We unbox the Cherry Mobile One!
Today we’re unboxing Cherry Mobile’s Android One smartphone, the One. This phone was launched right along the MyPhone Uno a few weeks ago when Google officially launched Android One in the Philippines. There’s been a lot of interest in the One, simply because it’s cheaper than the competition by a solid Php 600 and has a far roomier internal storage. Before we start, let’s take a quick look at the specs:
Cherry Mobile One specs
- 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek 6582 processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 4.5-inch TFT capacitive display, Asahi Glass, FWVGA display
- 8GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 32GB
- 5-megapixel rear camera with BSI
- 2-megapixel front camera
- Dual-SIM
- 3G
- WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
- Android 5.1 Lollipop
- 1780mAh battery
Packaging and contents:
The Cherry Mobile One comes in a bright green box that has prominent logos on the side proclaiming to the world that the phone contained within is part of the Android One initiative. That little tidbit is hammered home in the front of the box, where it says that the One is always on the latest Android Software, in this case, Android 5.1 Lollipop.
Once you open the box, you’ll see all the accessories that all Android smartphones come with: a USB charger, USB cable, a pair of headphones, the battery and user manuals.
Initial Impressions, part two: Looks better and more premium than what it actually is
While the Cherry Mobile One is obviously aimed at first time Android users that are trying to save a few bucks, the device actually feels more premium than most other Android devices in its same price bracket. The device is swathed in a dark grey, removable plastic shell, similar to the MyPhone Uno. The shell protects the back and 3/4ths of the side panel of the One, as well as all the important bits inside.
Button layout is similar to the MyPhone Uno: the volume rocker and power button are on the left side, while the 3.5mm jack and USB port is located on top and the bottom, respectively. The phone uses thick bezels for the top and rear of the display, though the side bezels aren’t bad considering this is an entry level phone. Flipping the phone over, you’ll see the 5-megapixel rear camera on the back near the upper left portion of the device, while the speaker grille is located on the lower left side of the phone.
The display is a 4.5-inch IPS TFT deal, and much like the Uno the One does not use physical capacitive keys for navigation. Instead, the keys are placed on the display itself, and disappear when you’re using games and certain apps to make more room. There’s an LED notification light located on the upper left side of the phone.
Hardware-wise the One is essentially identical to the Uno, though the One has more internal storage (4GB vs. 8GB) compared to the offering of MyPhone. The processor is exactly the same, as is the total RAM included, so it’s no surprise that both phones perform similarly in benchmark tests. The One flies through Android 5.1, and navigation is quick, seamless and extremely pleasant, again similar to the MyPhone Uno.
Probably the biggest difference between the two devices is storage: the One comes with 8GB of storage compared to the 4GB of the Uno. Of course, that’s offset by the fact that MyPhone’s 8GB micrOSD card freebie, as well as the Uno’s capability of moving apps to the SD card once installed on the phone, something that the One apparently can’t do. To be fair with Cherry Mobile, they have informed us that they are working on a fix to be able to move apps to the SD card.
That’s it for this unboxing. You can be sure that we’ll be reviewing the One in the next few days and reporting back what we find at the end of the week.