Saturday, December 7, 2013

Kata VENUS 3 Specs, Unboxing and Hands On Review

Latest Kata VENUS 3 is powered by MT6572 1.2 GHz dual core CPU, 512 MB RAM, running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS on 4.0" 5 point Multi-touchscreen display boosting 5MP/1.2MP dual cameras at introductory price of P3,999.

Kata Digital Philippines launched its latest and affordable dual core Android phone - the VENUS 3 last December 7, 2013 at newly opened Kata Store at Robinson's Forum at Edsa Corner Pioneer St. Mandaluyong City.

I got 1 unit for P3,999 (SRP of P4,999) with FREE screen protector and Mobile cleaner with 50% discount on 8 GB memory card and what's my first impression? its a quite bulky, quite heavy and solid, good for masculine people or men (from my point of view) and a bar type smartphone aesthetically design (it's like a Sony Xperia smartphone).

I'm not sure why it is called VENUS but from mythology, she is Roman goddess of love, beauty and prosperity. Here is my unboxing and hands on review and let's see the beauty of VENUS 3 inside and out.


What's in the Box?

1. Kata VENUS 3 Handset
2. 1600 mAh Li-ion battery
3. USB Charger and micro-USB cable
4. Headset
5. Manual
6. FREE Screen protector and Mobile cleaner


Kata VENUS 3 Price, Features and Full Specs

Price: P3,699 (introductory price, SRP of P4,999)
Features: Dual SIM, Quad Band GSM (850/900/1800/1900), Dual Band 3G (900/2100), FM Radio, Fish market App, Hot spot capable and 7.8 +-15% ohms speaker
Physical Design: 3 soft capacitive buttons (Menu, Home, Back), 114 grams and 11 mm slim
CPU: 1.2 GHz MT6572 Dual core processor
GPU: MALI 400 MP
OS: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean - JB
Screen: 4.0" WVGA 5 point Multi-Touchscreen Display
Resolution: 480 x 800 pixels
Pixel per Inch: 233 ppi
RAM: 512 MB
Internal Memory: 4 GB expandable up to 32 GB via microSD
Camera: Sports a dual camera with 5 MP rear autofocus with Flash and 1.2 MP front
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, Earphone jack and 3G/HSPA+ capable
AnTuTu Benchmark Score: 10,970 ver 4
Battery: Li-ion 1600 mAh
Availability/Released Date: Already in the market


Kata VENUS 3 Unboxing and Hands On Review

Kata VENUS 3 Unboxing - includes VENUS 3 handset, Headset, 1600 mah battery, USB charger, microUSB cable, manual and Free screen protector already in-place on the unit and FREE mobile cleaner

1. Price: 4.7/5

Dubbed as "Value at its Best", let's see what Kata VENUS 3 has to offer for Pinoy consumers at a price of P3,999 (SRP of P4,999). I hope it will be fixed at introductory price. See how VENUS 3 ranks on affordable dual core Android phones in the Philippines.


2. Physical Design: 4.5/5

Kata VENUS 3 power button and 3.5 mm Audio jack port are located at the top, micro-USB port at the right side and Volume keys at the left side. It is a bar smartphone (look likes Sony Xperia Android phone), solid and compact build in contrast of black and white. One good thing, it is fingerprint resistant and back cover is protected with plastic ( I prefer not to remove it for a while).

Kata VENUS 3 front view with 3 soft capacitive buttons (menu, home and back), 4.0" screen (it's not IPS), sensor, 1.2 MP front camera, receiver and microphone and at the back with 5MP rear camera, flash, Kata logo and speaker.

What's inside the Kata VENUS 3? It houses for 2 regular SIM with 3G/HSPA+ capability (for testing if both are capable), microSD card slot supporting up to 32 GB, 5MP rear camera with flash, fueled by 1600 mAh battery and 7.8 ohms speaker.

3. Display: 4.5/5

VENUS 3 display is 4.0 inch 5 point multi-touchscreen with 800 x 480 resolution and 233 pixel per inch density (ppi). It is not IPS comparing it with MyPhone A848i DUO IPS screen and testing it sideways for different angles.

Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
Pixel per Inch: 233 ppi
Dead Pixel: None
Display Technology: When I bought the unit, the store said that it is OGS (One Glass Solution)


4. Performance and Benchmark Scores: 4.8/5

Kata VENUS 3 AnTuTu Benchmark scored at 10,970
Kata VENUS 3 is running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS (operating system), much more fluid and buttery user interface (UI) than previous Android Ice Cream Sandwich - ICS version. UI is very smooth and I experience no lag during transition.

Also, VENUS 3 is powered by latest MediaTek MT6572  power efficient processor, 512 MB RAM and MALI 400 MP GPU, AnTuTu benchmark scored at 10,970. I'm testing it for quadrant and other benchmark tools.

Power ON time: ~30 seconds
Shutdown: ~5 seconds
AnTuTu Benchmark Score: 10,970
Quadrant Score: 3,370
Compatible Apps: Avast Mobile Antivirus, Facebook and Instagram


5. Camera: 4.0/5

Pictures taken by Kata VENUS 3 5MP lens with HDR enabled producing two different exposures of bright (left) and dark (right).

Kata VENUS 3 5MP camera  macro shot set on Night Mode. Rear camera lens are sometimes hard to make a clear autofocus and sensitive to movement so, with proper lighting and little hardwork and talent, a perfect shot is made.

Rear Camera: 5 MP, Autofocus with LED Flash capable of continuous 40 and 99 shots. It also features HDR (High Dynamic Range), 360 Panorama and Auto Capture when smile is detected.
Front Camera: 1.2 MP, both cameras are on going testing for more pictures and video.


6. Multimedia and Games 4.3/5


Enjoying the smooth gameplay of Undead Slayer with Kata VENUS 3 at level 78.

Music: .mp4 and .mp3 files are playable
Games: Undead Slayer, Inotia 4, Temple Run 2, Plants vs Zombies 2, Zombie Tsunami and Candy Crush are working without lags, I'm also testing other games.
Audio: Speaker produces loud sound, clear and crisp. Good for music lovers and gamers.
Video/Movies: Supports .mp4, .avi and 1080p video


7. Connectivity and Functionality: 4.8/5

Kata VENUS 3 Quadrant benchmark scored at 3,370 and testing GPS if working.

Dual SIM: Both regular SIM, 3G/HSPA+ is working on both SIM 1 and SIM 2.
Texting: working good
Call: working very clear
Videocall: for testing
LED Notification: None for incoming SMS and charging
Bluetooth: it's working
WiFi: working very fast
Hotspot: it's working fine
3G/HSPA+: Using globe broadband SIM, at first, internet is not working (authentication via the proxy server was unsuccessful). I change the APN to www.globe.com.ph and it is now working (speed depends on time on my location, blazing fast during 12 midnight - 6am).
GPS: working fine
FM Radio: working with nice reception
Micro-USB: I already transfer photos and videos on PC
MicroSD card slot: working fine with 8 GB
USB OTG (On the Go): not supported
Sensors: Gyro sensor is working fine, according to AnTuTu benchmark tool, it supports Proximity, Light, Distance, G-sensor and E-compass.
How to Screenshot/Printscreen: Simultaneously press Power and Volume(-) button for 2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound.


8. Accessories: 4.8/5

Headset: working fine
USB Charger: it's working
MicroUSB cable: working good
MicroSD card: Not included, with 50% discount
Screen Protector: FREE and free installation
Mobile Cleaner: FREE


9. Battery: 4.5/5

Charging Time: ~2.5 hours with handset turned ON and almost the same time when handset is turned OFF (~less 10 minutes). You can use the unit while charging without any problem on the screen.
Charger Specs:
Input: AC 100-240V, 0.15A
Output: DC 5V, 1A


10. Durability: 4.5/5

With solid and compact build and FREE screen protector and mobile cleaner, I think the unit I got will last for years for normal use (texting, calling, games and internet). I hope it will survive the daily bumps, micro-scratches and accidental drops of everyday lives.

Updates: (as of April 30, 2014)

After more than 4 months or 143 days of texting, calling and casual gaming, VENUS 3 is performing very good and stable. There is no problem encountered so far.



