G14 (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

I have been a little busy lately, testing a new MT6573 based smartphone... and this time the review will focus on the G14, a clone of HTC Sensation.

Specifications

Chipset
Name:	MediaTek MT6573
CPU:	650 MHz ARM11™
GPU:	PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:	ARMv6
Software environment
Embedded:OS:	Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread)
Body
Dimensions (width x height x depth):	126 x 65.4 x 11.3 millimetres
Weigth:	148 grams
Color:	Black
Battery
Capacity:	1500 mAh
Memory
RAM:capacity:	512 MB
ROM-capacity:	512 MB
Expansion slot:	microSD memory card, supporting up to 32 GB
Network support
Primary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS900, UMTS2100
Secondary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:	GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSUPA
Display
Type:	Sharp LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:	4.3 inches, WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)
Camera
Main (rear):	8 megapixels (interpolated) with autofocus and dual LED flash
Secondary (front):	1.3 megapixels
Interfaces
Bluetooth (802.15):	Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):	IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
USB:	USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s) USB Series Micro-B (Micro-USB) connector
Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS module:	MT6620 chipset
GPS antenna:	Internal
Complementary GPS services:	A-GPS (Assisted GPS), MediaTek EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit)
Additional features
Sensors:	Gravity, Proximity and Light sensors
Analog Radio:	FM radio (87.5-108 MHz) with RDS radio receiver

Design and construction

The size of G14 is a little bit larger than other smartphones, in that it comes in at 11,3 mm thick - noticeably thicker than HD9, but still feeling comfortable in the hand.

The phone itself is encased in toughened plastic and aluminium (which feels more like plastic) through the stripe in the centre - the whole back of the phones pulls away from the main device, with the antenna and suchlike pumped into the chassis rather than on the phone itself.

The 3,5 mm headset jack and dedicated power button are located on the top edge. You'll also find an extra-large volume rocker on the left side, as you would on the G11i Pro.

The micro-USB port is located on the left edge. I usually prefer to have it at the top or bottom so that I can use the phone -while in charge- without having the cable get in the way.

The four Android buttons on the bottom are visible at all times (even when the phone display is off). On some handsets they become invisible, to make the phone “look better” and to save on backlight power consumption.

On the back side, we find the 8 megapixels autofocus camera sat next to a dual LED flash and a single loudspeaker grille.

Getting the back of the phone off through the little catch at the bottom is much harder than it looks, with the fingers needed to prise it apart almost holding it in place at the same time - wiggling and shaking is needed to get to the battery and microSD card slot.

The two SIM slots can only be accessed after removing the battery, but the microSD slot is accessible even with battery in place.

Display quality

This phone features a new LCD from Sharp. At first glance, it can be noticed a great definition.

The only thing I can point to this display is that colours don't seem too vivid, although it may be only a matter of setting the contrast (if that's possible).

Functionality

After my previous tests with the newest version of HD9, I thought that all MT6573 phones shared the same framework (which meant that in terms of features it was pretty much the same as when compared with G11i Pro features). I was happily surprised to see that G14 has a little bit different framework. 

This new framework includes some nice CyanogenMod features, such as enhanced notification widgets.

There's a new entry on the normal settings menu, that provides access to extra settings.

Under the dual SIM management menu, the user can edit the name of each SIM and also set the associated background color that will appear in call log as well as in the notification bar (behind the network strength bars). Other than that, also in the same menu, the user has the possibility to set a default card to establish all outgoing calls or set it to always ask, thus enabling the pop up that can be seen some images above showing the dialer (with the options of which SIM card should initiate the call). The same thing can be set for messaging and data connection purposes. In addition, given that G14 supports 3G networks, the option of video calls can also be noticed.

The extra settings menu includes advanced options related with application, display, input, interface and ringtones. Within extra display settings, screen-off and screen-off animations can be configured. Amazing animations, in my opinion, which imitate the CRT screen effect.

Lots of widgets can be added to the notification panel...

During the past few weeks, I noticed that battery performance is pretty good, taking into consideration the large screen size. With moderate use, I can get the battery to last 2 to 3 days, before putting it into charge.

Final thoughts

This is a good phone for people looking for an alternative to HD9. In terms of stability, speed, call quality, it is not different than the other MT65x3 clones, which means that MediaTek really did a great job.

Highs:

• Based on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
• Beautiful and renewed Dual SIM user interface
• Good battery life
• Dual SIM with 3G support

Lows:

• Display colours are not too vivid

HD9 (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

Last month, I had the chance to test a friend's new HD9. It's a recently released refresh of the "old" HD9 as it is now based on the MT6573 chipset. This means that if you like it's design, you can now enjoy a faster Dual SIM smartphone that supports 3G networks.

Specifications

Chipset
Name:	MediaTek MT6573
CPU:	650 MHz ARM11™
GPU:	PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:	ARMv6
Software environment
Embedded:OS:	Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread)
Body
Dimensions (width x height x depth):	119 x 65 x 10 millimetres
Weigth:	150 grams
Color:	Black
Memory
RAM:capacity:	512 MB
ROM-capacity:	512 MB
Expansion slot:	microSD memory card, supporting up to 32 GB
Network support
Primary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS900, UMTS2100
Secondary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:	GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSUPA
Display
Type:	Sharp LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:	4.3 inches, WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)
Camera
Main (rear):	8 megapixels (interpolated) with autofocus and single LED flash
Secondary (front):	1.3 megapixels
Interfaces
Bluetooth (802.15):	Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):	IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
USB:	USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s) USB Series Micro-B (Micro-USB) connector
Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS module:	MT6620 chipset
GPS antenna:	Internal
Complementary GPS services:	A-GPS (Assisted GPS), MediaTek EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit)
Additional features
Sensors:	Gravity, Proximity and Light sensors
Analog Radio:	FM radio (87.5-108 MHz) with RDS radio receiver

Design and construction

The body and quality of construction is pretty much the same...

The screen is a new version, though. This time, the manufacturer's choice was to use a Sharp ASV-LCD.  

Features

The new version of HD9 shares the framework with G11i Pro, so it has exactly the same features. Take a look at it's review to know more about it.

Final thoughts

This refresh brings improvements over the old one, not only for the better user experience in terms of speed, but in great part for the added 3G support and improved network reception.

Just visit my partner shop (etotalk.com), if you are interested to buy this phone.

G11i Pro (Dual SIM with 3G support)

Introduction

If you have read my G11i review and became interested, you'll definitely desire one G11i Pro. It was released approximately one month ago and the main difference when compared to G11i is the chipset... it's based on MT6573, which means 3G support! That's right, G11i Pro is a Dual SIM Dual Standby smartphone with 3G support.

Specifications

Chipset
Name:	MediaTek MT6573
CPU:	650 MHz ARM11™
GPU:	PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:	ARMv6
Software environment
Embedded:OS:	Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread)
Body
Dimensions (width x height x depth):	120 x 64 x 11.7 millimetres
Weigth:	140 grams
Color:	Black
Battery
Capacity:	1450 mAh
Memory
RAM:capacity:	512 MB
ROM-capacity:	512 MB
Expansion slot:	microSD memory card, supporting up to 32 GB
Network support
Primary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS900, UMTS2100
Secondary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:	GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, HSUPA
Display
Type:	Sharp LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:	4.0 inches, WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)
Camera
Main (rear):	8 megapixels (interpolated) with autofocus and dual LED flash
Secondary (front):	1.3 megapixels
Interfaces
Bluetooth (802.15):	Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):	IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
USB:	USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s) USB Series Micro-B (Micro-USB) connector
Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS module:	MT6620 chipset
GPS antenna:	Internal
Complementary GPS services:	A-GPS (Assisted GPS), MediaTek EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit)
Additional features
Sensors:	Gravity, Proximity and Light sensors
Analog Radio:	FM radio (87.5-108 MHz) with RDS radio receiver

Design and construction

In terms of quality of construction, there are no differences between G11i and G11i Pro. It is still a greatly built copy of Incredible S.

As a quick side note, the original battery from HTC won't fit in this phone. I'm just referring it because some people asked me if the original battery would fit. In fact, that's the only original accessory that you can't use on G11i / G11i Pro. 

There's only one subtle difference in the Pro version, when compared to the normal one. That is the microSD slot, which has been moved a little bit and the battery now obstructs the removal of the memory card (it isn't hot-swappable any more).

Display

There's not much to say about the display, as the manufacturer is still using the same good old Sharp LCD screen...

Features

Just in case you've missed my G11i review, please take some time and read it now because it doesn't make sense to detail all the features again (jump directly to G11i functionality review). Everything is pretty much the same and the only new feature that is worth mentioning is the 3G support.

Under the dual SIM management menu, the user already had the possibility to set a default card to establish all outgoing voice calls. In addition, given that G11i Pro supports 3G networks, the option of video calls can now be noticed.

The user can choose the SIM to establish the data connection and although SIM1 supports data connections up to HSPA, SIM2 is limited to EDGE / GPRS.

Final thoughts

Well, if you were looking for a good Dual SIM featuring 3G support, this is a great choice. It sports good voice call quality, stability, fast and smooth user experience.

Just let me finish this review with a little advertisement... in order to avoid questions regarding where to buy it from, you can always visit my partner shop (etotalk.com). G11i Pro is now available for 229 USD.

MT65x3 (MT6513 / MT6573) flashing tutorial

With the release of the MT65x3 (MT6513 and MT6573) platform, a new version of SP Flash Tool was released. It doesn't make sense to go into deep details about the whole flashing process, because everything should be exactly the same as described on my MT6516 flashing tutorial.

The new MT65x3 phones already support flashing via USB data cable without the need of the USB to UART cable, although that cable is still needed if this new tool is used with an old MT6516 based phone.


Apart from the entire NAND flashing, it is noteworthy that you can flash only parts of the ROM. The following pictures will detail how to flash recovery image only. Sometimes that is required in order to flash a custom recovery which will then allow updating the phone using custom ROMs through the recovery menu.

• First of all, make sure that you install the latest MT65x3 USB VCOM drivers. Now, open SP Flash Tool and make sure you mark USB Mode under Options tab.

• Load the scatter file (MT6573_Android_scatter.txt) and ignore any message that may appear. After that, select the part you wish to flash into your MT65x3 based phone and make sure you select the right file location. In this example, it's shown the recovery partition.

• Turn off your phone by removing the battery and replacing it after a few seconds. With phone completely switched off, press F9 (or hit Download button - the third one with an arrow) to start download and when the countdown starts connect the USB data cable into your phone.
• The download of the chosen partition image(s) will start. After the yellow progress bar is complete, a popup with a green circle should appear.

Attention: Please follow the instructions carefully. I will not take any responsibility on whatever may happen with your phone.

Note: All needed tools and drivers can be downloaded from my MT65x3 Tools 4shared folder. The password to login is bm-smartphone-reviews.blogspot.com. Have fun.

G11i (Dual SIM)

Introduction

As I already mentioned on my previous post, MediaTek has released a new platform and the first MT65x3 based smartphones are now appearing. This review will focus on the G11i, a clone of HTC Incredible S, featuring the new MT6513 chipset.

Specifications

Chipset
Name:	MediaTek MT6513
CPU:	650 MHz ARM11™
GPU:	PowerVR™ SGX 531
Instruction set:	ARMv6
Software environment
Embedded:OS:	Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread)
Body
Dimensions (width x height x depth):	120 x 64 x 11.7 millimetres
Weigth:	140 grams
Color:	Black
Battery
Capacity:	1450 mAh
Memory
RAM:capacity:	512 MB
ROM-capacity:	512 MB
Expansion slot:	microSD memory card, supporting up to 32 GB
Network support
Primary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Secondary phone:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Data links:	GPRS, EDGE
Display
Type:	Sharp LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size:	4.0 inches, WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)
Camera
Main (rear):	8 megapixels (interpolated) with autofocus and dual LED flash
Secondary (front):	1.3 megapixels
Interfaces
Bluetooth (802.15):	Bluetooth 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate
Wireless LAN / Wi-Fi (802.11):	IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
USB:	USB 2.0 Client, Hi-Speed (480 Mbit/s) USB Series Micro-B (Micro-USB) connector
Satellite navigation
Built-in GPS module:	MT6620 chipset
GPS antenna:	Internal
Complementary GPS services:	A-GPS (Assisted GPS), MediaTek EPO (Extended Prediction Orbit)
Additional features
Sensors:	Gravity, Proximity and Light sensors
Analog Radio:	FM radio (87.5-108 MHz) with RDS radio receiver

Design and construction

G11i is a very well built copy of Incredible S, which is distinctive due to its contoured and unmistakable rear patterned design. Since its capacitive touch buttons aren't printed on, we are presented with a completely clean looking surface.

Constructed out of black plastic, its soft touch feel all around enables it to better repel dirt, while providing that adequate firm grip as we hold it.

Thanks to the front-facing 1.3-megapixel above its display, we’re given the opportunity of video calling and shooting self-portraits more easily.

The narrow looking volume rocker is positioned on the left edge of the phone, but despite its flushed appearance, it actually exhibits a reasonable tactile response. Also, the micro-USB port is located on the same side as well for charging and data connection. Meanwhile, the top edge plays host to both the 3.5mm headset jack and dedicated power button – the latter of which is recessed, but still provides a moderate tactile feel when pressed down.

On the back side, we find the 8 megapixels autofocus camera with dual-LED flash and speaker grill located towards the top edge of the handset.

Placed squarely in the middle of the bottom edge, there is a small notch that allows you to easily yank off the rear cover – thus giving you access to the SIM card slots, battery and microSD card slot.

The two SIM slots can only be accessed after removing the battery. As far as it concerns to the microSD slot, it's easily accessible (while rear cover is removed) and as it can be seen, the memory card is hot-swappable.

Display quality and touch-screen

As well as with the previous phones that I've reviewed, G11i also brings a Sharp LCD screen, so quality is preety much the same. 

It features a capacitive display with a WVGA (800x480) resolution. The display produces some rich looking colors that retain their luster since it offers some great viewing angles. During my tests, I had zero problems in trying to view it in outdoor conditions with the glaring sun present.

At first, some might be surprised to find a clean looking front surface, but turning on its display, its capacitive touch buttons come to life. Interestingly enough, they don't appear to be painted on, but rather, they seem to be nothing more than LEDs underneath there.

Functionality

From the moment G11i is turned on, we're presented with the new Gingerbread interface. One of the features that can be noticed from the start is the new place for shortcuts on the notification panel, giving the user a fast access for brightness and display timeout setting, enabling or disabling auto rotation, Wi-Fi, BT, GPS and data connection, as well as alternating between sound profiles.

And just when I thought that dual SIM integration on HD9 was good and couldn't get any better, that's when I got amazed with the refreshed interface. In call history screen, the list of missed / received / made calls can now be checked with the indication of the name of the SIM. In addition, you can filter calls by SIM.

Apart from the new dialer interface, it also brings a smart dialing feature which works wonderfully, enabling you to numerically enter a name, even if it's incomplete (i.e. 8632 for Vodafone, as seen on the picture) and  displaying all matches instantly. With this new dialer, it doesn't exist anymore the two call buttons to choose which SIM should establish the call. Instead, the green call button can immediately start the call when set to a certain SIM card or open a pop up which let's you choose it every time.

It's hard not to accept that this new user interface was definitely thoroughly developed.

Many new options can now be set under the dual SIM management menu. The user can edit the name of each SIM and also set the associated background color that will appear in call log as well as in the notification bar (behind the network strength bars).

Other than that, also in the same menu, the user has the possibility to set a default card to establish all outgoing calls or set it to always ask, thus enabling the pop up that can be seen some images above showing the dialer (with the options of which SIM card should initiate the call). The same thing can be set for messaging and data connection purposes.

Messaging application was updated as well and conversations are now displayed inside color balloons.

Colors have been now added to the icons present in the settings menu, making user experience more eye-appealing. The phone sports all the normal sensors, such as proximity, light and gravity.

It also natively supports portable Wi-Fi hotspot feature, letting the user share data connection over a wireless network.

Just like on previous MT6516 based smartphones, in the new MT65x3 platform, the feature to schedule power on / off is still present. Again, this feature must be evidenced because it can't be found in many smartphones.

Given that G11i is a clone, people might be worried that not all features work, but that is not true. The user can achieve the full Android user experience. It features full Android Market access, provided by the latest version of the application.

The latest version of Google Maps is installed as well.

Other than that, Skype (version 2.0.0.45+) works like it is supposed to and there's already modified version of the Adobe Flash Player application working on ARMv6 devices.

In terms of GSM reception, G11i performs greatly and beats any other clones. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to test a call in a place where I normally couldn't establish it, while using my HD9. Sound quality is clear enough and microphone quality seems to be pretty decent because people tell me that they can hear me perfectly.

Photos and videos

Camera interface provides enough manual controls, such as the ability to modify exposure, contrast, saturation, to enable the user to perfectly capture specific shots in all of their glory. And finally, its vast mix of effects will entertain just about anyone who wants to add a sprinkling of quirkiness or fun to their shots.

When switched to video recording mode, it can be noticed that effects can be applied as well. The maximum video quality is 480p.

MT6513 chipset and benchmarks

MT6513 chipset features a 650 MHz ARM11™ processor and a PowerVR™ SGX531 graphical processor, thus providing support for advanced 3D graphics.

Although I'm not a big fan of benchmarking applications, I just decided to do some benchmarks in order to show the huge differences of G11i when compared to HD9 (MT6513 versus MT6516).

 G11i benchmark scores

HD9 benchmark scores

HD9 wasn't even able to run all the 3D rendering tests, while G11i behaved pretty well. With the same microSD memory card (class 10), the full write speeds can only be reached with G11i.

It's obvious that the comparison between MT6513 and the old MT6516 is not that fair, but in order to see how great the MT6513 performance is, here you have also the benchmark results of HD958 (which is based on MSM7227 chipset):

HD958 benchmark scores

I wasn't expecting to see such a difference between G11i and HD958, but the fact is that there are notorious differences between MT6513 and MSM7227. Not much in terms of CPU (only 650 MHz against 600 MHz), but specially in terms of 3D graphics. The GPU integrated on MT65x3 - PowerVR™ SGX531 - completely outperforms the one used in MSM7227 - Adreno 200.

Video reviews

Here's a video review:

Final thoughts

This was definitely the successor of my HD9. It performs much better than I expected and is indeed a great phone. MediaTek did a good job with the release of the new MT65x3 platform... and, although a little bit late, it was really worth the wait. If people ask me, MT65x3 surely beats MSM7227, not even for the better CPU and GPU performances, but also for the beautiful dual SIM user interface.

Highs:

• Based on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
• Beautiful and renewed Dual SIM user interface

Lows:

• Lack of 3G support