Monday, November 28, 2011

G14 (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

I have been a little busy lately, testing a new MT6573 based smartphone... and this time the review will focus on the G14, a clone of HTC Sensation.



Specifications

Chipset

Name:MediaTek MT6573
CPU:650 MHz ARM11™
GPU:PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:ARMv6

Software environment

Embedded:OS: Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread)

Body

Dimensions
(width x height x depth):
126 x 65.4 x 11.3 millimetres
Weigth:148 grams
Color:Black

Battery

Capacity: 1500 mAh

Memory

RAM:capacity:512 MB
ROM-capacity:512 MB
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:Sharp LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:4.3 inches, WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)

Camera

Main (rear):8 megapixels (interpolated) with autofocus and dual LED flash
Secondary (front):1.3 megapixels

Interfaces

Bluetooth (802.15):Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):  IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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

Saturday, November 19, 2011

HD9 (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

Last month, I had the chance to test a friend's new HD9. It's a recently released refresh of the "old" HD9 as it is now based on the MT6573 chipset. This means that if you like it's design, you can now enjoy a faster Dual SIM smartphone that supports 3G networks.


Specifications

Chipset

Name:MediaTek MT6573
CPU:650 MHz ARM11™
GPU:PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:ARMv6

Software environment

Embedded:OS: Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread)

Body

Dimensions
(width x height x depth):
119 x 65 x 10 millimetres
Weigth:150 grams
Color:Black

Memory

RAM:capacity:512 MB
ROM-capacity:512 MB
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:Sharp LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:4.3 inches, WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)

Camera

Main (rear):8 megapixels (interpolated) with autofocus and single LED flash
Secondary (front):1.3 megapixels

Interfaces

Bluetooth (802.15):Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):  IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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

Saturday, October 29, 2011

G11i Pro (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

If you have read my G11i review and became interested, you'll definitely desire one G11i Pro. It was released approximately one month ago and the main difference when compared to G11i is the chipset... it's based on MT6573, which means 3G support! That's right, G11i Pro is a Dual SIM Dual Standby smartphone with 3G support.

Specifications

Chipset

Name:MediaTek MT6573
CPU:650 MHz ARM11™
GPU:PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:ARMv6

Software environment

Embedded:OS: Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread)

Body

Dimensions
(width x height x depth):
120 x 64 x 11.7 millimetres
Weigth:140 grams
Color:Black

Battery

Capacity: 1450 mAh

Memory

RAM:capacity:512 MB
ROM-capacity:512 MB
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:Sharp LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:4.0 inches, WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)

Camera

Main (rear):8 megapixels (interpolated) with autofocus and dual LED flash
Secondary (front):1.3 megapixels

Interfaces

Bluetooth (802.15):Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):  IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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

Monday, October 10, 2011

MT65x3 (MT6513 / MT6573) flashing tutorial

With the release of the MT65x3 (MT6513 and MT6573) platform, a new version of SP Flash Tool was released. It doesn't make sense to go into deep details about the whole flashing process, because everything should be exactly the same as described on my MT6516 flashing tutorial.

The new MT65x3 phones already support flashing via USB data cable without the need of the USB to UART cable, although that cable is still needed if this new tool is used with an old MT6516 based phone.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

G11i (Dual SIM)

Introduction

As I already mentioned on my previous post, MediaTek has released a new platform and the first MT65x3 based smartphones are now appearing. This review will focus on the G11i, a clone of HTC Incredible S, featuring the new MT6513 chipset.

Specifications

Chipset

Name:MediaTek MT6513
CPU:650 MHz ARM11™
GPU:PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:ARMv6

Software environment

Embedded:OS: Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread)

Body

Dimensions
(width x height x depth):
120 x 64 x 11.7 millimetres
Weigth:140 grams
Color:Black

Battery

Capacity: 1450 mAh

Memory

RAM:capacity:512 MB
ROM-capacity:512 MB
Expansion slot:microSD memory card, supporting up to 32 GB

Network support

Primary phone:GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Secondary phone:GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:GPRS, EDGE

Display

Type:Sharp LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:4.0 inches, WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)

Camera

Main (rear):8 megapixels (interpolated) with autofocus and dual LED flash
Secondary (front):1.3 megapixels

Interfaces

Bluetooth (802.15):Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):  IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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

Friday, August 26, 2011

MT65x3 based smartphones are coming...


The first prototypes started to appear in June, but only in August we had the chance to see the first smartphones based on the new chipsets being sold.

MediaTek released two versions of the new MT65x3 platform: MT6513 and MT6573. 

The first one, MT6513, is the low-end version, and it can be considered the direct successor of the old MT6516. This chipset supports Quad-band GSM and GPRS / EDGE data connections. It features an ARM11™ processor running at 650 MHz as well as support for advanced 3D graphics. The high-end version is MT6573, has all the same features as it's little brother, but also integrates a 3G / HSPA modem supporting mobile broadband rates of up to 7,2 Mbps downlink and 5,76 Mbps uplink.


