Cherry Mobile announced Omega HD today and they introduced a slew of new features that are unheard of among the previous phones they launched. Yes, it would have been a lot better had Cherry Mobile decided to jack it up with a quad core processor. But, that’s a different story. It would probably happen when they launch its 3rd iteration. Who wouldn’t like a quad-core Omega anyway?
Let’s have a recap of the specs of Omega HD:
- Android Jellybean 4.1.1
- 1GHz Dual Core Processor
- 5″ HD IPS Capacitive Screen
- Dragon Trail Glass Technology
- 12mp Camera with Flash (2mp Front)
- Dual SIM
- Wifi b/g/n
- 3G/Bluetooth/GPS
- 1GB Ram
- 4GB Internal Memory (expandable)
There isn’t much to talk about its processor. If we’re going to base this on Xolo A1000 or i-mobile iQ6, its processor is basically made by Mediatek, MTK6577 to be more precise. I just to need check though if this is the H or T version of the said processor. I would be very happy if could share your thoughts on the comments section below.
The build pretty much resembles the i-mobile iQ6 or the Galaxy Grand sans the physical home button and notification light. It has a very slim form: 71mm width, 143.5mm height and 9mm thick.
In front, you will see 3 capacitive buttons, proximity sensor, ear piece, 2 megapixel camera with BSI and HD IPS screen with Dragon Trail technology.
Volume rockers and camera hotkey can be found on the left side.
The Sleep/wake button is neatly placed on the right side.
The 3.5mm headphone jack and micro-usb port are located on top.
There are actually 3 things that we liked about device: HD IPS Capacitive Screen, Dragon Trail Glass Technology and BIS Technology on the front and back cameras.
The new Omega is the first Cherry Mobile smartphone that has an HD IPS display with 1280 x 720 resolution with 294 ppi. That isn’t retina-busting, but pictures and HD movies will look better on this device compared to the previous devices that CM launched.
Omega HD is also the first device that features a Dragon Trail Glass technology, which basically makes its screen resistant to damage. You can also find this technology on i-mobile IQ6 smartphones and Xperia Active. Cherry Mobile even did an Omega Challenge during the press event this afternoon. Basically, they asked us to take on the challenge of trying to damage, if not just to scratch, the screen using cutter or swiss funny. It’s quite funny because they even asked us to slam the phone’s screen to open a pistachio.
[youtube width=”640″ height=”360″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTh50Jbzqx0[/youtube]
This new device’s cameras also have BSI (back-illuminated sensor), another first among Cherry Mobile phones. Such sensor allows easier penetration of light onto the sensor, thus making this device a bad-ass and highly efficient when taking pictures of subjects in low-light environment. The 12mp camera at the back and the 2mp camera in front have this technology. Unfortunately, I was not able to test this feature but that’s something to look forward to when I finally review it in April.
The Good Stuff
- Awesome HD IPS Display! This is best in consuming multimedia.
- Dragon Trail technology
- BSI Technology on its 2 cameras
- 2,100mAh battery
- 1Gb RAM
- PhP7,999 price tag
The Not So Good Stuff
- Mediocre processor
- Availability: April 2013. I will have to wait for a month to get this
My impressions are not conclusive though as I need to experience the phone further. I, for one, can’t wait to receive a review unit from Cherry Mobile and give you guys a definitive review. Meanwhile, please watch Big Time Show on Saturday as we talk about this device and Flame 2.0 further. I’ll be joined by my co-hosts Alexei Rivera of Technoclast, Raf Oca of HobbyMash, Jam Ancheta of Jam Online and TJ Panganiban of TJS Daily. We might also have Randolph Novino of PinoyScreenCast in the show!
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.
