Huawei Ascend P7-L00 (Dual SIM with 4G/LTE support)

Introduction

Well, this time comes in a review of a device not based on a MediaTek platform. Huawei, the Chinese multinational networking and telecommunications equipment and services company, has recently released the dual SIM variant of its flagship - Ascend P7-L00.

As a sidenote, Huawei has reached the third place in smartphone sales ranking last year. The company is also facing competition from other Chinese competitors, including Lenovo, Xiaomi and ZTE, being the first places occupied by Apple and Samsung.

Specifications

Chipset
Name:	HiSilicon Kirin 910T
CPU:	Quad-core 1.8 GHz ARM Cortex™-A9
GPU:	ARM Mali-450 MP4
Instruction set:	ARMv7
Software environment
Embedded:OS:	Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) with Emotion UI 2.3
Body
Dimensions (width x height x depth):	140 x 68.8 x 7.2 millimetres
Weigth:	126 grams (battery included)
Color:	Black / White / Pink / Gold
Battery
Capacity:	2500 mAh
Memory
RAM:capacity:	2 GB
ROM-capacity:	16 GB
Expansion slot:	microSD memory card, supporting up to 64 GB
Network support
Primary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS850, UMTS900, UMTS1900, UMTS2100, FDD-LTE1800 (B3), FDD-LTE2100 (B1), TDD-LTE2600 (B41)
Secondary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, FDD-LTE, TDD-LTE
Display
Type:	IPS-LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:	5.0 inches, FHD resolution (1080 x 1920 pixels)
Protection:	Corning Gorilla glass
Camera
Main (rear):	13.0 megapixels with autofocus and single LED flash
Secondary (front):	8.0 megapixels
Interfaces
Bluetooth (802.15):	Bluetooth 4.0 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):	IEEE 802.11b/g/n
USB:	USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s) USB Series Micro-B (Micro-USB) connector
Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS module:	Included
GPS antenna:	Internal
Complementary GPS services:	A-GPS (Assisted GPS), GLONASS
Additional features
Sensors:	Gravity, Proximity, Light, Gyroscope and Magnetic field sensors
Analog Radio:	FM radio (87.5-108 MHz) with RDS radio receiver
Others:	Dedicated LED for notification of missed calls / new messages Dual SIM Full Active

MT6592 flashing tutorial

Along with the release of the newest MediaTek octa-core SoC, an updated version of the known flashing tool has also been released. It's now time to publish fresh instructions on how to flash MT6592 based devices. Please note that the images shown on this tutorial are just examples and that you must flash your device with the correct ROM files.

Make sure that you read everything carefully and know what you are doing. Don't blame me for any damage that may occur on your device.

MediaTek launches MT6592 octa-core mobile platform

Hooray! MediaTek finally unveiled the new MT6592 platform, an octa-core mobile platform. Built on the advanced 28nm HPM high-performance process, it packs low-power Cortex™-A7 CPU cores, and courtesy of the Heterogeneous Multi-Processing use model on top of ARM's big.LITTLE architecture, all eight cores can operate simultaneously -- at up to between 1.7 GHz and 2 GHz, depending on the version. 

Concerning to multimedia subsystem, it integrates an ARM Mali™-450 MP graphics processor clocked at 700 MHz, an advanced video playback system supporting Ultra-HD 4Kx2K H.264 video playback and support for new video codecs such as H.265 and VP9, a 16-megapixel camera and a Full HD display.

MT6592 incorporates MediaTek's advanced multi-mode cellular modem and a full connectivity capability for dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, Miracast screen-sharing as well as Bluetooth, GPS and a FM tuner. The next big step for MediaTek is the entrance into LTE market, so let's see if there are any upcoming news regarding this matter.

The first devices to feature the new platform are expected to arrive as soon as end of year, so let's get ready for it!

ZTE V987 (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

Although I was still very happy with ZTE V970, specially now that it was already running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), I couldn't resist to try out a new smartphone based on the freshly released platform from MediaTek...

It was only a matter of time before ZTE came out with another device that would use the same look as its much anticipated Grand S. Announced as its fat brother, ZTE V987 (also known as Grand X Quad) is a Dual SIM Dual Standby smartphone based on MT6589 chipset. Despite the fact that the newest MediaTek chipset was announced as supporting Dual Active functionality, it doesn't means that every phone would include such a feature. Probably due to development and implementation costs, this phone still does not include that feature. In fact, it is yet to be seen the first DSFA device based on MT6589 platform.

