MyPhone Rio Junior TV, A Budget Android Smartphone With TV, Full Review

As part of Geeky Pinas' Christmas giveaways, MyPhone sponsored 4 MyPhone Rio Junior TV units for our grand giveaway. We were able to fully test the device during the Christmas break and now I'll be sharing you my impressions of this budget Android smartphone with TV! :) 

Since I love watching TV (especially Filipino teleseryes), I really got excited to test the device. :)) So here it is... By the way, if you'd like to win one of the 4 units we have on hand, head over to this link.

MyPhone Rio Junior TV Package

What's in the box?

MyPhone Rio Junior TV and its accessories

• MyPhone Rio Junior TV unit
• Data Cable
• Adapter
• Stock Earphones
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Certificate

Build Quality

Front of MyPhone Rio Junior TV

For the price (Php 1,899), the build quality phone is decent even if its made of plastic. The screen is also made of glass plastic and seems to be better when compare to ZH&K's Pac 25 (both handsets have the same price range). The corners of the handset are round.

The capacitive keys of the MyPhone Rio Junior TV are hard to see especially when used indoors and in dark places because it doesn't have backlit. Although this is quite okay because you'll get used to it after long time of usage.

Speaker Grills of MyPhone Rio Junior TV

Under the capacitive keys is the unusual speaker grills that almost occupied the bottom front of the MyPhone Rio Junior TV. Since it's a TV smartphone, the speaker was designed like this to deliver the good sound volume and quality when you're watching.

Back of MyPhone Rio Junior TV

The back of the MyPhone Rio Junior TV is made of a glossy plastic. Based on experience, this type of plastic is prone to hairline scratches, but with proper care, I'm sure we can avoid that. On the back of phone, you will also see the rear camera, flash, the MyPhone and Rio Junior TV branding.

Top Edge of MyPhone Rio Junior TV  - 3.5mm jack and antenna

Since it's a TV smartphone, it has an antenna located at the top right edge of the handset. Beside it is the 3.5mm jack where you can plug your earphones.

Bottom Edge of MyPhone Rio Junior TV - MicroUSB Port

Side Edge of MyPhone Rio Junior TV- Volume Rocker and Power Button

Although the MyPhone Rio Junior TV is thick, it's still handy and feels good to hold. On the right side edge of the handset is where the power button and volume rocker are located.

Antenna of MyPhone Rio Junior TV

Camera

The camera is obviously not the strength of this phone but for the price, it's really better compared to other handsets under 2K. It can deliver pretty decent photos on good light conditions. The shots I've taken are grainy and slightly blurred. It's for you to judge. Check it out below.

Rear Camera

Rear Camera Outdoor Shot

Rear Camera Indoor Shot

Front Camera

Front Camera Indoor Shot

Video Sample

Rear Camera Video Sample

Front Camera Video Sample

Audio Quality

The microphone quality of this phone is decent. It's a lot clearer than most phones under Php 2K I've tried.

The audio playback of this phone is a little better than most phones under 3K. It has a wider than average soundstage and good treble sparkle. However there's some harshness in its mids which is more understandable at this price category. The lows is also there even its not that prominent. It's also not that loud as I have to put the volume on 80% to get the satisfactory sound for most.

TV Feature

Choose your channel! :)

The handset's TV feature is very easy to use. You have to select first the location, scan channels then you're good to go. Don't forget to extend the antenna and position it very well to catch a good signal! :)

This is perfect for people like me who are always on the go. One instance when I was stuck in traffic and my favorite teleserye was already on air. Good thing I have this with me and was able to enjoy watching despite the traffic condition. Of course I used my earphones so as not to disturb the people beside me. :))

The 3.5-inch screen feels just right while watching. It's neither big nor too small. :) Check out the sample video while I'm watching ABS-CBN's It's Showtime :))) LOL

TV MODE ON!

User Interface

Very clean UI from MyPhone!

Specifications

• Display: 3.5-inch HVGA Capacitive Touch Screen
• Processor: 1.3 GHz Dual Core MediaTek MT6571
• RAM: 256 MB
• ROM: 512 MB
• Rear Camera: 1.3 MP
• Battery: 1300 mAh capacity
• OS: Android 4.4 Kitkat
• Connectivity: WiFi 
• Sensors: Motion Sensor
• Others: TV Function
• Price: PHP 1,899.00

Benchmark

Antutu - 10724

The AnTuTu Becnhmark is high for the price of the smartphone. It's even higher than MyPhone A888 that's scored only 8K. :) Back then, the MyPhone A888 was priced at around Php 5K.

Performance

The smartphone's performance is decent when apps are open one at a time. Expect it to lag when you're opening heavy apps like games and FB Messenger, or when you're opening many apps at the same time due to its low RAM. Although the built-in apps can be run simultaneously as I have not experience any lags.

Pros

• Decent build quality
• TV Feature
• Android 5.0 KitKat OS

Cons

• Capacitive keys don't have backlit
• Low RAM

Verdict

For this price, it delivered more than expected. This phone is best for people who loves to watch local shows on TV while on the go. It's also pretty fast for an entry-level Android phone since it's OS is already running Android 4.4 KitKat. Knowing MyPhone's excellent customer service and quality, I'm pretty sure this would last for a good while! :)