5-megapixel, 84-degree front-facing camera plus a 13-megapixel main imager on the back. As you'd expect, the camera app will come with face enhancement features for your bad skin days, and Lenovo also teases a "full-featured" photo app that lets you organize your photos (with tags and folders), as well as making puzzles with them. Thanks to Gorilla Glass 3 and the "premium polycarbonate body" (with "fabric-like surface" and side chrome accents), the overall package weighs 121g only and is just 6.9mm thick -- the same thickness as the slightly larger but metallic, Intel-powered K900. Also, while the Vivo X3 with the same MediaTek chip and battery capacity is way thinner at 5.75mm (sorry, Huawei!), do bear in mind that its 5-inch display only has a 720p resolution. There's no price nor a date just yet, but as with most Lenovo phones these days, we've been told that the Vibe X will not be entering either Europe or the US. As the Chinese saying goes: you can quench thirst by thinking of the plums. By "plums" we mean the press release and our first impressions after the break. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Sugar smartphone packs 5.16 carats in Swarovski gems, worthy specs (video)
Many ostensibly female-oriented phones tend to be compromised, with flashiness on the outside sadly unmatched by power on the inside. Not so Sugar's inaugural, namesake smartphone: while the Android 4.2-based device is lined with 5.16 carats' worth of Swarovski Pure Brilliance gems, the underlying hardware is worth attention all on its own. The 5-inch, 1080p Sharp LCD is backed up by a quad-core MediaTek chip, 2GB of RAM, an 8MP a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 1.3MP an 8-megapixel front shooter and either 16GB or 32GB of storage. Sugar plans to launch the phone in China and Europe, although you'll have to wait until August for full details. In the meantime, you can catch the full Engadget Chinese hands-on at the link below, and our colleagues' English hands-on video is available after the break. Update: The article originally misinterpreted the camera resolutions. It has now been updated with the correct figures. Stone Ip contributed to this report.
Keepin' it real fake: HTC One gets a convincing plastic clone (video)
We hate to say this, but the KIRF market is often a good indicator of how popular certain devices are, hence the plentiful fake iPhones and Galaxy phones in China. (Meanwhile, MediaTek is shamelessly cashing in as it ships its SoCs to those cloning factories.) Now, we're not saying the HTC One doesn't have any clones, but most of those we've seen weren't very convincing -- they were either of different sizes or had very poor build quality. But we eventually stumbled upon a pretty good fake in Huaqiangbei. The offending device is pictured above on the left. Externally, it bears a disgustingly strong resemblance to the real deal thanks to the same 4.7-inch screen size, the same curved back, the same micro-SIM tray, the same dual-soft-key layout and even the same metallic chamfer on the front. But if you look closer or touch it even, the tell-tale signs start to show up. See for yourself in the gallery below -- the fake One is to the left or on top of the real thing.
Vivo's Y19t is a phone built for China and aimed at ladies, has front-mounted flash for well-lit selfies
Vivo may not be a well-known smartphone brand here in the states, but the firm's been pushing out audio-centric phones in China for more than a minute. Its latest handset, the Y19t, is aimed at the female market (hence the hot pink exterior) and is a more imaging-conscious unit -- it's got a 5-megapixel camera and flash on its front complementing an 8-megapixel shooter round back. The phone's also equipped with a 4.5-inch, 960 x 540 IPS display, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of storage and dual SIM slots (one for micro and one for nano SIMs). Like its cousin, the X1, the Y19t has a MediaTek SoC and a non-removeable 2,000 mAh battery, but unlike its predecessor, this new phone has an MT6589 1.2Ghz quad-core chip inside its 7.4mm thick chassis. Naturally, it has Chinese-friendly TD-SCDMA and GSM radios and comes running Android 4.2.1 skinned with a Vivo UI. Like what you've seen (and heard) so far? Head on down to the source to see some screenshots, more device pics and a review of the Y19t's capabilities, but you might want to bring a translator with you -- it's written in Chinese.
Sony Xperia C S39h is company's first MediaTek device, does the dual-SIM trick
There's no denying that MediaTek is becoming mainstream these days, to the point that even Sony finally decided to join the party. The manufacturer's first attempt in this space is the Xperia C (S39h), a 5-inch qHD phone with dual-SIM capability (WCDMA and GSM) destined for China Unicom, and it'll come in either black, white or purple. Like many flagship devices from Chinese brands these days, the handset packs a quad-core MediaTek MT6589 SoC, along with an 8-megapixel camera -- Exmor R, specifically -- with voice shutter function. On top of the hardware, users in China will also have access to 3 million tracks from local music content provider Duomi. There's no price or date just yet, so we'll be keeping an eye out for further announcements.