From several video reviews that are appearing on the web, it can be noticed that these chipsets provide a good Android user experience. Personally, I have many faith on these new MediaTek chipsets and will soon be reviewing one MT6513 based smartphone. Keep posted!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

HD958 (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

The so long waited dual SIM smartphones with 3G capabilities are now entering the market. One of the first of its kind is the HD958, from HOTWith the introduction of the low-cost Qualcomm MSM7227 chipset, it becames quite a feasible option for dual SIM smartphone manufacturers because it offers advanced processing and rich multimedia while supporting HSDPA/HSUPA for broadband data speeds over 3G networks.

As of today, HD958 runs Android OS, in its version 2.2 (Froyo), although it's announced that an update to version 2.3 (Gingerbread) will be released in the future.

Specifications

Chipset

Name:Qualcomm MSM7227
CPU:600 MHz ARM11™
GPU:Adreno 200
Instruction set:ARMv6

Software environment

Embedded:OS: Android 2.2.1 (Froyo)

Body

Dimensions
(width x height x depth):
118 x 61 x 12.8 millimetres
Weigth:147 grams
Color:Black

Battery

Capacity: 1850 mAh

Memory

RAM:capacity:512 MB
ROM-capacity:512 MB
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:Sharp LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:3.8 inches, WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)

Camera

Main (rear):5 megapixels with autofocus
Secondary (front):0.3 megapixels

Interfaces

Bluetooth (802.15):Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):  IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
USB:USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s)
USB Series Micro-B (Micro-USB) connector

Satellite navigation

Built-in GPS module:SiRF III chipset
GPS antenna:Internal
Complementary GPS services:  A-GPS (Assisted GPS)

Additional features

Sensors:
Gravity, Proximity and Light sensors
Analog Radio:FM radio (87.5-108 MHz)

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Aphone A6 Pro (Dual SIM)

Introduction

Again, a dual SIM dual standby smartphone, also based on a MediaTek chipset. Aphone A6 Pro is an iPhone 4 clone that runs Android OS.

Specifications

Chipset

Name:MediaTek MT6516
CPU:416 MHz ARM9™
Instruction set:ARMv5

Software environment

Embedded:OS: Android 2.2.1 (Froyo)

Body

Dimensions
(width x height x depth):
117 x 62.5 x 9.9 millimetres
Weigth:150 grams
Color:Black

Memory

RAM:capacity:256 MB
ROM-capacity:512 MB
Expansion slot:microSD memory card, supporting up to 16 GB

Network support

Primary phone:GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Secondary phone:GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:GPRS, EDGE

Display

Type:LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:3.5 inches, HVGA resolution (320 x 480 pixels)

Camera

Main (rear):5 megapixels (interpolated) with autofocus
Secondary (front):None

Interfaces

Bluetooth (802.15):Bluetooth 2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):  IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
USB:USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s)
USB special connector

Satellite navigation

Built-in GPS module:MT6620 chipset
GPS antenna:Internal
Complementary GPS services:  A-GPS (Assisted GPS)

Additional features

Sensors:
Gravity and Proximity sensors
Analog Radio:FM radio (87.5-108 MHz)

Sunday, February 13, 2011

MT6516 flashing tutorial

Here you can find the instructions on how to flash your MT6516 based phone. Although example images shown here refer to a specific phone, you can flash other phones based on this MediaTek chipset, with the correct ROM files, of course.

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

Friday, January 21, 2011

HOT HD9 (Dual SIM) - Part II

Introduction

As promised, here is the second review of HOT HD9 Dual SIM, that will now cover only the operating system part, now running Android. I flashed the Android ROM just two days ago, so I haven't really had the time to fully enjoy my "new" phone. Yes, I can say that it became a completely new and different phone because Android is simply amazing and runs really well on it.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

HOT HD9 (Dual SIM) - Part I

Introduction

Well, my first review will focus on the newest HTC HD2 clone. This clone is based on a MediaTek chipset and features dual SIM dual standby support. This clone is also known as HD9 because it's a new release which is an exact copy of the original HTC HD2 (in terms of size, camera location and compatibility with original accessories).

Specifications

Chipset

Name:MediaTek MT6516
CPU:416 MHz ARM9™
Instruction set:ARMv5

Software environment

Embedded OS:Windows Mobile 6.5
Android 2.2.1 (Froyo)

Body

Dimensions
(width x height x depth):
120.5 x 67 x 11.3 millimetres
Weigth:150 grams
Color:Black

Memory

RAM:capacity:256 MB
ROM-capacity:512 MB
Expansion slot:microSD memory card, supporting up to 16 GB

Network support

Primary phone:GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Secondary phone:GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:GPRS, EDGE

Display

Type:LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:4.3 inches, WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)

Camera

Main (rear):8 megapixels (interpolated) with autofocus and dual LED flash
Secondary (front):0.3 megapixels

Interfaces

Bluetooth (802.15):Bluetooth 2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):  IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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)

Additional features

Sensors:
Gravity and Proximity sensors
Analog Radio:FM radio (87.5-108 MHz)

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Welcome to Smartphone Reviews

Hello everyone and welcome to Smartphone Reviews. Here you will find reviews and lots of information about several smartphones.

Please enjoy.