When you mention specs like 4GB of RAM, fast-charging capability, Android 6.0 Marshmallow, MediaTek Helio X20 deca-core processor, you would think it’s a powerful smartphone from an international brand. But what if we told you it’s from a local brand?
Cherry Mobile calls it the device that pushes the boundaries and moves limits. We’d find it in stores as the Cherry Mobile M1. As mentioned, it packs in the MediaTek Helio X20 deca-core processor (the first for a local smartphone), 4GB of RAM (yet again another first), Android Marshmallow, 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display, 32GB of internal storage, and a dual nano SIM tray.
And yes, the M1 is LTE-ready and sports a 21-megapixel Sony IMX230 PDAF rear sensor with an 8-megapixel front shooter. The M1 is also future-proof with a USB Type-C port with fast-charging capability. It promises to top off the 3,600mAh battery in under an hour and a half. When it comes to security, there is also a fingerprint scanner at the back of the device. The M1 retails for P11,999.
With such a powerful device for a competitive device, you will wonder what is wrong with it. One thing is you shouldn’t expect flagship-quality build with the M1. It’s a plastic affair through and through. It’s not bad to look at but if you’re looking for that metal build, best you look someplace else. Another issue that might be a bigger deal-breaker for some is the lack of a microSD slot. That means the 32GB storage is all you have to work with. But if your files and such mostly live in the cloud these days and you don’t play that much storage-hungry games (although that’ll be a waste with its processor), then you should be fine.