Gionee ELIFE E6 smartphone leaks with 5-inch 1080p display, quad-core SoC and 13MP cam
It looks like the battle for affordable smartphone flagships is heating up. Hot on the heels of TCL / Alcatel's tasty $280 Idol X comes word of Gionee's ELIFE E6, also boasting a 5-inch 1080p display, 1.5GHz quad-core processor (MediaTek MT6589T) with 2GB RAM and 13-megapixel BSI camera with flash. In addition to these main specs, the Chinese handset allegedly packs a 5MP front-facing shooter and 2000mAh+ battery, runs Android 4.2.1 (Jellybean) and features a svelte 8mm profile. Gionee is officially expected to launch the ELIFE E6 in Beijing on July 10th for somewhere between $320 and $360. Availability is unknown, but with MediaTek's SoC supporting both 42Mbps HSPA+ and TD-SCDMA (no LTE here, folks), this phone is likely destined to China, India and other APAC nations.
TCL launches 5-inch 1080p Idol X (S950) smartphone with 6.99mm thickness, ultra-thin bezel
In a world obsessed with body image, we knew it wouldn't be long before our smartphones would start embarking on fad diets. The latest to show off its lack of curves is TCL's China-centric Idol X (S950), which can squeeze into a 6.99mm-thin pair of jeans. Just like the Alcatel version we saw at MWC, this handset comes with a 1080p display, which is bordered by an equally svelte 1.7mm bezel. Internals-wise, Android 4.2 is running on a quad-core, 1.5GHz MediaTek MT6589T chip, 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage. On the imagine front, the phone has a hefty 13.1-megapixel primary camera and a two-megapixel front-facing lens. Despite those heavyweight specs, the unit is marked up for a reasonably cheap 1,699 yuan -- $280 to you and me.
GEAK unveils Eye and Mars smartphones with 13MP cameras, budget prices
GEAK may be focusing its attention on wearable tech like the Ring and Watch, but it still has a pair of new offerings for those who like old-fashioned smartphones: meet the 5-inch Eye and 5.8-inch Mars. Both are tailored to photo junkies with 13MP, backside-illuminated rear cameras as well as strong front cameras that shoot at 8MP (Eye) and 2MP (Mars). Differences between the handsets revolve mostly around performance and screen size. The Eye keeps things modest with a 720p IPS display, a quad-core MediaTek MT6589, HSPA+ data, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. Spring for the extra-large Mars and you'll upgrade to a 1080p IPS LCD, a Snapdragon 600 and 2GB of RAM. Either way, you won't be paying a lot for the imaging prowess -- when pre-orders start on June 25th, GEAK will ask ¥1,999 ($326) off-contract for the Eye and ¥2,999 ($490) for the Mars. Just don't expect either to leave China when there's no word of international plans.
Lenovo's dual-SIM S820 unveiled, joins the Chinese league of feminine phones
Following the likes of the Oppo Ulike 2 and the MeituKiss, Lenovo's decided to join the fun with yet another phone targeted at Chinese female users. Dubbed the S820, this Android 4.2 device appears to be prettier -- with a hint of HTC's One X on both sides -- yet also more gender neutral than the older S720, but Lenovo's marketing team has been working hard to emphasize the phone's vivid redness, soft curves and velvet finish to back its case. Even the launch event yesterday featured bikini-clad models holding the new product, though that might have backfired a little. Unlike the two aforementioned devices from the competition, the S820 only comes with a 2-megapixel front-facing camera instead of a 5- or 8-megapixel version, but it does have a 13-megapixel imager on the back. You'll also find a 4.7-inch, 720p gapless IPS display on top of a 1.2GHz quad-core MT6589 SoC with 1GB RAM and 4GB internal storage. Removing the flexible back cover reveals a removable 2,000mAh battery, dual SIM slots (WCDMA 2100 and GSM 900/1800/1900) and microSD expansion of up to 32GB. Not bad for ¥1,999 or about $330, and it's already available for pre-order from now until June 2nd. For now, you can check out a hands-on video of the S820 after the break, courtesy of a Dongguan-based trading company. %Gallery-189650%
Panasonic P51 breaks into the Indian phone market with a 5-inch screen and stylus (updated)
Although Panasonic's cellphones have traveled far from Japan, the company has left the hot Indian market relatively untapped -- until today, that is. The company is staking its first proper claim in the country with the launch of the P51. The Android 4.2-toting smartphone reflects the local market's taste for big-screened yet modest phones between its 5-inch, 720p LCD and quad-core 1.2GHz MediaTek processor, but comes across as a sort of Galaxy Note lite: Panasonic bundles both a capacitive stylus and a magnetic flip cover in the box. The remaining hardware is a slightly unusual mix of budget and premium components, with the so-so 1GB of RAM and 4GB of expandable storage buffered by an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 1.3-megapixel front camera and support for both HSPA+ and dual SIM cards. The P51 will be comparatively expensive for India at 26,900 rupees ($517) contract-free when it's available next week, but it should be a bargain next to its pen-packing Samsung counterpart. Update: Panasonic is being a bit clever with its Indian foray -- we now know that the P51 shares a TCL-built design template with the Alcatel Scribe Easy, keeping the French phone's basic formula while upgrading the processor, camera and screen resolution. However, the P51 is definitely identical to the TCL Y900 in China.
