Comparative Review: Asus ZenFone Selfie vs Obi worldphone SF1

Asus and Obi have launched their devices in the recent past targeting the youth. While Asus aims at impressing the selfie generation with its device named ZenFone Selfie, Obi promises to help youth step ahead in life with their Worldphone SF1 in hand. In this brief review, we compare the two devices to see which one has better chances with the selfie-loving youth.

It is evident from the data slide that ZenFone Selfie is relatively bigger and heavier device than Obi’s SF1. While ZenFone is available in three-color options (i.e. white, pink and aqua blue), SF1 comes in the all time standard black only. However, Obi SF1 stands out for sleek unibody with metallic accents and floating glass that give it a premium look.

On the display front, given its larger overall dimensions, ZenFone offers bigger display screen size. While the resolution of the two devices is same, Obi takes a lead in terms of higher pixel density, which means relatively sharper images. Also, while both the devices offer the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass (CGG) 4 protection, Obi SF1 has an edge due to its Oleophobic coating that does not allow fingerprints.

On the performance front, Obi Worldphone SF1 runs on Android 5.0.2, which is slightly ahead of ZenFone Selfie. While both the devices are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 Octa-Core processors, ZenFone takes slight (0.2GHz) lead in the processing strength.

ZenFone Selfie and Obi SF1 come in two variants: 2GB/3GB RAM. Moreover, the 3GB RAM devices of both Asus and Obi have same internal memory (32GB), ZenFone takes a lead in expandable memory front by offering 128GB as opposed to Obi’s 64GB.

On the Camera front, while the primary cameras of both Obi Worldphone SF1 and ZenFone Selfie are 13MP, the key difference lies in the secondary camera, where Selfie takes a huge lead over SF1 by offering 13MP front camera too. However, Obi SF1’s camera offers features such as UBI Focus, OptiZoom and Chroma Flash that allow users to be more creative than in the case of Asus ZenFone. SF1 camera certainly takes a lead due to its Sony Exmor sensor.

Both the devices have same battery capacity, however, Obi SF1’s Quick Charge 1.0 allows for charging the device 40% faster. Moreover, SF1 also offers the advantage of Dolby Audio Surround Sound, something that is missing in ZenFone. All other features such as Wi-Fi, GPS, Blue Tooth, number of SIMs, proximity sensor, accelerometer, ambient light sensor and gyroscope etc. are available in both the devices.

Overall, we think, while Asus ZenFone Selfie does live up to its name by offering a whopping 13MP front camera and larger expandable memory, Obi Worldphone SF1 seems lot more balanced device with attention to details in terms of design, viewing experience, sound quality, quick charging etc. Moreover, in terms of price, Obi SF1 costs about USD30 lesser than ZenFone Selfie.

Continue Reading...

Lenovo S60 vs Obi Worldphone SF1

With increasingly commoditizing market, the smartphone makers are finding it hard to get customers’ attention by counting their device strengths. Obi Worldphone and Lenovo with their recently launched devices, specifically Obi Worldphone SF1 and Lenovo S60, have gone beyond the usual spec war. While Obi is stressing on its model’s capacity to add to its user’ style statement, Lenovo is emphasizing on its device’s ability to enhance individual’s social life. Since the price of the two devices is about the same, lets see if there is anything that really distinguishes the two.

While Obi SF1 takes a lead on account of OS, processor, resolution, GPU, pixel density, storage and battery, Lenovo S60 is relatively thinner and lighter. Moreover, Obi offers Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection with Oleophobic coating that will keep the device new and scratch free. Although cameras of both the devices are same, Obi SF1 seems to have an edge on this front too, as its camera features include UBI Focus, Opti Zoom and Chroma Flash. Furthermore, Obi’s Dolby Audio surround sound feature makes the device stand out with sharp and clear sound.

Overall, even if we discount the design aspects, Obi SF1 simply out shines Lenovo S60 with its great specifications. Looking at the price, if Obi SF1 costs $199 and Lenovo S60 costs $184, which is about the same. So, with little extra, one can have a lot more stylish and powerful device.

Continue Reading...

Obi Worldphone SF1 Comes with Lot of Promise

Competition and the need to stand out is forcing smartphone makers to consistently improve and look for new ways to differentiate. Obi Worldphone has recently launched two devices SF1 and SJ1.5 that are being talked for their design value. Particularly, Obi Worldphone SF1 makes a claim to have combined unique design with no-compromise on technology at exceptionally attractive price point. SF1 had its global launch in San Francisco this year followed by regional launches in East Asia(Vietnam, Thailand), Middle East(Dubai, Saudi Arabia) and lately in India. Therefore, in this review we are focusing on Obi Worldphone SF1 to see what all it comes with.

