2015 TOP TEN FAN FAVORITES PHONES

Popularity is one thing, but fan love is arguably even more important. It’s now time to look back at the phones that most of declared as favorites in 2015.

While our top 10 trending chart often sees mid-rangers occupy the top spots due to their sheer sales volume, this is a strictly high-end affair. That’s understandable given that it’s flagships that are designed to speak to a geeks’ hearts, even if that means they aren’t as kind to their wallets.

Without further ado – the most loved phone of the year was the Sony Xperia Z5 Premium – the first smartphone to pack a 4K display really bathes in the fan love and if Sony managed to convert that to sales things will really pick up for the company.

Somewhat surprisingly the Galaxy Note 4 went second, handily beating its Note5 successor, which placed 4th. We guess that’s as clear response to the omission of expandable storage and replaceable battery as Samsung can get.

Between the two Samsung phablets we see the OnePlus 2 – the self-proclaimed flagship killer has earned itself plenty of fans despite the limited marketing spending of its maker. In sixth we see the second Sony in the chart – the Xperia Z5, which while more popular than the Z5 Premium can’t quite match its fan conversion rate.

The LG G4 and Galaxy S6 flagships occupy the following two positions, while the Sony Xperia Z3 makes a surprising appearance in 8th. The final two spots in the chart are taken by the Huawei Nexus 6P (which had the least time to gather fans of all phones in the chart) and the Apple iPhone 6s.

The trio that fell just below the line was Motorola Moto X Style, Microsoft Lumia 950 XL and Asus Zenfone 2 – all missing the cut by just a few likes.

Note: We are getting a lot of emails about this or that phone suddenly dropping from our top 10 by favorites list on the homepage. Keep in mind that to keep it relevant we are only including phones that have been in our database for less than 18 months (including rumored status) in that list.

Sony Xperia Z5 Premium

specs review

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

specs review

OnePlus 2

specs review

Samsung Galaxy Note5

specs review

Sony Xperia Z5

specs review

LG G4

specs review

Samsung Galaxy S6

specs review

Huawei Nexus 6P

specs review

Sony Xperia Z3

specs review

Apple iPhone 6s

specs review

Looking for a site to shop or sell your smartphone? Just take a visit to www.magandaphone.com

XIAOMI SMARTPHONE WITH 5-INCH DISPLAY AND OCTA-CORE CPU PASSES THROUGH TENAA

Over a month after it cleared China’s 3C certification, the Mi 2015811 has been certified by Chinese certification and regulatory authority TENAA, revealing some of its key specs. The device is powered by an octa-core 1.5GHz processor, and sports a 5-inch (1280 × 720 pixel resolution) TFT display.

It has 2GB RAM and 16GB expandable internal memory. In terms of camera, the handset features an 8MP or 13MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. Measuring 139.3 × 69.6 × 8.5mm and weighing in at 143g, the smartphone runs Android 5.1.1 Lollipop out-of-the-box.

The Mi 2015811 comes in three color options: silver, gray, and gold.

Looking for a site to shop or sell your smartphone? Just take a visit towww.magandaphone.com

LENOVO KEEPS TEASING THE K4 NOTE, REVEALS IT HAS 3GB OF RAM

We as a consumer always look for a smartphone with a great RAM on it. Last week, Lenovo started teasing the upcoming K4 Note, which we assume will be the successor to the affordable K3 Note from earlier this year. Back then it wasn’t clear whether the new phone would actually end up being called K4 Note, but now the Chinese company has confirmed its name.

Furthermore, it just keeps on teasing the device. Through a competition of sorts, Lenovo has basically revealed that the K4 Note will sport 3GB of RAM – that’s 1GB more than its predecessor. Some reports are also pegging its internal storage at 32GB, which would be double that of the K3 Note. The new model will feature a metal build. Past rumors had it coming with a fingerprint scanner too, and it could be powered by MediaTek’s Helio X10 chipset.

The K4 Note will be officially announced sometime in 2016, and January is a safe bet given how eager Lenovo is to tease it already. It’s being speculated that we might see the K4 Note at CES, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Looking for a site to shop or sell your smartphone? Just take a visit to www.magandaphone.com

OXYGEN OS 2.2.0 UPDATE NOW SEEDING ON ONEPLUS 2

The OnePlus 2 owners are getting a nice Christmas present right now, as OnePlus has started rolling out a new Oxygen OS update – version 2.2.0. It brings quite a few bug fixes and security patches, among some new features.