i-mobile flaunts IQ X and IQ XA Android smartphones with 8MP front and 18MP rear cameras, laughs at megapixel myth
Once upon a time (2007) in a land far, far away (Thailand) lived the i-mobile 902, a pseudo Sony Ericsson W800 clone featuring a trick five-megapixel autofocus camera with a Sony-made CCD sensor and xenon flash. At the time, it produced shots with the most detail and best low-light performance we'd ever experienced on any cameraphone, ever -- make no mistake, it took several years before CMOS-based shooters caught up. It was a well made handset, but fell somewhat short in every other area besides imaging. Fast-forward to yesterday, when Thai phone manufacturer i-mobile published a series of pictures of the IQ X and IQ XA, a pair of thin, handsome-looking Android 4.2 devices with a 4.7-inch 720p display and MediaTek's quad-core 1.2GHz Cortex-A7 SoC (MT6589). Read on and we'll run through some of the more curious specs -- not least the resolution of the cameras.
Zopo C2 phone with Aliyun OS hands-on (video)
We were rather surprised by Zopo's C2 (aka Xiaohei) when it was announced last month, and fortunately, it didn't disappoint us when we spotted the real thing at GMIC Beijing. For those who are just catching up, this Aliyun OS 2.0 phone packs some surprisingly good specs for its ¥1,399 ($230) price tag: a 5-inch 1080p LTPS display, a 13-megapixel main camera, a 5-megapixel front imager, a removable 2,000mAh battery and dual WCDMA 850/2100 SIM slots -- one for a standard SIM and one for a micro-SIM. During our brief hands-on, the software ran well on top of the 1.2GHz quad-core MT6589 SoC with 1GB RAM, though the built-in 4GB storage will definitely need some microSD love, as we kept seeing a warning message about low storage space. Industrial design-wise, the C2 is quite well-built, and while it's not the most exciting-looking phone in the world, we're just glad that Zopo is finally no longer ripping off designs from the likes of Samsung, HTC and LG. Hands-on video after the break. %Gallery-187876%
Lenovo P780 teased by Kobe Bryant, boasts a 5-inch display with 4,000mAh battery (video)
Lenovo sure likes to tease, and apparently so does Kobe Bryant. In a recent "behind the scenes" video of Lenovo's upcoming P780 ad campaign, the NBA star is seen bouncing a basketball around for a while before he eventually starts talking. "Are you prepared for a new style smartphone? Say hello to the Lenovo..." At that point, the video -- embedded after the break -- awkwardly fades into a still showing Kobe holding the P780, and that's all there. Luckily, more details of this WCDMA device have been trickling out of Sina Weibo since then. Most notably, a few official Lenovo accounts mentioned a 5-inch display (our money's on 720p resolution) and a generous 4,000mAh battery, thus making the P780 a natural progression from the 4.5-inch P770 that came with a 3,500mAh cell. MyDrivers' source also tipped a 9.9mm thickness, along with the presence of "super sensitive touch" technology -- as featured on Nokia's Lumia 820 and Lumia 920, plus Huawei's Ascend Mate and Ascend P2 -- that supports glove and non-capacitive stylus input. Having gotten up close and personal with a working P780 (photos after the break), Sina Weibo user Lisancha added that said phone features dual-SIM with dual-standby, a quad-core MediaTek chipset (likely the Cortex-A7-based MT6589) and a launch date set for the second-half of May. We're assuming that like many other Lenovo phones, this one may only be made available in China; but we'll be keeping an eye out for its official launch, anyway.
