Kata i5 Unboxing And First Impressions - A Sub 8K Phone Contender?

Kata recently launched a line of new phones for the holidays and we couldn't wait to right all about them. Right now, we have the Kata i5 LTE with a decent spec-sheet for the sub PHP 8K price point.

The classic fish out of water logo!

With an SRP of just PHP 7,999 with materials made of metal and 2.5D with specs that matches most of its the competition easily. Will this be the PHP 7,999 phone to beat? Let's see! 

Disclaimer: This i5 is a loaner unit from Kata Philippines for an honest review.

Kata i5 Specs

Display: 5 Inch HD IPS 1280 x 720 resolution at 294 ppi
CPU: 1.3 GHz 64 Bit MT6753 octa core processor
GPU: Mali T720
RAM: 3 GB
ROM: 16 GB expandable via micro SD card slot up to 64 GB
Main Camera: 13 MP f/2.0 w/ AF and LED flash (Gorilla glass protected)
Selfie Camera: 8 MP f/2.8
Battery: 3,000 mAh
OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS
Connectivity: WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, FM Radio, GPS, A GPS, dual SIM
Sensors: Light, proximity, gravity
Others: Fingerprint scanner, Colors: black, white
Dimensions: 143.4 x 71.6 x 9.3 mm
Weight: 155 g
Price: PHP 7,999

Unboxing / Accessories

Metal back plate with premium matte paper packaging

The i5 comes with the familiar packaging found with most kata phones with the signature fish logo and Kata branding on all sides. 

Complete with accessories!

Inside the box, you'll find a regular 1.5A regular USB wall charger, USB to micro USB charging / data cables, earbuds with microphone for calls / music, SIM ejector tool, and documentation. Decent build quality all around but nothing spectacular accessories wise.

Build Quality / Design

Fingerprint sensor, LED flash and camera

In front is a 2.5 glass covered display that is smooth to touch. The back is divided into three sections. Two sections are made of faux metal plastic and the biggest section is made of aluminum. This was done probably to reduce weight and to increase antenna effectiveness.

Spectacular build quality from the i5 compared to last generation!

3.5 mm headphone jack!

Micro USB port with microphone!

Volume buttons and power button!

SIM tray!

The phone feels solid and contrary to other aluminum back smartphones, this doesn't feel like it could slip at any time. This is an added bonus.

It's style is good enough to impress even picky individuals!

Premium exudes from each part even the plastic sections because of the well texture faux brushed aluminum. 

Initial findings

1. It's 5 inch HD screen with 2.5D curved isn't that bright and it tends to skew colors to the warmer spectrum. Otherwise the text and the images look sharp and readable.

2. The level of craftsmanship is good and a huge leap from last years Kata phones. They took design cues from our favorite Kata tablet of 2015.

3. Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box and is snappy with normal use and with multiple applications running in the background.

4. The main camera and selfie looks decent in daylight for the price, but we'll need more testing to accurately comment on its quality.

5. It is OTG compatible, but there's no LED notification, and capacitive keys backlight

Camera teaser

Main camera in dim lighting condition

Selfie sample

As of the moment

This phone is shaping up to be a winner from Kata. This is one of the first Kata mobile phones at this price range with this amazing specs with stellar build design. We are very excited and can't wait to put it through its paces.

For our review: Kata i5 Review - A Proper Upgrade?