11. Defects/Bugs/Improvements: 3.8/5

Pressing home button to see all your recent apps is not working properly or responsive (sometimes it's working, sometimes it's not). I'm not sure if it is a bug on Android JB OS or a defect. I have to contact Kata's technical team (Updates: Kata already replied to my feedback).

One improvement that I suggest is use of light materials and slimmer design with LED notification, I hope to see it in Kata VENUS 4 (Android KitKat) for 2014.


12. Verdict/Final Rating Score: 4.47/5

With a few days of VENUS 3 testing, this is my initial score. I gave high scores to Price, Performance and Connectivity (HSPA+ internet capability, I can download a 40MB games in Google Play store in a few minutes). The lowest score is camera (comparing it to MyPhone A848i DUO 5MP/VGA - I will use this camera for benchmark/comparison with future reviews).

Kata VENUS 3 is almost a perfect and versatile affordable smartphone for budget conscious Pinoys.

With solid and compact design, 4.0" multi-touchscreen powered by latest dual core power efficient processor, 512 MB RAM, Android 4.2.2 JB OS, a must have for gamers.

With WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G/HSPA+ connectivity, good for Pinoys who like social networking and always on the GO.

In addition, VENUS 3 boost 5MP/1.2MP cameras and a loud and crisp audio that suit for movie and music lovers.

It is also fueled by 1600 mAh battery that can last for a day to do all the entertainment, games and internet connectivity for a single charging.

I'll post an updates from time to time so, stay tuned.


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59 comments:

Unknown said...

nice review sir. lahat ng hinahanap ko para sa mt6572 na chipset eh andito na. and for me worth it na ang 4k para dito dahil walang bug touch and autofocus narin cam! nice job! two thumbs up

GbSb said...

Almost perfect phone na nga ito, pang lalaki ang design para sakin. Check mo na lang yung home button (long press) para makita yung recent apps kasi minsan sablay.

I'm not sure if sa unit ko lang ito at isolated case. check mo na din lahat ng functionality pag bumili ka..keep reading..

Shayne Hicap said...

I LIKE THIS STYLE OF REVIEW! :) Its VERY COMPREHENSIVE!! JOB WELL DONE!! ^_^

GbSb said...

Thanks po. Keep reading..

Anonymous said...

nice review, sir! ano po ba yung dimensions ng phone? white lang ba talaga ang back cover?

GbSb said...

Noong bumili ako, white lang po ang available. I don't know if merun na nung ibang kulay now.Pwede mo po i-ask sa Kata Facebook page -->https://www.facebook.com/katadigitalcom

ito po ang dimension niya, 124.4mm (L) x 63.2mm (W) x 11mm (D)

Unknown said...

got mine. ang ganda tagal ma lowbat.tama kayo sir :)

GbSb said...

Enjoy your VENUS 3 Sir Dave :-)

Anonymous said...

dave flores to sir.

anu po pla update ng kata about sa malfunction ng home buttom sa recent apps. ganun din kc sakin.

GbSb said...

Hi Dave, it's a design issue po. Di naman siya malfunction, di lang siya sensitive sa touch kaya try mo po gamitin ang edge ng daliri mo sa dulo ng home icon pag ng press ka.

Anonymous said...

Dave flores.

thnx sir. ok na ung akin. diinin lang ng unti sa pag pindot. sana madami maging user neto para magkaroon ng dev

GbSb said...

I hope they will improved it in Kata VENUS 4 (if merun), dadami din yan Dave, time will tell..

Anonymous said...

Dave:
support pala OTG neto sir?

GbSb said...

itetest ko pa lang Dave if USB OTG capable ito, wala pa akong cable, please let me know also if na test mo na ang unit mo.thanks.

Unknown said...

May nakita akong spare ng usb otg dito pero d ko lam kung gumagana. Nahalungkat ko lng. Pero nung trinay ko d naman na dedetect

GbSb said...

Thanks Dave, you can try your cable to USB OTG capable phones saka wala naman sa specs na USB OTG capable itong VENUS 3,sinusubukan lang natin.

Anonymous said...

Updated mine to 1.0.6 via OTA kaso pag nagfafactory reset ako nag fo-force close loop ang stock launcher. Ako lang po ba ang naka experience nito? Sana me makapagupload ng stock rom nito sa web yung 1.0.5

Anonymous said...

