Cherry Mobile recently introduced a smartphone that targets users who are big fans of taking selfies and aptly named it the Selfie. Read on this quick review and find out if its dual 13-megapixel cameras are indeed effective for taking photos.
As we’ve mentioned on our first impressions with the Selfie, it carries an unconventional look and takes a break from the usual all-plastic build commonly utilized by the local company. What’s noticeable apart from its arced tips on both the top and bottom is the brushed metal that goes around the device – almost.
The metal frame takes a break at the bottom where the plastic material from the back cover extends as the base. Over here is the microUSB port and at the top, you have the 13-megapixel camera accompanied by an LED flash for selfies.
At the right side we have a dedicated camera shutter button situated in the middle. This is how we know that Cherry Mobile is concentrating on imaging for this model.
Just above it are the dual-SIM slots while the volume rocker is located on the flip side — strategically-placed for easy access. In addition, The power/lock button is up top together with the audio jack.
The back is where the same 13-megapixel camera is located flanked by two LED flashes. The rear camera is adorned with a plate of textured chrome that positively accentuates the device. At the bottom is a speaker grille which is also emblazoned with a chrome trim.
The device has a good heft to it which I personally prefer since I feel like I would accidentally toss a phone when it’s too light. Its 4.7-inch display also sits just right at the palm and could be navigated using one hand. In terms of design, it’s refreshing to see that Cherry Mobile is investing on a more premium build.
Booting up the device shows the Selfie branding and introduces you to the startup guide. UI is generally fluid as we navigate and jump across apps thanks to its 2GB RAM and Android KitKat running the OS department. We’re happy to report that we didn’t come across any hiccups or crashes during our time with it.
We ran a couple of benchmarks as well and below are their scores:
AnTuTu: 31,733
Quadrant Benchamark: 13,743
NenaMark2: 61.1fps
(Using front-facing camera) Right – Cherry Mobile Selfie | Left – iPhone 5
The company obviously banks on the Selfie’s imaging capabilities. With 13-megapixel cameras attached both at its front and back, we snapped a couple of photos and what’s initially noticeable is its capability to compensate for brightness even on low-light situations.
The front-facing camera, based on our experience, would definitely make selfie-centric users happy with its balance of clarity, right amount of exposure, and natural-looking application of effects.
Speaking of effects, its Camera app has an included feature that softens the details on the skin, removing blemishes and oily look. The effect’s intensity could be set from 0-5 so it’s up to the users how much effect they want (or need) to apply on their faces.
We have a few more shots below so check them out and just read the description to know what situation we used it for.
The Selfie also has ClearMotion Technology which is a video fluency enhancer. While looping a video clip to test out its battery, we noticed that movement was extra smooth during playback, almost mimicking a 120Hz refresh rate seen in some smart TVs.
As for its battery life, we only managed to squeeze out 3 hours and 5 minutes while playing videos continuously.
The Cherry Mobile Selfie is a product of today’s trend, especially here in the Philippines. As the selfie capital of the world, it’s understandable why the company designed a smartphone dedicated to imaging. The Selfie is a device with a good and attractive form factor, a fluid UI, and cameras that take good photos even in low-light areas.
Cherry Mobile Selfie specs:
4.7-inch IPS HD display @ 1280 x 720 resolution
1.7GHz MediaTek octa-core processor
Mali 450 MP4 GPU
2GB RAM
16GB internal storage
13MP rear camera with Sony lens and dual LED flash
13MP front camera with flash
Bluetooth 4.0
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Dual-SIM
USB OTG
2300mAh Li-Ion battery
Android 4.4KitKat
Price: Php9,999
What we liked about it:
- Interesting combination of metal and plastic build
- Good display
- Performs well
- Smooth video playback (ClearMotion Technology)
- Definitely for selfie users
- Dedicated camera button
What we didn’t like:
- Below average battery life
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