This is the complete change log:

• Fixed dual SIM preference selection issues in settings.
• Added NTFS and exFAT support for OTG
• Fixed Google Camera photo-sphere and panorama bugs.
• Screen temperature can now be adjusted from quick settings.
• Added hide search bar option in launcher settings.
• Security patches.
• Holiday wallpapers.
• General bug fixes and optimizations.

There is nothing mentioned on the Home key/fingerprint scanner issues some people are experiencing since launch though, so it seems those may take even more time before they are addressed.

As usual the rollout process is gradual so it may take a while before the update reaches every OnePlus 2 smartphone out there.

Looking for a site to shop or sell your smartphone? Just take a visit towww.magandaphone.com

HAPPY MOBILE ASPIRE 2 HAS AN ALUMINUM FRAME AND GLASS BACK COVER FOR ₱4,999

Happy Mobile launched a new smartphone with an aluminum frame and a back cover made of glass called the Happy Mobile Aspire 2.

Aside from having ‘premium materials’, it also boasts a descent set of specs including a quad core processor and a 5-inch HD display for anofficial price of ₱4,999.00 only.

Here’s the Happy Mobile Aspire 2:

There are two color options – silver and gold.

The Happy Mobile Aspire 2’s 1.4GHz quad core processor is supported by 1GB of RAM and Android 5.1 Lollipop as the operating system.

It has a 13 Megapixel camera at the back and 5 Megapixel selfie snapper on the front. For storage, there’s 8GB built-in and support for 64GB microSD cards.

There are two SIM card slots, 3G connectivity and a 2,500mAh battery that powers the device.

Happy Mobile Aspire 2 Specifications

• 5.0-Inch HD IPS Display (720 x 1280 Pixels, 294 ppi)
• Android 5.1 Lollipop OS
• 1.4GHz Quad Core Processor
• 1GB of RAM
• 13.0 Megapixel Autofocus Main Camera with LED Flash
• 5.0 Megapixel Front Camera
• 8GB Internal Storage
• Expandable Up to 64GB via MicroSD
• Dual SIM
• 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks
• Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Bluetooth
• A-GPS
• FM Radio
• MicroUSB 2.0
• 3.5mm Audio Jack
• Accelerometer
• Proximity Sensor
• Ambient Light Sensor
• 2,500mAh Battery
• ₱4,999.00 Official Price

Looking for a site to shop or sell your smartphone? Just take a visit towww.magandaphone.com

TOP 5 SMARTPHONES UNDER ₱3,000 IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR 2015

Here is some great list of affordable smartphone with decent specs for Filipinos that were out of budget but looking for a smartphone.

Even if your budget for a new smartphone is only ₱3,000, there are already several options that have decent specs and features.

However, all the smartphones on this list are from local brands here in the Philippines. That is the trade-off that you have to make so that you can get the best value for your money.

Take note that this is a personal ranking, share your thoughts in the comments section below.

5. MyPhone My27 – ₱2,999.00

The MyPhone My27 is a 5-inch quad core smartphone with a 1.3GHz quad core processor, 1GB of RAM and Android Lollipop OS. It also has an 8 Megapixel camera at the back, 5 Megapixel selfie snapper on the front, 3G connectivity and a 2000mAh battery.

Since this is MyPhone’s eighth year in operation here in the country, they are giving away a free commemorative watch for each purchase of the MyPhone My27.

4. SKK Lynx S LTE Mini – ₱2,399.00

From the name itself, the SKK Lynx S LTE Mini has 4G LTE connectivity for less than 3k. That’s enough reason for it to be included in this list.

However, it only has a 4-inch display, 5 Megapixel camera at the back and 2 Megapixel front camera. It does have the fastest processor among the smartphones on this list at 1.5GHz.

3. Cherry Mobile Flare S3 Lite – ₱2,999.00

The Cherry Mobile Flare S3 Lite would have been in a higher position if it not for its meager 1,800mAh battery. This has always been a problem with the company’s smartphones.

It does offer a 5-inch HD display, quad core processor, 1GB of RAM, 8 Megapixel camera and 5 Megapixel front camera.

