During the past few days, I've been using the Ekophone Rogue 2 as my main commute phone. I'm happy to report to you guys that this one packs a lot of speed and has decent performance for just PHP 2,500!
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| The ekophone rogue 2! |
For the Unboxing and Initial Impressions: Click Here!
Display
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| While checking it's CPUZ |
The display of this phone has a usable performance when used indoors, the icons were unexpectedly decent enough and has good color balance. However, it didn't perform quite well when used outdoors especially when hit by direct sunlight and the viewing angles were not that good which is understandable for the price. It also didn't have that auto brightness settings for reading outdoors. On a good note, the display durability of this phone feels really good and the overall display quality is better than most entry level phones at this price point. Lastly, the best part about the display is it doesn't strain my eyes even at the max brightness settings.
Battery Life
The battery life of the phone surprised be, it only uses a 1,200 mAh battery capacity but it was able last me a day of use with just average texting, calls and browsing the net.
Battery Life
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| CPUZ and battery life |
Camera
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| Rear Camera shot at SM Megamall |
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| Sefie shot |
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| Indoor shot without flash |
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| Lights off shot with flash (It has a surprisingly strong flash) |
Video sample (Streets of Manila)
The 2 MP rear camera of the Ekophone 2 is decent for the price and could be better than some on this category. There's also a bonus VGA cam that some phones on this price point doesn't have. The quality of the camera is nothing too special, but you can still take clear photos especially if you have good lighting.
Audio Output
Earbuds with mic - I didn't expect much from the stock earbuds. It produces just enough tunes that's listenable enough for regular calls and occasional music.
Earbuds with mic - I didn't expect much from the stock earbuds. It produces just enough tunes that's listenable enough for regular calls and occasional music.
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| Tip: It's better to use an angled earphones with the Ekophone Rogue 2 as straight jacks might break in your pockets |
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| The speaker loudness of Ekophone Rogue 2 is one of it's strongest points |
Speakers - now this is my favorite part of this smartphone, the Ekophone Rogue 2 packs a lot of volume and has surprising clarity and details! In general the speaker volume of Ekophone Rogue 2 is louder Redmi 1S and ZTE Blade Vec 4G for example.
Microphone Sample
Overall when used as a speaker this phone performs better than a lot of phones even at a higher price point as it produces loud and bright tunes with surprising decent sound quality. However, the audio output via headphones sounded weak and thin. It wasn't able to drive the RHA MA450i and Quadbeat 2 properly. Only the Philips SHE3590 sounded decently on it. Maybe rooting the phone to install apps that can further increase the volume would help.
Performance
With it's quad core processor and 512 MB RAM the Ekophone Rogue 2 is probably one of the fastest smartphone in the sub 2.5K range. The overall experience was smooth with just a little lag in opening some apps. Using the basic functions of the phone like calling, regular browsing and music is great. There just few bugs in the text messaging apps that sometimes the send button doesn't appear immediately. (Though it's very minimal and tolerable) The overall interface is very easy to use and understand and there's almost no bloatwares installed.
I expected that this entry level Android phone won't fare that well when it comes to gaming. I experienced some lags even with just playing Subway Surfers which is understandable for at this very low price.
Note: I was surprised to find out that this device uses a 1.2 GHz quad core processor instead of just 1 GHz written on the spec sheet! Ekotek over delivered again.
History: That happened with the Ekophone 5.10 the camera is just listed at just 8 MP, but in reality it really has 13 MP. :)
Benchmarks
With it's quad core processor and 512 MB RAM the Ekophone Rogue 2 is probably one of the fastest smartphone in the sub 2.5K range. The overall experience was smooth with just a little lag in opening some apps. Using the basic functions of the phone like calling, regular browsing and music is great. There just few bugs in the text messaging apps that sometimes the send button doesn't appear immediately. (Though it's very minimal and tolerable) The overall interface is very easy to use and understand and there's almost no bloatwares installed.
I expected that this entry level Android phone won't fare that well when it comes to gaming. I experienced some lags even with just playing Subway Surfers which is understandable for at this very low price.
Note: I was surprised to find out that this device uses a 1.2 GHz quad core processor instead of just 1 GHz written on the spec sheet! Ekotek over delivered again.
History: That happened with the Ekophone 5.10 the camera is just listed at just 8 MP, but in reality it really has 13 MP. :)
Benchmarks
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| It managed to score almost 14K via Antutu Benchmark |
Pros - Quad core processor, 512 MB RAM, Loud speakers, Fast and responsive apps switching, Great value for an entry level Android phone, Great build quality, Designed like a pricier phone
Cons - 2 point multi touch only, The display is not good with angles, not good even for light games
Verdict
If you're looking for a very cheap entry level Android phone for calls, texting and just browsing the net with good loud speakers. This phone could be the one for you! The build and design quality is also above average which makes this a very appealing phone for the masses as well. Overall, it's going to be a decent buy for the price.
Where to get this? Click Here!
If you're looking for a very cheap entry level Android phone for calls, texting and just browsing the net with good loud speakers. This phone could be the one for you! The build and design quality is also above average which makes this a very appealing phone for the masses as well. Overall, it's going to be a decent buy for the price.
Where to get this? Click Here!