Dave:
updated narin ako sir sa 1.0.6. kaso d ko pa yan na experience since
nilagyan ko xa agad ng nova launcher

Anonymous said...

dave:
pansin ko lang. IPS pla screen ni venus 3 :)

GbSb said...

Pinagtapat ko yung MP A848i DUO IPS screen, magkaiba sila ng screen ng VENUS 3. mas brighter at makikita mo ang screen sa iba-ibang angles pag IPS.

Unknown said...

sir.. ask ko lng natest nyu ba 2k13 ok ba?ala bang lag?..saka sir anu b ung avail user memo..na mattra sa 4gig..kasi balak ko mag buy nito pinag ppilian ko kc arc 400d at ung 500d at my phone a888g duo..tnx sa help..

Anonymous said...

nakakainis talaga mas swabe ung 1.0.5.. nakapag root ako thru framaroot.. na curious ako kaya nag update ako ng software.. ngaun ndi ko na ma root and mas madalas na sya magforce close and lag na siya.. na hindi ko nmn naexperience when i was using 1.0.5.. sna may makapg upload ng stock rom nito or even find a way to root..

Anonymous said...

Sa 1.0.6 talagang di na uubra framaroot kahit 1.8.0 at madalas sya mag force close. Sana nabackup ko muna stock rom thru mtk root and tools bago ko inupdate to 1.0.6. Gamit ko ngayon vroot kaso sabi nila spyware daw...your choice.

Anonymous said...

Dave:
d ko pa rooted tong akin. so far ok na namn sakin ung new update. try nyo ung master root

Anonymous said...

Dave:
xa nga pla sali kayo sa group ng kata v3. lets help each other
https://www.facebook.com/groups/255286431292777/

Anonymous said...

international brand po ba ito??

Anonymous said...

Dave:
yes its a Hongkong base company. i think 3 yrs na xa dito sa pinas.

Anonymous said...

Dave:
pede na framaroot v.1.9.0 sa 1.0.6. choose barahir(need internet connection) kaka root lang tong akin

Anonymous said...

I really really like your Review Sir. APIR.

GbSb said...

Thanks, keep reading my other review under "unboxing and review categories.

Anonymous said...

Dave: may CWM na venus 3 ko. hhaha kaso ala custom rom. cnu mabait mag turo gumawa or mag port ng rom sa unit natin. sayang kc potential ng unit natin eh

Anonymous said...

Sir, pano nyo po nainstall CWM? Ano po tools na ginamit nyo? Any links po kung me sinundan kayong tut? Thanks...

Anonymous said...

Dave:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/KataVenus3Official/

andito guide. ako admin

Anonymous said...

Dave

great news! on sale xa this month of February

3,699 na lang

Unknown said...

Carl: Ok to ah. makabili nga bukas :D ok ba dead trigger dito?

Anonymous said...

Ok dead trigger kaso sa low setting lang nag foforce close pag medium pataas. Dont expect much nga lang sa camera, ok pang macro pero very soft pag medyo malayo subject at di xa bsi pero ok lang malakas flash led nya.

Anonymous said...

I like the review very precise and Broad all angles ng phone from unit to Box and Accesories are reviewed very well thats why i Bought this phone by this good reference :) Thanks Hoping System Update for Venus v3 para maminimize ung ram usage nya :)

GbSb said...

Thanks for feedback, I'm open for suggestions for improvements.

Anonymous said...

Dave:

New updates:

Full Stock rom Dump for V3 is now available
Carliv Touch Recovery is also available
Mere Rom: Coming Soon :)

Anonymous said...

Hello sir, tanong ko lang po, kasi i know someone na naka Kata, then he's using Kata i1, charging time most of the time is 4-5 hrs kaya medyo naghehesitate ako bumili ng Kata dahil dyan sa issue na yan. Nabasa ko rin po sa taas na 2.5 hrs charging tima nya. Gusto ko po talaga bumili nyan kasi po andyan na lahat ng hinahanap ko. Ang pinakatanong ko na lang po e usually ilang hours and chargine time nyo po let's say from 10-15% drained. Thanks! :)

GbSb said...

