Cherry Mobile recently launched the Selfie Two – the successor to its first Selfie smartphone in 2014. Joining the long list of camera-centric devices, the local mobile manufacturer has to drop its price down without having to compromise its specs.
 |
| Cherry Mobile Selfie Two Review; A Good Catch! |
However, considering that many brands are now offering selfie-centric smartphones, is it still worth the chase? Here’s our review!
PHYSICAL:
Encased in a metal and plastic framing, the Selfie Two is dressed with a premium-like overall look. The device is quite heavy, so, even if its size enables us to use it with just one hand, we still prefer to control it with both hands for a solid grip. Nevertheless, the handset can perfectly sit on your hand.
 |
| Front (Selfie Camera. LED Flash, and Speaker) |
 |
| Below (On-screen Navigation Keys) |
Its 5.2-inch touchscreen has dominated the face of the device, while the 13-megapixel front camera, its LED flash, and speaker are placed above the display. Meanwhile, as it sports on-screen buttons for navigation, the space below the screen is left unoccupied – an inch of a wasted space.
 |
| Right Side (Volume Rockers and Power Button) |
Its volume rockers and lock/power button are thoughtfully situated on the right side of the device, where we can easily reach it. Its left side, however, is a blank space. On the top, the 3.5mm audio jack port and the charging port are placed.
 |
| Back (Camera, LED Flash, and the brand's logo) |
Flip the device on its back and you’d see the 13-megapixel rear camera, its LED flash, and the fingerprint scanner. It also has a removable shell that hides the battery, SIM card slots, and microSD card slot.
 |
| Multi-Touch Test |
Going back to its display, it sports 5.2-inch capacitive IPS HD touchscreen display that has 1280 x 720 resolution. We noticed that its screen, sometimes, reacts slowly when we swiped and tapped it. However, it has a decent brightness in both indoors and outdoors. Watching videos were also satisfying. The device scored 5 on multi-touch test.
SOFTWARE:
 |
| Software |
The Selfie Two runs with near stock Android 7.0 Nougat. It features an app drawer, where apps are arranged in alphabetical order. To organize your app, go to its multiple home screens, where you can group your apps by creating folders.
It comes with pre-installed apps, including Google apps, and other Cherry Mobile’s apps.
See Also: Cherry Mobile Flare S6 Review; King of the Entry-Level Smartphones?
PERFORMANCE:
The Selfie Two is powered by 64-bit MT6737 quad-core processor clocked at 1.3GHz, and is paired with Mali-T720 GPU. It packs 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 64GB. via microSD card.
Having an idea of what it could offer, we still ran it on various benchmark apps. Here are the results:
 |
| Benchmark Results |
- AnTuTu: 2967
- 3DMark: 3523 (Ice Storm Unlimited)
- 3DMark: 2066 (Ice Storm Extreme)
- 3DMark: 157 (Sling Shot)
- PCMark Work: 2607
- Geekbench: 560 (Single Core)
- Geekbench: 1554 (Multi Core)
During our tests, we noticed that it couldn’t handle multitasking, as it lagged several times when we tried to open apps simultaneously. However, it gave us a smooth experience when we didn’t heavily use it. To stop it from freezing, users simply have to close multiple apps.
We enjoyed watching videos and playing games using the device, but watching videos and playing games with heavy graphics would slow down its performance.
 |
| Camera Interface |
Obviously, the Selfie Two’s main highlight is its camera. The local smartphone manufacturer packed the device with 13-megapixel BSI auto focus main camera with dual LED flash, and 13-megapixel BSI front camera with dual LED flash, as well, enabling users to take panoramic selfie, or self-photo with bokeh effect.
It features different camera modes to improve your photos, too.
Here are the sample photos:
 |
| Camera Test |
 |
| Camera Test (With HDR) |
 |
| Camera Test |
 |
| Camera Test (With HDR) |
 |
| Camera Test |
 |
| Camera Test (With HDR) |
 |
| Indoor |
 |
| Indoor |
 |
| Outdoor |
 |
| Outdoor |
 |
| Outdoor |
 |
| Outdoor |
 |
| Flowers |
 |
| Selfie |
 |
| Selfie |
Boasting Samsung ISOCELL cameras, the Selfie Two performs better compared to other brand’s smartphone. The image quality is good, and could be your perfect gear in upgrading your selfie game without having to pay for much.
Nevertheless, the device still has a lot of things to improve, most especially its performance in low-light settings.We also prefer not to use its bokeh mode.
CONNECTIVITY:
The Selfie Two is a dual SIM device that supports dual standby and LTE connectivity. It has basic connectivity features, as well, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. We never had a problem dealing with these features, as we also have good network signal. It features 3.5mm audio jack, and Micro USB 2.0, too.
BATTERY:
 |
| PCMark Battery Test |
The Selfie Two boasts a 3000mAh battery. We used the device as our basic phone and as our main phone. Used as a basic phone, it lasted for almost three days. Basic activities include sending SMS, emails, and a little browsing of our social media accounts. Meanwhile, as our main device, it lasted for only eight hours of continuous usage.
To better test its battery performance, we did a video loop test where the device lasted for only 6 hours and 42 minutes. During the process, we put its brightness and volume at its maximum level, while its WiFi connection was connected, too.
Meanwhile, PCMark Battery Test result shows that it will only last up to 5 hours and 38 minutes.
Read Also: Cherry Mobile Announces Flare S6 Deluxe; 18:9 Screen for Only PhP5,999
Read Also: Cherry Mobile Announces Flare S6 Deluxe; 18:9 Screen for Only PhP5,999
CONCLUSION:
Cherry Mobile didn't fail to offer a good budget selfie-centric smartphone. Equipped with better camera sensor compared to other brand's budget smartphone, the Seflie Two produces good images. Although it still has a lot of things to improve, we're impressed that its camera performed well and has exceeded our expectations.
Considering its price, we knew that the brand has to compensate some specs and feature. Nevertheless, the device still has a decent performance than expected.
Definitely, it's a good catch! Consumers must considering getting this one if they're eyeing to buy an affordable selfie-centric smartphone. However, if you'd expect better overall performance, you might as well consider getting the Flare S6 Selfie.
The Cherry Mobile Selfie Two is priced at PhP4,999.
Cherry Mobile Selfie Two Specs:
- Dual SIM, dual standby, supports LTE connectivity
- 5.2-inch capacitive IPS HD (1280x720) touchscreen display
- Android 7.0 Nougat
- 64-bit 1.3GHz quad core Cortex-A53 CPU, Mali-T720MP2 GPU, MediaTek MT6737 chipset
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB internal storage, expandable up to 64GB via micro SD card
- 13MP BSI auto focus main camera with dual LED flash
- 13MP BSI secondary camera with dual LED flash
- Multimedia player
- 3.5mm audio jack
- FM Radio
- GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth v4.1
- Micro USB 2.0
- Sensors: fingerprint, accelerometer, light, proximity
- Battery: 3000mAh
- Price: Php4,999