Look & Feel

In the very first look SF1 takes no time in impressing you with its elegant design and the ‘Designed in San Francisco’ engraving at the back sort of indicates why. Apparently, the device has been designed by the renowned SFO-based design firm Ammunition Group. Its black metallic body with rounded edges and slightly raised glass is both classy and also comfortable to hold in one hand. With 146x74x8mm dimensions, the smartphone weighs just 147g which is quite light for your pocket.

Display

The 5 inch screen of SF1 puts you into surprise when you see your fingers easily moving from one edge to another. The raised screen, which gives the device its unique look, has the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection. The full HD (1080 x 1920 pixels) resolution would ensure visual experience of sharp and rich colour images. Moreover, even when you are under direct sunlight, you have the advantage of still being able to read the screen well.

Performance

SF1 is tightly packed with specifications that make you doubt its price. It runs on Android 5.02 (Lollipop) OS powered by 1.5 Ghz Octa-Core Qualcomm MSM8939 64-bit Snapdragon 615 processor. The octa-core does not just mean eight cores, but four 1.7GHz cores and four 1Ghz cores, which means processor keeps moving between high capacity and low capacity cores depending upon the load facilitating both high performance and power savings. The device comes in two 3GB (32GB storage) and 2GB (16GB storage) variants, can be further expanded to 64GB using microSD card. It also comes with Adreno 405 GPU 64 bit, which makes HD gaming experience exceptional due to its compatibility with 2D and 3D games. Furthermore, SF1’s dual SIM tray comes along with the MicroSD card tray, making it a single address from where one can reach out to the world and also let entertainment stuff get into your device.

Additional Features

Cameras: SF1 has 13 MP back camera and 5 MP front cameras. Despite of there being LED flash on both the sides, the front-facing LED flash takes the lead with its just so apt placement for a perfect selfie lightning. The professional touch in its output comes through its Sony IMX214 Exmor sensor and Qualcomm ChromaFlash, UbiFocus and OptiZoom. Its hybrid auto focus enables split-second perfect focus in any light through phase-detection technology.

Battery: Obi Worldphone SF1 is equipped with a Quick Charge 3000 mAh Li-Po battery that gives up to 20 days of standby time, up to 28 hours of talktime, up to 10 hours of video playback time and up to 100 hours of music playback time. The quick charge technology allows the battery to get charged in much lesser time than normal.

Audio: SF1 also comes with superior audio. Its Dolby Audio Surround Sound interprets your playlist in a powerful, real and clear version. Moreover, its noise cancellation facility through dual microphones ensures high quality sound even in noisy settings.

Final Take

Going by its premium design and superior technology, it is clear that the device has got immense potential. Furthermore, its indicative price of USD199 makes the device even more attractive. Although the device was launched in San Francisco on 26^th August 2015, it is still not out in the market for sales in any country. However, this is certainly a device whose performance would be carefully watched once it is out due to its association with some prominent industry names.

Continue Reading...

Obi Worldphone SF1 vs Asus Zenfone2 Laser (ZE500KL)

Recently launched Obi Worldphone SF1 is getting lot of attention for combining the best of design and technology at unusually attractive price points. At the same time, Asus’ Zenfone2 Laser (ZE500KL) has been getting attention due to its very inviting tag line “experience tomorrow”. All these grand claims notwithstanding, it is important to look at the specifications of both the devices to understand who stands where. The following table indicates the specifications of the two smartphones.

As the specifications indicate, Obi SF1 has more advanced versions of Operating System (OS) and Snapdragon chipset, bigger storage and higher battery capacity in comparison to Zenfone 2 Laser. Moreover, with an enhanced combination of pixel-merging technology and GPU, SF1 gives better visual experience as well. Although both the devices have Gorilla Glass 4 protection, but Obi SF1 has a leg up over Zenfone 2 due to its Oleophobic coating that does not allow fingerprints.

Furthermore, SF 1’s camera comes with additional features such as UBI Focus, OptiZoom, and ChromaFlash. SF 1 also has Quick Charge 1.0 and Dolby Audio Surround that provide it an edge over Zenfone2. The most important fact is the price that could be the game changer. Obi SF1 can save you almost $50 equivalent. So, why pay more when a device with a great design and superior technology also comes at a remarkable price.

Continue Reading...