2. SKK Mobile Lynx Luxe – ₱2,999.00

SKK Mobile has another entry on this list in the name of the Lynx Luxe. Just like the Cherry Mobile Flare S3 Lite, it features a 5-inch HD display, quad core processor and 1GB of RAM.

However, it gets the upper hand by having a bigger battery rated at 2,500mAh and the Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system out of the box.

1. Cherry Mobile Touch HD – ₱2,999.00

I’m not keen on recommending the Cherry Mobile Touch HD since it only becomes available during sales on Lazada. However, the Lynx Luxe has some reported issues with its touch responsiveness.

If you’re really limited to a ₱3,000 budget, this is your best choice. It has a 5-inch HD display, quad core processor with 1GB of RAM and Android 5.1 Lollipop OS. There’s also an 8 Megapixel camera and a good enough 2,000mAh battery.

Honorable Mentions:

SKK Mobile has another smartphone that almost made it to this list – the SKK Mobile Aura. It has a large 5.5-inch display but suffers from a disappointing RAM at 512MB only and main camera which is just 5 Megapixels.

The Cherry Mobile Flare J1 also has the same RAM problem as the Aura. Nevertheless, it’s available for ₱1,999 only from December 21 to 25, 2015.

Lastly, Starmobile’s entry level Play Neo is also worth considering since it has a 5-inch display and quad core processor. However, it only has a 5 Megapixel camera and 512MB of RAM.

Looking for a site to shop or sell your smartphone? Just take a visit towww.magandaphone.com

CHERRY MOBILE FLARE J1 FULL SPECS, PRICE AND FEATURES

Cherry Mobile adds another flavor of its very successful Flare lineup with the new Flare J1. It’s an affordable quad core smartphone with a 5-inch display.

Its official suggested retail price is ₱2,999.00. However, it will be discounted by ₱1,000.00 from December 21 to 25, 2015 and will sell for₱1,999.00 only!

Take a look at the Cherry Mobile Flare J1:

The Flare J1 comes in gold, black, silver and white.

Aside from having a quad core processor and large 5-inch display, the Cherry Mobile Flare J1 also has an 8 Megapixel camera at the back and 2 Megapixel selfie snapper on the front.

It’s a dual SIM phone with 3G connectivity and has 4GB of built-in storage, a microSD card slot for 32GB memory cards and 2,000mAh battery.

The only issue with the Flare J1 is its 512MB RAM which will is an issue for hard core gamers.

Cherry Mobile Flare J1 Unboxing Video:

Cherry Mobile Flare J1 Specifications

• 5.0-Inch Capacitive Display (480 x 854 Pixels, 196 ppi)
• Android 5.1 Lollipop OS
• Spreadtrum SC8830 Chipset
• 1.3GHz Quad Core Cortex-A7 CPU
• Mali-400 MP2 GPU
• 512MB of RAM
• 8.0 Megapixel Main Camera with LED Flash
• 2.0 Megapixel Front Camera
• 4GB Internal Storage
• Expandable Up to 32GB via MicroSD
• Dual SIM (Regular)
• 3G HSPA+, 2G EDGE and GPRS Networks
• Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Bluetooth 4.0
• A-GPS
• FM Radio
• MicroUSB 2.0
• 3.5mm Audio Jack
• Accelerometer
• Proximity Sensor
• Ambient Light Sensor
• 2,000mAh Battery (Non-removable)
• ₱2,999.00 Official Price
• ₱1,999.00 Promo Price

Looking for a site to shop or sell your smartphone? Just take a visit to www.magandaphone.com

TOP 10 SMARTPHONES UNDER ₱7,000 IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR 2015

For some people who wants to know the best deal for your money, here is some list of affordable yet great looking smartphones currently in the market. This is the price level where ‘bang for the buck’smartphones from local and international brands target.

Take note that this is a personal rankingbased on my experience in writing reviews and articles about these devices here on Pinoy Techno Guide. Share your reactions in the comments section below.

Buy on Lazada

10. ASUS ZenFone Go – ₱5,995.00

ASUS makes it to this list with the ZenFone Go, a 5-inch smartphone with a quad core processor, 2GB of RAM and 8 Megapixel camera.

The pricier ZenFone 2 is still worth a look but you need to stretch your budget a little. You may also choose the ZenFone 5 but that was released in 2014 which disqualifies it here.

