Torque DROIDZ Octave hands-on, first impressions

Torque launched another smartphone in the DROIDZ series late last year. Called the DROIDZ Octave, the handset features an octa-core processor that’s accompanied by modest specs and a price tag under Php7K. Here are our first impressions on the device while we prepare its review.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-1

The Torque DROIDZ Octave sports a 5-inch HD display with 1280 x 720 resolution. This totals to 294ppi which has a pixel density that’s packed tight as we’ve noticed during our short time browsing the phone. It utilizes capacitive buttons that thankfully light up when the device is being used. As for its bezels, they’re not that thick, but not too thin either.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-12

Looking at it on its side shows that being slim isn’t the selling point of the Octave since it has a bit of chunk in it. Holding it, we wouldn’t say it is heavy, but one could feel the phone’s heft as it sits on the hand. In this angle we could also see a metal strip that runs around the device — an attempt by the company to make the smartphone have a hint of a premium look and feel.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-3

As with almost all smartphones, the front-facing camera sits right beside the speaker for calls, along with the sensors.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-10

Turning it around and you’ll be greeted with its 8-megapixel rear shooter that’s accompanied by dual LED flashes. This tandem of lights should be capable of illuminating subjects even in low-light conditions so watch out for our sample images on the upcoming review.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-8

The only physical buttons seen on the device are its volume rocker and power/lock screen buttons. Yet, they reside in different sides with the power button on the right, and the volume rocker on the left strip. The metal frame has curves for corners which is more of like an elegant approach (at least that’s how we see it).

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-6

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-7

The headphone jack is situated up top, while down under is the microUSB port together with the pinhole for microphone.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-4

Finally, popping open its plastic back cover reveals its 1900mAh battery which is removable. In here we also find the slots for two SIM cards and one microSD card for storage expansion.

The device runs on Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box and so far we didn’t encounter any major hiccups while we use the phone. The capacitive buttons are also responsive to any touch input so that’s a good thing. Stay tuned as we spend a little bit more time with the handset to test it out.

If you want to know anything about the device, just shoot a comment down below and we’ll include that on the review.

Torque DROIDZ Octave specs:
5-inch HD IPS display, 294ppi
1.4GHz MediaTek MT6592 octa-core CPU
1GB RAM
8GB internal storage
up to 32GB via microSD
8 megapixel AF rear camera w/ dual LED flash
5 megapixel front camera
Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby
3G HSPA+
WiFi
Bluetooth
Android 4.4 KitKat
Price: Php6,399

The post Torque DROIDZ Octave hands-on, first impressions appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Torque DROIDZ Octave hands-on, first impressions

Torque launched another smartphone in the DROIDZ series late last year. Called the DROIDZ Octave, the handset features an octa-core processor that’s accompanied by modest specs and a price tag under Php7K. Here are our first impressions on the device while we prepare its review.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-1

The Torque DROIDZ Octave sports a 5-inch HD display with 1280 x 720 resolution. This totals to 294ppi which has a pixel density that’s packed tight as we’ve noticed during our short time browsing the phone. It utilizes capacitive buttons that thankfully light up when the device is being used. As for its bezels, they’re not that thick, but not too thin either.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-12

Looking at it on its side shows that being slim isn’t the selling point of the Octave since it has a bit of chunk in it. Holding it, we wouldn’t say it is heavy, but one could feel the phone’s heft as it sits on the hand. In this angle we could also see a metal strip that runs around the device — an attempt by the company to make the smartphone have a hint of a premium look and feel.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-3

As with almost all smartphones, the front-facing camera sits right beside the speaker for calls, along with the sensors.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-10

Turning it around and you’ll be greeted with its 8-megapixel rear shooter that’s accompanied by dual LED flashes. This tandem of lights should be capable of illuminating subjects even in low-light conditions so watch out for our sample images on the upcoming review.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-8

The only physical buttons seen on the device are its volume rocker and power/lock screen buttons. Yet, they reside in different sides with the power button on the right, and the volume rocker on the left strip. The metal frame has curves for corners which is more of like an elegant approach (at least that’s how we see it).