Thanks Dave for updating us..,

Sa inquiry naman with regards sa battery charging, usually 2-3 hours po pag 1400 - 1600 mAh ang battery. Depende po sa output mA ng charger mo yan.

Pag mas mataas ang output mA ng charger, mas mabilis siya mag charge like ng 1A or 1000 mA sa Kata Venus 3.

Pag ginamitan mo ng 700 mA charger ang Kata VENUS 3 baka 3+ hours siya icharge, peru dapat yung sariling charger po ang gamitin natin kasi yun ang designed para dun sa phone.

Anonymous said...

No problem po. Pa udpate nln po ng price. 3699 nalang xa

Anonymous said...

Dave

New update: confirm OGS ang V3 by kata digital ph.

V3 rocks!

Anonymous said...

Pano pong naging OGS ang v3 e ang laki ng gap ng touchscreen sa panel mismo. On another note, bakit camera ko nkakafocus lng mga two feet? Beyond that, out of focus na lhat ng objects. Very unusable tuloy pag distant ang subject mo. Ang labo. Me nkaexperience na b nito? O me defect camera ko? Thanks.

GbSb said...

Na experience ko na po yan, try mo po i-restart ang camera App. Isa yan sa dapat i-improve sa Kata VENUS 3.

Anonymous said...

Hi, can i ask sa inyo din ba masyadong zoom ung camera??? how will i fix this if it's a malfunction din?

Anonymous said...

Dav3

kata digital po ang nag sabi na ogs xa. tama si sir GBsb sana ma fix xa sa next update ng v3. pero para wala na ata hehe

Anonymous said...

Well, many manufacturers claim certain features for their products...marketing strategy ika nga. I have an xperia ray and ogs xa. Walang gap ang touchscreen at panel. Pero sad to say 7 mos p lang me BSOD n xa sakit ng mga xperia, kya pinalitan ko ng v3. :-)

Anonymous said...

re: camera pag ginamit mo 4:3 tama lang zoom nya although soft tlaga shots mo kahit anong gawin mo, pero pag 16:10 ginamit mo kina-crop nya yung image pra mag fit s aspect ratio n yun. Kya ang result ay prang nag zoom k na rin ng mga ilang steps kya mas nagiging soft lalo ang shots.

Anonymous said...

ung kata venus ko syang ng backlight bleed sa dalawang gilid....maayus p kya nila un >>????

GbSb said...

Kindly pls send it sa service center nila for warranty troubleshooting at repair. Maayos po nila yan, if hindi na naman, baka palitan na ang display.

Anonymous said...

Bumili po q ng v3 w/ smart broadband sim at first ok nmn, pero nung nag reg aq kahapon d n q mkpg net. So try q ung factory reset nya kaya lng d q nrin mbuksan ung gmail acc q khit gumwa p q ng bagong acc. Sana po matulungan nyo q s prob q.

GbSb said...

Try niyo po gumawa ng account gamit ang WiFi o kaya Globe broadband SIM, if tingin niyo po sa device ang problem, pls try to contact KATA Digital Facebook -->https://www.facebook.com/katadigitalcom

Anonymous said...

ask ko lang po bakit po yung camera nung saken malabo. lalo na pag nag autofocus sya. pero pag malapit naman ok naman sya pero pag mga mejo malayo malabo ang V3 ko ..

GbSb said...

I'm not sure po if camera bug or sa camera quality issue po yan at na-encounter ko na din yan, restart mo na lang po yung camera app o kaya yung phone mo. If the same problem at palagi nangyayari at tingin mo device problem, you can send your queries to Kata technical team sa Facebook nila.

Anonymous said...

Sa akin din po ganyan camera. Ok sa macro pero pag distant malabo. Kainis yun lang problema nya perfect na sana para sa akin. Low quality siguro ginamit nilang camera module. Mas malinaw pa nga corby ko at arc mobile 500d. Oh well, nxt time sasama ko na sa test ang distant shots.

edus said...

how to make venus 3 support USB OTG ?

Anonymous said...

hello, any idea how to do a 'print screen' in venus3?

GbSb said...

Simultaneously press Power and Volume(-) button for 2 seconds

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