Wednesday, February 12, 2014

SKK Mobile WIND Specs, Unboxing and Hands ON Review

Latest SKK Mobile WIND powered by 1.2 GHz MT6572 dual core processor, 512 MB RAM, running on Android 4.2.2 JB OS on 4.0" display for P2,999 only.

If you are on tight budget and looking for Android phone companion for texting, calling, 3G internet and games - surely you will love the latest offering of SKK Mobile for Pinoy consumers.

SKK Mobile WIND is another affordable dual core Android phone aside from GLIMPSE 3G (which I reviewed recently), both are powered by latest MediaTek MT6572 Cortex-A7 power efficient processor.

GLIMPSE 3G and WIND design are like "Venus and Mars", so better pick the right one and design that suited for you. Below are my unboxing and full review on SKK Mobile WIND.


What's in the Box?

1. SKK Mobile WIND Handset
2. USB Charger and microUSB cable
3. 5 screw for back cover, Headset, Manual and Warranty Certificate


SKK Mobile WIND Price, Features and Specs

Price: P2,999
Features: Dual SIM (regular + regular, SIM 1 is 3G and SIM 2 is 2G/EDGE) and FM Radio
Physical Design: 3 soft Capacitive buttons, Power and Volume keys, micro-USB and Audio jack port have protective cover and ~10 mm slim
CPU: 1.2 GHz MT6572 dual core processor (based on AnTuTu Benchmark result)
GPU: MALI 400MP
OS: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean - JB
Screen: 4.0" WVGA 2 point Multi-Touchscreen
Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
Pixel per Inch: 233 ppi
RAM: 512 MB
Internal Memory: 4 GB expandable up to 32 GB via microSD slot
Camera: 5 MP rear with Flash and VGA (it turns out to be up to 5MP after my review) front camera
Sensors: Accelerometer
Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm Audio Jack port, GPS (it turns out not capable after my review), WiFi Hotspot and 3G/HSPA+ capable
AnTuTu/Quadrant Benchmark Score: 10,682 ver 4.1.7
Battery: Li-Ion 1500 mAh
Colors: White, Black, Gray, Blue and Red
Availability/Released Date: Already in the market


SKK Mobile WIND Unboxing and Hands ON Review

Unboxing of SKK Mobile WIND includes handset, headset, micro-USB cable, USB charger, screw for back cover and warranty certificate.

My full review will be guided with the following categories below and what's my initial impression - it's blazing fast, unique/durable looking and balance specs design.


1. Price: 4.8/5

Aside from GLIMPSE 3G, SKK Mobile WIND is also one of the cheapest dual core Android phone currently selling in the market today.

Both WIND and GLIMPSE 3G are entry level Android smartphone for budget conscious Pinoy consumers who want to enjoy a lot of Android games, call and text and connecting to social network via 3G/HSPA+ internet.


2. Physical Design: 4.5/5

SKK Mobile WIND 4-inches bright and vivid display with 233 pixel per inch (ppi) let you enjoy games, movies and multimedia. Beautiful wallpaper complement the red hot color bezel and form factor of the device.


Overall design is durable looking, lightweight and textured back is very unique - you have the options to fixed the back cover with 4 screws (not recommended if your always changing SIM and microSD card). The power ON/OFF and 3.5 mm audio jack port with protective cover can be found at the top part, volume keys on the right side and micro-USB port with protective cover at the left side.


WIND back part houses for 2 SIM slot, microSD slot, 5 MP rear camera with Flash, speaker and for 1500 mAh battery. Fixing the textured back cover with 4 screws will definitely make your Android phone durable and I think it is still part of your phone circuitry due to small gold metal plate located on the back cover.

3. Display: 4.5/5

WIND is a 2-point multi-touchscreen and 800 x 480 pixels resolution display. It is not IPS (In Plane Switching) by viewing it at different angles but I'm impressed with screen brightness and vivid colors. The display is also very responsive to touch.

Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
Pixel per Inch: 233 ppi
Dead Pixels: NONE
Multi-Touchscreen: 2-point
Screen Responsiveness: very fast and sensitive


4. Performance and Benchmark Scores: 4.8/5

WIND register a score of 10,682 and 2,972 on AnTuTu and Quadrant Benchmark tool respectively. Both scores are higher compared to SKK Mobile GLIMPSE 3G (1 GHz dual core CPU) which I think contributed mainly by CPU clocked at much higher frequency of 1.2 GHz.


Vellamo HTML 5 and METAL measures browsing and CPU subsystem performance of your Android phone. WIND register a score of 1,705 and 429 respectively. The higher the score, the better.


This Android gadget register a score of 41.1 fps (frame per second) on Nenamark2 GPU performance test. The higher the score, the better.

Power On: ~ 25 seconds
Shutdown: ~ 5 seconds
CPU: Up to 1.2 GHz MT6572 dual core processor (based on AnTuTu, Quadrant, CPU-Z and Vellamo benchmark tools)
OS: Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system
Graphics Processing Unit: MALI 400MP GPU
AnTuTu Benchmark Score: 10,682 version 4.1.7
Quadrant Benchmark Score: 2,972 version 2.1.1
Vellamo Mobile Benchmark Score: HTML 5 - 1,705, Metal - 429, version 2.0.3
NenaMark2:  41.1 fps version 2.4



User Interface (UI): As the name of the device suggest, WIND user interface and responsiveness is very fast, buttery and smooth. At menu, you can find Wallpaper, Theme Show, Manage Apps and System Settings. The Theme show allows you to choose different launcher theme for your home screen which I found unique with this device.


5. Camera: 4.3/5

SKK Mobile WIND 5 MP rear camera features smile shot, panorama, 40 and 99 continuous shot and FINE video quality recording. 

Rear Camera: 5MP
Flash: Single Flash, effective distance of 1 foot
Autofocus: None
Zoom: up to 4x
Performance: Taking picture is speedy and quality/resolution is a bit higher compared to 2MP camera of GLIMPSE 3G. WIND default resolution is 2MP so, be sure to set it at 5MP every time you open the camera App.

With regards to FINE video quality, it's only average and it don't have an image stabilization technology - it's shaky and sensitive to movement. Below are sample photos.

MACRO SHOT



MID SHOT



LONG SHOT



Front Camera: VGA (5MP according to AnTuTu Benchmark App)
Autofocus: None
Zoom: up to 4x
Performance: The box specs says a VGA front camera but it's actually 5MP on benchmark tool and the device camera App also have 5MP options. Although rear camera and front camera are the same 5 MP resolution, they have both different picture/video quality, 5 MP rear camera is much better.

The good thing, WIND 5MP front camera is good for selfie/video recording than with VGA's front.


6. Multimedia and Games: 4.6/5

SKK Mobile WIND can play a lot of Android games from Zombie Tsunami to Shadowgun: Deadzone with smooth gameplay.

Music: .mp3 and .mp4 are playable
Video/Movies: supports .mp4, .avi and 1080p movies
Audio: average loudness and quality
Games: Compatible with Zombie Tsunami, Temple Run 2, Inotia 4, Castle Clash and Plants vs Zombies 2 without lags. Shadowgun: Deadzone and Dead Trigger 2 gameplay is very smooth.
Pre-Installed Apps: Google Playstore and Yahoo
Compatible Apps: Facebook


7. Connectivity and Functionality: 4.8/5

Dual SIM: Yes, working on Globe and Smart
Texting: it's working
Call: working good but much better on headset
LED Notification: NONE for SMS and charging status
Bluetooth: it's working
WiFi: working very fast
WiFi HotSpot: working fast
3G/HSPA+: SIM 1 is 3G/HSPA+ capable while SIM 2 is 2G/EDGE capable only
GPS: not supported
FM Radio: working with nice reception, need a headset to work
Micro-USB: working good either on charging or PC
MicroSD card slot: working fine with 8 GB
USB OTG (On the Go): not supported
Sensors: Accelerometer is working very hard (sometimes it's not sensitive)
How to Screenshot/Printscreen: Simultaneously press Power and Volume(-) button for 2 seconds until you hear the shutter sound.


