Posted: 05 Nov 2011 05:49 AM PDT
As it is, HTC Sensation is already an amazing handset. I own one and I can honestly say that it's one of the best smartphones ever created by HTC -- if not by the whole of humanity (no drama there, believe me).
 If HTC Sensation is already outstanding, then what can be said about HTC Sensation Extreme Edition aka HTC Sensation XE?  HTC Sensation XE brings the Taiwanese company's current flagship handset to a whole new level with an improved dual-core processor and a bigger battery, delivering enhanced performance and longer uptime on top of the key specifications and features of the original Sensation, which include Full HD 1080p recording, 8 MegaPixel autofocus camera with dual LED flash, and HTC Sense experience among others. But really, what makes this super-charged Android Gingerbread handset really special is its music playback capabilities.  HTC Sensation XE is practically the first product of HTC's recent investment into Beats by Dr. Dre, a company which makes some of the best earphones in the world today. As such, HTC Sensation XE is the first handset to come with Beats Audio experience - a combination of software and hardware audio enhancements that allow users to hear music the way the artist intended! When paired with the exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre in-ear headphones, the handset automatically switches to Beats by Dr. Dre sound profile, delivering audio tracks tuned specifically for the award-winning headphones. Coming Soon To the Philippines! I've just received word from TP's very reliable source and industry insider that HTC Sensation XE is already set to be launched in the Philippines on November 11, 2011 -- that's next week! According to our valued source, HTC Sensation XE will come as a free bundled handset with Smart Unlimited Data Plan 2000 and will don a premium price tag of Php 32,000 with Prepaid Kit. While we're awaiting further updates, check out HTC Sensation XE's complete technical specs:
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Posted: 05 Nov 2011 01:54 AM PDT
Since TechPinas now has both Samsung Galaxy Mini and Samsung Galaxy Y in our hideout, I figured I'd pit them against each other in a design and specs comparison battle just to show which one offers more bang for the buck!
(This makes sense, I think. Afterall, Galaxy Mini and Galaxy Y could very well be the best-selling Samsung phones in the Philippines right now, apart from Samsung Corby 2 -- or at least that's what sales ladies in cellphone shops would usually tell me when I do my rounds in malls.)
Let's start with the design:
Samsung Galaxy Mini and Samsung Galaxy Y, respectively.
Design-wise, Samsung Galaxy Mini can be described as a 'Samsung Corby 2 doppelganger' while Samsung Galaxy Y looks like a shrunk Samsung Galaxy Ace with a metallic back panel. Now, I don't know about you but I think Galaxy Y pretty much slays Galaxy Mini in this department. Galaxy Mini looks and feels if a bit more plasticky while Galaxy Y's metallic accents and overall refined design give it a more sophisticated look and durable feel.
Now, on to the specs (No other way to do it than via TechPinas traditional specs comparison table. Here in TP, we stick to facts.):
Specs-wise, Samsung Galaxy Mini has a slightly bigger screen and a higher resolution camera compared to Galaxy Y. Nonetheless, Samsung Galaxy Y has faster processor, a more updated operating system, and a screen with higher pixel density. Other specifications are largely the same.
Price-wise, as of writing, Samsung Galaxy Mini is more expensive than Samsung Galaxy Y by around a thousand bucks. In malls, Samsung Galaxy Y Smart Netphone Edition sells for Php 5,990 while you can get Samsung Galaxy Mini for Php 6,850.
So which phone do I prefer? Well, I actually think both phones are good enough for entry-level users. I'd imagine students will have a hard time choosing between these two. But 'pound-for-pound' (that is, all features considered), I think Samsung Galaxy Y is just a tad better.
(This makes sense, I think. Afterall, Galaxy Mini and Galaxy Y could very well be the best-selling Samsung phones in the Philippines right now, apart from Samsung Corby 2 -- or at least that's what sales ladies in cellphone shops would usually tell me when I do my rounds in malls.)
