Kata Fishtab 3 Unboxing and First Impressions

Kata has been around in the country for more than 2 years now. Distributed exclusively by Owtel Shop Philippines, the Hong Kong based company has already launched several products ranging from phones to tablets. Notable Kata products include the Kata i1 (1.2Ghz Dual Core Phone running on Android Ice Cream Sandwich) and the Kata Fishtab line (Fishtab 1 and Fishtab 2).

Just last week, I was invited by people from Owtel Shop to take an exclusive look at the the next iteration of their tablet, the Fishtab 3. The latter is huge leap from the previous Fishtab; powered by 1.8Ghz Quad Core processor and an impressive 2GB ram, Fishtab 3 is very much ready to satisfy and please us.

Full Specifications:

• 7.9-inch multi-touch display with IPS technology, 1024 x 768 resolution
• 1.8GHz Rockchip 3188 quad-core processor
• 2GB of RAM 8GB internal memory, expandable to 64GB
• Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
• Wi-Fi, 3G via 3G adapter
• 3.5mm audio jack
• Micro-USB connector
• 5.0-megapixel auto-focus main camera, 2.0-megapixel front-facing camera
• 4,400 mAh Lithium-polymer battery
• 201.7mm x 136.3mm x 8.4mm / 345g
• Availability: 3rd Week of August

Unboxing

[youtube width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXVk1Ol3AdY[/youtube]

The retail box we got includes manuals, MicroUSB and charger. According to Owtel Shop, they will also throw in 1 leather case and screen protector when you buy from Kata kiosks and Owtel Shops once this tablet is officially out.

Impressions

The Kata Fishtab 3 is like an “androidified” iPad Mini. The former almost has the same size compared to the iPad Mini, although its thicker by 1.4mm. The iPad Mini surprisingly fits on the supplied leather case for the FT3. The leather case, by the way, looks very elegant and perfect for the the device.

FT3 (top), iPad Mini (bottom)

FT3 (top), iPad Mini (bottom)

Unfortunately, the FT3’s non-HD screen isn’t exactly part of my buy-now radar. It falls short on the desired resolution I wish to have, especially when consuming media and playing high-definition games. Kata should have at least considered ditching the 1024-by-768 resolution in favor of a 1280-by-800 to maximize the potential of its quad-core CPU and GPU. Thankfully, FT3 has an IPS display, which helps in exuding more vibrant colors and good viewing angle.

The SoC installed, Rockchip 3188, is packed with good performance and above average power consumption. On my initial run of Antutu Benchmark, it registered an impressive 15,398 score. It’s too early to conclude about this device’s battery life, but it seems to be so promising. We will of course see its optimum performance 3-4 days from the time we first booted the device.

Kata, as specialist in mobile phone applications research and device design, is indeed a budding international brand. Though the Fishtab 3 is marred by its extreme aesthetic likeliness to the iPad Mini – I see a gleaming hope for its product to fly.

The additional freebies are one of the best ones I’ve seen; and I see that as Kata’s way to give more value to its quite high-cost figure. Priced at PhP10,999, Fishtab 3 isn’t definitely the cheapest tablet with the same caliber I know. Having said this, I’m more excited to know how Kata will respond to the impending price-drop of a product from a more well-known brand. Will they consider to drop its price to 4-figures?

How about you guys? What do you think of Kata’s entry to the quad-core-tablet race? Do you think they’ve got a shot against local competitors? Tell us what you think on the comments section below.

And before I forget, be sure to witness the public unboxing of Fishtab 3 on August 18 at SM Cyberzone Megamall. See you there!

Giancarlo Viterbo

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Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.