8. Accessories: 4.0/5

Manual: very detailed
Headset: working clear
USB Charger: it's working
MicroUSB cable: long enough, ~4.5 feet
MicroSD card: not included
Screen Protector: already installed


9. Battery: 4.3/5

The chart shows that mostly network signal, WiFi and screen eats the battery juice of this device. Pls turn off WiFi and SIM that you are not using and lessen screen brightness to conserve battery energy.

WIND 1500 mAh battery and power efficient MT6572 dual core processing can last for a day on a single charging for normal use. Results for battery test below are all approximation and was done with 1/3 screen brightness and 1 SIM onboard.

Call (on headset): 33.33 hrs
Texting (moderate): 20 hrs.
Internet on WiFi: 4.55 hrs.
Internet on 3G: 4.17 hrs
Watching Movie: 5.26 hrs
Games (Zombie Tsunami): 5 hrs.
FM Radio: 13 hrs.
Playing Music (.mp3): 14.3 hrs.

Charging Time: ~ 2 hrs and 26 minutes
Charger Specs:
Input: AC 100-240V, 50-60 Hz, 150mA
Output: DC 5V, 650 mA


10. Durability: 4.8/5

WIND aesthetic designed is durable looking and a safe to hold and easy grip gadget due to textured back and sides. Add to that, it is more lighter compared to GLIMPSE 3G (probably due to lightweight material used) making it more resistant to damage caused by accidental dropping.

The micro-USB and 3.5 mm audio jack port have protective cover against dust and dirt. I recommend to put a screen protector on the display to prevent it from accidental and large scratches in the long run.

Updates: (as of November 1, 2014)

After more than 8 months or 261 days of average use (switching ON/OFF, games, internet, texting/calling and charging), there is no problem encountered so far. I'll update you from time to time.


11. Defects/Bugs and Improvement: 4.0/5

Designing an affordable Android phone is a very challenging task. You have to cut the cost of materials and features to make it suited for entry level segment consumers but SKK Mobile managed it to almost a perfect design.

As of now, I don't see any defects. A little improvement for this Android phone is changing the default resolution of camera to 5 MP for both rear and front, adding an autofocus/HDR camera features, more responsive or accurate accelerometer, GPS, capability to save apps on SD card, a screw driver included in the package (for the back cover screws) and a better charger.

Updates (May 14, 2014): Google Play Services is not installed in this gadget (to check, go to settings>Apps>All>Check for Google Play Services) which some users reported and I hope SKK Mobile tech team will provide Software Updates as soon as possible.


12. Final Rating/Score: 4.49/5

WIND overall specifications and aesthetic textured handy form factor are all well balanced design at affordable price. I gave high scores to price, performance and connectivity. 

In addition, 4-inches display and fast dual core CPU are enough to enjoy games, apps and movies, connectivity such WiFi/3G/HSPA+ will enhanced your communication and 5MP/5MP cameras let you capture your memorable memories/selfie's at a budget price of P2,999 - what can you ask for more?

"A must have and a value for money entry level dual core Android phone for 2014"


Sources:
SKK Mobile Facebook
SKK Mobile Official Site



Related Articles:
Lenovo K910 VIBE Z vs S960 VIBE X Price and Specs Comparison
How to Check or List of GLOBE 4G/LTE Covered Areas for 2014
StarMobile ENGAGE 9i vs Cloudfone CloudPad 800W Intel Tablet Price and Specs
List of Single, Dual, Quad, Octa Core Android Tablets in Philippines for 2014
Novo7 Tech iFive X2, Mini 3, Mini 2 and Nextbook Price Drop 2014
SKK Mobile PHOENIX+ Specs, Unboxing and Hands On Review
SKK Mobile CYCLOPS 2 Specs, Unboxing and Hands On Review
MyPhone MyPad 3 Quad Core Android Tablet with SIM/3G Spotted
Cheap Single, Dual, Quad, Octa Core Android Phones in Philippines for 2014
Kata VENUS 3 Dual Core Android Specs, Unboxing and Hands On Review

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Capable po siya na mag save directly sa SD cards ung mga apps and games?

