Cherry Mobile One G1 Hands On Review: Delivering as Promised

When the first Cherry Mobile One was originally launched, it was a decent phone, but a little underpowered compared to others in its price point. So the next iteration of Android One promised more powerful specs, and for the most part, the newly announced Cherry Mobile One G1 does fit the bill. However, the competition has grown as well. Does the One G1 have what it takes to make it in one of the toughest markets to crack? Find out in my hands on review right here.

Design

If there’s one way to describe the Cherry Mobile One G1, it’s to think of it as the Flare X Mini. It shares a similar design, most particularly the matte finish on the back cover. It’s physically smaller because of the smaller 5 inch screen and noticeably lighter than most 5 inch phones I’ve come across. However, the metallic frame along the edges of the device and around the camera module does lend the G1 much more character.

Hardware

The G1 touts significantly improved specs that should allow it to take on most apps and games you might want to throw at it. I still find the Snapdragon 410 to be a bit lacking, but it’s certainly better than the SoC on its predecessor and supports 64-bit computing.

Another advantage to the G1 is that it comes with 2GB of RAM, allowing you to multitask more smoothly. It also comes with 16GB of storage, which is quite generous at this price point. And if you aren’t satisfied with that, you can expand it further by up to 64GB via microSD.

Finally, the Cherry Mobile One G1 comes with support for 4G connectivity, which is another nice feature to have at this price point. If you’re looking for a device that offers a lot of connectivity options, the G1 doesn’t disappoint.

Software

Let’s face it. The main reason you’re going to get the Cherry Mobile One G1 is because of the software. The device runs Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box, and is promised timely software updates by none other than Google itself. If Google announces a new version of Android, you can expect the G1 to get updated shortly after Nexus and Google Play devices get theirs.

So what is stock Lollipop 5.1 like? Well, it features a clean design and layout, and is a noticeable visual upgrade over Jelly Bean and KitKat devices that preceded it. The biggest benefit though is that you won’t find any bloatware, unless you consider Google’s own extra apps to fall under that criteria. You’ll also have to install your own file manager, among other things since stock Lollipop 5.1 doesn’t come with one.

Impressions

Given today’s preference for smartphones with larger screens, the Cherry Mobile One G1 already compares well with other phones in its price point. Add to that the significantly improved SoC, RAM and storage, not to mention 4G/LTE support, the Php5,999 G1 is already quite an attractive buy.

However, the competition at this price point is quite fierce. Whereas Cherry Mobile used to have no problem underpricing other brands significantly, a few other brave brands breathing down their necks. And it certainly doesn’t help that the Flare X is only Php1k more.

Still, the Cherry Mobile One G1 has one thing up its sleeve that only other Android One phones can match, timely updates from Google itself. And if you get it within the first 2 weeks from when it starts rolling out to stores, you’ll even get it with a free tempered glass screen protector and Pyxis Clicker bluetooth shutter button. Interested? Then you’ll have a short 2 week wait until the G1 becomes available.

Cherry Mobile One G1 Specs

• 5″ HD IPS display (720 x 1280 resolution, 294ppi)
• 64-bit 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 quad core processor
• Adreno 306 GPU
• Android 5.1 Lollipop
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB internal storage, expandable up to 64GB via microSD
• 13mp BSI autofocus rear-facing camera with LED flash
• 5mp BSI front camera
• 4G/LTE
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• GPS with A-GPS
• 2,500mAh battery
• Price: Php5,999