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-6

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-7

The headphone jack is situated up top, while down under is the microUSB port together with the pinhole for microphone.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-4

Finally, popping open its plastic back cover reveals its 1900mAh battery which is removable. In here we also find the slots for two SIM cards and one microSD card for storage expansion.

The device runs on Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box and so far we didn’t encounter any major hiccups while we use the phone. The capacitive buttons are also responsive to any touch input so that’s a good thing. Stay tuned as we spend a little bit more time with the handset to test it out.

If you want to know anything about the device, just shoot a comment down below and we’ll include that on the review.

Torque DROIDZ Octave specs:
5-inch HD IPS display, 294ppi
1.4GHz MediaTek MT6592 octa-core CPU
1GB RAM
8GB internal storage
up to 32GB via microSD
8 megapixel AF rear camera w/ dual LED flash
5 megapixel front camera
Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby
3G HSPA+
WiFi
Bluetooth
Android 4.4 KitKat
Price: Php6,399

The post Torque DROIDZ Octave hands-on, first impressions appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Torque DROIDZ Octave hands-on, first impressions

Torque launched another smartphone in the DROIDZ series late last year. Called the DROIDZ Octave, the handset features an octa-core processor that’s accompanied by modest specs and a price tag under Php7K. Here are our first impressions on the device while we prepare its review.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-1

The Torque DROIDZ Octave sports a 5-inch HD display with 1280 x 720 resolution. This totals to 294ppi which has a pixel density that’s packed tight as we’ve noticed during our short time browsing the phone. It utilizes capacitive buttons that thankfully light up when the device is being used. As for its bezels, they’re not that thick, but not too thin either.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-12

Looking at it on its side shows that being slim isn’t the selling point of the Octave since it has a bit of chunk in it. Holding it, we wouldn’t say it is heavy, but one could feel the phone’s heft as it sits on the hand. In this angle we could also see a metal strip that runs around the device — an attempt by the company to make the smartphone have a hint of a premium look and feel.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-3

As with almost all smartphones, the front-facing camera sits right beside the speaker for calls, along with the sensors.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-10

Turning it around and you’ll be greeted with its 8-megapixel rear shooter that’s accompanied by dual LED flashes. This tandem of lights should be capable of illuminating subjects even in low-light conditions so watch out for our sample images on the upcoming review.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-8

The only physical buttons seen on the device are its volume rocker and power/lock screen buttons. Yet, they reside in different sides with the power button on the right, and the volume rocker on the left strip. The metal frame has curves for corners which is more of like an elegant approach (at least that’s how we see it).

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-6

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-7

The headphone jack is situated up top, while down under is the microUSB port together with the pinhole for microphone.

torque-droidz-octave-review-philippines-4

Finally, popping open its plastic back cover reveals its 1900mAh battery which is removable. In here we also find the slots for two SIM cards and one microSD card for storage expansion.

The device runs on Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box and so far we didn’t encounter any major hiccups while we use the phone. The capacitive buttons are also responsive to any touch input so that’s a good thing. Stay tuned as we spend a little bit more time with the handset to test it out.

If you want to know anything about the device, just shoot a comment down below and we’ll include that on the review.

Torque DROIDZ Octave specs:
5-inch HD IPS display, 294ppi
1.4GHz MediaTek MT6592 octa-core CPU
1GB RAM
8GB internal storage
up to 32GB via microSD
8 megapixel AF rear camera w/ dual LED flash
5 megapixel front camera
Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby
3G HSPA+
WiFi
Bluetooth
Android 4.4 KitKat
Price: Php6,399

The post Torque DROIDZ Octave hands-on, first impressions appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Hands-on: Torque’s budget phones with rotating cameras

Torque yesterday introduced four new handsets that took the rotating camera technology from other high-end phones and made it affordable. How affordable? Think as low as Php4.4K. Here’s our hands-on with the DROIDZ Swivel, DROIDZ Pivot, DROIDZ Rotate, and DROIDZ Axis.

We’ve compiled our hands-on in one video so hit the play button to see more of each devices including its rotating cameras, button placements, and form factor.