Oppo's 4.7-inch, 6.93mm-thick R809T pays homage to the Finder
No, this isn't the world's thinnest phone thanks to Alcatel and BBK, but Oppo's recently announced R809T is still a seemingly attractive device judging by the above official image. Measuring at 6.93mm thick (instead of the rumored 6.13mm), we're surprised that Oppo didn't set this to be the follow-up to the Finder: sure, it's 0.28mm thicker, but it also aces the latter with a 4.7-inch 720p in-cell display, a 1.2GHz quad-core chip with 1GB RAM (likely MediaTek's Cortex-A7-based MT6589 SoC), Android 4.2 and a sorely missed 3.5mm headphone jack -- so no micro-USB adapter required. Then there's also an 8-megapixel main camera plus an increasingly common 2-megapixel, 88-degree wide front-facing imager, which is obviously no match for the 5-megapixel counterpart on Oppo's Ulike 2. Pricing and availability have yet to be announced, but given the "T" in the model name, chances are it'll only work on China Mobile's TD-SCDMA network, anyway; unless you really don't mind using just GSM. Close-up shot after the break.
Zopo C2 embraces Aliyun OS, boasts 5-inch 1080p display, 5MP front camera and a low price
Despite the aborted launch of Acer's Aliyun-powered phone last September, the cheeky Android-based OS is now back with a handful of new devices courtesy of some local friends, with the most notable device coming from Zopo, a notorious cloner of Samsung, HTC and LG phones. That said, it looks like the company's making a change with this seemingly good-looking C2, and for the launch price of ¥1,399 or about $230 unsubsidized, the specs will probably make Xiaomi tremble: there's a 5-inch 1080p gapless LTPS display, a MediaTek MT6589 chip (1.2GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 processor with 1GB RAM and PowerVR SGX544 graphics), 4GB internal storage with microSD expansion, Yamaha audio chip, a removable 2,000mAh battery and WCDMA 850/2100 radio with HSPA+. Furthermore, not only is there a 13-megapixel f/2.2 main camera, but there's also a staggering 5-megapixel front-facing camera on the other side -- just like the one on Oppo's Ulike 2. Oh, and these all come in an 8.5mm-thick body, too. Zopo's now accepting pre-orders for the first 5,000 C2s and will be shipping before the end of the month, so if you have an account on Tmall and don't mind being a guinea pig then go for it.%Gallery-185899%
Huawei's Ascend G700 exposed, may be Ascend D2's cheaper cousin
Watch out, Richard Yu! Not long after the China launch of the 6.1-inch Huawei Ascend Mate earlier today, the notorious @evleaks tweeted out the above two press shots of an Ascend G700, as well as referring to an old tweet from the often reliable @paopao0128 (of Blog of Mobile fame) who suggested the G700 will feature Android 4.2, a quad-core MediaTek MT6589 SoC (as opposed to the quad-core Huawei HiSilicon K3V2 chip on the Ascend Mate and the Ascend D2), an "HD" LCD (our money's on 720p only, like the leaked G710) and both WCDMA and TD-SCDMA flavors. Another fresh G700 leak we found shows a hands-on photo obtained from Sina Weibo (which has since been deleted, but it's also right after the break), and it also mentions that the phone will have a 5-inch display plus 2GB of RAM. There's no info on pricing, but the careless leakster on Weibo reminded us that the budget-minded G series devices never go over ¥2,000 or about $320 unsubsidized. To put that into perspective, the quad-core, 5-inch full-HD D2 is currently available for almost twice as many yuans. Well, it shouldn't be long before Chinese consumers get yet another 5-inch device to stuff their pockets.
BLU Life Series phones include quad-core CPU, Android 4.2, start at $229 unlocked
Coming this April, BLU Products will have three new smartphones vying for your hard-earned dollar. The trio of dual-SIM handsets, known as the Life View, Life One and Life Play, will be sold unlocked on Amazon and will range in price between $229 and $299. As a nice touch, Android 4.2 will be common among the bunch, as will backside-illuminated sensors on the cameras and the quad-core, 1.2GHz MediaTek MT6589 (Cortex A7) SoC. Likewise, each smartphone will also feature an HD IPS display. The Life View ($299), the largest of the bunch, includes a massive 5.7-inch display, a 12-megapixel rear / 5-megapixel front camera, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage and a 2,600mAh battery. Meanwhile, the more reasonably sized Life One ($299) includes a 5-inch display, a 13-megapixel rear / 5-megapixel front camera, similar storage specs and a 2,000mAh battery. Lastly, the sleekest of the three, the Life Play ($229), includes a 4.7-inch display and measures 7.9mm thick. Here, you can expect to find an 8-megapixel rear / 2-megapixel front camera, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of expandable storage and an 1,800mAh battery. You'll find the band support for each of the three phones in the PR after the break, but needless to say, you'll be safe on AT&T (and in many areas, T-Mobile).
