Entering the smart phone industry with its latest model, the Passion 660 (or P660), Phicomm is definitely hoping to one-up the current big contenders with the phone’s sleek features and impressive technology, all for an affordable price. So let’s see how it fares…
Running on Android 4.4 a.k.a. KitKat (currently not upgradeable to Lollipop), it sports all the basic features of an Android phone and a few of its own original apps like the barometer, pedometer and its own app created for backing up the phone. This is actually better as it gives the phone’s application menu a clean look without many unnecessary ones that other phone companies have pre-installed.
Similar to other phones, the Phicomm P660’s packaging includes the phone, instruction manual, an interchangeable socket head charger, three pin socket head and, uniquely surprising, a pre-packed screen protector—something all handphone companies should learn from to aid their customers who are very prone to dropping their phones (me). The only drawback is the lack of earphones, something essential for nearly anyone who uses a smartphone.
Resembling the Sony Xperia Z3, the P660 is designed like a rectangular slab that is easy to grip and isn’t too oversized in the palm of my hand. The phone only weighs 110 grams and feels almost weightless when compared to other phones in the market. The screen is about 5 inches and provides a 1080p HD screen giving crisp and clear visuals. It also has a dual SIM function, which is especially good for people who need to use it overseas or to have their work and personal lines on the same phone. The only gripe I have with the design is that it doesn’t allow users to remove the battery to change it so once your battery conks out you’ll be heading down to Phicomm service centre more frequently than needed.
Related: Sony’s XPERIA Z3 Drowns the Competition
The built-in rear camera sports a 13 megapixels lens which isn’t too bad and is quite comparable to many phones out there, while the 5 megapixel front camera is average for all you selfie people out there. Also the rear camera records at a full 1080p making sharp and crisp videos an option for you!
The tech inside the phone isn’t too bad too, running an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 MSM8939 system and 2048 MB of RAM, and for you non-techies this just means its pretty fast compared to phones of its grade, giving you more bang for your buck. It also gives users 32 GB of storage space along with an option to upgrade by using a 64GB microSD card, giving users no worries about space.
Lastly, and unfortunately, the battery of the phone isn’t very lasting. Only being able to last 4 hours of talk time, it really loses out to many phones due to the average talk time being 8 hours. And I know this can be a definite turn off for many users as the constant need to charge your phone can be a hassle… trust me, I’ve been there.
Overall, the Phicomm P660 is worth the money but it does not really stand out when it comes to features and design as it tries meld the best features of every phone currently in the market but ends up compromising technology and originality. However, if you are looking for an inexpensive phone with slightly above average features, the P660 is definitely a phone to consider!
Retailing at S$318, the Phicomm P660 is available in black and white and can be purchased on their online store at www.phicommasia.com.