Torque-DroidzSwivel480

Torque DROIDZ Swivel initial specs:
4.7-inch qHD IPS display, 540×960 pixels, 234ppi
1.2 GHZ Quad-Core processor
1GB RAM
8GB internal storage
expandable via microSD
8.0-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, rotating up to 180 degrees
3G 850/2100 MHz, Quad-band
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS
Android 4.4 KitKat
1700mAh battery
Price: Php4,599

The Swivel is a 4.7-inch smartphone with a 1.2GHz quad-core processor. As you can see, it has the rotating camera up top that sports an 8-megapixel sensor and LED flash. The back has a faux leather protection that doesn’t make the device look cheap even if it’s affordable. We have the speaker grille at the bottom, with the volume rocker and lock button on the right side. The left is devoid of anything, while three capactive buttons are at the base of the device. It has cornered edges on the sides, but the top and bottom edges are curved.

Torque-Pivot

Torque DROIDZ Pivot initial specs:
5-inch qHD IPS display, 540×960 pixels, 220ppi
1.2 GHZ Quad-Core processor
1GB RAM
8GB internal storage
expandable via microSD
8.0-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, rotating up to 180 degrees
3G 850/2100 MHz, Quad-band
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS
Android 4.4 KitKat
1700mAh battery
Price: Php4,999

Another dual-SIM phone is the Pivot which has a bigger display than the Swivel at 5 inches diagonally. The frame is made of aluminum which feels solid to the hands. The company situated the audio jack in an odd place at the left side of the handset. Up top, you have the 8-megapixel rotating camera that’s accompanied by a single LED flash. Button placements like the lock and volume are still similar to the Swivel. And lastly, sitting down under are the microUSB port and mic for calls. While the surroundings are made out of a well-built frame, the back cover still remains plastic and is a fingerprint magnet.

Torque-Droidz-Rotate-Physique

Torque DROIDZ Rotate initial specs:
7-inch WSVGA display
1GHz quad-core CPU
1GB RAM
4GB internal storage
microSD card slot
8 megapixel 180-degree rotating camera
Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby
3G
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS
Android 4.4 KitKat
1,850mAh battery

The Rotate is the lowest-spec’d handset from the group, but stretches its display to 7 inches. Just like any other 7-inchers, it’s quite big for one-handed usage so you have to dedicate both your hands while navigating it. Its got the same 8-megapixel rotating camera with LED flash on black against white. The DROIDZ Rotate is the most affordable among the bunch so you get polycarbonate plastic as its body. The back has a segmented design with the speaker grill also located in this same area. Its camera is easy to rotate depending on what you’re going to use it for, and you have your usual buttons still on the right side. Although the device is big, it’s not that heavy on the hands so users can work or play on it for extended periods of time.

torque droidz axis_1

Torque DROIDZ Axis initial specs:
7-inch WXGA HD display
1.2GHz quad-core CPU
1GB RAM
8GB internal storage
microSD card slot
8 megapixel 180-degree rotating camera
Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby
3G
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS
Android 4.4 KitKat
1,850mAh battery
Price: Php5,799

The last phablet to complete the lineup is the Axis. It’s the most expensive model out of the four since it carries an HD display. It has a pretty vibrant screen, but with somewhat thick bezels. It also touts three capacitive buttons for navigation. Like the Rotate, the back is also segmented that combines matte and glossy finish. You have your utility ports at the bottom with the speaker grille also on the back cover. They also went for contrasting colors for the power/lock button with the volume rocker on the right side. Of course, the 180-degree rotating camera is present with the same color scheme and houses the LED flash as well. It is chrome-trimmed so it looks nice and elegant. Meanwhile, the audio jack is conveniently-placed at the top.

These devices are some of the cheapest you can find in the market today that sport rotating cameras. So if you’ve been wanting to get this feature but don’t want to shell out a lot of dough, these Torque DROIDZ are your next best bet.

The post Hands-on: Torque’s budget phones with rotating cameras appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

Hands-on: Torque’s budget phones with rotating cameras

Torque yesterday introduced four new handsets that took the rotating camera technology from other high-end phones and made it affordable. How affordable? Think as low as Php4.4K. Here’s our hands-on with the DROIDZ Swivel, DROIDZ Pivot, DROIDZ Rotate, and DROIDZ Axis.

