MyPhone my28S Review

Performance and Benchmarks

The my28S has a generally average performance for its class, with occasional stutters and slowdowns in games and even on multitasking given the 512MB RAM configuration. What’s really weird about the phone is that it gets warm even on the simplest functions such as leaving the phone connected to WiFi for a small amount of time. We think that the phone’s OS isn’t suitable for this kind of hardware configuration, as the cores are running full-scale even when it is idle. Check out our benchmarks:

AnTuTu 5.7: 19,327
Vellamo: 1,230 (Browser), 648 (Metal), 1,185 (Multicore)
Quadrant Standard: 4,820
3DMark: 1,714 (Ice Storm Extreme)

Connectivity and Battery Life

All of the phone’s connectivity options work properly. Connecting to mobile data is swift, and the WiFi has stable reception. Calls made using the device are good as well, with the call earpiece blasting moderate, clear sound, and the microphone receiving good voice recognition.

Battery life, however, is an entirely different story. With a measly 1,450mAh battery, we don’t really expect this to last until from morning to bedtime. True enough, we had two to three recharges everyday with moderate to heavy use, and the battery drops significantly even when idle. When we checked with our PCMark test, we got only 3 hours and 13 minutes, and it’s a really good sign to have a powerbank ready should you buy this phone.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that MyPhone got ahead in the sub-1K smartphone race with the announcement of the Smart my28/my28S, and the masses loved the offer. For Php888USD 15INR 1,283EUR 14CNY 110, the common Juan who never got a smartphone can finally get his hands on the most affordable Android Lollipop device that can deliver a decent touch experience, or those who would opt for this as a secondary smartphone to use in public places.

Yes, we think that those who will have a smartphone for the first time will love this, but the device leaves a lot to be desired. We don’t think we need to be complaining given the current price point, but if the phone is still priced at the original Php1,999USD 34INR 2,888EUR 32CNY 248, we’d be complaining about the short battery lifespan that decreases even when idle, the frequent heat-ups, the non-lit front capacitive buttons, and the rather average rear camera. The internal storage downgrade from the original my28 is something to take note, too, as you’d be stuck with constant checking your internal storage given a measly 4GB storage capacity.

Their partnership with a telco could take a hit with Globe users wanting this device, too, as both SIM slots are locked to the Smart networks. Nevertheless, if you’re a Sun or Smart subscriber, then this may not be a problem for you.

Overall, the my28S is a welcome treat for everyone wanting a piece of decent smartphone experience, and we hope to see more affordable phones coming out in the market in the future.

MyPhone my28S specs:
4-inch WVGA (800 x 480) display, 233ppi
1.2GHz Spreadtrum SC7731 quad-core processor
512MB RAM
4GB internal storage
expandable up to 32GB via microSD
5MP rear camera w/ LED flash
2MP front camera w/ LED flash
Dual-SIM (Micro + Mini)
3G, 2G
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
GPS
1,450mAh removable battery
Android 5.1 Lollipop

What we liked about it:
*Good build quality
*Android Lollipop out of the box
*Affordable

What we didn’t like about it:
*Preinstalled apps take a lot of space
*SIM slots are locked only to the Smart Network
*Bundled headset is not at par
*Non-lit capacitive keys