Cherry Mobile M1 First Impressions

[aps_product id=”21594″]

Here’s your first look at Cherry Mobile’s first smartphone with deca-core processor, the Cherry Mobile M1.

This slab of wonder was announced a month ago, and will finally be available in stores starting next week. What’s special about the Cherry Mobile M1 is its ultra-fast processor and 4gb RAM. We’ve covered much about its deca-core process on our previous article, but we’ll break it down once more in a little bit.

Build

First, let me share what I think about its build. The device has a unibody build, and it exudes a premium vibe. Its back aluminum plate has a brushed metal texture. Meanwhile, its side bezels are made of plastic with metal finish.

The device is a little heavy. It is a little lighter than Zuk Z1 and much heavier than the LG G5. It has a minimalist overall design. In fact, at first look, it’s easy to liken it to the LG G5 sans the detachable module.

M1 has 5.5-inch full HD display with full lamination Asahi glass. Above it are its light sensor, flash and 8-megapixel front facing camera. Above the sensors and camera is its earpiece with a design that matches its speaker, which is located at the bottom of the display. M1 doesn’t have capacitive buttons, but there is a significant space between its screen and its bottom speakers.

Its sim tray may be found on the left side of the phone. The tray can take 2 nano sims, or 1 nano sim and 1 micro SD card. The choice of combo is yours to decide. Volume keys and sleep/wake button are placed on its right side.

Meanwhile, it’s 21-megapixel camera with Sony IMX230 sensor it just at the back of the phone, and below it is its 2 LED flash and fingerprint sensor.

Its 3.5mm headphone hack may be found at the top of the device, and its USB Type-C port and microphone are located at the bottom.

What makes this tick?!

It’s the 1st smartphone launched by a local consumer electronics company that has the said processor, with unparalleled performance and speed compared to the previous Mediatek processors. In fact, its processor is the world’s first processor with tri-cluster technology.

[su_spoiler title=”If you’re a geek – What’s Tri-Cluster CPU Architecture?” style=”fancy” icon=”plus-circle”]MediaTek’s Tri-Cluster CPU architecture in the MediaTek Helio X20 provides three processor clusters, each designed to more efficiently handle different types of workloads. The Tri-Cluster CPU consists of one cluster of two ARM Cortex-A72 cores (running at 2.5GHz for extreme performance) and two clusters of four ARM Cortex-A53 cores (one running at 2.0GHz for medium loads and one running at 1.4GHz for light activities). Much like adding gears to vehicles, dividing the cores into three clusters provides a more efficient allocation of tasks for optimum performance and extended battery life. Mediatek[/su_spoiler]

To further explain how fast and efficient Helio X20 is, here’s an illustration we got from Mediatek.

We ran a few benchmark tests on the phone and so far, these are the results we go for your reference:

• Antutu: 73,219 (faster than LG V10, Galaxy A9 Pro and Redmi Note 3
• Geekbench: Single Core – 1,641; Multi-core – 4,822 (faster than Galaxy S6, One Plus 2)
• Vellamo: 3,471 (faster than Galaxy S6, LG G4, Galaxy Note 4)
• Quadrant: 32,754

It’s definitely way faster than the current line-up of Cherry Mobile and can directly compete with its local and international competitors. According to MediaTek, the new architecture can bring significant speed boost to the smartphone.

Sensors and Connectivity

The device has all the sensors needed you need: accelerometer, light, orientation, proximity, gyroscope, sound and magnetometer. Pressure sensor is apparently available, but there is no way we can test it for now. The only thing that lacks is a temperature sensor, which I think isn’t practical at this point.

It is good to note that Google Cardboard app works flawlessly on this device. All you need to do is download other 3D and 360-degree compatible games, get yourself Google cardboard and enjoy.

GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC may also be used on the device.

Camera

The Cherry Mobile M1 is also the local brand’s 1st smartphone to have a 21-megapixel rear facing camera. Powered by Sony IMX 230, its one of the best sensors in its class, and can definitely delight mobile photographers. Front facing camera is 8-megapixels, and both cameras are complemented with LED flashes. But perhaps, its most celebrated camera feature is its PDAF feature, or phase detection auto focus.

M1 isn’t the 1st local smartphone to have this auto focus technology, but we know for a fact that Sony is not a slouch when producing sensors with such feature. Now, Cherry Mobile is at par with products such as Huawei Honor 7, Lenovo Vibe X3, Meizu Pro 6 and Xperia Z3+ because of the sensor built into the M1. Way to go, Cherry Mobile.

Its rear facing camera is top notch. It was indeed able to focus swiftly on my subjects. Subjects are sharp even a low light. There are times that bees get in the way when taking photos at low light, but I found most of my photos very acceptable.

Shot using Cherry Mobile M1

Sample photo using front facing camera

There aren’t enough photos to fully conclude its performance, but I must say that I’m very impressed. I’ll be taking more photos soon, and will post it on our Facebook page.

Initial Impressions

I haven’t fiddled through the device for more than 24 hours, but I’m loving it so far. You may take this initial impressions a grain of salt (full review will come out soon), but I’d like to put on record that I’m taking this with me as my work phone starting tomorrow.

Never miss this when it officially comes out next week. If you’re a Cherry Mobile fan, and if you can spare some moolah to invest in a well-rounded device infused with all the neat and essential features, make this part of your choices.

Cherry Mobile M1 will be out next week for PhP11,999.

What do you think guys? Do you believe that it’s worth waiting and getting this device when it comes out next week? Share us your thoughts.

Giancarlo Viterbo

Website

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.