If there is a local brand and phablet model that the consumer market should consider, its the Kata M1. This 5.7-inch phablet is a monster. Once you used it, you will forget that there are top brands out there that has really expensive price tag. The M1 has 13MP shooter with AF and flash at the back, and a 5MP selfie camera. Also, the 4,000mAh battery will keep you connected via 3G for more than 10 hours. It will even extend to 48 hours if you only connect the phablet to your WiFi network.
Kata M1 is a limited edition model according to Kata CEO David Chen, who was in the country in April. Only white version is available and it was only distributed in HongKong and here in the Philippines. M1 is powered by a 1.5Ghz quad-core Mediatek 6589 processor, a 2GM of RAM is there so that no lags will be experienced, and if 16G of internal storage is not yet enough, the microSD slot can still house a 32G of additional memory.
Kata M1 has a removable battery which means you have to open the back cover to install the SIM card (it has two, BTW, one microSIM and one regular SIM), and the microSD slot is also accessible when you open the phablet. During the entire review, we opened this phablet several times to change SIM card, install and change microSD card, but the lock remains tight.
It has a beautiful display, very clear with a 1080 x 1920 screen resolution. The 5.7-inch display is housed on a gigantic body that measures 6.5 inches tall. One hand operation is not possible with this device. At this screen size, you will be delighted to watch your favorite movies while waiting for your delayed flight at the NAIA Terminal 3.
#CapturedbyKata #KataM1 #IloveKata
If you are following us on social media, you would have noticed the hashtag above. We have been trying and testing the M1 for four weeks. We challenged the camera, the battery life and the total performance of the phablet. We are glad it did not disappoint us. Although there are minor points that need improvement, we can say that M1 will pass the test with flying colors.
We mentioned earlier that it can hold up to 48 hours or two days with just one full charge. Here is another feature that you will like — if you turn off WiFi and data, and just leave the phone without any activity overnight, the battery drains very minimal — at least only 3%. I tried leaving it at 40% battery life at 9PM, at 7AM the battery has still 38% left. My iPad mini drains faster that this.
Check out sample photos taken by JuanManilaExpress
Our friend Enzo, the Editor-in-Chief of Adventour Magazine has more photos in his review. Check it out here. Here is one sample he took from his out of town trip recently.
Here are few of our own photos:
High-res copy of this photo above is here.
High-res copy of this photo above is in this link.
Conclusion
If battery life is always your problem, Kata M1 is the phone that you want to carry everyday. We have tested it and it did not fail us. If you love taking photos using your phone, M1 will not fail you either. But be prepared with a steady hand or you will get some blurred copies. Camera focus is fast, even faster than the LG G Pro 2. M1 will be your best multi-media device – from viewing HD movies, to taking great photos. Even the phone performance with a stock Android in place is still impressive — you can install your own customization like launchers and themes without any issue.
Best bang for the buck at P9,999, a promotional price but still justifiable even if it sells at the regular price of P11,999.
Kata M1 Specs
- 1.5GHz quad-core MediaTek MTK 6589 processor
- 2GB of RAM
- 16GB internal storage expandable via microSD
- 5.7-inch full HD LCD display, 1080 x 1920 resolution
- 13MP rear camera with AF and flash
- 5-MP selfie camera
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, A-GPS
- Dual-SIM, dual standby
- HSPA
- 4000mAh battery
- Android 4.2
Pricing and Availability
Kata M1 like we mentioned is a limited edition phablet, so if you want to get yourself one, go to the nearest Kata store near you. It is priced at P9,999 (pre-order price, but they haven’t changed this until now).
Kata stores in the Philippines
- EDSA Starmall, 3rd Level
- Forum Robinsons, 2nd Level
- Robinsons Place Lipa, 2nd Level
- KATA KIOSK
- SM City Fairview, 3rd Level SM Cyberzone
- SM City Marikina, UG Level SM Cyberzone
- SM City Manila, LG Level SM Cyberzone
- SM City North EDSA, 4th Level SM Annex Cyberzone
- SM City Sta. Mesa, 3rd Level SM Cyberzone
- SM City Sta. Rosa, 2nd Level SM Cyberzone
- SM Megamall, 4th Level SM Cyberzone
- SM Pampanga, Ground Floor SM Cyberzone
- SM South mall, 3rd Level SM Cyberzone
- SM City Becton, Lower Ground Floor
- Isleton Mall, 3rd Level
- Robinsons Place Emus, 3rd Level
- Robinsons Metro east, 3rd Level
Coming soon in these new locations:
- SM City Clark, 2nd Level Cyberzone
- Lucky China Town Mall, 3rd Level
- SM City Lipa, 2nd Level Cyberzone