Specifications

Chipset
Name:	MediaTek MT6589
CPU:	Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM Cortex™-A7
GPU:	PowerVR™ SGX 544MP
Instruction set:	ARMv7 (VFPv4, NEON)
Software environment
Embedded:OS:	Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
Body
Dimensions (width x height x depth):	141 x 70 x 8.9 millimetres
Weigth:	165 grams (battery included)
Color:	Black and white
Battery
Capacity:	2500 mAh
Memory
RAM:capacity:	1 GB
ROM-capacity:	4 GB
Expansion slot:	microSD memory card, supporting up to 32 GB
Network support
Primary phone:	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz, UMTS 900 / 2100 MHz
Secondary phone:	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
Data links:	GPRS, EDGE, HSPA+
Display
Type:	IPS-LCD capacitive touchscreen / OGS (one glass solution)
Size:	5 inches, HD resolution (720 x 1280 pixels)
Camera
Main (rear):	8 megapixels with autofocus and single LED flash
Secondary (front):	1 megapixel
Interfaces
Bluetooth (802.15):	Bluetooth 4.0 + Enhanced Data Rate + A2DP
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):	IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
USB:	USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s) USB Series Micro-B (Micro-USB) connector
Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS module:	MT6628 chipset
GPS antenna:	Internal
Complementary GPS services:	A-GPS (Assisted GPS), MediaTek EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit), GLONASS
Additional features
Sensors:	Gravity, Proximity and Light sensors
Analog Radio:	FM radio (87.5-108 MHz) with RDS radio receiver
Others:	Dedicated LED for notification of missed calls / new messages

MediaTek officially announces MT6589

Just a few days ago, MediaTek has officially announced the launch of the new MT6589 platform for Android smartphones. According to the company, MT6589 will be the world's first commercialized quad-core SoC (System on a Chip), available for mid to high-end Android smartphones and tablets worldwide. It integrates MediaTek's advanced multi-mode UMTS Rel. 8/HSPA+/TD-SCDMA modem, a power-efficient quad-core Cortex™-A7 CPU subsystem from ARM, PowerVR™ SGX Series 5XT GPU from Imagination Technologies, and is delivered in 28nm process technology.

To keep up with the increasing multi-SIM demand around the world, it will support Dual SIM Dual Active functionality. This is for sure the most interesting news about MediaTek MT6589.

The new MT6589 quad-core solution supports 1080p 30fps/30fps low-power video playback and recording, a 13MP camera with integrated ISP, up to FHD (1920x1080) LCD displays, and enhanced picture processing for DTV-grade image quality.


It will also support Miracast™ technology for multi-screen content sharing and pre-integrate MediaTek's leading 4-in-1 connectivity combo MT6628, which supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, BT4.0, GPS and FM.

MediaTek MT6589 is currently being incorporated into smart devices by MediaTek's leading global customers, and the first models based on this new chipset are expected to ship commercially in the first quarter of 2013. Stay tuned because this upcoming SoC is very promising!

Huawei U8836D / Ascend G500 Pro / Shine (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

After being very pleased with the performance of ZTE V970, I've decided to test a fresh new smartphone from Huawei. Also powered by MediaTek MT6577 chipset, one of the most promising dual SIM smartphones is Huawei U8836D / Ascend G500 Pro (also known as Shine).

Huawei is a Chinese multinational networking and telecommunications equipment and services company. It is nowadays  the largest telecommunications equipment maker in the world, having overtaken Ericsson.

Specifications

Chipset
Name:	MediaTek MT6577
CPU:	Dual-core 1 GHz ARM Cortex™-A9
GPU:	PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:	ARMv7
Software environment
Embedded:OS:	Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Body
Dimensions (width x height x depth):	130 x 65 x 11.2 millimetres
Weigth:	156 grams (battery included)
Color:	Black
Battery
Capacity:	1930 mAh
Memory
RAM:capacity:	1 GB
ROM-capacity:	4 GB
Expansion slot:	microSD memory card, supporting up to 32 GB
Network support
Primary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS900, UMTS2100
Secondary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:	GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSUPA
Display
Type:	IPS-LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:	4.3 inches, qHD resolution (540 x 960 pixels)
Protection:	Corning Gorilla glass
Camera
Main (rear):	5 megapixels with autofocus and single LED flash
Secondary (front):	0.3 megapixels
Interfaces
Bluetooth (802.15):	Bluetooth 3.0 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):	IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n
USB:	USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s) USB Series Micro-B (Micro-USB) connector
Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS module:	MT6620 chipset
GPS antenna:	Internal
Complementary GPS services:	A-GPS (Assisted GPS), MediaTek EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit)
Additional features
Sensors:	Gravity, Proximity and Light sensors
Analog Radio:	FM radio (87.5-108 MHz) with RDS radio receiver
Others:	Dedicated LED for notification of missed calls / new messages

ZTE V970 (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

Approximately one month after MediaTek's official launch of the new MT6577 platform, the first devices based on that same chipset started to emerge...

The usual replicas of the hottest smartphones available on the market will always continue to appear, but also big Chinese companies are betting hard on MediaTek platforms. Lenovo is a great example of that, with some successful models such as A60 (MT6573), A750 (MT6575) and the most recently released A789 (MT6577).

