Header Ads

Cherry Mobile Touch XL 2 Unboxing And First Impressions - The Most Affordable VR Ready Phone Yet

OPPO
Infinix
Virtual Reality ready devices is the trend today and will continue to be the trend of the future. However, not everyone can afford a Galaxy S7 or even just a K4 Note. That's why Cherry Mobile is stepping up its game again by making a VR ready phone with gyroscope sensor that's never before seen on a budget phone.
Cherry Mobile Touch XL 2 unboxing and first impressions
Cherry Mobile Touch XL 2 unboxing and first impressions

That is the Cherry Mobile Touch XL 2, the sequel to the highly successful Touch HD that touts several improvements in specs and HUGE upgrade in screen size. Not only that, the local mobile giant also bundled this phone with a FREE generic VR box that enables you to experience VR experience on a budget.

Recently, we receive our demo unit from Cherry Mobile for testing and review. So without further delay, let's start.

Disclaimer: This review unit was provided by the PR company of Cherry Mobile for an honest review

Cherry Mobile Touch XL 2 Specs

Display: 6 Inch HD IPS 1280 x 720 resolution at 245 ppi
CPU: 1.3 GHz MT6580 quad core processor
GPU: Mali 400
RAM: 1 GB
ROM: 8 GB expandable via micro SD card up to 64 GB
Back Camera: 8 MP w/ AF and LED flash
Selfie Camera: 2 MP
Battery: 3,000 mAh
OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, HSPA+, Bluetooth, GPS, A GPS, dual SIM (micro)
Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, light, proximity
Others: FREE VR Glasses
Dimensions: 160 x 84 x 8.5 mm
Weight: 183 g
Price: 3,499 Pesos

Unboxing / Accessories

The box of the phone
The box of the phone

The Touch XL 2 comes with the familiar Cherry Mobile box that we always see with their products. Aside from that there's also an additional box that has the cardboard like generic VR glasses inside.
Inclusions inside the phone
Inclusions inside the phone

On the box of the phone, you'll find a 1A wall charger / adapter, micro USB data / charging cables, earphones with mic, FREE screen protector and paper documentations.
Box of the VR glasses
Box of the VR glasses

Upon opening the box of the VR glasses, you'll see a generic looking VR Box that's made out cardboard. There are also some straps and rubber like parts for better comfort when using the VR Box.
Inclusions inside the VR box
Inclusions inside the VR box

So far, even without a case included, this package is one of the nicest around. Thanks to that VR box that's bundled here.

Build Quality / Design

The brushed aluminum like plastic back of the phone
The brushed aluminum like plastic back of the phone

If you take a look at its build, the Touch XL 2 doesn't feel like a 3,499 Pesos device. While it mostly made out of plastic, it feels so much better and more solid than most of the phones I was able to hold for this price. It also has an illusion of a metal clad phone and there are times that it feels like one that won't break that easily unless you force it. On top there's a real glass screen that we're not yet sure if it has some sort of glass protection.
The 3,000 mAh battery, dual micro SIM and micro SD card slot here
The 3,000 mAh battery, dual micro SIM and micro SD card slot here

In terms of design, this phone better reminds me of several Huawei devices and the big Cherry Mobile Flare Mate sans the fingerprint sensor at the back. There's a brushed aluminum like design at the back, nice smooth curves on the side / corners and sexy lines all over. From afar and even when you take a look at it closely, this is a phone that won't make you shy to flaunt outdoors. There are just large black bezels on the screen, but its understandable for a every phone that's priced below 10K Pesos.
3.5 mm jack and micro USB data / charging port on top
3.5 mm jack and micro USB data / charging port on top
Microphone and speaker below
Microphone and speaker below
Power button and volume rocker at the right side
Power button and volume rocker at the right side

Ergonomically, we're quite surprised that it isn't that big for a 6 inch phablet. Side by side with our Nexus 6P they're almost at the same size. Take note that the Nexus 6P is also slim and small for its 5.7 inch size.

This phone isn't also too hefty, not that thick and feels great to hold. While it's impossible to use this for one handed operation, the overall texture and grip is exceptional for the price.

Ports and button placements is also presented in the more standard way where you can easily reach the volume rocker and power button on the right side. I would just like it better if the charging port is located below, but having it on top is not really an issue but more of a preference.

Note: We'll update you guys if this has some sort of LED light for notifications.

Specs and features analysis

Full front view
Full front view

On paper, the Cherry Mobile Touch XL 2 doesn't look that powerful, as a matter of fact the 1.3 GHz MT6580 quad core processor by MediaTek here paired with Mali 400 GPU and 1 GB RAM is the norm nowadays. Gladly, Cherry Mobile made the internal storage of this phone a little bigger at 8 GB and loaded it with Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.

We're expecting this to be a good phone for your basic to moderate task that includes SMS, calls, minimal multasking, casual games and watching videos.

The most special trait of this phone is it is VR ready. There are no phones right now in this price bracket that has that capability. Upon checking the phone all you need to do is load your VR content like games and movies.

From my first try of the cardboard like VR box, it reminds me of a lesser AntVR from Lenovo that acceptable give you that wide screen and theater like experience on a budget. Of course, we do not have that much high hopes on this, but at least it gives you that basic VR experience.

Note: Our USB OTG storage didn't work with this phone, we'll test it with other OTG devices soon to confirm if this has OTG capability.

As of the moment

The Cherry Mobile Touch XL is the only way to go if you wanted to a VR ready phone. We also think that individuals who wanted a big screen with smooth performance for the price and specs would love this. Remember, there are very few phones that runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow from locally branded phones today.

Powered by Blogger.
close
gizguide