Let's start with the design:
Design-wise, Samsung Galaxy Mini can be described as a 'Samsung Corby 2 doppelganger' while Samsung Galaxy Y looks like a shrunk Samsung Galaxy Ace with a metallic back panel. Now, I don't know about you but I think Galaxy Y pretty much slays Galaxy Mini in this department. Galaxy Mini looks and feels if a bit more plasticky while Galaxy Y's metallic accents and overall refined design give it a more sophisticated look and durable feel.
Now, on to the specs (No other way to do it than via TechPinas traditional specs comparison table. Here in TP, we stick to facts.):
| Detail/Feature | Samsung Galaxy Mini | Samsung Galaxy Y |
Availability and Price in Philippines | Now out in the Philippines Price upon release - Php 10,000 Current Price in Malls - Php 6,850 | Now out in the Philippines Current Price in Malls - Php 5,990 |
Dimensions/ Weight | 110.4 x 60.8 x 12.1 mm 105 g | 104 x 58 x 11.5 mm 97.5 grams |
Screen/ Features | 3.14 inches (~127 ppi pixel density) 240 x 320 pixels, TFT capacitive touchscreen, 256K colors - Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate - Proximity sensor for auto turn-off - Multi-touch input method - Touch-Sensitive Controls - TouchWiz User Interface | 3 inches (~133 ppi pixel density) 240 x 320 pixels, TFT, capacitive touchscreen, 256K colors - Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate - Proximity sensor for auto turn-off - Multi-touch input method - Touch-Sensitive Controls - TouchWiz User Interface |
| Operating System Upon Release | Android OS, v2.2 (Froyo) | Android OS, v2.3 (Gingerbread) |
CPU | 600 MHz processor | 832 MHz processor |
| Internal storage | 160 MB, expandable via microSD, supports up to 32GB, ships with 2GB SDcard | 160 MB, expandable via microSD, supports up to 32GB, ships with 2GB SDcard |
Wifi | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot | Yes, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot |
3G | Yes, HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps | Yes, HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps |
MicroSD | Yes, Supports up to 32GB | Yes, Supports up to 32GB |
Camera | 3.15 MegaPixels, 2048x1536 pixels, no flash Video capture: Yes, QVGA 15 frames per second Secondary camera: No | 2 MegaPixels, 1600x1200 pixels, no flash Video capture: QVGA 15 frames per second Secondary camera: No |
Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
Digital Compass | Yes | No |
EDGE | Yes | Yes |
GPRS | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth | Yes, v2.1 with A2DP | Yes, v3.0 with A2DP |
Built-in MicroUSB Port | Yes, v2.0 | Yes, v2.0 |
Audio Jack | Yes, 3.5mm | Yes, 3.5mm |
HDMI Port | No | No |
Stereo FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
Games and Apps | Yes, via Android Market | Yes, via Android Market |
Java | Yes, via Java MIDP emulator | Yes, via Java MIDP emulator |
Default Browser - Flash support | No (possible via SkyFire Browser) | No (possible via SkyFire Browser) |
Battery Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh | Li-Ion 1200 mAh |
Specs-wise, Samsung Galaxy Mini has a slightly bigger screen and a higher resolution camera compared to Galaxy Y. Nonetheless, Samsung Galaxy Y has faster processor, a more updated operating system, and a screen with higher pixel density. Other specifications are largely the same.
Price-wise, as of writing, Samsung Galaxy Mini is more expensive than Samsung Galaxy Y by around a thousand bucks. In malls, Samsung Galaxy Y Smart Netphone Edition sells for Php 5,990 while you can get Samsung Galaxy Mini for Php 6,850.
So which phone do I prefer? Well, I actually think both phones are good enough for entry-level users. I'd imagine students will have a hard time choosing between these two. But 'pound-for-pound' (that is, all features considered), I think Samsung Galaxy Y is just a tad better.