Another known Chinese manufacturer choosing MediaTek platforms to power its devices is ZTE. By 2011, ZTE was the world's fifth-largest telecommunications equipment maker measured by its revenues and the world's fourth-largest mobile phone manufacturer measured by unit sales. This review will cover details about the newly released ZTE V970, a dual SIM smartphone based on MT6577 chipset.

Specifications

Chipset
Name:	MediaTek MT6577
CPU:	Dual-core 1 GHz ARM Cortex™-A9
GPU:	PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:	ARMv7
Software environment
Embedded:OS:	Android 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Body
Dimensions (width x height x depth):	127.4 x 65 x 9.9 millimetres
Weigth:	140 grams (battery included)
Color:	Black
Battery
Capacity:	1600 mAh
Memory
RAM:capacity:	1 GB
ROM-capacity:	4 GB
Expansion slot:	microSD memory card, supporting up to 64 GB
Network support
Primary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS900, UMTS2100
Secondary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:	GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSUPA
Display
Type:	IPS-LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:	4.3 inches, qHD resolution (540 x 960 pixels)
Camera
Main (rear):	5 megapixels with autofocus and single LED flash
Secondary (front):	None
Interfaces
Bluetooth (802.15):	Bluetooth 3.0 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):	IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n
USB:	USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s) USB Series Micro-B (Micro-USB) connector
Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS module:	MT6620 chipset
GPS antenna:	Internal
Complementary GPS services:	MediaTek EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit)
Additional features
Sensors:	Gravity, Proximity and Light sensors
Analog Radio:	FM radio (87.5-108 MHz) with RDS radio receiver
Others:	Dedicated LED for notification of missed calls / new messages

Upcoming MediaTek chipsets... expected in 2013

Reports seems to point that MediaTek plans to launch two new SoC products using the 28 nm manufacturing process by the first quarter of 2013...

MT6588 chipset will feature a quad-core ARM Cortex™-A7 processor running at 1.5 GHz or 1.7 GHz. This chipset will support WCDMA and TD-SCDMA (used by China Mobile) network technologies.

Thanks to the integrated PowerVR™ SGX 544 GPU, it will also feature support for up to 1280×800 pixel displays, 1080p video playback and up to 13 megapixels cameras. 

Aside from the new quad-core chipset, MediaTek will also release the dual-core MT6583, which will likewise run at either 1.5 GHz or 1.7 GHz. This one will support a resolution of up to 854×480, meaning it will target a different market segment, particularly lower-end to mid-range devices.

MediaTek roadmap

Additionally, MediaTek's general manager was cited to say that the company is focusing on including LTE support in its chipsets, which can enable smartphone manufacturers to release lower-priced handsets that support this technology.

ZOPO ZP300 Field (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

I've been very busy lately and only now had the needed spare time to finish the review of a recent MT6575 based smartphone that I've got as replacement of my ThL V9. The review will focus on ZP300 (also known as Field) from the Chinese manufacturer ZOPO.

Previous and quite successful models from ZOPO are ZP100 (Pilot) and ZP200 (Shining). Just like ThL, this manufacturer provides ROM updates very often. This is worth to mention because it is always important to have such kind of support.

Specifications

Chipset
Name:	MediaTek MT6575
CPU:	1 GHz ARM Cortex™-A9
GPU:	PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:	ARMv7
Software environment
Embedded:OS:	Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Body
Dimensions (width x height x depth):	133 x 68.2 x 11.3 millimetres
Weigth:	123 grams (battery included)
Color:	Black (or white)
Battery
Capacity:	1800 mAh
Memory
RAM:capacity:	1 GB
ROM-capacity:	4 GB
Expansion slot:	microSD memory card, supporting up to 64 GB
Network support
Primary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS850, UMTS900, UMTS1900, UMTS2100
Secondary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:	GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSUPA
Display
Type:	LG AH-IPS capacitive touchscreen
Size:	4.5 inches, HD resolution (720 x 1280 pixels)
Camera
Main (rear):	5 megapixels with autofocus and single LED flash
Secondary (front):	2 megapixels
Interfaces
Bluetooth (802.15):	Bluetooth 3.0 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):	IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n
USB:	USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s) USB Series Micro-B (Micro-USB) connector
Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS module:	MT6620 chipset
GPS antenna:	Internal
Complementary GPS services:	A-GPS (Assisted GPS), MediaTek EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit)
Additional features
Sensors:	Gravity, Proximity, Light and Magnetic field sensors
Analog Radio:	FM radio (87.5-108 MHz) with RDS radio receiver
Others:	Dedicated LED for notification of missed calls / new messages

MT6575T to be named MT6577

Some of you may have heard rumours that MediaTek was working on MT6575T, an improved version of MT6575, integrating a dual-core ARM Cortex™-A9 processor.

It is now being said that the new chipset will be named MT6577, although further informations such as the integrated GPU are not yet known (better to wait for an official MediaTek announcement).