Specs:
- Processor: 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6753 octa-core
- RAM: 2GB
- Display: 5-inch HD IPS display, Dragon Trail glass protection, 1280×720 resolution
- Storage: 16GB internal memory expandable up to 32GB via microSD
- Cameras: 13MP rear with BSI, 5MP front with BSI
- SIM: Dual, micro-SIM
- Connectivity: 3G, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, A-GPS
- Battery: 2100mAh
- OS: Android 5.1 Lollipop
What’s Hot:
- Premium, solid build
- LTE support
What’s Not:
- Heats up quickly
- Cameras could be better
Since its establishment in the country, Cherry Mobile has been shaking the local smartphone scene with its many power-packed releases that sport incredibly affordable price tags. The company is setting the bar once again with the launch of its newest smartphones under its flagship Flare nameplate. We got our hands on one of the models, the Flare S4, and here’s how it fared.
Design: (4/5)
I must say I was quite impressed when I first laid my eyes upon the Flare S4. It’s so unusual to see a phone, entry-level priced,have so manypremium qualities. The slim edges are trimmed in chrome, and curved on every corner curved for better handling. It has a plastic back panel that might seem flimsy on paper, but in person gives off a refined vibe with its textured finish. Flip the phone to face front and you will see a Dragon Trail glass-protected display ever so slightly raised for a better viewing experience.
Standard buttons are present in the Flare S4. Along with the display up front are the receiver, sensor, and camera located on top,while just at the bottom of the screen are three capacitive navigation keys. On the right side is a volume rocker sitting next to a power/lock button that clicks positively when pressed. An audio jack sits atop, on the far left side, surrounded by two thin white strips. The left side is free of buttons, while you can find the microUSB slot at the bottom. Turn it on its back and you will be greeted by the main camera, with an accompanying LED flash underneath. Removing the back panel will reveal a hefty battery, dual microSIM slots, and slot for a micro SD card.
Hardware: (4/5)
The Cherry Mobile Flare S4 prides itself in its specs that would have anyone do a double take after seeing its PHP 4,999 sticker price. A powerful 1.3GHz octa-core processor is at the heart of the Flare S4. Throw in 2GB of RAM and you have a capable daily driver that can handle easy to intense tasks without a hitch.
It has got a 5-inch HD IPS display with 1280 x 720 resolution that offers punchy colors and great viewing angles. Playing graphics-intensive games on it offered a visual feast, immersing you right into the action with its vivid display of colors.
You also have a 2100mAh battery that, with moderate use, is sufficient for at least a day away from the wall socket. There are also two cameras at your disposal. The 13MP main camera offers decent photo quality. With just the right tweak in the settings and plenty of light, it could perform impeccably. Its front-facing 5MP camera, on the other hand, was quite a disappointment; you could barely see yourself in poorly-lit areas and appear a bit posterized, save for when you are outdoors or in well-lit places, that’s when the front camera would shine. But, you can’t really have it all.
User Experience: (3.5/5)
Booting up the Flare S4 takes a few seconds. Doing so right out of the box, you will have to sort through various settings—including a Cherry Mobile warranty registration–before you can fully use the phone. It uses stock Android, which is great, but there are still a few Cherry Mobile native apps that don’t take up too much of the phone’s memory.
Cherry Mobile’s vision for the Flare nameplate is quite commendable; serve the market with powerful and good-looking phones that are truly bang for the buck. However, there are several issues you just can’t look over. The phone heats up pretty quickly and does crashe from time to time, all of which are to a certain extentfrustrating knowingthat Cherry Mobile can do better. But then again, the phone just came out and most probably the company will be able to provide resolution for most of the phone’s problems via updates.
But do know that these issues aren’t that much of a concern if you look at the Flare 4 as a whole. The display is very responsive, surfing the internet is fast and efficient depending on your connection, calls are clear, and you can customize your phone to your liking since it runs Android.
Value: (4/5)
It’s rare to see a smartphone in the market today that includes an octa-core processor, 2GB RM, Dragon Trail glass, LTE capability, and 13MP camera in its spec sheet and is offered around the 5k mark. But, Cherry Mobile dared to change the game with its true value for money offering.
Bottomline:
In the market for a more than capable smartphone to reward yourself this Christmas? The bang for the buck Flare S4 might just be what you are after.