Buy on Lazada

9. Lenovo A6000 Plus – ₱6,999.00

The Lenovo A6000 Plus is also a 5-inch HD smartphone with almost the same features as the ZenFone Go. It also has a quad core processor, 2GB of RAM and an 8 Megapixel camera.

It’s better than the previous smartphone because it has 4G LTE connectivity allowing its users to enjoy fast mobile internet connection. It also has a larger battery rated at 2,300mAh.

8. Starmobile Up Ultra – ₱6,490.00

Instead of the Starmobile Knight Luxe, I changed the number eight spot to the new and better Starmobile Up Ultra that was launched on the same day as this article was published.

The Starmobile Up Ultra has a 5.5-inch HD display, quad core processor, 2GB of RAM and 13 Megapixel camera. It also comes with a free Smart SIM card that provides free 4G mobile internet access for one year (with conditions) and iFlix subscription for six months.

7. Cherry Mobile One G1 – ₱5,999.00

This is the only Android One device on this list. It’s a second generation Android One smartphone with better features than MyPhone’s Uno or the same brand’s One.

It still has a 5-inch HD display, quad core processor and a pair of 13 and 5 Megapixel cameras but also features 4G LTE connectivity and a 2,500mAh battery.

Buy on Lazada

6. Meizu M2 – ₱5,499.00

The Meizu M2 has almost the same features as the Cherry Mobile One G1. It has a 5-inch HD display, quad core processor, 2GB RAM and 13 Megapixel camera.

Nevertheless, you will save ₱1,500 from your budget if you choose this! The only disadvantage is that its second SIM slot also serves as the microSD card slot. Hence, you’ve have to sacrifice its dual SIM capability to expand the 16GB built-in storage.

Buy on Lazada

5. Alcatel Flash 2 – ₱6,190.00

Half-way on the list is Alcatel’s Flash 2 smartphone. It’s an octa core smartphone with almost the same features as those from above but better battery which is rated at 3,000mAh.

The Alcatel Flash 2 also boasts a good quality camera which looks cool with its circular LED flash and employs Phase Detection Autofocus to take sharp pictures quickly.

Buy on Lazada

4. Acer Liquid Z630 – ₱6,990.00

I regret not giving the Acer Liquid Z630 a lot of attention. It’s most defining features are its 8 Megapixel cameras both at the back and on the front as well as the massive 4,000mAh battery!

This smartphone has a 5.5-inch HD display, quad core processor, 2GB of RAM and 4G LTE connectivity.

3. MyPhone My35 – ₱6,888.00

MyPhone’s My series leaked August 2015. It’s the company’s new naming scheme for its smartphones. While there will be no new Rio of Iceberg smartphone, the My35 is definitely feature packed!

It has 3GB of RAM, octa core processor, 4G LTE connectivity, 13 Megapixel main camera, 5 Megapixel front camera, a 3,140mAh battery and Hi-Fi audio.

Buy on Lazada

2. MyPhone My36 – ₱6,999.00

Here’s another entry from MyPhone’s My series. The My36 is the company’s best smartphone released this year.

It flaunts a 5.2-inch display with full HD resolution and still has the same 3GB of RAM, octa core processor, 4G LTE connectivity, 13 Megapixel camera at the back with Phase Detection Autofocus and 5 Megapixel front camera.

1. Cherry Mobile Flare X – ₱6,999.00

Buy on Lazada

The best smartphone under ₱7,000 in the Philippines for 2015 is none other than the Cherry Mobile Flare X!

It has a 5.5-inch full HD display, 13 Megapixel camera at the back and 5 Megapixel front camera. It runs on a 1.7GHz octa core processor with 3GB of RAM and powered by a 3,000mAh battery.

Honorable Mentions:

The Xiaomi Redmi 2 almost made it to the list but its small screen (4.7 inches) and mere 1GB of RAM brought it down despite having 4G LTE connectivity.

If you care about the brand of your smartphone, the Motorola Moto E and Samsung Galaxy J2 are also good picks for a 7k budget. Both have 4G LTE connectivity but the first one only has 4.5-inch display while the latter suffers from a relatively small 2,000mAh battery.

Looking for a site to shop or sell your smartphone? Just take a visit to www.magandaphone.com