GbSb said...

Hindi po, either sa phone storage or internal storage lang. Update po kita pag may games na pwede kasi depende sa games yan.

MJ said...

Bat kaya yong WIND ko, hindi magwork ang GPS... may error na lumalabas tuwing iuupdate nya yong google services... help naman po.

GbSb said...

Nagwork na po ba ang GPS since nung unang binili mo siya o biglang di na lang nagwork?

MJ said...

Mula pagkabili po... hindi ko napagana ang GPS. I was expecting that the phone has it gaya nang sabi sa specs... nag install din ako ng GPS test app pero turned off daw ang gps... kahit nakacheck na lahat ng box sa settings/location...

GbSb said...

Hi MJ, I double check the GPS of my SKK Mobile WIND and it's indeed "no GPS" on location settings. I probably skip to test this feature, thanks for the info. I'll inform SKK Mobile with regards to this.

MJ said...

Thanks din sa reply sir. I was expecting for the phone's GPS feature as indicated in LAZADA website. Dun ko kasi binili. Sulit na sulit na sana... kasi maganda naman talaga ang built ng phone na to. Di man IPS ang display, crisp and bright naman ang kulay. Kahit nakaminimum ang brightness, malinaw pa rin. Very responsive din sya at madali mag dump ng rom. Yun lang talaga ang kulang... GPS.

GbSb said...

Your welcome po MJ, sa box specs kasi may nalakalagay na GPS. I already informed SKK Mobile with regard to this. Enjoy your gadget.

Unknown said...

Paano po i-reduce and 5 slides default Home screen?

Unknown said...

sir,,,pa pm nman ng stock rom nyan,,, o kya ung system.img nyan,,, plz

Anonymous said...

d po ma install zombie tsunami ko.. app not installed po nakalagay..adik pa naman ako sa game na yan ano po gagawin ko

juliet25 said...

d po ma install zombie tsunami sa glimpse ko po.. app not installed po nakalagay.. adik pa naman ako sa game na yan... ano po ba dapat kung gawin?

GbSb said...

Anu pong unit niyo? GLIMPSE 2, GLIMPSE 3G or GLIMPSE lang po? Baka po wala ng free memory kasi nasa ~48MB ang Zombie Tsunami. Pls try to free some phone memory.

Anonymous said...

Sir pano paganahin yung usb cable? di ko kasi maiconnect sa pc. Reply ASAP thanks.

GbSb said...

Pls Turn On USB Storage when it pop up on your smartphone. Press install or OK when installation for new hardware appeared on your PC.

Anonymous said...

gbsb ask ko lng po pa update nmn po about sa skk wind i buy this one ehh?

Anonymous said...

As of Sept. Still GPS on brand nee wind not working pa rin error tuwing installation. Sana may.update sila sa system.

kaven angeles said...

hnd po sakin mainstall yung google play services. pakitulong po mga kuya o ate.

GbSb said...

Please send your queries or concerns to SKK Mobile Support Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/SKKMobileSupport

Anonymous said...

Hi poh Google play services nya hindi compatible sbi pg install sya bkit gnun but yng brand meron dpat meron Dn to ksi kailan yn hlmbawa png ng install k ng YouTube pg pinaplay ang sbi kailan ng Google play services.plz nman pki fix nlng poh.

Anonymous said...

hi, di po ma.install din sa phone ko ung google play services :( pahelp nmn pls

cupcake said...

wow great review po,i just got this cp today bc there was a promo here in cauayan city for only 1800php april 12 2015, great cp, pvz2 works fast on it, and i am very happy now. comes with free screen protector already installed on the unit, but i dont understand why the design have 4 screws for? so strange

Geekbench v2.4.3 score 702 on 1 store version and 695 on another why did u not test the cp on geekbench on this review ?

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...