We’ve compiled our hands-on in one video so hit the play button to see more of each devices including its rotating cameras, button placements, and form factor.

Torque-DroidzSwivel480

Torque DROIDZ Swivel initial specs:
4.7-inch qHD IPS display, 540×960 pixels, 234ppi
1.2 GHZ Quad-Core processor
1GB RAM
8GB internal storage
expandable via microSD
8.0-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, rotating up to 180 degrees
3G 850/2100 MHz, Quad-band
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS
Android 4.4 KitKat
1700mAh battery
Price: Php4,599

The Swivel is a 4.7-inch smartphone with a 1.2GHz quad-core processor. As you can see, it has the rotating camera up top that sports an 8-megapixel sensor and LED flash. The back has a faux leather protection that doesn’t make the device look cheap even if it’s affordable. We have the speaker grille at the bottom, with the volume rocker and lock button on the right side. The left is devoid of anything, while three capactive buttons are at the base of the device. It has cornered edges on the sides, but the top and bottom edges are curved.

Torque-Pivot

Torque DROIDZ Pivot initial specs:
5-inch qHD IPS display, 540×960 pixels, 220ppi
1.2 GHZ Quad-Core processor
1GB RAM
8GB internal storage
expandable via microSD
8.0-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, rotating up to 180 degrees
3G 850/2100 MHz, Quad-band
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS
Android 4.4 KitKat
1700mAh battery
Price: Php4,999

Another dual-SIM phone is the Pivot which has a bigger display than the Swivel at 5 inches diagonally. The frame is made of aluminum which feels solid to the hands. The company situated the audio jack in an odd place at the left side of the handset. Up top, you have the 8-megapixel rotating camera that’s accompanied by a single LED flash. Button placements like the lock and volume are still similar to the Swivel. And lastly, sitting down under are the microUSB port and mic for calls. While the surroundings are made out of a well-built frame, the back cover still remains plastic and is a fingerprint magnet.

Torque-Droidz-Rotate-Physique

Torque DROIDZ Rotate initial specs:
7-inch WSVGA display
1GHz quad-core CPU
1GB RAM
4GB internal storage
microSD card slot
8 megapixel 180-degree rotating camera
Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby
3G
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS
Android 4.4 KitKat
1,850mAh battery

The Rotate is the lowest-spec’d handset from the group, but stretches its display to 7 inches. Just like any other 7-inchers, it’s quite big for one-handed usage so you have to dedicate both your hands while navigating it. Its got the same 8-megapixel rotating camera with LED flash on black against white. The DROIDZ Rotate is the most affordable among the bunch so you get polycarbonate plastic as its body. The back has a segmented design with the speaker grill also located in this same area. Its camera is easy to rotate depending on what you’re going to use it for, and you have your usual buttons still on the right side. Although the device is big, it’s not that heavy on the hands so users can work or play on it for extended periods of time.

torque droidz axis_1

Torque DROIDZ Axis initial specs:
7-inch WXGA HD display
1.2GHz quad-core CPU
1GB RAM
8GB internal storage
microSD card slot
8 megapixel 180-degree rotating camera
Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby
3G
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS
Android 4.4 KitKat
1,850mAh battery
Price: Php5,799

The last phablet to complete the lineup is the Axis. It’s the most expensive model out of the four since it carries an HD display. It has a pretty vibrant screen, but with somewhat thick bezels. It also touts three capacitive buttons for navigation. Like the Rotate, the back is also segmented that combines matte and glossy finish. You have your utility ports at the bottom with the speaker grille also on the back cover. They also went for contrasting colors for the power/lock button with the volume rocker on the right side. Of course, the 180-degree rotating camera is present with the same color scheme and houses the LED flash as well. It is chrome-trimmed so it looks nice and elegant. Meanwhile, the audio jack is conveniently-placed at the top.

These devices are some of the cheapest you can find in the market today that sport rotating cameras. So if you’ve been wanting to get this feature but don’t want to shell out a lot of dough, these Torque DROIDZ are your next best bet.

The post Hands-on: Torque’s budget phones with rotating cameras appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.