Dual sim droids

Article updated February 22, 2012.

There are several dual sim Android phones now available in the local market. 

LG's Optimus Net Dual P698 at Php8,750

LG's Optimus Net Dual P698 is a decent Android phone:

• Android 2.3
• 3.2-inch, 320 x 480 pixel resolution display,
• 800 MHz processor with Adreno 200 graphics
• 512 MB of RAM 
• 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera
• 1500 mAh battery 

It's main feature is its dual sim capability. If you are looking for a dual sim phone as your one and only phone, it is not a bad choice.  If dual sim is not that important, there are better choices.

Samsung Galaxy Y Duos S6102 @ Php8,990 

Samsung has thrown its hat into the ring with Samsung Galaxy Y Duos S6102. But taking a look at this new offering, I have to ask, what were they thinking?

• Android 2.3
• 3.14-inch, 240 x 320 pixel resolution display,
• 832 MHz processor
• 384 MB of RAM 
• 3.2 megapixel fixed focus camera
• 1300 mAh battery
  

It is 2012. Displays with 240 x 320 pixel resolution should be a thing of the past. It results in a fair amount of Android app incompatibility (the first Android used 320 x 480 displays) and looks pixelated. With less RAM, a poorer camera and smaller battery than the LG Optimus Net Dual P698, there is no reason to pick the Samsung over the LG.

Cherry Mobile Stellar @ Php7,890

This is the only one among the dual core phone in this list I have not been able to take a good look at. I also do not have good sources for its specifications. But a reader suggested we add it for the sake of completeness, and the specifications are very good.

• Android 2.3
• 3.2-inch, 320 x 480 pixel resolution display,
• 800 MHz processor
• 512 MB of RAM 
• 5 megapixel camera 

I am not sure whether the 5 MP camera is a fixed focus unit or auto-focus. I am also not sure what the capacity of the battery is. It has with the same 800MHz processor and chipset as the LG Optimus Net Dual, and should have the same Adreno 200 graphics. But I cannot confirm this.

The Cherry Mobile stellar is worth a look, with its large 3.5-inch screen and capacitative soft keys it could be the best of the bunch.

Lenovo A60 @ Php7,700. 

Lenovo is new into mobile, and entered the market at the entry level. They did come out with a very compelling choice, the dual sim Lenovo A60.

• Android 2.3
  
• 3.5-inch, 320 x 480 pixel resolution display,
• 650 MHz processor
• 256 MB of RAM 
• 3.2 megapixel fixed focus camera
• 1500 mAh battery
  

The most compelling reason to select this phone is the 3.5-inch display. Compate it to a 3.2-inch display. They sound like they are almost the same size. Side-by-side, 3.5-inches is a lot bigger than 3.2-inches.

A 3.2 MP camera is nothing great so we do not mind the lack of autofocus. The only chink it's armor is the 256MB of RAM and the graphics processor, which is no match for the Adreno 200 on the LG. Still at 1K less than the LG Optimus Dual P698 with  larger screen, it is though choosing between the two. The 256MB of RAM does not make the phone feel sluggish in regular use. It runs fine. If you keep many apps running or install a lot of widgets, the 512 MB of LG Optimus Dual P698 will make it feel smoother. If you plan to do a fair amount of gaming the LG Optimus Dual P698 will run a fair number of games the Adreno 200 graphics on the LG is better suited for this.

I have one personal gripe. After having tried this phone, I cannot stand the three physical buttons. They are small and they are stiff. But that is a subjective thing. 

Alcatel Blaze Glory 918N @Php5,999

The last phone we are looking at is the Alcatel Blaze Glory 918N.

• Android 2.3
  
• 3.2-inch, 320 x 480 pixel resolution display,
• 650 MHz processor
• 256 MB of RAM 
• 3.2 megapixel fixed focus camera
• 1300 mAh battery

Alcatel Blaze Glory 918N has a smaller battery than the LG or Lenovo, it does not have the autofoucs camera of the LG, it has a smaller screen than the Lenovo. It is not the best of the four phones here. At Php5,999 is is 1.7K to 2.7K cheaper than the other options and the specifications are very decent for the money. It actually comes with a screen protector, which should save you another Php100-Php150.

Which is the best? The LG is the most powerful, and the brand is tried and tested. I have not been able to try the Cherry, so I cannot make a recommendation. The Lenovo's advantage over the LG is the larger screen, but overall the LG and Cherry have better specifications. The Lenovo has one thing going against it from an ergonomic standpoint. I really do not like the Lenovo's physical buttons.

The Alcatel is good enough and the price is very compelling. The Alcatel is not better better than the LG, Cherry or even the Lenovo, personally, I would pick the Alcatel. The 1.7L to 2.7K price difference is enough reason for me, but I do see it more as a back-up phone. If it was my one and only phone, I would spend a bit more and go for the LG or maybe the Cherry. If you plan to do some gaming on your device, the LG would be a much better choice.

Basically, you have four very good choices if you are looking for a dual sim Android. There is no clear winner. I do advise that you steer clear of the Samsung Galaxy Y Duos. The 240 x 320 display is something Android should leave in the past.