Time to compare the local brands’ 2018 budget offerings!
While international brands are duking it out in the mid-range segment, local brands are also battling it out in the entry-level market. Specifically, Cherry Mobile and MyPhone are trying to outdo one another with the Omega HD Duo and MyX8, respectively. Both are priced at Php 4,999 and have similar hardware, like 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, and Android 8.1 Oreo. Which one stands out in the cut-throat budget segment of the market?
Cherry Mobile Omega HD Duo specs
- MediaTek MT6737 quad-core processor
- 2GB RAM
- 5.2-inch HD IPS display
- 16GB Internal Storage, expandable via MicroSD
- 13-megapixel f/2.2 and VGA rear cameras with HDR, Depth effects, and LED flash
- 8-megapixel f/2.4 front camera with LED flash
- Dual SIM
- 3G, LTE
- WiFI, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS, fingerprint scanner
- Removable 2650mAh battery
- Android Oreo 8.1
MyPhone MyX8 specs
- Â Â Â Â Â Â MediaTek MT6739 quad-core processor
- Â Â Â Â Â Â 2GB RAM
- Â Â Â Â Â Â 5.45-inch HD+ IPS display
- Â Â Â Â Â Â 16GB Internal Storage, expandable via MicroSD
- Â Â Â Â Â Â 8-megapixel f/2.0 Sony IMX134 rear camera with AF, LED flash
- Â Â Â Â Â Â 5-megapixel f/2.8 front camera with LED flash
- Â Â Â Â Â Â Dual SIM
- Â Â Â Â Â Â 3G, LTE
- Â Â Â Â Â Â WiFI, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS
- Â Â Â Â Â Â 4000mAh battery
- Â Â Â Â Â Â Android Oreo 8.1
Internals
While both phones come with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal storage, the MyX8 gets a slight advantage as it uses a newer MT6739 processor. The MyX8’s processor has a higher 1.5Ghz clock speed compared to the 1.35Ghz clock speed of the Omega HD Duo.
However, when it comes to actual gaming (using PUBG Mobile Lite as our testbed), the Omega HD Duo emerged as the better performer over the MyX8 as we encountered little to no issues despite its use of an older processor. Our educated guess? The Omega HD Duo has better software optimization compared to the MyX8.
Build
If heft and durability are factored in, then the clear winner is the Omega HD Duo. The phone has a solid aluminum frame, which is better than the MyX8’s polycarbonate frame and shell. Both phones have a removable back panel, though the MyX8’s glossy finish is more prone to scratches compared to the Omega HD Duo’s matte finish.
Display
The MyX8 wins in this department with a bigger 5.45-inch display. While both phones did not specify what type of glass is used, both come with pre-installed screen protectors as standard to protect from scratches. However, in the duration we had both phones we noticed that the Omega HD Duo has a better quality screen protector.
User interface
While both offer the latest version of Android Oreo, they differ in implementation: the MyX8 comes with MyPhone’s own drawer-less overlay, while the Omega HD Duo went for a near-stock route—a rarity for Cherry Mobile. It really boils down to preference, though one might consider that MyPhone promises an Android Pie update for the MyX8—though actual implementation still remains to be seen.
Another thing to consider is that we encountered bugs and glitches in the MyX8’s custom build, while the Omega HD Duo’s near-stock build is smooth and free of issues. Another advantage of the Omega HD Duo is that it has a fingerprint scanner—a feature missing on the MyX8.
Cameras
While the MyX8 has better internals than the Omega HD Duo, the cameras are the MyX8’s Waterloo. By using an aging Sony sensor, the MyX8’s image quality is inferior compared to those taken by the Omega HD Duo’s cameras.
On the other hand, the Omega HD Duo is advertised to have a dual rear camera setup. However, it’s depth-sensing camera has only a VGA resolution and can only do so much in terms of creating depth effects. The Omega HD Duo’s depth sensor can deliver bokeh effects, though it is a hit-or-miss affair.
Battery
While the Omega HD Duo offers a removable 2650mAh battery, this pales in comparison with the MyX8’s non-removable 4000mAh battery. As evident with our tests, the MyX8 lasted more than a day when we used it as our daily driver. However, one should not count out the Omega HD Duo, as our tests got us a commendable battery life—not to mention it is the most power-efficient Cherry Mobile phone we have reviewed so far.
Verdict: MyX8 has a better spec sheet, but Omega HD Duo wins on overall build, cameras, and user experience
Through a quick look at the spec sheet, it is easy to conclude that the MyX8 is the winner in this comparo, at least on paper. However, with actual use, it’s clear that the Omega HD Duo far superior, thanks to its better build quality and design, better cameras, and most importantly, a stable build of Android Oreo.
Specs on paper are great and all, but what really matters is the integration of both hardware and software into a great user experience. In that regard, MyPhone still has a lot to learn from their local rival.
Don’t forget to check out our reviews on the Omega HD Duo and MyX8:
