Cherry Mobile unveils Philippines’ first Android tablet-phone, two handsets

The Superion, the Android tablet-phone with a Qualcomm processor.

Maverick Philippine handset maker Cherry Mobile tonight unveiled the country’s first Android-powered tablet and two other Android phones.

The Superion, priced at P19,990, is powered by Android OS 2.2 (Froyo) and sports the following: Qualcomm MSM 7227 600MHz processor, 512MB ROM/512MB RAM, 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, 16GB expandable to 32MB, 3G/HSDPA, GPS/AGPS, WIFI, Bluetooth, standard mini-USB, 3.5 standard audio jack, G-sensor, ambient light sensor and two cameras (3MP main camera with autofocus and a VGA camera in front).

Cherry Mobile also launched the Magnum HD handset, also powered by Android OS 2.2 (Froyo). Specs include: Qualcomm 1GHz processor, 4.1 WVGA capacitive touchscreen, 2GB ROM/512MB RAM, expandable to 32GB, WIFI, Bluetooth, standard micro-USB, 3.5mm audio jack, HDMI-D type, 720p recording, 5MP camera with flash and a VGA front camera. Price: P18,990.

The Magnum HD, with high-resolution display and 720p video.

Rounding up Cherry Mobile’s major triple is the Nova, an Android 2.1 handset, also with a Qualcomm processor (600MHz). Specs: WIFI, Bluetooth, GPS/AGPS, 5MP camera with flash. Price: P11,490.

Cherry Mobile's Nova, an Android 2.1-powered handset which looks like the HTC Magic.

The three Android devices are all quadband GSM (850/900/1800/1900) and triband UMTS (900/1900/2100).

I was able to quickly check out the Nova and Superion, and I have to admit that they are well-made and Cherry Mobile’s product development team did a good job at planning for them.

The entry of Cherry Mobile’s Nova, Magnum HD and Superion gives Filipinos an expanded array of choices and gives the top guns of the handset-making industry a run for their money. The price points for the three products are very competitive if placed toe-to-toe with Android devices from other handset makers.

For now, we have much thinking and saving to do on which devices to buy, because Cherry Mobile seems to have rolled out really competitive handsets and an interesting tablet-phone.